Tinashe Sambiri|The late former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda was a selfless leader who dedicated his time to the struggle for freedom and emancipation of Africans.
Following his death on Thursday, President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has declared 21 days of national mourning in which all activities of entertainment nature have been suspended.
Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a seven (7) day mourning period following the death of the founding President of the Republic of Zambia.
The President of Botswana has also decreed that all flags must fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
Former President of Malawi Peter Mutharika wrote on Facebook:
Good morning friends,
Gertrude and I are downcast and shattered by the news of the demise of our mentor and friend former President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who has passed on yesterday June 17th after an episode of sickness at the Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka.
Kaunda is a hero who fought very hard for the liberation of his people and the entire Africa. He put Africa and his people first; a thing that all leaders must emulate.
I join hands with Africa, Dr Lazarus Chakwera and my fellow Malawians as we condole the President of Zambia, the Kaunda family and the entire Zambia for their painful loss.
May God receive his gentle soul in eternal peace and tranquility.
Another earthquake rattled Kariba this morning with the epicentre estimated to be in Lake Kariba, several kilometres away from the one felt on Tuesday night.
This morning’s earthquake slightly increased in intensity to record 3,9 Magnitude on the Richter Scale. Tuesday’s quake was minor at Magnitude 3,6.
“An earthquake was felt in Kariba this morning the 18th June 2021 at 0735 local time,” said the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in an update.
“Preliminary location shows that the earthquake occurred at Latitude -17.045 S and Longitude 27.941E and the magnitude was determined to be 3.9. The epicentre is in Lake Kariba.”
The last earthquake was inland. There were no reports of damage.- Herald
By Dr Takavafira M. Zhou | It is with a heavy heart that we have learnt of the death of Zambian founding President, Kenneth Kaunda. Kaunda was President in the period 1964-1991. Not only did Zambians contribute greatly to the development of colonial Zimbabwe during the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, 1953-1963, but the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe would be incomplete without mentioning the role of Kenneth Kaunda, other Frontline states and the sacrifice that Zambians made.
Zambia was the first country to host both ZAPU and ZANU and assist in the prosecution of the war from the 1960s. JZ Moyo, Nikhita Mangena, Dumiso Dabengwa, Akim Ndlovu, Lookout Masuku, Herbert Chitepo, Josiah Mangama Tongogara, Henry Kamadziripi, Rugare Gumbo, Mukudzei Mudzi, Kumbirai Kangai, Simbi Mubako, etc, perfected war strategies with the full support of Kenneth Kaunda and majority of Zambians. Kaunda was clear that the independence of Zambia was incomplete without the liberation of other Southern African states.
*One Zambia, one Nation*, Kaunda would say. *UNIP is like fire, if you touch it you will burn*, he remarked. Other than leading the liberation of Zambia and supporting liberation struggles in Southern Africa, Kaunda must be credited for accepting multi-partism in Zambia, let alone defeat in elections in 1991, unlike other African leaders who suffer from the Big Man syndrome. Not surprisingly, he lived a happy life as former President for so many years only to die at 97.
We pass our heartfelt condolences to the Kaunda family in particular and Zambians in general. Kaunda was a great man, a father figure to many, a leader whose leadership qualities reverberated across Africa, a Pan Africanist and humanist. Go well hero of heroes, for you fought a good battle and liberated many other countries. We will always be greatful to such a great leader, an advocate of peace, unity, service and self-sacrifice. If only African leaders would learn from you, elections in Africa would be free, fair and credible, and foster sustainable unity in diversity.
Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance has described the late founding President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda as a Pan- African leader par excellence…
Dr Kaunda played a pivotal role in spearheading the stuggle for independence in many African countries.
The MDC Alliance has released a statement on the demise of the legendary Statesman:
Q: How have the vaccines been developed so quickly? Does this mean that their safety and efficacy has been compromised?
A: The speed of development of COVID-19 vaccines has been unprecedented for several reasons, but the safety and efficacy requirements for vaccines have not been compromised, Vaccine development was facilitated by:
The massive financial investment by governments, industry and philanthropic organisations in vaccine development and the re-direction of much of the global research and commercial infrastructure for the development and manufacture of vaccines. Governments also enabled companies to take the commercial risk of manufacturing some vaccine stocks ahead of regulatory approvals.
New technologies adapted from the development of other vaccines – mRNA vaccines were developed for COVID-19 very rapidly after the sequence of the COVID-19 virus was determined, but the underlying technology had been under development since much longer and production could be scaled up very quickly. The adenovirus technology used for adenovirus vector vaccines was first tested with SARS, MERS and Ebola virus over the last 20 years, and so was able to be adapted quickly to COVID-19, which has several similarities to these viruses.
Clinical trial successes – it has been possible to rapidly recruit large numbers of volunteers into clinical trials and, with unfortunately high rates of infection in several countries, to complete trials with 10,000-50,000 people in a short period of time. Under normal circumstances, it may take many months or even a few years to carry out trials of this size to determine whether a vaccine is effective. Very close collaboration – between regulators, industry and clinical researchers enabled clear indications of regulatory requirements and early access to results.
Intensive and insightful research – researchers predicted that the “spike protein” on the virus would be a good target for vaccine development, and almost all vaccines have been designed to induce a response to this protein. So far, the spike protein has produced a strong immune response in those vaccinated, and for those vaccines that have reported clinical results are highly protective from COVID-19 disease. Q: Will mRNA vaccines affect the DNA of vaccine recipients?
A: No. The mRNA in the vaccine has not been shown to incorporate itself into the genes of vaccine recipients and breaks down in the weeks after vaccination. mRNA vaccines contain genetic instructions for our cells, which only read them and provide copies of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. This enables the body’s natural immune systems to cause a response in vaccine recipients if they are later exposed to the virus.
Q: How long will COVID-19 vaccination provide protection for immunised people?
A: We do not yet know how long protection from any of these vaccines lasts. We will get better insights over the next 12 months.
The duration of protection provided by vaccines can vary. For example, the seasonal influenza vaccine is given annually, because the influenza virus mutates, and protection wanes over a number of months. Other vaccines, such as those for rubella or measles provide multi-year or even life-long protection from disease. Mutations in key viral proteins can mean that virus variants emerge. The SARS-CoV-2-coronavirus is prone to mutations that creates variants, some of which have become established in a number of regions of the world. The scientific community and regulators are very actively monitoring whether the current vaccines can continue protecting people from infection with new variants. A number of vaccine developers are currently developing vaccines against the range of variants, and it is likely that booster shots with these vaccines will increase protection against known variants. Regulators have agreed that review of data on vaccines against variants will be facilitated based on assessment of immune response to the variant, in the same way that new seasonal influenza vaccines are evaluated each year. Q: Why are there so many vaccine candidates?
A: As the global seriousness of the pandemic became rapidly apparent, development of effective vaccines for COVID-19 became the top priority of many pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes. There was also unprecedented government and private sector investment in vaccine development. There is now a wide range of technologies for developing new vaccines – and many of the organisations developing COVID-19 vaccines have particular experience in one or more of these technologies. This has ensured that there would still be vaccines available if some were not approved for reasons of efficacy, safety or manufacturing challenges.
Q: What if many people start getting a reaction from a particular COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Short-term reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or headache are common following any vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. These reactions usually pass in a day or two. If new evidence becomes available that suggests that a specific serious adverse event may be linked to a particular COVID-19 vaccine then regulators will take action, working collaboratively on a global basis and liaise with public health authorities. The type of actions that can be taken depend on the nature of the adverse event, and could range from issuing safety warnings for patients, healthcare professionals and the community; updating the product information or consumer information for the vaccine to show contraindications for the use in particular patients (e.g. those with certain co-morbidities); to closely monitoring adverse events in certain groups of patients; preventing the release of a particular batch of vaccine through to temporary suspension of the use of the vaccine until more is known.
Q: How are regulators speeding up the time it takes to authorise a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Many regulators globally have implemented faster access pathways for COVID-19 vaccines, without compromising on strict standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Some countries have Emergency Use Authorisation pathways which assess the available data at the time of authorisation. Exercising these provisions is a matter for those countries, taking into account the benefits versus risks in the context of the prevailing domestic pandemic situation. Different countries may coin this pathway or authorisation routes differently but essentially, they follow the same principles. Other countries have implemented accelerated/priority, conditional or provisional approval schemes.
Under normal circumstances, regulatory assessment begins once all information to support registration is available. For COVID-19 vaccines, many regulators have agreed to accept data on a rolling basis to enable early evaluation of data as it becomes available. Regulators will only be in a position to make a provisional approval decision for a vaccine once there is sufficient data to support adequately the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine for its intended use. If a decision is made to grant provisional or conditional approval, it will be based on the requirement for the sponsor to submit more comprehensive, longer term clinical data, stability data and other information with agreed timelines. Q: Did our country approve this COVID-19 vaccine, or are we relying on another country’s approval?
A: Most countries are carrying out independent regulatory evaluations on the submitted data for each vaccine. However, to ensure a more efficient use of resources and expertise, regulators in different countries are communicating closely on safety, efficacy and quality data and discussing technical issues as they may arise. In many cases principles of WHO Good Reliance Practices and collaborative mechanisms leverage the output of other regulators.
Q: Why weren’t very rare blood clots with low platelets with the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccines picked up during clinical trials?
A: Thromboembolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia are very rare – with estimates based on the number of spontaneous reports suggesting an overall incidence on the order of 10-15 cases per million doses. The clinical trials of these vaccines included large numbers of people, often with 10,000 to 20,000 individuals in the active vaccine arms, but even in trials of this size it was statistically unlikely that such very rare events would be detected. This shows the importance of continual safety monitoring during the use of these vaccines, to allow very rare events to be detected and investigated further.
Source:
Joint Statement from the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities and World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Phew. It was a hectic week in many respects. A good week in my beloved journalism industry—a dream week for any news editor worth their salt as they were spoilt for choice when it came to the spangled banner colours for the day’s headline.
From Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shameful, unfounded and evidence-free allegations of terrorism against the people’s party to the confusion in the cockpit where the general has mounted yet another coup to showcase who is really in charge of the country. Indeed, the script moved from ED’s thespian antics with a false prophet while Chiwenga was taking charge of the country to the comic and treasonous allegations by a President, even one who stole an election, against the party that he fears the most and that he knows shellacked him in the 2018 plebiscite.
This is not to mention the penchant for meaningless meetings. Last week, ED met with Douglas Mwonzora as part of his continued “fruitful” engagements to resolve the country’s crisis with the irrelevant lot in and outside POLAD that also includes the likes of Bryn Mteki. This is the lot that ED is engaging nowadays to deal with the monumental crisis engulfing the country!
Mnangagwa’s meeting with Zanu-PF was not even incestuous as the two are beyond political cousins. When Zanu PF engages mkoma Douggie, everyone knows Zanu-PF will be engaging itself. In fact, Zanu PF was armorously engaging itself in a crude act of political masturbation. Zanu PF was simply kissing itself.
Forget the rhetoric of rational disputation. All we have practically is seen between Douglas and Emmerson is irrational non-disputation.
It reminds me of a Mathematics exercise we did in High school when we learnt about “shading the unwanted area”. The engagement with fringe political players who in any case agree with him must be a typical example of the utility in learning about “shading the unwanted area.”
AfalseprophetandafalsePresident
Amid a serious crisis demanding prudent leadership, the false President was sitting with the false “Twabam” prophet shooting a comic skit in a vain attempt to woo the despondent young voters to vote Zanu-PF. For the record, the youths need jobs and proper opportunities not skits.
The jacket of many colours that was donned by the passionate prophet sent out its own unique scriptural message. The equivalent biblical Joseph’s multi-coloured jacket that was donned by our passionate prophet was a poignant message that he was now the dear father’s beloved son and a key emissary in the political seduction of the youth vote ahead of 2023.
The optics of this duo was ironic in many respects. For a President who stole power in 2017 and for whom named ZEC personnel and Chief Justice Luke Malaba had to resort to affirmative action through acts of electoral malfeasance, it was only befitting that Mnangagwa be seen with one of the new leaders of the Affirmative Action Group. Indeed, rigging is a form of affirmative action to the electorally disadvantaged!
The sorriest candidate, especially one who is unelectable, always requires crude forms of affirmative action, including cheap propaganda skits that are be fittingly produced by the AAG.
The cast in the social media video was a twinsome set of a false prophet and a false President. The “falsity” of Mnangagwa’s Presidency was exposed not only in Excelgate, but by His Excellecy Dominic Constantino Nyikadzino Guvheya Chiwenga’s reversal of the purported permission to musicians to start performing live shows, which permission did not last a day.
Barely 24 hours after Mnangagwa said live shows could now proceed, His Excellecy Chiwenga mounted yet another coup and showed the world who really is in charge of the country’s affairs
Having spent the day shooting childish and comic skits with Passion Java, Chiwenga, in his own brazen way, dismissed ED’s live performances pronouncement as mere child’s play. Back in the village, during childhood play games of make-believe, we would simulate a real household. We would all presume to be the fathers of the simulated households (mahunbwe) but would quickly resort to our kindergarten status when irate parents arrived to throw away our toy household goods for the reason that we were soiling the family compound. Similarly, Chiwenga last week crudely stuck up the middle finger and told Mnangagwa he was a village playground father ( babavekumahumbwe ). Chiwenga simply told the nation to ignore all playground utterances and placed the nation under a fresh lockdown. The real father had arrived.
Move over. the chief pretender at Munhumutapa. We now know the man actually running the affairs in Zimbabwe.
Indeed, Nyikadzino is in charge!
Thetruepassionforterrorism
The last time it was State Insecurity minister Owen Muda Ncube who falsely claimed the MDC Alliance was training terrorists outside the country. This time this treasonous lie has been Presidentialised by none other than Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself.
Ideally, the President’s Office is a serious office that must not parrot cheap lies. For a whole President to claim that a party that is represented in Parliament and in local authorities is a terrorist organisation is the hallmark of failure. Such allegations from the highest office in the land should be evidence-based. In fact, a allegations of such high crimes must inevitably be accompanied by arrests because terrorism is a grievous matter in modern-day international relations.
But then, Mnangagwa has seriously cheapened the Presidency, especially now that his minions in the Office of the President and Cabinet allow him to peddle such embarrassing, vodka-tinged lies in full earshot of a bemused world. Indeed, and as I have said in a previous instalment, the Presidency as a venerated office the world over, has hit an all-time low under Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In modern-day State-craft, the man is simply out of his depth.
The irony was lost on him that under his leadership, it is in fact the State that has become a terrorist organisation—-one in the mould of Boko Haram and al-Shabaab. My claim is evidence-based because the Mothlante Commission inquiry set up by Mr Mnangagwa himself held that State security agencies, for which he is Commander-In-Chief, were responsible for the six murders of 1 August 2018. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, an independent commission set up in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe equally held that the police and the army were also responsible for the callous murder of 19 innocent Zimbabweans in January 2019.
This is not to mention the political and civic activists as well as lawyers and journalists that have been needlessly arrested and brutalised by the so-called new dispensation. The point is that it is the State under Mnangagwa that has become the source and author of all forms of terror against the innocent citizens of this country. As the Commander-In-Chief of a murderous securocracy, Mnangagwa is the chief terrorist as he is presiding over a blood-soaked piranha regime with a strange affinity for human blood.
Twabam as an ideoohonic expression denotes the sound of gunfire—the echo of the gun as an instrument of terror. That the so-called President would chuckle like a school-boy when the “prophet” dramatically exposed his adoration of this gunfire expression as well as the murderous credentials of his government. .
Indeed, twabam is the sound that must be associated with Mr Mnangagwa’s terrorist credentials as a Commander-in-Chief whose security agencies have been incriminated by two reputable bodies _viz_the Mothlante Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
But there is a precedent. All genuine fighters for the people’s freedoms have been branded terrorists in this country. Mr Ian Douglas Smith disparagingly referred to the liberation war fighters as terrorists. The oppressors in this country have a history of falsely branding freedom fighters as terrorists. Zimbabwesns are not stupid. They know the country’s history and they will not be swayed by false nomenclature and warped constructivism that brands their freedom fighters as terrorists when in fact the real terrorists in this country have always been those wielding State power. Gukurahundi, the violence of 2000,2007/8 and the mindless bloodletting under the current regime are cases in point.
I have quoted a West African proverb in a previous oiece—the one that says Amandoesnotchaseratswhenhishouseisburning . A whole President, even one that stole an election, cannot ” twabamise ” their Presidential vocation when civil servantts are suffering and when our health and education are in the precipice. And shooting social media skits with false prophets while there is a huge crisis that needs a resolution out there is akin to a man who chases rodents while their burning house has become a huge ball of fire.!
By A Correspondent- Residents of the Zimunya community in Manicaland were left shocked after a married man committed suicide after he was dumped by his married lover following a passionate 6-year affair.
According to residents of Nyamana Village, Ward 21 under Chief Zimunya, Elijah Ngwarati hanged himself after his lover, the wife of a local businessman terminated their long-running illicit affair. The businessman is based at Gutaurare business centre.
The traditional leader for the village, Sabhuku Nyamana, real name Blessing Zimunya, confirmed Ngwarati’s suicide to online publication Karanganda TV.
Sabhuku Nyamana said that he was shocked to learn of the incident, particularly given that Ngwarati himself was married and had children. Sabhuku Nyamana’s brother Eric Zimunya said that Ngwarati had a wife and four children, while his lover also had four children of her own.
When the businessman’s wife tried to break off the relationship, Ngwarati is said to have threatened to kill himself. After noting that her lover was refusing to end the relationship, the woman is reported to have resorted to drastic measures. She told her husband, that Ngwarati was pestering her, but did not say that the two had been seeing each other.
The businessman then confronted Ngwarati over the issue and told him to stay away from his wife. However, the father of four did not back down and cajoled his lover into meeting him one more time to discuss the matter, at their usual meeting point.
When the two met at their “base,” Ngwarati repeated his threats that he would kill himself if she insisted on dumping him. However, his lover said it would be ridiculous for him to kill himself over someone who was in her fifties and left him there.
Some minutes after leaving, she is said to have turned back, apparently worried that Ngwarati may have been actually serious about killing himself. When she reached the spot, she was too late. The father of four had hanged himself already.
According to Sabhuku Nyamana, the woman wept over her deceased lover before trying to kill herself by throwing herself at oncoming traffic. Fortunately, there was very little traffic on the day. The village head then counselled her not to kill herself.
The village head, unashamedly said he had asked Ngwarati’s lover on how she was so good in bed, that she would cause someone to kill themselves just by dumping them. Ngwarati’s younger brother also said that he had tried to warn his brother to break off the affair saying that it could end in death.
The deceased’s widow said that she never confronted her husband about the alleged affair. She also revealed that while her husband’s official year of birth on his national identity documents is 1983, he was actually born in 1966.
The widow revealed that Ngwarati left behind four children: one in form four, one in grade 7, one in grade 3 and one who is only two and half years old. She said she was distraught at the news but had no choice but to accept the situation.
By Lynette Sibanda | The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a United States Trade Act which was enacted on 18 May 2000 as Public Law. The act has since been renewed to 2025. The Act is meant to enhance market access to the USA for qualifying Sub Saharan African countries. The legislation contains a number of conditions in which African countries must posses inorder to qualify for AGOA. These conditions include the respect for rule of law, human rights, and respect for core labour standards.
The volume of trade has increased significantly in Sub Saharan African countries and the act has over time encouraged trade and investment between African countries and the United States of America. AGOA has over the years come with it’s own benefits but critics of the Act have expressed concerns over a number of issues. The legislation has left most African countries to some form of manipulation by the USA. Whilst the legislation was drafted in a way to promote trade and investment between African countries and the USA, the legislation has over time protected the interests of the USA. In other words, the USA has the power to remove and elect countries which are eligible for AGOA which makes African countries vulnerable to some form of manipulation by the USA. In other words, if in any case the USA ceases to see the country’s eligibility into AGOA it has the power to remove and elect the country at any time.
The president of the USA plays a crucial role in determining the countries which are eligible for AGOA. Over the years, the coming in of different presidents into America has meant a different dimension, attitude and perception on African trade with the USA. Bush saw AGOA as a trading opportunity which was meant to promote trade and investment between African countries and the USA. President W Bush had an optimistic attitude towards AGOA thereby calling AGOA an important complement to traditional aid programs for Africa. Considering his constant visits to African and his optimistic attitude towards AGOA President Bush is unlike the former president of the USA Donald Trump who, during his tenure as president saw AGOA as a bad trade deal. The coming in of Trump meant that AGOA was not going to function properly considering the fact that Trump turned a blind eye on Africa.
Unlike his predecessor, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, in his first allocution to African leaders at the virtual African Union Summit in February, Joe Biden, reassured African leaders to rebuilding partnerships with Africa and re-engaging with international institutions such as the African Union. Multilateralism, combating climate change, and fighting the Covid-19 pandemic are at the forefront of the new American administration’s agenda. Which is a different case from the Trump Administration which turned a blind eye on African trade with the USA. After a zero interest in Africa by the Trump Administration, Biden has over time reassured African leaders of his interests in trade and investment with Africa. This approach stands as a pessimistic approach on US trade with Africa as compared to his predecessors and in this case Donald Trump.
Trump and Biden have different approaches with regards to trade and investment in America. For example, their attitude on African trade with the USA largely differs. Trump had a negative attitude on US trade with America whilst Biden’s administration has viewed African trade with the USA as a way to boost cooperation and economic growth. Joe Biden Administration has slammed Trump’s approach on trade but the one thing that they seem to possess a common belief on is on the changes that were made by Trump in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement hence changing it to US Mexico Canada Agreement. Both Trump and Biden Administration expressed concerns on NAFTA as it was blamed for killing of US jobs and closing of factories by clearing a path for companies to move manufacturing to Mexico. This was criticized by Trump who called it the worst trade deal ever. The changes that were made by Trump on NAFTA were supported by Biden in an interview by CNN where he called the UUSMCA a better trade deal than NAFTA.
Under the Trump administration the future of AGOA remained bleak as Trump turned a blind eye on African trade and investment with America. Whilst most of their perceptions differ on trade, both the Trump and Biden Administration hold a common view on NAFTA.
Lynette Sibanda is a Msc International Trade & Diplomacy at the University of Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent-One person died, while 17 others were injured after the kombi they were travelling in burst its tyre and overturned near the Magamba Tollgate along Mutare-Harare Road Wednesday.
Nhamo Muzecha (38) died on the spot, while some of the injured passengers were rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda confirmed the accident that occurred at the 245km peg.
“The Toyota Hiace, which is owned by David Dodzo was being driven by Petros Nyamhingura (33). Upon approaching the 245km peg, the kombi had a tyre burst and hit a barricade on the side of the road. Nyamhingura lost control of the vehicle which overturned and landed on its roof,” said Insp Chananda. — Manica Post
By A Correspondent- Police in Masvingo have arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of raping scores of women in the city after using WhatsApp platforms to lure them.
Police reportedly used dogs to arrest Petros Mudzingwa on Thursday after he was cornered in Morningside.
According to Masvingo Mirror, a parade for victims to identify the suspect was expected to be held at Masvingo Central Police Station on Friday.
In a statement on its Twitter page, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) expressed gratitude to members of the public who assisted police with information that led to Mudzingwa’s arrest. ZRP said in a tweet:
The ZRP applauds members of the public for supplying credible information to the Police. On 17/06/21, Police in Masvingo arrested Petros Mudzingwa (30) for a spate of rape and robbery cases committed in and around Masvingo.
Citing sources, Masvingo Mirror reported that so far two raped women have been positively linked to Mudzingwa.
Various other unresolved rape cases have been reopened to see if the suspect was not involved.
Mudzingwa originally comes from Jonathan Village in Chikarudzo under Chief Mugabe but currently is of no fixed aboard.
In Masvingo, he allegedly frequented low-density suburbs like Morningside, Rhodhene, Zimre Park and Eastvale where he targeted women for robbery and rape.
Mudzingwa’s luck finally ran out when he allegedly saw a message from a woman on a WhatsApp group who was looking for her lost personal documents including her passport and national identity card.
After seeing the message, Mudzingwa allegedly contacted her pretending that he found the documents.
He lured the woman to a secluded place in Morningside where he allegedly raped and robbed her of valuables.
The victim reported the case at Rujeko Police Station in Masvingo and Police engaged Econet for investigations.
By A Correspondent- The government is still considering the Zimbabwe Football Association’s request to confer former Dynamos and national team defender David “Yogi” Mandigora with national hero status.
Mandigora died on Saturday from a peripheral vein disease, which is a blood circulation disorder at the age of 64.
He was buried at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Tuesday. National hero status can be conferred posthumously.
An official from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation Ignatious Kuwadzana Vambe told Chronicle that they had received the request from ZIFA.
Vambe said the request has since been taken up with higher authorities and they should be coming back with feedback soon. Said Vambe:
l can confirm we received a request, the issue has been taken up with our principals and we should be able to get feedback soon.
Vambe said, “a lot of issues have to be taken into consideration before coming up with a final decision”.
To date, no sportsperson has been conferred with national hero status in Zimbabwe.
In 2012 ZANU PF and MDC leadership from Matabeleland requested that the late Highlanders and national team legend Adam Ndlovu be declared a national hero.
The request was, however, turned down by then party secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa who said such statuses were not for sportspersons but those who participated in the liberation struggle.
By A Correspondent- The government is still considering the Zimbabwe Football Association’s request to confer former Dynamos and national team defender David “Yogi” Mandigora with national hero status.
Mandigora died on Saturday from a peripheral vein disease, which is a blood circulation disorder at the age of 64.
He was buried at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Tuesday. National hero status can be conferred posthumously.
An official from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Art and Recreation Ignatious Kuwadzana Vambe told Chronicle that they had received the request from ZIFA.
Vambe said the request has since been taken up with higher authorities and they should be coming back with feedback soon. Said Vambe:
l can confirm we received a request, the issue has been taken up with our principals and we should be able to get feedback soon.
Vambe said, “a lot of issues have to be taken into consideration before coming up with a final decision”.
To date, no sportsperson has been conferred with national hero status in Zimbabwe.
In 2012 ZANU PF and MDC leadership from Matabeleland requested that the late Highlanders and national team legend Adam Ndlovu be declared a national hero.
The request was, however, turned down by then party secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa who said such statuses were not for sportspersons but those who participated in the liberation struggle.
By A Correspondent- Another earthquake rattled Kariba this morning with the epicentre estimated to be in Lake Kariba, several kilometres away from the one felt on Tuesday night.
This morning’s earthquake slightly increased in intensity to record 3,9 Magnitude on the Richter Scale. Tuesday’s quake was minor at Magnitude 3,6.
“An earthquake was felt in Kariba this morning the 18th June 2021 at 0735 local time,” said the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) in an update.
“Preliminary location shows that the earthquake occurred at Latitude -17.045 S and Longitude 27.941E and the magnitude was determined to be 3.9. The epicentre is in Lake Kariba.”
The last earthquake was inland. There were no reports of damage.
By A Correspondent- The government tightened localised COVID-19 lockdown restrictions for Mashonaland West province following a surge in infections and soaring deaths.
Mashonaland West is home to the late President, Robert Mugabe who comes from Zvimba.
In a statement last night, President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed concern over the rising cases in Makonde, Hurungwe and Kariba districts of Mashonaland West province, and added that Karoi was experiencing increased activity as a result of the 10 tobacco auction floors which were drawing farmers from as far as Gokwe, Chegutu and Harare.
The increased activity created fertile grounds for infections, thereby heightening the potential of spreading the virulent diseases to other parts of the country.
Mnangagwa said the government had lost two senior officials in Karoi.
In Chinhoyi, 15 people tested positive, while a serious outbreak in Zambia exposed Kariba to COVID-19 from across the border.
Following the rise in infections, Mnangagwa imposed a 6 pm to 6 am curfew, banned entry or exit from the hotspots, except for essential services.
Shops and businesses will open at 8 am and close at 3 pm, while public transport was ordered to carry half capacity.
Mnangagwa also banned physical meetings.
Truckers will only stop, park or rest at designated places only.
Tobacco auction floor employees will have to present a polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen COVID-19 test results not older than 10 days.
Zimbabwe has recorded increased infections in the past weeks, with cumulative figures hitting 40 556, while COVID-19-related deaths stand at 1 640.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has honoured the late first Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda who passed on yesterday more than he did to his mentor, Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa did this by declaring three days of mourning the late Kaunda the honour he did not give to the former President Robert Mugabe when he died two years ago.
“Following the demise of our region’s last surviving elder statesman, leader of the Frontline States in the struggle against colonialism, and founding President of Sister Republic of Zambia, Government of Zimbabwe has decided to declare three days of national mourning in honour of the dear departed. For the duration of these three days of mourning which start today, Friday, 18th June 2021, flags will fly half-mast throughout the country,” said Mnangagwa in a statement.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared three days of mourning the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda who passed on yesterday.
In a statement, Mnangagwa said for the duration of the three days, the country’s flag will fly at half-half-mast in honour of the late Pan-Africanist.
“Following the demise of our region’s last surviving elder statesman, leader of the Frontline States in the struggle against colonialism, and founding President of Sister Republic of Zambia, Government of Zimbabwe has decided to declare three days of national mourning in honour of the dear departed. For the duration of these three days of mourning which start today, Friday, 18th June 2021, flags will fly half-mast throughout the country. The government further encourages all religious organisations to pray for the late President, and for Father Rebeiro who also passed away yesterday.
Golden Arrows chairperson Mato Madlala says they will not block any player willing to leave the club during this pre-season.
Zimbabwean pair of Divine Lunga and Knox Mutizwa have been linked with transfers to big clubs after some brilliant performances last term.
Lunga is said to have attracted interest from the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates while Mutizwa is said to be among the shortlisted players wanted by Kaizer Chiefs when their transfer ban comes to an end in August.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Madlala said: “In this world you can’t stop anyone from leaving, there’s a song that says (Leave but you will miss me) so you can’t stop anyone from leaving, even a child you allow to play with fire so can learn.
“So, I don’t believe in stopping players or coaches if they want to leave, if you see greater opportunities chase them, as Arrows we will always find new players, it’s very important to develop more players.
“If you feel you ready to leave for other opportunities, we will allow that.”
Meanwhile, Arrows have already parted ways with their coach Mandla Ncikazi.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos says he never wanted to leave the Spanish giants and he was actually surprised when he was informed that the offer given to him initially, had expired.
The 13-time European champions shocked the world yesterday when they revealed that Ramos (35) will leave the club after 16 years of service, as contract renewal negotiations between the two parties hit a snag.
In his farewell press conference today, Ramos said his intention was never to leave Madrid.
“I accepted the 1-year offer at last, but the club informed me that the offer was no longer on the table. The contract renewal offer had an expiration date, and I didn’t know about it, ” a tearful Ramos said.
“I have never wanted to leave Real Madrid. In these last months the club offered me an offer of 1 year with 10% less salary. The money was never the problem. I wanted 2 years,” he added.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Q: How have the vaccines been developed so quickly? Does this mean that their safety and efficacy has been compromised?
A: The speed of development of COVID-19 vaccines has been unprecedented for several reasons, but the safety and efficacy requirements for vaccines have not been compromised, Vaccine development was facilitated by:
The massive financial investment by governments, industry and philanthropic organisations in vaccine development and the re-direction of much of the global research and commercial infrastructure for the development and manufacture of vaccines. Governments also enabled companies to take the commercial risk of manufacturing some vaccine stocks ahead of regulatory approvals.
New technologies adapted from the development of other vaccines – mRNA vaccines were developed for COVID-19 very rapidly after the sequence of the COVID-19 virus was determined, but the underlying technology had been under development since much longer and production could be scaled up very quickly. The adenovirus technology used for adenovirus vector vaccines was first tested with SARS, MERS and Ebola virus over the last 20 years, and so was able to be adapted quickly to COVID-19, which has several similarities to these viruses.
Clinical trial successes – it has been possible to rapidly recruit large numbers of volunteers into clinical trials and, with unfortunately high rates of infection in several countries, to complete trials with 10,000-50,000 people in a short period of time. Under normal circumstances, it may take many months or even a few years to carry out trials of this size to determine whether a vaccine is effective. Very close collaboration – between regulators, industry and clinical researchers enabled clear indications of regulatory requirements and early access to results.
Intensive and insightful research – researchers predicted that the “spike protein” on the virus would be a good target for vaccine development, and almost all vaccines have been designed to induce a response to this protein. So far, the spike protein has produced a strong immune response in those vaccinated, and for those vaccines that have reported clinical results are highly protective from COVID-19 disease. Q: Will mRNA vaccines affect the DNA of vaccine recipients?
A: No. The mRNA in the vaccine has not been shown to incorporate itself into the genes of vaccine recipients and breaks down in the weeks after vaccination. mRNA vaccines contain genetic instructions for our cells, which only read them and provide copies of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. This enables the body’s natural immune systems to cause a response in vaccine recipients if they are later exposed to the virus.
Q: How long will COVID-19 vaccination provide protection for immunised people?
A: We do not yet know how long protection from any of these vaccines lasts. We will get better insights over the next 12 months.
The duration of protection provided by vaccines can vary. For example, the seasonal influenza vaccine is given annually, because the influenza virus mutates, and protection wanes over a number of months. Other vaccines, such as those for rubella or measles provide multi-year or even life-long protection from disease. Mutations in key viral proteins can mean that virus variants emerge. The SARS-CoV-2-coronavirus is prone to mutations that creates variants, some of which have become established in a number of regions of the world. The scientific community and regulators are very actively monitoring whether the current vaccines can continue protecting people from infection with new variants. A number of vaccine developers are currently developing vaccines against the range of variants, and it is likely that booster shots with these vaccines will increase protection against known variants. Regulators have agreed that review of data on vaccines against variants will be facilitated based on assessment of immune response to the variant, in the same way that new seasonal influenza vaccines are evaluated each year. Q: Why are there so many vaccine candidates?
A: As the global seriousness of the pandemic became rapidly apparent, development of effective vaccines for COVID-19 became the top priority of many pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes. There was also unprecedented government and private sector investment in vaccine development. There is now a wide range of technologies for developing new vaccines – and many of the organisations developing COVID-19 vaccines have particular experience in one or more of these technologies. This has ensured that there would still be vaccines available if some were not approved for reasons of efficacy, safety or manufacturing challenges.
Q: What if many people start getting a reaction from a particular COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Short-term reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or headache are common following any vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. These reactions usually pass in a day or two. If new evidence becomes available that suggests that a specific serious adverse event may be linked to a particular COVID-19 vaccine then regulators will take action, working collaboratively on a global basis and liaise with public health authorities. The type of actions that can be taken depend on the nature of the adverse event, and could range from issuing safety warnings for patients, healthcare professionals and the community; updating the product information or consumer information for the vaccine to show contraindications for the use in particular patients (e.g. those with certain co-morbidities); to closely monitoring adverse events in certain groups of patients; preventing the release of a particular batch of vaccine through to temporary suspension of the use of the vaccine until more is known.
Q: How are regulators speeding up the time it takes to authorise a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Many regulators globally have implemented faster access pathways for COVID-19 vaccines, without compromising on strict standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Some countries have Emergency Use Authorisation pathways which assess the available data at the time of authorisation. Exercising these provisions is a matter for those countries, taking into account the benefits versus risks in the context of the prevailing domestic pandemic situation. Different countries may coin this pathway or authorisation routes differently but essentially, they follow the same principles. Other countries have implemented accelerated/priority, conditional or provisional approval schemes.
Under normal circumstances, regulatory assessment begins once all information to support registration is available. For COVID-19 vaccines, many regulators have agreed to accept data on a rolling basis to enable early evaluation of data as it becomes available. Regulators will only be in a position to make a provisional approval decision for a vaccine once there is sufficient data to support adequately the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine for its intended use. If a decision is made to grant provisional or conditional approval, it will be based on the requirement for the sponsor to submit more comprehensive, longer term clinical data, stability data and other information with agreed timelines. Q: Did our country approve this COVID-19 vaccine, or are we relying on another country’s approval?
A: Most countries are carrying out independent regulatory evaluations on the submitted data for each vaccine. However, to ensure a more efficient use of resources and expertise, regulators in different countries are communicating closely on safety, efficacy and quality data and discussing technical issues as they may arise. In many cases principles of WHO Good Reliance Practices and collaborative mechanisms leverage the output of other regulators.
Q: Why weren’t very rare blood clots with low platelets with the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccines picked up during clinical trials?
A: Thromboembolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia are very rare – with estimates based on the number of spontaneous reports suggesting an overall incidence on the order of 10-15 cases per million doses. The clinical trials of these vaccines included large numbers of people, often with 10,000 to 20,000 individuals in the active vaccine arms, but even in trials of this size it was statistically unlikely that such very rare events would be detected. This shows the importance of continual safety monitoring during the use of these vaccines, to allow very rare events to be detected and investigated further.
Source:
Joint Statement from the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities and World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has denounced political violence and intimidation of citizens by the Zanu PF regime.
President Chamisa made the remarks at the burial of four of the five Gutu accident victims in Chiwara on Wednesday.
President Chamisa described attempts by Zanu PF bigwigs to block him from addressing mourners as unfortunate and unexpected.
“We are here to mourn the tragic departure of our relatives.This is not a political gathering.
We therefore acknowledge the presence of political parties here.
Nobody should say this one has no right to address mourners.
I was surprised to note that my own uncle who is a Zanu PF councillor refused to greet me.That is very unfortunate…
At this gathering we are not representing political parties,” said President Chamisa.
” We are going through a grieving process and that is the most important factor here- politics aside ladies and gentlemen.
This is not the time for bickering. Pupurai Togarepi is my relative so why should we fight at a funeral? It’s very unfortunate,” added President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri| The MDC Alliance has described the late founding President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda as a Pan- African leader par excellence…
Dr Kaunda played a pivotal role in spearheading the stuggle for independence in many African countries.
The MDC Alliance has released a statement on the demise of the legendary Statesman:
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has described the late founding President of the Republic Dr Kenneth Kaunda as a key African liberation visionary.
Dr Kaunda died on Thursday at 97.
President Chamisa said Dr Kaunda was a true African model.
“A key African liberation visionary, a stalwart on whose shoulders we all stand. A model of what one nation can do to birth & benefit all. You fought great.
Your legacy is our call of duty and our compass. On behalf of the New Africa, I say RIP Our KK, Father Africa.
From your One Zambia, One Nation… we run with One Africa,One people! #RIPKK,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
COTRAD KICK-STARTS VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IN MASVINGO PROVINCE
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) has launched a massive voter registration mobilization campaign in Masvingo Province through online and offline platforms. The campaign is mainly targeting young men and women, especially those who are reaching voting age and therefore are facing their first opportunity to vote (#FirstTimeVoters). Broadly, the campaign also targets aliens and the older people who have not voted previously despite being eligible to do so, to go and register at their local Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) district and provincial offices.
The campaign is being unrolled through online television and radio programs, bulk messages, circulation of jingles and electronic fliers on whatsApp groups and other social media platforms and servicing of information centres with printed IEC content containing voter education material.
While, COTRAD voter clubs members educate and mobilize their peers to register as voters through checking out if their eligible family members, neighbours, friends, workmates or even girlfriends and boyfriends have registered to vote. However, community mobilization meetings have been put on hold due to lockdown restrictions. The campaign also aims to explore voter registration requirements and procedures as stipulated by the Zimbabwe electoral laws.
Voter registration after the 2018 harmonized elections has been taking place at a sluggish pace, considering the fact that thousands of youths became eligible to vote after the previous plebiscite. In Masvingo only six people registered to vote in May 2021.
Therefore, COTRAD has begun the campaign to educate young people about their role as citizens, their rights and responsibilities, the importance of voting, and how best to make voter choices and hold those they vote for accountable between elections.
Section 17A of the Electoral Act states that voter registration shall be conducted on a continuous basis so as to keep the voters rolls up-to-date. Therefore, every person claiming to be a voter shall be entitled, at any time while the voter’s roll is open, to lodge a claim for registration as a voter or for the transfer of registration as a voter. Aliens are also encouraged to register to vote in accordance with the electoral laws. The ZEC has been open for voter registration since the end of the 2018 harmonized elections except during the hard lockdown period.
The level of participation of youth in electoral processes is worrying despite the fact that youth represent over 60% of the national population.
If too many young people neglect their right to vote, in turn, this can lead to them becoming a marginalized group.
COTRAD shall keep on imploring ZEC to intensify voter mobilization and education programmes so that citizens, especially the youth can develop more interest in registering as voters and also actively participate in electoral processes.-COTRAD
Tinashe Sambiri|The late former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda was a selfless leader who dedicated his time to the struggle for freedom and emancipation of Africans.
Following his death on Thursday, President Edgar Lungu of Zambia has declared 21 days of national mourning in which all activities of entertainment nature have been suspended.
Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a seven (7) day mourning period following the death of the founding President of the Republic of Zambia.
The President of Botswana has also decreed that all flags must fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
Former President of Malawi Peter Mutharika wrote on Facebook:
Good morning friends,
Gertrude and I are downcast and shattered by the news of the demise of our mentor and friend former President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who has passed on yesterday June 17th after an episode of sickness at the Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka.
Kaunda is a hero who fought very hard for the liberation of his people and the entire Africa. He put Africa and his people first; a thing that all leaders must emulate.
I join hands with Africa, Dr Lazarus Chakwera and my fellow Malawians as we condole the President of Zambia, the Kaunda family and the entire Zambia for their painful loss.
May God receive his gentle soul in eternal peace and tranquility.
By A Correspondent| Desperate citizens seeking borehole drilling services have raised alarm over a borehole drilling scam allegedly being spearheaded by some illegal Indian immigrants who are fronting local agents in soliciting clients before extorting lots of money or delivering cheap quality service.
A farmer in Bluegrass plots near Ingezi Kadoma, Tendai Chikandamina fell into the hands of these scammers and lost a lot of money after being lured by their attractive service fees catalogue he came across on social media.
Speaking on his experience, Chikandamina said after a long search for cheaper boreholes on the internet he finally found the best rates through a borehole drilling Facebook page called Aqua Blue Borehole Zim charging at least US$500 for a 40 meter pegged hole and US$900 for 80+ meters inclusive of other additional charges such as siting fees.
“I was attracted by their fairly cheaper prices and their customer care, quicker responses on Facebook convinced me to try them. I immediately paid my first half payment through Ecocash transfer and agreed with the company that the other half will be settled when they come to the site” he said
He added that in two days, three local men from the contracted borehole drilling company came to his Farm with a rig-truck saying they had traveled from Harare, surprisingly they demanded their full payment before the job, which he paid, only to realise he had been scammed as they did not return to the site after requesting just a few minutes to top-up their rig with fuel and engine oil at a nearby garage.
Police investigations into that matter revealed that the rig was registered through Central Vehicle Registration (CVR) under a named Indian company, but the company denied its ownership stating it had auctioned the rig and other fleet three years ago.
An investigation carried by Zimbabwe Sentinel established that some of the Indians rigs are not registered and are using Temporary Import Permits for the vehicles.
Another survey carried by Sunday News Business in parts of the country established a worrying increase in the number of companies purportedly rendering borehole drilling services with a significant number of the companies being identical to an Indian community address book an indicator that the community might have leads in the ongoing borehole drilling scam
This investigation forced authorities in some towns to pull down posters and advertisements of some unverified borehole drilling service providers however, the generality of citizens have accused the same authorities for allegedly conduiting this ‘corrupt syndicate’.
Local citizens have remained skeptical on why this sudden mushrooming borehole business is allegedly privately owned by foreign nationals but, publicly disguised as locally run business?
Last year, a number of local newspapers carried a story that illegal Indian borehole drillers convened a private meeting to strategise on how they can take over the entire country using their capital and political influence.
Local citizens, who are almost taxed in everything be it goods or services have pleaded with government to investigate these illegal immigrants who are evading Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), NSSA’s mandatory 1% tax and not contributing to Zimbabwe Development Fund (Zimdef) defrauding the nation of the much needed revenue.
A source working closely with one of these Indian companies indicated that a company with one rig is getting untaxed revenues estimated at US$45000 per month, this means that a company with at least two rigs will have an average of US$100 000 every month.
The source also indicated that these companies were also exploiting desperate local citizens who front as agents to solicit more clients and sometimes negotiate with the police when caught on the wrong side of the law.
“A company with at least two rigs can have at least 25 agents to market and solicit for more business opportunities.These agents are paid for every business they bring, for example if one solicits for a US$1000 business he or she gets at least US$50 to US$100. This has however, resulted in extortion of unsuspecting customers as they try to maximize their earnings” the source said
Citizens have urged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to also investigate if these illegal Indian immigrants are not working in cahoots with people in immigration department to avoid deportation.
Some verified borehole drilling companies who spoke to this publication confirmed receipt of several complaints from the public over poor services and how they are being extorted of their hard earned money by these dodgy drilling companies.
“I want to confirm receipt of several complaints from the general citizens who are unsatisfied or have fallen victims of these illegal companies. Though, we do not have powers to curb this menace, as registered tax obliged businesses we are not happy with what is happening on the ground as this has also soiled our industry reputation in the mud” said the one borehole company brand and marketing manager who preferred anonymity.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has denounced political violence and intimidation of citizens by the Zanu PF regime.
President Chamisa made the remarks at the burial of four of the five Gutu accident victims in Chiwara on Wednesday.
President Chamisa described attempts by Zanu PF bigwigs to block him from addressing mourners as unfortunate and unexpected.
“We are here to mourn the tragic departure of our relatives.This is not a political gathering.
We therefore acknowledge the presence of political parties here.
Nobody should say this one has no right to address mourners.
I was surprised to note that my own uncle who is a Zanu PF councillor refused to greet me.That is very unfortunate…
At this gathering we are not representing political parties,” said President Chamisa.
” We are going through a grieving process and that is the most important factor here- politics aside ladies and gentlemen.
This is not the time for bickering. Pupurai Togarepi is my relative so why should we fight at a funeral? It’s very unfortunate,” added President Chamisa.
President Chamisa at the burial of Gutu accident victims
In a dramatic incident two ladies teamed up and thoroughly bashed a two-timing married man who was double-crossing them.
The incident happened on Thursday at the BCC-run Barrow Swimming Pool parking area in front of B-Metro lenses.
A lady who only identified herself as Sino, said she was alerted by her friend that Antony Mdhlongwa was with one of his string of girlfriends identified as W.
Sino found Antony sitting with Patricia and her child in the car. She pummelled him with open hands on the face while accusing him of cheating on her.
Patricia joined in the fray and slapped him on the face
By A Correspondent- A cleansing ceremony turned horribly wrong when a prophet was given a thorough beating by the husband of a woman whom he was allegedly caressing, claiming he was trying to get rid of evil spirits tormenting her.
The incident which is still the talk of Inyathi Business Centre in Matabeleland North province happened a fortnight ago.
It is reported that Lenox Mathe became upset with the way Clayton Mutasa, popularly known as Madzibaba Munana, was delivering his wife Marymore Ndlovu from an undisclosed ailment.
Madzibaba Munana is famed for his healing powers.
Madzibaba Munana is no stranger to controversy as sometime in 2019, he courted the wrath of some of his congregants after one of the female congregants claimed that he persuaded her to play with his manhood after she had approached him seeking spiritual healing.
According to a source who spoke to B-Metro, Mathe, who was following proceedings of his wife’s cleansing from a distance, became angry and went straight to Madzibaba Munana’s shrine and beat him up.
This was after he noticed that he was inappropriately touching her breasts and private parts.
While beating Madzibaba Munana, Mathe was reportedly heard shouting that it was unacceptable for the prophet to touch his wife’s private parts just for prayers.
“Angered by the strange way Madzibaba Munana was carelessly touching his wife in full view of people who were also waiting to be assisted by him, Mathe dashed to the shrine and savagely assaulted Madzibaba Munana with fists and kicked him all over the body. The prophet was later rescued by members of his congregation who rushed and held Mathe,” said the source who declined to be named.
When reached for comment Mathe furiously said: “That’s nonsense. Is he (Madzibaba Munana) the one who came to you and reported the matter? I will also deal with you once the matter is published in the Press.”
Madzibaba Munana, however, defended himself saying he was being led by the Holy Spirit to do what he did to Mathe’s wife in order to get rid of the evil spirits possessing her.
He further said he had since filed a charge of assault against Mathe at Inyathi Police Station, but investigations by B-Metro revealed that a report of such nature was never recorded at the police station in question.
Under a beautiful blue sky I sat with friends looking out at a view of mountains, hills and kopjes, rugged cliffs and red aloes, wind tossed ravens and exquisite sunbirds. A cold winter wind whispered and whistled through the pine trees behind us but sitting in the sun the layers of winter were soon removed and we just soaked up the warmth and the spectacle of our beautiful Zimbabwe. It had been a grueling journey to get here, 45 minutes to go less than nine kilometers and not another vehicle in sight for the whole trip; red rutted roads, eroded, strewn with rocks, torn with gullies, holes and cutaways leaving us crawling along at a snail’s pace. This is a prime tourist landmark in Zimbabwe and when we arrived, jolted, bumped and shaken, we were welcomed with a big smile and the words “Thank you for coming to see our view today.”
Aaah, don’t you just love Zimbabwe! Despite 7.9 million ‘extremely poor people,’ according to the latest figures released by the World Bank, and with many salaries not even enough to buy a loaf of bread a day, still people are warm, welcoming, polite and courteous. We are a country of such contradictions that it almost defies understanding. Just last week the Minister of Finance said there had been a budget surplus of 9.8 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2021 and yet where is it? Clearly not being spent on collapsing roads or decaying infrastructure or on over half of our population who are classified as ‘extremely poor.’
Despite eighteen months starved of tourists due to Covid restrictions, authorities have not taken the time to make ready for the day when visitors can come back. Because of the shocking state of 9 kilometres of road we had the place to ourselves: it is school holidays but there are no visitors, no tax dollars. A magnificent sunbird with gold specked iridescent feathers and a long curved beak flits from aloe to aloe, puncturing tiny holes at the base of long narrow flowers, hovering, sipping nectar, moving on.
Sitting in the sun on a bench in the winter sunshine looking out over World’s View which has been so beautifully and tastefully developed by the National Trust (an NGO), I think of the people we see every day in Zimbabwe, if only we choose to look and to listen to their stories. A young girl who stands in a cold wind on the roadside selling carrots, one US dollar a bunch she says, she is trying to get enough to pay her school fees which are due next week. The old woman whose government pension is worth less than US$40 a month, not even enough to pay her rent, but still she smiles as she pats my hand and tells me every day she must dig the fields to survive and says “we can never stop working.” The man who runs up a hill to tell us we are very welcome to come in and look around the beautiful St Catherines-in-the-Downs church where the altar overlooks the mountains but where services are no longer held regularly because there are not enough congregants. The old man with the blue and white wooly hat who sits in the sun teaching me how to make dried apple rings. Step by step he shows me what to do, what to add and when, what they should feel like when they’re ready. He is so eager to share his knowledge, so willing to explain the process, so happy to give me a sample to taste and encourage me to try and make my own. He throws his head back in laughter when I buy a bag and say I’ll think of him when I eat the apple rings on the road. And I do think of him.
As I write this letter the government insists that one US dollar is equal to 85 Zimbabwe dollars but on the street the same US dollar gets between 110 and 140 Zimbabwe dollars. The government’s recent Statutory Instrument (SI 127 of 2021) says that a fine of ZW$50,000 will be imposed on anyone selling goods at a rate above the official exchange rate. If I was the girl selling carrots for one US dollar a bunch, would I change that US dollar for 85 or 140 Zimbabwe dollars: it’s a no brainer isn’t it? And so we hold on to these precious moments sitting in the sun looking out at beauty, watching sunbirds and eating apple rings and never forgetting the special people we meet along the way, ever hopeful of the day when children don’t have to sell carrots to go to school and old ladies don’t have dig the fields when they’re in their seventies.
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council has embarked on a programme to repossess underdeveloped housing and business stands in various parts of the city in its latest bid to reclaim derelict land.
The repossession is set to be effected within the next 60 days if the owners do not show up to pay at the local authority.
In a notice to the residents, town clerk Christopher Dube said the city would be claiming the derelict land in terms of Section 5 of the Titles Registration and Derelict Lands Act, Chapter 20:20.
“Persons having claim on derelict land may apply to the High Court for relief,” part of the notice read.
“Whenever there remains due and unpaid for the space of five years any rate or assessment payable to any municipality or other public body upon any immovable property in Zimbabwe, and such property is abandoned, deserted and left derelict and the owner thereof cannot be found, it shall be lawful for the person or body claiming such rate to apply to the High Court, stating the amount claimed to be due and the grounds for relief under this Act.”
The city has already identified 15 such stands.
Dube said owners of the properties should make required payments to the council before repossession is effected.
By A Correspondent- A woman struck her husband with a padlock on the head before thumping him all over the body with a stick several times after he asked her why she disrespected him by answering her boyfriend’s phone call in his presence.
It is said on Monday this week at around 7pm while Prince Masuku (32) was sitting with his wife Dorothy Madumba (24) at their home, Dorothy’s boyfriend phoned asking where they could meet.
Dorothy moved a few metres away from her husband and spoke for more than 10 minutes on the phone, the court heard.
After she had finished talking to her alleged boyfriend, her suspicious husband asked her why she was disrespecting her by allowing her boyfriend to call her in his presence, the court heard.
It seems that stoked Dorothy’s anger as she ran amok and picked a padlock and struck Prince on the head, causing him to fall, the court heard.
As if that was not enough, Dorothy picked a stick and struck her husband several times all over the body, the court heard.
Prince sustained nine lacerations on the head and was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
Dorothy was arrested and appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncubeto to answer to physical abuse charges.
She pleaded not guilty to the charge.
She was remanded out of custody to next week on Tuesday.
By Josiah Mucharowana and Taruberekera Masara- MDC- Alliance Pretoria weighed in on distraught Zimbabweans caught up in a fire at Sakabuka Street informal settlement in Montana, Pretoria, by donating a gamut of goods sourced from party members resident in the country.
The devastating fire broke out earlier this month on the 7th of June affecting more than 250 Zimbabweans.
In an interview, MDC- Alliance Pretoria Chairperson Jerry Chauke said the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault since there are a lot of illegal and unsafe connections in the area.
Food, blankets, baskets, clothes and shoes all with an estimated value between R60 000 and R80 000 were some of the goods donated, Chauke said.
“There are a lot of unsafe connections in the area. Some of our members donated in the form of cash which will help in buying supplies to rebuild destroyed structures,” he said.
In addition, he said the fire was further incensed by three gas cylinders that burst and caused more damage.
“Three gas cylinders burst causing damage to many houses’, he said.
Sakabuka Street is a squatter camp housing South Africans but has foreign nationals from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi.
“On Monday 7th June 2021,last week we received a sad news from our MDC Alliance Pretoria District Organising Secretary leader Morphius Moyo to the effect that Montana Informal Settlement was razed down by fire,” he said.
“We do have a MDC Alliance branch in Montana. More than 250 people were affected and we quickly asked for donations from our members across South Africa,” he said.
“Our members responded quickly. We got donations ranging from blankets, clothing, food parcels among other things,” he said.
Pretoria district leadership, Chauke said, received the donations on behalf of Montana leadership and handed over the items to the affected families last Saturday.
“The event was emotional. We want to thank our members for going out of their way to help our fellow countrymen in times of need. We would also want to take this opportunity to thank our members in KZN for representing the party at a funeral of our fellow member there”, he added.
On the other hand, the chairperson said mobilisation programme for Citizens Convergence for Change Agenda is going ahead smoothly.
“Our districts across South Africa are going out to help branches mobilise people to join MDC Alliance and encourage them to register to vote’
“These past weeks we had Western Cape, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Botswana, Namibia, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal all going out to their branches to mobilise.The programme is yielding positive results,” he said.
Of late there have been incidences of fire breakouts in South Africa with citizens leaving heaters, and lanterns unattended to overnight as an option to fend off cold temperatures.
South Africa is experiencing rolling electricity blackouts due to inadequate supply, faulty power stations and the designate parastatal Eskom is battling tooth and nail to supply power nationwide.
The power utility is juggling loadshedding schedules as a result.
Last month two security officers died in their sleep allegedly from carbon dioxide inhalation when they left a heater unattended overnight in their locked room.
By A Correspondent- Five people believed to be relatives of the 23-year-old-man who died last week from injuries sustained after being attacked at Duriro Bar in the capital, were arrested on Wednesday after they dumped the body at the rural home of MDC-T vice president and former Harare mayor Elias Mudzuri.
Mudzuri owns the bar where the man was attacked and the victim’s relatives accuse the politician of having played a role in the assault. After dumping the body, police ordered the relatives to remove the body and proceed with burial arrangements pending the conclusion of investigations into the case.
According to reports, the relatives left Ronald Mukumbira’s coffin on a verandah at Mudzuri’s home in the Four Miles area of Zaka at around 6am on Wednesday. Mudzuri is under investigation after being implicated as one of the people who participated in the attack on Mukumbira, who comes from the same rural area with the former mayor.
Police urged the relatives to be patient and let the law take its course. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Section is now handling the matter. Mudzuri will be summoned soon once investigations have been concluded.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests yesterday.
“Five people were arrested for violating a dead body and investigations are still in progress. However, the body was buried yesterday (Wednesday) after the intervention of police and local traditional chiefs and the legislator for Zaka Central (Davison Svuure),” he said.
He said investigations in the case were in progress. The CID Homicide is investigating the matter. Mukumbira was allegedly assaulted on June 7 and died on June 10 at his house in Epworth, allegedly from injuries sustained during the attack.
A relative identified as Clephas Mambara (18), then notified Epworth Police who in turn contacted Harare Central Police where the docket was immediately referred to the CID Homicide for further management. The matter is under investigation under case number IR 060659.
Mudzuri and a relative identified as Leonard Mudzuri is said to have teamed up with other accomplices and allegedly assaulted Mukumbira at the bar along Coventry Road where he was drinking beer. After the alleged assault, Mukumbira was taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital by well-wishers and was discharged on the same date.
An unknown person helped Mukumbira to reach his house in Epworth where he told his mother, Mrs Netsai Mukumbira, that he was assaulted by Elias Mudzuri, Leonard Mudzuri and other unknown accused persons. It is alleged that he was later unable speak until June 10 when he died around 7pm.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE PASSING OF HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT KENNETH DAVID KAUNDA
The MDC Alliance has learnt with profound sadness of the passing of Zambia’s founding President and pan-African leader par-excellence, President Kenneth David Kaunda, at the age of 97 years.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia on this loss.
President Kaunda lived an extraordinary and exemplary life that embodied the pan-African values of selflessness, service, sacrifice and solidarity.
The liberation history of southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, can never be written without acknowledging the important role played by President Kaunda.
Affectionately known as “KK’, President Kaunda worked tirelessly with other leaders of the frontline states to ensure that the region was liberated from the shackles of colonial domination and apartheid.
He was a founding father of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). President Kaunda was also one of the first African leaders to hand over power peacefully following an electoral defeat in 1991.
He dedicated his postpresidency era to worthy causes including the fight against HIV/AIDS. Africa has lost a great statesman and one of its iconic giants!
In the true sense of our African philosophy of ubuntu and in recognition of the immense contribution of this great son of the soil to Zimbabwe’s independence, Zimbabwe must immediately declare a period of mourning.
Rest In Peace, KK.
One Zambia, One Nation!
Gladys Kudzaishe Hlatywayo Secretary for International Relations
By A Correspondent- There were fireworks at a meeting of opposition party MDC-T’s standing committee on Wednesday over allegations of looting of funds by the party’s executives.
Party deputy spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni was accused of deliberately leaking sensitive information to the Press in a bid to injure the reputation of Douglas Mwonzora and his leadership.
Phugeni is a top ally of vice-president Thokozani Khupe, who lost to Mwonzora at the party’s chaotic congress in December last year.
“There was an attempt to censor Phugeni, especially his interviews on Gambakwe News (an online television station based in South Africa). The standing committee members also accused him of leaking documents and internal party conversations to the Press,” a source who participated in the virtual meeting said.
Phugeni is said to have hit back, accusing Mwonzora of being the one responsible for leaking information and also trying to make other party members look bad except himself, said the source.
“Phugeni asked how HStv managed to break the news of the president (Mwonzora)’s meeting at the State House, when that meeting was not known by the top party leadership. He even accused Mwonzora of leaking the document he handed over to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the Press,” said the source.
Phugeni refused to comment over the matter yesterday.
“Those who leaked the details to you should give you everything. I do not speak to the Press on private meetings. I have principles, deal with those without,” he said.
After the standing committee meeting, top party leaders called HSTV offices looking for the document which Mwonzora allegedly handed over to Mnangagwa.
At the meeting, Phugeni is also said to have accused Mwonzora and the party treasury of stealing close to $24 million given to the MDC-T by government through the Political Parties (Finance) Act.
Disgruntled party member Patson Murimoga has already reported Mwonzora to the police over the missing funds and the police have confirmed investigating the MDC-T leader.
Insiders have, however, indicated that Mwonzora could have fallen out with his treasurer-general, Tapiwa Mashakada, who is also accused of stealing party funds.
“The party account is now clean, all the money has been taken out,” a top party official told NewsDay.
Party chairman Morgen Komichi professed ignorance, saying the matter was yet to get to his office.
“I am not sure about the issue of funds being stolen from the party. It has not been brought to my attention, maybe it will come,” Komichi said curtly.
In a statement, party spokesperson Witness Dube said the meeting went on smoothly, and that it endorsed the meeting between Mwonzora and Mnangagwa.
By A Correspondent- Woman from Njube suburb in Bulawayo allegedly stabbed her live-in boyfriend to death with a kitchen knife because she wanted to reconcile with a man she was once married to.
Ntombikayise Ndlovu (45) allegedly killed Nicholas Mavura who was her childhood friend, last Saturday.
The couple had been co-habiting for about 4 years. She allegedly made a false report to the police that Mavura had arrived home bleeding profusely after being stabbed by unknown assailants.
Chronicle carried the story on Tuesday and police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding Mavura’s death. It turns out that police were already suspecting Ndlovu at the time the story was published.
Ndlovu was arrested on Sunday after investigators found holes in her story.
“There were too many inconsistencies. At first, we put it down to shock as her husband had apparently died in her arms after being set upon by unknown thugs. However, some inconsistencies appeared deliberate,” said a police source.
Ndlovu is said to have stabbed Mavura after a heated misunderstanding, allegedly over her desire to rekindle her romance with her ex-husband, at Mavura’s family home in Njube. There were witnesses who heard the two fighting before Mr Mavura died. Ndlovu is said to have led the police to the recovery of the kitchen knife she allegedly used to kill him.
Yesterday, she appeared briefly before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Marygold Ndlovu who remanded her in custody. Appearing for the State, Miss Ashley Dube said Ndlovu killed her boyfriend in a heated dispute over breaking their relationship so she can go back to her “real husband”.
“On Saturday, Ndlovu stabbed her husband once on the left side of the chest with a kitchen knife over a misunderstanding with the now deceased over the issue of ending their relationship. The accused wanted to end the relationship so she could go back to her real husband. This did not go down well with the now deceased resulting in violence. Mavura died on the spot,” she said.
Mr Mavura’s family said they were still in shock following his death.
“As a family we will just say that we are unable to speak and have lots of questions and no answers. Burial arrangements are in progress,” said family spokesperson, Mr Admond Ntini.
Mr Mavura leaves behind two children from a previous marriage, who are in their early 20s. According to sources, the couple met a long time ago and were childhood friends. However, Ndlovu was reportedly making concerted efforts to reunite with her former husband.
The late Mavura and Ndlovu regularly drank beer together at Sidudla Bar in Njube.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has taken numerous measures to combat rising crime across the country.
He said ZRP has intensified foot, cycle and motorised patrols in crime-prone areas among other measures to arrest a surge in violent crime cases in recent months.
Kazembe was responding to Nketa Constituency legislator Phelela Masuku (MDC Alliance) who had asked him about measures being implemented by Government to stop the rising crimes. Said Kazembe:
There are numerous ongoing measures aimed at curbing armed robberies, burglaries and muggings which include the following: intensifying foot, cycle and motorised patrols in crime-prone areas.
In addition, the Commissioner-General has directed all officers commanding provinces to deploy Support Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, Duty Uniform Branch and Police Intelligence in hot spots to curtail the robbery cases.
The police command is engaging the Judiciary as well as another measure, urging them to impose stiffer penalties on perpetrators of violent crimes such as armed robberies, muggings and murder as a deterrent measure.
Kazembe said it was unwise for members of the public to keep large sums of cash at home or business premises as they risk falling victim to armed robbers.
He said:
We are also heightening awareness campaigns, educating members of the public not to keep large sums of money at home or business premises or even to move around with huge sums of money. You find for instance people moving around with R190 000.
I know there is a case where this amount was stolen. You find people keeping as much as close to a million United States dollars in a company safe when financial institutions are available.
Kazembe also blamed the increase in firearms on smuggling and on some licensed firearms owners’ failure to secure their guns.
He said:
Some licensed firearms owners are also not securing their weapons and, in the process, end up losing them to criminals who then use them to commit robbery cases.
Accordingly, the police are intensifying roadblocks, stop and searches as well as awareness campaigns to conscientise firearm license holders to adhere to the provisions of the Firearms Act which demands the safe storage of firearms at all times.
By A Correspondent- Former First Lady, Grace Mugabe is being accused of grabbing two Harare residential stands belonging to Rumbidzai Ankomah (nee Mzembi) and Xavier Mzembi which she gave to her relatives.
The Mzembis have approached the High Court seeking an order directing Grace’s sister, Shuvai Gumbochuma and a relative, Farai Mashonganyika, to compensate them or give them back the stands namely Numbers 91 and 228 Carrick Creagh, Borrowdale, which are valued at US$900 000.
A housing co-operative alleged that Grace armtwisted its officials into allocating the stands to her two relatives.
Sally Mugabe Heights Housing Co-operative, Arosume Property Development (Pvt) Ltd, the developer, Gumbochuma, Mashonganyika and Local Government minister July Moyo were cited as respondents in the application.
The Mzembis are demanding payment in the sum of US$900 000 or its equivalent in local currency being the present market value of stands which plaintiffs were allocated by the housing co-operative after they paid their fees and development and service charges in full.
In her affidavit, Ankomah said in November 2004, they joined Sally Mugabe Housing Co-operative which was developing land in Carrick Creagh.
She said she paid the development costs in full which amounted to US$78 572 the plaintiffs were allocated two stands, namely 276 and 277 in January 2007.
The housing co-operative on various occasions, the latest being through a letter dated April 30, 2021, confirmed that the plaintiffs paid the membership fees, all service and development costs for the two stands in full.
After a re-numbering exercise done by Arosume Property Development, which took over from the original developers, Exodus Development Consultancy, the plaintiffs’ stand numbers were changed to 91 and 228.
The housing co-operative advised the plaintiffs about the changes in a letter dated June 10, 2007.
Stand 91 is 8 003 square metres and stand 228 is 12 098 square metres.
“Contrary to the position that the plaintiffs had fully paid for the service charges and development costs of the stands, on October 17, 2011, Arosume furnished the plaintiffs with a bill in the sum of US$57 762 for each stand. Nevertheless, the plaintiffs continued to dispute the new charges that were being levied. Upon further investigation the plaintiffs discovered that their stands had since been occupied by Gumbochuma and Mashonganyika. Moreover, the Local Government minister had issued the plaintiffs with title deeds.
“This was despite the fact that the lands in question were acquired through the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development and the stands were not part of the commonage, but belonged to Sally Mugabe Heights Co-operative,” Ankomah submitted.
“As such, there is a possibility that the transfers were of a fraudulent nature especially considering that both the Housing Cooperative and Arosume deny recommending the two to be given title deeds by the Minister of Local Government.
“The plaintiffs suspect that Arosume’s demand for more development fees was in an effort to discourage them from pursuing their properties and mask the corruption involved in swindling the plaintiffs of the stands. This is further emphasised and to reduce the asking price of development fees to US$20 per square meter.”
Phew. It was a hectic week in many respects. A good week in my beloved journalism industry—a dream week for any news editor worth their salt as they were spoilt for choice when it came to the spangled banner colours for the day’s headline.
From Emmerson Mnangagwa’s shameful, unfounded and evidence-free allegations of terrorism against the people’s party to the confusion in the cockpit where the general has mounted yet another coup to showcase who is really in charge of the country. Indeed, the script moved from ED’s thespian antics with a false prophet while Chiwenga was taking charge of the country to the comic and treasonous allegations by a President, even one who stole an election, against the party that he fears the most and that he knows shellacked him in the 2018 plebiscite.
This is not to mention the penchant for meaningless meetings. Last week, ED met with Douglas Mwonzora as part of his continued “fruitful” engagements to resolve the country’s crisis with the irrelevant lot in and outside POLAD that also includes the likes of Bryn Mteki. This is the lot that ED is engaging nowadays to deal with the monumental crisis engulfing the country!
Mnangagwa’s meeting with Zanu-PF was not even incestuous as the two are beyond political cousins. When Zanu PF engages mkoma Douggie, everyone knows Zanu-PF will be engaging itself. In fact, Zanu PF was armorously engaging itself in a crude act of political masturbation. Zanu PF was simply kissing itself.
Forget the rhetoric of rational disputation. All we have practically is seen between Douglas and Emmerson is irrational non-disputation.
It reminds me of a Mathematics exercise we did in High school when we learnt about “shading the unwanted area”. The engagement with fringe political players who in any case agree with him must be a typical example of the utility in learning about “shading the unwanted area.”
AfalseprophetandafalsePresident
Amid a serious crisis demanding prudent leadership, the false President was sitting with the false “Twabam” prophet shooting a comic skit in a vain attempt to woo the despondent young voters to vote Zanu-PF. For the record, the youths need jobs and proper opportunities not skits.
The jacket of many colours that was donned by the passionate prophet sent out its own unique scriptural message. The equivalent biblical Joseph’s multi-coloured jacket that was donned by our passionate prophet was a poignant message that he was now the dear father’s beloved son and a key emissary in the political seduction of the youth vote ahead of 2023.
The optics of this duo was ironic in many respects. For a President who stole power in 2017 and for whom named ZEC personnel and Chief Justice Luke Malaba had to resort to affirmative action through acts of electoral malfeasance, it was only befitting that Mnangagwa be seen with one of the new leaders of the Affirmative Action Group. Indeed, rigging is a form of affirmative action to the electorally disadvantaged!
The sorriest candidate, especially one who is unelectable, always requires crude forms of affirmative action, including cheap propaganda skits that are be fittingly produced by the AAG.
The cast in the social media video was a twinsome set of a false prophet and a false President. The “falsity” of Mnangagwa’s Presidency was exposed not only in Excelgate, but by His Excellecy Dominic Constantino Nyikadzino Guvheya Chiwenga’s reversal of the purported permission to musicians to start performing live shows, which permission did not last a day.
Barely 24 hours after Mnangagwa said live shows could now proceed, His Excellecy Chiwenga mounted yet another coup and showed the world who really is in charge of the country’s affairs
Having spent the day shooting childish and comic skits with Passion Java, Chiwenga, in his own brazen way, dismissed ED’s live performances pronouncement as mere child’s play. Back in the village, during childhood play games of make-believe, we would simulate a real household. We would all presume to be the fathers of the simulated households (mahunbwe) but would quickly resort to our kindergarten status when irate parents arrived to throw away our toy household goods for the reason that we were soiling the family compound. Similarly, Chiwenga last week crudely stuck up the middle finger and told Mnangagwa he was a village playground father ( babavekumahumbwe ). Chiwenga simply told the nation to ignore all playground utterances and placed the nation under a fresh lockdown. The real father had arrived.
Move over. the chief pretender at Munhumutapa. We now know the man actually running the affairs in Zimbabwe.
Indeed, Nyikadzino is in charge!
Thetruepassionforterrorism
The last time it was State Insecurity minister Owen Muda Ncube who falsely claimed the MDC Alliance was training terrorists outside the country. This time this treasonous lie has been Presidentialised by none other than Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself.
Ideally, the President’s Office is a serious office that must not parrot cheap lies. For a whole President to claim that a party that is represented in Parliament and in local authorities is a terrorist organisation is the hallmark of failure. Such allegations from the highest office in the land should be evidence-based. In fact, a allegations of such high crimes must inevitably be accompanied by arrests because terrorism is a grievous matter in modern-day international relations.
But then, Mnangagwa has seriously cheapened the Presidency, especially now that his minions in the Office of the President and Cabinet allow him to peddle such embarrassing, vodka-tinged lies in full earshot of a bemused world. Indeed, and as I have said in a previous instalment, the Presidency as a venerated office the world over, has hit an all-time low under Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In modern-day State-craft, the man is simply out of his depth.
The irony was lost on him that under his leadership, it is in fact the State that has become a terrorist organisation—-one in the mould of Boko Haram and al-Shabaab. My claim is evidence-based because the Mothlante Commission inquiry set up by Mr Mnangagwa himself held that State security agencies, for which he is Commander-In-Chief, were responsible for the six murders of 1 August 2018. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, an independent commission set up in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe equally held that the police and the army were also responsible for the callous murder of 19 innocent Zimbabweans in January 2019.
This is not to mention the political and civic activists as well as lawyers and journalists that have been needlessly arrested and brutalised by the so-called new dispensation. The point is that it is the State under Mnangagwa that has become the source and author of all forms of terror against the innocent citizens of this country. As the Commander-In-Chief of a murderous securocracy, Mnangagwa is the chief terrorist as he is presiding over a blood-soaked piranha regime with a strange affinity for human blood.
Twabam as an ideoohonic expression denotes the sound of gunfire—the echo of the gun as an instrument of terror. That the so-called President would chuckle like a school-boy when the “prophet” dramatically exposed his adoration of this gunfire expression as well as the murderous credentials of his government. .
Indeed, twabam is the sound that must be associated with Mr Mnangagwa’s terrorist credentials as a Commander-in-Chief whose security agencies have been incriminated by two reputable bodies _viz_the Mothlante Commission and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
But there is a precedent. All genuine fighters for the people’s freedoms have been branded terrorists in this country. Mr Ian Douglas Smith disparagingly referred to the liberation war fighters as terrorists. The oppressors in this country have a history of falsely branding freedom fighters as terrorists. Zimbabwesns are not stupid. They know the country’s history and they will not be swayed by false nomenclature and warped constructivism that brands their freedom fighters as terrorists when in fact the real terrorists in this country have always been those wielding State power. Gukurahundi, the violence of 2000,2007/8 and the mindless bloodletting under the current regime are cases in point.
I have quoted a West African proverb in a previous oiece—the one that says Amandoesnotchaseratswhenhishouseisburning . A whole President, even one that stole an election, cannot ” twabamise ” their Presidential vocation when civil servantts are suffering and when our health and education are in the precipice. And shooting social media skits with false prophets while there is a huge crisis that needs a resolution out there is akin to a man who chases rodents while their burning house has become a huge ball of fire.!
HWANGE Magistrate Barbra Phiri has ordered Hwange Colliery Company (HCC) to allow a 29-year-old woman re-occupy her house after she had been evicted by the state-run coalminer.
On 11 March 2021, HCC security personnel evicted the 29 year-old Rosemary Nyamuba together with her two minor children from her house which she leases from the coal miner in Matabeleland North province and where she has been a resident for several years.
HCC claimed that it had received a complaint from Nyamuba’s neighbours that she was buying and selling some cool drinks and therefore running a shebeen at her premises and gave her 30 minutes to remove her belongings from the property and locked the house and took away the keys.
Nyamuba, who denied running a shebeen, complied with the HCC order and removed her property with the help of neighbours. Since she had not been served and given adequate notice to vacate, she had made no other plans and as a result she slept in the open with her two minor children.
Nyamuba approached lawyers Prisca Dube and Jabulani Mhlanga from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who on 12 March 2021 applied for a spoliation order at Hwange Magistrates Court and which was granted by Magistrate Phiri on the same day.
In the application Dube and Mhlanga argued that Nyamuba has a right not to be arbitrarily evicted from her home without a court order granted after considering all the relevant circumstances as enshrined in section 74 of the Constitution.
The lawyers further argued that leaving Nyamuba to live in the open with her two minor children would expose them to physical and psychological harm and was a violation of their rights to human dignity.
Nyamuba has since regained occupation of her residence.
ZLHR intervened by assisting Nyamuba to protect her right not to be arbitrarily evicted without a court order and to uphold the rule of law where people are not encouraged to take the law into their own hands as had been done by HCC.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday fired High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere.
Ndewere was victimised for opposing the former Chief Justice, Luke Malaba.
A Kangaroo court set by Mnangagwa found Ndewere guilty on two counts of misconduct.
“His Excellency, the President has accordingly, in terms of section 187 (8) of the Constitution, removed Honourable Justice Erica Ndewere from office with immediate effect,” read a statement issued by chief secretary to the president and cabinet, Micheck Sibanda.
By A Correspondent-A Chinhoyi, prison officer has been arrested for denouncing Mbuya Nehanda statue which was erected in the capital city last month.
Peter Kudzai Mushonga is being charged for using “traitorous and disloyal” words regarding the President or the government.
He is being charged according to section 3(1) of the Prisons (Staff) (Discipline) Regulations 1984 (using traitorous or disloyal words regarding the President or the government) or alternatively “being guilty of any other act, conduct, disorder, or neglect of duty to the prejudice of good order or discipline”.
When he appeared in court last week, Mushonga was being represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights lawyer Kudzai Choga.
The allegations were that Mushonga insulted Mnangagwa by posting a comment on social media platforms, which had a picture attached showing the President and traditional chiefs genuflecting to the statue of Mbuya Nehanda.
Mushonga is alleged to have commented that: “I wish all those kneeling in respect of the statue of the goddess go mad.”
By A Correspondent Prison authorities have targeted a prisons officer who was arraigned before the courts on charges of insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Peter Kudzai Mushonga is being charged for using “traitorous and disloyal” words regarding the President or the government.
He is being charged according to section 3(1) of the Prisons (Staff) (Discipline) Regulations 1984 (using traitorous or disloyal words regarding the President or the government) or alternatively “being guilty of any other act, conduct, disorder, or neglect of duty to the prejudice of good order or discipline”.
When he appeared in court last week, Mushonga was being represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights lawyer Kudzai Choga.
The allegations were that Mushonga insulted Mnangagwa by posting a comment on social media platforms, which had a picture attached showing the President and traditional chiefs genuflecting to the statue of Mbuya Nehanda.
Mushonga is alleged to have commented that: “I wish all those kneeling in respect of the statue of the goddess go mad.”
By A Correspondent- Exiled former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has dismissed claims that suggest that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the one who signed the new Parliament deal with China.
The communications department in the office of the President had claimed that the deal to construct the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden was signed by President Mnangagwa in 2018.
Read a tweet from the president’s office:
“The current Parliament of Zimbabwe building is now old and inadequate for all the modern needs of an august house. H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa visited China in 2018 and signed several agreements. One of them was for the construction of a new Parliament building on Mt Hampden.” Kasukuwere however, rubbished the claims suggesting that he signed the deal during the late president Robert Mugabe’s era. He said: “You are not doing your principal a favour. The parliament project started under Cde Chombo and I signed the new parliament project in Beijing, and it was under Pres Mugabe. We all want Zim to be great, but stop being petty. “Once a project has been signed and all agreed to, including the architectural drawings approved by cabinet, it was all systems go. There is also (more) that should be done to develop our country and today’s Govt will not accomplish everything. Let’s look into the future and move. “I will avoid going into more details because it’s not necessary. Govt’s are there to deliver and at times let the work speak than immature noises.” Kasukuwere also claimed that they constructed the road that leads to the site, water reservoirs and got the contractor on the site during Mugabe’s era. The incumbent government is being criticised for plunging the country further into oblivion. Critics cite the plummeting economy, the power crisis, and paltry workers’ salaries as some of the pointers to a degenerating state. Authorities, however, claim that since taking over in 2017, the Mnangagwa-led administration has accomplished a lot that could not be accomplished during Mugabe’s 37-year reign.
A woman from Njube suburb in Bulawayo allegedly stabbed her live-in boyfriend to death with a kitchen knife because she wanted to reconcile with a man she was once married to.
The stabbed boyfriend
Ntombikayise Ndlovu (45) allegedly killed Nicholas Mavura who was her childhood friend, last Saturday. The couple had been co-habiting for about 4 years.
She allegedly made a false report to the police that Mavura had arrived home bleeding profusely after being stabbed by unknown assailants.
Chronicle carried the story on Tuesday and police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding Mavura’s death. It turns out that police were already suspecting Ndlovu at the time the story was published.
Ndlovu was arrested on Sunday after investigators found holes in her story.
“There were too many inconsistencies. At first, we put it down to shock as her husband had apparently died in her arms after being set upon by unknown thugs. However, some inconsistencies appeared deliberate,” said a police source.
Ndlovu is said to have stabbed Mavura after a heated misunderstanding, allegedly over her desire to rekindle her romance with her ex-husband, at Mavura’s family home in Njube.
There were witnesses who heard the two fighting before Mr Mavura died. Ndlovu is said to have led the police to the recovery of the kitchen knife she allegedly used to kill him.
Yesterday, she appeared briefly before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Marygold Ndlovu who remanded her in custody.
Appearing for the State, Miss Ashley Dube said Ndlovu killed her boyfriend in a heated dispute over breaking their relationship so she can go back to her “real husband”.
“On Saturday, Ndlovu stabbed her husband once on the left side of the chest with a kitchen knife over a misunderstanding with the now deceased over the issue of ending their relationship. The accused wanted to end the relationship so she could go back to her real husband.
This did not go down well with the now deceased resulting in violence. Mavura died on the spot,” she said. Mr Mavura’s family said they were still in shock following his death.
“As a family we will just say that we are unable to speak and have lots of questions and no answers. Burial arrangements are in progress,” said family spokesperson, Mr Admond Ntini.
Mr Mavura leaves behind two children from a previous marriage, who are in their early 20s.
According to sources, the couple met a long time ago and were childhood friends. However, Ndlovu was reportedly making concerted efforts to reunite with her former husband.
The late Mavura and Ndlovu regularly drank beer together at Sidudla Bar in Njube. -Chronicle
…Insiders have, however, indicated that Mwonzora could have fallen out with his treasurer-general, Tapiwa Mashakada, who is also accused of stealing party funds…
There were fireworks at a meeting of opposition party MDC-T’s standing committee on Wednesday over allegations of looting of funds by the party’s executives.
Party deputy spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni was accused of deliberately leaking sensitive information to the Press in a bid to injure the reputation of Douglas Mwonzora and his leadership.
Phugeni is a top ally of vice-president Thokozani Khupe, who lost to Mwonzora at the party’s chaotic congress in December last year.
“There was an attempt to censor Phugeni. The standing committee members also accused him of leaking documents and internal party conversations to the Press,” a source who participated in the virtual meeting said.
Phugeni is said to have hit back, accusing Mwonzora of being the one responsible for leaking information and also trying to make other party members look bad except himself, said the source.
“Phugeni asked how HStv managed to break the news of the president (Mwonzora)’s meeting at the State House, when that meeting was not known by the top party leadership. He even accused Mwonzora of leaking the document he handed over to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the Press,” said the source.
Phugeni refused to comment over the matter yesterday. “Those who leaked the details to you should give you everything. I do not speak to the Press on private meetings. I have principles, deal with those without,” he said.
After the standing committee meeting, top party leaders called HSTV offices looking for the document which Mwonzora allegedly handed over to Mnangagwa.
At the meeting, Phugeni is also said to have accused Mwonzora and the party treasury of stealing close to $24 million given to the MDC-T by government through the Political Parties (Finance) Act.
Disgruntled party member Patson Murimoga has already reported Mwonzora to the police over the missing funds and the police have confirmed investigating the MDC-T leader.
Insiders have, however, indicated that Mwonzora could have fallen out with his treasurer-general, Tapiwa Mashakada, who is also accused of stealing party funds.
“The party account is now clean, all the money has been taken out,” a top party official told NewsDay. Party chairman Morgen Komichi professed ignorance, saying the matter was yet to get to his office.
“I am not sure about the issue of funds being stolen from the party. It has not been brought to my attention, maybe it will come,” Komichi said curtly.
In a statement, party spokesperson Witness Dube said the meeting went on smoothly, and that it endorsed the meeting between Mwonzora and Mnangagwa. – Newsday
Makonde district has been placed under a localised Covid-19 lockdown, becoming the third district in Mashonaland West Province to face such a measure after Hurungwe and Kariba with Karoi Town Council engineer, Mr
Oswell Mazvimbakupa, reportedly succumbing to the virus yesterday.
Eng Mazvimbaku (45) died in Karoi which was last week put under localised Covid-19 lockdown to thwart spiralling virus cases. Karoi Town Council chairperson, Councillor Abel Matsika confirmed the death.
Mnangagwa yesterday announced the further tightening of restrictions for the three districts as part of efforts to contain the deadly corona virus.
This comes after a spike in infections in Mashonaland West, particularly in Hurungwe, Karoi Town and Kariba, where increased deaths have been reported in the past few weeks.
The measures include sharply reduced business hours, a 12-hour curfew as well as prohibition of entry and exit in the said districts save for essential services.
Contact tracing has since been heightened with all contacts being quarantined while positive cases will be isolated.
In a statement read on his behalf by Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga last night, President Mnangagwa said the rising cases in Kariba could be attributed to a spike in cases in neighbouring Zambia.
According to statistics compiled by Worldometer, yesterday alone Zambia recorded more than 3 300 new cases and more than 33 deaths.
President Mnangagwa said Covid-19 cases were continuing to increase in the above-mentioned districts. On Monday Mashonaland West had 38 cases, 115 on Tuesday and 105 on Wednesday.
“Karoi has 10 tobacco auction floors and this has resulted in the town drawing growers from as far as Gokwe and Chegutu and people from Harare.
“The town is a business hub and has the potential to spread the disease to other parts of the country,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We lost two senior Government employees today in Karoi and in Chinhoyi, tests on 15 people found all 15 Covid-19 positive.
There is a serious outbreak in Zambia and this exposes Kariba to Covid-19 from across the border,” he added.
Zimbabwe this week adopted a new range of tightened measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus which has killed nearly four million people worldwide in two years.
The President said measures in the three districts would be tighter including banning people from loitering in public places and decongesting workplaces to 25 percent.
Funerals will be supervised by health authorities, a curfew will be in effect from 1800hrs to 0600hrs while business operating hours have been reduced to operate between 0800hrs and 1500hrs.
Public transport will carry half their capacity and there will be no face to face meetings. Every employee of a tobacco auction floor has to have a negative PCR or rapid antigen Covid-19 test not older than 10 days.
Hotels and lodges will provide room service only while bars, beerhalls and nightclubs are closed. Bottle stores will operate from 1000hrs to 1500hrs. Kwekwe in the Midlands Province is also under a localised lockdown.- Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
By Dorrothy Moyo | Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume on Thursday confronted Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni over crimes against humanity.
Writing his views out, Ngarivhume described Museveninas a fraud when the latter was praising the late Zambian icon, Kenneth Kaunda.
Ngarivhume said: “You are a fraud…You shut down the internet for 5 days to rig the election; authorized the use of live ammunition on defenseless civilians protesting the arbitrary arrest of Bobi Wine.
“You have zero moral authority or credibility to talk about Africa’s journey to freedom.’
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Kenneth David Kaunda was born on the 28 April 1924. He was affectionately known as KK and was a Zambian politician who served as the first President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule.
Dissatisfied with Harry Nkumbula’s leadership of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress, he broke away and founded the Zambian African National Congress, later becoming the head of the United National Independence Party (UNIP). He was the first President of the independent Zambia. In 1973 following tribal and inter-party violence, all political parties except UNIP were banned through an amendment of the constitution after the signing of the Choma Declaration.
Unlike all the leaders of the world Kaunda’ estate is estimated to be only worthy five million US dollars. This speaks volumes of him to the world outside. Kaunda stood out as one of the most humane and idealistic African leaders in the post-independence age. A man of great presence and charm, he played a notable role as a leader of the “frontline states” in the long confrontation between independent black Africa and the white-dominated south of the continent.
Kaunda was the last man standing as many of the frontline leaders had bowed out of this world. Kenneth Kaunda was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule.. He was married to the late Betty Kaunda who died in 2012. They were blessed with five Children Tilyenji Kaunda Wezi Kaunda Musata Kaunda Banda Cheswa Siliwizya. This day we have all been touched by the loss of KK who has left behind for us, his legacy of ‘service to others’. His famous words remain ever more important to us, “ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION.” Today, Kenneth Kamunda’s earthly remains lies in the cold room lifeless. Death never fails to make us review what life is all about; how precious it is and sometimes how undervalued too, by some. How fragile is this life we live when we are here today and gone tomorrow.
Death is the great equaliser for there is no regard for age, colour, class, creed, social status or material wealth. Death surely will visit every one of us sometime. We know no knowledge when or how, for it is a circumstance that very few of us have or can take control of.
There is no doubt in my mind that, in general African standards, KK has done quite extensively for the material, intellectual, economic and political development of Africa.
He kick-started the removal of arrogance, political intolerance and at worst cultism which was implanted by the oppressor. As a hero, KK could not banish dangers, but could banish fears.
We mustn’t demean life by standing in awe of death. Death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. Eternity…such a small word to describe such a haunting vastness. And so, we ask ourselves: Will our actions echo across the centuries?
Will strangers hear our names long after we’re gone and know who we were?
Kenneth Kaunda silently did that. Kaunda is described as an Idealistic president of Zambia at the heart of the fight for African independence. He sacrificed the prosperity of Zambia for others. He endured the sabotage by South Africa for the freedom of black South Africans. Kaunda gave his country to be a launching pad for Zimbabwe and with his white cloths celebrated the independence of each and every African state. The president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991, Kenneth Kaunda, who has died aged 97, stood out as one of the most humane and idealistic African leaders in the post-independence age. A man of great presence and charm, he played a notable role as a leader of the “frontline states” in the long confrontation between independent black Africa and the white-dominated south of the continent, which came to an end only in 1994 with the election of Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa.
Those who knew him best will tell stories of his bravery, his heroism, and his sacrifice. We will talk of how he stood by us through thick and thin, and how he saved others’ lives more than a few times. We will carry the memory of Kenneth Kaunda in our hearts forever. We will celebrate his life and we will cherish the memories of his fierce loyalty, unwavering convictions, and deep, faithful love for the country and for the people. This hero went from this life, but he is not forgotten; he will live on within us. His memory will live on through us, and it is our privilege and responsibility to ensure he is remembered forever for how honourably he lived, how bravely he fought and how fiercely he loved. It is very difficult to say words in memory to this hero of the beloved Zimbabwe and all Africa because of what he was and represented. A feeling of sorrow, an infinite grief catches our throats — sorrow for the loss of the nation yet great joy that we gained so much from such sacrifice. He went away, the soldier of the highest ideal of human redemption, exiled from his own country, persecuted by the tyrants and again true to his word died in his own country. We grieve for the whole of Zambia and Africa who remained, but in the very depth of our hearts, we are hallowed by our feeling of eternal gratitude to what he fought for, lived for and died for. From all aspects of life, Kenneth Kaunda came to us like a child of immortal Zambia and in the hardest days of the war, when our being was being trampled and threatened, it was Kaunda, the gallant son of the soil, who helped save the country with his fighting enthusiasm, heroism and spirit of sacrifice. Today we remember the hero who helped save a threatened country’s freedom and independence – the freedom and independence of our people and yet, profoundly loving liberty and justice, he came and offered himself to us unconditionally. Kenneth Kaunda gave us everything; his youth and his maturity; his science and his experience; his blood and his life, his hope and aspirations and he asked us for nothing in return. He made history in life and made history in death. Parents, when the years pass by and the wounds of war are healed; when the memory of the sad and bloody days dissipates in the presence of liberty, of peace and of well being; when the rancours have died out and pride in a free country is felt equally by all Zimbabweans, speak to your children about Kaunda the man from Zambia who saw no boundaries in his help and his quest for the freedom of others. Tell them of this man of valour. We shall never forget Kenneth Kaunda the great Zambian.
Kaunda hast made Africa’s future, our political circumstances, and how we could contribute to the common good. His conversations and enlightenment will be missed dearly, as we take time to get accustomed to the fact that he is no more present in the body. Kaunda wa An emotional man who often wept in public, Kaunda liked singing hymns and folk songs, and was a Christian inclined to his God.
Kenneth Kaunda was a voice of reason together with African-Frontline-leaders like Sam Nujoma,Samora Machel, Julius-Nyerere cde Robert Mugabe. He was in the league of Nkiwane Nkurumah and Jomo Kenyatta.
This writer had the rare opportunity to sit on the same table with KK. His presence was electric and still filled with dignity. He was born at Lubwa near Chinsali in the northern province of Northern Rhodesia, as Zambia was then called; his parents were immigrants from Nyasaland (as Malawi was then). His father, David, was a priest who became a teacher and his mother, Helen, was one of the first black teachers in the colony. They had been married for 20 years, and had seven children already, and he was christened Buchizya, “the unexpected one”. He was educated at Lubwa Church of Scotland mission school and then at Munali school, Lusaka – the premier secondary school for Africans in Northern Rhodesia. In 1943 he began teaching at Lubwa mission; he then spent time in Tanganyika, as Tanzania was then, before returning to become head of his old school in 1947. Kaunda now became involved in politics, first as secretary of the local young men’s farming association, which was a stepping stone to the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress (a separate organisation from the South African ANC, but with similar objectives of independence). In 1948 he founded and became secretary general of the Lubwa ANC branch; in 1950 he was appointed organising secretary of the ANC nationally. He showed energy and administrative capacity in this role, and soon rose to become secretary general of the ANC and deputy to its leader, Harry Nkumbula. He found himself having increasing brushes with the colonial authorities. He was firmly opposed to the Central African Federation (CAF), which came into being in 1953 as an attempt by Britain to unite the three territories of Northern and Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in what would have become a white-dominated dominion. In 1955 he was jailed for possessing banned literature and while in prison vowed to give up smoking and drinking, a vow he was to keep all his life. Widening his political horizons, he visited Britain for the first time in 1957 and then went on a trip to India, where he was seriously ill with tuberculosis.
The Zambian observer reported that Kaunda loved music. Music had been a life-long passion for Kenneth Kaunda from the time he was a teenager in Chinsali when he discovered the guitar.On his lonely assignments to drum up support for independence, the lanky young man spotting a Zonk-hair cut would ride long distances with a guitar slung across his shoulder. He would hold meetings and sing to his audience his own compositions.When he ascended to power, it was a common feature to see him strum his guitar singing a patriotic song or a love song dedicated to his late wife Betty. A song Zambians will fondly remember Dr.Kaunda by is “Tiyende Pamodzi nimu ntima umo” which is a song of unity. Kaunda will live in our hearts forever and ever. May his dear soul rest in peace.
Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum (ZTDF) commemorates ‘The Day of the African Child’.
16 June 2021
The pro-poor Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum joins the rest of Africa in celebrating the courage and determination reflected by the well-co-ordinated Action Committee of the Soweto Students Representative Council (SSRC) when they peacefully confronted the satanic apartheid regime resisting ‘The Afrikaans Medium Decree of 1974’. The decree forced all black schools to use Afrikaans and English in a 50-50 mix as languages of instruction. On this day, 16 June, revolutionary learners gathered at Orlando stadium to calmly protest against the insensitive government in South Africa. It began as a protest by thousands, mostly students, fighting against the government’s insistence that Afrikaans – a language of the white minority should be compulsory in Mathematics and Social Sciences.
As an organisation for educators in the diaspora, we are humbled by the sacrifice of these oppressed learners who were victims of a policy of separatism based on skin colour. The organisation champions quality education to everyone and creation of opportunities in the post-secondary era. The Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum salutes South Africa, Namibia and many other countries in the SADC and beyond for ensuring that there is free quality education aimed at transforming the livelihoods of their children. It is quite pathetic that in the motherland 23% of children have dropped out of school because of economic instability caused by bad governance. The suicidal policies in the education sector are aided by the anti-people annual paltry budget of 13% received consistently for the past three years.
Furthermore, in a purported democratic dispensation and post colonial Africa, it is quite sad that we continue to see the dreams and aspirations of vulnerably poor children and those with the working class backgrounds suffocate intellectually as irresponsible governments go on to display a cold shoulder in investing in the socio-economic liberation of our children. The students were not only angered by the segregatory 1974 decree but also the deteriorating school infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms contributed meaningfully to the students’ frustration. Schools for blacks were never upgraded so that they could remain inferior to the white minority. ZimbabweTeachersDiasporaForum lauds the Soweto Youth Uprising as it became the zenith or turning point in the battle against apartheid which sought to undermine the indigenous South African Child.
Moreover, the pro-poor organisation appeals to all the governments in Africa to commit and dedicate themselves in investing in the education of Black children who were butchered at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Orlando. The right to basic education is a universal fundamental right that should be enjoyed by all and sundry. The Coordinator mentioned a Fifteen-year-old Hastings Ndlovu who was probably shot before Hector Pieterson although he died later as a paragon of virtue and source of inspiration to all educators and learners. The high levels of human butchery perpetrated by the apartheid regime which left 200 innocent children or more killed in cold blood when over 20 000 learners marched against colonial masters reveals how sadist was the regime. This must compel independent African countries to guarantee the child’s right to free basic education.
Moreso, as educators in the fatherland and the diaspora, it’s our social obligation to support our learners against detrimental policies in the education fraternity. We pledge to defend the rights of our learners and teachers so that quality is guaranteed in our schools. What boggles the minds of teachers in the diaspora is that there is no difference between the apartheid regime and the so-called Second Republic. Infact, masters of apartheid appear to be toddlers in terms of repression of the voices of dissent. The killings of innocent citizens protesting against suicidal policies has become a national religion in our motherland. Right now we are commemorating this fundamental day of the African Child when our youth leader Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe is languishing in prison for mere whistling in town when murderers and gold smugglers are walking Scot free.
The illegal convictions of social democrats unravels that the Zanupf government is worse than apartheid, colonialism and assimilation and association. We have persecution by prosecution of our youthful leaders who are unemployed after acquiring their tertiary education certificates, diplomas and degrees. Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum continue to witness inhuman treatment of young opposition activists, journalists and human rights defenders such as Hon Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marova, Takudzwa Ngadziore , Womberaiishe Nhende , Terrence Manjengwa, Allan Moyo ,Nancy Njenge, Paidamoyo Masaraure, Tafadzwa Chiriga, Godfrey Kurauone, Commander Obey’Luther’Sithole, Ngonidzashe Mafumba, Prosper Tiringindi only to mention but few. These are young and energetic youths who are arbitrarily arrested and they endured long pre trial detention for speaking for the voiceless citizenry.
In a nutshell, our organisation desires to see better livelihoods of the youths in Africa not vice-versa. We demand free education and reasonable salaries for educators. We shall not tire because we want to go back to Zimbabwe to assist our own than to continue working outside our beloved country, developing foreign countries. The governments must take the youths seriously because they deserve quality lives and education.The sacrifice by the Soweto Students Representative Council who watered the streets of Soweto with their for the liberation of the African Child must be honoured and respected.
We urge African governments to support the youths in schools, in their homes so that their lives can be transfigured.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
Q: How have the vaccines been developed so quickly? Does this mean that their safety and efficacy has been compromised?
A: The speed of development of COVID-19 vaccines has been unprecedented for several reasons, but the safety and efficacy requirements for vaccines have not been compromised, Vaccine development was facilitated by:
The massive financial investment by governments, industry and philanthropic organisations in vaccine development and the re-direction of much of the global research and commercial infrastructure for the development and manufacture of vaccines. Governments also enabled companies to take the commercial risk of manufacturing some vaccine stocks ahead of regulatory approvals.
New technologies adapted from the development of other vaccines – mRNA vaccines were developed for COVID-19 very rapidly after the sequence of the COVID-19 virus was determined, but the underlying technology had been under development since much longer and production could be scaled up very quickly. The adenovirus technology used for adenovirus vector vaccines was first tested with SARS, MERS and Ebola virus over the last 20 years, and so was able to be adapted quickly to COVID-19, which has several similarities to these viruses.
Clinical trial successes – it has been possible to rapidly recruit large numbers of volunteers into clinical trials and, with unfortunately high rates of infection in several countries, to complete trials with 10,000-50,000 people in a short period of time. Under normal circumstances, it may take many months or even a few years to carry out trials of this size to determine whether a vaccine is effective. Very close collaboration – between regulators, industry and clinical researchers enabled clear indications of regulatory requirements and early access to results.
Intensive and insightful research – researchers predicted that the “spike protein” on the virus would be a good target for vaccine development, and almost all vaccines have been designed to induce a response to this protein. So far, the spike protein has produced a strong immune response in those vaccinated, and for those vaccines that have reported clinical results are highly protective from COVID-19 disease. Q: Will mRNA vaccines affect the DNA of vaccine recipients?
A: No. The mRNA in the vaccine has not been shown to incorporate itself into the genes of vaccine recipients and breaks down in the weeks after vaccination. mRNA vaccines contain genetic instructions for our cells, which only read them and provide copies of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. This enables the body’s natural immune systems to cause a response in vaccine recipients if they are later exposed to the virus.
Q: How long will COVID-19 vaccination provide protection for immunised people?
A: We do not yet know how long protection from any of these vaccines lasts. We will get better insights over the next 12 months.
The duration of protection provided by vaccines can vary. For example, the seasonal influenza vaccine is given annually, because the influenza virus mutates, and protection wanes over a number of months. Other vaccines, such as those for rubella or measles provide multi-year or even life-long protection from disease. Mutations in key viral proteins can mean that virus variants emerge. The SARS-CoV-2-coronavirus is prone to mutations that creates variants, some of which have become established in a number of regions of the world. The scientific community and regulators are very actively monitoring whether the current vaccines can continue protecting people from infection with new variants. A number of vaccine developers are currently developing vaccines against the range of variants, and it is likely that booster shots with these vaccines will increase protection against known variants. Regulators have agreed that review of data on vaccines against variants will be facilitated based on assessment of immune response to the variant, in the same way that new seasonal influenza vaccines are evaluated each year. Q: Why are there so many vaccine candidates?
A: As the global seriousness of the pandemic became rapidly apparent, development of effective vaccines for COVID-19 became the top priority of many pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes. There was also unprecedented government and private sector investment in vaccine development. There is now a wide range of technologies for developing new vaccines – and many of the organisations developing COVID-19 vaccines have particular experience in one or more of these technologies. This has ensured that there would still be vaccines available if some were not approved for reasons of efficacy, safety or manufacturing challenges.
Q: What if many people start getting a reaction from a particular COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Short-term reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or headache are common following any vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. These reactions usually pass in a day or two. If new evidence becomes available that suggests that a specific serious adverse event may be linked to a particular COVID-19 vaccine then regulators will take action, working collaboratively on a global basis and liaise with public health authorities. The type of actions that can be taken depend on the nature of the adverse event, and could range from issuing safety warnings for patients, healthcare professionals and the community; updating the product information or consumer information for the vaccine to show contraindications for the use in particular patients (e.g. those with certain co-morbidities); to closely monitoring adverse events in certain groups of patients; preventing the release of a particular batch of vaccine through to temporary suspension of the use of the vaccine until more is known.
Q: How are regulators speeding up the time it takes to authorise a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Many regulators globally have implemented faster access pathways for COVID-19 vaccines, without compromising on strict standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Some countries have Emergency Use Authorisation pathways which assess the available data at the time of authorisation. Exercising these provisions is a matter for those countries, taking into account the benefits versus risks in the context of the prevailing domestic pandemic situation. Different countries may coin this pathway or authorisation routes differently but essentially, they follow the same principles. Other countries have implemented accelerated/priority, conditional or provisional approval schemes.
Under normal circumstances, regulatory assessment begins once all information to support registration is available. For COVID-19 vaccines, many regulators have agreed to accept data on a rolling basis to enable early evaluation of data as it becomes available. Regulators will only be in a position to make a provisional approval decision for a vaccine once there is sufficient data to support adequately the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine for its intended use. If a decision is made to grant provisional or conditional approval, it will be based on the requirement for the sponsor to submit more comprehensive, longer term clinical data, stability data and other information with agreed timelines. Q: Did our country approve this COVID-19 vaccine, or are we relying on another country’s approval?
A: Most countries are carrying out independent regulatory evaluations on the submitted data for each vaccine. However, to ensure a more efficient use of resources and expertise, regulators in different countries are communicating closely on safety, efficacy and quality data and discussing technical issues as they may arise. In many cases principles of WHO Good Reliance Practices and collaborative mechanisms leverage the output of other regulators.
Q: Why weren’t very rare blood clots with low platelets with the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccines picked up during clinical trials?
A: Thromboembolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia are very rare – with estimates based on the number of spontaneous reports suggesting an overall incidence on the order of 10-15 cases per million doses. The clinical trials of these vaccines included large numbers of people, often with 10,000 to 20,000 individuals in the active vaccine arms, but even in trials of this size it was statistically unlikely that such very rare events would be detected. This shows the importance of continual safety monitoring during the use of these vaccines, to allow very rare events to be detected and investigated further.
Source:
Joint Statement from the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities and World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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A four-year-old boy died after he was hit by a bus along Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare yesterday while a tout was fatally stabbed near Simon Vengai Muzenda bus terminus in a dispute over passengers.
The boy was left in a car by his mother when she went into a funeral parlour, but was hit by the bus when he attempted to follow her, said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“He died instantly. Police are now conducting investigations. It is a sad incident. Parents must not leave children unattended,” he said.
In the tout case, police are now hunting the killers of Patrick Mudiwe, a tout. Mudiwe was popularly known as Kedha and his injured colleague was identified as Jasper Maoneke.
The deadly clash was sparked off when touts who are said to belong to Bolt Cutter and CAG buses, were fighting.
Mr Maoneke was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he was reportedly battling for his life.
Allegations are that Mr Mudiwe, who reports said helped load Bolt Cutter buses, had a scuffle with a tout identified only as Tinashe, who reportedly helped load CAG buses.
It is said as the scuffle ensued, a white Nissan Hardbody with concealed number plates arrived with a gang of up to 10 people who started assaulting Mudiwe.
Asst Comm Nyathi said while the 10 people in the Nissan Hardbody were assaulting Muduwe, reports are that he managed to escape and ran away.
He said as soon as Mr Mudiwe was stabbed and died, the suspects rushed back into their vehicle and sped off.
He warned bus operators to stop employing touts.- The Herald
By A Correspondent- Exiled former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has dismissed claims that suggest that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the one who signed the new Parliament deal with China.
The communications department in the office of the President had claimed that the deal to construct the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden was signed by President Mnangagwa in 2018.
Read a tweet from the president’s office:
“The current Parliament of Zimbabwe building is now old and inadequate for all the modern needs of an august house. H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa visited China in 2018 and signed several agreements. One of them was for the construction of a new Parliament building on Mt Hampden.” Kasukuwere however, rubbished the claims suggesting that he signed the deal during the late president Robert Mugabe’s era. He said: “You are not doing your principal a favour. The parliament project started under Cde Chombo and I signed the new parliament project in Beijing, and it was under Pres Mugabe. We all want Zim to be great, but stop being petty. “Once a project has been signed and all agreed to, including the architectural drawings approved by cabinet, it was all systems go. There is also (more) that should be done to develop our country and today’s Govt will not accomplish everything. Let’s look into the future and move. “I will avoid going into more details because it’s not necessary. Govt’s are there to deliver and at times let the work speak than immature noises.” Kasukuwere also claimed that they constructed the road that leads to the site, water reservoirs and got the contractor on the site during Mugabe’s era. The incumbent government is being criticised for plunging the country further into oblivion. Critics cite the plummeting economy, the power crisis, and paltry workers’ salaries as some of the pointers to a degenerating state. Authorities, however, claim that since taking over in 2017, the Mnangagwa-led administration has accomplished a lot that could not be accomplished during Mugabe’s 37-year reign.
By A Correspondent- Exiled former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has dismissed claims that suggest that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the one who signed the new Parliament deal with China.
The communications department in the office of the President had claimed that the deal to construct the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden was signed by President Mnangagwa in 2018.
Read a tweet from the president’s office:
“The current Parliament of Zimbabwe building is now old and inadequate for all the modern needs of an august house. H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa visited China in 2018 and signed several agreements. One of them was for the construction of a new Parliament building on Mt Hampden.” Kasukuwere however, rubbished the claims suggesting that he signed the deal during the late president Robert Mugabe’s era. He said: “You are not doing your principal a favour. The parliament project started under Cde Chombo and I signed the new parliament project in Beijing, and it was under Pres Mugabe. We all want Zim to be great, but stop being petty. “Once a project has been signed and all agreed to, including the architectural drawings approved by cabinet, it was all systems go. There is also (more) that should be done to develop our country and today’s Govt will not accomplish everything. Let’s look into the future and move. “I will avoid going into more details because it’s not necessary. Govt’s are there to deliver and at times let the work speak than immature noises.” Kasukuwere also claimed that they constructed the road that leads to the site, water reservoirs and got the contractor on the site during Mugabe’s era. The incumbent government is being criticised for plunging the country further into oblivion. Critics cite the plummeting economy, the power crisis, and paltry workers’ salaries as some of the pointers to a degenerating state. Authorities, however, claim that since taking over in 2017, the Mnangagwa-led administration has accomplished a lot that could not be accomplished during Mugabe’s 37-year reign.
By A Correspondent- Contemporary musician, Jah Prayzah in partnership with UNICEF has released a jingle to coincide with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child to help promote the Learning Passport.
The jingle is trending on social media platforms.
June 16 was set aside by the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) as Day of the African Child to commemorate to highlight and awareness about the education system in Africa.
As a United Nation agency that works towards improving education for children, UNICEF launched the Learning Passport in collaboration with Microsoft originally designed to provide education for displaced and refugee children through a digital remote learning platform.
The Learning Passport has since expanded to more countries and offers a country-level curriculum for children and youth.
Its launch in Zimbabwe came at a critical time when over 4.6 million learners in Zimbabwe have been out of school for extended periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) together with UNICEF embraced the opportunity to accelerate digital-assisted learning. Through active collaboration and regular engagement, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Microsoft and UNICEF built the Learning Passport Zimbabwe.
The Education Technology platform was officially launched in March 2021 to reach 300,000 learners by end of 2021.
By A Correspondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has politicised the death of Roman Catholic priest, Father Emmanuel Francis Ribeiro, and that the late priest used to visit him when he was in prison during the colonial era.
Father Ribeiro died this morning at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare at the age of 86. Fr Ribeiro was a composer and novelist.
He composed over 17 Roman Catholic Church songs.
Fr Ribeiro was born in 1935 in Chivhu and attended Kutama Mission, Gokomere and Gweru Teachers’ College. He studied Theology at Chishawasha Mission before enrolling for a Master’s Degree at Bloomington College of Music in the USA.
By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa has appointed a tribunal chaired by retired Justice Mafios Cheda to investigate the conduct of Justice Thompson Mabhikwa.
This comes after pressure has been mounting on the Bulawayo-based judge to step down to preserve the integrity and dignity of the bench after he was allegedly involved in an intimate affair with staff at the High Court.
The President appointed the three-member Tribunal, which also includes Harare lawyer Ms Philippa Philips and Mr Chaka Mashoko in accordance with Section 187(3) of the Constitution.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) notes with concern contents of a Press Statement by a Norton Based Chinese tile manufacturing company, Sunny Yi Feng Tiles (Zimbabwe) Pvt Ltd, to cover up its mistreatment of workers after it was exposed.
Instead of working on improving the situation at the company, the company went on to accuse the ZCTU of “bullying” and relying on so-called unreliable sources. It seems the company is more interested in protecting its ‘brand’ than the welfare of workers.
Let us set the record straight:
The ZCTU together with its affiliate union visited the company following complaints from employees that a number of their counterparts have been injured, some killed, and women sometimes collapsed because of exposure to gas leaks. They also complained of workplace Gender based violence and violation of national legislation and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 that deals with Violence and Harassment in the world of work.
Workers also complained that their rights were constantly violated as most of them are paid less than the stipulated minimum wages/salaries. The workers said they remain under paid even after the National Employment Council ( NEC)’s ruling that they be paid according to stipulated minimum wages prescribed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
It is a fact that on the 12th of June workers went on Strike over under payments but the management said it was because they had run their payroll and could not effect the stipulated minimums. The Chairman of the Workers Committee was arrested after the company wanted the workers committee reps to clean the toilets because of their decision and link with ZCTU.
Workers at the firm complained of being exposed to unsafe working conditions, and noncompliance with labour standards.
It must be understood that workers have basic fundamental rights and these are
• The right to membership to Trade Unions or a Workers Committee.
• The right to prohibition of forced labour.
• The right to protection against discrimination.
• The right to fair labour standards.
• The right to democracy at workplace.
The Company has a total workforce of 1700 of which 65% constitutes females whilst 35% are male. Below are some of our findings:
1. Safety Standards
It was quite shocking to learn that workers were asked to pay for the PPE provided by the company, each got a deduction of US$15. The company violated safety and health regulations as employees worked without provision of adequate PPE. Workers have not been taken for occupational medical checkups. It was so disturbing to discover that all the workers were exposed to hazards such as ergonomic, physical, mechanical, chemical, biological and psychosocial. This is a clear indication that provisions of SI 68/90 have been grossly violated and an urgent redress is recommended.
Some of workers have been injured and some killed as a result of workplace hazards and none of them compensated. There is serious under reporting of workplace accidents and this needs to be investigated.
2. Water Closets Facilities/Accommodation
The state of the water closets is so bad, as its flushing system does not work pausing a serious health hazard, a minute spent in the toilet is enough threat to one’s health. The workers’ health is threatened at all times, there is need to have the Ministry of Health come in to inspect the facilities as a matter of urgency. The state of workers’ accommodation is so appalling with 16 people sleeping in one small room and two sharing one single bed, worse still in the advent of Covid-19. This is in violation of the provisions of the Public Health Act Chapter 15:17. All workers have a right to strike, without any notice, when their health is threatened.
3. Working Conditions
All the employees were subjected to poor working conditions. It was brought to our attention that most of them were paid way beyond their actual pay days. When we went there, workers did not have pay slips, they were being paid way below the stipulated minimum wages as each employee was paid 3000 RTGs dollars per month against a minimum of US$100 for a general hand.
Their working hours were in excess of 8 hours per day as stipulated in the CBA covering the Ceramic Sector. There were wage deductions whenever one has requested for time off or even attending authorized meetings.
4. Freedom of Assembly and Association
We established that workers did not enjoy the right to freedom of assembly. The appointed workers identified as “Personal Assistants” are hell bent on harassing fellow workers and making sure they were not given time to attend to other issues and always issued them with warning letters and dismissals. They are denied the right to gather and discuss employees working condition, thus subjecting them to a circle of despair in violation of their rights. Everyone has a right to peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his or her interest.
The ZCTU recommendations are as follows:
1. Payment of appropriate stipulated wages/salaries
Management must honor the provisions of the CBA and pay workers the correct minimum wages according to their grades. On working hours, management is requested to stick to the hours prescribed in the Collective Bargaining agreement and any hours in excess should be deemed as over time and paid in terms of stipulated overtime calculations.
The other area that should be corrected is on delayed payment of wages. We implore upon management to start paying employees on time not beyond the stipulated date of pay. Wage deductions for attending sanctioned meetings or having gone to see a doctor must be discontinued and all those employees whose wages were deducted should be refunded their monies.
2. Occupational Safety and Health
It is very important that a comprehensive safety and health inspection be conducted and that all the workers taken for specific occupational medical checkups as a matter of urgency. Again, an Industrial Hygiene measurement must be quickly done especially within the department where there are gas leaks and all those exposed subjected to medical examinations.
Issuance of PPE should be at the expense of the Employer not employees, and therefore the payment made by employees towards procurement of PPE is not allowed in terms of the Factories and Works Act Chapter 14:08 and its accompanying regulations, therefore all the workers should be refunded their monies as a matter of urgency. They should also be established safety and health committee including the workers committee which must start engagements with management through organised meetings.
There is a serious need to look into the reconstruction of ablution facilities as the state of current ones pause a threat to the health of workers, such a facility should be a place to walk into without fear of possible health threats. We also recommend that the Ministry of Health and the local Authority Building and amenities visit the company without delay in order to save mankind otherwise to save young workers from contracting both non and communicable diseases.
3. Workers’ Accommodation
As already alluded to, the current state of accommodation where workers are housed should be demolished and better houses built for all the workers. Sharing of two workers on a single bed should be discontinued as well as accommodating 16 workers in one room. This includes the canteen facilities and the meals provided.
Conclusion
Instead of spending money in Public Relations stunts, the company must work on these issues. The ZCTU will continue to escalate the matter even up to the international level. We cannot sit by and while workers are being abused. When the Government made a call that Zimbabwe was open for business we do not think it was to do with investors asked to come and contribute to the destruction of workers’ physical, mental and social wellbeing through failure to adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa has appointed a tribunal chaired by retired Justice Mafios Cheda to investigate the conduct of Justice Thompson Mabhikwa.
This comes after pressure has been mounting on the Bulawayo-based judge to step down to preserve the integrity and dignity of the bench after he was allegedly involved in an intimate affair with staff at the High Court.
The President appointed the three-member Tribunal, which also includes Harare lawyer Ms Philippa Philips and Mr Chaka Mashoko in accordance with Section 187(3) of the Constitution.
By A Correspondent- The late former President Robert Mugabe’s daughter Bona and her husband Simbarashe Mutsahuni have approached the High Court challenging the Statutory Instrument (SI) 41 of 2020 published to reduce their 1 800-hectare Mazowe farm.
The couple cited Lands minister Anxious Masuka and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as respondents.
This was after Masuka published the Rural Land (Farm Sizes) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 (No 2) (SI 41 of 2020) on February 14, 2020, to facilitate the reduction of commercial sizes for redistribution to other farmers.
Mutsahuni and his wife said the SI was unconstitutional as the minister failed to consider important issues that were brought about the new law.
“The applicant has a direct interest in this matter, having been affected by the application of the provisions of SI 41 of 2020,” said Mutsahuni in his founding affidavit.
The amendment was done in terms of section 21 of the Land Commission Act (Chapter 20;29) repealing provisions of the Rural Land (Farm Sizes) Regulations, 1999, published in SI 419 of 1999.
In substance, SI 41 of 2020 sought to alter the sizes of land which can be held under the various natural regions in Zimbabwe.
The couple is a holder of an offer letter under Model A2 Phase II, in respect of Subdivision Consolidation measuring 1 804, 9719 hectares of Sigaro Farm, Mazowe district in Mashonaland province, which was granted on June 22, 2017 by the Lands minister.
“Acting in terms of SI 41 of 2020, the minister proceeded to withdraw the aforesaid offer letter with an express intention to reduce the extent of the land which we hold under the offer letter. This was unfair because it is common cause that the new SI came into effect when the old SI 419 of 1999, was in full effect,” Mutsahuni submitted.
“Despite this, it is also common cause that the minister did not adhere to the provisions of these regulations and proceeded to allocate individuals land sizes beyond the prescribed sizes under SI 419 of 1999. Pursuant to the promulgation of SI 41 of 2020, the minister has sought to pursue a rigid adherence to the new farm sizes stated therein.”
Mutsahuni said the SI was arbitrary in that its consequence was that it was applied retrospectively without regard to the nature and extent of investments made by any farmer who historically would have been on the farm.
He said they were not given any discretion to consider the suitability of the prescribed farm size against the extent of any investments made by farmer affected and the extent of utilisation.
By A Correspondent- Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, is facing prosecution after ignoring a court order compelling him to compensate a police brutality victim.
High Court in 2017 ordered the police to pay Margret Chanyuruka US$3,000 in damages after she was brutally assaulted by police in 2016.
Chanyuruka has filed a summons in the same court seeking an order compelling Kazembe to pay up.
Chanyuruka sued Kazembe and Matanga on March 3, 2017, demanding US$13,500 in restitution “for shock, pain, and suffering on the basis of vicarious liability against the respondents.”
Her claim was opposed, and the matter was set down for hearing, but Kazembe and Matanga did not show up in court, resulting in a default ruling for the applicant.
On July 8, 2019, the High Court referred the matter to the motion court to decide on the quantum of compensation which was reduced from the original US$13,500 claim to US$3,000 or equivalent in local currency.
Chanyuruka, a counselor by profession says on July 6, 2016, she was with a client in a house in Budiriro when six police armed with guns, baton sticks, and shields stormed in and started assaulting them.
“I endured excruciating pain as a result of this assault by the ZRP officers. I then sought medical attention at a private doctor at the counseling Service unit on July 12, 2016, where I was treated,” she said in her summons.
“I was shocked to see the said six vicious police officers armed with rifles and unlawfully gaining entrance into the house. I was emotionally traumatised by the whole act and sometimes faced difficulties in falling asleep in fear of dreaming this whole act. The ZRP officers assaulted me for no reason.”
Chanyuruka said the officers said they were looking for the husband of her client.
“They were supposed to ask my client for that person and follow due process if they wanted to search the house or to arrest him,” she added.
The matter is yet to be heard.
Victims of police brutality are increasingly fighting back in the courts with the help of human rights defenders such as the ZLHR, filing claims for damages against mainly Kazembe and police chiefs, who face a slew of lawsuits.
A taxi driver who was shot by a trigger-happy cop was on Monday awarded US$7,000 in damages by the High Court after suing Kazembe and Matanga.
Matthew Mundwa was shot in the leg one May night in 2018 by Constable Kelvin Madzima while driving to Bluffhill suburb in Harare to drop off a client.
SUBJECT;URGENT NEED TO GO ON A DOOR TO DOOR VOTER REGISTRATION EDUCATION BLITZ, AFTER LIFTING OF COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS BY GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION MDCA PARTY URGED.!!!!!
MDCA NEC/NC Member Mr Paddington Japa Japa is calling on all MDCA Political Party Members from the National Council down to Branches to go on a vigorous door to door Voter Registration education Blitz, immediately after the lifting of the Covid 19 Restrictions by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Childcare. Yes it is very true that Covid 19 is a Big threat to our lives,it is lethal and devastating.If we all become reckless and not follow the World Health Organisation,Ministry of Health,and Certified Health Professional health and safe living guidelines, we shall surely Perish.To those who suspect or know that they are Covid 19 Positive, they must not put the lives of other vulnerable Citizens at risk.
The Word of God in 2 Chronicles 7 vs 13 Says,If i shut up heaven that there be no rain,or if I Command the Locusts to devour the land,or if i send Pestilence (Epidemic diseases that are virulent, contagious,infectious and devastating) among my People; 14.If my People ,who are called by my name,shall humble themselves,and Pray,and seek my face,and turn away from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,and i will forgive their sin,and will heal their land. 15.Now mine eyes shall be open and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place.!!!
Our Lord God is very clear that he Permits some certain Situations and Calamities to happen amongst,His People,so that humanity can humble themselves,Pray to Him,seek His face and turn away from their wicked ways of life style.He God Almighty, will hear from heaven,forgive their Sin, and will heal their land.This message is from a Spiritual Perspective, but from a Humanistic Perspective, we have to Practice the World Health Organisation, Government through Ministry of Health and Childcare and Certified Health Practioners Directives and Guidelines.
However besides the above stated World Health Organisation and Health Ministerial requirements, humanity has to Satisfy Physiological Humanistic needs, to Survive. According to Famous Russian Psychologist Abraham Maslow,s Hierarchy of needs 1950.Humanity needs Food to eat,Shelter to live in, Better Education,Clean Water to drink and use,Money to Carter for everything, engage in Political Activities to bring change.Besides the effects of Covid 19 which are millitating against the above stated Humanistic Physiological needs. There must be a Balance between maintaining the highest Covid 19 health Standards, requirements and maintaining the day to day life supporting humanistic Activities,which if totally shut down, Human life might become extinct.
On the Political front the Zimbabwean Political Situation is currently languishing in the intensive care unit.There is need for a lot to be done versus the the constraints and unfriendly environment brought about by the Covid 19 epidemic.The Problem comes when the Zanu Pf Government uses selective Application of the law to deal with the Covid 19 threat.In the Past few months since the outbreak of the Pandemic, every Zimbabwean saw how Zanu Pf conducted its DCC and CCC Elections throughout the country during the Covid 19 lockdown Period, whilst attempts by the Opposition MDCA to hold rallies or small gatherings were twarted and crashed with impunity by the brutal regime Police,army and CIO agents.In a democratic Society, the law must be applied and used impartially to rule Citizens, and not to Oppress.In Zimbabwe Draconic law is used to punish innocent Citizens.
Under such circumstances members of the Opposition are always on the receiving end of such brutality and incaceration into filth unhygienic prisons cells.I therefore encourage members of the Opposition MDCA not to easily give up besides the persecution and harassment, but to continue fighting for Democratic and Political Space. As the main and biggest Opposition Political Party in Zimbabwe, MDCA must not surrender or easily give up their Constitutional rights,which are espoused in the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution.
MDCA must go on a Country wide Voter Registration blitz, immediately after the Zanu Pf Regime lifts the Covid 19 Restrictions.This must not be done in groups, but as individuals,one on one as you speak to every Zimbabwean, in streets,shops,bottle stores,bars,market places,at dip tanks,in the fields,at funerals,and everywhere else around the Country.The only best way for the Opposition to enter into Goverment is by encouraging every Zimbabwean Citizen who is 18 years and above, to go and register to vote. This Message must be spread everywhere around the country.Failure to do so means that there shall be a Voter apathy, at the next 2023 Plebiscite.It shall prove to be very difficult for the Regime to rigg when the numbers are too huge!!! MDCA shall also need to defend the Election Victory Jealously after voting, by deploying sufficient Election Agents and Observers at each and every Polling Station, around the Country.The Election Materials eg V11s must be kept Privately,Secure and Secretly after voting in case of post Election Con Court challenge!!!
THE AUTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE IS AN MDCA NEC/NC MEMBER, POLITICAL ACTIVIST,SOCCER ADMINSTRATOR,CIVIC SOCIETY LEADER,AN EVANGELIST AND TEACHER OF GOD,S WORD, AND HOLDER OF A BSC HONS PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE!!!????????????
By A Correspondent- Police has ordered relatives of a 23-year-old-man who died last week from injuries sustained after being attacked at the MDC-T vice president and former Harare mayor Elias Mudzur’s Duriro Bar in Harare, to be patient and wait for the completion of investigations.
The relatives of the deceased had dumped the body at the rural home of Mudzuri.
Mudzuri owns the bar where the man was attacked and the victim’s relatives accuse the politician of having played a role in the assault.
The relatives were ordered to remove the body and proceed with burial arrangements pending the conclusion of investigations into the case.
According to reports, the relatives left Ronald Mukumbira’s coffin on a verandah at Mudzuri’s home in the Four Miles area of Zaka at around 6 am on Wednesday. Mudzuri is under investigation after being implicated as one of the people who participated in the attack on Mukumbira.
Police urged the relatives to be patient and let the law take its course with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Section now handling the matter.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case, saying investigations were still in progress.
“We have intensified investigations with a view to ascertain what transpired on the day in question. The CID Homicide is investigating the matter and he (Mudzuri) will be summoned soon,” he said.
Mukumbira was allegedly assaulted on June 7 and died on June 10 at his house in Epworth, allegedly from injuries sustained during the attack.
The Warriors have been drawn against Senegal in the 2021 COSAFA Cup scheduled for next month in South Africa.
The two teams have been placed in Group C along with Namibia and Mozambique following a draw ceremony conducted in on Thursday.
Senegal are this year’s guest nation and will participate in the competition for the first time.
This year’s edition will have a new format with twelve teams split into three groups of four. The top side in each pool, as well as the best runner up, will advance to the semifinals. There will be no Plate competition.
Group A has hosts South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana while Group B has defending champions Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar and Comoros.
The tournament will take place from July 7-18 Ne.-Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Sergio Ramos is leaving the club after sixteen years.
The defender will not renew his contract when it expires at the end of this month.
Madrid had offered him a one year deal with a 10 percent reduction in salary, but the player didn’t accept as he was looking for at least a two-year year contract.
A press conference will be held tomorrow where Ramos will bid his farewell.
A statement by the club confirmed the development, saying: “Real Madrid CF announces that tomorrow, Thursday, June 17, at 12:30 pm, there will be an institutional act of tribute and farewell to our captain Sergio Ramos, with the presence of our president Florentino Pérez.”
made over 670 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring 101 goals.
He won twenty-two trophies with Madrid including five La Liga titles, three Champions League and four FIFA Club World Cup.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Q: How have the vaccines been developed so quickly? Does this mean that their safety and efficacy has been compromised?
A: The speed of development of COVID-19 vaccines has been unprecedented for several reasons, but the safety and efficacy requirements for vaccines have not been compromised, Vaccine development was facilitated by:
The massive financial investment by governments, industry and philanthropic organisations in vaccine development and the re-direction of much of the global research and commercial infrastructure for the development and manufacture of vaccines. Governments also enabled companies to take the commercial risk of manufacturing some vaccine stocks ahead of regulatory approvals.
New technologies adapted from the development of other vaccines – mRNA vaccines were developed for COVID-19 very rapidly after the sequence of the COVID-19 virus was determined, but the underlying technology had been under development since much longer and production could be scaled up very quickly. The adenovirus technology used for adenovirus vector vaccines was first tested with SARS, MERS and Ebola virus over the last 20 years, and so was able to be adapted quickly to COVID-19, which has several similarities to these viruses.
Clinical trial successes – it has been possible to rapidly recruit large numbers of volunteers into clinical trials and, with unfortunately high rates of infection in several countries, to complete trials with 10,000-50,000 people in a short period of time. Under normal circumstances, it may take many months or even a few years to carry out trials of this size to determine whether a vaccine is effective. Very close collaboration – between regulators, industry and clinical researchers enabled clear indications of regulatory requirements and early access to results.
Intensive and insightful research – researchers predicted that the “spike protein” on the virus would be a good target for vaccine development, and almost all vaccines have been designed to induce a response to this protein. So far, the spike protein has produced a strong immune response in those vaccinated, and for those vaccines that have reported clinical results are highly protective from COVID-19 disease. Q: Will mRNA vaccines affect the DNA of vaccine recipients?
A: No. The mRNA in the vaccine has not been shown to incorporate itself into the genes of vaccine recipients and breaks down in the weeks after vaccination. mRNA vaccines contain genetic instructions for our cells, which only read them and provide copies of the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. This enables the body’s natural immune systems to cause a response in vaccine recipients if they are later exposed to the virus.
Q: How long will COVID-19 vaccination provide protection for immunised people?
A: We do not yet know how long protection from any of these vaccines lasts. We will get better insights over the next 12 months.
The duration of protection provided by vaccines can vary. For example, the seasonal influenza vaccine is given annually, because the influenza virus mutates, and protection wanes over a number of months. Other vaccines, such as those for rubella or measles provide multi-year or even life-long protection from disease. Mutations in key viral proteins can mean that virus variants emerge. The SARS-CoV-2-coronavirus is prone to mutations that creates variants, some of which have become established in a number of regions of the world. The scientific community and regulators are very actively monitoring whether the current vaccines can continue protecting people from infection with new variants. A number of vaccine developers are currently developing vaccines against the range of variants, and it is likely that booster shots with these vaccines will increase protection against known variants. Regulators have agreed that review of data on vaccines against variants will be facilitated based on assessment of immune response to the variant, in the same way that new seasonal influenza vaccines are evaluated each year. Q: Why are there so many vaccine candidates?
A: As the global seriousness of the pandemic became rapidly apparent, development of effective vaccines for COVID-19 became the top priority of many pharmaceutical companies and medical research institutes. There was also unprecedented government and private sector investment in vaccine development. There is now a wide range of technologies for developing new vaccines – and many of the organisations developing COVID-19 vaccines have particular experience in one or more of these technologies. This has ensured that there would still be vaccines available if some were not approved for reasons of efficacy, safety or manufacturing challenges.
Q: What if many people start getting a reaction from a particular COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Short-term reactions, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue or headache are common following any vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines. These reactions usually pass in a day or two. If new evidence becomes available that suggests that a specific serious adverse event may be linked to a particular COVID-19 vaccine then regulators will take action, working collaboratively on a global basis and liaise with public health authorities. The type of actions that can be taken depend on the nature of the adverse event, and could range from issuing safety warnings for patients, healthcare professionals and the community; updating the product information or consumer information for the vaccine to show contraindications for the use in particular patients (e.g. those with certain co-morbidities); to closely monitoring adverse events in certain groups of patients; preventing the release of a particular batch of vaccine through to temporary suspension of the use of the vaccine until more is known.
Q: How are regulators speeding up the time it takes to authorise a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Many regulators globally have implemented faster access pathways for COVID-19 vaccines, without compromising on strict standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
Some countries have Emergency Use Authorisation pathways which assess the available data at the time of authorisation. Exercising these provisions is a matter for those countries, taking into account the benefits versus risks in the context of the prevailing domestic pandemic situation. Different countries may coin this pathway or authorisation routes differently but essentially, they follow the same principles. Other countries have implemented accelerated/priority, conditional or provisional approval schemes.
Under normal circumstances, regulatory assessment begins once all information to support registration is available. For COVID-19 vaccines, many regulators have agreed to accept data on a rolling basis to enable early evaluation of data as it becomes available. Regulators will only be in a position to make a provisional approval decision for a vaccine once there is sufficient data to support adequately the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccine for its intended use. If a decision is made to grant provisional or conditional approval, it will be based on the requirement for the sponsor to submit more comprehensive, longer term clinical data, stability data and other information with agreed timelines. Q: Did our country approve this COVID-19 vaccine, or are we relying on another country’s approval?
A: Most countries are carrying out independent regulatory evaluations on the submitted data for each vaccine. However, to ensure a more efficient use of resources and expertise, regulators in different countries are communicating closely on safety, efficacy and quality data and discussing technical issues as they may arise. In many cases principles of WHO Good Reliance Practices and collaborative mechanisms leverage the output of other regulators.
Q: Why weren’t very rare blood clots with low platelets with the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccines picked up during clinical trials?
A: Thromboembolic events with concurrent thrombocytopenia are very rare – with estimates based on the number of spontaneous reports suggesting an overall incidence on the order of 10-15 cases per million doses. The clinical trials of these vaccines included large numbers of people, often with 10,000 to 20,000 individuals in the active vaccine arms, but even in trials of this size it was statistically unlikely that such very rare events would be detected. This shows the importance of continual safety monitoring during the use of these vaccines, to allow very rare events to be detected and investigated further.
Source:
Joint Statement from the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities and World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
By A Correspondent- Five armed robbers shot and injured two Fawcett Security guards with an AK-47 rifle in Bulawayo’s industrial site on Monday night.
One of the security guards was shot in the head and is lucky that although a bullet hit his skull, the injuries are not life threatening.
In a statement on Tuesday, Fawcett Security Operations managing director Mr Andrew Laing said this was the second time this month where teams were attacked by robbers.
“In Bulawayo’s Industrial Site last night, our Alarms Reaction Team was attacked by five or more armed robbers who had broken into the premises and were preparing to blow the safe. Two of our staff were injured, fortunately not seriously. One was shot in the head, apparently with an AK-47 rifle, though the bullet creased the skull and the injury is not life threatening,” said Mr Laing.
He said the second incident occurred in Chisumbanje in Manicaland where six robbers raided his team before getting away with substantial amounts of money.
Mr Laing said they are anticipating that the robberies are set to increase.
“We certainly anticipate more similar incidents and in liaison with the police we are continually reviewing systems and equipment to counter the threat. Obviously, I will not disclose the details,” said Mr Laing.
“As our clients, whose safety and protection is our top priority, I urge you to be ultra-cautious and to be alert to all normal signs or risks; cash storages, vehicles following, unregistered vehicles, suspicious characters lurking around and valuables left in cars, opening doors and gates without checking-all these things are well known to everyone.”
He urged businesses and members of the public to exercise caution as they go about their day-to-day activities.
Police have said they will comment about the matter later.
By A Correspondent- Exiled former cabinet Minister and G40 kingpin Saviour Kasukuwere has dismissed claims that suggest that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the one who signed the new Parliament deal with China.
The communications department in the office of the President had claimed that the deal to construct the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden was signed by President Mnangagwa in 2018.
Read a tweet from the president’s office:
“The current Parliament of Zimbabwe building is now old and inadequate for all the modern needs of an august house. H.E. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa visited China in 2018 and signed several agreements. One of them was for the construction of a new Parliament building on Mt Hampden.”
Kasukuwere however, rubbished the claims suggesting that he signed the deal during the late president Robert Mugabe’s era.
He said:
“You are not doing your principal a favour. The parliament project started under Cde Chombo and I signed the new parliament project in Beijing, and it was under Pres Mugabe. We all want Zim to be great, but stop being petty.
“Once a project has been signed and all agreed to, including the architectural drawings approved by cabinet, it was all systems go. There is also (more) that should be done to develop our country and today’s Govt will not accomplish everything. Let’s look into the future and move.
“I will avoid going into more details because it’s not necessary. Govt’s are there to deliver and at times let the work speak than immature noises.”
Kasukuwere also claimed that they constructed the road that leads to the site, water reservoirs and got the contractor on the site during Mugabe’s era.
The incumbent government is being criticised for plunging the country further into oblivion.
Critics cite the plummeting economy, the power crisis, and paltry workers’ salaries as some of the pointers to a degenerating state.
Authorities, however, claim that since taking over in 2017, the Mnangagwa-led administration has accomplished a lot that could not be accomplished during Mugabe’s 37-year reign.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
President Chamisa at the burial of Gutu accident victims
Zimbabwe warriors star and English Premier League side Aston Villa midfielder Marvellous Nakamba has met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House this afternoon.
Details of the meeting are unknown but Secretary for Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said Nakamba brought with him former Nottingham Forest player Dexter Blackstock whom he said is eager to invest in Zimbabwe.
“Today Marvelous Nakamba and his team met the President. He comes in as an investor eager to plough back into the community. He was with Dexter Blackstock, a former Nottingham Forest player. Blackstone is very happy to be in Zimbabwe and to have a chance to invest in the country,” said Mangwana on Twitter.
Below are pictures of Nakamba arriving at State House
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights who attempted to seize the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday left the funeral proceedings in a huff after being humiliated by mourners and the bereaved family.
Zanu PF officials Pupurai Togarepi, Senator Lovemore Matuke and members of the feared Joint Operation Command(JOC) literally captured the funeral proceedings but later the left Chidyamakuni Village in awe after being embarrassed by mourners.
The Zanu PF bigwigs also attempted to block MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa from addressing mourners.This did not augur well with members of the bereaved family who maintained that President Chamisa had the right to address mourners as he was part of the family.
While the Zanu PF administration contributed a meagre RTGS 50 000 to the funeral programme, President Chamisa provided coffins and essential items.
President Chamisa is also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.
Briefing the media at the funeral, President Chamisa said:
“I am here as a close relative of the bereaved family. In actual fact I am part of this family.
You have heard what the government officials have said. That’s their contribution…
We managed to provide the essential items, including coffins.
We are also taking care of the treatment of the survivor of the horrific accident.”
“This is a sad episode for the whole family.It is a sad episode for the entire village. It is a sad episode for the whole nation.
We are not here to fight. It is time for us to reflect on the devastating loss,” added President Chamisa.
President Chamisa at the burial of Gutu accident victims on Wednesday
Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum (ZTDF) commemorates ‘The Day of the African Child’.
16 June 2021
The pro-poor Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum joins the rest of Africa in celebrating the courage and determination reflected by the well-co-ordinated Action Committee of the Soweto Students Representative Council (SSRC) when they peacefully confronted the satanic apartheid regime resisting ‘The Afrikaans Medium Decree of 1974’. The decree forced all black schools to use Afrikaans and English in a 50-50 mix as languages of instruction. On this day, 16 June, revolutionary learners gathered at Orlando stadium to calmly protest against the insensitive government in South Africa. It began as a protest by thousands, mostly students, fighting against the government’s insistence that Afrikaans – a language of the white minority should be compulsory in Mathematics and Social Sciences.
As an organisation for educators in the diaspora, we are humbled by the sacrifice of these oppressed learners who were victims of a policy of separatism based on skin colour. The organisation champions quality education to everyone and creation of opportunities in the post-secondary era. The Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum salutes South Africa, Namibia and many other countries in the SADC and beyond for ensuring that there is free quality education aimed at transforming the livelihoods of their children. It is quite pathetic that in the motherland 23% of children have dropped out of school because of economic instability caused by bad governance. The suicidal policies in the education sector are aided by the anti-people annual paltry budget of 13% received consistently for the past three years.
Furthermore, in a purported democratic dispensation and post colonial Africa, it is quite sad that we continue to see the dreams and aspirations of vulnerably poor children and those with the working class backgrounds suffocate intellectually as irresponsible governments go on to display a cold shoulder in investing in the socio-economic liberation of our children. The students were not only angered by the segregatory 1974 decree but also the deteriorating school infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms contributed meaningfully to the students’ frustration. Schools for blacks were never upgraded so that they could remain inferior to the white minority. ZimbabweTeachersDiasporaForum lauds the Soweto Youth Uprising as it became the zenith or turning point in the battle against apartheid which sought to undermine the indigenous South African Child.
Moreover, the pro-poor organisation appeals to all the governments in Africa to commit and dedicate themselves in investing in the education of Black children who were butchered at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Orlando. The right to basic education is a universal fundamental right that should be enjoyed by all and sundry. The Coordinator mentioned a Fifteen-year-old Hastings Ndlovu who was probably shot before Hector Pieterson although he died later as a paragon of virtue and source of inspiration to all educators and learners. The high levels of human butchery perpetrated by the apartheid regime which left 200 innocent children or more killed in cold blood when over 20 000 learners marched against colonial masters reveals how sadist was the regime. This must compel independent African countries to guarantee the child’s right to free basic education.
Moreso, as educators in the fatherland and the diaspora, it’s our social obligation to support our learners against detrimental policies in the education fraternity. We pledge to defend the rights of our learners and teachers so that quality is guaranteed in our schools. What boggles the minds of teachers in the diaspora is that there is no difference between the apartheid regime and the so-called Second Republic. Infact, masters of apartheid appear to be toddlers in terms of repression of the voices of dissent. The killings of innocent citizens protesting against suicidal policies has become a national religion in our motherland. Right now we are commemorating this fundamental day of the African Child when our youth leader Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe is languishing in prison for mere whistling in town when murderers and gold smugglers are walking Scot free.
The illegal convictions of social democrats unravels that the Zanupf government is worse than apartheid, colonialism and assimilation and association. We have persecution by prosecution of our youthful leaders who are unemployed after acquiring their tertiary education certificates, diplomas and degrees. Zimbabwe Teachers Diaspora Forum continue to witness inhuman treatment of young opposition activists, journalists and human rights defenders such as Hon Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marova, Takudzwa Ngadziore , Womberaiishe Nhende , Terrence Manjengwa, Allan Moyo ,Nancy Njenge, Paidamoyo Masaraure, Tafadzwa Chiriga, Godfrey Kurauone, Commander Obey’Luther’Sithole, Ngonidzashe Mafumba, Prosper Tiringindi only to mention but few. These are young and energetic youths who are arbitrarily arrested and they endured long pre trial detention for speaking for the voiceless citizenry.
In a nutshell, our organisation desires to see better livelihoods of the youths in Africa not vice-versa. We demand free education and reasonable salaries for educators. We shall not tire because we want to go back to Zimbabwe to assist our own than to continue working outside our beloved country, developing foreign countries. The governments must take the youths seriously because they deserve quality lives and education.The sacrifice by the Soweto Students Representative Council who watered the streets of Soweto with their for the liberation of the African Child must be honoured and respected.
We urge African governments to support the youths in schools, in their homes so that their lives can be transfigured.
By A Correspondent- Former Health and Child Care minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has been indicted to the High Court for trial on criminal abuse of office charges.
Prosecutor Garudzo Ziyadhuma told the court that Moyo’s trial will kick off on September 6. Ziyadhuma said:
_We are applying that the accused be indicted to the High Court for trial on September 6 this year after the completion of documents processing._
The State alleges that Moyo influenced the awarding of a US$60 million tender to Drax International, which is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.
The tender was concluded without the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe’s approval.
Moyo allegedly influenced the awarding of the tender to Drax International, which sold COVID-19 drugs and personal protective equipment to the government at inflated prices.
President Emerson Mnangagwa fired Moyo last year over the charges.
Police had to intervene yesterday when relatives of a 23-year-old-man who died last week from injuries sustained after being attacked at Duriro Bar in the capital, dumped the body at the rural home of MDC-T vice president and former Harare mayor Elias Mudzuri.
Mudzuri owns the bar where the man was attacked and the victim’s relatives accuse the politician of having played a role in the assault. The relatives were ordered to remove the body and proceed with burial arrangements pending the conclusion of investigations into the case.
According to reports, the relatives left Ronald Mukumbira’s coffinon a verandah at Mudzuri’s home in the Four Miles area of Zaka at around 6am on Wednesday. Mudzuri is under investigation after being implicated as one of the people who participated in the attack on Mukumbira.
Police urged the relatives to be patient and let the law take its course with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Section now handling the matter.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case, saying investigations were still in progress.
“We have intensified investigations with a view to ascertain what transpired on the day in question. The CID Homicide is investigating the matter and he (Mudzuri) will be summoned soon,” he said.
Mukumbira was allegedly assaulted on June 7 and died on June 10 at his house in Epworth, allegedly from injuries sustained during the attack.- The Herald
By A Correspondent- An 18 year old Brazilian woman has reportedly died while having se_x on her wedding night.
O Tempo, a Brazil-based publication, reported that the young bride died last Thursday after suffering a heart attack while enjoying d0ggie-style se_x.
Reports by the cops revealed that she collapsed while consummating her marriage with her new 29-year-old husband.
“She started to feel unwell and collapsed at the couple’s home in the city of Ibirité in Brazil,” the article read.
The local news outlet said the husband screamed for help, asking neighbour to call a taxi to take his wife to the hospital.
A driver allegedly answered the call but refused to help them up until an ambulance was called.
“The doctor found the newlywed in cardiac arrest. He intubated the patient, but she died on the spot,” O Tempo reported.
The publication said local authorities were called to the scene and the neighbour told the cops that she did not hear any screams leading to the death of the bride.
By A Correspondent- A 21 year old man from Matetsi outside Victoria Falls who is being accused of having se_x with a minor told a court that he never slept with the juvenile although the 14-year-old girl continuously pestered him for se_x.
Artwell Mathe of Masikili village under Chief Shana pleaded not guilty to having se_xual intercourse with a young person and performing indecent acts with a young person.
He appeared before Victoria Falls resident Magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa yesterday where he pleaded guilty to f0ndling the girl but denied having se_x with her.
He was remanded out of custody on his own cognisance to Tuesday next week.
Mathe told the court that the complainant at some point eloped to his home on two occasions and he took her back to her parents.
The girl is doing Form Two at a local school and both live in the same area.
The two allegedly had a se_xual relationship starting in August 2019 until the girl’s mother caught them caressing each other in a bush and reported the matter to the police, hence the charge of performing indecent acts with a young person.
Prosecuting, Mr Asher Chindedza said the complainant told her mother she had sex with Mathe.
“During the month extending from August to September 2019, the accused and complainant had sexual intercourse twice with the complainant’s consent at his place of residence. The matter came to light in September 2019 when the complainant’s mother found the two in a bush in Matetsi,” said Mr Chindedza.
A medical report showed that the girl had been penetrated.
The court heard that Mathe proposed to the girl in August 2019 when the two met at a borehole and the two lovebirds later had sex.
G40 kingpin Saviour Kasukuwere has accused the department of communication in the office of President Emmerson Mnangagwa of misleading him on the construction of the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
Through its Twitter handle the presidential communications Zimbabwe said it was going to share the progress of Parliament today.
“Are you wondering what has since happened to one of the mega deals signed by H.E. President @edmnangagwa in China in 2018, the construction of the new parliament building in Mt Hampden, Harare? We will share the progress to date on this handle @1700 hours tonight@Parliament Zim,” reads the tweet.
Kasukuwere responded saying the project was started in the former president Robert Mugabe’s era and he is the one who signed it hence the department was not doing justice to Mnangagwa.
“You are not doing your principal a favour.The parliament project started under Cde Chombo and l signed the new parliament project in Beijing and it was under Pres Mugabe.We all want Zim to be great, but stop being petty,” responded Kasukuwere.
However, Kasukuwere is in exile but seemingly in touch of things happening in Zimbabwe and still has ambitions to be back in government.
UK-based businesswoman and socialite Olinda Chapel has refuted claims that she infected her husband Njabulo Tytan Nkomo with HIV.
This comes after social media influencer Tatelicious Karigambe-Sandberg went Live on Instagram accusing Olinda of infecting her ex-husband Stunner and her current husband Tytan with HIV.
In the video circulating on social media, Tatelicious went on to claim that Nandi is Stunner’s baby.
Following the trade-off on social media, Olinda Chapel published her HIV results and those of her husbands on social media to prove that she cannot transmit HIV to anyone;
Olinda went all guns blazing and blasted Tatelicious for peddling falsehoods. She said she is ready to take Tatelicious to court for defamation of character
Captioning the results, Olinda wrote;
“Tell that MAN to get educated on HIV Those are my results that state as undetectable and my husband’s results that state he is HIV negative. Undetectable means you can not pass on a virus to ANYONE. Stop stigmatisng HIV just because you havent come to terms with yours. You are busy doing a live creating lies and peddling manyepo ako. We are suing you and it’s not a joke. I want you to show me where ndakauraya munhu or my husband!”
The Warriors have been drawn against Senegal in the 2021 COSAFA Cup scheduled for next month in South Africa.
The two teams have been placed in Group C along with Namibia and Mozambique following a draw ceremony conducted in on Thursday.
Senegal are this year’s guest nation and will participate in the competition for the first time.
This year’s edition will have a new format with twelve teams split into three groups of four. The top side in each pool, as well as the best runner up, will advance to the semifinals. There will be no Plate competition.
Group A has hosts South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana while Group B has defending champions Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar and Comoros.
The tournament will take place from July 7-18 Nelson Mandela Bay.
By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a tribunal to investigate High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa whose nude pictures and ‘saucy’ chats with multiple lovers were leaked in a judges WhatsApp group.
According Proclamation 4 of 2021, Mnangagwa appointed Retired Judge Justice Raphios Cheda as chairperson of the tribunal with Justice Secretary Virginia Mabhiza being secretary to the tribunal.
Other members of the tribunal are Mr Chaka Mashoko and Mrs Phillipa Magnify Phillips.
Justice Mabhikwa caused a social media storm early this year when one of his lovers leaked his nudes after discovering that he was seeing other women.
Mabhikwa also stands accused of breaching the employment code of conduct as one of the women involved was a surbodinate.
