By A Correspondent- A Gukurahundi memorial plaque has reportedly been stolen in Silobela, Midlands Province, barely a fortnight after unknown people removed a similar structure in Bhalagwe, Matabeleland South Province.

The plaque was erected by Bulawayo-based pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu in memory of 12 villagers that were killed during the Gukurahundi massacres in 1985 in Silobela.

Speaking to NewsDay by phone on Sunday, Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo blamed the State for the theft of the Silobela Gukurahundi memorial plaque. He said:

We hold the State solely responsible for the theft. We condemn in the strongest terms the theft of the memorial plaque.

Late last month, a Gukurahundi memorial plaque unveiled by Chief Fuyane with the support of Ibhetshu Likazulu in Bhalagwe, Maphisa was stolen barely hours after its erection.

The unveiling of the Bhalagwe memorial plaque was done during a memorial service held in memory of the people who lost their lives during the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres.

Over 20 000 people, mainly of Ndebele ethnicity were killed by the Fifth Brigade, according to the Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice, which compiled a book on the atrocities titled Breaking the Silence, Building True Peace: A Report on the Disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands, 1980 to 1988.

More: NewsDay

By A Correspondent- A chief of the Mambo dynasty, Bekezela Nyathi is embroiled in a bitter wrangle over mineral claims for gold in Fort Rixon with a miner Blessed Ndiweni.

The claims in question are at Car Rhom North 20 mine, which is located at Mount Royal Fort Farm, Fort Rixon in Matabelaland South.

Ndiweni (the miner) at the weekend told Southern Eye that Car Rhom North 20 mine was inside a plot owned by the South Africa-based Lozwi King.

He alleged that chief Nyathi invaded his mine on February 27 this year and extracted gold and which he sold on the black market.

“Mount Royal Farm is legally owned by Patrick Hove, while Mambo is a plot holder inside the farm where my mine is located,” Ndiweni said.

“Nyathi is exploiting minerals and selling them to the black market, while he has no mining permit. He is always collecting gold ore using a three-tonne truck and taking it to a stamping mill using South African registered vehicles. Who knows where he is taking the minerals? These are the people who might be involved in smuggling gold out of the country,” he said.

Ndiweni claimed that recently he approached the police over the matter. Contacted for comment Nyathi said he did not even know Ndiweni, adding that he only spoke to him on the phone.

“I was looking for people who were illegally mining in our farm and left open pits which killed our 10 cattle.”

Nyathi said when he inquired at the Mines office about who was mining at Car Rhom North 20 he discovered that it was a syndicate of four people.

“I found that their papers had expired and Ndiweni’s name was not even among the owners. If he says it is his mine then he must pay for our 10 cattle which were killed due to the illegal mining activities that are leaving open pits on our farm. The farm belongs to King Mike Moyo of the Mambo dynasty,” Nyathi said.

He also alleged that Ndiweni was sponsoring a machete gang in the area.

Matabeleland South provincial mining director Khumbulani Mlangeni said he had not received any official complaints about the mine wrangle from Ndiweni.

“I do not remember receiving any official complaint from Ndiweni. What I remember is that Nyathi once called us to report that there were people that are illegally mining in the farm,” Mlangeni said.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The trial of the MDC Alliance Midlands deputy treasurer, Knowledge Makiwa, who is being accused of insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been postponed to next month by Zvishavane magistrate Archie Wochiunga.

This was after State witnesses failed to turn up again in court.

The complainant, Clemence Veteran, a State security agent failed to bring a key witness whom he said was in Victoria Falls, forcing Wochiunga to postpone the matter to July 6.

This is the fourth time since 2017 that the case has been deferred following

previous postponements after failure by the State to avail witnesses.

Makiwa is being charged with undermining the authority of or insulting the President following an alleged altercation on December 25, 2017 between the MDC Alliance youth leader and a State security agent.

Makiwa is alleged to have said in Shona, “pfutseki nechiCIO (Central Intelligence Organisation) chako. Pfutseki naPresident vako Mnangagwa”, loosely translated to mean, to hell with your CIO, to hell with your President Mnangagwa. Veteran made a police report leading to the arrest of Makiwa.

By A Correspondent- Government is prepared to repossess land from farmers who are not fully utilising it and allocate it to deserving ones as it moves to strengthen the agricultural recovery plan ahead of Vision 2030.

Speaking during the tour of Mucherengi and Summerhills in Mhangura last week, Minister of State in the Office of the President and Cabinet (in-charge of Special Agriculture-related Programmes), Cde David Marapira said non-productive farmers should surrender their pieces of land or risk losing them to deserving farmers.

He toured the area in the company of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka.

“If you have a farm with water bodies and not utilising it, know that we are coming for that piece of land. And if you are not productive, the government, is not going to backtrack on that.

“We have a statutory instrument which was passed and it is going to work for the benefit of Zimbabweans and not individuals.

“Zimbabwe should go back to be the regional and international food provider through productivity and those not producing, I am sorry, we are taking that land,” said Minister Mharapira.

He bemoaned how other farmers were averting paying taxes despite having been given the land by the Government for free.

In her opening remarks, Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said Government seeks to get rid of “cell phone farmers” who have contributed to low yield production despite the Second Republic’s drive to cut food import bill. Most urbanites who got pieces of land have been using electronic communications means in running their farms hence the term “cellphone farmers”.

“We are aware of many people with idle land. They are hiding.

“We are coming after you. We cannot afford it in this day and age. If you know that you cannot manage the land, you should surrender it.

“The President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa is speaking of productivity, sustainability and profitability. So we are, therefore, supposed to put our plough on the soil to produce and contribute to the provincial and national’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” she said.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said farmers should take farming as business and be on their farms always to save their land from repossession.

She lamented timber plantations on prime land which has taken a centre stage among most resettled farmers in Mashonaland West, thereby affecting food production.

“Some of you are putting gumtree plantations. Do we consume gum trees? Why are you having those gum trees? We will relocate you if you cannot use water bodies on your farms. Please tell others who are not here about this new development,” she said.

One of the host farmers, Ms Nomhle Mliswa urged struggling farmers to venture into private partnerships to fully utilise the land.

She entered into a five-year partnership with white commercial farmers that have fully transformed the farm into an economic and employment hub where maize, soya beans, wheat, potatoes and animal husbandry have been fully integrated.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Outspoken Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), has urged the government to deploy the army to assist the police in combating rampant armed robberies across the country.

Mliswa noted that the army assisted the police in enforcing the coronavirus-induced lockdowns and should therefore be unleashed on armed robbers who have become a terror in recent months.

Mliswa posted on Twitter:

The incidents of armed robbery have reached unprecedented levels, it’s worrying. We’ve seen the army being deployed to maintain regulations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can’t the same be done to deal with these armed robbers who are wreaking havoc?

If [the police] do not have the capacity, can’t the army step in to ensure safety in the country before things degenerate even further?

Zimbabwe is generally a peaceful country, but this peace is being shattered by these criminals. Who will invest under such conditions?

Govt must come in with an operation involving the army to nip this criminality in the bud. The operation should not be limited to roadblocks but the army must be with the people to safeguard the people and these places being targeted.

Mliswa believes the head of the police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga doesn’t have what it takes to combat crime.

He said in spite of his obvious shortcomings, former Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri prised over an effective police force.

Added Mliswa:

The Police and Army should strategically monitor some of these service stations. Where are you Army when you are needed? You’re the last line of defence.

Unfortunately, the Police don’t have a leader in Matanga and are failing dismally to maintain order.

Chihuri with all his shortcomings and corruption nevertheless ran a tight ship and the police were a force to reckon with. Something clearly lacking with today’s crop.

Mliswa’s call follows a spate of armed robberies across the country in recent weeks, with businesses and individuals losing thousands of cash and other valuables. Several people have also been shot dead or seriously injured during the robberies.

By A Correspondent- Two girls from Queen Elizabeth High School, Nokutenda Saurombe (16) and Ruvarashe Moyo (15), are set to represent Zimbabwe at the international Science Internship Program (SIP) to be virtually hosted by the University of California Santa Cruz(UCSC), in America.

The two, who are in Form Three, become the first African pupils to make it into this program where 320 school children across the globe are expected to participate.

The internship starts today and will run until August 14. In an interview, the two students promised to use the opportunity to learn new things and make collaborations with others.

“I really feel excited to be working with renowned scientists and collaborate with them. I am going to popularise astronomy across our continent, Africa,” said Moyo.

Saurombe said: “I feel humbled to be representing my nation at this level. I believe this will create more opportunities for me and my vision is to come up with solutions and impact positively on people’s lives.”

Zimbabwe Science Fair director Mr Knowledge Chikundi described the development as a milestone for Zimbabwe.

“This development impresses us because our vision is to equip young Zimbabweans with skills and opportunities in science and technology.

“Seeing these two making it at such a highly competitive international programme, it says a lot about the passion in our young people for science and astrology,” he said.

USSC professor and chair of the department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and founder of the SIP program Mr Raja Guha Tharkuta told The Herald that they were excited to host students from Africa for the first time.

“The University of California Santa Cruz (USCS) Science Internship Programme (SIP) team is very excited that Ruvarashe and Nokutenda will be among this summer’s cohort of 320 interns from all over the world,” he said.

“They will be the first students from Zimbabwe to take part in SIP. In fact this will be the first time in its 13 years of operation that this program has participants from Africa.”

Tharkuta said the two will work on a research project called “We Are Stardust” which is at the intercession of science, culture and art as it brings together western science and indigenous knowledge about the universe in a beautiful way.

Among their previous projects Moyo made a project in which she experimented to see if one can generate electricity from bacteria in mud and she was able to generate 1,2 volts from that.

Last month she was a Genius Olympiad finalist and was awarded a scholarship worth US$12 000 to study at a university in United States.

Currently she is working on a project to turn bricks into electrical storage units.

Saurombe has previously done a project of turning plastic waste into fuel and won a silver medal at the Africa’s Science Buskers Festival this year among other achievements.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Lack of maintenance has seen the iconic Birchenough Bridge being turned into a one-way passage for vehicles weighing less than 25 tonnes as assessments of the structure revealed that it could pose danger to motorists if weight restrictions were not enforced.

A boom gate at each end of the bridge prevents more than one large vehicle from driving across at any given time.

There are cracks on both ends of the bridge’s tarmac entry points while the structure shakes each time heavy vehicles drive past.

The ageing Birchenough Bridge — a key tourist attraction — is evidently crying out for attention.

Locals who use the bridge daily as they walk or drive to and from the business centre, work and school are therefore now living in fear of having the 377-metre long structure crumble underneath them.

In fact, pedestrians now fear for their safety to the extent that they run past the bridge to avoid being on the structure concurrently with heavy trucks.

The bridge connects the road between Mutare and Masvingo as well as Buhera and Chipinge districts.

Birchenough Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country.

Foundations were commenced in April 1934 and were ready for steelwork in November.

The arch span was completed on June 17th, 1935, and the concrete roadway was practically complete at the end of September, 1935.

The iconic arch bridge was designed by Engineer Ralph Freeman and was built by Dorman Long.

The structure was named in honour of businessman, Sir John Henry Birchenough, who served as chairman of the Beit Trust.

However, lack of maintenance over the years has seen the structure weakening with the passage of time.

The bridge’s structures have also suffered battering from Cylones Eline and Idai-induced floods.

Around March 2019 when Cyclone Idai hit the country, Save River threatened to flood the bridge.

Locals and an employee at the bridge’s boom gate told The Manica Post that they have never witnessed any maintenance work being carried out on the bridge.

“We have not seen any maintenance works being carried out on this bridge. Misplaced or not, there is genuine fear among locals that the bridge might collapse anytime,” said the boom gate worker who declined to be named citing protocol.

When contacted for comment, Manicaland Provincial Road Engineer, Atherton Zindoga said it was safe to continue using the existing structure under the current load restrictions.

“It is safe to use the existing structure under current load restrictions.

“We are watching the structure. An assessment was carried out and we are enforcing weight restrictions.

“We have two options. The first one is to renovate the existing structure so that it can carry loads as required.

“The second one is to build a new structure next to the existing one. Both options require funding and unfortunately the funds are not available at the moment. We have applied for a grant from the Government of Japan,” said Eng Zindoga.

The debate on whether to construct a new structure or refurbish the existing is not new.

In 2018, the then Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Jorum Gumbo, ruled out the rehabilitation of Birchenough Bridge as he highlighted that it would be more economical to erect a new structure with a bigger carrying capacity.

Minister Gumbo told road authorities in Manicaland back then that while repairing the bridge would cost US$35 million, a new bridge would cost US$40 million.

He said the Government would rather construct a new bridge that is broader to allow the smooth flow of traffic.

In 2018, the Emerged Railways Properties who manage the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge introduced a toll fee for all vehicles crossing the bridge as a means of raising funds for the maintenance of the historic structure.

-manicapost

By A Correspondent- The Copper Control Act is being amended to make it illegal for one to be in possession of copper cables without a valid licence.

Those who will be found in possession of copper cables without a certificate of origin will face a mandatory 10-year prison sentence without the option of a fine, in a move meant to deter vandalism of key utilities.

The Copper Control Amendment Bill, which was gazetted on Friday, reads in part:

The vandalism of utilities through theft of copper cables has been exacerbated by the non-provision of specific offences in relation to these acts and non-deterrent penalties in the Copper Control Act.

In order to address the foregoing, the Copper Control Act should be amended to make it mandatory for all copper dealers to have certificates of origin for all the copper in their possession and impose minimum mandatory penalties for offenders.

The proposed amendments also provide for the forfeiture to the State of any vehicle or devices used to transport illegal copper upon conviction.

It says:

Clause 4 inserts a new section that makes it mandatory for all copper dealers to have a certificate of origin for all copper in their possession.

This certificate of origin will include the names and addresses of both the seller and the purchaser, the description of copper, quantity, reasons for disposal.

This section will further set a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years without the option of a fine for failure to produce a certificate of origin.

For security reasons, the certificate must be endorsed by the police in the prescribed form and manner to be provided by the police.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Evelyn Temitope Joshua, late prophet TB Joshua’s wife to the late Prophet TB Joshua; the founder and leader of ”Synagogue Church of all Nation (SCOAN) has issued an emotional message, following the death of her husband.

Speaking through her official Twitter account, @mama_evelyn, the late popular televangelist’s wife said losing a loved one is never easy.

She wrote:

“Losing a loved one is never easy; whether sudden or foreseen it’s always heartbreaking.

“Grief can wreak havoc on our overall well being.

“That’s why it’s important to stay rooted to the Almighty.

“Only He can lessen our heartache and comfort us in these times. Seek refuge in Him.”

Joshua, the founder of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), died in Lagos on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church.

Meanwhile, following his death, The Synagogue in Nigeria has been sealed off with hundreds of residents and church members gathered at the church premises to mourn the death of Joshua, many still in shock and disbelief.

Tributes from celebrities, politicians and other clergymen have been pouring in from mainly Nigeria and South Africa where he has a huge number of followers.

Who was TB Joshua?

Temitope Balogun Joshua was the founder of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations. He was one of Nigeria’s most popular televangelists but was perhaps the least flamboyant of his peers.

Tens of thousands of people have attended his weekly services in Nigeria’s biggest city, Lagos.

His rise to prominence in the late 1990s coincided with the explosion of “miracle” programmes performed on national TV by various pastors.

TB Joshua was often mocked for lacking the finesse of his colleagues during “deliverance” sessions – an intense prayer that resembles exorcism.

His ministry professed to heal all manner of illnesses including HIV/Aids and attracted people from all over the world.

Known as the “Prophet” by his followers, he ran the Christian television station Emmanuel TV and often toured Africa, the US, the UK and South America.

In 2014, one of his churches collapsed, killing at least 116 people, including many South Africans.

— ZW/BBC

By A Correspondent- Mkoba Teachers’ College (MTC) in Gweru has barred third-year students who were on teaching practice from attending lectures until they pay $20 000 in fees. The sum is just for college fees excluding accommodation and meals.

On Tuesday MTC security personnel, working under the instruction of the principal Florence Dube locked the gates on the over 100 third-year students.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said police were called in to maintain law and order at the college.

Emmanuel Masuku (not his real name), told Chronicle that he was supposed to start his final year of training as a primary school teacher this month after he did teaching practice at a school in Gokwe, enduring a year earning a small salary.

He said:

I am coming in for the third and final year. I was doing my teaching practice at a school in Gokwe and we were getting less than US$10 as salary.

We had to soldier on because we wanted to complete our teaching practice.

Today we thought we would be allowed into the college only to be met with closed gates and later the police came and we dispersed.

We are aware of the need to settle our debts and we thought we were going to be allowed into the college so that we make payment plans. That’s all.

We are coming from different backgrounds but one common denominator is we were not paid well to save money for college fees. We are not blaming anyone but we just need time to pay.

The publication could not get a comment from the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Amon Murwira whose mobile phone went unanswered.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has dismissed claims by exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo that the 2018 presidential election was rigged in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s favour.

Moyo in his book titled Excelgate: How Zimbabwe’s 2018 Presidential Election was Stolen, which was published in December 2019 claimed that ZEC had worked with security apparatus to deny MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa clear victory.

ZEC declared Mnangagwa the winner with 50,7% of the votes, narrowly avoiding a run-off with Chamisa who officially received 44,3%.

But in his book, Moyo claimed that Mnangagwa polled 33% to Chamisa’s 66% and that the Joint Operations Command, tampered with ballot figures in a “brazen” and “audacious” fraud.

Responding to the allegations over the weekend via its Twitter channel, ZEC said Moyo’s allegations were ‘damaging’ and ‘unfounded.’

It said:

We have seen some damaging allegations against the Commission in a book called Excelgate by Prof. J. Moyo.

Take note that the election was conducted in 2018 and aggrieved parties followed the constitutionally laid down procedures to challenge the election.

The Constitutional Court (ConCourt) made a definitive ruling which concluded the matter.

The commission will not be drawn into any brawls on issues that have been concluded by the country’s highest court.

The commission is busy with important work of stakeholder consultations on how to map 2023 election delimitation and will not be distracted from its constitutional mandate by unfounded allegations.

Moyo hit back, claiming that ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba had received an advance copy of the book in December 2019.

Meanwhile, ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana, a former army officer, who is mentioned by Moyo as having been aware of the rigging, refused to discuss why the commission was revisiting the issue.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza North legislator Godfrey Sithole (MDC Alliance), has dragged MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora together with 67 other senators to the Constitutional Court seeking the revocation of the Constitution Amendment (No 1) Act whose passage they voted for in Senate.

He also cited Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda, Senate president Mabel Chinomona and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi as respondents in the matter.

Constitution of Zimbabwe (No 1) Act amended the Constitution to allow the President to appoint judges without public input.

According to the papers he filed on Wednesday through his lawyers Mutuso, Taruvinga and Mhiribidi Attorneys, Sithole argued that the senators failed to exercise their legislative role as provided for in the Constitution by passing a law that lapsed in July 2018.

He further contended that the Constitution of Zimbabwe No 1 Bill ceased to exist as part of the agenda of the Eighth Parliament on July 29, 2018, after a dispute over the piece of legislation in the Senate spilt to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt).

In March 2020, the ConCourt ordered a fresh voting process for the proposed constitutional amendments which required two-thirds of Senate votes for it to be signed into law.

However, the voting process was contested by MDC Alliance legislators Jessie Majome and Innocent Gonese.

The ConCourt ruling, under case CCZ4/20, upheld the legislators’ argument that the Senate failed to achieve the two-thirds majority votes required to pass the Bill into law.

Sithole is now seeking the suspension of the judgment which ordered the Senate to conduct a fresh vote in respect of the Bill in accordance with the procedure for amending the Constitution within 180 days of the granting of the order.

He argued that the order was in violation of section 147 of the Constitution as the Senate resuscitated a Bill that had lapsed in July 2018.

Sithole also argued that senators, who were not members of the Eighth Parliament, voted for the purported reading for a Bill for which they did not participate at the Reading or Committee Stage or public hearings.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Buffaloes are causing sleepless nights to villagers in Chibuwe area of Musikavanhu constituency in Chipinge.

The buffaloes, which are straying from Save Conservancy, have so far killed a villager – Peyisai Manzini of Mutorwa Village – who was doing laundry along Save River and also injured a village head on Thursday.
Manzini was buried on May 31.

On Thursday, Mutape Chironzwi Mapondo of Mapondo Village survived death by a whisker after he was attacked by a stray buffalo along Save River.

He was rushed to Chibuwe Clinic where he was treated and discharged.
Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 20 councillor, Councillor Charles Mugidho confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that Village Head Chironzwi Mapondo of Mapondo Village was attacked by a buffalo in his area on Thursday night. He sustained injuries on the head and leg.

“He was rushed to Chibuwe Clinic where he was treated and discharged. The incident occurred barely a few days after we buried a woman who was killed by another buffalo,” said Cllr Mugidho.

He urged villagers to be vigilant as they risk losing their lives to the marauding buffaloes.

Cllr Mugidho said reports were made to the Department of Parks and Wildlife and they are now waiting for the deployment of rangers to the area.

• Manica Post

By A Correspondent- A little known Zanu PF youth league member on Friday filed a Constitutional Court (ConCourt) application seeking to nullify a judgement that ended Luke Malaba’s term as chief justice.

Three High Court judges Justices Happias Zhou, Edith Mushore and Jester Charehwa last month ruled that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s move to extend Malaba’s tenure by five years was illegal.

Marx Mapungu, who is being represented by lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, argued in the ConCourt application that Mnangagwa acted within the law in renewing the chief justice’s term.

“I am making this application in terms of section 175 (3) of the constitution of Zimbabwe,” reads part of the application.
“I am seeking an order varying or not confirming an order of constitutional invalidity made by the High Court of Zimbabwe in Judgement no HH264/21 handed down on May 15, 2021 by a three-member panel.”

Mapungu added: “I believe the president of Zimbabwe acted constitutionally when he accepted the medical report on the mental and physical fitness of the Honourable Justice Luke Malaba.

“In so doing, the president was approving the honourable justice’s election to continue in office as chief justice for an additional five years
“As a citizen, I believe the chief justice is in office in accordance with the constitution following the aforesaid acceptance by the president of the aforesaid medical report.”

Mapungu described Malaba’s case as an “undesirable” state of affairs that had arisen in the country and in the judiciary characterised by confusion, uncertainty and anxiety.”

“The High Court orders in question have far-reaching consequences that may undermine the administration of justice,” he argued.
“There must be no paralysis, either we have a chief justice or the office is vacant.

“This court has jurisdiction and there is no point in delaying the exercise of that jurisdiction.
“He (Malaba) cannot be said to have ceased being chief justice on 15 May 2021 without at the same time also saying the president’s conduct of accepting the medical report was constitutionally invalid.

“I am advised that when the president receives a medical report and decides whether or not to accept it, he would be performing a constitutional act.

“His/her conduct in that regard is constitutional conduct. It is either constitutionally valid or constitutionally invalid.”

Mapungu said he decided to make an urgent application because the matter was of immense public importance and required an authoritative determination by the highest court.

He also argued that on the second order relating to the deputy chief justice and other judges of the constitutional and Supreme Court, section 186(4) of the constitution was clear that the judges have the option to elect to retire at 75 years.

“A retirement age is not the same thing as a “term limit” and so section 328(7) of the constitution does not arise,” Mapungu stated.
“By determining that the deputy chief justice and all persons, who were judges of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court as at 7 May 2021 are not entitled to elect to retire at the age of 75 years, the High Court, for all intents and purposes, is saying that section 186(4) of the constitution is constitutionally invalid.”

He cited Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika, and the Young Lawyers’ Association of Zimbabwe, who challenged the extension of Malaba’s term, as respondents in the matter.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Judiciary Service Commission and Mnangagwa are also respondents in the matter.

Initially, the government reacted angrily to the judgement with Ziyambi accusing judges of being captured by foreign forces.

Mnangagwa had to step in after the minister’s comments caused an uproar and he gave an assurance that the government would respect the independence of the courts.

The government has since appealed against the judgement.
Kika recently filed an urgent chamber application seeking Malaba’s arrest for contempt of court charges, after he reportedly turned up for work despite a court order which terminated his contract as chief justice.

On Friday, High court judges, Justices Amy Tsanga and Slyvia Chirawu-Mugombe reserved their judgement on the matter.

Malaba was a beneficiary of controversial constitutional amendments that gave Mnangagwa power to appoint the country’s top judges.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- A little known Zanu PF youth league member on Friday filed a Constitutional Court (ConCourt) application seeking to nullify a judgement that ended Luke Malaba’s term as chief justice.

Three High Court judges Justices Happias Zhou, Edith Mushore and Jester Charehwa last month ruled that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s move to extend Malaba’s tenure by five years was illegal.

Marx Mapungu, who is being represented by lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, argued in the ConCourt application that Mnangagwa acted within the law in renewing the chief justice’s term.

“I am making this application in terms of section 175 (3) of the constitution of Zimbabwe,” reads part of the application.
“I am seeking an order varying or not confirming an order of constitutional invalidity made by the High Court of Zimbabwe in Judgement no HH264/21 handed down on May 15, 2021 by a three-member panel.”

Mapungu added: “I believe the president of Zimbabwe acted constitutionally when he accepted the medical report on the mental and physical fitness of the Honourable Justice Luke Malaba.

“In so doing, the president was approving the honourable justice’s election to continue in office as chief justice for an additional five years
“As a citizen, I believe the chief justice is in office in accordance with the constitution following the aforesaid acceptance by the president of the aforesaid medical report.”

Mapungu described Malaba’s case as an “undesirable” state of affairs that had arisen in the country and in the judiciary characterised by confusion, uncertainty and anxiety.”

“The High Court orders in question have far-reaching consequences that may undermine the administration of justice,” he argued.
“There must be no paralysis, either we have a chief justice or the office is vacant.

“This court has jurisdiction and there is no point in delaying the exercise of that jurisdiction.
“He (Malaba) cannot be said to have ceased being chief justice on 15 May 2021 without at the same time also saying the president’s conduct of accepting the medical report was constitutionally invalid.

“I am advised that when the president receives a medical report and decides whether or not to accept it, he would be performing a constitutional act.

“His/her conduct in that regard is constitutional conduct. It is either constitutionally valid or constitutionally invalid.”

Mapungu said he decided to make an urgent application because the matter was of immense public importance and required an authoritative determination by the highest court.

He also argued that on the second order relating to the deputy chief justice and other judges of the constitutional and Supreme Court, section 186(4) of the constitution was clear that the judges have the option to elect to retire at 75 years.

“A retirement age is not the same thing as a “term limit” and so section 328(7) of the constitution does not arise,” Mapungu stated.
“By determining that the deputy chief justice and all persons, who were judges of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court as at 7 May 2021 are not entitled to elect to retire at the age of 75 years, the High Court, for all intents and purposes, is saying that section 186(4) of the constitution is constitutionally invalid.”

He cited Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika, and the Young Lawyers’ Association of Zimbabwe, who challenged the extension of Malaba’s term, as respondents in the matter.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, the Judiciary Service Commission and Mnangagwa are also respondents in the matter.

Initially, the government reacted angrily to the judgement with Ziyambi accusing judges of being captured by foreign forces.

Mnangagwa had to step in after the minister’s comments caused an uproar and he gave an assurance that the government would respect the independence of the courts.

The government has since appealed against the judgement.
Kika recently filed an urgent chamber application seeking Malaba’s arrest for contempt of court charges, after he reportedly turned up for work despite a court order which terminated his contract as chief justice.

On Friday, High court judges, Justices Amy Tsanga and Slyvia Chirawu-Mugombe reserved their judgement on the matter.

Malaba was a beneficiary of controversial constitutional amendments that gave Mnangagwa power to appoint the country’s top judges.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- The witch-hunting Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said it is still investigating MDC-A vice president Tendai Biti over allegations he instructed the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to deposit over US$30 million into two banks which later collapsed.

During his time as Finance Minister (2009-13), Biti reportedly directed NSSA to deposit the funds, which were secured from continental lender Afreximbank (African Export-Import Bank), into Interfin Merchant Bank and Renaissance Bank on separate occasions and under unclear circumstances.

At the time, Renaissance Bank was understood to be in distress.

He is also accused of instructing the banks to give the money to specific clients who were linked to members of a certain political party.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure told The Sunday Mail that investigators are pursuing the case.

“The matter is under investigation and we will make details available once we have completed the investigations,” he said briefly.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) placed Renaissance Bank under curatorship in 2011 after a probe revealed serious failings, including inadequate capitalisation, inappropriate structure and poor corporate governance.

In 2014, NSSA general manager Mr James Matiza told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts that Mr Biti directed the pension fund to sink US$20 million into the troubled Renaissance Bank despite indications the project was not viable.

He said NSSA turned down two requests by Renaissance Financial Holdings Limited’s majority shareholder, Mr Patterson Timba — brother to former MDC-T secretary for external relations Mr Jameson Timba — to get the authority to invest in his bank.

Mr Matiza was responding to findings by the Auditor-General Mildred Chiri in her 2012 report, which unearthed several irregularities in NSSA’s financial affairs.

NSSA, he said, eventually invested in the bank after Mr Biti directed the authority to bail out the troubled institution

By A Correspondent- The witch-hunting Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said it is still investigating MDC-A vice president Tendai Biti over allegations he instructed the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to deposit over US$30 million into two banks which later collapsed.

During his time as Finance Minister (2009-13), Biti reportedly directed NSSA to deposit the funds, which were secured from continental lender Afreximbank (African Export-Import Bank), into Interfin Merchant Bank and Renaissance Bank on separate occasions and under unclear circumstances.

At the time, Renaissance Bank was understood to be in distress.

He is also accused of instructing the banks to give the money to specific clients who were linked to members of a certain political party.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure told The Sunday Mail that investigators are pursuing the case.

“The matter is under investigation and we will make details available once we have completed the investigations,” he said briefly.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) placed Renaissance Bank under curatorship in 2011 after a probe revealed serious failings, including inadequate capitalisation, inappropriate structure and poor corporate governance.

In 2014, NSSA general manager Mr James Matiza told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts that Mr Biti directed the pension fund to sink US$20 million into the troubled Renaissance Bank despite indications the project was not viable.

He said NSSA turned down two requests by Renaissance Financial Holdings Limited’s majority shareholder, Mr Patterson Timba — brother to former MDC-T secretary for external relations Mr Jameson Timba — to get the authority to invest in his bank.

Mr Matiza was responding to findings by the Auditor-General Mildred Chiri in her 2012 report, which unearthed several irregularities in NSSA’s financial affairs.

NSSA, he said, eventually invested in the bank after Mr Biti directed the authority to bail out the troubled institution.

-State media

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of “playing with the name of The Lord.”

Mnangagwa, who recently erected Mbuya Nehanda’s statue in central Harare, attended a prayer meeting in Bulawayo last week, leaving observers speculating on his religious principles.

Hon Sikhala accused Mnangagwa of attempting to hoodwink believers…

“Kana mazogara musatamba nezita raMwari. Haazvidi izvozvo uye zvinomupa hasha zhinji.

Vanhu vake vasina mhaka varikungourawa, vanoshungurudzwa vachikandwa mumatirongo vamwe vachirwadziswa nyama dzavo.

Munhu otogwadama wena kuti ndiri kunamata Mwari.

Please Mwari variko kudenga
People without shame behave the way Emmerson Mnangagwa does.”

“How of all people would go and pretend to pay homage to the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Nkomo’s statue, a hero of our struggle whom he mocked to have escaped from Zimbabwe wearing a dress,” added Hon Sikhala.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has accused the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa of “playing with the name of The Lord.”

Mnangagwa, who recently erected Mbuya Nehanda’s statue in central Harare, attended a prayer meeting in Bulawayo last week, leaving observers speculating on his religious principles.

Hon Sikhala accused Mnangagwa of attempting to hoodwink believers…

“Kana mazogara musatamba nezita raMwari. Haazvidi izvozvo uye zvinomupa hasha zhinji.

Vanhu vake vasina mhaka varikungourawa, vanoshungurudzwa vachikandwa mumatirongo vamwe vachirwadziswa nyama dzavo.

Munhu otogwadama wena kuti ndiri kunamata Mwari.

Please Mwari variko kudenga
People without shame behave the way Emmerson Mnangagwa does.”

“How of all people would go and pretend to pay homage to the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Nkomo’s statue, a hero of our struggle whom he mocked to have escaped from Zimbabwe wearing a dress,” added Hon Sikhala.

The Administrative Court has barred a couple from Shawasha Hills from hosting events like weddings at their place after neighbours had complained about too much noise coming from the place.

Five neighbours approached the court appealing an earlier court order that authorised the couple, Gerald and Leah Nachipo, to host events for a fee.

The couple and the City of Harare were cited as respondents.

The residents said the noise from the events was disturbing their peace. The couple, however, opposed the application, arguing that it had a valid permit to host events for a fee.

Court papers say the couple held a meeting with its neighbours in the Shawasha area in August 2018 following complaints about noise.

The residents later submitted a petition to the city council, which, however, granted a permit to the Nachipos to use their residential place as a wedding and events venue.

This prompted the residents to appeal to the Administrative Court.

In his ruling, Judge Justice Herbert Mandeya said:

_The court’s view is that there are sufficient indications that there were improprieties that led to the first and second respondents by the third respondent. Applicants engaged the first and second respondents on several occasions over the noise emanating from the first and second respondents’ premises at times they wished to rest peacefully. That shows they value their peace._

The City of Harare did not oppose the application.

The couple was ordered to pay the cost of the suit.

In 2018, Harare City Council announced that churches and bars making noise were likely to lose their licences.

newsday

Music legend John Chibadura reportedly succumbed to stress-induced depression coupled with ballooning debts and loneliness.

Chibadura died aged 42 on 4 August 1999 after spending his last days in courts of law corridors fighting debt collectors.

In an interview with H-Metro, Chibadura’s family friend and son to yesteryear promoter, Landmine Madongonda said the Tembo Brothers founder died a painful death.

Said Madongonda:

In the last days of Chibadura, he was very sick and he told me that he was taking Tuberculosis tablets, which he showed me at his New Marlborough apartment along Msasa Avenue.

He didn’t want people to come close to him at that time as he wanted his privacy at home.

Many people who visited him trying to help or cheer him up during his last days were turned away and as he was now staying alone most of the times.

His young kids would come and cook for him but the wife was no longer there.

Landmine, who is the son of the late politician and music promoter Douglas Madongonda, said he was introduced to Chibadura by his late father.

He said Chibadura chased his wife after he caught her red-handed between the sheets with another man.

Besides his alleged marital woes, Chibadura was reportedly wallowing in debts incurred during an aborted tour of Mozambique. Said Landmine:

While Chabadura tried to hide under depression, the late singer had a nasty battle with debt collectors.

He accrued the debts after he toured Mozambique for a couple of weeks where he had hired someone’s truck to carry the instruments.

He was supposed to pay for all the days he spent with the truck there but some of the shows appeared to have flopped and he returned home swimming in debts.

The owner of the truck decided to attach his property and all household goods save for what was in his bedroom.

Chibadura tried to fight back through lawyers but he further lost his musical kit and I don’t know what happened to the house because when he died he was now renting in New Marlborough.

I think the Mozambican tour affected him a lot because didn’t want to talk about it

The government says it will not control the prices of commodities which have risen sharply in the past week following the promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 127 of 2021.

SI 127 of 2021 seeks to regulate foreign currency exchanges by banning business operators from charging above the official exchange rate.

The measures also empower authorities to punish those that refuse to take the Zimbabwe dollar for local transactions.

Responding to legislators who had raised concerns over continued price hikes of basic commodities in the National Assembly on Thursday, Finance deputy minister Clemence Chiduwa said the government would allow the market to regulate itself. He said:

I would like to assure the House that we are not going to control prices. We will allow businesses to thrive and come up with their own pricing models but what is very critical in economics is effective demand.

You can increase prices the way you want, but what is critical is effective demand.

When you have increased your prices, are people going to buy? You can only buy where there is no choice but look at how the Zimbabwean economy is dichotomised between the informal and formal sector.

Price controls are not going to assist us as a country, they will take us back but as I have mentioned, there is the issue of effective demand and then the issue of import parity.

Chidawu also defended the forex use measures saying they protect consumers from abuse by unscrupulous businesses.

He said price stability will soon be achieved and the prices will actually start to go down within the next few weeks.

-newsday

Police in Chinhoyi clashed with patrons at a beer nightclub in Chemagamba on Friday after they had ordered the owner of the bar to close.

Through their Twitter account, the police said they arrested the nightclub owner Kombo Museneka (54) for operating without a liquor licence and violating COVID-19 regulations and ordered a crowd of about 50 imbibers to disperse.

However, the police directive was not well-received by some of the patrons who then charged at the police. The police crack team responded by firing tear smoke into the crowd. Police said:

The ZRP urges members of the public to comply with lawful orders by the Police when enforcing COVID-19 regulations.

On 4/6/21 a Police crack team enforcing compliance with Covid-19 regulations as well as monitoring beer outlets in Chemagamba, Chinhoyi arrested a beer night club owner, Kombo Museneka (54) for operating without a liquor licence and violating Covid-19 regulations.

The Police team found approximately 50 patrons drinking beer inside and outside the nightclub and ordered the beer outlet to be closed.

This did not go well with some of the patrons who charged towards the Police and the Police threw a tear smoke canister to disperse the crowd. Investigations are underway.

By A Correspondent- A Mutare woman has been ordered to pay US$3 000 as damages to her lover’s wife after cohabiting with a married man.

Earlier this year, Ngaatendwe Matanda approached the Mutare Civil Courts seeking US$6 000 as compensation from Auxilia Muriro.

Muriro has been cohabiting with Washington Matanda who is married to Ngaatendwe Matanda.

Muriro and Washington Matanda have three children, although one of them is now late.

Ngaatendwe revealed that she has gone through a torrid time at the hands of her husband’s mistress, Muriro.

In her ruling, Mutare magistrate, Purity Gumbo ordered Muriro to pay US$3 000 as damages to Ngaatendwe Matanda: She said:

The plaintiff is married to Washington Matanda in terms of the Marriage Act (Chapter 5:11). The marriage is supposed to be monogamous.

It is not in dispute that intimacy took place between the defendant and the plaintiff’s husband, of which three children were born from that union, one who is now late.

Judgment is hereby entered for the plaintiff in the sum of US$3 000 to be paid in local currency at the official prevailing bank rate at the time of payment.

Ngaatendwe told the court that she once approached Muriro and advised her to stay away from her husband, all to no avail.

She said she said first got wind of the affair in 2010 but dismissed the reports as mere gossip.

Ngaatendwe said it was only in 2015 that she finally confirmed that her husband was having an affair with Muriro.

-manicapost

By A Correspondent- A man from Nketa suburb has been facing a hellish life at the hands of his son who always threatens to stab him to death each time he returns home drunk.

Zihlobo Moyo would bring a different girlfriend home during the night and accuse his father Syril Moyo of not having left food for him.

He would then cook in the middle of the night while making noise with his lover, forcing other family members to wake up.

When family members complain, Zihlobo would launch a verbal tirade while accusing them of not having left food for him.

Incensed by that his father would confront him but he would fumble into his pocket and take a knife and sharpen it while threatening to finish him off. He would accuse his father of treating him like an outcast.

His father tried to engage his aunt to talk to him but he could not reform.

Syril had to apply for a peace order against his wayward son.

“My name is Syril Moyo. I am applying for a protection order against my son Zihlobo Moyo. He is in the habit of emotionally abusing me and my children. Whenever he comes from a beer binge he would bring a different girlfriend and would accuse me of not having left food for him. He would insult me and would fumble into his pocket and take out a knife and sharpen it while threatening to stab me to death if I dared to beat him up. I have faced the nasty experience for over a month. May this court grant me a protection order against him,” said Syril.

Zihlobo denied ever emotionally and verbally abusing his father and his siblings.

“I respect my father. I never insulted him and my siblings. I only complained about why they did not leave food for me because I’m the one who buys groceries,” he said.

The presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube granted Syril a protection order against his son. Zihlobo was ordered not to verbally and emotionally abuse his father and his siblings. He was also ordered to refrain from issuing death threats against his father.

— BMetro

Musiiwa Gondoro, who is a younger brother to Norman Chagwiza, who was recently arrested for stealing while clad in a skeleton-like costume and mask, committed suicide by hanging from a tree on Monday.

People around him suspect he feared being arrested in connection with theft cases.

Musiiwa allegedly worked in cahoots with his step-brother, Norman, breaking into houses of unsuspecting residents and stealing goods.

He reportedly took his own life after warning his wife not to disclose how he had acquired some of their household goods.

Musiiwa died on Monday before he was removed from the scene of his death on Tuesday afternoon.

His wife, Spiwe Dandira said her husband had not been coming home since the arrest of his step-brother. She said:

He told me not to tell anyone and if am asked about the batteries we have, I had to tell them that he bought them.

He told me to go home and that he would come and have his food.

I waited for him at home but he did not show up before I decided to return to his hiding place where I searched for him.

Unfortunately, he was found by his friends while hanging from a tree in the mountain.

Dandira said Musiiwa had been staying in the mountain for three days since the arrest of his brother.

Musiiwa’s friend identified as Baba Brian said the deceased had been living in fear of arrest. He said:

From the time his brother was arrested, he knew he was next as the police were trying to recover everything and apprehending the suspects.

The other Harare housebreaking team was arrested and this made him fear the worst prompting him to kill himself.

H-Metro

By A Correspondent- A man from Zezani area in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province is in a tricky situation that any married man would never want to experience after his wife eloped with an Agritex officer who allegedly lured her with his “Government-issued” motorbike.

Debson Siziba was left heartbroken after his wife of about eight years Mbuyedzedzo Muleya left him with their two children while eloping to her lover Knowledge Gororo, an Agritex officer stationed in the area.

It was gathered that Mbuyedzedzo ditched her husband for Gororo after he “seduced” her with rides on his motorbike.

Narrating his unpleasant experience to B-Metro, a distraught Siziba said sometime in April this year, he discovered that Gororo was having an affair with his wife and was always giving her rides to Beitbridge Town on his motorbike.

He said that led his wife to fall in love with his (Gororo’s) motorcycle.

“They were always phoning each other and during my absence, Gororo would come to my house with his motorbike to see my wife until the day she left home under the pretext that she was visiting her aunt.

“When she didn’t come back the following day, I went to the aunt’s house where I was told that she had lied that she was visiting her. Investigations later established that she had eloped with Gororo and he came with his motorbike and took her away,” said a visibly stressed Siziba.

Siziba who was disturbed by the incident later followed his wife to Gororo’s place. He claimed that when he arrived, his wife locked herself in Gororo’s bedroom.

He got so angry and called the police to come and help him “recover” his wife who was now enjoying the biker’s love.

“Upon arrival, Gororo was not at home but his neighbours told me that my wife was inside the house. To avoid putting the law into my own hands, I called the police who came and demanded that she should open the door for them. She, however, refused, leading to one of the police officers to enter through the window to force her out of the house,” said Siziba.

He said when he asked her to accompany him to their house, Mbuyedzedzo refused before Gororo swiftly came and took her with his motorbike to her parents in Beitbridge.

Siziba said Gororo should be punished as he was allegedly addicted to the thrill of sleeping with married women.

“I want him to compensate me for sleeping with my wife and the matter is now before Chief Sitaudze,” he fumed.

B-Metro spoke to Gororo who, while admitting that Mbuyedzedzo once stayed at his house, denied that they were in an intimate relationship.

“It’s not true that we are in a relationship and the issue is now before Chief Sitaudze. The Chief once ordered me to pay two beasts after Siziba claimed I was bedding his wife.

“We were supposed to go back again on Sunday last week but I didn’t make it because I was involved in an accident on Thursday. What happened is that they had a dispute and after that she met my friend who was using my motorbike and he assisted her,” said Gororo.

Asked on what Mbuyedzedzo was doing at his house when the police came to take her, Gororo said: “She came to my house and stayed for two days saying she had nowhere to go. During that time, she told me that she was no longer interested in her husband because he abused her.”

He added: “It is also not true that Siziba was the one who called the police. I am the one who did so after I came back home from work and found him and other villagers at my house. This was after his wife was seen by neighbours who later alerted him and he quickly came when she was about to leave my house.”

Mbuyedzedzo could not be reached for comment.

By A Correspondent- A police boss in Bulawayo has been arrested after he allegedly muscled his way into Ross Camp impound yard and stole a commuter omnibus that had been impounded by his colleagues for flouting Covid-19 regulations.

Chief Inspector Nkosilathi Nyathi (45) who is the officer-in-charge of ZRP Nkulumane, was arrested together with Lionel Kersha (31), the driver of the kombi after the two grabbed the vehicle from the yard before it was cleared and drove it movie style out of the gate and fled.

Even efforts to stop Nyathi and Kersha at the gate proved futile as they sped away with the vehicle soon after it was unclamped by a Bulawayo City Council employee.

The details emerged after the duo appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza last Wednesday to answer to allegations of theft as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9.23. They also face an additional charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

The duo pleaded not guilty and Mr Mabeza remanded them out of custody to Tuesday for trial. Prosecuting, Mr Jeremiah Mutsindikwa told the court that on 6 February a team from Bulawayo Central Traffic, Vehicle Examination Department and Bulawayo City Council were on a joint operation named “Undingani eTown Phase 2”, when they arrested Kersha and impounded the vehicle he was driving for various offences.

The court heard that an Assistant Inspector Munsaka booked the kombi and handed it over to Constable Mandla Moyo for safe keeping at the camp. It was also clamped by council traffic officers because it had outstanding parking tickets.

However, the same day in the afternoon, Nyathi approached Cst Moyo and advised him that he wanted to see the impounded kombi. After seeing the kombi, Nyathi and Kersha proceeded to Bulawayo City Council where the offences related to council were cleared. The court heard that the duo came back and handed over a receipt that showed that they had paid the fine at city council and wanted to collect the vehicle.

However, Cst Moyo advised the duo to also clear the vehicle with the officer in charge at Drill Hall. Instead of clearing the vehicle with the police, the duo went back to city council offices and came back accompanied by a city council vehicle.

The court heard that the driver of the city council vehicle unclamped the kombi and the two jumped in and drove away.

Cst Moyo tried to stop the duo but they sped off, disregarding pleas from police officers who were manning the yard and the gate to stop. The court heard that a report was immediately made at Mzilikazi police station and a manhunt was launched resulting in the vehicle being recovered at a house in Pumula North leading to the arrest of the duo.

The stolen vehicle was valued at US$3 000.

— Sunday News

By A Correspondent- A 37 year old Bulawayo man hanged himself in the family’s Nkulumane house after receiving news of the death of his uncle.

A maid, who had just arrived from Victoria Falls, discovered the body of Ntando Maphosa hanging in his bedroom on Tuesday.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Abednico Ncube said investigations were in progress.

Nkulumane United Families Association vice chairman Lungile Ncube told Sunday Southern Eye on Friday that Maphosa could not stomach the news that his uncle had died.

Maphosa did not leave a suicide note.

By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza Residents’ trust has filed an urgent high Court chamber application seeking to bar the government and local authorities in Harare Metropolitan Province from demolishing “illegal” informal businesses structures.

The applicants, ChitRESt director alice Kuvheya and its trustees, cited Chitungwiza Municipality, City of harare, Ruwa and Epworth local boards, home affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, as well as Local government minister July Moyo and his transport counterpart Felix Mhona and police commissioner general godwin Matanga, as respondents.

This follows seperate press statements released by the harare provincial development coordinator tafadzwa Muguti, Chitungwiza Municipality and Ruwa Local Board warning about demolitions scheduled for this week.

In the urgent chamber application under case hC 2857/21, Scanlen and holderness representing the Chitungwiza residents argued that the intended demolitions were unlawful as no court order was granted.

“The intended operation is unlawful as no court order has been granted to carryout these demolitions and evictions.

“In addition, no adequate notice has been given. there is basis for challenging the conduct of the respondents,” read part of the application.

“The matter is urgent. the applicants seek relief from the respondents to ensure that the intended demolitions are interdicted by this honourable court.

“The accompanying affidavit and documents are tendered in support of the application.”

In an attached certificate of urgency, lawyer hazel Sibanda said the impending demolitions required urgent intervention by the high Court.

“The orchestrated plan has involved members of the police who have been invited to be part of this operation,” Sibanda said.

“The police have not distanced themselves from these statements.

“The actions of the respondents are palpably unlawful.

“Members of the public and specific informal traders stand to suffer irreparable harm through loss of life, livelihoods and property.

“(So) these plans require urgent interception by this honourable court.”

In her founding affidavit Kuvheya argued that there was a premeditated plan to use “devastating force” on citizens.

“Given the threat issued by the respondents, there is an imminent danger of loss of life, livelihoods and loss of property.

“With respect to livelihoods, there is hardly any viable industry in Chitungwiza and most families survive on trade and informal business for day to day living.

“The consequences of such a loss of livelihood would be sure,” she said.

“There is no other adequate remedy other than an interdict to stop the joint operation being planned by the respondents.”-standard

By A Correspondent- A 38 year old man from Ngezi area in Filabusi under Chief Maduna drank a pesticide before making a futile attempt to seek assistance.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thabani Mkwananzi confirmed that Shelton Ndlovu on May 29 arrived home drunk at around 6pm and asked for bedroom keys from his wife Evelyn Munkuli (28), who was preparing supper.

“Afterwards he called his wife to the bedroom and told her that he was experiencing stomach pains after drinking a pesticide,” said Mkhwananzi.

He said Ndlovu’s wife hired a private vehicle to take him to Filabusi Hospital, but the car broke down on the way and he died before reaching the health institution.

Mkhwananzi urged the public to seek counselling from pastors and even from the police instead of taking their lives.

By A Correspondent- A Mberengwa woman, who two years ago killed her teenage daughter after the child admitted to indulging in sex with several men has been jailed for two years for culpable homicide.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Christopher DubeBanda sitting at the Gweru circuit court sentenced Lydia Chenyika to three years before suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.

Chenyika assaulted Memory Shumba, aged 15, with switches before hitting her with an axe handle.

Prosecutor Ndamukanei Chikumira told the court that on November 28, 2019 at around 6pm the accused and deceased were at home at stand number D47 Dunning Farm in Mberengwa together with the deceased’s three younger siblings.

Chenyika asked the deceased, who was in Form Two then, if reports that she was indulging in sexual acts with men were true to which the latter confirmed.

She assaulted her daughter with an axe handle. The daughter fled home and her body was discovered the following day.

-standard

By A Correspondent- Former president Robert Mugabe’s children have gone to court to challenge a traditional chief’s controversial order to exhume the late strongman’s remains.

Chief Zvimba last month stirred the hornet’s nest after he ruled that former first lady Grace Mugabe violated local customs by burying Zimbabwe’s first black leader in a courtyard at his rural Zvimba home.

In the ruling, the traditional leader said Mugabe “shall be exhumed and reburied at the National Heroes Acre in Harare within 30 days or before the first of July 2021.

“You are also ordered to gather clothes and all his belongings and surrender them on or before the 1st of July.”

Mugabe’s children, who have largely remained silent as the dispute over the late long time ruler’s final resting place, rages have moved to block his exhumation by taking the matter to the Chinhoyi civil court.

Bona Mugabe-Mutsahuni, Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tinotenda Robert Mugabe say Chief Zvimba is trying to impose himself in the affairs of an area where he does not have jurisdiction over.

“The chief erred at law by making an order that overthrows a burial order in respect of the burial of the late Robert Mugabe when the chief has no judicial authority to interpret legal acts from superior legislation to his jurisdiction,” reads part of the notice of appeal.

“Chief Zvimba erred at law in making an order that affects property rights of a part that is not part of the proceedings.”

The Mugabe siblings said the chief made a false finding of fact, which amounted to an error at law when he found that Mugabe was buried inside a house.

“This misdirection nullifies the ratio decidendi of his judgement and erred at granting an incompetent order for the exhuming of the body of the late Robert Mugabe, thereby usurping the lawful boundaries of his judicial authority,” they argued.

“Chief Zvimba further erred at law by imposing himself with territorial jurisdiction to the affairs of an area that he does not have any territorial jurisdiction over.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government wanted Mugabe to be buried at the National Heroes Acre following his death in Singapore in September 2019.

The Mugabe family, however, said that the former Zanu-PF leader told them that he did not want to be buried at the national shrine because of the way he was toppled by his erstwhile colleagues in a military coup in 2017.

Mnangagwa’s government insists that it has nothing to do with Chief Zvimba’s bizarre ruling.

-standard

By A Correspondent- Government has procured a fleet of 100 new fully equipped ambulances that are set to be deployed to healthcare facilities throughout the country.

The first batch of the specialised vehicles is set to be delivered in August, with each province receiving between eight to 10 ambulances when all have been delivered later this year.

The procurement was finalised last week, with the first batch of 50 expected in August.

All the vehicles are set to be delivered by November.

Zimbabwe currently has a fleet of 134 functional ambulances and 148 which are non-runners.

The country requires a ground fleet of at least 200 fully equipped ambulances and a handful of air ambulances for medical emergencies where the distance does not allow for use of a road ambulance.

Government set aside $590 million in this year’s National Budget for the procurement of the life-saving vehicles.

Ministry of Finance and Economic Development spokesperson Mr Clive Mphambela told The Sunday Mail that an ambulance supply deal has since been concluded between a foreign supplier and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“The contract between Ministry of Health (and Child Care) and the supplier was signed this past week,” he said.

“In terms of expected delivery, the supplier should deliver the first batch of 50 ambulances within three months from date of contract.

“The second batch will be delivered three months after delivery of the first batch.

“So, if all goes according to the agreement, the country should expect the first 50 units by end of August 2021, with the other 50 ambulances expected by end of November 2021.”

A study on emergency and ambulance service commissioned by Government in 2018 established that owing to the shortage of ambulances, nearly 30 percent of road traffic accident victims die before reaching a healthcare facility.

The study also established that transit time for patients in ambulances ranges between four to five hours, leading to unnecessary loss of life.

All Government ambulances, the study revealed, lacked basic equipment including oxygen, delivery packs for pregnant women in transit, resuscitation equipment, masks, intravenous lines for drips, intravenous stands and trolleys.

The study recommended that all 63 districts in the country’s health system should have at least two functional ambulances and qualified personnel.

Ministry of Health and Child Care is in the process of establishing an ambulance services directorate that would ensure every part of the country has access to ambulances for emergency services.

Speaking at a recent event in the capital, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, said the new ambulances will be deployed to all district, provincial, central hospitals and selected tollgates along major highways.

Procurement of the vehicles, he added, was the first step in Government’s programme to stablish an effective ambulance system that was focused on attendance to emergencies and disasters.

“Casualty collection is a key capability in modern public health systems designed to mitigate effects of pandemics such as Covid-19, endemic-prone diseases, disasters such as Cyclone Idai, communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal emergencies and road traffic accidents.

“The guaranteed availability of purpose-built patients’ transport goes a long way in the reduction of mortality rates in the country,” he said.

Government recently received 20 ambulances and ancillary medical equipment donated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the government of India.

Presenting the 2021 national budget, Finance and Economic Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said: “In this regard, the NDS1 provides a commitment to revamp the public health infrastructure, covering upgrading and construction of health facilities, installation of medical equipment, procurement of ambulances and utility vehicles.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s fake prophets who used to consult the Nigerian pastor and televangelist TB Joshua have been left in the open by the passing on of their Godfather.

TB Joshua died of an unknown illness, on Saturday at the age of 57.

local self-proclaimed prophets including Walter Magaya, Emmanuel Makandiwa and Uebert Angels used to consult the late Nigerian evangelist.

He was the leader and founder of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a church that runs the Emmanuel television station in Lagos, Nigeria.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF government has blocked controversial tycoon Billy Rautenbach from evicting thousands of Zanu PF supporters he accuses of illegally settling on his land in Harare’s Aspindale area.

Harare Metropolitan Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu told a recent meeting that the planned evictions would be politically suicidal as it could alienate the ruling party from a vital support base ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The messy wrangle pits Rautenbach’s company, Marimba Residential Properties, against five housing co-operatives — Joshua Nkomo, Leopold Takawira, Wadzanai, Mydek and Dzapasi — which took possession of the vast property described as Number 48 Aspindale Park Township of subdivision A of Aspindale Park of subdivision A of Lochinvar measuring over 100 hectares.

Information obtained by NewsDay Weekender  indicates that Rautenbach, who has ever since been spiritedly trying and failing to evict the co-operatives, had roped in Chidawu to help him reclaim the land.

A meeting was held at Chidawu’s offices on Monday to bring finality to the matter.

However, according to leaked minutes, the meeting ended in deadlock after Chidawu objected to the tycoon’s push for eviction.

The minister, the minutes show, told Rautenbach that it was politically suicidal for government to evict party supporters ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

“He mentioned that the land was inaccessible due to the houses that have been built by the co-operatives. He added that evicting the residents appeared inevitable, but he cited that the move appeared politically wrong as it would be viewed as the Zanu PF government fighting Zanu PF supporters in view of the forthcoming year 2003 harmonised plebiscite,” the minutes read.

According to the minutes, Chidawu also indicated that he had exhausted options in his efforts to try to assist Rautenbach, whom he reportedly described as “a personal friend”.

“He highlighted this could be the last meeting with him in trying to address the issue. He explained that he had already used his influence to manipulate the police service to further the business tycoon’s cause and his metropolitan province had now gotten tired,” the minutes show.

According to the minutes, Chidawu then pleaded with Rautenbach to reduce the purchase price of the disputed land from US$85 per square metre to US$50 per square metre to allow the occupants to purchase the land, but the latter shot down the proposal.

“Minister Chidawu pleaded with him to reduce the purchase price of the land in dispute from US$85 per square metre to US$50 square metre. That way, the minister promised that he would use his office to influence the people to accept the new pegged prices and a concession would be inevitable,” the minutes read.

Still, Rautenbach refused to budge, revealing that he was, instead, considering increasing the purchase price to US$125 per square metre after the promulgation of the Statutory Instrument 127, though which government ordered companies to strictly adhere to the prevailing official exchange rate when doing local transactions.

The minutes added: “Rautenbach mentioned that if he sells the land at US$50, he would be bankrupt. He added that he would be left with no resources to develop infrastructure on the said land. He suggested an option to buy all constructed houses owned by those residents not forthcoming coming to his cause and get them relocated elsewhere. He identified ringleaders like Benedict Nyenyeza aka Mapiravana and Shadreck Majoni (Joshua Mqabuko Co-operative treasurer) among others who would be evicted in order to bring about obedience among the residents.”

Rautenbach is also on record having said he would not compromise on the purchase price, but would rather build a state-of-the-art Marimba Police Station and donate to government a modernised school within the property, among other corporate social responsibilities.

The decision to block the eviction could, on the other hand, prove costly since Rautenbach is widely regarded as a Zanu PF benefactor who regularly funds its programmes, including conferences and election campaigns.

Although the opposition MDC Alliance enjoys unassailable dominance in Harare, Zanu PF retains pockets of support in the capital.

The party got over 300 000 votes in the July 2018 presidential election, which helped its candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to claim a wafer-thin victory over the MDC Alliance’s Nelson Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF government has blocked controversial tycoon Billy Rautenbach from evicting thousands of Zanu PF supporters he accuses of illegally settling on his land in Harare’s Aspindale area.

Harare Metropolitan Affairs minister Oliver Chidawu told a recent meeting that the planned evictions would be politically suicidal as it could alienate the ruling party from a vital support base ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The messy wrangle pits Rautenbach’s company, Marimba Residential Properties, against five housing co-operatives — Joshua Nkomo, Leopold Takawira, Wadzanai, Mydek and Dzapasi — which took possession of the vast property described as Number 48 Aspindale Park Township of subdivision A of Aspindale Park of subdivision A of Lochinvar measuring over 100 hectares.

Information obtained by NewsDay Weekender  indicates that Rautenbach, who has ever since been spiritedly trying and failing to evict the co-operatives, had roped in Chidawu to help him reclaim the land.

A meeting was held at Chidawu’s offices on Monday to bring finality to the matter.

However, according to leaked minutes, the meeting ended in deadlock after Chidawu objected to the tycoon’s push for eviction.

The minister, the minutes show, told Rautenbach that it was politically suicidal for government to evict party supporters ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

“He mentioned that the land was inaccessible due to the houses that have been built by the co-operatives. He added that evicting the residents appeared inevitable, but he cited that the move appeared politically wrong as it would be viewed as the Zanu PF government fighting Zanu PF supporters in view of the forthcoming year 2003 harmonised plebiscite,” the minutes read.

According to the minutes, Chidawu also indicated that he had exhausted options in his efforts to try to assist Rautenbach, whom he reportedly described as “a personal friend”.

“He highlighted this could be the last meeting with him in trying to address the issue. He explained that he had already used his influence to manipulate the police service to further the business tycoon’s cause and his metropolitan province had now gotten tired,” the minutes show.

According to the minutes, Chidawu then pleaded with Rautenbach to reduce the purchase price of the disputed land from US$85 per square metre to US$50 per square metre to allow the occupants to purchase the land, but the latter shot down the proposal.

“Minister Chidawu pleaded with him to reduce the purchase price of the land in dispute from US$85 per square metre to US$50 square metre. That way, the minister promised that he would use his office to influence the people to accept the new pegged prices and a concession would be inevitable,” the minutes read.

Still, Rautenbach refused to budge, revealing that he was, instead, considering increasing the purchase price to US$125 per square metre after the promulgation of the Statutory Instrument 127, though which government ordered companies to strictly adhere to the prevailing official exchange rate when doing local transactions.

The minutes added: “Rautenbach mentioned that if he sells the land at US$50, he would be bankrupt. He added that he would be left with no resources to develop infrastructure on the said land. He suggested an option to buy all constructed houses owned by those residents not forthcoming coming to his cause and get them relocated elsewhere. He identified ringleaders like Benedict Nyenyeza aka Mapiravana and Shadreck Majoni (Joshua Mqabuko Co-operative treasurer) among others who would be evicted in order to bring about obedience among the residents.”

Rautenbach is also on record having said he would not compromise on the purchase price, but would rather build a state-of-the-art Marimba Police Station and donate to government a modernised school within the property, among other corporate social responsibilities.

The decision to block the eviction could, on the other hand, prove costly since Rautenbach is widely regarded as a Zanu PF benefactor who regularly funds its programmes, including conferences and election campaigns.

Although the opposition MDC Alliance enjoys unassailable dominance in Harare, Zanu PF retains pockets of support in the capital.

The party got over 300 000 votes in the July 2018 presidential election, which helped its candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to claim a wafer-thin victory over the MDC Alliance’s Nelson Chamisa.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent | Barely 2 months after being reported for violence against a female actor in Tanzania, controversial Zimbabwean comedian, Felistas Murata, has issued threats against her own friend, Patricia Jeke.

Mai Titi yesterday told Jeke’s mother via a direct phone call, she will make her daughter disappear.

The development comes as Mai Titi is trying to force Jeke into making witness statements in her favour.

“Talk to your daughter mhamha, and tell her to behave; I could have told her directly, I am asking you because you are the one who gave birth to her, and if I start a war with her you will end up hating me, because I will come to Zvishavane, and I will come with my people, and she knows my character well,” Mai Titi says, in the phone conversation.

She then goes on to suggest that she controls the Zimbabwe Republic Police Force who would make Patricia Jeke disappear forever.

“If I take your daughter, she will not come back, you will end up hating me, because she is pushing me to do what I don’t want to do,” she says.

At that point, Jeke’s mother begins pleading saying, “I didn’t know you have a war with her, I do not live with Patricia, she stays alone, so I am clueless, and I don’t know anything about social media, what you are telling me I am only hearing it right now, I will try and meet her today, yesterday we were together but I did not know that there is such a story.”

In response, Mai Titi says, “I am asking you to tell her not to push me, because if you think I will not come to Zvishavane, I will come there; and you know my character well, if I come there…”

ZimEye contacted Mai Titi for a comment on Sunday morning, and she announced saying she is not relenting; “I am definitely going to Zvishavane for her,” she told ZimEye.

THE FULL 17 MINUTE AUDIO CALL IS BEING STREAMED ON ZIMEYE.COM

-ARE YOU ALSO A VICTIM OF MAI TITI? CONTACT ZIMEYE RIGHT NOW +447426863301

By A Correspondent- Residents of Bulawayo have been angered by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s ministry of health decision to evict trainee nurses from Mpilo Central hospital hostels.

The government on Friday evicted the student nurses from their hostels to allow for renovations following a recent fire incident that gutted a doctors’ residence at the referral centre, destroying property worth US$500 000.

The fire was blamed on the facility’s lack of maintenance.

The government last week said it had set aside $299 million to facilitate repairs at the doctors’ hostel.

“The notice of the eviction of nursing students from Mpilo Hospital is a sad development, particularly because the notice says they must leave with immediate effect.

“This creates problems particularly for those who have no alternative accommodation in Bulawayo,” said Descent Collins Bajila, a member of Volunteers Team 2020.

“We understand these renovations are due, and were supposed to happen; however the timing of the renovations could have been scheduled to coincide with situational circumstances such as when the students are out on attachment.
“It would have been possible to do this without the students being at school.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s ministry of health has evicted trainee nurses from Mpilo Central hospital hostels to allow for renovations following a recent fire incident that gutted a doctors’ residence at the referral centre, destroying property worth US$500 000. The fire was blamed on the facility’s lack of maintenance.

The government last week said it had set aside $299 million to facilitate repairs at the doctors’ hostel.

Hospital spokesperson Ozias Ndlovu confirmed the development on Thursday, saying the institution was looking for alternative accommodation for the affected trainee nurses.

“We are busy looking for alternative accommodation for them,” Ndlovu told Southern Eye.

The development has, however, attracted an angry response from Matabeleland activists.

“The notice of the eviction of nursing students from Mpilo Hospital is a sad development, particularly because the notice says they must leave with immediate effect.

“This creates problems particularly for those who have no alternative accommodation in Bulawayo,” said Descent Collins Bajila, a member of Volunteers Team 2020.

“We understand these renovations are due, and were supposed to happen; however the timing of the renovations could have been scheduled to coincide with situational circumstances such as when the students are out on attachment.

“It would have been possible to do this without the students being at school.

-NewsDay

By Jane Mlambo|Daughter of the late national hero Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Selmor has pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allow the arts sector to operate as is the case with South Africa.

Government has maintained a ban on musical shows since March last year when the first COVID-19 induced lockdown was announced.

This has affected the arts sector more than any other as they are not able to hold live shows or perform in front of gatherings due to restrictions on numbers.

A few promoters have organised online shows but the hype seems to have died down leaving musicians dependent on royalties and online sales which in most cases favour big names with a following.

Selmor who recently went to South Africa to perform at a Tuku Memorial concert said she felt sad on her return seeing that artists in Zimbabwe were living like destitutes.

She urged the government to copy South Africa which has a relaxed model allowing musical shows to be held with limited number of attendees.

Tinashe Sambiri|Prominent Movement for Democratic Change members Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama were yesterday acquitted by the Supreme Court after spending eight years in jail.

Commenting on the acquittal of Madzokere and Maengahama, President Chamisa said:

“So grateful to have these comrades finally free.God is faithful.

I salute all those who showed solidarity and support to our incarcerated cdes. The struggle continues!#machinjaAnerudo

Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama have finally been acquitted by the SC. Surely there is God in Heaven.”

“Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama have finally been acquitted by the Supreme Court. They spent 8 years in jail for a crime they didn’t commit,” MDC Alliance posted on Twitter.