Demolitions for more than 3000 stands in Melfort commences. Goromonzi Rural distric council is claiming that the structures were built without building plans and certificates of compliance. @schikanza #demolitions pic.twitter.com/OMvq09oWKm

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 25, 2021

Reality of life/poverty in Zim. Tazvitya Din'aani took this sad pic today in Harare. He says the mother may have gone to hustle somewhere. Often times we hear how great the Zim GVT has done, until these images disappear maybe our leaders must be humble and admit failure. pic.twitter.com/gTXjUrupos

— Rashweat Mukundu (@rashweatm) June 25, 2021

UPDATE ??‼

Lennox Machoko has won the SRC Presidency at University of Zimbabwe.
Today also Kudakwashe Huruwe won the SRC Presidency at Manicaland State University.

We remain the ONLY Progressive Students Movement in Zimbabwe.
Thank you for your support. #ZINASULives

— Takudzwa Ngadziore (@ngadziore) June 25, 2021

By A Correspondent- An Epworth woman who snatched a baby at a local clinic has appeared in court on allegations of kidnapping

Christina Gwashavanhu (35), who is of no fixed aboard on Wednesday snatched an infant at Epworth Poly Clinic and was caught by a vigilant security detail before taking away the baby.

She was initially charged with facing kidnapping charges when she appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.

She was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The court heard that on June 23, at Epworth Poly Clinic Gwashavanhu, who was not the lawful custodian of an infant unlawfully took the infant and deprived the baby of its freedom of bodily movement intending to cause deprivation.

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.

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….

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has dismissed the projection by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora that he will win the 2023 Presidential Election by a sweeping 66% margin as mere wishful thinking.

Mwonzora recently declared he would romp to victory in the 2023 Presidential plebiscite.

See the MDC Alliance Namibia response to Mwonzora’s projection :

Voting Mwonzora is tantamount to voting Zanupf, Mdc Alliance Namibia lampoons MdcT President’s 66% victory projection.

23 June 2021

Mdc Alliance Namibia scorns the ovér ambitiousness of the counterfeit social democrat, Mr Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora. It was quite pathetic to witness Mwonzora’s daughter, Bertha echoing her father’s senseless declaration that he will win the 2023 presidential election with a massive landslide of 66% as people often make the mistake of undermining him. Desperate and frustrated Mwonzora made the claim during an interview with Heart and Soul Television’s Blessed Dhara Mhlanga. As focused constitutional fighters in Namibia, we want to make it very clear to the Zanupf-sponsored Mwonzora and his disillusioned family members that Zimbabweans are cognisant of the calibre of democratic leaders they want.

The political texture displayed by Mwonzora soon after the Supreme Court judgement in March 2020 revealed that he tried to sell the national democratic project to Zanupf. From that period, Mr Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora commenced to act the Zanupf way which manifested in violence , corruption and lack of transparency and accountability with party coffers. It was perturbing to learn from a member of the judicially-constructed MdcT accusing Douglas of embezzling party funds amounting to $300 000. This misappropriation of public funds is synonymous to Zanupf culture of eating on behalf of the masses. The citizenry is watching with wide open eyes and we shall urge them to vote against the senseless and barefaced corruption practised by Zanupf and their surrogates.

Moreover, in this scenerio, we expect no cover up of this gross abuse of party funds. Patson Murimoga and Leonard Chisvo, members of the surrogate party reported Mwonzora to the police for the stolen $300 000 under case number RRB 4586626 and Zaac respectively. Although, the police confirmed that they were still investigating him, we know because of the unholy alliance between Mwonzora and Zanupf, he will not account for the embezzlement since it is inherent in his master’s government. It is bare for citizens to realise that Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora has sold tried in vain to sell the revolutionary train to the enemies for his personal aggrandisement. The enthusiasm in his daughter mirrors her sweet taste of the ill-gotten wealth from both public and private organisations by her cunning father. Citizens must smell the coffee and vote theft by conversion out in 2023.

Furthermore, by failing to bring Mwonzora to book, it becomes obvious that the MdcT president is now enjoying impunity like his Zanupf cronies who smuggle gold, diamonds and platinum willy nilly. The unconstitutional expulsion of the Mdc T 2014 Organising Secretary Abednicho Bhebhe during the provincial nominations of the presidential candidates towards the Extraordinary Congress unravelled Mwonzora’s undemocratic tendencies hence not worth electing come 2023. He showed his totalitarian appetite because he abused his court-given powers to suffocate Constitutional Democracy where people are free to choose the leadership they want. Mr Bhebhe and his constituency were denied their democratic right to be elected and to elect. This is a clear reflection that Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora is a symbol of authoritarianism and dictatorship.

In addition, the culture of violence and rigging of elections at the inquorate Extraordinary Congress held in December 2020 where Dr Khupe was physically assaulted by Mwonzora’s thugs becomes a key feature to qualify Mwonzora as a typical thugocratic , violent and corrupt Zanupf politician. When he boasts about taking over the Morgan Tsvangirai House and winning successive court cases, the citizens are aware that he is being aided by his masters and mistresses in Zanupf who have captured the judiciary. Mwonzora is an epitome of corruption that is why Mdc Alliance Namibia urges all progressive citizens to frown these stomach politicians who exploit state apparatus as springboards for the primitive accumulation of state resources.

What hypnotizes Mdc Alliance Namibia is that besides day dreaming of harvesting a massive 66% poll victory in 2023, what has he done to prepare for such an astounding victory? Has he demanded any political and electoral reform? Has he ensured the independence of the captured Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) which takes instructions from the Shake Shake building? What has done to ensure judiciary independence? What has done to make sure that the soldiers, police and all state securocrats protect the people not individuals? What has he done to fight gross abuse of human rights defenders and opposition activists who are enduring illegal convictions and denial of bail? What has he done to fight abductions and arbitrary arrests of journalists and political activists? What has he done to fight the capture of the national radios and television towards 2023? As a district , we are yearning to witness one rally addressed by Mwonzora as the President of the Zanupf surrogate party.

In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia has the conviction that Zanupf looters and corrupt Mwonzora are identical twins. They must stay away very far away from state power because it is detrimental to the peaceful existence of citizens and the safety of the national cake.

GoAndRegisterToVote

2023GoAndVote

2023DefendTheVotePeacefully

2023VoteAgainstCorruption

2023VoteAgainstEmbezzlementOfPublicFunds

2023VoteAgainstViolence

2023VoteAgainstImpunity

MwonzoraIsZanupf

ZanupfMustGo

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF official Patrick Chinamasa has boasted that the army belongs to the former revolutionary party.

Chinamasa made the remarks in the capital, Harare on Thursday.

Chinamasa also declared that those in the diaspora would not be allowed to vote until sanctions have been removed…

“I cannot go to campaign in the United Kingdom because of sanctions as we all know and as long as that situation persists, we will say no vote to people in the diaspora because we will be allowing only those who have been asking for sanctions to have access to that electorate.

That of course is not acceptable, and we will not allow it. Sanctions must fall and then we will start talking about the diaspora vote,” said Chinamasa.

He also boasted of the strong link between Zanu PF and the army:
…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…”

Responding to Chinamasa’s remarks about the diaspora vote, MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere tweeted:

Mr Chinamasa’s position is not only unconstitutional but grossly irrational. Zimbabweans abroad are entitled to the diaspora vote.

We take diaspora remittances yet they want to deny Zimbabweans suffrage? Nonsense upon stilts.”

The COVID-19 third wave, already wreaking havoc in the country, has triggered a stampede for vaccines, with statistics showing a fourfold increase in the number of people being inoculated across the country within 24 hours.

The demand has forced private health institutions to take advantage and charge for the jab following reports that government stocks of the vaccine have run dry at a time when demand has increased.

The country’s vaccination programme had been marred by apathy since it was launched by Vice-President and Health minister Constantino Chiwenga in February this year.

But since the advent of the third wave, that has seen infections skyrocketing to as high as 766 recorded on Wednesday, the demand for the vaccines has increased, figures show.

According to the Health and Child Care ministry, the number of people who received their first dose jumped from 2 157 on June 22 to 8 898 the next day.

“About 8 898 received their first dose today (June 23), bringing cumulative for first doses to 715 056, while 11 573 received their second doses, bringing cumulative for second dose to 451 793,” the statistics read.

However, health experts have attributed the stampede to fear, as it has been discovered that most of the people who are falling seriously sick were unvaccinated.

The prevalence of the dreaded Indian variant also triggered the stampede.

Zimbabwe expects to receive 2,5 million COVID-19 doses from China by the end of this month as the country seeks to boost its vaccination drive after several centres ran out of doses, which has caused the panic.

COVID-19 national taskforce chief coordinator Agnes Mahomva yesterday attributed the surge in the number of people thronging the COVID-19 centres to the realisation that the vaccines were a life saver.

“The public has come to realise that the vaccines are helping people from not failing sick,” she said. “Vaccines in the country remain for free.”

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa said: “This is due to panic, people are now stampeding to get the vaccine because of fear.

“It has been shown that the majority of people who are falling seriously sick were those who are not vaccinated. So people are now realising the importance of the vaccine and they are now running around to get inoculated.”

Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive Solwayo Ngwenya said what triggered the huge interest in the uptake of vaccines was that people were desperate, and were scared as they at first were dismissive of COVID-19.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said the high numbers of COVID-19-related deaths and illnesses the country is witnessing had seen an increase in the number of people deciding to take the jab out of fear of being infected.

Health deputy minister John Magwiro at the weekend said unvaccinated people were dominating the present run of COVID-19 positive cases, with most infected people showing symptoms and most clusters of infection being initiated by someone who became infected outside the country.

The country has faced a shortage in vaccines at major centres in Harare and Bulawayo.

-Newsday

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition implores President Emmerson Mnangagwa to censure the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Spokesperson, Obert Gutu over his recent reckless statement over the Gukurahundi massacres.

On June 23, 2021 Gutu claimed that the Gukurahundi massacres, which claimed an estimated 20 000 civilians in the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces in the 1980s was a ‘small tiny fraction’ of issue the NPRC is dealing with.

It is regrettable that a representative of a commission mandated to ensure national healing and reconciliation would seek to trivialize an issue of the magnitude of Gukurahundi and inflict more pain on victims and survivors of the government sanctioned massacres.

It is foolhardy to claim that Gukurahundi is ‘a small tiny fraction’ of issues faced by the NPRC.

The Gukurahundi massacres marked the beginning of state sponsored brutality against citizens (which has continued up to now) and dealt a deathblow to the concept of nationhood in Zimbabwe and as such cannot be dismissed as a small issue.

Gutu’s recent statement smacks of a ploy to sweep the issue of Gukurahundi under the carpet and leaves the nation convinced that there is lack of political will to address the issue and promote national healing and reconciliation.

The government of Zimbabwe must account for past atrocities such as Gukurahundi, the murder of opposition supporters during past elections (2000, 2002, 2008, 2018), Operation Murambatsvina of 2005 among other incidences that led to loss of lives and livelihoods and this calls for Gutu to desist from wearing the jacket of a government or political party spokesperson.

As Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we reiterate our demand for an open and honest approach towards resolving the Gukurahundi issue.

Gukurahundi is a big and key national scar.

That is where the Zimbabwe project died.

By A Correspondent- A suspected fraudster who allegedly posed as an Econet airtime dealer appeared in court for duping an unsuspecting airtime vendor of $1 507 000.

The suspect, Michael Mutsvunguma, appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with fraud.

On June 20, 2021, an unnamed complainant wanted to buy wholesale airtime from Econet Wireless and the accused told him that he would facilitate the transaction.

Mutsvunguma told the complainant to deposit $1 507 000 into an Econet’s Stanbic Bank account, adding that the airtime would be ready for collection by the end of the day.

The complainant made an internal transfer of $1 507 000 from his company’s Stanbic Bank account into the one that had been supplied by the accused.

The accused went to an Econet branch and misrepresented that he had been sent by the complainant and collected the money, sold it on the black market to one David Itayi Sachirahwe, where he got US$11 188, but failed to deliver the airtime to the complainant.

He was arrested on June 22 in the central Harare after a tip-off by the complainant.

By A Correspondent- Grieving after the death of a spouse or significant other is a difficult moment such that negative attitudes and hurtful words from your rivals can make it even more difficult to cope.

Normally, one might be good at ignoring those negative comments, but not for Loice Nyamhingura from Sauerstown suburb in Bulawayo.

For her it was a painful attack when she lost her husband Isaac Nyamhingura and then his alleged mistress Tracey Matandamanyoro from Emakhandeni suburb sent her “raunchy” pictures of her and her late husband in bed, bragging that she was the one who last had sex with him during the last days of his life.

Loice, who felt Matandamanyoro committed the rudest thing during her time of grieving, last week approached the Bulawayo Civil Court and sued her for disturbing her peace and disrespecting her.

In her founding affidavit, for a peace order, Loice said after the death of her husband sometime in January this year, Matandamanyoro started insulting her while asking her how she was coping by sleeping alone at night knowing that her husband was no more forever.

“I am seeking a peace order against Tracey Matandamanyoro from Emakhandeni suburb. She was having an affair with my late husband Isaac Nyamhingura. I came to know of it sometime in July 2020 when she contacted me saying that she was Isaac’s wife and I should leave him alone,” said Loice.

She said she sternly charged her not to phone her, but a seemingly daring Matandamanyoro continued harassing her with phone calls and text messages.

“After the death of my husband in January 2021 she started insulting me while asking how I was sleeping at night knowing that my husband is no more. She also said that she was Isaac’s wife and he should have divorced me for her as I was abusing him when he was still alive. She also sends a picture of Isaac and her in bed claiming that she was the last one to sleep with him before he died.

“She appears to be a threat and dangerous to me and my children as she claims to know my younger son. I would like the law to stop her from contacting me as I am still grieving and trying to heal,” she begged presiding magistrate Nomagugu Sindisiwe Maphosa.

Matandamanyoro, apparently fearing the humiliation of a trial, didn’t come to court to defend her actions leading the magistrate to grant an order in Loice’s favour.

The magistrate ordered Matandamanyoro not to send messages to Loice or phone her as well as not to interfere with her son’s life.

-BMetro

By Leo Igwe- After decades of planning and setbacks, the project to introduce critical reasoning to primary schools took off in Ibadan in southwest Nigeria.

The event, held on June 23, was not marked by any fun fare as we know it. But it was historic in every respect.

Funmade Nursery and primary school, a little-known elementary school, located off Jericho-Eleyele road was the venue of the event. The school was the first primary school to host the first thought laboratory because it was the first primary school that agreed to organizing the critical thinking workshop.

The workshop comprised two sessions. The first session was for the teachers. There were five teachers in attendance. During the training session, the organizers drew the attention of teachers to the importance of critical thinking skills.

It was noted that critical thinking skills were among the top 10 skills of tomorrow, and among most sought after competences by employers. Double disruption in the global economy due to increasing automation and the pandemic has made re-skilling and up-skilling necessary.

Fostering critical thinking should part of the re-skilling and up-skilling process in schools. Teachers were also reminded that part of the objective of primary education was to lay a solid foundation for reflective and critical thinking.

Incidentally there is no subject on critical reasoning in primary school. With the critical thinking project, the situation is about to change. The workshop has been initiated to fulfill this goal and complement verbal and quantitative reasoning programs in schools. 
The teachers explored the various definitions of critical thinking.

When asked to present their views and understanding of critical thinking, some said that critical thinking meant deep thinking; others said it was looking at a thing from different perspectives. The teachers discussed the operationalized notion of critical reasoning-asking or generating questions that guided the development of the modules.

They did some sample exercises from the texts and were instructed on how to guide the pupils during lessons. The teachers and organizers joined in conducting the workshop for pupils and in assisting them carry out the exercises. Both sessions lasted for an hour thirty minutes. 

There are plans to take the critical thinking workshops to other private and state schools in Oyo state. The Oyo state school board has authorized the organization of workshops for all primary schools. It is hoped that the critical thinking project will contribute to the improvement of child education and development in the country.

The African school system needs a paradigm shift and a radical change in the culture of learning and education of students. Teaching critical thinking is set to trigger that shift and transformation. It will stimulate intellectual awakening and renaissance in schools.

Part of the reason for Africa’s underdevelopment is a dearth of requisite intellectual skills. Fostering critical reasoning will equip the children of today for the jobs of tomorrow. Critical reasoning will better position African pupils to confront the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

It will help them make sense of a world marked by a rapid flow of information and misinformation. Critical thinking will prepare African school boys and girls to effectively participate and contribute to a global economy driven by increasing automation, technological innovations, and disruptions. 

By A Correspondent- Two human bones, believed to be remains of an 88 year old granny who was reported missing last month, have been located at her homestead and police are now investigating her grandchild for suspected murder.

One of the bones was allegedly found being eaten by a dog and further investigations by the police led to the discovery of another bone in the fields at the woman’s homestead in Njini Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said investigations into the disappearance of the granny previously reported missing led to unearthing of a suspected murder case.

He said Ms Cini Bhebhe allegedly went missing on May 7 and a missing person’s report was made to the police on June 22.

“The woman, Cini Bhebhe, was staying in Njini village, under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru.

“She was staying with her grandson Proud Bhebhe (42) suspected to be mentally ill. Reported circumstances are that, Cini Bhebhe left home on May 7 intending to visit her sister in Mtabeni village under the same Chief, Sogwala,” said Insp Mahoko.

Ms Bhebhe, he said, allegedly did not reach her destination and was never seen again thereafter.

On Wednesday, Insp Mahoko said Ms Bhebhe’s son Never (68) reported that the family had discovered their mother’s blood stained clothes and a bone suspected to be that of a human being eaten by a dog.

“Police attended the scene and during searches in the fields at the homestead, two suspected human bones were discovered. They also discovered what appeared like a shallow grave which was dug up but nothing was found inside,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the suspected human bones were taken to Maboleni police station pending examination by experts.

“Proud Bhebhe is being treated as a suspect and investigations are underway. We appeal to members of the public who might have information that can help in this case to pass it to any nearest police station,” he said.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Zvishavane man filed for divorce because his wife got tattoos on her butt and another one inscribed on her inner thigh reading “forever”.

In court papers, which are set to be heard at the Zvishavane Civil Court Agrippa Mazvipa from Makwasha suburb, claimed the tattoos spotted by his wife Shylet Machingauta deeply hurt him as they hinted that she was cheating on him.

He said the tatoos Machingauta got at the instigation of her friends also “disgust” him as they seem to remind her of a special time with someone else.

In his suit, Mazvipa stated that there was no love anymore between him and Machingauta, reiterating that their customary marriage had irretrievably broken down and there were no prospects of a restoration to a normal relationship.

Besides being violent to him, Mazvipa stated that the main reason that ‘put him off’ his wife was the tatoos.

“I am customarily married to Shylet Machingauta and we have two minor children together. Our marriage has irretrievably broken down as I suspect that she is cheating on me after she got tatoos on her back and another one inscribed on her inner thigh reading ‘forever’.

“She got the tattoos without my knowledge and I was quite shocked, especially when she told me that she did it on the advice of her friends. I was respecting her as my wife and mother of our children until the day she showed me the tattoos.

“As a Christian I hate tattoos and the ones she spotted just put me off her immediately.

“We are now living separately and as a result there are no prospects of restoration to a normal relationship because we now have irreconcilable differences which render the continuance of the relationship impossible,” read the papers in part.

He further stated that as a couple they have also lost love and affection for each other after Machingauta refused to get rid of the tattoos.

Mazvipa argued that whenever he confronted her about the tattoos, Machingauta would become violent and start to verbally and physically abuse him.

Mazvipa, who said he would take care of their children’s upkeep upon the dissolution of their marriage, wants to have their matrimonial property to be shared equally.

Machingauta’s response is set to be heard when the parties appear in court.

— BMetro

By A Correspondent- In a fit of rage prophet Trymore Bizari charged at his mistress and hit her with clenched fists after she visited him at his home in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula suburb to seek his assistance in fixing her car.

A close friend of Bizari who runs Victory in Christ International Ministries said while Bizari (35) was relaxing at his home with his wife, his mistress Sizalobuhle Ndlovu (36) stormed into the living room.

“Bizari, who looked unsettled, greeted his lover (Sizalobuhle) and introduced her to a woman whom he said was his wife. After that the atmosphere in the house got tense,” said Bizari’s confidante.

Bizari stood up and charged at Sizalobuhle while demanding car keys.

“Sizalobuhle told him to fix her car which was parked in his yard and before she could give him the car keys Bizari grabbed her by the throat and hit her with fists all over the body,” said his close friend.

The raging Bizari, who had a point to prove, pulled Sizalobuhle by her hair while hurling obscenities at her, said his close friend.

The violent cleric dashed to the car and opened the door on the driver’s side and took a hand bag.

“He searched it and emptied the contents on the ground. As if that was not enough he broke her phone and threw away the pieces,” his close friend told B- Metro.

Sizalobuhle screamed and attracted the attention of neighbours.

“Bizari grabbed her and shoved his hand into her bra and took the car keys before rushing to the car. He started the car and drove off, leaving onlookers shocked at his unbecoming behaviour,” said the confidante.

Sizalobuhle reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Contacted for comment Bizari ranted at this reporter saying: “Iwe unotaura kuti B-Metro, ita ka story yacho. Haunyari Satan, uri mbeu yeGehena.”

Efforts to get a comment from Sizalobuhle were fruitless as her mobile number was not reachable.

-bmetro

By A Correspondent- Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called for full cooperation from all to get vaccinated for Covid-19 in light of the continued surge in positive cases across the country.

Yesterday alone, the country recorded 766 new Covid-19 cases bringing the cumulative total to 43 480 since the onset of the pandemic last year.

“With the continued rise in Covid-19 cases, we want full co-operation from everyone. Now that government has procured more vaccines, we want everyone to be vaccinated starting with those in border towns and hotspot areas,” said Chiwenga as he received a donation of 57 PCR testing machines from Satewave Technologies.

“We will also move into market places like Mbare in Harare and eRenkini in Bulawayo. No vaccination, no table. Protect your customers by getting vaccinated,” said Chiwenga.

The PCR machines carry out four tests at a time, with results expected in 45 minutes. The machine can distinguish Covid-19 variants as well as test other respiratory infections which include TB.

-state media

In addition, it also tests more than 17 infections including Malaria and STIs.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has declared war against MDC Alliance leadership whom he accused of running down the affairs of the capital city.

Addressing the media last night, Zanu PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa said failure by the opposition party to run the affairs of the urban local authorities has resulted in service delivery being on a nose dive forcing Government to intervene including repairing roads.

“The mess in urban areas is due to the MDC councillors. They took no action to stop the rot prevailing in urban areas and do proper planning,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo has sensationally said that MDC-T President Daglous Mwonzora approached him seeking his assistance in destroying Nelson Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance.

WHILE HIS MINIONS are making fools of themselves looking for straws to use to defend him, @DMwonzora whatsapped me at 13:45hrs (CAT); using exactly the same number he used in 2018 when he sought help to finish off @nelsonchamisa. I hate to say this but let @DMwonzora say nyooo! pic.twitter.com/xwECgcrdYS

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) June 24, 2021

By A Correspondent- Police in Epworth has arrested a woman believed to have stolen an infant from Epworth Local Board Clinic on Wednesday.

Josie Muzimbe reportedly sneaked into the clinic ward where she took advantage of the infant’s mother who had fallen asleep and stole the baby girl from her.

Her luck ran out after an alert security guard intercepted her while trying to leave the clinic premises.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident adding that investigations into the matter are in progress.

“We urge institutions like hospitals and clinics to step up their security measures and avoid such incidents. Investigations into this case are progressing.”

A video clip has since gone viral, where Muzimbe was captured being interrogated by alleged staff at the said clinic

By A Correspondent- Urban grooves crooner, Leonard Mapfumo has shared pictures of him seemingly getting hitched to a mystery woman named Suba Dakshina.

The pictures of the nuptials were shared on Leonard Mapfumo’s social media fan pages this morning.

Leonard Mapfumo simply captioned the pictures: “For better or worse.” Naturally, fans sent hearty congratulatory messages to the musician, however pointing out that the picture hid the woman’s face.

A sweep of Twitter, found a picture shared by Wellence Mujuru showing the picture of Suba and the couple escorting each other after presumably tying the knot.

A search for the woman on Facebook revealed that she has a profile picture of Leonard Mapfumo and her, with other pictures of the couple together.

Suba seems to be a huge Michael Jackson fan as a browse through her Facebook account reveals various pictures of the late king of pop. She also shared a snap of her at Michael Jackson’s Walk of Fame star in Hollywood.

Commenting on the images, Mapfumo’s colleagues such as Sani Makhalima and Trevor Dongo congratulated him on his new journey into married life.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has implored citizens to register to vote in numbers as this the only way the cruel Zanu PF regime can be defeated.

Commenting on the Harare demolitions, President Chamisa described the Zanu PF regime as “the devil’s government.”

Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is known for taking pleasure in terrorising citizens…

“This can never happen in a New Zimbabwe. The MDC is a pro poor and people centred party whose commitment is taking care of and uplifting the poor.

Register to vote and help us remove the devil’s government. THE DEVIL’S GOVERNMENT,” said President Chamisa in a statement.

President Chamisa said his government would look into the plight of citizens- particularly medical doctors.

“This is the Zimbabwe we want, where citizens show gratitude and empathy towards fellow citizens. More importantly, in a new Zimbabwe, doctors will be well remunerated upon first class conditions of service.

THE GREAT ZIMBABWE..So I see great industries,new factories and new technologies.

This Zim shall be a miracle and a jewel for the whole world to see God’s glory. So developed in such a short time.A beautiful Zimbabwe! Forward in Faith. Faith will take us there!Be encouraged Zimbabwe! #Godisinit..The chronicles of Zimbabwe,” added President Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo has sensationally said that MDC-T President Daglous Mwonzora approached him seeking his assistance in destroying Nelson Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance.

WHILE HIS MINIONS are making fools of themselves looking for straws to use to defend him, @DMwonzora whatsapped me at 13:45hrs (CAT); using exactly the same number he used in 2018 when he sought help to finish off @nelsonchamisa. I hate to say this but let @DMwonzora say nyooo! pic.twitter.com/xwECgcrdYS

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) June 24, 2021

By A Correspondent- Urban grooves crooner, Leonard Mapfumo has shared pictures of him seemingly getting hitched to a mystery woman named Suba Dakshina.

The pictures of the nuptials were shared on Leonard Mapfumo’s social media fan pages this morning.

Leonard Mapfumo simply captioned the pictures: “For better or worse.” Naturally, fans sent hearty congratulatory messages to the musician, however pointing out that the picture hid the woman’s face.

A sweep of Twitter, found a picture shared by Wellence Mujuru showing the picture of Suba and the couple escorting each other after presumably tying the knot.

A search for the woman on Facebook revealed that she has a profile picture of Leonard Mapfumo and her, with other pictures of the couple together.

Suba seems to be a huge Michael Jackson fan as a browse through her Facebook account reveals various pictures of the late king of pop. She also shared a snap of her at Michael Jackson’s Walk of Fame star in Hollywood.

Commenting on the images, Mapfumo’s colleagues such as Sani Makhalima and Trevor Dongo congratulated him on his new journey into married life.

By A Correspondent- The three Harare fake prophets who were beaten up by angry residents for performing fake miracles are nursing injuries in a local hospital.

The three threw a rubber snake under one of their followers’ bed, before prophesying that the snake had been sent by bad spirits.

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo has sensationally said that MDC-T President Daglous Mwonzora approached him seeking his assistance in destroying Nelson Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance.

WHILE HIS MINIONS are making fools of themselves looking for straws to use to defend him, @DMwonzora whatsapped me at 13:45hrs (CAT); using exactly the same number he used in 2018 when he sought help to finish off @nelsonchamisa. I hate to say this but let @DMwonzora say nyooo! pic.twitter.com/xwECgcrdYS

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) June 24, 2021

By A Correspondent- A total national lockdown is looming after the government Thursday placed the second capital city, Bulawayo on has 6 PM to 6 AM curfew.

The police said the latest developments were meant to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Businesses in the city centre and Covid-19 hotspot suburbs will now operate from 8 AM and close at 3 PM as part of the lockdown conditions.
This follows a Cabinet directive on Tuesday that most Bulawayo suburbs be put on lockdown as a measure to contain the surge of Covid-19 cases and deaths.

The affected suburbs are: Nkulamane, Pelandaba, Emganwini, Sizinda, Barham Green, Emakhandeni, Cowdraypark, Luveve, Njube, Magwegwe, Pumula, Nguboyenja Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Mpopoma and the CBD.

In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said effective Friday, police will be deployed to monitor compliance.

“Business hours are now between 8 AM– 3PM meaning that all shops and businesses in town must close at that time. and this applies to the rest of the suburbs that have been declared hotspots. We are calling for maximum cooperation from members of the public so that we see this phase passing smoothly,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A Harare police officer has been arrested for severely stabbing two fellow gamblers after losing a bet.

Praise Moyo (31) of Kuwadzana who was represented by Kingston Mkanganwi was facing two counts of attempted murder and one for assault when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.

He was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

It is the State’s case that on June 23 at around 3 am in Kuwadzana 2 shopping centre, Moyo allegedly stabbed two complainants who were gambling after he lost his bet.

The court heard that Moyo allegedly stabbed the first complainant on the collar bone with a knife before he stabbed the second complainant near the right armpit.

It is alleged that the first complainant is still unconscious and is admitted at Sally Mugabe Hospital.

The police said they are yet to record the statement while the second complainant had recorded his statement.
Police have recovered the weapon used and kept it as an exhibit.

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet Minister Professor Johnathan Moyo has sensationally said that MDC-T President Daglous Mwonzora approached him seeking his assistance in destroying Nelson Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance.

Commenting on Thursday, Prof Moyo said:

WHILE HIS MINIONS are making fools of themselves looking for straws to use to defend him, @DMwonzora whatsapped me at 13:45hrs (CAT); using exactly the same number he used in 2018 when he sought help to finish off @nelsonchamisa. I hate to say this but let @DMwonzora say nyooo! pic.twitter.com/xwECgcrdYS

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) June 24, 2021

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo has been placed under lockdown after the police on Thursday imposed a 6PM to 6 AM curfew in the city.

The police said the latest developments were meant to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Businesses in the city centre and Covid-19 hotspot suburbs will now operate from 8 AM and close at 3 PM as part of the lockdown conditions.
This follows a Cabinet directive on Tuesday that most Bulawayo suburbs be put on lockdown as a measure to contain the surge of Covid-19 cases and deaths.

The affected suburbs are: Nkulamane, Pelandaba, Emganwini, Sizinda, Barham Green, Emakhandeni, Cowdraypark, Luveve, Njube, Magwegwe, Pumula, Nguboyenja Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Mpopoma and the CBD.

In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said effective Friday, police will be deployed to monitor compliance.

“Business hours are now between 8 AM– 3PM meaning that all shops and businesses in town must close at that time. and this applies to the rest of the suburbs that have been declared hotspots. We are calling for maximum cooperation from members of the public so that we see this phase passing smoothly,” he said.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A Harare based police officer today appeared in court on allegations of severely stabbing two fellow gamblers after losing a bet.

Praise Moyo (31) of Kuwadzana who was represented by Kingston Mkanganwi was facing two counts of attempted murder and one for assault when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.

He was remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

It is the State’s case that on June 23 at around 3 am in Kuwadzana 2 shopping centre, Moyo allegedly stabbed two complainants who were gambling after he lost his bet.

The court heard that Moyo allegedly stabbed the first complainant on the collar bone with a knife before he stabbed the second complainant near the right armpit.

It is alleged that the first complainant is still unconscious and is admitted at Sally Mugabe Hospital.

The police said they are yet to record the statement while the second complainant had recorded his statement.
Police have recovered the weapon used and kept it as an exhibit.

By A Correspondent- Police in Epworth has arrested a woman believed to have stolen an infant from Epworth Local Board Clinic on Wednesday.

Josie Muzimbe reportedly sneaked into the clinic ward where she took advantage of the infant’s mother who had fallen asleep and stole the baby girl from her.

Her luck ran out after an alert security guard intercepted her while trying to leave the clinic premises.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident adding that investigations into the matter are in progress.

“We urge institutions like hospitals and clinics to step up their security measures and avoid such incidents. Investigations into this case are progressing.”

A video clip has since gone viral, where Muzimbe was captured being interrogated by alleged staff at the said clinic

By A Correspondent- A 68 year old Glen View man has suffered serious injuries after being brutally attacked by his wife and his in-laws.

For them, arguments, bickering and fights have defined what they call marriage.

Marriage is usually punctuated with the romantic phrase ‘happily ever after’, but for the Glen View couple, the 35 years after the ‘I do, I do’ rituals can best be captured by the phrase ‘sadly ever after’. The holy matrimony is meant to be sweet yet for the two, it has been blood, sweat and tears.

68-year-old Adam Marimo, whose limbs have been immobilised, bears the deep wounds of what was meant to be love.

Marimo accuses his 53-year-old wife Maria and his in-laws of kidnapping him and taking him to a bushy area in Chiweshe where he spent days tethered to a big tree.

But the wife disputes the narrative, alleging Marimo was taken to Chiweshe for prayers after exhibiting signs of mental illness.

One has to read between the lines to get the true account. But Marimo’s injuries tell a complete story and neighbours are in shock contending he was an able-bodied and hard-working man before the Chiweshe ordeal immobilised him.

Marimo, who inherited a 5-roomed house from his parents, is also accusing his wife of depriving him of his share of rentals.

According to Marimo’s medical report, his injuries were caused by rope burns when he was forcibly restrained and tethered to a tree for days resulting in wounds as deep as exposing the bones.

Marimo is set to undergo an operation to amputate both hands on the 27^th of July and is appealing for financial assistance to cater for his medical bills.

As he ponders what sort of life he will lead after the scheduled operation, for now, what is clear for Adam Marimo is that marriage has proved that it is not a bed of roses, but rather a bed of nails.

-zbc

By A Correspondent- A 26 year old woman was over the weekend drugged with an unknown substance and become unconscious before being rap_ed for several hours by a self-styled prophet in the bush along new Chitungwiza Road in southern Harare.

The woman was found dumped on the side of the road by a passerby who helped her to make a report to the police.

The woman had gone to see a prophet only identified as Madzibaba Tichaona for assistance.

She paid the US$20 for the consultation and was then given an unknown substance in a clay pot to drink.

She fell unconscious.

She was then rap_ed several times before being dumped by the road side, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said yesterday.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the prophet identified as Madzibaba Tichaona.

Police are also hunting a self-styled Harare prophet who allegedly rap_ed an Old Highfield woman after he claimed that she was possessed with an evil spirit and he had been sent by the Holy Spirit to cleanse her.

The prophet identified only as Madzibaba Ray of Johane Masowe YeChishanu Nyeredzi-Nomwe went on to rap_e the 30-year-old woman.

Last month, a self-styled prophet was arrested in Budiriro on allegations of rap_ing a 25-year-old woman while threatening her with a snake.

By A Correspondent- Police in Chipinge are investigating the case of a young woman in Medium Density who was reportedly keeping a decomposing infant in her house.

The woman’s neighbours had to call the police due to a heavy stench that was coming from the house.

Police and detectives were shocked to find the body of a baby (3 weeks old) rotting in a blanket on the floor.

According to Chipinge Times, police took away the body for a postmortem.

However, the suspected mother of the dead child and her mother are reportedly 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 and it is not clear when the baby was born and how it died.

Speaking to Chipinge Times on condition of anonymity, a Chipinge resident said they suspected that the two women who have been keeping the body are mentally unstable. Said the resident:

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.

Another resident, who also declined to be identified, claimed that the family of the deceased child acts weird. Said the neighbour:

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 isolated in their small cabin.

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.

WHILE HIS MINIONS are making fools of themselves looking for straws to use to defend him, @DMwonzora whatsapped me at 13:45hrs (CAT); using exactly the same number he used in 2018 when he sought help to finish off @nelsonchamisa. I hate to say this but let @DMwonzora say nyooo! pic.twitter.com/xwECgcrdYS

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) June 24, 2021

Three Zimbabwean nationals were shot dead by members of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) early this morning in the country’s capital, Gaborone.

BPS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube said the three men, aged between 30 and 40 years, were shot dead during a shootout with police while committing a robbery.

We publish below a statement by Asst Comm Motube on the fatal shootings:

Three suspected armed robbers were fatally shot in an exchange of fire with members of Botswana Police Service early this morning (24/06/2021) in Block 6 location in Gaborone.

The deceased trio, aged about 30 and 40 were intercepted by the police whilst committing a robbery at one of the homesteads in Block 6.

A firearm suspected to have been used by the suspects, all suspected to be Zimbabwean citizen males, was found at the scene.

Members of the public are requested to assist with any information that could lead to the arrest of two other suspects who fled the scene during the incident.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing

By A Correspondent- Bertha Mwonzora, the daughter of MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora has declared that her dad will win the 2023 presidential election by a massive 66 percent of the vote. According to Bertha, her dad has been predicting his political trajectory since she was a child, and he has never been wrong once.

Bertha was echoing her father’s declaration that he will win the 2023 presidential election with a massive landslide as people often make the mistake of underestimating him. Mwonzora made the claim during an interview with Heart and Soul Television’s Blessed Mhlanga.

When asked if he thought he would win the 2023 presidential election, Mwonzora replied, “Without a doubt, I will. And let me say here, my history speaks for itself. Many times I have been underestimated.”

When questioned on the percentage he would win the election by, Mwonzora said, “I think 66 percent as of now…I do not in any way see myself as an inferior leader at all. I don’t see the superiority that my opponents have over me.”

Following these remarks, Bertha Mwonzora took to social media to share how her father has always been making accurate predictions since she was a child. She said based on his track record, he will win the 2023 presidential elections.

Said Bertha, “Man said he would be SG by a landslide, prediction was accurate, when I was in primary school man said he would be President of MDC by 2021. Man says he’s gonna win by 66%, so it will be, by 66%. Hambai.”

Bertha also reiterated how her father had been underestimated numerous times in the last two decades only for him to rise and prove his purported detractors wrong.

Man said he would be SG by a land slide, prediction was accurate, when I was in primary school man said he would be President of MDC by 2021. Man says he’s gonna win by 66%, so it will be, by 66% . Hambai https://t.co/5YtXJ0KM8V

Responding to a supporter who felt that 66 percent may be too optimistic, Bertha said that everything they have claimed has been blessed by God.

— Bertha Mwonzora (@Berthamwonzora) June 23, 2021

By A Correspondent- A homeless Bulawayo man who strangled an 81-year-old woman from Upper Rangemore on the outskirts of the city before ransacking her home and stealing money, a cellphone and groceries following a salary dispute, was sentenced to an effective 25 years in jail.

Iphithule Moyo (21) of no fixed aboard killed his former employer, Naomi Titsha in May last year.

His younger brother, Mjabulisi, who Titsha had employed at her plot in Rangemore found the body.

Iphithule got away with US$300, a cellphone and groceries that were packed in a suitcase which include mealie-meal, rice, washing powder and salt.

Iphithule was convicted of murder with actual intent by Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Maxwell Takuva.

In passing the sentence, the judge condemned the accused person’s actions, saying he deserved a lengthy prison for killing a helpless elderly woman.

Prosecuting, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza said on May 18 last year at about 9am, the deceased was sitting outside her house in Rangemore with Mjabulisi when Iphithule arrived at the plot.

An hour later, Mjabulisi left home to herd his employer’s cattle leaving the deceased at home with his brother.

The court heard that Iphithule confronted the deceased and a dispute ensued allegedly over $900 salary arrears. Titsha got inside her house and Iphithule followed her.

“The accused person got into the kitchen and grabbed the deceased before dragging her to the lounge where he strangled her and left the corpse lying on the carpet,” said Mr Jaravaza.

Moyo went to ransack the house and stole $300, a cellphone, four litres cooking oil, 2kg washing powder, 2kg rice, 10kg roller meal, 500 grammes salt and a suitcase.

He then locked the kitchen door from outside and took away the keys.

Titsha’s body was discovered by Mjabulisi upon his arrival from the pastures at around 5pm. He saw Iphithule roaming around the plot while he was milking cattle. When Iphithule realised that his brother had seen him, he ran away.

A report was made at Upper Rangemore Police Base, in Bulawayo leading to Iphithule’s arrest and recovery of the cellphone, keys, groceries and suitcase.

The body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for a post-mortem

The post-mortem report established that the cause of death was asphyxia and strangulation by rope.

In his defence through his lawyer Mr Wish Ndongwe of Mashayamombe and Company, Iphithule said the deceased was his former employer with whom they a had long standing dispute over $900 which she owed him in salary arrears.

Iphithule said he committed the offence because the deceased did not want to pay him the outstanding money.

— Herald

By A Correspondent- The saga of a missing Chinhoyi baby has taken a new twist after three people who claim to know the whereabouts of the baby approached its mother after the story was aired on ZBC TV.

The 2 month-old baby that went missing last month in Chinhoyi’s Ruvimbo area was allegedly stolen around 1am by unknown assailants when her mother had reportedly escorted a visitor.

According to Assistant Commissioner Nyathi, upon returning home, the baby’s mother was told by her two minor siblings that an unidentified man had forcibly entered the house and made off with the baby.

Reports suggest that the people who claim to know where the baby is, however, chickened out, probably afraid of being arrested. Said Ms Vicky Nyanhete, the mother of the missing baby:

“Pakabuda nyaya iya pa TV pane vanhu vakauya pano vachiti handei munotora mwana wenyu kana mune Simba rekufamba nekuti arikure. Mwana wacho aiva namai ava akabva atanga kuti amai hatizosungwa here. Pedzezvo vakabva vazoti mwana wenyu ari mutoilet pa mashops asi haana kuwanikwa.”

She said they have to date approached four witch doctors and 15 prophets in a bid to have the missing baby back.

Ms Nyanhete’s friend Ms Raidah Kashamba, said most of the consulted prophets and witch doctors say the baby was still alive but are not willing to help until they pay some money ranging from US$40 to US$70.

Police are still investigating the matter.

A 19-year-old woman was found hanging from the roof trusses at her home in Mkoba, Gweru in a case of suspected suicide.

Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Mahoko confirmed the incident which occurred on June 14.

“We are investigating a case of sudden death where a 19-year-old female was found hanging from a roof truss in Mkoba in Gweru. It is alleged that Charlene Anesu Marobana a Form 4 student at Progress College in Mkoba 14, hanged herself from the roof trusses using an electrical cable,” said Insp Mahoko.

The body was discovered by her young sister who informed relatives. The relatives then made a report to the police.

The body was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for postmortem.

Insp Mahoko said it was suspected that the teenager committed suicide.

“Let us learn to share problems and solicit help from others. It is said a problem shared is a problem half solved.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man died on the spot after a Honda Fit vehicle he was travelling in overturned along the Gweru-Shurugwi Road.

Insp Mahoko said the incident which occurred on 11 June around 0230AM, when the driver Mind Mutambwa was driving from Shurugwi towards Gweru.

“Mutambwa was driving alone and on approaching the 22,5kilometre peg, lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road before overturning. The driver was thrown out of the vehicle and died on the spot,” said Insp Mahoko.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) detective recently touched a raw nerve which led to his transfer after he recommended the trial of principal prosecutor, Chris Mutangadura, on criminal abuse of office charges.

The Zacc investigating officer, one Chief Inspector Murira, landed himself in trouble after he discovered that Mutangadura had allegedly smuggled a handwritten report from a private handwriting expert, LT Nhari, and ordered the prosecution of Bulawayo businessman Lovemore Kutamahufa for forging his business partner, Lungisani Ncube’s signature in an application for a bank loan with FBC Bank.

Kutamahufa reported Mutangadura for corruptly aiding Ncube to have a forensic examination of the alleged forged papers by Nhari after bypassing a government handwriting expert, Clara Beatrice Tendai Gombakomba, in a case the businessman is facing in court.

Mutangadura had allegedly lied that Gombakomba had no capacity to examine the samples, an assertion she refuted in her statement to Zacc investigators.

Murira, who was the investigating officer, was transferred after he reportedly discovered that Mutangadura had a case to answer during his recording of a statement from the complainant, Kutamahufa, in June last year.

Insiders say Murira had obtained a search and seizure warrant from the courts, which was served to the FBC Bank requesting the financial institution to furnish the investigation team with documents pertaining to the loan application by Kutamahufa and Ncube.

The photocopied documents included the disputed forensic report by the private analyst, running diaries, and a letter written by Mutangadura.

A statement from the investigating officer stationed at Commercial Crimes division in Bulawayo, who investigated Kutamahufa, was also recorded.

Reports also suggest Gombakomba had contacted the police and indicated that she needed further samples in order for her to do a conclusive analysis.

Martha Cheda, former provincial public prosecutor for Bulawayo province, was also contacted.

She indicated that she never sought legal opinion from Mutangadura.

Cheda said she was surprised that Mutangadura wrote a letter directing prosecution to consider a report obtained from a private forensic analyst, and at the same time indicating that the government forensic laboratory was incapacitated to do the forensic examination when, in actual fact, Gombakomba had requested for more legible handwriting samples for conclusive analysis.

It also emerged that Ncube reportedly used his money to pay for the services of the private handwriting expert.

However, sources close to the matter said after gathering the evidence, Murira prepared a Remand Form (Form 242), which was vetted by the legal department intending to take Mutangadura to court and place him on initial remand.

Thereafter, he reportedly received an instruction to do a full docket.

This resulted in Murira being transferred before completing the docket on Mutangadura.

He was reportedly posted to Hwange in Matabeleland North province, with the matter being assigned to another investigation officer.

“Everything had been set for his (Mutangadura) remand. The investigation officer briefed the commissioners about the progress and requested that Mutangadura be taken to court on a request for remand form, known as Form 242, after preliminary investigations indicated that he has a case to answer. However, he was stopped and ordered to do a full docket,” the source said.

“I also gathered that he might be moved to Sacu [Special Anti-Corruption Unit]. However, I am not sure whether he left Hwange now, but national police spokesperson (Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi) could give you more details,” the source said.

Nyathi confirmed the transfer of Murira, but said it was purely an administrative issue in order to deploy experienced officers in areas where they were needed most.

Matangadura was a month ago summoned by Zacc investigators with the view of detaining and taking him to court after his docket was completed, but Zacc chairperson Loice Matanda-Moyo allegedly intervened and stopped the proceedings.

However, Matanda-Moyo has denied the allegations.

-online

By A Correspondent- Recently in Maputo, Mozambique SADC member states have resolved to deploy a force to help Mozambique contain insurgency in its northern provinces where terrorists have left a trail of destruction that also threatens regional peace.

The decision was adopted at the 16-member regional bloc Extraordinary Summit that was held in Maputo, Mozambique, yesterday.

 More than 3 000 people are estimated to have been killed by the insurgents with 800 000 displaced from their homes in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province since four years ago.

President Mnangagwa was part of the Heads of State and Government who resolved to deploy troops on Mozambican soil at the request of Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.

At the end of the day-long summit, that was also attended by Botswana President Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi, DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro, Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, Mozambican President Nyusi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the United Republic of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, SADC executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said the region’s troops are ready.

“Summit endorsed the recommendations of the Report of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and approved the Mandate for the SADC Standby Force Mission to the Republic of Mozambique, to be deployed in support of Mozambique to combat terrorism and acts of violent extremism in Cabo Delgado,” she said.

Apart from deploying an army, SADC, Dr Tax said, will in collaboration with Humanitarian Agencies continue providing humanitarian support to those affected by the terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado.

With the region walking hand in hand in securing peace and ensuring food and nutrition security, the summit took a moment to remember one of the founders of SADC, the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, who died last week.

Summit expressed deepest condolences to former President Dr Kaunda’s family, His Excellency Dr President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the government and the People of the Republic of Zambia following the passing on of HE Dr Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda, first President of the Republic of Zambia and the last surviving founding father of SADC and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the fore-runner of the African Union (AU); and paid tribute to late former President Dr Kaunda for the pivotal role he played in the liberation struggle, and for laying a solid foundation for regional integration of Southern Africa,” said Dr Tax.

In a recorded video to commemorate the region’s anniversary before his death, the late Dr Kaunda urged SADC leaders and citizens to be bound together forever in the pursuit of the lofty vision of the regional bloc founding fathers who wanted to nurture peace, eradicate poverty, and entrench the principles of democracy.

 Founded in 1992, as a successor to the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic bloc comprising 16 member states namely Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.

The organisation was established in 1992, with a thrust towards regional integration and poverty eradication within Southern Africa through economic development and ensuring peace and security.

 The summit also discussed regional food and nutrition security, gender and development, and progress in the regional response to HIV and AIDS and Covid-19 pandemic.

It reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the theme of the 40th SADC Summit that says ”SADC: 40 Years Building Peace and Security, and Promoting Development and Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges”, which was endorsed by the SADC Summit in August, 2020.

 President Mnangagwa returned home last night and was received by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and several Government ministers.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Authorities yesterday intensified the enforcement of Covid-19 control measures with police impounding buses that were operating illegally, while the Judicial Service Commission announced the closure of seven magistrates courts across the country as cases continue soaring.

In Mashonaland West Province, where several districts have been placed under localised lockdown after being declared Covid-19 hotspots, some pirate taxis and at least nine intercity buses including two Zupco buses, were impounded by police and parked at Chinhoyi Central Police Station for flouting lockdown regulations.

Drivers of the pirate taxis plying the Chinhoyi-Karoi, Chinhoyi-Mhangura, Chinhoyi-Harare and Chinhoyi-Chegutu routes were arrested.

Speaking at an emergency provincial Civil Protection Unit (CPU) meeting attended by representatives from key Government departments, police officer commanding Mashonaland West (Operations), Assistant Commissioner Martin Nyirenda said they had intensified enforcement of lockdown regulations along highways resulting in the arrest of many violators.

“As police, we are conducting patrols and as we speak, along the Harare-Chirundu highway, we have nine long-distance and intercity buses that have been impounded and are currently at Chinhoyi Central Police Station.

“Among these buses include two Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) buses that were operating intercity routes against Covid-19 regulations.

We are not allowing intercity buses to cross these hotspot districts,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Nyirenda said apart from enforcing lockdown regulations, police were also conducting joint awareness campaigns with various stakeholders and other uniformed forces to promote compliance with regulations.

Provincial development coordinator and CPU chairperson, Mr Josphat Jaji said: “We noticed that from the Covid-19 fatalities that the province recorded, all people were not vaccinated.

Provincial heads should lead by example by taking the jab to lessen the severity of the virus,” he said.

It was also revealed at the meeting that at least 15 deportees from Zambia were not tested at Chirundu border post because of the unavailability of kits, thereby exposing social welfare officers that transport them to repatriation and quarantine centres to Covid-19.

However, provincial health services administrator, Mr Godwin Tauya said the two border towns of Kariba and Chirundu had now been fully stocked.

JSC secretary Mr Walter Chikwana said Covid-19 positive cases had been confirmed at Chinhoyi, Karoi, Kariba Bindura, Mount Darwin and Mutare magistrates courts as well as the Mutare High Court.

“We are currently in the process of consulting with the Ministry of Health and Child Care on the way forward.

Meanwhile, we are closing these seven court houses for purposes of fumigation, testing of staff and contact tracing of all the people who may have come into contact with the cases.

“Litigants and legal practitioners who may want to file any papers at these courts may get in touch with the registrar, resident magistrate, additional sheriff or assistant master on duty.

Their numbers will be displayed at the respective court houses,” he said.

He added that the public would be advised when the concerned courts would re-open.

A lecturer at Kwekwe Polytechnic on Tuesday succumbed to Covid-19 while 45 students and two other lecturers at the institution tested positive for the deadly disease.

Kwekwe District Covid-19 taskforce chairperson, Mr Vitalis Kwashira confirmed the developments saying they have since recommended the suspension of lectures at the institution to allow close monitoring.

“Following the recorded death and a surge in positive cases at the institution, we have written to the relevant departments and we also recommended that the college be temporarily closed so that we can be able to conduct contact tracing.

“The idea is that if we close down the place, we are able to isolate those who tested positive at the institution.

It is almost impossible to manage the situation if lessons continue to be conducted,” said Mr Kwashira.

In Masvingo, the provincial Covid-19 taskforce started contact tracing and testing of Masvingo Polytechnic students after three students tested positive for the novel virus.

Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeous Shamu said plans were afoot to make the polytechnic an isolation facility for students who tested positive for the virus.

Dr Shamu pointed out that the three students who tested positive were non-resident learners but would be quarantined at the college.

“We are currently testing more students as we do contact tracing after three students tested positive for Covid-19 but I cannot disclose the exact number of students we are going to test,” said Dr Shamu.

“We are in the process of making Masvingo Polytechnic an isolation centre for both resident and non-resident students who test positive for Covid-19.

“Zimbabwe on Tuesday recorded six Covid-19 deaths and 519 new cases as the surge in new infections continues.

This brings the total number of deaths since March last year to 1 691 and a total of 3 735 active cases.

With the continued increase in new cases, Government has put 12 more hotspot areas under localised lockdown to try and contain the disease.

Most of the new cases were recorded in the areas classified as hotspots with Kariba recording 65 cases, Karoi (60), Chinhoyi and Kwekwe (51).

Other areas under lockdown like Mhondoro, Kazangare in Mashonaland West, Chiredzi, Nkulumane, Emakhandeni and Northern Suburbs in Bulawayo also reported more cases.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care Situation Report, as at June 22, the positivity rate went up 8 percent and the case fatality rate stood at 4 percent.

“As of June 21, 2021, at 1500hrs, there were 159 hospitalised cases: Asymptomatic 40, mild to moderate 75, severe 38 and 6 in Intensive Care Units,” the ministry said.

-statemedia

Zdravko Logarusic is expected to meet his technical team today to finalise his Warriors squad, for the COSAFA Cup, in South Africa.

The Warriors were this week given the greenlight, by the Sports Commission, to travel to South Africa, and compete at the regional tournament.

Team manager, Wellington Mpandare, yesterday said it was all systems go, for the Warriors, who are expected to hold a week-long training camp, starting next Monday.

“We are all excited and, at the same time, grateful to the authorities for making the Warriors’ participation, at this tournament, possible,” said Mpandare.

“This is an important tournament, which helps expose some of the talent that we have, as a country.“

Remember, there are the World Cup qualifiers coming up, later this year, and also the CHAN tournament qualifiers.

“So, the technical team is expected to meet tomorrow (today), to finalise issues related to the squad selection, and discuss the plans, for the preparations.

“I am sure we will be able to release the names of the players, after that meeting, we have to come with a squad of 20 travelling players, and then place five on standby, as per the COSAFA requirements.’’

Mpandare said coming up with the right players will be a tough exercise.

“This is not going to be an easy exercise because the coach was not able to watch, as many games as he would have liked, since football was disrupted by Covid-19, these past two years,’’ he said.

“We were happy, after Chibuku kicked off but, then Covid-19 struck the nation again, and the games had to stop.

“The coach would have loved to watch, as many games as possible, in this tournament.“

He had plans to go around the country, to see the players in action, but it’s not possible now.

“Registration for the COSAFA tournament closes this Sunday. If all goes well, we are supposed to begin camp on Monday, and then leave on July 5.”

The Warriors were hoping to use the COSAFA Cup, as part of the national team’s preparations, for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, in September.

However, things will not go according to plan for the coaches, in the absence of European-based stars. Some of Zimbabwe’s key foreign-based players, like Marshall Munetsi and Marvelous Nakamba, were expected to return to their bases yesterday.

Skipper Knowledge Nakamba left for his base, in Belgium, on Tuesday.

The Warriors, who are record winners of the regional tournament, were drawn in the same group with guests Senegal.

The other two teams in the group are Mozambique and Namibia.

Zimbabwe will open their quest for a seventh title with a game against Namibia.Hosts South Africa are in Group A, which also has Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana.

Defending champions Zambia, who won the last edition in 2019, lead Group B and will face Malawi, Madagascar, and Comoros.

The 12-team tournament will run from July 7 to 18 at Nelson Mandela Bay.The top team, from each groups, will advance to the semi-finals.

They will be joined, in the last four, by the best second-placed team, from the three groups.

-State Media