Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said the issuing of national identity cards and the voter registration process should be conducted digitally to ensure efficient service to citizens.

President Chamisa was commenting on the sluggish pace at which government is carrying out both processes.

According to President Chamisa, queues are evidence of failure and inefficiency.

“ZIMBABWE MUST BE ONLINE NOT IN LINES…

Queues are evidence of inefficiency and failure.Zimbabwe needs a Great RESET.

Citizen Identity registration and voter registration must be online, digital, biometric, automatic and a right.

A digitized citizens database is key.#smartpolicies,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By Farai D Hove | One of Zimbabwe’s military general’s, Clever Chiramba has joined the list of top soldiers who have died from coronavirus.

Major General Retired Clever Chiramba succumbed to COVID-19 related illness at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Sunday.

Last year their boss, Minister Oppah Muchinguri who heads the National COVID Taskforce announced shifting positions on the disease causing the death of hundreds of black Africans, when she said it is God’s punishment against the west; and then a year later said it is was created by the Chinese.

More to follow

BY A CORRESPONDENT| Controversial land baron Kenneth Raydon Sharpe is in the eye of a storm after he allegedly cooked up his affidavits before the High Court of Zimbabwe to conceal his location.

This is contained in an answering affidavit submitted before the High Court by Harare North legislator Norman Markham.

Markham approached the High Court of Zimbabwe to stop the ‘illegal’ and ‘fraudulent’ transfer of Stand Number 654 Pomona Township which measures 274 hectares to Sharpe’s Doorex Properties as payment for the construction of Airport Road.

The former Harare Ward 46 Councillor insists that Sharpe’s Augur Investments did not fulfil the terms of the agreement with City of Harare to warrant such huge tracts of state land.

In his answering affidavit, Markham accused Sharpe of forging his affidavit which he purports were done before a Notary Public in Dubai.

According to Markham, the affidavit is fraudulent on the basis that it has a stamp dated 24 March 2021 yet Sharpe’s signature indicates a different dates (23 March 2021).

One of the main ways that a notary prevents fraud in written transactions is to require that the document signer personally appear before the notary at the time of the notarization.

“Most shockingly, the affidavit we received at 1330 hours has the stamp of the Notary Public dated the 24^th of March 2021. However, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe signature is on the 23^rd of March 2021,” says Markham in his answering affidavit.

Markham is convinced that Sharpe who is a fugitive from justice did not appear before a notary as he does not want his location to be known.

“The reason is simple. Kenneth Raydon Sharpe is fugitive from justice. He is not in Dubai but he is hiding somewhere in Seychelles.

“By swearing an affidavit before a Notary Public in Seychelles or whatever country he is residing, he will direct the attention of the Zimbabwe Republic Police who are looking for him to this destination.

“The affidavit is therefore not signed before a Notary Public that is why the Notary Public from Dubai refuses to put his signature,” added Markham.

He also questions the fact that the affidavits signed on the 24^th of March 2021 in Dubai reached Zimbabwe to be served both to the High Court and Tendai Biti Law at 10:10am, something he says raises suspicion of fraud.

“The papers were issued in court on the 24^th of March 2021. How is it possible that an affidavit that was sworn before a Notary Public in Dubai on the 24^th of March 2021 reaches Zimbabwe on the 24^th of March 2021 to be served in the High Court of Zimbabwe and to be served at Tendai Biti Law at 10:10am in the morning?” further questions Markham.

Sharpe is facing countless lawsuits over his transactions with both the City of Harare and the Government which according to various litigants smacks of corruption and primitive accumulation of urban land to the detriment of citizens of Zimbabwe.

Police in Beatrice, Mashonaland East Province are investigating a case of robbery which occurred at former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s Rusambo farm in Beatrice on Thursday night.

Masvingo Mirror reported police details as saying the complainant, Freddy Chibanda (61), who works as a security officer at the farm was on guard duty, was approached by five unknown male adults.

One of the suspects reportedly pointed an unknown pistol at the complainant and ordered him to surrender his cell phone before he was blindfolded with a white scarf.

The complainant was tied with a rope and one of the suspects was left guarding him while others proceeded to dismantle irrigation equipment.

Among the equipment stolen were 5×4 horsepower electric motors, 102 sprinklers, 1 control panel box, 5 control boxes and 283 meters armoured cable which were removed from a centre pivot.

The suspects loaded the property in an unknown vehicle and fled from the scene.

The complainant later managed to remove the cloth from his face and shouted for help.

Stephen Musona (29) who is also a security guard at the farm rushed and untied him.

A report was made at Beatrice Police Station who attended the scene and investigations are ongoing.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told Masvingo Mirror that he was yet to receive the case.- Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent- Police officers in Sakubva have arrested the driver and conductor of an illegal pirate kombi for allegedly teaming up with an accomplice to rob a passenger of US$2 000.

The gang pushed the passenger off the vehicle after committing the offence.

The victim quickly reported the robbery at Sakubva Police Station and detectives tracked the commuter omnibus, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda confirmed the incident which happened last week on Thursday.

He said the complainant, Ms Molly Percy Dhliwayo of Area 16 in Dangamvura, boarded an Early Bird commuter omnibus (ADS 6515) from Mutare Central Business District en-route to Sakubva.

“One of the suspects, Blessing Tarera (35), also got into the same vehicle and sat next to the complainant. The complainant had a handbag that contained a wallet which had US$2 000, 1 300 rand and some bank cards.

“Along the way to Sakubva and between Mutare CBD and Quest Motors Bus Stop, Tarera used a sharp object to cut open the complainant’s purse. He snatched the wallet containing the cash and bank cards. All this was done in full view of Learnmore Mapare (driver) and Cuthbert Masara (conductor) but Dhliwayo saw nothing,” said Inspector Chananda.

On arrival at Quest Motors Bus Stop, Tarera disembarked from the kombi and went to his Hobhouse house where he hid the stolen cash in his Mazda 323 vehicle and left home.

When the commuter omnibus reached Sakubva Musika, Dhliwayo discovered that she had been robbed and asked to search the commuter omnibus.

As she was about to do so, the kombi crew shoved her out and sped off.
A report was made at Sakubva Police Station.

As soon as the report was made, investigations kicked off and the commuter omnibus was located in Sakubva, resulting in the arrest of Mapare and Masara.

However, the duo denied any knowledge of the robbery case.

Police operatives at ZRP Sakubva then utilised the criminal profiling system to establish Tarera’s identity.

They made a follow-up, resulting in his arrest the following day upon his return from Penhalonga where he had gone for illegal gold mining.

He led cops to his house where US$1 230 and 1 210 rands were recovered stashed in between his vehicle’s passenger seats.

The commuter omnibus was impounded and is parked at ZRP Sakubva as an exhibit.

— Manica Post

Government has moved to control the work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) focusing on youth programmes in Masvingo Province.

In a memorandum addressed to all District Development Coordinators in Masvingo Province, dated 21 June 2021, Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) Jefter Sakupwanya said all NGOs in the province are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.

The directive applies to all developmental partners and NGOs including those that already have a current MoU with the respective Rural District Councils.

Sakupwanya warned those that fail to comply with the directive that their authority to operate in the particular district will be cancelled. He wrote:

Please advise all Development Partners/Non-Governmental Organisations working on Youth Programs in your respective Districts that they are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation even if they already have a current MoU with the respective Rural District Councils.

Failure to comply with this directive will result in the cancellation of the NGOs authority to operate in that particular District.

This comes as no surprise as Government would want to keep a close eye on NGOs as the next general elections draw close.

On Thursday, ZANU PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa attacked some unnamed NGOs he blamed for undermining the country’s political, economic, and judicial systems. He said:

I cannot conclude this press conference without denouncing the concerted and orchestrated destabilisation of the State or government via sponsored interventions which have become a menace.

Foreign funding by foreign intelligence services of opposition political parties, NGOs which are anything but civil is clearly calculated to undermine the orderly evolution of our political, economic and judicial systems and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.-Pindula News

By A Correspondent- The courts have convicted 477 armed robbers throughout the country since the beginning of the year as armed robbery cases increase in Harare and Bulawayo.

In recent months, precious lives have been lost while some unfortunate victims have suffered life-threatening injuries during violent crimes involving firearms and other dangerous weapons.

In Bulawayo, people are still to come to terms with last month’s horrific scene at Ascot Shopping Centre, where a young female employee was callously executed during a brazen robbery at the liquor store.

Communities are naturally terrified.

However, law enforcement agents have heightened surveillance and continue actively pursuing suspects.

Between January and May this year, 477 people were convicted and jailed for armed robberies, according to statistics from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).

This represents a significant increase from 379 criminals in the same period last year.
Further, 107 have been jailed since the beginning of the year after being found in possession of unlicensed firearms.

Despite best efforts from the police in hunting down these criminals, the trend seems to be continuing.

“The figures have become disturbingly high of late. It was never the case in the previous years. There is need for stern action and combined effort to curb this vice,” said ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi.

It is believed that most of the robberies are inside jobs, where employees, friends or even relatives work in concert with the robbers.

The insiders pass on crucial information that is handy for the criminal enterprise. There are growing instances of victims that are being robbed at traffic intersections, roundabouts and lay-bys.

“The ZRP is disturbed with the rate at which armed robberies are occurring around the country. We have intensified efforts to account for robbery syndicates who are moving around the country attacking members of the public, who include motorists,

usinesspeople and people walking or moving alone,” said police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.

“. . . police warns that their (robbers) day in court will surely come, and members of the public are implored to keep on reporting all criminal activities.”

Criminologist and Bindura University of Science Education lecturer Collins Chikomba opines some of the criminal activities can be attributed to recent economic shocks.
“The upward trend in the rate of incarceration reflects on rising crime rates, particularly armed robberies and other property crimes, which should lead to calls from the public on punitive policies that are both rhetorically and substantially tougher on crime. There is a general belief in public that the rise in these types of crime(s), including corruption, was/is linked to corrupt police officials and lenient sentences,” he said.

However, crime and security expert Brian Kashangura says increased crime can be traced to the country’s porous borders.

“Most of the criminals cross borders into neighbouring countries where they buy firearms and smuggle them into the country. Also, we have individuals that illegally cross the border, learn all sorts of crimes and then return to practice it back home,” he said.

“It is sad that at present, hardly a day passes by without an armed robbery in Zimbabwe. This current trend is not normal at all. It is unprecedented; we seem to now have robbers and guns all over the place. The law needs to be strict on those who are caught offside so that we send a clear message to would-be robbers.”

Loopholes that cause hardcore criminals to abscond after getting bail, Kashungara added, have to be urgently plugged.

“Yes, we have the Constitution, but in some cases the evidence is so overwhelming . . . Such people should not be considered for bail. Society needs to be kept safe.”

Until recently, the country had managed to keep a lid on violent crime because communities have been working closely with law enforcement agents to weed out the bad apples. Police encourage communities to provide viable tip-offs.

Crime experts, however, express the need for the Government to adequately resource security agents with tools of the trade that can help to investigate and track down criminals. They also believe cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agents could help to eliminate convenient hideouts in foreign jurisdictions.

Kashangura added: “We also need cooperation between countries to contain the situation. Criminals flee from one country to another after committing crime, which makes it tough as a country to work in isolation . . .

“The issue of members of the public travelling with large sums of money is also creating problems . . . by deciding to personally handle your finances, you are merely placing yourself in danger . . . Police also need to continue raising awareness in the public, encouraging them not to keep large sums of money.”

The Government has already put armed robbers and drug dealers on notice.

At the burial of the late national hero, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro, on Monday, President Mnangagwa said criminal syndicates will be dismantled.

“ . . . gun-related crime will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies and the courts must work in concert to ensure that perpetrators of gun-related crimes, and drug kingpins, the supply chains and drug vendors are definitely smoked out and brought to book,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A Chinhoyi man is seeking justice over the Darwendale shootout that occurred in  November last year, where he survived two bullets on both legs.

Tafadzwa Mushamba (37) was caught by Zimparks rangers and police officers hunting in the company of Kurt Leeroy Rahman, Phillip Mwamuka and the owner of the farm Magatsi with all required papers on the 19th November 2020.

“Our papers were in order so we went hunting from 10 pm to 2 am and on our way back as we drew closer to Magatsi’s homestead we were saddened by gunshots 4 of them at Rahman and two on my both legs,” Mushamba said.

He added that the police officers who shot them from Darwendale were four and they came upon invitation from the neighbouring farms who thought they were invaded by poachers when they heard them hunting.

Mashamba said he wants justice and compensation of what he went through when they were carrying out legit hunting.

“The case was heard at Chinhoyi Magistrates courts and l was acquitted and l have tried through my lawyers to get judgement to no avail and all documents under case number 2911/2018 and p-p-g number B-A 366/2019 are nowhere to be found and this is frustrating my efforts to seek justice”.

Efforts to get comments from police, Zimparks and Judicia service commission were fruitless as no one seemed to know the case.

By A Correspondent- Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka has distanced himself from the seizure of a farm belonging to prominent human rights lawyer Siphosami Malunga and his business partners, with his juniors saying the Matabeleland North provincial leadership is behind the move to grab the property.

This comes at a time when Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister of state Richard Moyo has practically confirmed he spearheading the seizure, telling The NewsHawks that there is no going back on the farm confiscation.

A local publication established that Central Intelligence Organisation  co-deputy director-general Gatsha Mazithulela, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and Moyo are behind the move to seize the property.

Mazithulela, a distinguished scientist, is a former Nust pro-vice-chancellor (innovation and business development), and has reportedly been vigorously pushing for the farm seizure for political reasons.

Moyo is the one spearheading the seizure and claims the farm owners have no proof of ownership.

Siphosami, the executive  director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa and son of the late nationalist Sydney Malunga, co-owns Kershelmar Farms (Pvt) Ltd with businessman Charles Moyo and Zephaniah Dhlamini, a scientist working at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust). The company, which they bought, owns the farm.

The farm was initially owned by Jeffrey Swindells, a white farmer, who then sold Kershelmar – with the farm – to Malunga, Dhlamini and Charles Moyo.

However, in a notice in the Government Gazette, Masuka said the farm, known as Esidakeni, measuring 553 hectares and situated in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North province, is being compulsory acquired under section 72(2) of the country’s constitution.

The move has sparked widespread condemnation as it comes against a backdrop of growing land seizures from black people, especially its critics. The farm is also highly productive. Besides, the move violates property rights, the rule of law and spooks investors. It also further damages government’s reputation.

But yesterday Masuka said he was not the initiator and mover of the land grab. The lands ministry says Richard Moyo is.

“I am not aware of any farm seizure of Malunga’s farm,” Masuka said, referring the reporter to his juniors before cutting his mobile phone.

Lands and Agriculture ministry spokesperson Barbara Machekano said the Matabeleland North leadership led by Richard Moyo is responsible for the farm grab.

“Moyo is the one responsible for that province. At head office level, Masuka is just there to sign offer letters; because of devolution, provincial ministers are the ones responsible for the issuance of offer letters, and they are the best to comment on any land offer issues in their respective provinces,” Machekano said.

Practically confirming this, Richard Moyo said Malunga and his business associates did not own the farm. He said the property should have been grabbed by the government a time long ago.

“That land does not belong to the Malunga family. It was acquired by the government and belongs to the government. They are claiming to have bought shares to the property, but you cannot buy shares to a land that has been acquired by government,” Moyo said.

“There is no going back on that farm seizure. We should have taken the farm a long time ago. Besides, they do not have any documentation showing that they own the property.

“Dhlamini and (Charles) Moyo came to my offices to explain themselves, but failed to provide any papers. “We have given beneficiaries, 14 of them, offer letters to occupy that farm. They also claim that their documents were stolen. Documents of the property stay with the owner of that property, they cannot be kept at the offices. It is clear that they want to raise dust to tarnish the image of the government.”

Investigations by The NewsHawks show that Richard Moyo’s story is misleading and untrue. The facts are clear: the farm was not designated by the government in the first place, let alone acquired. By its own admission, the government believed it was owned by the late Eddie Warambwa, a black farmer, hence it was not taken.

Information gathered shows the farm was owned by Swindells through Kershelmar (Pvt) Ltd. Swindells then leased it out to Warambwa as a going dairy concern, but retained land ownership.

Warambwa ran the dairy project, which he had acquired from Swindells, without buying the farm itself. Besides thinking that it was owned by Warambwa, the other reason the government did not take over the farm is that it was a dairy project.

Dairy farms were spared from compulsory acquisition.

In its 18 December 2020 notice to acquire the farm, the government unwittingly admits it is owned by Kershelmar which, in turn, is now controlled by Malunga, Dhlamini and Moyo.

This is contrary to the authorities’ claim that the three investors bought Keshelmar without the farm, yet in fact the property is even officially referred to in the government gazette as Kershelmar Farms (Private) Limited.

-Newshawks

By A Correspondent- Matabeleland traditional leaders have called for the resignation of former MDC-T vice-president Obert Gutu from the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) claiming he was conflicted and thus could not deal with the emotive Gukurahundi issue.

Gutu is the NPRC spokesperson and on Tuesday courted fire when he said the Gukurahundi issue, which claimed over 20 000 people from Matabeleland and Midlands regions in the 1980s, was “a small tiny fraction of issues” his commission was seized with.

The civilians were massacred by a crack army unit deployed to the region by then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe to flush out perceived PF-Zapu dissidents.

Yesterday, traditional leaders joined human rights groups in condemning Gutu, describing his statements as retrogressive and malicious to the founding principles of the NPRC. Chief Mathema of Gwanda said Gutu was not adding any value to the NPRC and should resign with immediate effect.

“He (Gutu) lacks the calibre required for this emotive genocide Chief Mathema said.

“He is not a serious person and he lacks depth in approaching the Gukurahubndi issue. He should better excuse himself from this important commission that people hope will solve most of their problems that relate to Gukurahundi. He lacks in-sight into human nature”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year tasked the traditional leaders in Matabeleland and Midlands regions to preside over the emotive issue and consult affected citizens on the way forward. He said government would only capacitate the process.

Chief Jahana of Insiza said Gutu was clueless when it came to dealing with matters of conflict and could worsen the situation.

“He (Gutu) has no focus as a person coming from the region that never lost any relative in such genocide Chief Jahana said.

Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said Gutu’s remarks exposed the NPRC as a tool used by government, the chief perpetrator, in buying time.

“The appointment of Gutu removed all doubt about government’s unwillingness to find a lasting solution on the Gukurahundi genocide Fuzwayo said.

“Gutu’s history of fraternising with the Zanu PF regime dates back to the days of Gukurahundi genocide, where he was part of the Judiciary that was a vital tool in human rights violations.

“It’s very unfortunate and sad that the whole NPRC can sit and agree that the genocide, which claimed a minimum of 20 000 lives, left thousands of women abused, raped, scores bayoneted, many people dis-placed, tortured and forcibly disappeared, is nothing but a ‘small, tiny fraction”

NPRC chairperson Selo Nare was not reachable for comment on Gutu’s remarks.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The courts have convicted 477 armed robbers throughout the country since the beginning of the year as armed robbery cases increase in Harare and Bulawayo.

In recent months, precious lives have been lost while some unfortunate victims have suffered life-threatening injuries during violent crimes involving firearms and other dangerous weapons.

In Bulawayo, people are still to come to terms with last month’s horrific scene at Ascot Shopping Centre, where a young female employee was callously executed during a brazen robbery at the liquor store.
Communities are naturally terrified.

However, law enforcement agents have heightened surveillance and continue actively pursuing suspects.

Between January and May this year, 477 people were convicted and jailed for armed robberies, according to statistics from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
This represents a significant increase from 379 criminals in the same period last year.
Further, 107 have been jailed since the beginning of the year after being found in possession of unlicensed firearms.
Despite best efforts from the police in hunting down these criminals, the trend seems to be continuing.
“The figures have become disturbingly high of late. It was never the case in the previous years. There is need for stern action and combined effort to curb this vice,” said ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi.
It is believed that most of the robberies are inside jobs, where employees, friends or even relatives work in concert with the robbers.
The insiders pass on crucial information that is handy for the criminal enterprise. There are growing instances of victims that are being robbed at traffic intersections, roundabouts and lay-bys.
“The ZRP is disturbed with the rate at which armed robberies are occurring around the country. We have intensified efforts to account for robbery syndicates who are moving around the country attacking members of the public, who include motorists, businesspeople and people walking or moving alone,” said police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.
“. . . police warns that their (robbers) day in court will surely come, and members of the public are implored to keep on reporting all criminal activities.”
Criminologist and Bindura University of Science Education lecturer Collins Chikomba opines some of the criminal activities can be attributed to recent economic shocks.
“The upward trend in the rate of incarceration reflects on rising crime rates, particularly armed robberies and other property crimes, which should lead to calls from the public on punitive policies that are both rhetorically and substantially tougher on crime. There is a general belief in public that the rise in these types of crime(s), including corruption, was/is linked to corrupt police officials and lenient sentences,” he said.
However, crime and security expert Brian Kashangura says increased crime can be traced to the country’s porous borders.
“Most of the criminals cross borders into neighbouring countries where they buy firearms and smuggle them into the country. Also, we have individuals that illegally cross the border, learn all sorts of crimes and then return to practice it back home,” he said.
“It is sad that at present, hardly a day passes by without an armed robbery in Zimbabwe. This current trend is not normal at all. It is unprecedented; we seem to now have robbers and guns all over the place. The law needs to be strict on those who are caught offside so that we send a clear message to would-be robbers.”
Loopholes that cause hardcore criminals to abscond after getting bail, Kashungara added, have to be urgently plugged.
“Yes, we have the Constitution, but in some cases the evidence is so overwhelming . . . Such people should not be considered for bail. Society needs to be kept safe.”
Until recently, the country had managed to keep a lid on violent crime because communities have been working closely with law enforcement agents to weed out the bad apples. Police encourage communities to provide viable tip-offs.
Crime experts, however, express the need for the Government to adequately resource security agents with tools of the trade that can help to investigate and track down criminals. They also believe cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agents could help to eliminate convenient hideouts in foreign jurisdictions.
Kashangura added: “We also need cooperation between countries to contain the situation. Criminals flee from one country to another after committing crime, which makes it tough as a country to work in isolation . . .
“The issue of members of the public travelling with large sums of money is also creating problems . . . by deciding to personally handle your finances, you are merely placing yourself in danger . . . Police also need to continue raising awareness in the public, encouraging them not to keep large sums of money.”
The Government has already put armed robbers and drug dealers on notice.
At the burial of the late national hero, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro, on Monday, President Mnangagwa said criminal syndicates will be dismantled.
“ . . . gun-related crime will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies and the courts must work in concert to ensure that perpetrators of gun-related crimes, and drug kingpins, the supply chains and drug vendors are definitely smoked out and brought to book,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF has snatched all road networks in Harare and Bulawayo from the MDC-Alliance councils to discredit the opposition ahead of the 2023 national elections.

According to the state media, Zanu PF wants to use taxpayers money Under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), to rehabilitate the damaged roads in these two cities.

In the Harare Metropolitan Province, Zanu PF has taken 33 roads covering 249km and handed them over to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and in Bulawayo, the party has grabbed, 16 roads covering 61,8km.

By A Correspondent- The Zanu PF led government has taken over 700km of roads from local authorities countrywide for the party to gain political mileage ahead of the 2023 national elections.

According to the state media, Zanu Pf would use funds Under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), to rehabilitate the damaged roads.

Authorities have declared the country’s roads a “state of disaster”.
The road network which runs up to 708,6 km cover the length and breadth of the country’s 32 urban local authorities.

Harare Metropolitan Province has ceded 33 roads covering 249km to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, while 16 roads in Bulawayo (61,8km) have been taken over.

Nearly $16 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation programme, with Mashonaland West province accounting for the bulk of the outlay at about $2,3 billion.
Roads in Harare will be refurbished at a cost of $1,3 billion, while those in Bulawayo will chew up $625 million.
Transport secretary Engineer Theodius Chinyanga, said the rehabilitation works will cover pothole patching and resurfacing of roads that have been excessively damaged.

He said most of the work will now commence. Requisite procurement of maintenance material has been completed.

“It is important that we indicate that most of the roads will receive pothole patching and in some instances where the road is too damaged for pothole patching it will be resurfaced,” said Eng Chinyanga.

“At the moment the resources that we have do not permit us to reconstruct all roads that is why we are patching potholes.
“Several roads and bridges around the country have outlived their design life and are showing signs of distress evidenced by heavy potholing, cracking and rutting among other visible failure modes. Most of these roads are now in need of rehabilitation or reconstruction.
“More progress in improving the road and bridge conditions around the country is expected in the immediate term as a number of procurements are being concluded and works starting under various road authorities.
“Government is also exploring ways of augmenting its purse in order to achieve more than originally targeted and prevent further deterioration of roads and bridges.”

By A Correspondent-The Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance (MDC-A) has deployed an investigating committee to probe the party’s Bulawayo provincial chairperson James Sithole, following a vote of no-confidence passed by the provincial youth assembly.

On June 14, MDC-A Bulawayo youth made a shock decision against Sithole whom they accused of an “incestuous political relationship” with archrival MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Party’s deputy national spokesperson Felix Magalela Sibanda said the alliance has appointed a committee to investigate the allegations.
“The party has set up a committee to look at the developments,” Sibanda said.

He declined to discuss the matter in detail citing ongoing investigations.
Even the names of the committee members have been kept under wraps.
MDC-A Bulawayo provincial youth chairperson Tinashe Kambarami claimed that Sithole was facilitating the “unconstitutional” recall of elected MPs and councillors by the Mwonzora’s faction.

“As a provincial youth assembly, we came up with a position that we can no longer be chaired by James Sithole in Bulawayo. The reason being, we cannot spearhead the agenda of removing Zanu PF when we are not even clear if he is with us or with other people,” Kambarami said.
He alleged that the Mwonzora MDC-T was a creation of Zanu PF to cause confusion among the electorate.

“We are the genuine alternative government as the MDC-A. Our duty as an assembly is to protect the party from internal and external forces fighting our agenda. So, we are very clear that the issue we want the public to know is that we no longer want to be chaired by Sithole,” Kambarami added.

He also said there were several party members who were allegedly working with Sithole to destabilise the MDC-A.

“We had a meeting about three weeks ago where Sithole tried to remove some of our leaders. All these issues show you that there is a hidden agenda that Sithole is pushing,” Kambarami alleged.
Kambarami also confirmed that a committee has been set up to deal with the matter.
“Yes they have set up a committee to deal with the issue; so we will get the position after they do their investigations,” he said.
Approached for comment, Sithole said he was not aware of the allegations raised against him. “I cannot comment on the issue,” he said.
The MDC-A has been in turmoil in recent years as the Nelson Chamisa-led party is stalked by defections and intra-party battles.

-Zimbabwe Independent

By A Correspondent- Former Higher Education Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo said the late President Robert Mugabe had planned to retire the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Constantino Chiwenga and replace him with the late ex-Airforce of Zimbabwe boss, Perrence Shiri.

Prof Moyo details the events leading to the Nov 2017 coup when Chiwenga bounced back to attack his boss in a military take over.

He says:

By A Correspondent- Former cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo has revealed the late President Robert Mugabe’s succession plan.

PUPILS who are learning at public schools do not require National Identity Cards to register for Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations, an official has said.

Public schools also include those run by local authorities and the non-profiting mission schools. The clarification comes after thousands of youths, mostly those sitting for Ordinary and Advanced Level public examinations this year, thronged various Civil Registry Department across the country after the department on Wednesday announced it will open its office this weekend to help public examination candidates attain National Identity cards.

“Following the recent receipt of consumables required for the securitisation of IDs, which has since been dispatched to all provinces and districts, the Civil Registry Department wishes to advise its valued clients and members of the public, that it will be issuing IDs to candidates intending to sit for the General Certificate in Education Ordinary and Advanced Level November 2021 Examinations.

“All candidates intending to sit the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations but do not possess IDs which are required for registration are advised to visit their nearest Civil Registry Offices countrywide from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 27 June 2021 between 0800-1500hrs,” said the Department last Wednesday.

However, the Director of Advocacy and Communication in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, told Sunday News yesterday that only private candidates are required to present Identity Cards when registering for public examinations.

“We have also seen the huge queues of children seeking to get ID cards but the policy is that if you are a formal pupil at a public school you do not need an ID to register to sit for public examinations. IDs are only for those private candidates, people who are coming from non-formal schooling or those who are seeking to supplement subjects.”

Mr Ndoro said a lot of pupils without IDs have already registered for the November public examinations.

In May Zimsec announced that the closing date for payment and submission of entries for this year’s November examinations is 9 July and late entries will close on 30 July. Government also announced a 55 percent subsidy for those writing the examinations in public schools bringing the total cost to $5 194 for seven O-Level subjects and $3 240 for three A-Level subjects. However, those in the public system but who intend to write more subjects will pay the full cost for the extra subjects.

This year’s full cost for O-Level will be $1 648 a subject for candidates at private schools and colleges while those eligible for the subsidy will pay $742 a subject, with a maximum of seven subjects covered by the subsidy.

A-Level exam fees at private schools and colleges are $2 400 a subject and $1 080 a subject in the public system, up to a maximum of four subjects.

The Government scrapped the June public examinations after delays caused by the Covid-19 preventative measures saw last November’s exams overlapping into early this year and there was a late start to the first term this year.

State Media

27 June 2008, the late Zanu PF leadership, Robert Mugabe ran a solo election after the opposition MDC candidate the late Morgan Tsvangirai had pulled out due to violence targeted against his supporters by state security agents.

Each year on the 27th of June, Zimbabweans always remember the day and the memories are not rosy in any way as they are littered with sad pictures of tortured people as Mugabe sought to reverse the March presidential election result in which he was defeated by Tsvangirai.

Mugabe would go on to claim victory and got sworn in before flying out to an African Union summit where he was told to sit down with Tsvangirai in what culminated in a government of national unit.

Even though, Mugabe negotiated with Tsvangirai and Mutambara, Zimbabweans still remember the events leading to 27 June as thousands of people were displaced, hundreds dead as soldiers and secret service agents were deployed across the country to reverse Mugabe’s electoral defeat.

Bulawayo is still under the general lockdown regulations, with the 10pm to 5:30am curfew and business closing by 6pm, and is not one of the four districts placed under the intensified special lockdown that includes a 6pm to 6 am curfew and a 3pm closing time for business as recently announced in some sections of the media, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister John Mangwiro said yesterday.

He was clarifying the position over reports that police in Bulawayo had introduced the tougher curfew as three Bulawayo suburbs were declared Covid-19 hot spots after the last Cabinet meeting: Nkulamane, Emakhadeni and the northern suburbs. While people in these hotspots, and other identified hotspots, are being urged to be extra vigilant, they are still under the general rules that allow most business to remain open to 6pm with the curfew starting at 10pm.

Under amended regulations gazetted yesterday by Vice President Chiwenga in his capacity as Health and Child Care Minister, the special intensified lockdown is limited at the moment to Hurungwe, Kariba, Kwekwe and Makonde districts and in these four districts the curfew is now 6pm to 6am, basically the hours of darkness in a Zimbabwean winter, with greater limitations on business opening hours and only essential service vehicles transiting the four districts allowed to move during the curfew hours.

The curfew in three of these districts was set last week at 7pm to 6am, but has now been extended and includes Makonde.

This means that the rest of the country is under the general lockdown regulations, with the shorter curfew, that were tightened recently but which still allow almost all businesses to remain open to 6pm.

That general tightening barred social and religious gatherings, except funerals and those are limited to 30 people.

The amended regulations have defined social gatherings more precisely to close legal loopholes but basically ensure that anything that people might see as a social gathering is one and so is legally banned.

The amended regulations also insist that anyone travelling from India or who has transited through India on their way to Zimbabwe not only has to have the PCR negative certificate that all travellers require, but also has to be retested at their own expense on arrival and even then, if negative, still be quarantined at their own expense for another 10 days and then undergo another test before they can move around under pertaining lockdown rules.

Dismissing the Bulawayo reports that the police were seeing the special lockdown rules that apply to the four listed districts also applied to parts of the city, Dr Mangwiro told a media conference in Harare last night that only the Presidium or Health Minister had the mandate to announce intensified lockdown measures.

-State Media

Tinashe Sambiri|Contrary to claims by critics that President Nelson Chamisa does not have clear national policies, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba has unpacked the $100 billion dollar strategy set to transform the country’s waning economy.

Speaking during an online discussion forum, Siziba said the $ 100 billion dollar economic recovery plan would be implemented over a period of 10 years.

“President Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s vision is clear and straightforward- first and foremost we have to deal with the corruption endemic.

Where do we find corruption? In health, agriculture and other sectors of the clueless regime.

You cannot dream of transforming the economy when there is lack of transparent leadership.

Our task is to restore the social contract. Citizens play a vital role in the formulation of policies.

On the contrary the Zanu PF regime is dictating its will to suffering citizens.

Ordinary citizens know that Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the man who can spearhead economic transformation.

Ideas come from the people,” said Siziba.

Tinashe Sambiri|Contrary to claims by critics that President Nelson Chamisa does not have clear national policies, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba has unpacked the $100 billion dollar strategy set to transform the country’s waning economy.

Speaking during an online discussion forum, Siziba said the $ 100 billion dollar economic recovery plan would be implemented over a period of 10 years.

“President Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s vision is clear and straightforward- first and foremost we have to deal with the corruption endemic.

Where do we find corruption? In health, agriculture and other sectors of the clueless regime.

You cannot dream of transforming the economy when there is lack of transparent leadership.

Our task is to restore the social contract. Citizens play a vital role in the formulation of policies.

On the contrary the Zanu PF regime is dictating its will to suffering citizens.

Ordinary citizens know that Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the man who can spearhead economic transformation.

Ideas come from the people,” said Siziba.

Local musicians ExQ and Nutty O as well as producer Dj Tamuka appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court today after they were arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for faking COVID-19 test results.

They were coming from South Africa.

The trio were denied bail and will spend the weekend behind bars at Harare Remand prison.

More to follow….

The government has suspended, with immediate effect, a special exercise by the Civil Registry Department to allow exam class students to acquire national identification documents this weekend.

All Registry Offices across the country were, this weekend (Saturday, 26 June and Sunday, 27 June 2021), supposed to issue national IDs to students who will be sitting for their Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations later this year.

However, in a statement this Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said the exercise has been suspended due to rising COVID-19 cases. It said:

Members of the public and all our valued clients are kindly being advised that the exercise which the Civil Registry Department had availed to allow GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates for the November 2021 examinations to apply for IDs between the weekend of 26-27 June 2021 has been suspended forthwith, owing to the rising COVID-19 cases.
As such, ALL Civil Registry Offices countrywide will be closed tomorrow, 27 June 2021. Fellow citizens, kindly be guided accordingly. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

-Zim Sun News

By Japhet Short Cat Mparutsa

Death comes to rob us of our joy but we should always cherish the good times too.

I am devasted by the death of Legend Misheck Marimo, Mukoma “Scania”.

I played with Misheck for close to years, first for Dynamos and in the National Team. He was my captain and the last line of defence before any striker would take a shot.

We had good moments when he bailed me out but there were akward moments as well. Like the match in Senegal when Bocande terrorised us. I also remember the “bullet” own goal he scored against me when we played against Jet of Algeria. I have never seen such a shot..

Yes we were in the trenches together, the up and downs, we stuck together. I strongly feel that anyone who played for the National Team for such a long time deserves a small pension. For Misheck it was never to be but it is never too late to think about these things.

We also need a Hall Of Fame a matter of urgency. Let us honour our legends while they are still alive. Misheck deserved this honour.

1.Captained Zimbabwe Warriors to maiden trophy.. The Cecafa Trophy in 1985.

2. Won the first Cosafa Trophy for the Nation in 2000 as a coach.

This is rich history and it must be cherished. Zifa must lead the way.

Misheck served and like others that have served, he deserves his recognition.

As we celebrate his life, let us share our memories of the Big Man.

Go well Legend Misheck Marimo (Chidzambwa), memories are for ever cherished!!

Stay Blessed.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance Kwazulu-Natal branch has blasted Zanu PF over the party’s continous bid to block Zimbabweans in the diaspora from participating in the 2023 elections.

On Thursday Zanu PF’s Patrick Chinamasa said those in the diaspora would not be allowed to vote “until sanctions have been removed.”

See the MDC Alliance Kwazulu-Natal response below:

MDC ALLIANCE KWAZULU NATAL CCC PRESS STATEMENT

We have taken note of Zanu PF’s Patrick Chinamasa’s press statement held on 24 June 2021 where he shared Zanu PF’s undemocratic and repressive position in regard to the Diaspora Vote.

Zanu PF confesses to willfully engaging in brazen violation of the Constitution by denying the citizens of Zimbabwe in the diaspora their democratic right to vote for the party of their choice by falsely accusing them of bringing sanctions upon the nation.

Zanu PF deliberately steered away from human rights abuse issues and the breakdown of rule of law which led to millions leaving the nation in search of better life and survival with limited chances of political engagement. Zanu PF opted to ignore its complicit in the matter due to its refusing to address rule of law violations, electoral reforms, freedom or speech and association, draconian laws like POSA and AIPPA amongst many other issues which led to Zanu PF shooting its own foot.

We stand by the suffering masses in the diaspora who are eking out their livelihood to keep their children in school and parents at home taken care of and strongly condemn the utterances by Patrick Chinamasa’s and Zanu PF with utter disdain and disappointment.

The citizens of Zimbabwe cannot and did not bring sanctions on Zimbabwe for the mere fact that they are not British and neither are they Americans nor European Union.

They are innocent, hardworking and suffering people whose main dream is a secure job, food and roof on their heads instead of cheap politicking.

We call on Zanu PF to stop the continued violation of human rights and deprivation of citizens right to vote and to express themselves.

We call on Zanu PF to engage with Britain and America and address their demands as well as desist from blatant corruption, looting and dictatorship.

Zanu PF actions are what brought sanctions on their own heads and not the suffering masses of Zimbabwe. It’s every Zimbabwean in diaspora’s dream to live and work in the country of their birth but Zanu PF has failed to lead and provide decent employment opportunities and has shrinked the democratic space leading to millions of Zimbabweans opting to leave the country in order to survive.

We strongly condemn Patrick Chinamasa’ s utterance and call him to order and to respect Zimbabweans and the Constitution.

Zanu PF is not Zimbabwe.

Written on behalf of KwaZulu Natal MDC Alliance CCC Leadership

George H K Mukudu
KwaZulu Natal MDCA CCC Secretary

By A Correspondent- Fifteen (15) lecturers marking Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO) papers at Masvingo Polytechnic College have tested positive for coronavirus.

The lecturers were found to have contracted the virus after tests were carried out at Mazoredze Clinic.

Masvingo Polytechnic principal Callisto Muzongondi confirmed the matter to Masvingo Mirror, saying the Ministry of Health and Childcare has dispatched a team of nurses to screen students and other staffers for the infectious virus. He said:

Some 15 examiners who are marking HEXCO exams tested COVID-19 positive on Tuesday and are in quarantine here.

The Ministry of Health has sent in a team that is screening students and other staffers for the lethal virus.

Other higher learning institutions in Masvingo Province like Bondolfi and Morgenster Teachers’ colleges have also recorded COVID-19 cases.

This comes as the ruling ZANU PF party has continued to defy lockdown regulations by holding rallies throughout the country, reported Masvingo Mirror.

In Gutu North alone more than 10 rallies were held in the last week even though churches, restaurants, weddings, funerals and other gatherings are all banned.

BY A CORRESPONDENT| A Harare lawyer Douglas Chinawa has been implicated in a land scam in which the Sheriff of Zimbabwe Mcduff Madega granted him powers to transfer Stand Number 654 Pomona Township to a company owned by controversial businessman Kenneth Raydon Sharpe.

654 Pomona Township which measures 273, 2923 hectares belongs to The President of Zimbabwe.

According to papers in possession of ZimEye, Madega nominated Chinawa of Chinawa law chambers to transfer of land to Sharpe’s Doorex Properties in full knowledge of the fact it was subject of litigation by Harare legislator Norman Markham.

Markham is challenging the transfer of 654 Pomona Township to Sharpe as payment for the construction of Airport Road arguing that Sharpe did fulfil the terms of the agreement.

“I Mcduff Madega, in my capacity as the Sheriff for Zimbabwe acting in terms of an order of the High Court of Zimbabwe, at Harare passed under case No HC4528/19 on 3rd June 2019 for THE PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint Douglas Chinawa or Takunda Emmanuel Gumbo or Anna Mapanzure or Blessed Ngwenya or Effort Nkazimulo Dube, with power of substitution to be my lawful Attorney or Agent in my name, place and stead, to appear before the Registrar of Deeds at Harare and then and there, as my act and deed to make transfer to DOOREX PROPERTIES LIMITED of certain 273,2923 hectares of land called Stand 654 Pomona Township situate in the District of Salisbury, held under Deed of Grant No 2884/2010 dated 1st July 2010: subject to conditions mentioned or referred to in the said Deed,” reads Madega’s declaration to the High Court.

Madega is currently on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) radar after he abused his position to fraudulently sell private properties attached by the courts.

According to state media reports, at least nine reports that involve improper sale of seized properties have been reported to ZACC.

Madega is accused of working with a cartel of people from his offices, auctioneers and officials at deeds office to target properties attached by the courts.

By A Correspondent- The alleged avenging spirit of an Odzi diamond dealer is demanding a two-tonne truck and a grinding mill from his two friends, twelve years after the duo allegedly murdered him.

It is said the spirit of Welldone Mutangabende of Mararira Farm in Odzi is accusing John Muchinganwa and Willard Kushanya of robbing him of his eight-carat diamond in 2008.

The dead man’s spirit is alleged to have further claimed that after killing him, Muchinganwa and Kushanya dumped his body in a Chiadzwa mineshaft.

The spirit indicated that more demands, including some cattle, will be made once the truck and grinding mill are handed over to his family.

The Mutangabende, Muchinganwa and Kushanya families appeared before Chief Marange’s court last week on Sunday where the spirit made the demands.

In an interview with Manica Post, Mutangabende’s younger brother Shingirayi said his brother’s spirit claimed the diamond he was robbed of was worth a truck and grinding mill. He said:

Every interested party was there when the spirit made its demands. Had the spirit told our family members only about its demands, nobody would have believed us.

I am sure everyone would have thought that we are greedy and taking advantage of the situation.

We now wait for the accused people’s families to fulfil these demands. He claims that the eight-carat diamond they robbed him was worth that truck and grinding mill.

Madzibaba Tendai, a prophet who was being consulted by the Muchinganwa and Kushanya families said the families had managed to silence the avenging spirit for years.

He said:

They consulted a traditional healer who helped them to silence the spirit (kutsipika) through rituals. The spirit was stored in a gourd. All hell broke loose when the traditional healer died last year.

Mutangabende was allegedly murdered by Muchinganwa and Kushanya in 2008 for his 8-carat diamond.

By A Correspondent- Police in Mutare on Wednesday recovered 39 bales of second-hand clothes valued at nearly half a million Zimbabwe dollars.

The clothes were abandoned by smugglers who were bringing the contraband from Mozambique.

Police said when the smugglers came across security services, they dumped the bales and fled. The police posted on Twitter:

On 23/06/21 Police in Mutare recovered 39 bales of second-hand clothes valued at approx. ZWL$497 250.00 which were abandoned by smugglers who had entered through the Mozambican side and fled leaving the contraband upon sight of the security personnel.

In another smuggling incident, police in Beitbridge recovered 40 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes valued at ZAR3 450 500.00 from smugglers.

Police said the group of suspects were in the process of smuggling the contraband to South Africa and fled when they saw the law enforcement agents.

By A Correspondent- The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has been implicated in a multi-million-dollar tender scandal after top bureaucrats tried to smuggle a losing bidder through the back door, the Zimbabwe Independent reported.

The US$18 million tender is for the supply and installation of the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring System (TTMS), which many suspect would be used as a surveillance mechanism by the state.

Originally won by Spanish firm Global Voice Group (GVG) last year, the lucrative deal, according to official sources, was now being wrestled from the lawful winners to a Bosnia and Herzegovina-headquartered company, NSoft.

In so doing, sources said, the officials have tried fervently to besmirch GVG.

Interestingly, an investigation by the Independent this week indicates that GVG has remarkable footprints on the African continent where it has offered ICT and RegTech solutions to governments and regulatory bodies in Guniea, Lesotho, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Congo, Gabon, Uganda and Rwanda.

On the contrary, the OPC-preferred NSoft’s main activity is software development and custom software solution for bookmakers (sports betting) and the gaming industry, including in-house development of virtual games and draw-based games.

It has secondary business in artificial intelligence-based software solution for surveillance known as Vision.

The Independent further established this week the matter has over the past few months been a subject of a vicious tugof-war after two regulatory authorities Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) firmly opposed OPC to supplant GVG with NSoft.

NSoft has a long-standing working relationship with the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) having previously offered technology-based solutions.

Investigations by this publication show that spirited efforts to overturn tender results in favour of NSoft started in 2019, with officials from the OPC and the CIO fighting in NSoft’s corner.

Sources said when the tender process was opened, NSoft was in a full-scale charm offensive to clinch the deal.

However, after losing the tender, authorities allegedly sought to nullify the tendering process on the basis that GVG had been involved in corrupt activities in Lesotho, where its officials were alleged to have bribed a minister, and in Guinea.

“Thereafter, the company (Nsoft) started lobbying for the tender to be nullified on grounds of manipulation and gross malpractices,” a source said, adding, “regional law enforcement agents and telecoms regulators in Guinea, Tanzania, Ghana and DRC however joined others to vouch for GVG’s conduct and ability to deliver during Zimbabwe’s due diligence process.”

Confidential documents filed by Potraz and Praz, seen by this publication this week, show that the authorities’ assessments of GVG operations were based on merit.

Therefore, the documents show, GVG was deemed to be the suitable winner of the multi-million-dollar deal.

“The reality is that our people are very corrupt and they obviously lied to NSoft that they would guarantee the tender is awarded to them. However, there is Praz and Potraz involved. The Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the OPC are also involved in the vetting process and no single man gets his way. It is not a joke and this is common to find people being duped that way,” an official said.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate an estimated US$10 million in revenue every month.

GVG marketing director Clara de las Heras denied any wrong-doing in Guinea and Lesotho.

“In 2019, GVG won its case against the state of Guinea for wrongful termination of contract. As a matter of fact, in April, 2021 we signed a new partnership with the Telecommunication and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARPT) of the Republic of Guinea to bring tangible answers to the regulator’s new requirements in the current and future Guinean telecom environment,” de las Heras said.

“For over 20 years, GVG has built a solid track record, delivering cutting-edge ICT and RegTech solutions for governments and regulatory bodies. Our company is strongly committed to bringing compliance and transparency to key economic sectors and this is our only concern.”

GVG CEO James Claude dismissed allegations that they accused Lesotho ICT minister Keketso Sello of demanding a US$220 000 bribe to award them a lucrative contract to audit Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA).

“None of our employees have been in contact with the minister in Lesotho. I am the only one who has been in direct contact with the Telcom CEO (Mamarane Metela),” he said.

The entanglement resulted in the matter spilling into President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hands, sources further revealed.

Mnangagwa, sources said, then ordered an investigation to assess whether the tender process was in line with the law.

“Results of the investigation show that indeed, the tender process was conducted in line with the law and the president blocked moves by his own officials,” an OPC source said.

Potraz director-general Gift Machengete said the tender process was above board.

“We cannot comment as the process is yet to be finalised, but Potraz is there to ensure corrupt hands stay off these tenders,” Machengete said.

Praz acting CEO Clever Ruswa said procurement was now overseen by procuring entities.

“According to PPDPA Act, all procurements are now being handled by procuring entities. Praz will follow due process and a detailed response on the issue will be availed in due course,” he said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said: “If the president was satisfied that the tender process was above board, then what is your story? We are the ultimate authority.”

He, however, referred this publication to ICT ministry.

“You must speak to the minister of ICT first and then we can have a chat.”

ICT minister Jenfan Muswere and permanent secretary Sam Kundishora were both not available for comment as they are attending a Pan-African Postal Union conference in Victoria Falls this week.

The GVG system is meant to monitor telecommunications traffic and provide realtime data collection.

The TTMS is a highly advanced regulatory tool meant to enhance Potraz’s revenue generating capacity.

It is also tailor-made to combat network fraud and enforce billing integrity across all communication networks.

-ZimIndependent

By A Correspondent- Prominent medical practitioner, Dr Bilal Shah who succumbed to COVID-19 this Friday morning has been buried at Warren Hills cemetery, ZBC News reported.

Dr Shah (67) died this morning at a medical facility where he had been admitted since Sunday after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

His death was confirmed by his daughter Hareem Shah who described his father as a dedicated medical doctor.

A service was held at Masjid Abbas before burial at Warren Hills cemetery.

Dr Shah was also a presenter on ZBC’s Good Morning Zimbabwe Health Is Wealth Segment every Thursday.

He is survived by his wife Tayyba, two daughters and a son.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has increased its water allocation for power generation by 12 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) following the normal to above normal 2020/21 rainfall season.

In a statement this Friday, ZRA chief executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the water will be shared equally between Zambia’s power utility ZESCO and Zimbabwe’s ZPC, the power generation arm of ZESA holdings.

Below is the statement from Eng. Munodawafa:

INCREASE OF WATER ALLOCATION FOR POWER GENERATION AT KARIBA

Lusaka, 25th June 2021

The Zambezi River Authority (the Authority) hereby announces an increase in water allocation for power generation at Kariba by 12 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM).

The allocated amount is to be shared equally between the two power utilities, ZESCO Limited (ZESCO) and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), for their respective power generation operations at Kariba North Bank Power Station (KNBPS) and Kariba South Bank Power Station (KSBPS) for the remainder of 2021.

This 12 BCM increase in water allocation, attributable to the normal to above normal rainfall performance, implies that the 2021 water allocation has been revised upwards from 30BCM to 42 BCM to be shared equally between the two power Utilities for their respective power generation operations at Kariba for the year 2021.

The Authority has made this revision in the water allocation in line with its mandate which includes undertaking quarterly hydrological reviews to inform reservoir operations at Kariba.

These reviews take into consideration, among other factors, the seasonal rainfall performance.

The Authority will continue to undertake these quarterly hydrological reviews and accordingly inform its stakeholders and members of the general public.

newsday

By A Correspondent- The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has been implicated in a multi-million-dollar tender scandal after top bureaucrats tried to smuggle a losing bidder through the back door, the Zimbabwe Independent reported.

The US$18 million tender is for the supply and installation of the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring System (TTMS), which many suspect would be used as a surveillance mechanism by the state.

Originally won by Spanish firm Global Voice Group (GVG) last year, the lucrative deal, according to official sources, was now being wrestled from the lawful winners to a Bosnia and Herzegovina-headquartered company, NSoft.

In so doing, sources said, the officials have tried fervently to besmirch GVG.

Interestingly, an investigation by the Independent this week indicates that GVG has remarkable footprints on the African continent where it has offered ICT and RegTech solutions to governments and regulatory bodies in Guniea, Lesotho, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Congo, Gabon, Uganda and Rwanda.

On the contrary, the OPC-preferred NSoft’s main activity is software development and custom software solution for bookmakers (sports betting) and the gaming industry, including in-house development of virtual games and draw-based games.

It has secondary business in artificial intelligence-based software solution for surveillance known as Vision.

The Independent further established this week the matter has over the past few months been a subject of a vicious tugof-war after two regulatory authorities Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) firmly opposed OPC to supplant GVG with NSoft.

NSoft has a long-standing working relationship with the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) having previously offered technology-based solutions.

Investigations by this publication show that spirited efforts to overturn tender results in favour of NSoft started in 2019, with officials from the OPC and the CIO fighting in NSoft’s corner.

Sources said when the tender process was opened, NSoft was in a full-scale charm offensive to clinch the deal.

However, after losing the tender, authorities allegedly sought to nullify the tendering process on the basis that GVG had been involved in corrupt activities in Lesotho, where its officials were alleged to have bribed a minister, and in Guinea.

“Thereafter, the company (Nsoft) started lobbying for the tender to be nullified on grounds of manipulation and gross malpractices,” a source said, adding, “regional law enforcement agents and telecoms regulators in Guinea, Tanzania, Ghana and DRC however joined others to vouch for GVG’s conduct and ability to deliver during Zimbabwe’s due diligence process.”

Confidential documents filed by Potraz and Praz, seen by this publication this week, show that the authorities’ assessments of GVG operations were based on merit.

Therefore, the documents show, GVG was deemed to be the suitable winner of the multi-million-dollar deal.

“The reality is that our people are very corrupt and they obviously lied to NSoft that they would guarantee the tender is awarded to them. However, there is Praz and Potraz involved. The Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the OPC are also involved in the vetting process and no single man gets his way. It is not a joke and this is common to find people being duped that way,” an official said.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate an estimated US$10 million in revenue every month.

GVG marketing director Clara de las Heras denied any wrong-doing in Guinea and Lesotho.

“In 2019, GVG won its case against the state of Guinea for wrongful termination of contract. As a matter of fact, in April, 2021 we signed a new partnership with the Telecommunication and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARPT) of the Republic of Guinea to bring tangible answers to the regulator’s new requirements in the current and future Guinean telecom environment,” de las Heras said.

“For over 20 years, GVG has built a solid track record, delivering cutting-edge ICT and RegTech solutions for governments and regulatory bodies. Our company is strongly committed to bringing compliance and transparency to key economic sectors and this is our only concern.”

GVG CEO James Claude dismissed allegations that they accused Lesotho ICT minister Keketso Sello of demanding a US$220 000 bribe to award them a lucrative contract to audit Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA).

“None of our employees have been in contact with the minister in Lesotho. I am the only one who has been in direct contact with the Telcom CEO (Mamarane Metela),” he said.

The entanglement resulted in the matter spilling into President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hands, sources further revealed.

Mnangagwa, sources said, then ordered an investigation to assess whether the tender process was in line with the law.

“Results of the investigation show that indeed, the tender process was conducted in line with the law and the president blocked moves by his own officials,” an OPC source said.

Potraz director-general Gift Machengete said the tender process was above board.

“We cannot comment as the process is yet to be finalised, but Potraz is there to ensure corrupt hands stay off these tenders,” Machengete said.

Praz acting CEO Clever Ruswa said procurement was now overseen by procuring entities.

“According to PPDPA Act, all procurements are now being handled by procuring entities. Praz will follow due process and a detailed response on the issue will be availed in due course,” he said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said: “If the president was satisfied that the tender process was above board, then what is your story? We are the ultimate authority.”

He, however, referred this publication to ICT ministry.

“You must speak to the minister of ICT first and then we can have a chat.”

ICT minister Jenfan Muswere and permanent secretary Sam Kundishora were both not available for comment as they are attending a Pan-African Postal Union conference in Victoria Falls this week.

The GVG system is meant to monitor telecommunications traffic and provide realtime data collection.

The TTMS is a highly advanced regulatory tool meant to enhance Potraz’s revenue generating capacity.

It is also tailor-made to combat network fraud and enforce billing integrity across all communication networks.

-ZimIndependent

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF party yesterday said it would continue banking on the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) for political survival because the two are tied together by the liberation struggle.

Zanu-PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa told journalists at a Press conference in Harare yesterday that the army was dutybound to protect the country’s sovereignty and that there was an unbreakable continuity between the ruling party and its military wings during the liberation struggle.

The liberation wings, Zanla and Zipra, Chinamasa said, remain at the heart of the ZNA.

“Always be mindful that there is this unbreakable continuity between the liberation struggle and Zanu-PF, between the armies of liberation Zipra and Zanla and the national army of independence,” he said.

“Any notion which seeks to break this bond should be rejected outright.”

The military played a major role in settling internal power struggles in Zanu-PF by leading a coup in November 2017, which led to the ouster of long-time ruler, the late former President Robert Mugabe and ushered in Mnangagwa’s rule.

The military, together with veterans of the liberation struggle, have also led repeated violent electoral campaigns on behalf of Zanu-PF.

Chinamasa said the composition of the ZNA leadership also told a story of the link between the ruling party and the military.

“It speaks for itself who are the commanders of the army, who is the CDF [Commander Defence Forces], Cde Valerio Sibanda. Who was he? He was a leading general in Zipra. Who is the commander of the national army, Cde edzayi Chimonyo? Who was he? He was a leading commander in Zanla. That culture of defending the sovereignty of this country will continue,” he said.

Chinamasa, who was flanked by former Zanu-PF political commissars Victor Matemadanda, Webster Shamu and engelbert Rugeje, was in a war mode, accusing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of leading a regime change agenda.

“I cannot conclude this presser without denouncing the consented and orchestrated state of government via sponsored interventions which have become a menace, funding by foreign intelligence services of opposition political parties, non-governmental organisations which are anything, but civil,” he charged.

“As you know, Zimbabwe has a record. We have something like 3 500 NGOs in this country. None of them, very few of them are helping towards the economic development of the country.

“All of them are basically employed to achieve regime change in Zimbabwe and we condemn it. They are clearly calculated to undermine the orderly evolution of our political, economic and judicial systems and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

He said NGOs could not be allowed to threaten the independence of the country.

“We are at the moment just understanding what they are doing and if we clearly see that they are on a regime change agenda, ours will be to request their deregistration,” Chinamasa said.

“Clearly, that is our responsibility as a country. We cannot allow, as a country, international organisations which we register under our legislation to subvert the sovereignty and integrity of Zimbabwe.”

He also blasted the Voice of America, a United States-based international broadcaster, saying it was being used to fight the Mnangagwa-led regime.

“To make reference to the specifically targeted propaganda against Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in Sadc via hostile broadcasts like the Voice of America’s Studio 7, Zanu-PF views this hostile broadcast in the same light as illegal sanctions,” he said.

“It is an illegitimate and unwarranted interference in our country’s domestic affairs. We take this hostile broadcast as part of the illegal arsenal for regime change. We will resist these machinations as we have done,” he said.

Chinamasa said Mnangagwa had been endorsed as the candidate for the 2023 general elections and was poised to dump all opposition forces in the annals of history.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A 30 year old Mutare taxi driver betrayed the trust bestowed on him and allegedly rap_ed his girlfriend’s teenage sister after promising to marry her as her sister had moved to Harare.

Jestinos Mafovho was not asked to plead to the rap_e charges when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Miss Prisca Tendai Manhibi, last week on Saturday.

He was, however, remanded in custody to June 28.

He is being charged with rap_e as defined in Section 65 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. Mr Chris Munyuki represented the State.

The incident came to light after the 17-year-old revealed the matter to her employer in Palmerstone shortly after the alleged rap_ist’s departure. The State alleged that on June 1, Mafovho called the complainant telling her that he wanted to see his girlfriend.

All the complainant told him that her sister was now based in Harare, Mafovho proceeded to visit her in Palmerstone. She took him to her bedroom and Mafovho told her that he wanted to marry her.

He proposed love to her, but she refused. She also turned down his se_xual advances and he proceeded to rap_e her.

“Mafovho rap_ed the complainant once and left,” said Mr Munyuki.

The complainant reported the matter to her employer.

She was taken to the police where she was referred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for tests and further management.

A medical report proving that the complainant was rap_ed was produced in court as an exhibit.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Government will this weekend issue identity documents to students who will sit for their Ordinary and Advanced level Zimbabwe School examinations Council end of year November 2021 examinations.

In a statement yesterday, the civil registry department said:

“The civil registry department wishes to advise its valued clients and members of the public that it will be issuing IDs to candidates intending to sit for the General Certificate in education Ordinary and Advanced level in the November 2021 examinations.

“This current exercise has specifically targeted learners given the impending registration deadline for November exams. Should the need arise to extend the rollout of this programme, similar action will be taken in future This special exercise is over and above the Civil Registry’s normal operating hours during the weekdays,” the statement read.

By A Correspondent- Police in Guruve are hunting for a man who attempted to kill his wife after catching her in a compromising position with another man.

The jealous Clayton Domingo (40) of Wachenuka village allegedly struck his wife Isabel Karambaguva (43) thrice with a hoe on the head after he saw her with another man Moses Kavhura (45) in the same village while on a compromising position.

Mashonaland Central deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Naison Dhliwayo confirmed the case.

“We are looking for Domingo who is facing an attempted murder case after attacking his wife with a hoe before leaving her in a pool of blood,” Dhliwayo said.

Witnesses said Domingo wanted to attack his wife’s boyfriend but he fled leaving the couple behind.

The furious Domingo subsequently attacked his wife and went into hiding leaving her in a pool of blood.

Her boyfriend Kavhura came back and rescued her before taking her to Guruve hospital where she is currently admitted.

Police warned people to shun violence

By A Correspondent- Former cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo said the late former President Robert Mugabe had chosen Sydney Sekeramayi to be the next leader of the Republic of Zimbabwe because of his clean political record.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has been implicated in a multi-million-dollar tender scandal after top bureaucrats tried to smuggle a losing bidder through the back door.

According to the Zimbabwe Independent, the  US$18 million tender is for the supply and installation of the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring System (TTMS), which many suspects would be used as a surveillance mechanism by the state.

Originally won by Spanish firm Global Voice Group (GVG) last year, the lucrative deal, according to official sources, was now being wrestled from the lawful winners to a Bosnia and Herzegovina-headquartered company, NSoft.

In so doing, sources said, the officials have tried fervently to besmirch GVG.

Interestingly, an investigation by the Independent this week indicates that GVG has remarkable footprints on the African continent where it has offered ICT and RegTech solutions to governments and regulatory bodies in Guniea, Lesotho, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Congo, Gabon, Uganda and Rwanda.

On the contrary, the OPC-preferred NSoft’s main activity is software development and custom software solution for bookmakers (sports betting) and the gaming industry, including in-house development of virtual games and draw-based games.

It has secondary business in artificial intelligence-based software solution for surveillance known as Vision.

The Independent further established this week the matter has over the past few months been a subject of a vicious tug-of-war after two regulatory authorities Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) firmly opposed OPC to supplant GVG with NSoft.

NSoft has a long-standing working relationship with the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) having previously offered technology-based solutions.

Investigations by this publication show that spirited efforts to overturn tender results in favour of NSoft started in 2019, with officials from the OPC and the CIO fighting in NSoft’s corner.

Sources said when the tender process was opened, NSoft was in a full-scale charm offensive to clinch the deal.

However, after losing the tender, authorities allegedly sought to nullify the tendering process on the basis that GVG had been involved in corrupt activities in Lesotho, where its officials were alleged to have bribed a minister, and in Guinea.

“Thereafter, the company (Nsoft) started lobbying for the tender to be nullified on grounds of manipulation and gross malpractices,” a source said, adding, “regional law enforcement agents and telecoms regulators in Guinea, Tanzania, Ghana and DRC however joined others to vouch for GVG’s conduct and ability to deliver during Zimbabwe’s due diligence process.”

Confidential documents filed by Potraz and Praz, seen by this publication this week, show that the authorities’ assessments of GVG operations were based on merit.

Therefore, the documents show, GVG was deemed to be the suitable winner of the multi-million-dollar deal.

“The reality is that our people are very corrupt and they obviously lied to NSoft that they would guarantee the tender is awarded to them. However, there is Praz and Potraz involved. The Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the OPC are also involved in the vetting process and no single man gets his way. It is not a joke and this is common to find people being duped that way,” an official said.

Once operational, the project is expected to generate an estimated US$10 million in revenue every month.

GVG marketing director Clara de las Heras denied any wrong-doing in Guinea and Lesotho.

“In 2019, GVG won its case against the state of Guinea for wrongful termination of contract. As a matter of fact, in April, 2021 we signed a new partnership with the Telecommunication and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARPT) of the Republic of Guinea to bring tangible answers to the regulator’s new requirements in the current and future Guinean telecom environment,” de las Heras said.

“For over 20 years, GVG has built a solid track record, delivering cutting-edge ICT and RegTech solutions for governments and regulatory bodies. Our company is strongly committed to bringing compliance and transparency to key economic sectors and this is our only concern.”

GVG CEO James Claude dismissed allegations that they accused Lesotho ICT minister Keketso Sello of demanding a US$220 000 bribe to award them a lucrative contract to audit Lesotho Telecommunications Authority (LTA).

“None of our employees have been in contact with the minister in Lesotho. I am the only one who has been in direct contact with the Telcom CEO (Mamarane Metela),” he said.

The entanglement resulted in the matter spilling into President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hands, sources further revealed.

Mnangagwa, sources said, then ordered an investigation to assess whether the tender process was in line with the law.

“Results of the investigation show that indeed, the tender process was conducted in line with the law and the president blocked moves by his own officials,” an OPC source said.

Potraz director-general Gift Machengete said the tender process was above board.

“We cannot comment as the process is yet to be finalised, but Potraz is there to ensure corrupt hands stay off these tenders,” Machengete said.

Praz acting CEO Clever Ruswa said procurement was now overseen by procuring entities.

“According to PPDPA Act, all procurements are now being handled by procuring entities. Praz will follow due process and a detailed response on the issue will be availed in due course,” he said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said: “If the president was satisfied that the tender process was above board, then what is your story? We are the ultimate authority.”

He, however, referred this publication to ICT ministry.

“You must speak to the minister of ICT first and then we can have a chat.”

ICT minister Jenfan Muswere and permanent secretary Sam Kundishora were both not available for comment as they are attending a Pan-African Postal Union conference in Victoria Falls this week.

The GVG system is meant to monitor telecommunications traffic and provide real-time data collection.

The TTMS is a highly advanced regulatory tool meant to enhance Potraz’s revenue generating capacity.

It is also tailor-made to combat network fraud and enforce billing integrity across all communication networks.

-Zimbabwe Independent

By Tendai Gotora | Kudakwashe Moyo of Charles Prince Airport compound was arrested yesterday in Mt Hampden during an operation just as two other suspects fled from the scene.

He was caught burning copper cables in a Mt Hampden compound. Investigations are under way.

The gang has two cases on their head. – More to follow

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi has remanded in custody, Christina Gwashavanhu, who had almost succeeded in stealing a newly-born baby at Epworth Polyclinic this week.

Gwashavanhu, on Friday, appeared in court on a charge of kidnapping the baby.

The court heard that Gwashavanhu committed the offence on June 23 but was apprehended before she could make off with the baby from the clinic.

Commenting on the incident, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “We urge institutions like hospitals and clinics to step up their security measures and avoid such incidents.”
A video clip has since gone viral in which the woman was captured being interrogated by staff at the clinic.

A similar incident happened last year when a Zvimba woman kidnapped a child outside Montagu Spar in Harare’s Avenues area.

The suspect, Mirriam Bwanali is still at large while her 40-year-old husband, Gift Chemhuru of Motsi Village under Chief Chirau of Zvimba, was arrested and is currently on remand.

On September 24, 2020, the mother, Shani Charamanda (30), gave birth to a baby boy at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, Harare, and she was discharged.

And on October 22, 2020, Charamanda went to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where she wanted to see a doctor for medical review.
On her way home, she met Bwanali inside the hospital yard and they walked to Montagu Spar a few blocks away. While there, Bwanali offered to help carry the baby.

The court heard that Charamanda initially refused but Bwanali insisted, resulting in the complainant giving in.

Bwanali allegedly fled with the child when Charamanda went into the supermarket.

She also took with her, a wallet belonging to Charamanda which had money, and a Nokia mobile phone.

Charamanda reported the matter at Milton Park Police Station.
Closed Circuit Television footage showed Chemhuru committing the offence.

On November 2, police officers from Zvimba received information that members of the community in Motsi Village under Chief Chirau, had apprehended Chemhuru for kidnapping the baby.

Police went to his house and arrested Chemhuru and later found the one-month-old baby sleeping on a bed but Bwanali escaped.

By A Correspondent- Traditional leaders in Matabeleland have demanded the resignation of former MDC-T vice-president Obert Gutu from the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) claiming he was conflicted and thus could not deal with the emotive Gukurahundi issue.

Gutu is the NPRC spokesperson and on Tuesday courted fire when he said the Gukurahundi issue, which claimed over 20 000 people from Matabeleland and Midlands regions in the 1980s, was “a small tiny fraction of issues” his commission was seized with.

The civilians were massacred by a crack army unit deployed to the region by then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe to flush out perceived PF-Zapu dissidents.

Yesterday, traditional leaders joined human rights groups in condemning Gutu, describing his statements as retrogressive and malicious to the founding principles of the NPRC.

Chief Mathema of Gwanda said Gutu was not adding any value to the NPRC and should resign with immediate effect.

“He (Gutu) lacks the calibre required for this emotive genocide,” Chief Mathema said.
“He is not a serious person and he lacks depth in approaching the Gukurahubndi issue. He should better excuse himself from this important commission that people hope will solve most of their problems that relate to Gukurahundi. He lacks insight into human nature.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year tasked the traditional leaders in Matabeleland and Midlands regions to preside over the emotive issue and consult affected citizens on the way forward.

He said government would only capacitate the process.

Chief Jahana of Insiza said Gutu was clueless when it came to dealing with matters of conflict and could worsen the situation.

“He (Gutu) has no focus as a person coming from the region that never lost any relative in such genocide,” Chief Jahana said.

Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said Gutu’s remarks exposed the NPRC as a tool used by government, the chief perpetrator, in buying time.

“The appointment of Gutu removed all doubt about government’s unwillingness to find a lasting solution on the Gukurahundi genocide,” Fuzwayo said.

“Gutu’s history of fraternising with the Zanu PF regime dates back to the days of Gukurahundi genocide, where he was part of the Judiciary that was a vital tool in human rights violations.

“It’s very unfortunate and sad that the whole NPRC can sit and agree that the genocide, which claimed a minimum of 20 000 lives, left thousands of women abused, raped, scores bayoneted, many people displaced, tortured and forcibly disappeared, is nothing but a ‘small, tiny fraction’.”

NPRC chairperson Selo Nare was not reachable for comment on Gutu’s remarks.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- The government has intensified operation Murambatsvina in Harare destroying more houses in Mbare.
.

Using front-end loaders the local authorities were seen yesterday pulling down structures and facilities such as tuckshops established along roadsides and backyard food outlets under the watch of over 60 police officers.

The demolitions came after a similar exercise at Mbare’s Magaba home industrial area, Mupedzanhamo, Shawasha, Nenyere and Matapi flats on Saturday.

The demolitions, which started early in the morning, caught the traders unaware, with some rushing to salvage their wares before their structures were pulled down.

By A Correspondent-Police details in Chipinge have arrested a woman for keeping a decomposed body of an infant in her house.

The case came to the surface when neighbours complained of a heavy stench coming from the house. They reported the matter to Police and detectives were shocked to find the body of a baby (3 weeks old) rotting in a blanket on the floor.

Police has since taken away the body for postmortem and Chipinge Times is told that the suspected mother of the dead child and her mother are not answering questions from the Police.

District Community Relations Liason Officer Assistant Inspector Jawett Kamera confirmed the matter but said details were still sketchy. The mother of the child has only been identified as Barbra.

It is not clear when the baby was born and how it died.

Some people who spoke to Chipinge Times on condition of anonymity suspected that the two women who have been keeping the body are mentally unstable.

“We were attracted by a heavy smell. We called a Police officer who was just passing by and he attended the scene. Later on CID detectives came to the house to question the two but to no avail. The detectives were shocked when they saw the body lying on the floor, covered in a blanket.
The detectives were allegedly told that the baby was asleep.

“The two are not saying anything. During questioning, they just remained silent. It is still an ongoing case. No one really knows what transpired because the family lives an isolated in their small cabin, ” said one source.
“This is not happening for the first time. There was an incident again at the same house. A young boy who is a brother to Barbra died. For days, the mother would carry him in and outside the house. It was reported and the body was then buried. It is a strange family,” said one source.

— Mirror

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has shifted operation Murambatsvina to the rural areas and destroyed hundreds of houses in Goromonzi leaving thousands stranded.

This week Zanu PF through Goromonzi rural district council started by destroying houses in Diamond Park, Melfort situated between Harare and Marondera.

By A correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa last evening arrived in Bulawayo ahead of the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) pass-out parade at Ntabazinduna Training Depot today.

ZPCS is another Zanu PF paramilitary wing that the violent party unleashes on innocent civilians during elections time.

The Zanu PF party also uses ZPCS officials to poison opposition party cadres it would have arrested on trumped-up charges.

Mnangagwa touched down at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport at 3pm yesterday from Victoria Falls where he officially opened the 39th Ordinary Session of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Administrative Council and 10th Ordinary Session of the elective Plenipotentiary Conference.

He was accompanied by his spy organisation (CIO) Minister Owen Ncube, several Government officials and service chiefs.

Zimbabwe postmaster general Mr Sifundo Chief Moyo is the new Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) secretary general after being elected uncontested.

The elections were held after midnight in Victoria Falls following more than seven hours of fierce debate as PAPU member states disagreed on eligibility of some countries and candidates as well as voting criteria.

The candidate from Mali pulled out on Tuesday leaving Mr Moyo to contest Mr Sameh Solaiman of Egypt, who was however disqualified on the 11th hour as he did not meet requirements.

Mr Moyo takes over from Mr Gjibrine Younnous and will be at the helm for the next four years.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- A 26-year-old Victoria Falls woman ran amok and stabbed her boyfriend accusing him of cheating on her.

Nqobile Sibanda of 5645 Mkhosana suburb and Mr Mayibongwe Muregi (33) had a misunderstanding after the woman accused her boyfriend of cheating.

She then stabbed her boyfriend on the left eye, nose, right thigh and back with a kitchen knife.

Sibanda pleaded guilty to physical abuse when she appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Linda Dzvene.

She was sentenced to 24 months in prison before the magistrate suspended 10 months on condition of good behaviour.

The remaining 14 months were suspended on condition that she completes 490 hours of community service at the Victoria Falls Police Station.

It was the state’s case that Sibanda visited Mr Muregi at his place of residence in the same suburb to try and resolve a dispute.

The court heard that a misunderstanding arose before Sibanda armed herself with a knife.

She started stabbing a helpless Mr Muregi who unsuccessfully tried to disarm her.

Neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing Mr Muregi screaming for help and had to break the door to gain entry into the room where the couple was fighting.

The neighbours found Mr Muregi bleeding and rushed him to hospital.

A report was made to the police leading to Sibanda’s arrest.

Ms Audrey Mukanganya prosecuted for the state.

ZIMBABWE’s main referral health centre, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, has ordered doctors to reduce normal admissions and discharge patients deemed as stable to create space for COVID-19 patients, following a surge in infections since the advent of the third wave two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, the country had 257 COVID-19 admissions at various health institutions.

Two days later, the country recorded 17 deaths and 826 new cases, the highest so far since the onset of the third wave a fortnight ago.

On the same day, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ acting clinical director Tsitsi Magure expressed concern over the surge in COVID-19 admissions and ordered consultants and senior registrars to reclaim wards in the COVID-19 zone of the health institution.

In a notice dated June 24, Magure said: “Just to update you on the COVID-19 situation at our hospital, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 positive patients being admitted in our COVID-19 unit. We need to reclaim back the COVID-19 zone to admit the increasing numbers of patients.

“All firms should discharge as many patients (non-COVID-19) as possible” and “OPD [out-patient department] clinics will remain open for review of chronic patients.”

Doctors, according to the circular, were ordered to focus on emergency cases for admissions as the hospital keeps looking for ways to manage the crisis.

“With effect from Monday June 28, there will be no elective lists, only daily emergency lists and trauma lists will be scheduled to operate all patients in the wards in preparation for discharge,” she said.

United Bulawayo Hospital chief executive officer Narcisious Dzvanga yesterday said the number of COVID-19 admissions at the institution was also was rising, but still manageable.

“The number of admissions is rising, ranging between five and 10 a day. Overwhelming is not just about cases admitted, but can be multi-factorial, for example, shortage of linen, staff and laundry issues. We are delighted that Ekusileni will soon start admitting patients this week,” he said.

Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive Solwayo Ngwenya said the situation was also getting dire at his institution.

“Didn’t I warn you before? Why are you suddenly surprised?” asked Ngwenya rhetorically.

Government recently cited most suburbs in Bulawayo as COVID-19 hotspots and placed them under localised lockdown to curb the spread of the highly infectious respiratory disease.

Reports from Masvingo yesterday indicated that the city’s sole COVID-19 isolation centre, which has a carrying capacity of 10 patients, had run out of space.

In a related issue, the COVID-19 pandemic is fast affecting health workers, with renowned medical practitioner, Bilal Shah, said to have succumbed to the disease.

Mashonaland West province continues to record the highest cases despite being placed under localised lockdown.

As of yesterday, the country had

44 306 positive cases, 37 524 recoveries, 5 073 active cases and 1 709 deaths.

However, COVID-19 national taskforce chief co-ordinator Agnes Mahomva said government was managing the virus and had the capacity to take care of severe cases.

“We know our capacity,” she said.

“We have been working on COVID-19 centres for some time, with those that needed to be renovated having been renovated. We know which institution accommodates severe cases. It is very easy for us to tell. So, to answer you in short, we know our capacity and we are managing it very well.”

Vice-President and Health minister Consantino Chiwenga recently admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed shortcomings in the health sector, raising fears that the third wave may overwhelm the sector.

-Newsday