ZANU PF coupist Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to forcibly exhume his late boss’ remains against the wishes of his family, just as his top leadership demands to obtain among others, Robert Mugabe’s sceptre.

The development comes as there are assumptions that Mugabe was buried with his staff. According to many close state house aides, the country is struggling because of the missing staff, which is known in shona as Tsvimbo. 

Chief Zvimba has said he wants Mrs. Mugabe to exhume her late husband’s body and rebury it at a gravesite where his mother, Bona, was laid to rest.

The Chief has presided over a lawsuit against Mugabe’s wife, Grace in which she has been charged 5 cows for burying Mugabe in the wrong place. 

The development is a continuation of battles between Mnangagwa and the Mugabe family for the late coup-victim’s remains in Sept 2019, an impasse that last over 3 weeks as Mnangagwa demanded that he has to be buried at the national shrine, something the deceased warned against saying Mnangagwa will use his bones for Satanic rituals. 

In a letter dated April 29, 2021, and signed by the traditional leader, Chief Zvimba ordered Mrs. Mugabe to attend the village court on Thursday at Gonzo Guzha Hall in Murombedzi Growth Point.

The letter read in part, “You are facing charges of burying the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe at his homestead. This is unheard of in Chief Zvimba’s area. At the same, time you are accused of abandoning Robert Gabriel Mugabe’s property which is scattered nationwide.

“All properties of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe are supposed to be kept at his homestead and handled in line with our traditions. I want you to rebury the late president in accordance with our traditions and in Zvimba at a place designated by the family and his late mother. These charges you are facing attract a fine of five cattle and a goat.”

In the letter, Chief Zvimba had noted that Mrs. Mugabe was allowed to bring witnesses. “We will proceed with the case and make an appropriate ruling if you don’t attend the village court without seeking permission.”

Mrs. Mugabe was asked to fix a date with appropriate authorities if she won’t attend the village court.

The late Robert Mugabe’s homestead in Kutama, Zvimba communal lands. (VOA)
The late Robert Mugabe’s homestead in Kutama, Zvimba communal lands. (VOA)

The former first lady’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, was unreachable for comment on his mobile phone. Leo Mugabe was quoted by an online publication recently as saying he was not aware of any moves by Chief Zvimba to summon Mrs. Mugabe to the village court to face charges of breaking traditional rules and regulations of burying people in his area.

According to independent economists, the Mugabe family has business interest worth more than US$10 million. – VOA/ Additional Reporting

By A Correspondent- Suspended City of Harare director of works Zvenyika Chawatama, who is facing fraud and abuse of office charges in court, has filed a complaint with ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga against the investigating officer Gilbert Manyore alleging perjury and fraud, legal papers seen by the Zimbabwe Independent show.

Chawatama, who earlier this year was locked in a turf war with suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, was dragged to court on April 6. He was denied bail on initial appearance.

According to the complaint furnished to the police boss on May 6, 2021 prepared by Zinyengere Rupapa Legal Practitioners, Chawatama contends that Manyore leveraged on two “fraudulent” witness statements to mislead the court, resulting in him being denied bail.

Chawatama highlights that the witness statements obtained from acting-Harare mayor Stewart Mutizwa and acting-Town Clerk Bossman Marufu were not authentic.

At the heart of Chawatama’s complaints, his legal representatives claim that Manyore, “admitted that he authored those statements and the witnesses never authored or signed them.”

The court document reads: “Our client (Chawatama) is employed by the Harare City Council as the director of works. On April 6, Gilbert Manyore completed a request for remand in the said case (ACC 57/2021) and arraigned our client before the Harare Magistrates Court. He was opposed to his bail…

“Our client wishes to note a formal complaint against Manyore on the following basis. The two statements supposedly by the complainants/witnesses were fraudulent. They are purportedly signed by the witness when in fact and at law they are not signed by the two witnesses.”

Chawatama’s legal representatives further submit to Matanga that Manyore perjured “himself in court when he testified that he had already recorded two witness statements when he fully knew that it was incorrect”.

The range of perjury allegations, as submitted by Chawatama to Matanga also state that Manyore twisted evidence in court so that the HCC director of works could be denied bail.

“He (Manyore) went further to perjure himself in court when he testified that he had already recorded two witness statements when he fully knew that it was incorrect. This he did notwithstanding he was Council boss fights back testifying under oath,” the complaint document seen by this publication this week reads.

“In so doing, he swayed the court into denying our client bail and he was incarcerated at Harare Prison from April 8 to April 23 when he was released after obtaining bail at the High Court.”

Pursuant to that, Zvenyika Rupapa Legal Practitioners, acting on behalf of Chawatama, advised him to lodge a formal criminal report against Manyore.

Wrote Zvenyika Rupapa Legal Practitioners: “We have since advised our client to make a formal criminal report against the errant member and the same was made at
Harare Central Police on May 3, 2021.

“In all circumstances, the accused member has shown great resentment to our client, conducted himself in a partisan and unprofessional manner with spite and partiality, successfully caused our client’s unlawful detention premised on his falsehoods…”

Chawatama also highlights that Manyore had acted unprofessionally resulting in “his suffering.”

“We believe his (Manyore) uncouth and deceitful conduct does not resemble the values for which the force stands for.

“He had no lawful right to act in the corrupt and unprofessional manner he did,” the legal documents seen by the Independent read.

As a result, Chawatama’s lawyers implored Matanga to investigate Manyore.

“It is our client’s wish to have GM (Gilbert Manyore) investigated as he has violated our client’s right through his deceit.”

Accompanying the complaint letter, Chawatama’s lawyers also furnished Matanga with the request for remand document signed by Mutizwa.

The lawyers also attached the witness statements which they claim were falsified by Manyore.

Manyore is yet to file his responses in court.

-Independent

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef ) contractor, who was alleged to be a fugitive from justice in the United States, was never convicted of any crime in that country, it has emerged.

Zimdef was last week accused of giving Tawanda Wallen Mangere of Tano Digital Solutions a huge information technology contract without doing background checks.

Mangere’s rivals claimed that he had served a jail term in the United States for fraud or that he had fled America fearing incarceration.

The US embassy in Harare linked NewsDay to Fulton County Magistrates’ Court in Georgia, where Mangere was detained for about 90 minutes.

A case was opened against the Zimbabwean businessman on March 17, 2010 under case No 308457MC.

“There is no criminal case against Mr Mangere. He has no pending legal issues. He is not a fugitive,” said Bryant Brinson, a supervisor at the Fulton County court in emailed responses to NewsDay.

Nicole Vaughn, director for customer service at the Fulton County District Attorney’s office said: “I found no open or pending cases with Mr Mangere’s name in our office.”

According to a document received from Brinson, signed on Wednesday by Mary Conklin, a clerk at the Fulton court, Mangere was charged for deposit account fraud (felony), but the case was dismissed.

“The case was heard before a Fulton County Magistrate judge, who ordered that the charge against Wallen Mangere be dismissed on 04/14/2011,” part of the deposition of the magistrates’ case read.

An investigation by NewsDay showed that Mangere has been going in and out of the US and his last visit was on December 17, 2019 using passport No FN812449 just before the COVID-19 outbreak.

By A Correspondent- Two top aides in President’s Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office have been remanded in custody for extortion after they were allegedly caught red-handed receiving a bribe from Chinese investors.

Patrick Badza (46), a senior programmes manager in the President’s Office and his subordinate Simabarashe Chester Matsvimbo (39) were arrested after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) set up a trap.

They were not asked to plead when they appeared before magistrate Estere Chivasa yesterday.

It is alleged that the duo demanded bribe from Kyle Dongchuan Wang (29) the managing director of Live Touch mining company in KweKwe so that they could facilitate the processing of temporary employment permits applications for 33 Chinese nationals following the expansion of the company into limestone mining.

It is alleged that between March and April 2021, Wang submitted the application for the permits to the Immigration Department and the applications were forwarded to the committee on foreign recruitment for processing.

The committee made a site visit at the mine where the operations officer Junior Zigora showed them around.

On May 14, Zigora received a call from Badza who told him that he was from the President’s Office and solicited for a reward or consideration in order to make favourable recommendations for the permits of the Chinese nationals to be processed.

Zigora referred Badza to Wang and he again made the same demand.

Wang reported the matter to Zacc on May 17, 2021 and the commission decided to set up a trap for the two, leading to the duo’s arrest the following day after receiving a US$3 500 bribe.

By A Correspondent- A Macheke white garment prophetess under the Nyenyedzi Nomweye Nguwo Tsvuku says she been a sex worker for the past 8 years without abandoning her “spiritual calling”.

38-year-old Madzimai Cathrine Bvumbe recently told Manica Post that she has been juggling between satisfying her ‘clients’ between the sheets and those at her shrine.

Speaking during a media tour organised by the National Aids Council (NAC), Madzimai Cathrine said she turned to thigh vending due to years of desperation.

She said:

I am not proud of it, but I have been in prostitution for years due to desperation. In fact, I only rely on regular clients who contact me on my phone for meeting arrangements.

Prostitution is a risky business. You can’t wish this on anyone, even your worst enemy. Sex workers are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

In addition to that, interaction with strangers put them in harm’s way. Some are maimed while others are killed during the course of duty.

Madzimai Cathrine revealed that she almost lost her left ear during a scuffle with a client over non-payment of her services.

She also disclosed that she got married in 1999 but unfortunately parted ways with her husband in 2011.

She has to put food on the table for her three children and send them to school.

Madzimai Cathrine said she wakes up early to rush to her shrine to attend to her clients.

She then comes back later in the day to change her church robs into sexually appealing clothes in preparation for her other clients.

Said Madzimai Cathrine:

I am convinced that ndakatumwa naMwari (God sent me). It is God’s plan for me to be interacting with these ladies and imparting His Word unto them. It is not by mistake that I am into sex work.

By A Correspondent- Tapuwa Kapini has given credit to hard work after his impressive clean sheet record for Sekhukhune United in South Africa’s second-tier league.

Kapini has been a key figure in Sekhukhune’s chase for a Premiership ticket and their victory over Polokwane City moved them into second place on the table with 47 points from 29 games.

“It’s amazing, I think it’s all because of hard work, as the goalkeeping department we’ve been working so hard on and the whole team.

“I think all the clean sheets belong to the team and I’m happy that I have managed to keep 10 clean sheets. So we are happy with what we have been doing well.

“I have been doing this since I was seven, so I don’t think I’m getting better with age, it’s only that the talent is there.

“It’s God given and I’ve been doing this since I was young and I’m still going to do it.

“So it’s all up to me that’s why I look after myself very well, my body. And the support I get from my family and friends keeps me going, not the age, I can be 50 years and still do it,” he said.

The former Warriors goalie said he is inspired by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi “Gigi” Buffon.

“I’m inspired by Buffon, the way he conducts his training sessions and the way he conducts the games, he inspires me and that goalkeeping has nothing to do with age.”

With just one match remaining before the season ends, Sekhukhune trail ex-Warriors striker Cuthbert Malajila’s Royal Kings by three points.

Sekhukhune, also home to the Zimbabwean pair of defender McClive Phiri and striker Walter Musona, is set for a nervy finish against JDR Stars, whose quest for a promotional play-off suffered a blow when they drew 1-1 with Edmore Chirambadare’s Steenberg United, who are fighting for survival in the First Division.

“To be promoted will be amazing but as Sekhukhune United our chairman had a three-year plan, this season was just to save the team from relegation and we continue to work towards our goal to go to PSL.

“But to go to playoffs or anything that comes we will grab it with both hands and we will appreciate the directors of Sekhukhune for what they’ve done for us.

“They’ve sacrificed a lot for us, their support has been amazing,” he said.

By A Correspondent- A Murriel Mine woman who ganged up with her younger sister to beat up her husband’s girlfriend has appeared in court charged with assault.

Priscilla Femera, 30, and her younger sister Anna Phiri appeared before Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Tapiwa Banda.

The complainant, in this case, is Precious Munyaradzi, 39.

The two were lucky to escape imprisonment after they were found guilty and fined $10 000 each or risk spending 30 days in jail if they fail to pay the fine.

Prosecuting, Review Nikisi told the court that on March 31 at around 5pm, Femera gathered information to the effect that her husband was having an affair with Munyaradzi.

She teamed up with Phiri and went to confront Munyaradzi at her place of residence.

Upon arrival, Femera called Munyaradzi who was just entering the bedroom from the compound, where she had gone to collect a debt.

As Munyaradzi was coming out of her bedroom, Femera without saying anything, manhandled Munyaradzi and dragged her to the flower bed and was joined by Phiri in assaulting her.

They were refrained from further inflicting harm on Munyaradzi by Godfrey Chapanda.

During the assault, Munyaradzi lost her A16 Itel cellphone and US$65 which was on the back cover of the cellphone.

The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of Femera and Phiri.

— HMetro

By A Correspondent- A self-proclaimed prophet from Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for stealing a vehicle and valuables worth $31 123 and US$93 from a client under the pretext of healing him.

Simbarashe Muvengwa (30) of no fixed aboard pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared before Gwanda regional magistrate, Mrs Sibonginkosi Mkandla but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence.

He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment of which two years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

In passing her sentence Mrs Mkandla said she had shown leniency towards Muvengwa seeing that he had not benefited from the act of theft as the vehicle was recovered.

She said that however did not change the fact that Muvengwa had committed a serious offence that required a deterrent sentence.

In his defense Muvengwa denied committing the offence saying that the complainant had agreed to lend him the vehicle for a week.

“I know the complainant as my client. We had an agreement that he would lend me his vehicle for a week and we also agreed that I would take it with me to Harare. I was surprised when I was apprehended by the police for stealing the vehicle before the one week, we had agreed on had elapsed,” he said.

In his statement in court, Detective Constable Progress Mhlanga who is stationed at Gwanda CID said they arrested Muvengwa in Harare following a tip-off from members of the public. He said Muvengwa was using the vehicle as a pirate taxi.

Prosecuting, Mr Johannes Tlou said Muvengwa robbed Mr George Mangwana (37) who is a miner based in Esigodini and also his church mate.

He said Muvengwa advised Mr Mangwana that for him to be cleansed in the pool he had to leave his car keys behind as he was not supposed to carry any metal object into the pool.

“On 5 January last year, Mr Mangwana received a phone call from Muvengwa who is a self-proclaimed prophet from the Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect informing him that he had received a prophetic revelation for him and his colleague Mr Foster Ndudzo.

“Mr Mangwana and Mr Ndudzo agreed to meet with Muvengwa at their shrine near Habane Business Centre in Esigodini on the following morning. Mr Mangwana drove in his Toyota Hiace vehicle, collected Muvengwa from where he was temporarily staying and they proceeded to the shrine where they met with Mr Ndudzo,” he said.

Mr Tlou said Muvengwa told the two men that he had to conduct a ritual at a pool to cleanse them. He warned them against carrying metal-coated objects when entering the pool.

He said Muvengwa instructed the two men to follow a nearby stream until they reached a pool and enter it.

“Mr Mangwana left his car keys with Muvengwa according to his warning against carrying metal objects. Upon their return the two men found Muvengwa gone with the vehicle.

In the vehicle, Mr Mangwana had left clothing, cell phones and other valuables worth $31 123 and US$93.

“The matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to the arrest of the accused person.

The total value of the stolen property including the vehicle is $1 057 698 and property worth $1 026 375 was recovered

Tinashe Sambiri|President Chamisa was greeted by a gleeful crowd at Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera on Wednesday.

Scores jostled to get a glimpse of “the People’s President”

In a video clip circulating on social media, scores are seen jostling to greet President Chamisa shouting:”Tofa nenhamo kuno President”

President Chamisa attended the burial of Takudzwa Matinenga in Buhera.

President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page yesterday:” I’M IN BUHERA at the Matinenga Homestead for Takudzwa Matinenga’s send off.

I’m so humbled by the level of support. What a befitting ceremony for such a great and brilliant young life. RIP Taku!”

Click link below to watch video:

By A Correspondent- A self-proclaimed prophet from Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for stealing a vehicle and valuables worth $31 123 and US$93 from a client under the pretext of healing him.

Simbarashe Muvengwa (30) of no fixed aboard pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared before Gwanda regional magistrate, Mrs Sibonginkosi Mkandla but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence.

He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment of which two years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

In passing her sentence Mrs Mkandla said she had shown leniency towards Muvengwa seeing that he had not benefited from the act of theft as the vehicle was recovered.

She said that however did not change the fact that Muvengwa had committed a serious offence that required a deterrent sentence.

In his defense Muvengwa denied committing the offence saying that the complainant had agreed to lend him the vehicle for a week.

“I know the complainant as my client. We had an agreement that he would lend me his vehicle for a week and we also agreed that I would take it with me to Harare. I was surprised when I was apprehended by the police for stealing the vehicle before the one week, we had agreed on had elapsed,” he said.

In his statement in court, Detective Constable Progress Mhlanga who is stationed at Gwanda CID said they arrested Muvengwa in Harare following a tip-off from members of the public. He said Muvengwa was using the vehicle as a pirate taxi.

Prosecuting, Mr Johannes Tlou said Muvengwa robbed Mr George Mangwana (37) who is a miner based in Esigodini and also his church mate.

He said Muvengwa advised Mr Mangwana that for him to be cleansed in the pool he had to leave his car keys behind as he was not supposed to carry any metal object into the pool.

“On 5 January last year, Mr Mangwana received a phone call from Muvengwa who is a self-proclaimed prophet from the Johanne Masowe Apostolic Sect informing him that he had received a prophetic revelation for him and his colleague Mr Foster Ndudzo.

“Mr Mangwana and Mr Ndudzo agreed to meet with Muvengwa at their shrine near Habane Business Centre in Esigodini on the following morning. Mr Mangwana drove in his Toyota Hiace vehicle, collected Muvengwa from where he was temporarily staying and they proceeded to the shrine where they met with Mr Ndudzo,” he said.

Mr Tlou said Muvengwa told the two men that he had to conduct a ritual at a pool to cleanse them. He warned them against carrying metal-coated objects when entering the pool.

He said Muvengwa instructed the two men to follow a nearby stream until they reached a pool and enter it.

“Mr Mangwana left his car keys with Muvengwa according to his warning against carrying metal objects. Upon their return the two men found Muvengwa gone with the vehicle.

In the vehicle, Mr Mangwana had left clothing, cell phones and other valuables worth $31 123 and US$93.

“The matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to the arrest of the accused person.

The total value of the stolen property including the vehicle is $1 057 698 and property worth $1 026 375 was recovered

By A Correspondent- The ndinyengeiwo fame lady, Lorraine Guyo has been engaged by a local youth organisation 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation in their national ID campaign programme.

The social media sensational lady and musician Peter Moyo are being used as models to encourage youths to acquire national IDS so that they register to cast their votes.

The organisation which has supported the creative sector in the past through funding the schools’ short story competitions has extended to helping artistes. With the campaign being rolled out nationally, Matabeleland artistes are also set to be roped in.

The campaign dubbed “Your ID – Your voting passport” encourages youths to ensure they have their IDs or valid passports in check so that they can be able to vote in the 2023 elections.

National IDs are the only documents required for the pre-voting and voting processes thus they play a very significant role in the process.

4-H Zimbabwe Foundation communications officer – Michelle Ncube said: “As artistes have a large following, we’ll be working with Lorraine Guyo and Peter Moyo before roping in others from Matabeleland when we launch the campaign in that region. The reason most of these youths don’t have IDs is that they would have lost them and don’t have any reason or motivation to get new ones. Some get comfortable using their birth certificates in place of their IDs, even after they would have turned 18 years.

“Our motive is to try by all means to enlighten youths on the importance of voting and making it clear to them that all this is possible if one has an ID or a valid passport. We want youths to strongly participate during the elections as they constitute about 68% of the country’s population. They deserve a chance to decide their future for themselves,” said Ncube.

“Voter registration following the 2018 harmonised elections has been worryingly low. If young people do not register to vote and participate in elections, their distinct interests are more likely to be ignored or neglected by policy-makers thus as 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation, we are therefore encouraging the youths to get their IDs and register now,” said Ncube.

-State media

By A Correspondent- A Mukuru branch manager and his assistant allegedly stole US$100 000 from a sealed trunk of banknotes entrusted to their care in February, stuffing the cash they removed into their pockets and had the security seals replaced in an attempt to shift the blame.

Yesterday branch manager Alexander Zengeni (30) at Send Money Home (Pvt) Limited, trading as Mukuru, and his assistant Raphel Ruduvo (34) appeared in court on charges of theft of trust property, that is property entrusted to their care when the trunk was left in their custody by Fawcett Security guards for safekeeping on behalf of Inter Africa, a financial institution.

The two, both represented by lawyer Mr Nathaniel Chigoro, appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court. They were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, who remanded them in custody to today for determination of their applications for bail.

Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, prosecuting, alleged that on February 23 this year, the security guards handed the two a sealed trunk, which the two signed for. Zengeni also signed for the money and secured the trunk in the vault.

Sometime in April, Rudovo was transferred to work at Mukuru headquarters at Tendeseka Office Park in Eastlea, Harare. Upon undertaking a hand-over and take-over routine with Fiona Musandirire, who had been promoted
to take his position, Rudovo allegedly handed all other valuables in his care except the cash trunk.

Musandire later discovered that the trunk, which was left in the vault had broken seals and asked Zengeni and Rudovo, who told her not to worry. On May 3, Fawcett security guards were sent to collect cash from Mukuru and Zengeni was notified in advance by someone called Antony from Inter Africa, where the money was destined.

It is alleged that Ruduvo volunteered to assist Musandire to process the instruction. Ruduvo asked Fawcett Security guards to put another set of seals on the trunk, allegedly without checking on the contents.

The court heard that the guards placed the seals and took it to Inter Africa where it was discovered that the money was missing. It is alleged that Zengeni and Ruduvo were spotted on the CCTV stashing money into their pockets.

-State media

By A Correspondent -A 32-year-old Zimbabwean man has been given a 6 life jail sentence for killing his girlfriend (42) and her five children.

The sad incident happened in South Africa at the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against violence on women and children last year.

Nowa Makula of Elliotdale hacked his girlfriend Nomzamo Mhlanti and five children with an axe while they were sleeping in their shack on November 24 last year in the Eastern Cape.

It is reported that three of the victims were his biological children, among them a six-month-old toddler.

Makula was on Monday slapped with six life sentences by an Elliotdale regional court on Monday.

The motive behind the murder remains a mystery and the bodies of the six victims were discovered by the woman’s 16-year-old son who made a report to the police.

A blood-stained axe was recovered by the police at the murder scene.
The man was arrested in Ginsberg, near King William’s Town, two days after committing the crime.

During his trial, at the Elliotdale regional court the South African police would have a torrid time dispersing angry mobs which threatened to attack Makula.

In a statement yesterday, South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said the killings took place during the commemoration of the 16 days of activism against violence on women and children, last year.

“The Commission has been monitoring the case and we are satisfied with the speed in which the verdict was delivered,” said the Commission.

“We are aware that cases of GBV take long to be completed in the courts, with many others not getting a conviction. The CGE trusts that this sentence will serve as a benchmark in speedily addressing GBV cases.”
The Commission also appealed to members of the public, and those in the private sector to take a stand against perpetrators of gender-based violence.

“We will continue as the Gender Commission through our outreach and legal programs to educate and raise awareness,” it said.

According to the statement, members of the public with information about acts of gender-based violence and abuse should contact the GCE on the Toll-Free Number 0027800 007 709 or contact the commission’s nearest offices.

Early this year the ZRP arrested a Chitungwiza man in connection with a murder case committed in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 19 in 2019.

The accused had allegedly murdered his girlfriend in South Africa before skipping the border to Zimbabwe.

-State media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday handed over the doctorate certificate and academic transcript of the late national hero, Joel Biggie Matiza, to his widow Lillian at a ceremony at State House in Harare.

Matiza, who was the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development at the time of his death in January, had obtained a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, Malaysia, in collaboration with Chinhoyi University of Technology on December 15 last year.

Matiza’s sons, Joel and Joseph and the Charge D’Affairs of the Malaysian embassy in Zimbabwe Ms Tan Tsiu Yinn, also attended the ceremony.

-State media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday handed over the doctorate certificate and academic transcript of the late national hero, Joel Biggie Matiza, to his widow Lillian at a ceremony at State House in Harare.

Matiza, who was the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development at the time of his death in January, had obtained a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, Malaysia, in collaboration with Chinhoyi University of Technology on December 15 last year.

Matiza’s sons, Joel and Joseph and the Charge D’Affairs of the Malaysian embassy in Zimbabwe Ms Tan Tsiu Yinn, also attended the ceremony.

-State media

By A Correspondent-Former Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau, has joined the Constitutional Court Bench.

Makarau was today sworn in by the Acting Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza together with Justices Paddington Garwe, Anne-Mary Goora, Ben Hlatshwayo and Bharat Patel.

Before their appointment, the five were all acting judges of the Constitutional Court and they were among the 12 candidates that participated in the public interviews conducted in September last year.

-State media

BY A CORRESPONDENT| The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has refused to take heed of the advice from the Special Anti-Corruption Unit in the office of the President (SACU) with regards to conflicting cases before the Harare Magistrates court where a Harare land developer George Katsimberis is a witness and an accused person on the same facts.

According to court papers in ZimEye possession, in 2018, Katsimberis reported a case of malicious damage to property after his then business partner and fugitive of justice Kenneth Raydon Sharpe connived with City of Harare officials to destroy a show house he had built at Pokugara Estate which is located in Borrowdale.

This was despite the fact that Katsimberis had all the architectural designs approved by the City of Harare.

Sharpe and is accomplices went on to lie under oath when they submitted affidavits to the High Court to the effect that Katsimberis did not have approved plans for the show house.

This resulted in Katsimberis reporting them for perjury, the matter is still pending at the Harare Magistrates Court.

In a bid to confuse the courts, in June 2020, Sharpe went and reported Katsimberis to the police for fraud alleging that he “fraudulently misrepresented to Pokugara Properties that he had approved architectural plans, when in fact he did not.”

Faced with the dilemma of being a state witness and an accused on the other hand, Katsimberis then wrote to both SACU and NPA complaining that it was unconstitutional and bad faith on the part of the state to continue prosecuting the two conflicting cases.

“Thus on the same set of facts, our client, who was a complainant and a witness in the case against Michael John Van Blerk and others, now find himself as an accused person on the same facts.

“We contend that the above, is unconstitutional and absolute mala fides and bad faith on the part of the National Prosecuting Authority

“Since our client is a witness to the case brought by the Anti-Corruption Unit, in the President’s office, we kindly request your intervention,” reads part of the letter written by Katsimberis’ lawyer Tendai Biti.

Early this year, SACU then wrote to the Prosecutor General expressing concern that a witness lined up to testify on behalf of the state was being charged on the same facts with the accused person in the first case becoming a witness against him.

“SACU is deeply concerned that a witness who is lined up to testify on behalf of the state, that is George Katsimberis is now being charged on the same facts and the accused persons in his case are now witnesses in a case against him.

“In these two cases that are referred herein above the state appears to allege a particular fact on one hand and also alleging the opposite and charge its own witness. The efforts of combating corruption can be put in jeopardy if cases are handled in this way,” SACU said.  

Armed with SACU advise and letters from Katsimberis, the NPA has decided to proceed with the two cases in what puts question marks on the country’s justice delivery system.

Tinashe Sambiri|President Chamisa was greeted by a gleeful crowd at Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera on Wednesday.

Scores jostled to get a glimpse of “the People’s President”

In a video clip circulating on social media, scores are seen jostling to greet President Chamisa shouting:”Tofa nenhamo kuno President”

President Chamisa attended the burial of Takudzwa Matinenga in Buhera.

President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page yesterday:” I’M IN BUHERA at the Matinenga Homestead for Takudzwa Matinenga’s send off.

I’m so humbled by the level of support. What a befitting ceremony for such a great and brilliant young life. RIP Taku!”

Click link below to watch video:

Tinashe Sambiri|President Chamisa was greeted by a gleeful crowd at Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera on Wednesday.

Scores jostled to get a glimpse of “the People’s President”

In a video clip circulating on social media, scores are seen jostling to greet President Chamisa shouting:”Tofa nenhamo kuno President”

President Chamisa attended the burial of Takudzwa Matinenga in Buhera.

President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page yesterday:” I’M IN BUHERA at the Matinenga Homestead for Takudzwa Matinenga’s send off.

I’m so humbled by the level of support. What a befitting ceremony for such a great and brilliant young life. RIP Taku!”

Click link below to watch video:

By A Correspondent- Teachers unions have accused the Primary and Secondary Education ministry of employing a “command” and “haphazard” approach in implementing the new examination model, starting with the ongoing workshops for educators across the country without providing for their food and transport needs.

Government in March announced plans to introduce a new examination model which includes continuous assessment and examination marks for the final 2021 Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Sixth learners.

Under the model, final year students will be assessed on different aptitudes such as knowledge, skills, abilities, values and trends to ascertain the achievement of desired learner exit profiles.

However, it is not clear how marks will be allocated under the Continuous Assessment Framework (CAF), which was announced after the release of poor 2020 Grade 7 results.

As part of the implementation of the CAF model, the ministry early this week began rolling out workshops across the country, but without any budgetary support to cater for meals and travelling allowances for attendees.

“They were not promised, but administratively, they have a right to expect (allowances) as that is government’s standard practice. The Public Service Act sets out these legitimate expectations,” Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou added that CAF was a recipe for failure as teachers were already too poor to be burdened with extra expenses.

“The truth that must be said to level-headed Zimbabweans is that, in spite of the fact that CAF is a brilliant programme, it cannot be implemented by incapacitated teachers, without a budgetary allocation, without adequate pilot projects and broad engagement with teachers, and in a command, haphazard, muddling and meddling through,” argued Zhou.

The ministry has reportedly called for total compliance with CAF for every learner before schools close on June 4. Teachers have, however, pleaded incapacitation and are reporting for work twice or thrice per week.

“The earlier we abandon the attempt and concentrate on capacitation of teachers, syllabus coverage under previous conditions, preparation for CAF proper implementation in three years’ time and resource mobilisation for its successful implementation would be best for the country,” Zhou added.

He argued that education was not a terrain for weird experimentation.

Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro yesterday defended the “unplanned” training workshops as necessary to enable teachers to understand CAF.

“We are holding workshops to bring them up to speed with the framework,” Ndoro said without responding to allegations that CAF workshops were rushed, unplanned and burdensome.

A ministry document on the new education strategy argues that CAF will accord teachers and facilitators the opportunity to participate fully in the assessment of their learners to prepare them for different roles in society and the real world of work.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A man who lost his daughter who stayed in South Africa suffered double tragedy after he got stabbed by his younger brother after a misunderstanding over a hole which was found on the late daughter’s grave.

Anthony Chengetanai of Rudhanda village under Chief Bota area woke up one morning to find a deep hole on the grave of his daughter who had been buried for almost one week.

As the family tried to come to terms with the incident, Chengetanai and other family members disagreed on the next step resulting in him being stabbed by his younger brother.

Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said they had not received any report of both the assault and the grave incident.

“We have not received any report of both incidents, we however urge members of the public to report cases of similar nature to the police,” said Dhewa.

Chengetanai’s daughter, Evidence died on March 05, 2021, after a short illness in South Africa where she was working and was repatriated back to Zimbabwe where she was buried in Zaka on March 13.

Chengetanai told TellZim News that the mystery surrounding the gaping hole on his daughter’s grave led to friction among family members as people suspected each other of performing dark rituals on the grave.

“My child died in South Africa after short illness. We buried her at our family grave site and as per custom, we went there the following day and all was well.

“After a week we visited the grave site with the intention of putting up material for the unveiling of the tombstone. We were shocked to find a deep hole close to the headstone but there was no footprints,” said Chengetanai.

Chengetanai said that they consulted some prophets who told them that there were some people who had tempered around with the deceased.

“We went to consult some prophets who told us that there are some family members who tempered with my daughter’s spirit and could be using it to do something bad,” said Chengetanai.

He went on to claim that other family members were against the idea of backfilling the hole, a disagreement which got him stabbed with a knife.

 Chengetanai said he suspected the sibling who stabbed him had something to do with what happened at the grave as he was opposed to the hole getting plugged.

“I was stabbed by Lovemore who seemed to know something about what is happening and is trying to silence me before I expose those involved. I was rushed to Musiso Hospital where I was stitched on the wound and was discharged.

“We need help because we now hear some strange noises at home during the night; mysterious footsteps of people running and mysterious voices,” said Chengetanai.

-TellZim

By A Correspondent- Police in Matabeleland South are investigating a murder case where a man from Guyu, Gwanda South, allegedly killed his wife following a dispute over missing cash.

Trust Ndlovu (38), allegedly beat up his wife Previous Moyo (33) with a whipping stick while on their way from her parents’ home after a misunderstanding arose over missing cash.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thabani Mkhwananzi confirmed the murder yesterday.

“On May 12, ndlovu left home to do a peace job. The next day he returned home and found his wife away to her parents together with the children. He went to collect them and on their way back home, a misunderstanding broke out over suspected missing cash, leading to Ndlovu beating Moyo with a whipping stick,” said Mkhwananzi.

He said when they crossed Nyabezi River, Moyo complained of some pains before she collapsed and died. Her body was taken to Gwanda Hospital for post-mortem while Ndlovu handed himself over to police.

-newsday

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi was tongue lashed in Parliament yesterday after he refused to respond to questions regarding his attack on judges of the High Court who he accused of being captured by foreign governments.

Ziyambi at the weekend threatened judges for ruling against the extension of former Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s term by five years.

Temba Mliswa (Independent) said Ziyambi should resign because he was irresponsible, and demanded that the minister explains to the House why he chose to go against the principle of separation of powers.

“My understanding is that in the doctrine of separation of powers which we must all understand, the Judiciary is independent, so is the Executive and Parliament,” Mliswa said.

“Now that the matter has been appealed already, the judges that are handling this matter are already compromised. They are under threat. It has never happened where a Minister of Justice, who is the father of justice, issues a statement like that and goes political in saying that some judges belong to the opposition.

“We never knew anything (about) that any judge belongs to the opposition as much as we believe that his discharge of duty as a minister is for the interest of the people of Zimbabwe. There is now a constitutional crisis.”

Mliswa added: “Other than that, he must resign but he must be given a chance because his credibility and that of the justice delivery system of Zimbabwe which must exercise judicial prudence has been failed by one person.”

But Ziyambi refused to be drawn into discussing the issue saying: “There are those that wrote a letter indicating that they want that application to be subjected to the High Court, and so it is sub judice.”

Mliswa refused to accept Ziyambi’s response adding: “When I say I want to hit you, I do not mean I will hit you, and so the matter is not before the courts. I do not have to teach you law as I am not a lawyer…. and this time I hope he will not comment on High Court rulings.”

Ziyambi responded: “I respect my brother Temba Mliswa, but I did not come to Parliament to say something that is false. I have papers that were sent to the High Court with the same complaint and it is still something that is totally wrong to comment about it. I will await the direction of the courts.”

Mliswa retorted: “If indeed the matter is before the courts, we should allow due process, and maybe I should be the Minister of Justice next time.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Hurungwe district ran out of condoms in the first quarter of this year, a district Aids action committee stakeholders meeting heard yesterday.

Stakeholders raised fears of outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections during the ongoing tobacco selling season as there are at least 14 tobacco merchants in Karoi with commercial sex workers coming from Harare, Chegutu and Chinhoyi to ply their trade.

Hurungwe district Aids co-ordinator Rumbidzai Manatsa said the condoms that were being given for free at health facilities were being sold at some places.

“We are worried that at one point we ran out of condoms during the first three months of the year under review. We look forward to seeing the distribution of condoms improving for our clients in the farming and mining areas,” she said.

Zimbabwe People Living with HIV and Aids Positively (ZNNP+) provincial coordinator Tawanda Kamidza called for “robust tracing” so that condoms were made available.

Public Service Commission (PSC) district officer Charles Bandera called for continued HIV and Aids awareness campaigns at all public offices.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A 32 year old Mazowe man in trouble with the law after he allegedly raped a mentally challenged woman at his homestead.

The matter came to light at Bindura magistrate court where Osteen Nyarira of Amatola farm, Mazowe was not asked to plead to the charge before magistrate Samantha Dhlamini.

The state led by Victoria Choga alleged that on May 11 the complainant was invited by Nyarira’s wife at his house and she complied.

The complainant was offered a place to sleep in the same room with the couple.

During the night Nyarira jumped on top of the complainant and raped her.

His wife heard some noise and ordered the complainant to go back to her home.

She went and  narrated what had happened to village elders leading to Nyarira’s arrest.

By A Correspondent- A man from Monyoroka village, Triangle landed himself in trouble with the law after he bedded his girlfriend for two weeks before paying lobola/roora.

Bismack Zhou (25) appeared before Chiredzi Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu facing rape allegations after his girlfriend reported him for having sexual intercourse with her before paying lobola to her parents.

It is in the State’s case that on September 11, 2020, the accused invited the complainant to his house for formal introductions to his siblings.

After dinner, the accused locked the complainant in his room and declared that they had been officially married as husband and wife without the accused’s consent.

The court heard that the accused went on to have sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent while his brothers were on guard.

The accused’s sister would accompany the complainant to the toilet whenever she felt like relieving herself so as to prevent her from escaping.

They stayed together having sexual intercourse several times from September 11 until the accused managed to run away on September 26, 2020.

In his defense, the accused said on September 05, 2020, he went to his girlfriend’s place (complainant) and told her that he wanted to marry her and she agreed. He said they proceeded to his homestead and stayed together until September 26, 2020, when she ran away from his house.

When the accused phoned the complainant asking about her whereabouts, she told the accused that he must pay lobola first to her parents so that they could stay together formally.

The accused said he had no money during that time and that is why the complainant made a police report and filed a rape case.

It is reported that Zhou later went to the complainant’s parents to discuss compensation and he produced only an identity card saying he had no money.

According to TellZim, the case was moved to a later date for trial continuation.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to commission the Blanket Gold Mine central shaft project in Gwanda, Matabeleland South soon.

This was revealed by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando on Wednesday during a tour of the Caledonia Mining Corporation-owned mine, who said his trip was a precursor to President Mnangagwa’s visit.

Caledonia recently operationalised its new Central Shaft after pouring in US$67 million into the project which it started working on in 2015.

Although Caledonia production took a slight slump to 13 197oz in the first quarter of this year, the company remains on track to achieve its full-year production guidance of between 61 000oz and 67 000oz.

Last month, the mining firm posted a strong recovery of 5 470oz.

Chitando said the development at Blanket Mine will contribute significantly to the US$12 billion mining revenue by 2023.

Under the US$12 billion mining roadmap, gold is expected to contribute US$4 billion, platinum US$3 billion while chrome, iron, steel, diamonds and coal will contribute US$1 billion.

Lithium is expected to contribute US$500 million while other minerals will contribute US$1,5 billion.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Popular Afro-Fusion musician Greatman is in high spirits following the recent birth of his first child.

The musician, born Tongai Gwaze, is over the moon following the birth of his son Karran and has announced that he will be releasing a new song dedicated to him.

Greatman and his wife Silibaziso Masara were blessed with their firstborn child on Tuesday at the Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in the capital. The “Pandakazvarwa” star could not hide his delight and promptly took to social media to share the great news.

He wrote:

“I tried to hide it the whole day guys but happy yacho cant hide.  My family and friends nhac kwauya another star Karrane Gwaze. 

“Welcome to the world my son now I have my pillar my flesh my successor.  To Silibaziso Masara you are one in a million thats why nyika isingazvinzwisuse.”

In an interview with the state-owned weekly daily Herald, Greatman said the song dedicated to his son is titled “Padzinogumira” and is a collaboration with Dorcas Moyo.

“I now have someone to whom I will pass the baton, someone who will make me a better person. All the music that I will do will be for him now. I will release a single any day this week and it is titled “Padzinogumira”. This song, which I worked on with Dorcas Moyo, speaks of how God begins to work in our lives when we reach our limits as humans.”

The musician also called on people living with disabilities to not limit themselves.

“A lot of people might not understand it —but this is a sign that I can do everything that an able-bodied person can do. I used to doubt that I will ever have my own child but this has proven that God really can do what we cannot do. I want to encourage people with disability to believe that anything is possible. Just because God gave you disability doesn’t mean he will not bless you with positive gifts.”

B A Correspondent- A 29 year old tout from Mabvuku in Harare was yesterday arraigned before the courts after he allegedly paraded a corpse of his deceased colleague.

Wishes Mukungurutse denied the charge when he appeared before magistrate Denis Mangosi.

He was remanded to June 3 on $5 000 bail.

The State led by prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti alleges that on May 16, 2021 at Tafara cemetery, Mukungurutse, together with his accomplices who are still at large, violently and forcibly took a coffin with Romeo Matavire’s corpse from a Nyaradzo Funeral Services vehicle.

The accused persons placed the coffin onto a Wish motor vehicle driven by Mukungurutse. He then sped off with corpse, skidding with his motor vehicle.

By A Correspondent- Two employees of Send Money Home trading as  Mukuru.Com  appeared in court facing allegations of stealing US$100 000 from their employer.

It is alleged that the money was reserved for a bus company, Inter Africa.

Branch manager Alexander Zengeni, 30, and Raphael Ruduvo, 34, his assistant at the Sam Nujoma branch in central Harare appeared before Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing theft of trust property charges.

Zengeni and Ruduvo were not asked to plead and will be back in court on Thursday for their bail ruling.

According to court papers, on February 23 this year, the two allegedly received US$100 000 from Fawcett Security Company guards for safekeeping on behalf of Inter Africa.

It is alleged that the trunk carrying the money was secured with two security seals, which the two accused persons acknowledged by signing relevant documents before securing the trunk in a vault.

Zengeni and Ruduvo were the only employees with access to the vault.

However, Ruduvo was in April transferred to Send Money Home headquarters at Tendeseka office in Eastlea, Harare and before his transfer, Ruduvo allegedly handed all the valuables in the vault excluding the trunk in question to one Fiona Musandirire who had been promoted to replace him at the Sam Nujoma branch.

Musandirire is said to have noted that the trunk’s seals had been tampered with and broken. She brought this to Zengeni and Ruduvo’s attention, but was told not to worry about the trunk and its contents.

On May 3, Fawcett Security guards were sent to collect the trunk from Send Money Home after Zengeni had been advised by one Anthony from Inter Africa.

Zengeni then instructed Musandirire to process the transaction and surprisingly Ruduvo who had already transferred to head office emerged  behind the security guards and offered to assist.

Ruduvo then purportedly removed the broken seals and caused the Fawcett Security guards to replace the seals without even checking if the money was there or bringing the matter to his employer’s attention.

It is alleged that the trunk was collected and sent to the client who discovered the cash was missing.

CCTV footage showed Zengeni and Ruduvo stashing the money inside their pockets and the two were also seen breaking the trunk seals which led to their arrest.

By A Correspondent- The Minister of Health and Child Care, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has announced that the B.1.617 coronavirus variant, predominantly from India, is now in Zimbabwe.

In a statement on Wednesday, Chiwenga said that a genomic sequencing test was carried out on samples collected from a reported focalized outbreak in Kwekwe which was linked to a traveller from India on the 29th of April 2021.

Chiwenga has therefore directed that with immediate effect, people travelling from or transiting from India will be subject to mandatory quarantine at a designated quarantine centre and at their own cost.

He added that travellers from India will also be subjected to a COVID-19 test on arrival despite the status of their travelling certificate.

Below is VP Chiwenga’s statement:

STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE, GEN. (RETD) DR. C. G. D. N. CHIWENGA ‘GCZM’ ON COVID 19 CONTAINMENT IN RESPECT TO THE NEW VARIANT INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNTRY FROM HIGHT RISK AREAS

1. Genomic sequencing test was carried out on samples collected from a reported focalized outbreak in Kwekwe which was linked to a traveller from India on the 29th of April 2021, a high risk Covid 19 transmission area.

1.1. The test conducted revealed that

a. the B.1.617 variants predominantly from the Republic of India was detected at the focalized outbreak in Kwekwe
b. The nation is therefore advised that this variant B.1. 617 is now in Zimbabwe.

2. The following travel advisory is therefore being Issued.

a. People travelling from or transiting from India will be subject to mandatory quarantine at a designated quarantine centre and at their own cost.

b. These travellers will be subjected to a Covid 19 test on arrival despite the status of their travelling certificate.

3. Furthermore, the Ministry would like to advise that everyone must abide by the following Covid 19 regulations;

a. Maintain social distancing at all times
b. Continue to use face masks at all times
c. Continue with regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizers
d. Desist from unnecessary travel outside own household
e. Take the Covid 19 vaccine from the nearest health centre in your area which is providing the vaccine.

4. Travellers coming into the country from other countries should present with a Covid 19 PCR test done not more thn 48 hours from the time of departure, failure of which this will be done arrival on one’s expense. Travellers will be quarantined for 10 days from date of arrival.

By A Correspondent- A jilted man residing at Tongogara Refugee Camp was sentenced to 18 years in jail after he fatally stabbed his rival suitor for proposing love to his juvenile ex-wife.

Simbarashe Mauraye Simango was slapped with the heavy sentence when he appeared before Mutare High Court Judge, Justice Isaac Muzenda facing murder charges as defined in Section 47 (1) (a) or (b) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23.

It is in the States case that Simango, who resides at Number 147, Section 9, Tongogara Refugee Camp, on May 4, 2020 approached the deceased and asked him why he was talking to his ex-wife (name withheld).

As the deceased tried to explain to him that he was not proposing love to her Simango went berserk and started assaulting the deceased.

The court heard that the now-deceased man died after Simango stabbed him with an okapi knife once in the stomach causing serious injuries and heavy bleeding.

On May 6 last year Dr. Brian Makumbe carried out a post mortem examination and concluded that the cause of death was due to exsanguinations, Manica Post reports.

By A Correspondent- Traditional healers, prophets and community leaders in Manicaland province held an emergency meeting in the wake of ritual killings that have been reported in the province in recent months.

In April, two Mutasa Grade One pupils were brutally murdered and their bodies dumped into a disused Blair toilet.

Dilan and Melissa Benza (both seven-year-olds), who were cousins, were murdered on their way home from Mbaza Primary School.

A week later, a 57-year-old tractor driver, Grey Chirimo, who was employed by Allied Timbers, was found dead in Nyangani Dam, five days after he had disappeared with the tractor he was driving when he was last seen.

The tractor was found by members of the police sub-aqua unit two days before his body was discovered in Nyangani Dam.

The ritual killings have brought traditional leaders under the spotlight, amid accusations that they are the ones who prescribe human body parts to be used as charms.

A spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association (ZINPA) Petronela Yeukai Chiusaru said recently they held a meeting which was attended by the police, chiefs, headmen, and traditional healers including prophets.

ZINPA Vice President Dr Hatizivi Nyamandwe urged the public to consult registered healers. He said:

It was agreed that a database of all registered practitioners in that area is to be produced to the police as well as chiefs.

Healers are not allowed to practice witch-hunting in the area.

By A Correspondent- A Chipinge man was reportedly assaulted to death after he sold a dog which he had stolen from a local villager.

It was reported that the now-deceased Lucky Tsegure (39) of Mukumba Village under Chief Mapungwana sold a dog to Clement Chibvepi.

The dog is reported to have been stolen from a local man only identified as Chimene.

Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda said on May 12 at around 1700hrs, Tsegure and Solomon Mudimba Mutisi went to Themba Ndambi homestead to partake illicit beer known in the local lingo as sope New Zimbabwe reports.

Clement, his brother Christopher Chibvepi and Martin Chitemera Dube (39) of Mwandipfura Village under Chief Mutema were also at the same homestead drinking illicit brew.

When the trio saw Tsegure, it accused him of selling a stolen dog to Clement.

The buyer realised he had purchased a stolen dog after he was confronted by the owner.

Clement started assaulting him. Ndambi tried to restrain him but failed.

The other suspects joined the fracas and reportedly dragged the deceased to Budzi River 3 km away.

Along the way, they assaulted him using sticks and fists calling him a thief.

Tsegure’s body was found the following day around 6 am by Bothell Sithole without his trousers on.

Sithole reported the matter at Chipinge Rural Police Station.

After investigations police could not find the three suspects as it is believed that they did not return to Ndambi’s homestead after committing the offence.

Tsegure’s body was taken to Chipinge District Hospital for a post mortem.

Sticks used to assault the deceased were found at the site where his body was dumped and taken as  an exhibit.

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the local authority will take drastic action that could see ratepayers losing their homes over unpaid bills.

BCC is owed over $1.1 billion by residents, businesses and Government departments in the city and its ballooning debt has left it technically insolvent as its debtors almost equal its creditors.

As of March 2021, the local authority was owed $1.13 billion while it owed $1.06 billion.

Dube told a media briefing on Tuesday that water disconnection was not an effective debt recovery strategy and Council will be forced to take radical measures to force ratepayers to clear their debts. He said:

We are not going to be using one strategy (water disconnections), we are going to use so many of these strategies.

First, we will disconnect you, if it doesn’t work, we will take you to court and, in the end, you will end up losing your property.

We try to conscientise our residents through various forms of media and also through our councillors.

We also try to make sure that the money that has accumulated through a 10 per cent retention scheme is also used in various wards so that people can understand that payments is good for everyone maybe that will also encourage the residents.

The serious one would be taking you to court and take away properties, unfortunately.

The Council is under fire from residents due to failure to attend to burst sewers on time, dilapidated road networks, failure to consistently provide water and collection of refuse.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Pensioners say the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) should pay them sustainable payouts to enable them to seek medication anywhere instead of introducing mobile clinics.

Bulawayo Pensioners Forum co-ordinator Winos Dube said mobile clinics were welcome although they were a short-term measure. Said, Dube:

In our presentation to the minister (Labour and Social Welfare), we had indicated that the issue of mobile clinics despite it being of help would not be very effective.

Our argument is that by the time the mobile clinic will be in Gwanda, what will be happening with the people in Bulawayo, Tsholotsho and other places.

What we are saying is that they better have clinics in every area so that pensioners will be attended there.

If pensioners were being paid sustainable payouts, they would be able to seek medication anywhere in the country.

This comes after NSSA deputy director for marketing Tendayi Mutseyekwa said they were going to introduce mobile clinics across the country to cater for pensioners.

But Dube that the mobile clinics will benefit very few people at any particular point.

He said:

They have started to do it here in Bulawayo but we are saying if the clinic is going to open on May 22 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, how many people will have been attended to?

We are talking of pensioners with some failing to walk to Barbourfields Stadium where the mobile clinic will be.

Meanwhile, Mutseyekwa also said NSSA had increased payouts and introduced grocery vouchers for pensioners and widows.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A couple from Pelandaba suburb in Bulawayo was attacked by robbers, leading to the death of the husband while the wife escaped with chest stab wounds.

The incident also brought to the fore the collapse of the city’s emergence services after they failed to show up to ferry the victims to the hospital.

The attack occurred last Wednesday shortly after 6 PM at Pelandaba Cemetery.

Misheck Rindai Mapeta (54) and Sarudzai Portia Showa (43) of Pelandaba West, both devout members of the Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church for the past 20 years, were walking home from a nearby bus stop using a footpath.

Chronicle reported sources as saying one of the suspects grabbed Showa by the right hand, dragged her to the side of the road and stabbed her with a knife thrice on the chest and once on the head.

Said the source:

The other two suspects attacked Mapeta as they demanded money and cell phones. They indiscriminately stabbed him on the right eye, back, right rib and head.

Showa, a National University of Science and Technology senior lecturer, escaped leaving her husband at the mercy of the robbers.

She alerted neighbours who accompanied her to the scene where they found him lying unconsciously in a pool of blood.

Mapeta died before he and his wife were taken to the hospital.

Shylet Phiri, a neighbour, said a week hardly passes by without an incident involving rape and robbery in the suburb.

She said:

We are having cases of people being mugged and raped at the cemetery almost every week, but sadly police are not doing anything in terms of arrests. The moment it gets dark, the cemetery and surrounding areas turn into a no-go area.

These robbers waylay people at the cemetery soon after dropping off at the bus stop. Residents, especially women are no longer safe particularly in the evening because we don’t have buses accessing the suburb because of poor roads.

Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said no arrests have been made.

She urged members of the public to avoid using bushy footpaths, especially in the evening as they risk their lives.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Linos Phiri said they will investigate his charges’ failure to respond to the call for help.

By A Correspondent-Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Justice Rita Makarau, to be part of the new five judges of the Constitutional Court.

The other four who were yesterday appointed alongside Makarau, are Justices Paddington Garwe, Anne-Mary Goora, Ben Hlatshwayo and Bharat Patel and will take oath before the Acting Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza today.

Before their appointment, the five were all acting judges of the Constitutional Court and they were among the 12 candidates that participated in the public interviews conducted in September last year.

-State media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF District Coordinating Committees in Mashonaland Central Province’s Mbire district are forcing villagers to vote for President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the next election.

According to a report by HealZimbabwe, in Mbire wards 8 and 9, community members are being forced to join the ruling party structures or face denial of food aid mostly from the Department of Social Welfare.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF officials in Mberengwa are denying access to donated food aid to villagers who have not yet been vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The area’s ward 24 Councillor, a Mr Vakai is at the forefront of denying food aid to community members who have not been vaccinated against COVID 19.

This was revealed by villagers who attended a meeting conducted on 15 May 2020 and addressed by the Councillor.

The food aid which Zanu-PF is denying access to villagers is being distributed by the Department of Social Welfare. Mberengwa ward 24 is under Chief Nyanhondo.

Heal Zimbabwe trained Human Rights Monitors (HRMs) that are deployed in Mberengwa verified these reports.

” I have to support government’s programme of mass vaccinations and just a few days ago I got a directive from the top leadership to deny food aid to anyone who doesn’t take the COVID 19 vaccine”, said the Councillor during a community meeting.

 When community members quizzed him on the availability of the vaccine at local clinics, he highlighted that they were free to visit local health centres for more information. 

By A Correspondent- A 15-year-old Shurugwi girl and her father (41) have been arrested for allegedly stealing US$12 500 and RTGS14 000 from their relative who was looking after the girl.

The girl discovered that her relative- a businesswoman from Shurugwi- was keeping large amounts of money in her house and allegedly tipped her father.

Taking advantage of the businesswoman’s absence, the father broke down the bedroom door, ransacked the room and allegedly stole $12 500 and RTGS 14 000.

The father was allegedly arrested at his hideout in Epworth.

This was heard during the appearance of the girl (name withheld to protect her identity) and her father Moses Munikwa before Shurugwi Magistrate Mr Percy Mukumba facing a charge of theft and unlawful entry.

The duo was not asked to plead.

The girl was remanded out of custody while her father was remanded in custody 10 June 4.

The court heard that the complainant Mrs Elizabeth Nkala (72) is a businesswoman in Shurugwi.

She runs several businesses and has buildings that she rents out.
They heard that she was staying with the accused’s daughter including paying her fees at Booms College in Shurugwi.

The State alleges that the girl realised that Nkala kept a lot of money in the house and she told her father about this and the two connived to steal it.
From February 2021 up to the end of March 2021 the complainant collected rentals from her shops and kept them in different places in her house.
On April 4, 2021, at about 930am when the complainant and the girl left the house for church, the father is said to have been left hiding under some steps inside the house by her daughter.

After church, the complainant got home first as the girl remained in town looking for bread and on getting there discovered that her bedroom was upside down with the key lock broken.

She realised that US$12 500 and RTGS$14 000 RTGS which was in a purse was missing.

Her son Maxwell reported the case to Police and investigations led to Munikwa’s arrest.

-State media