By A Correspondent- Villagers in the Chilonga area of Chiredzi have said that their small grain crops have been ravaged by locusts, leaving very little to fall back on.

This development adds to their woes after government recently announced plans to set up an irrigation programme in the area, which might displace some of them from their ancestral land.

Chilonga ward seven Agritex officer Excervia Mbiza said the problem of locusts began in February, leaving villagers with very little food stocks.

He said the grains left would not last until the next farming season.

“The locusts mainly affected small grains, which are the main crops here in Region Five. People did not manage to harvest as much as expected,” Mbiza said. But he said people in Chilonga were taught diversified farming under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund-Enhancing Community Resilience and Sustainability (ZRBF-ECRAS) project, which will leave them with something to fall back on.

“ZRBF-ECRAS programmes have taught us that when such disasters come to affect us, we will always have a plan. Now that the small grains have been destroyed, we can still have other avenues of earning money and making sure we have enough to eat,” he said.

Agritex supervisor for Chiredzi district Sibusisiwe Tshuma said the 2020-21 season, especially the months of February and March were plagued by locusts which mainly affected white sorghum.

“Under the ECRAS programme, we encourage farmers to grow small grains as our region is dry and conducive for small grains,” Tshuma said.

Chiredzi headman Fani Chinyeruse said timely intervention by donors would save the community from the damage caused by the locusts.

“ZRBF-ECRAS is empowering people in this area, and lessening the effects of climate change which are usually harsh and always leave us with nothing to fall back on. The help from ZRBFECRAS has made it easy for us to survive.”

The ZRBF-ECRAS initiative is supported by the Lands ministry and covers 34 wards and 10 500 households in Chiredzi.

-online

By A Correspondent- Cabinet yesterday agreed to set up an inter-ministerial team to deal with congestion on the country’s roads that has become a menace especially in urban areas.

This was announced by Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, where she said the inter-ministerial team would be led by Local Government minister July Moyo and would look at ways of decongesting the roads.

Congestion has become a menace in the cities, mainly in Harare, where the government, through the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, has been accused of failing to develop the road network due to corruption.

“Cabinet notes that there is increased economic activity due to the decisive interventions by government on the financial sector. Additionally, the easing of the lockdown measures, the increased availability of fuel on the local market, and increased economic activity, has seen the number of cars on our roads increase and this has resulted in vehicle traffic congestion,” Mutsvangwa said.

“To that end, an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Local Government has been directed to look into decongesting the roads and addressing the poor lighting in our cities.  Road users are also reminded to be cautious on the roads and observe the laid down regulations, as some are now causing chaos.”

Mutsvangwa also warned drivers of unregistered kombis, saying that only transporters under Zupco would be allowed to operate under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

On the education sector, she said all COVID-19 positive cases reported at Prince Edward, Sacred Heart and Bonda Mission schools had fully recovered.

On teacher absenteeism, Mutsvangwa said government would continue to apply the no-work, no-pay principle.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday left for Uganda to attend the inauguration of President Yoweri Museveni, who won the January 14, 2021 elections.-newsday

The Forum’s Executive Director, Dr Musa Kika has approached the High Court on an urgent basis seeking to bar the extension of the term of office of the outgoing Chief Justice Luke Malaba, under the recently passed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 2) Act which was signed into law by President Mnangagwa on 7 May 2021.

Malaba turns 70 on 15 May 2021 and is due to go on retirement in terms of the provisions of the original 2013 Constitution. Kika argues that the provisions under which Malaba would benefit from, which were introduced in terms of an amendment to Section 328(7) of the Constitution, would allow the Chief Justice, his deputy, Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza as well as Constitutional Court and Supreme Court judges to have their terms of office extended by the President on production of a medical certificate confirming that such a judge would be fit enough to continue on the bench. 

Section 328 requires the holding of a referendum where an amendment Bill seeks to amend a term-limiting provision. Section 328(7) also makes it clear that any amendment to a term-limit provision does not apply to any person who held or occupied that office at the time before the amendment. Kika has also cited as respondents all the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court.

Kika is seeking to have any purported extension of Malaba’s term of office after 15 May 2021 to be null and void and that anything Malaba attempts to do after 15 May 2021 be equally declared to be null and void. Pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice to replace Malaba, Kika seeks to have the current Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza fill in the vacancy in an acting capacity while the third most senior judge, Paddington Garwe, becomes the Acting Deputy Chief Justice.

Kika, who is represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum where he is the Executive Director, has filed this application in his personal capacity.

By A Correspondent- Human rights lawyers and civic groups are piling legal pressure for Chief Justice Luke Malaba to resign ahead of his 70th birthday on Friday, instead of accepting a flawed extension of his retirement age by five more years through the recently signed constitutional amendment.

Malaba turns 70 this Friday and was set to retire according to the Constitution, before President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week hastily signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 2) Bill into law, which will now allow judges to continue serving on the bench until they reach 75.

Legal experts yesterday said the “undue and indecent haste” in which the amendments were pushed through raised suspicion that it was “inextricably intertwined” with Chief Justice Malaba’s impending retirement.

Harare lawyer and executive director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Musa Kika, on Monday filed an urgent High Court application suing Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and all judges of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court over the matter.

Kika’s application comes at a time when civic society organisations, the opposition MDC Alliance and other stakeholders have threatened multi-faceted action to oppose the constitutional amendments, saying they would slide Zimbabwe into authoritarian rule.

The NGO Forum boss is seeking an order to have Chief Justice Malaba cease to hold the office of the Chief Justice at midnight on May 15, 2021 and have his deputy, Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, take over in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice below 70 years of age.

“Any action, conduct or deed of Luke Malaba post the 15th of May 2021 purportedly as the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe is null and void and of no effect,” Kika wrote in papers filed on Monday.

“It was also clear that the purpose behind the amendment was to assail judicial independence. It is a matter of regret that the impression is given that the honourable and distinguished judges concerned are being made to receive a favour, one which is fundamentally improper under the circumstances.

“In accordance with provisions of section 164(1) and (2), the developments that have led to this application also constitute a deliberate and calculated assault on the independence of the judges concerned. Such independence has been assaulted by the first respondent.”

Kika, who is being represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu instructed by Cinginkosi Dube of Scanlen and Holderness, added that the Constitution provided that “members of the Judiciary should not receive any gift or favour that may give the appearance of judicial impropriety”.

He said the clause on judges’ retirement age was rejected during public hearings in December 2019, but Parliament chose to pass it all the same, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No 2 Bill was last month fast-tracked by Ziyambi in the National Assembly before Zanu PF and MDC-T senators voted for it on May 4 in the Senate, with Mnangagwa signing it into law three days later.

“In view of the correct legal position, whether the amendment be valid or otherwise, the fact of the matter is that it cannot benefit the respondents,” Kika added.

“I also point out that the general failure to adhere to the law has caused an avoidable constitutional crisis. By now, the second respondent should have proceeded on leave to make for a proper transitional mechanism.

“There is danger that the second respondent may continue in office post the 15th of May 2021 and that if he does that, all his actions would be void. These include the administration of the Judiciary and the resolution of disputes in court.”

In another High Court application filed yesterday by Harare lawyer Paul Christopher under case number HC/21, the applicants, Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe, and Fraderick Charles Moses Mutanda, who is the second applicant, also stated that if Chief Justice Malaba’s term of office was extended, this would plunge the nation into a constitutional crisis.

They cited the Judicial Service Commission, Chief Justice Malaba and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as respondents.

In a tweet, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions said: “If Chief Justice Malaba accepts the extension of his tenure under the circumstances, the Judiciary will lose any residual respect it still has. He then becomes a politician. Politicians usually do stupid things, but judges are expected to be beyond reproach.”

Lawyer and MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti said the “fight to protect our Constitution is reaching fever pitch. By the end of the week, a record number of applications will have been filed to protect the Constitution. Our efforts as lawyers should be complemented by peaceful constitutional civic action.”

Chief Justice Malaba, who has been accused of political bias in the manner he conducted his duties, was appointed to the post in March 2017, replacing the late Godfrey Chidyausiku.

More- Newsday

The following vacancy has arisen within First Mutual Group Legal and applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill this vacancy. The Assistant Compliance Officer will provide independent assurance to management on the design adequacy and operating effectiveness of systems of internal control to ensure the effective management of significant risks across the group as business units discharge their various activities.

The Job 

Reporting to the Group Compliance Officer, the successful candidates will be responsible for the following:

• Researching. developing and updating Group companies Compliance Checklists and Compliance Risk Management, Planning and ensuring that they capture all new tax and regulatory developments always
• Checking that tax computations and returns are correct and that the same is paid on time.
• Assisting with the application of Tax Clearance Certificates and business licenses for Group companies
• Identifying and assessing nsk areas across the Group and submit recommendations for compliance risk minimization
• Checking the activities of Fund Managers, Dealers and all assets and liabilities view to maintain prudent balance of liquidity always
• Researching market trends and continuously!regulady review and update the company’s lending and credit policies to confirm constancy with market.
• Ensuring the company’s compliance with the legal requirements of the prevailing Collective Investment Schemes Act and all related statutory regulations
• Checking and confirming that the Group implements policies, procedures and internal controls on handling suspicious transactions
• Managing and updating the Employee Training Program on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
• Compiling draft compliance report highlighting non-adherence to set standards and guidelines, risk implication. give appropnate recommendations and submits to management for responses
• Keep abreast of current issues and areas of risk, and appropriately focus attentionidentification on areas that pose high risk Participate in necessary education and training to attain essential knowledge and information

Qualifications & Experience: 

The ideal candidate must possess the following: 

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Fiscal Studies or related.
• 2 years’ experience in a similar or related environment
• Familiarity with Regulatory Compliance. Preferred Requirements
• Results oriented with good self- management skills.
• Must be able to work independently
• Research and due diligence skills
• Working knowledge and application experience of Financial Markets Legislation is advantageous.

Candidates meeting the above criteria should forward their Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) and application letters to Group Human Resources via the following email address [email protected]. Applications should be sent by and not later than the 18th of May 2021. N.B Clearly label the position you applying for in the subject line. Talent Acquisition Team 11 May 2021

By A Correspondent- A member of a syndicate that roams around the Registrar General’s offices in Harare, fleecing desperate passport seekers of money, Nicholas Chogugudza, today admitted in court to soliciting for bribes on behalf of the passport office’s employees.

Chogugudza, who was arrested along with an official from the passport offices, Prisca Moyo, today admitted to the offence when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje.

“I would want to tell the court the truth in front of everyone, including those who arrested me, that I committed the offence,” he said.

He was being charged with bribery.

Chogugudza hangs around Makombe Building as a link between the public and RG’s employees facilitating the underhand dealings.

The State will separately prosecute Moyo on criminal abuse of office and bribery.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent | Former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been sued over her late husband’s corpse.

The development could see the ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa getting access to the remains over 1 year, 8 months after his burial, something the late president’s core family members have said they disapprove because the deceased gave instructions saying his body parts will be used for rituals.

The case, the first if its kind, is being heard in a traditional court on the 20th May.

The full text of the summons read as follows in the local vernacular, Shona:

Unodiwa ku Dare ra Mambo Zvimba pa GONZO GUZHA HALL, MUROMBEDZI GROWTH POINT, musi wa 20 CHIVABVU (MAY) 2021 at 09:30 makuseni (am), ne mhaka inotevera yawakapara kunodiwa zvinotevera.

Wakapara rnhosva chipini pamusaka pekuti wakatora nekuviga muti dzavakupararira munyika. yava Zvimba uyezve ukasiya nhumbi dza Robert Gabriel Mugabe Robert Gabriel mugabe mumba.

Chinova chipini / chisakaonelma munyika
b) Nhumbi dzese dzalRobert Gabriel Mugabe dzinofanirwa kuno rongedzwa pamba pemufi rvichitevedza tsika dzedu dzekwaZvimba.

c) Ndinoda kuti mufi anovigwa zviri patsika nehunhu hwekwaZvimba panzvimbo yakatemwa rukawo nehama naamai vemufi.

d) Muripo we mhaka idzi, unosungirwa kuripa mombe shanu (5) ne mbudzi yernunongedzo.

1) Unobvumirwa kuunza vafakazi nehumbowo hwako ku Dare.

2) Kana usina kuuya ku Dare nemusi wauri kudikanwa usina kupihwa mvumo neDare, nyaya yako ichatongwa usipo ichinakira nyamumhan’ari.

3) Kana uine kukahadzika huya ubvunze mutongi zuva rekutongwa kwemhosva yako.

y A Correspondent- A 52 year old woman from Bulawayo has been jailed for eight months for stealing a cellphone and cash.

Lindiwe Ncube of Makokoba suburb and her accomplice, who is still on the run, hatched a plan and mugged Ms Janet Ndlovu (25) of Lobengula suburb before robbing her of  an Itel A56, R50 and a plastic bag containing baby clothes.

The dramatic incident occurred on April 25 at corner Leopold Takawira Avenue and Joshua Nkomo Street Bulawayo.

Ncube was once convicted on two counts of fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The imprisonment was wholly suspended on condition of good behavior and that she  completed 210 hours of community service.

The court heard that Ms Ndlovu was heading to Zapalala supermarket in the city center to board a commuter omnibus before she met Ncube.

Ncube approached Ms Ndlovu under the guise of a friendly interaction.

During their conversation, the two were joined by an unknown woman who dropped a bunch of folded United States dollar notes.

Ncube picked the cash and informed both the stranger and Ms Ndlovu that they have to cross the alley to share the money.

She went to count the money at a secret place and she came back saying the money was US$ 800.

Ncube suggested that Ms Ndlovu goes with the stranger to share the money on condition that she left her belongings as surety that she will come back.

She handed over a bulged green sock to Ms Ndlovu where she claimed to have put the money.

Ms Ndlovu rushed to a hiding place to divide the cash leaving behind her belongings. As she unfolded the sock, she was shocked to discover folded square papers inside.

The complainant rushed back and found the suspects had disappeared. Ms Ndlovu then made a police report.

The vice came to light when police showed Ms Ndlovu different photographs of suspected culprits. She positively identified Ncube and her accomplice leading to Ncube’s arrest.

An identification parade was conducted and Ms Ndlovu caught up with Ncube again.

Ncube denied one charge of theft when she appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Nomagugu Maphosa.

During cross examination Ncube denied  having met Ms Ndlovu in the city center.

However, Ncube claimed that she was at TM Hyper supermarket opposite Bulawayo Centre (BC) selling weaves with her colleague, Fungai Njabulo.

To support the defense case, Ncube led her evidence from her friend Ms Njabulo who confessed that they were together for the entire day at TM Hyper supermarket not selling weaves but changing money.

Before passing the judgement, Ms Maphosa said the State found incriminating evidence against Ncube.

Ms Maphosa said there was corroborating evidence from Ms Ndlovu in that she managed to positively identify the accused twice on both identification processes.

She further reiterated that Ms Ndlovu had a daylight advantage as she spent more than 10 minutes with the accused and her accomplice hence, she could not be mistaken for the accused’s identity.

The magistrate said both the accused and the defense witness stated that they were at TM Hyper opposite BC on that particular day but varied on what the accused was doing.

She said their defense did not corroborate and it shows that the accused and the witness were lying before the court.

Ms Maphosa said the State managed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and a custodial sentence cannot be escaped.

Ncube asked for lenience from the court when passing a sentence and if possible, pay a fine.

In passing the sentence, Ms Maphosa said Ncube was not a good candidate for any sentence beside a custodial one as she is a repeat offender. She sentenced her to serve an effective eight months in jail.

Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari said on April 25 at around 11AM at corner Leopold Takawira Avenue and Joshua Nkomo Street in Bulawayo the accused connived with her colleague who is still at large and took Lindiwe Ncube’s Itel A56, $50 cash and a plastic bag containing baby clothes.

The value of the stolen cellphone and cash is $9 794 and nothing was recovered.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Mtshabezi Primary School learners with disabilities escaped unharmed after their hostel and learning class caught fire but they lost clothes and other property.

The eleven learners comprising seven girls and four boys lost their clothing, stationery bedding and food among other stuff during the incident.

The fire which broke out on Friday at around 1AM is suspected to have been caused by an electric fault.

Gwanda District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Thulani Moyo said they were in the process of mobilising resources to assist the learners and repair the damaged block

“The Mtshabezi Primary School disability block was engulfed by fire on Friday morning at around 1AM. There was no loss of life or injuries but property worth thousands of dollars was lost. A teacher who was with the children was able to pull the children out of the building before anyone could get hurt,” he said.

“The staff from the school managed to put out the fire but the damaged had already been done. The children lost clothing, stationery, blankets and food in the fire. Furniture, cooking utensils and the roof were also damaged. This block houses pupils with various disabilities and now the learners have been left stranded. We would like to appeal to well-wishers to chip in with any form of assistance which they have.”

Mr Moyo said the building materials, blankets, beds, clothing food among others are needed.

Gwanda District School’s Inspector (DSI), Mr Sidney Sibanda said he visited the school to assess the damage and a report has been compiled. He said the pupils from the special disability class had now been moved to a temporary structure.

By A Correspondent- Wicknell Chivayo has lost the Supreme Court case on the multimillion-dollar Gwanda solar project tender he had been granted by the ZESA subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).

The ruling overturns a 2019 High Court judgment that observed that prohibited ZPC from cancelling the contract and suing to recover over US$5 million it had already paid to Chivayo’s company.

High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi ignored the fact that Chivayo’s Intratek had apparently breached its contract with the ZESA subsidiary.

ZPC then appealed against the ruling arguing that the breach of the contract had automatically resulted in the collapse of the deal.

In their ruling on Monday, Supreme Court judges Francis Bere, Elizabeth Gwaunza and Chinembiri Bhunu said Justice Chitapi erred in not finding that there was a material dispute of facts, following which he should have dismissed Intratrek’s application. The learned judges said:

_There were allegations and counter factual allegations as to who is to blame for the alleged breach of contract. There is also a dispute as to whether or not the contract has since expired due to the effluxion of time._

_Without any further ado, it is clear that this was a case incapable of resolution without going to trial to determine the merits on the basis of viva voce evidence. Intratrek’s endeavour to avoid trial in the face of glaring material disputes of facts gives the unmistaken impression that it has something to hide that could be unearthed in the course of trial proceedings._

Chivayo’s lawyers had argued in the Supreme Court that he had, after Justice Chitapi’s ruling, completed pre-commencement works and was in the middle of fulfilling his side of the contract.

By A Correspondent- A 21 year old man from Somabula communal farms on the outskirts of Gweru committed suicide by hanging, allegedly after he was denied conjugal rights by his 18-year-old wife.

According to the local Councillor Adam Shava, the now deceased man, Dumisani Matonsi of Plot 12 Rodell Farm, Somabula had a misunderstanding over conjugal rights with his newly-married wife.

He then walked out of the bedroom at night in protest.

The incident occured Tuesday last week.

“After about an hour of the husband walking out of the bedroom, the wife, Sarah Mazambatate woke up to check out on him only to find him hanging on a Msasa tree branch within the yard,” he said.

The matter was then reported to Gweru Rural Police Stattion under sudden death report RBR number 4703082.

By A Correspondent- The hearing into the matter in which Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is seeking to divorce his estranged wife Marry has been postponed to July 5.

Justice Esther Muremba said the court would on the return date get an update on the condition of Marry, before setting a new date for the hearing.

Chiwenga’s lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri confirmed before the judge that Mubaiwa was unwell and admitted to a local private hospital.

Both parties’ lawyers yesterday visited Marry at the hospital to confirm her condition.

In his divorce summons, Chiwenga indicated that he had no problem with Mubaiwa getting all their kitchen utensils, a bed and three cars in their divorce, but argues that the cash amounting to US$245 428 that is kept in Mubaiwa FBC Bank account, belonged to him.

Marry failed to appear at the Harare magistrates’ courts yesterday where she is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly trying to kill Chiwenga when he was hospitalised in South Africa.

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is demanding US$245 428 that is kept in Marry FBC Bank account, for the two to end their fragile marriage.

Chiwenga is divorcing Marry whom he is accusing of trying to kill him.

On Tuesday, High court judge Justice Esther Muremba postponed the divorce hearing case to 5 July and said that the court would on the return date get an update on the condition of Marry, before setting a new date for the hearing.

Chiwenga’s lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri confirmed before the judge that Mubaiwa was unwell and admitted at a local private hospital.

Both parties’ lawyers yesterday visited Marry at the hospital to confirm her condition.

In his divorce summons, Chiwenga indicated that he had no problem with Mubaiwa getting all their kitchen utensils, a bed and three cars in their divorce, but argues that the cash amounting to US$245 428 that is kept in Marry FBC Bank account, belonged to him.

Marry failed to appear at the Harare magistrates’ courts yesterday where she is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly trying to kill Chiwenga when he was hospitalised in South Africa.

By A Correspondent | In what is understood to be renewed efforts to seize the late president Robert Mugabe’s remains, former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been sued over her husband’s corpse.

The development could see the ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa getting access to the remains over 1 year, 8 months after his burial, something the late president’s core family members have continued to disapprove because the deceased gave instructions saying his body parts will be used for rituals if handed to the coup-criminal.

In September 2019, Mugabe family spokesperson, Leo, told ZimEye the clan resolved to never give Mnangagwa or anyone else his uncle’s body. He said Mugabe would be given a secret burial since he was a chief, according to him.

Analysts suggest that the remains are needed for ritual purposes to obtain powers to govern the country.

The case, the first if its kind, is being heard in a traditional court on the 20th May.

The full text of the summons read as follows in the local vernacular, Shona:

Unodiwa ku Dare ra Mambo Zvimba pa GONZO GUZHA HALL, MUROMBEDZI GROWTH POINT, musi wa 20 CHIVABVU (MAY) 2021 at 09:30 makuseni (am), ne mhaka inotevera yawakapara kunodiwa zvinotevera.

Wakapara rnhosva chipini pamusaka pekuti wakatora nekuviga muti dzavakupararira munyika. yava Zvimba uyezve ukasiya nhumbi dza Robert Gabriel Mugabe Robert Gabriel mugabe mumba.

Chinova chipini / chisakaonelma munyika
b) Nhumbi dzese dzalRobert Gabriel Mugabe dzinofanirwa kuno rongedzwa pamba pemufi rvichitevedza tsika dzedu dzekwaZvimba.

c) Ndinoda kuti mufi anovigwa zviri patsika nehunhu hwekwaZvimba panzvimbo yakatemwa rukawo nehama naamai vemufi.

d) Muripo we mhaka idzi, unosungirwa kuripa mombe shanu (5) ne mbudzi yernunongedzo.

1) Unobvumirwa kuunza vafakazi nehumbowo hwako ku Dare.

2) Kana usina kuuya ku Dare nemusi wauri kudikanwa usina kupihwa mvumo neDare, nyaya yako ichatongwa usipo ichinakira nyamumhan’ari.

3) Kana uine kukahadzika huya ubvunze mutongi zuva rekutongwa kwemhosva yako.

By A Correspondent-Jailed Robert Martin Gumbura has graduated in Prison.

Gumbura graduated last Friday graduated with a certificate in Peace Education.

He was, however, awarded the certificate in absentia since he was attending a routine court appearance on fresh charges that arose during his incarceration.

By A Correspondent- Mtshabezi Primary School learners with disabilities escaped unharmed after their hostel and learning class caught fire but they lost clothes and other property.

The eleven learners comprising seven girls and four boys lost their clothing, stationery bedding and food among other stuff during the incident.

The fire which broke out on Friday at around 1AM is suspected to have been caused by an electric fault.

Gwanda District Development Coordinator (DDC) Mr Thulani Moyo said they were in the process of mobilising resources to assist the learners and repair the damaged block.

“The Mtshabezi Primary School disability block was engulfed by fire on Friday morning at around 1AM.

There was no loss of life or injuries but property worth thousands of dollars were lost.

A teacher who was with the children was able to pull the children out of the building before anyone could get hurt,” he said.

“The staff from the school managed to put out the fire but the damage had already been done. The children lost clothing, stationery, blankets and food in the fire. Furniture, cooking utensils and the roof were also damaged. This block houses pupils with various disabilities and now the learners have been left stranded. We would like to appeal to well-wishers to chip in with any form of assistance which they have.”

Mr Moyo said the building materials, blankets, beds, clothing food among others are needed.

Gwanda District School’s Inspector (DSI), Mr Sidney Sibanda said he visited the school to assess the damage and a report has been compiled. He said the pupils from the special disability class had now been moved to a temporary structure.

-State media

By A Correspondent | Former First Lady Grace Mugabe has been sued over her late husband’s corpse.

The development could see the ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa getting access to the remains over 1 year, 8 months after his burial, something the late president’s core family members have said they disapprove because the deceased gave instructions saying his body parts will be used for rituals.

The case, the first if its kind, is being heard in a traditional court on the 20th May.

The full text of the summons read as follows in the local vernacular, Shona:

Unodiwa ku Dare ra Mambo Zvimba pa GONZO GUZHA HALL, MUROMBEDZI GROWTH POINT, musi wa 20 CHIVABVU (MAY) 2021 at 09:30 makuseni (am), ne mhaka inotevera yawakapara kunodiwa zvinotevera.

Wakapara rnhosva chipini pamusaka pekuti wakatora nekuviga muti dzavakupararira munyika. yava Zvimba uyezve ukasiya nhumbi dza Robert Gabriel Mugabe Robert Gabriel mugabe mumba.

Chinova chipini / chisakaonelma munyika
b) Nhumbi dzese dzalRobert Gabriel Mugabe dzinofanirwa kuno rongedzwa pamba pemufi rvichitevedza tsika dzedu dzekwaZvimba.

c) Ndinoda kuti mufi anovigwa zviri patsika nehunhu hwekwaZvimba panzvimbo yakatemwa rukawo nehama naamai vemufi.

d) Muripo we mhaka idzi, unosungirwa kuripa mombe shanu (5) ne mbudzi yernunongedzo.

1) Unobvumirwa kuunza vafakazi nehumbowo hwako ku Dare.

2) Kana usina kuuya ku Dare nemusi wauri kudikanwa usina kupihwa mvumo neDare, nyaya yako ichatongwa usipo ichinakira nyamumhan’ari.

3) Kana uine kukahadzika huya ubvunze mutongi zuva rekutongwa kwemhosva yako.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said meaningful transformation is possible and achievable when legitimate leaders are running the country.

President Chamisa was commenting on the commissioning of the magnificent Kazungula Bridge on Monday.

According to President Chamisa, the commissioning of the massive bridge indicates
spaghetti roads are a possibility.

“VISION AND BIG DREAMS…

The Kazungula Bridge shows what’s possible with effective leadership.

Transformation is possible when corruption and looting stop.Our natural resources must benefit us.

A Great Zimbabwe with the best spaghetti roads, motorways, bridges and border posts is possible! Believe it. Imagine it. It’s doable. Let’s do it!!

RegisterToVote

Godisinit,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa this afternoon flew to Uganda to witness the swearing-in of that country’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni which is due tomorrow.

Museveni was declared winner in January in an election he was contested by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bob wine.

Museveni has been the President of Uganda since 1986

By A Correspondent-The country has reported 14 new Covid-19 cases and no deaths in the last 24-hours bringing the total number of cases to 38 433.

The vaccination programme is continuing countrywide with 690 653 people having been vaccinated against Covid-19 as of yesterday.

A total of 529 360 people received the first dose while 161 293 got the second jab.

All the 14 new cases recorded yesterday are local transmissions.
So far, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Zimbabwe stands at 1 576 while the national recovery rate stands at 94,2 percent.
A total of 2 096 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and positivity was 0,7 percent.

As of May 9, 2021, at 3PM, 24 people were hospitalized of which one was admitted in intensive care units (ICU) while 14 had mild to moderate symptoms. Six patients had severe symptoms while three were asymptomatic.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the highest number of five cases was recorded in Harare followed by Matabeleland North with three cases. Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West recorded two cases each.

“As of May 10 2021, Zimbabwe has now recorded 38 1433 confirmed cases, 36 208 recoveries and 1 576 deaths,” reads the statement.
“One hundred and forty-five new recoveries were reported and the national recovery rate stands at 94,2 percent and active cases remain at 649 today.”

-State media

By A Correspondent- A gang of unknown suspected poachers allegedly cornered a 28-year-old anti-poaching investigator on Sunday afternoon and burnt him in his car near Matshiloni area, along the road leading Masvingo.

The man, who is employed by the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), was reportedly travelling from Beitbridge to Harare in a Toyota Runx when he was attacked by the gang which was travelling in two vehicles.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi was not readily available for comment today, but Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident.

“This is an unfortunate incident, where suspected poachers attacked an International Anti-Poaching Foundation investigator in Beitbridge.

“They sprinkled the investigator’s vehicle with petrol and set it on fire. He incurred burn wounds and was initially taken to Beitbridge Hospital where he was then airlifted to Harare for further treatment,” said Mr Farawo.

He said the authority was concerned that the law enforcement agents involved in anti-poaching activities are always at risk of encountering such incidences.

Mr Farawo said in most cases they were having deadly contacts with armed poachers.

He appealed for anyone with information to contact the Zimparks and the police so that they may bring the suspects to justice

-State media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has flown to Uganda to witness the swearing-in of an African dictator, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is the leader of Uganda.

Museveni was declared winner in January in an election he was contested by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bob wine.

Museveni has been the President of Uganda since 1986

By A Correspondent- The government has failed to provide shelter to more than 300 Chimanimani families after they were in 2017 displaced by Cyclone Idai.

The victims are still living in temporary camps despite promises by the government to build houses for them.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was in Chimanimani, yesterday where as usual he promised to provide housing to the desperate villagers.

“I am here wearing two hats, one I am representing my leader and leader of our country President Mnangagwa who would want to know the progress we have made. I am here also as Minister of Health (and Child Care). I want to acquaint myself with the state of health care provision, said Chiwenga.
But at the core of it all, is to fix the terrible experience that befell us when we were struck by Cyclone Idai. I am advised that the road that connects Kopa and Jopa is in a very bad state. We want to see to it that this road is fixed before the onset of rains,” Chiwenga made the usual Zanu PF empty promises.

By A Correspondent- MDC-T legislator, Ms Memory Mbondiya who slapped Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa and forced the Public Accounts Committee meeting to disbanded is facing jail for contempt of Parliament.

The committee was supposed to receive evidence from Intratek Holdings and Finmark concerning their contracts with Zesa Holdings on the Gwanda Solar Project and the supply of pre-paid electricity meters, respectively.

The meeting had earlier been adjourned when Intratek managing director, Mr Wicknell Chivayo was about to give evidence after Mr Mliswa said the matter could not proceed as it was pending before the courts.

Following the objections by Mr Mliswa, Mr Chivayo and journalists were asked to leave the room as the committee deliberated on the matter.

Ms Mbondiya, an MDC-T proportional representative member, then stormed out of the meeting claiming Mr Mliswa had smashed the screen of her phone. She then returned moments later and slapped Mr Mliswa shouting that she was not his wife.

Other legislators immediately intervened and restrained the pair while Parliament staffers closed the doors to prevent journalists from taking pictures of the melee.

After tempers had cooled down, the meeting was then deferred to a later date.

Ms Mbondiya declined to comment on the matter while Mr Mliswa downplayed the incident saying the misunderstanding arose after she tried to record him while he was speaking during the meeting.

“I have already made peace with her. You know when you come to Parliament you have a lot of issues. You probably wake up on the wrong side of the bed and you find someone to vent out your frustrations and anger on and this could be it.

“Honourable Mbondiya is a sister of mine, I have already forgiven her,” he said.

Committee chairperson, Mr Brian Dube also downplayed the incident saying they would reconvene at a later date.
“This (the incident) means some people are not smart but we will reschedule to a later date,” Mr Dube said.

In 2004, then Chimanimani legislator, the late Roy Bennett (MDC-T) was jailed 15 months after he was convicted by a parliamentary committee for assaulting then Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa during a debate in the National Assembly

By A Correspondent | A personal bodyguard of the controversial preacher Walter Magaya has exploded after struggling for finances.

The man, only identified as James Dzamu in a recorded telephone conversation with Magaya’s wife, Tendai, said he is now speaking out as he feels used.

The audio, as ZimEye reveals, was verified with two Magaya’s close colleagues as authentically recorded during the conversation with Magaya’s wife, Tendai.

In the audio, Jimmy states as follows (full transcript)-

Jimmy – Mama, can you hear me?

Tendai Magaya: it (volume) is now clear.

Jimmy: do you see, you could say that things are hard, but other people are receiving things right now. There is a girl called Tadiwa, a college student- he conducted a birthday party for her. Right now, he flew her to Turkey, I know everything, I have got all the details, all of them. But I’m the person who used to pull him out of trouble, the same person who used to rescue him is the one that he is now mishandling.

He is the same person who is now now instructing, that I should come with my lawyer, to conclude our matter in writing. But the things that he himself declared before my lawyer he is refusing to pay up. Why is he so rough?

So me the reason why I called you what I am now doing now is, if the sun sets before his lawyer Charambudza has come to my lawyer to finalise this case, or to sign down in agreement, to give me what they owe me, even if they pay me gradually, the same way they announced earlier, everything is now going public. I’m going to hold a press conference.

I have got nothing to lose, I died a long time ago, I know they are looking for me so that they kill me. I have heard everything. Those that they killed are those that they killed, as for me they can’t manage me.

And leaders in the country now know me that I came from Magaya, and it was because of A, B, C and D. It wasn’t my wish to desert Magaya, but they wanted to get me arrested when they are the ones who are involved; they wanted me imprisoned for a crime I did not commit.

There is no one I ever assaulted. That young brother of his, the one that they are saying is his young brother; there is no one why I ever assaulted(sic).

Right now they are saying Chief (suc) is hungry because of this and that; they are forgetting that for this church to be where it is right now, I had to stand for them, for them not to be arrested but right now they are behaving like Korokozas.

Let’s see what happens.

Tendai Magaya: Oh no, I have taken down your message Mkoma Jimmy.

Jimmy: As for me mama if you hate me I don’t have a problem with you. I don’t have a problem with you at all, I told them the have been saying to me Jimmy, how do you feel when you see Magaya junior suffering?

But (Walter Magaya) Junior right now is surviving better than my kids. He is surviving better than my kids. I don’t want to go 50/50, like that for Junior to go to an international school that is what I would like my own kids to enjoy, but my child must at least have a normal life, isn’t it?

Right now I’m failing to raise money for rent, and yet 9 years working for this man, pulling him out of trouble and today he is forgetting about that. As he goes out with several women. I have got a list of several the likes of Sarah Maruta, and others who were made to a abort by Mar Chivero. I know everything about whatever happened but right now, I don’t know.

The other girl who does IT, Nyari who was the first to have sex inside your house while you were in Nigeria, I know everything, I never disclosed it. I’m very close to you but I never disclosed it. But now is the time for it to be known for the world to know about what has been happening.

Tendai Magaya: Alright mukoma Jimmy let me …

Jimmy: if he doesn’t call my lawyer today, you’re going to hear the whole story.

Tendai Magaya: It’s okay.

Jimmy: Alright, thank you very much mama

By A Correspondent- Gweru businessman Douglas Makwande, who claims to be very close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has clashed with the Gweru City Council after converting the premises of Zimbabwe Glass Holdings (Zimglass) into a cattle pen for his 100 herds.

The businessman claims he acquired the premises for US$22 million, although his workers strongly challenge this.

Urban farming remains an offence in the Gweru and indeed in many cities and towns in the country.

According to media reports, the giant 10-hectare premises located along Bristol Road in Gweru are now used as grazing and a cattle pen for Kwande’s cattle.

However, the businessman’s decision to turn the premises of a lucrative glass-making venture into a pen could pass for mockery on the government’s thrust to reinject life into a comatose industrial sector that has taken a good battering from a sagging economy and the devastating effects of Covid-19 in the recent past.

Kwande bought the firm from the state-run Industrial Development Corporation.

By A Correspondent- A Gokwe man has committed suicide in a police cell in Lupane after being arrested on allegations of murdering his wife.

Maqawe Maseko (31) of Majanga village in Gokwe had been on the run after allegedly killing his wife last month.

Maseko was arrested in Lupane after one of his relatives tipped the police about his presence in the area.

Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.

He said Maseko was wanted for murder.

Maseko was alone as he was the only suspect in the cell, and police suspect that he may have hanged himself between 3 PM and 9 PM as the incident was discovered when police on duty changed shifts.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has defended one of its officials, Eric Chacha, accused of criminal abuse of office following reports that the commission had ignored to investigate him despite the case having been highlighted to the anti-graft body.

Chacha was early this year accused of obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office, among other allegations.

Reports say letters were to ZACC and other relevant authorities concerning these allegations, and some people have taken to social media asking what action was against Chacha.

Among those who reportedly filed letters of complaint to ZACC against Chacha are senior police officer Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, Chief Superintendent Joseph Josphat Matipforo, and suspended Registrar-General Clement Masango.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure yesterday denied that the commission had received any complaints against Chacha.

“If it’s (Commissioner) Makodza, he knows the procedures. He can either make a report to the police if it’s criminal or file a complaint with ZACC. We have not received any complaint from him (Comm Makodza) or any other (person).

“And those posting on social media, we have not received any complaints from them. So they should file a report because we can’t be investigating every report on social media,” he said.

By A Correspondent- A Harare businessman Givemore Panganayi who went missing on May 5 2021 from the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) has been found dead.

Yet to be confirmed reports allege that Panganayi’s body was discovered in a disused lift at the HICC.

Last week, his family raised a missing persons’ alert after their relative did not make contact or return home on May 5 when he was invited to a party at HICC and he went with his best friend Sulumani Chimbetu.

The party, was hosted by one Mutsvairo. It is alleged that Panganayi’s phone rang during the party and he excused his friends and went out to answer his call. He however never returned.

CCTV footage from the hotel showed him getting inside the hotel but there is no footage showing him going out.

A police report was made.

Effort to get a comment from the police was work in progress by the time of writing.

More details follow…..

Press Statement

The MDC-T is outraged by the attack of its parliamentarians in the Public Accounts
Committee, namely the chairperson of that committee and MDC-T Secretary for Legal Affairs, Honourable Brian Dube, and a fellow committee member from our party, Honourable Memory Mbodiah in what was supposed to be a hearing on the ZESA report.

The party wishes the public to take note of this development in the manner following.
First, it is the party’s public record through our two honourable members of parliament that the work of this committee came to an abrupt end after disturbances that were singularly
orchestrated by Hon. Themba Mliswa, an independent Member of Parliament. Hon. Mliswa is said to have accosted Hon. Dube in his Chair, seeking to stop him from proceeding with the meeting.

Meanwhile Hon. Mbondiah recorded the whole episode in her iPad device before hiding same under her breasts. Hon. said to have indecently assaulted Hon Mbondiah in the process of wrestling her iPad from her, which he proceeded to smash. It is after this that a physical confrontation ensued between the two. Counter allegations by Hon Mliswa are
therefore a capricious and malevolent fabrication calculated at making women organisations to view Hon. Mbondiah as a typical ‘man who bites a dog’!

Second, this PAC had called in Mr Wicknell Chivayo of Intratrek to shed light on the Gwanda
Solar Project where he was awarded US$5.6 million in advance payment and subsequently
failed to deliver on the project. Specifically the PAC meant to forward the following questions to Mr Chivayo:

Did Intratrek get the contract through any tender? If there was a tender, Mr Chivayo to provide proof of same.

What is the current status of the project?

What were the sources documents used by Intratrek for all payments they received?

Why did Intratrek not issue any bank guarantee as required in terms of the contract?

What is Intratrek’s plan going forward since payment was made and no work was done? Do
they intend to refund the nation?

Are the funds still there since no work was done?

The Intratrek Gwanda Project is not pending in the courts as to be exempt from the PAC, see Judgement SC 39/21.

The party therefore reads Hon Mliswa’s actions to have stopped the newly appointed committee chairperson from unravelling sedimentary and rampant corruption at ZESA Holdings around issues to do with controversial awarding of contracts on tenders without due diligence, and failure to follow procurement regulations among other alleged infractions of the law at this our national power utility company.

Third, the party is of the view that whatever Hon. Mondiah’s emotive and retaliatory attacks
on Hon. Mliswa were, they are minor compared to his indecently assaulting a woman in the
parliament precinct, and his violation of parliamentary decorum of same given the manner he stopped proceedings of this PAC meeting.

Fourth, it is also worth noting and very telling that the newly appointed PAC Chairperson from the MDC-T found not less than seventeen (17) committee meetings which had been sat, with no adopted minutes of same as records of work done. It therefore stands to reason that whilst the previous chairperson, Hon Tendai Biti, was given to being high-sounding on being a champion of fighting corruption through this committee, he left nothing to suggest any appetite to do same, and the entry of Hon. Dube can only be read as having broken a gentleman’s agreement that would have existed in maintaining corruption under wrap through this committee.

And fifth, the MDC-T wishes to assure the public that its newly appointed clean sweep broom is unperturbed by the resistance being shown by the corrupt cartels and their proxies, and will redouble efforts in brooking no interference in ridding our society of this evil that has brought endemic stagnation in our national economic growth.

Witness Dube
Secretary for Information and Publicity

Dear Editor

Concerning the guy caught with gold nuggets worth thousands of dollars in South Africa, we know that these are the works of Zanu Pf cartels sourcing money to campaign for 2023 elections.

This is not new. For every election, they source their own monies to campaign and keep their seats.

Very soon you will hear that the guy has been released on bail and that will be the end of the story.

This case will die a natural death as money exchanges hands.

We are doomed as a nation.

#ZanuPFMustGo

Concerned citizen

By A Correspondent- Police in Coligny are investigating four counts of murder and an inquest docket after a 38 year old mother allegedly poisoned herself and four of her six sons. Two sons and her husband survived.

The 38 year old and the boys, aged between two months and 15 years, were found dead in a house in Vaalbank, just outside Coligny, on Sunday morning. Police spokesperson Col Adéle Myburgh said they were declared dead by paramedics.

“According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the mother and father had an argument the previous night [Saturday, May 8]. However, the whole family, the parents and six boys, went to bed,” said Myburgh.

It is alleged that the mother woke up during the night and allegedly drank poison and spread it throughout the house. As a result, the mother and four sons died while the 35-year-old father and two sons, aged eight and 17, were admitted to hospital for medical treatment. 

Myburgh said investigations continue.

The North West acting SAPS commissioner Maj-Gen Dintletse Molefe expressed shock over the incident and conveyed condolences to the family.

Molefe requested members of the community to seek professional intervention to resolve their differences.

-TimesLive

By A Correspondent- A Zvishavane man who abused his sister’s trust and raped his 9-year-old niece has been sentenced to 33 years in prison.

The 24 year old uncle from hell also infected his grade-three niece with HIV.

The uncle who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of his victim was staying at the same house with his sister and her children. He took advantage of his sister’s absence to rape his niece on multiple occasions between March and April.

The court heard that the pervert uncle would sneak into the room where his nieces were sleeping and would rape the 9-year-old. The 9-year-old shared the room with her younger sisters aged four and two.

The abuse came to light when the victim refused to sleep in the room. When her older sister questioned about the reluctance, the 9-year-old revealed that the uncle was raping her.

The sister reported the matter to the police and the paedophile uncle was arrested. The sister also took her sibling for an HIV Test and unfortunately, it came out positive.

The uncle appeared before Regional Magistrate Mr Christopher Maturure facing two counts: one count of raping his niece and one count of deliberately infecting her with HIV.

He pleaded not guilty and made a spirited attempt to deny the charges. However, his subterfuge did not work, and the magistrate found him guilty after a full trial.

The magistrate had no kind words for the uncle who abused his position of trust to prey on his sister’s child. He said that his sentence should serve as a deterrence to other like-minded would-be offenders and sentenced him to 33 years in prison.

The Chronicle reports that in passing sentence, Mr Maturure said:

“Her life has totally changed because of your actions. For rape you are sentenced to 18 years and deliberately infecting the complainant, 15 years,”

By A Correspondent- More than 500 people from  Mutare were left clutching straws after a con-woman reportedly duped them of US$15 000 in a botched panties deal.

The accused, Melody Madyembwa allegedly made away with more than US$15 000 she collected from 580 people who ordered panties she said were being shipped from abroad, but never came.

According to a local tabloid, the victims hooked up with Madyembwa through her Facebook page where she advertised new packs of panties at US$1.50 per packet and each client was expected to order a minimum of ten packs.

Ever since they made their orders, they still haven’t received their new packs of panties as Madyembwa had promised and efforts to get a refund have proven futile.

Duped people had no kind words for Madyembwa  as they described her as a con-woman with more than five groups under her administration on social media.

One of the victims said Madyembwa was a criminal who was playing hide and seek with them. She said they will definitely wait for her return at her workplace in Mutare or else she will resign.

When contacted for a comment Madyembwa refuted claims that she was a con-woman arguing that she was duped by her agents.

She said, the deal flopped when her agents, only identified as Liberty and one Never, failed to deliver the orders forcing her to lodge a police report against the two.

The case is now under investigation at Harare Central Police Station under IR 040389.

Madyembwa affirmed that she collected money amounting to US$15 000 from several people who wanted panties and gave some of it to the agent Liberty Muzemba who was based at Karigamombe Centre in Harare.

She revealed that the reason why she hasn’t delivered her clients ordered goods is because Liberty failed to meet his promises since February and kept moving dates of the delivery up until now. She said she is now  under pressure from clients who placed their orders as they are now demanding their money back.

Madyembwa claims that her disgruntled clients have threatened to demonstrate against her at her workplace, as a result this has forced her to take some days off and visit Liberty in Harare.

She said efforts to get in touch with Liberty have all been in vain as he is no longer answering her calls and she also failed to locate him at his office.

Madyembwa added that pressure from the clients has forced her to refund some of them, starting with the first person who paid, but her wallet is already dry.

She said she now regrets receiving their money. She however, promised to make sure Liberty is brought to book and refunds them all.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Several MDC-T supporters were reportedly injured following intra-party clashes at a senior leader’s house in Marlborough, Harare, on Sunday.

The Douglas Mwonzora opposition outfit yesterday accused the rival MDC Alliance of fanning the violence.

Contacted for comment, top MDC-T provincial official Charity Bango, who hosted the meeting, said: “I have nothing to say on that. You can talk to the party spokesperson on the matter.”

Sources, who witnessed the clashes, alleged that the violence erupted after two rival camps in the MDC-T party clashed over an undisclosed matter.

The party took to social media to blame the MDC Alliance over the clashes.

“MDC-T Harare West district members gathered for a gap-filling meeting yesterday were attacked by MDC Alliance violent thugs. The violent thugs were gathered at Civic Centre in Marlborough. They attacked women and children and stabbed five MDC-T members,” MDC-T Harare province said.

But MDC Alliance provincial youth secretary Denford Ngadziore said he had nothing to do with the incident.

“During the said period and times of the allegations, I had made a special visit to some State institution with all the evidence in the public domain,” he said.

Police could not confirm the alleged clashes.

By A Correspondent- Four top officials in the Local Government ministry were yesterday remanded in custody to today for bail hearing after they fraudulently dispossessed a housing co-operative of land and allocated it to people who were not on the Harare housing waiting list.

Andrew Rhory Shawatu, Nyarai Priscilla Mudzinge, Leah Chigoma and Daisy Mtyambizi appeared before Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje to answer to criminal abuse of office charges.

Shawatu was the principal administration officer for State lands, Mudzinge (director for local authorities), Chimoga (acting director for legal affairs) while Mtyambizi was the deputy director for spatial planning.

They allegedly attempted to convert land which was set aside as residential stands for Sally Mugabe Heights Housing Co-operative.

It is alleged that the co-operative was offered 760 hectares of land for residential stands at Acom Farm through an offer letter dated January 7, 2005, by the Local Government ministry.

On July 15 2005, the Department of Physical Planning, as stipulated in the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, approved a layout plan for a housing scheme called Acom Estate.

According to law, the ministry had to retain 10% to be allocated by the Local Government ministry for the construction of schools, health services, recreation facilities, and other compulsory public amenities.

Investigations, however, revealed that sometime between 2010 and April 2011, the quartet allegedly connived and wrote a memorandum to the secretary in the Local Government ministry recommending the allocation of Acom residential stands, disregarding the dictates of State Land Management Manual Part 2.

It is further alleged that the secretary then acted upon the misrepresentation and approved stands for 10 people who were not on the waiting list.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A Kombi driver and a conductor as well as a woman from Bulawayo who allegedly assaulted a police officer on duty and smashed his mobile phone have appeared in court.

Thembani Moyo (41), Xola Sibanda (24) both of Makokoba suburb and Lungisani Mguni (41) of Mpopoma suburb allegedly attacked Constable Speaky Goteka last month.

The court heard that Moyo, the driver, and Mguni his conductor were loading passengers along 3rd Street in Makokoba suburb on April 12 at around 1PM in violation of Covid-19 containment measures.

Const Goteka and his colleagues, Samson Munsaka and Restern Mukumbiri both stationed at Mzilikazi Police Station, attempted to arrest the duo for illegally operating a Toyota Hiace registration number AEU 4744 which is not registered under the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) franchise as required by law.

The police officers ordered passengers to disembark from the vehicle as they wanted to impound it.

This irked Moyo and Mguni and they disembarked leaving no one inside. A mob gathered at the scene and started throwing stones at the police officers. Sensing danger, two of the police officers jumped into the kombi and one of them drove it to Mzilikazi Police Station.

Const Goteka fled on foot but Moyo and Mguni who were joined by Sibanda pursued and caught up with him and started assaulting him. Sibanda also severely bashed him. Moyo allegedly took the cop’s Itel P36 Lite phone worth more than $10 000 and smashed it on the road.

A Good Samaritan, Raymond Gutai of Makokoba suburb saved Const Goteka from further attack and hid him in his house. The complainant sustained a swollen forehead and some bruises on both hands and he was treated at Mpilo Central Hospital. The three suspects were later arrested.

Yesterday the trio denied venturing into the city offering transport services without exemption, assault and malicious damage to property charges before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Mnjanja. The commuter omnibus driver said the complainant knew him as an illegal kombi operator but on that particular day he was not pirating.

He said he was approached by police officers as he was parking his vehicle at a nearby house where he was attending a funeral service in Makokoba suburb and they demanded a bribe. Moyo said when the gathered mourners heard that police officers were demanding a bribe as they were mourning their loved one, they ran amok and started assaulting the complainant.

Mr Mnjanja remanded them out of custody to May 24. Prosecuting, Mr Nhlalwenhle Dube prosecuted.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) yesterday claimed that its members were at the weekend forced to attend a Zanu-PF rally at Kagande in Mutoko and were ordered to register as voters for the party in 2023.

Artuz tweeted that rural teachers affiliated to the union were now refusing to go back to their workstations for fear of victimisation.

“Over the weekend, members of Zanu-PF terrorised some teachers in Mutoko district, forcing them to register as part of the five million voters for Zanu-PF. In some cases, Zanu-PF had all the details of the teachers, they just visited to confirm. In Kagande, teachers were forced to attend a rally,” Artuz posted on its Twitter handle.

“A total of 31 teachers reported through our hotline. Our rapid response team is in Mutoko assessing the safety of some teachers who refused to attend the Kagande meeting and those who refused to register as Zanu-PF voters for 2023.”

But Zanu-PF party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo dismissed the claims and challenged the affected teachers to report the matter to the police.

“Zanu-PF is a party of law and order, we subscribe to the rule of law. If there are any instances of what Artuz is alleging, then they should report such matters to the police,” he said.

“If they want to get to the bottom of the issue, the Zanu-PF provincial leadership is there. They should ask the provincial chairman what is happening. The police are there to contain such characters.”

Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said he had not received reports of teacher intimidation by ruling party supporters.

“No, we have not received any reports of such nature, and please also note that some of these teachers’ unions who have a membership of at least 386 people only want to cause alarm and despondency,” he said.

But Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said teachers were being victimised, adding that government had dismally failed to fulfil its promises to teachers.

“We also are witnessing a sad situation where village heads are teaming up with school development committee members and are evicting the incapacitated teachers from school accommodation,” he said.

“We want to warn such misguided figures that they have no locus standi in intervening in cases between teachers and their employer.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A leaked phone conversation between Zanu-PF’s Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila and Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) business manager Innocent Gukwe has exposed political interference in the awarding of tenders in parastatals.

The meddling was exposed when Bhila ordered the cancellation of a transport tender which had been awarded to Sasavona Logistics owned by losing MDC Alliance candidate John Manganye.

In the leaked audio, Bhila is heard ordering Cottco to withdraw the tender for a 31-seater bus to ferry Cottco employees to and from work which had been won by Sasavona Logistics.

This incident happened barely a year after Manganye, who is based in the United Kingdom, made a donation offer to Chiredzi Polyclinic, which the Chiredzi West MP Farai Musikavanhu (Zanu-PF) ordered to be rejected.

In the 2018 harmonised elections, Manganye contested for the Chiredzi West seat against Musikavanhu.

In the leaked telephone conversation, Gukwe could be heard innocently trying to explain that Cottco awarded the tender for a 31-seater omnibus to Sasavona Logistics unaware that it was owned by a losing MDC MP.

Bhila then threatened the Cottco manager saying that he risked getting fired if he did not withdraw the tender offer.

The hapless Gukwe tried to explain Cottco processes in awarding tenders, saying the company did not discriminate along political lines, but Bhila could have none of it.

“No one knew that the bus belonged to an MDC Alliance member. We do not look into people’s political backgrounds when awarding tenders. We thought it was just another local business person. We are now following your decisions on the case because Dingane Ncube (CIO) once came to me with the issue and said he was going to advise me on how to handle the issue,” Gukwe said.

“I am saying withdraw that contract with immediate effect. That bus belongs to an MDC Alliance member. Ministers are coming here on April 23 and the issue is going to be briefed to those ministers.

“The owner of the bus is the one who contested Farai Musikavanhu in 2018 and Musikavanhu is saying he is going to complain about the issue during the briefing with the ministers,” Bhila charged.

He told Gukwe that he would be in soup if he did not withdraw the tender.

“I am saying cancel that tender,” said Bhila before handing the phone to one Soul Nyangoni believed to be a member of the CIO.

Nyangoni then threatened that someone was going to lose their job if they did not cancel the tender.

“You just have to follow the advice you have been given by Bhila and we are managing the issue from our office,” Nyangoni said.

Gukwe has since withdrawn the tender.

The bus was eventually registered under the Zimbabwe Passenger Company (Zupco) franchise. Israel Muchini, the registered owner of the bus confirmed to NewsDay that the Cottco tender had since been cancelled.

“Yes, I was told that the bus was being withdrawn because it is owned by an MDC Alliance member. It is now plying Zupco local routes,” Muchini said.

Bhila refused to comment on the issue.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Mary Mubaiwa, has been hospitalised in Harare and the case in which she is accused of assaulting a house maid was deferred to next month.

Harare regional magistrate Mrs Letwin Rwodzi went to the hospital for the remand where she set June 29 as the trial date.

Mubaiwa is being charged with assault after she allegedly bashed a family child minder, Delight Munyoro, outside Hellenic School in 2019.

The State had applied for a warrant of arrest for Mubaiwa after she failed to attend court but her lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa opted for the court to visit Mubaiwa where she is admitted for the court to appreciate her condition.

Mrs Rwodzi agreed to visit Mubaiwa at the medical institution where she is admitted. On her last appearance, Mubaiwa sought a postponement of the matter saying she was very ill, under heavy medication and could not comprehend court proceedings.

Mubaiwa is also facing separate charges of attempted murder after she allegedly tried to kill Vice President Chiwenga while he was in a South African hospital. She is also facing money laundering charges.

On those charges, Mubaiwa, applied for refusal for further remand arguing that it was now 15 months of her attending court with the State failing to complete investigations into her matter. She said the State had promised to complete investigations within a month into her arrest, but had failed.

Ms Mtetwa argued that the State was aware of the complexity of extra-territorial investigations when they made a one month promise. She made the application after the State led by Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa applied for a postponement of the matter to allow police to complete investigations into the matter.

Mrs Mushayabasa told the court that there were extra-territorial investigations which needed to be carried out in South Africa.-statemedia

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The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has filed an urgent chamber application seeking an order for Chief Justice Malaba to resign by 15 May 2021.

According to the order sought, any action taken by Malaba after midnight of 15 May should be deemed null and void. 

The application is based on the legal grounds that the recent amendments to the constitution cannot benefit Chief Justice Malaba. Section 328 of the constitution that deals with tenure of judges cannot be amended without a referendum. 

“It is also the fault of the second respondent (Chief Justice Malaba) who by now should have proceeded on leave to allow for a smooth hand over and takeover.

There was such a smooth handover and takeover when his predecessor left office. There has been no movement from second respondent’s end even before the bill was signed into law.

The impression created is that he had waited for the bill to be signed into law,” the NGO stated in its papers.

By Jane Mlambo| A human rights advocacy organisation the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has launched an ambitious bid to stop Chief Justice Luke Malaba from extending his term of office beyond 15 May when he reaches the retirement age of 70.

Malaba is expected to benefit from a contract extension after a Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 2 which among other things extend the retirement age of High Court judges from 70 to 75 years, was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

There are fears that the constitutional amendments were hurried ahead of 15 May to favour Malaba who is expected to vacate office on the midnight of that day.

In his High Court application, NGO Forum Director Musa Kika said he is seeking that by midnight of 15 May, Malaba ceases to be Chief Justice and that his deputy Elizabeth Gwaunza takes over in an acting capacity until a substantive person is appointed.

“As a consequential relief I seek the following:

“That Luke Malaba must or did at midnight on 15 May 2021 cease to hold the office of Chief Justice of Zimbabwe.

“That any action, conduct or deed of Luke Malaba post the 15^th of May 2021 purportedly as the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe is null and void and of no effect.

“That in accordance with provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, with effect from midnight on the 15^th of May 2021, Elizabeth Gwaunza became/becomes the Acting Chief Justice of Zimbabwe until such a time as a substantive Chief justice of Zimbabwe is appointed,” said Kika.

He added that the first beneficiary Chief Justice of the 2013 constitution left office when he reached the age of 70 while questioning the logic behind Malaba’s term of office being extended beyond.

“Respectfully, second respondent has run his course. He has not been the only Chief Justice under the 2013 constitution. The first Chief Justice bowed out when he turned 70. Nothing stops second respondent from doing the same thing,” he said.

It remains to be seen if Malaba will remain Chief Justice beyond Saturday when he reaches the age of 70.

By A Correspondent- MPs from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday exchanged blows in Parliament over whether controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo must be summoned to testify on corruption allegations involving a US$183 million Gwanda Solar Project.

The alleged scam was exposed in the 2019 Zesa Holdings forensic audit report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Following a heated debate, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) was allegedly punched on the face by opposition MDC Alliance proportional representation MP Memory Mbondiah, who accused him of undermining other MPs after he discouraged them from summoning Chivayo on the grounds that his case was still before the courts.

Mliswa claimed that in the ensuing melee, Mbondiah grabbed his bag which contained some money.

Chivayo was set to appear before the PAC which is now led by Gweru Urban MP Brian Dube (MDC-T) to explain how his company, Intratrek, won the US$183 million Gwanda Solar Project tender in 2013 ahead of China Jiangxi, which had come first during the adjudication process.

The Gwanda 100-megawatt solar project never took off even though more than US$5 million initial payment had been made to Chivayo.

As MPs deliberated on whether to call Chivayo to appear before the committee, there were heated exchanges.

Mbondiah could be heard yelling at Mliswa, telling him that she was not his wife.

She then charged towards the Norton MP and punched him on the face, while other MPs and Parliament officials tried to restrain her.

Mliswa later told journalists that Mbondiah punched him on the face and also allegedly grabbed his bag.

“I never fight women,” Mliswa said. “That is what happened. She punched me and took my bag and I am still counting how much money was there. My point was that we cannot as Parliament to raise issues which are before the courts, and if we have problems, we then go to the Parliament legal counsel, which then tells us what to do.

“It is separation of powers, the three pillars of the State – and you witnessed it yourself but it is always women who complain that they are beaten, but today you saw me being beaten up and I don’t know what it says when it was mothers’ day yesterday.

“I did not retaliate but as you can see she punched me, she took my bag and I am yet to see if there is anything missing, my phone and all, but this is what you have seen of men being abused in this house by women. I don’t know what women’s’ organisations can say about that.”

He then accused the PAC of being compromised.

“I will not be part of a committee that is compromised. Ask him (Chivayo) whether he has a matter before the courts. This committee cannot be compromised. If there is any matter before the courts it is sub judice and you should ask him if this matter is before the courts. The issue of Intratrek has always been before the media and the courts. We cannot be a court of law,” Mliswa fumed.

But Dube retorted, saying he would not take orders from Mliswa.

“I am not going to ask him that question again and I am going to proceed with the manner that I have indicated. I am not going to be told by you what to ask him (Chivayo),” Dube charged.

In February 2019, when Mliswa was the chairperson of the Mines Portfolio Committee, which was investigating the missing US$15 billion diamond revenue, he was also involved in a fierce fight in Parliament with Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna.

Yesterday’s incident is not the first time that MPs have clashed while investigating corruption cases.

Source – newsday

By A Correspondent- Several MDC-T supporters were reportedly injured following intra-party clashes at a senior leader’s house in Marlborough, Harare, on Sunday.

The Douglas Mwonzora opposition outfit yesterday accused the rival MDC Alliance of fanning the violence.

Contacted for comment, top MDC-T provincial official Charity Bango, who hosted the meeting, said: “I have nothing to say on that. You can talk to the party spokesperson on the matter.”

Sources, who witnessed the clashes, alleged that the violence erupted after two rival camps in the MDC-T party clashed over an undisclosed matter.

The party took to social media to blame the MDC Alliance over the clashes.

“MDC-T Harare West district members gathered for a gap-filling meeting yesterday were attacked by MDC Alliance violent thugs. The violent thugs were gathered at Civic Centre in Marlborough. They attacked women and children and stabbed five MDC-T members,” MDC-T Harare province said.

But MDC Alliance provincial youth secretary Denford Ngadziore said he had nothing to do with the incident.

“During the said period and times of the allegations, I had made a special visit to some State institution with all the evidence in the public domain,” he said.

Police could not confirm the alleged clashes.

By A Correspondent- A Gokwe man who had been on the run after allegedly killing his wife last month has committed suicide by hanging himself in a police cell in Lupane where he had been detained after being arrested.

Maqawe Maseko (31) of Majanga village in Gokwe had fled from Gokwe and sought refuge in Lupane before a relative tipped police who arrested and detained him at Lupane Police Station  where he allegedly used a seam of a blanket to hang himself last Friday.

Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.

He said Maseko was wanted for murder.

“I can confirm that we are conducting investigations in connection with the death of a suspect in police cells in Lupane. The deceased is somebody who police were looking for in connection with the death of a woman in Gokwe,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the incident happened on Friday last week.

Maseko was alone as he was the only suspect in the cell and police suspect that he may have hanged himself between 3PM and 9PM as the incident was discovered when police on duty changed shifts.

According to police, Maseko was wanted in Manoti in connection with a case where he allegedly killed his wife sometime in April and has been on the run.

On Friday, an unnamed relative who resides in St Luke’s area in Lupane informed a Neighborhood Watch Committee member Mr Lovemore Chisuko of Maseko’s presence.

Mr Chisuko arrested Maseko and took him to Lupane Police Station where he was detained in cells for the night.

While in the police cell, Maseko allegedly tore a seam from a blanket and hanged himself from the roof truss.

His lifeless body was discovered when police changed shifts at 9PM.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Acting Chief Negomo (Luscious Chitsinde) allegedly absconded ZANU PF’s Chitepo School of ideology workshop held in Mbire last week.

The workshop was attended by District Coodinating Committe (DCC) members from Mazowe, Guruve and Mbire with their respective chief to the exception of Negomo.

Negomo is reported to be against the Mazowe DCC executive and does not wish to associate himself with them.

When  contacted for comment, he responded rudely saying the issue does not concern anyone.

“Leave that issue alone it does not concern you,” bellowed Negomo.

Pressed on the issue by the news crew he said, ” Write whatever you want l do not care.”

Negomo has been acting Chief for over 14 years. He assumed chieftaincy after the death of his father. However, reports allege that he is refusing to hand over power to the family that is supposed to assume chieftaincy.

-Byo24

By A Correspondent- A school headmaster at Avhunga Secondary School, Master Makope has won the Zanu-PF primary elections in Mwenezi East where a parliamentary by-election is looming.

Makope (44),who is also the Zanu-PF Mwenezi District Coordinating Committee(DCC) secretary for commissariat, on Saturday polled 2576 votes to outgun 12 other candidates who were vying for the right to represent the ruling party in the by-election whose dates have not yet been set.

The by-election will be held to fill a vacancy created after last year’s death of Jusby Omar who was the House of Assembly representative for the area.

Makope’s nearest rival was Lovemore Mberesi who garnered 1108 votes in the highly subscribed poll where 6780 Zanu-PF faithful took part under strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations that calls for wearing of face masks and practising social distancing.

Speaking after his victory Makope pledged to develop Mwenezi East and help in the implementation of programmes that are in sync with Vision 2030.

Polling took place at 33 centres across the constituency with a team led by provincial secretary for commissariat Jevas Masosota presiding over the polls.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said it did not receive any formal complaint against one of its investigators, Eric Chacha on allegations of criminal abuse of office following reports the commission had ignored the issue which had been brought to its attention.

According to the commission, anyone who has any complaints against an investigating officer should either approach ZACC or file a report with police so that investigations are conducted.

Chacha was this year accused of obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office, among other allegations. Reports say letters have been written to ZACC and other relevant authorities concerning these allegations and some people have taken to social media asking what action has been taken against Chacha.

Among those who reportedly filed letters of complaint to ZACC against Chacha are senior police officer Commissioner Erasmus Makodza, Chief Superintendent Joseph Josphat Matipforo and suspended Registrar-General Clement Masango.  

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure yesterday denied that the commission had received any complaints against Chacha.

“If it’s (Commissioner) Makodza, he knows the procedures. He can either make a report to the police if it’s criminal or file a complaint with ZACC. We have not received any complaint from him (Comm Makodza) or any other (person).

“And those posting on social media, we have not received any complaints from them. So they should file a report because we can’t be investigating every report on social media,” he said.

In a post on his Twitter handle recently, one Tongerai Rugare he alleged that Chacha was living through corrupt tendencies and urged the commission to take action.

“I just did a desktop type of lifestyle audit on one of your investigators. He stays 80km from his workplace, drives an estimated 20km in and around Harare. Making a total of 180km a day. His car’s consumption is approximately 1 litre to 9km. He requires 20 litres of fuel a day.

“He works an average of 21 days a month thus he requires 420 litres of fuel a month at an average cost of US$1,22 per litre that translates to US$512,40 plus US$4 per day tollgate fees thus an additional US$44 making it US$566,40 per month on travelling.   The estimated combined monthly income with his wife is a total net salary of (about) $60 000 which translates to about US$500 using a rate of US$1:$120. He has a family of four thus requires an average of US$150 for groceries and electricity that will bring his total monthly expenses to US$706,40. That’s at the most basic we have a deficit of US$206.”

He added: “The next question is how is the officer funding his lifestyle? Answer: CORRUPTION! You don’t need a rocket scientist to prove that he is corrupt. I guess this is an easy one to prove.”

Recently, lawyers representing Commissioner Makodza wrote to ZACC saying Chacha must recuse himself from investigating their client alleging that he was obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office.

Commissioner Makodza was recently arrested for criminal abuse of duty as a public officer and is out on $10 000 bail. Chacha is the investigating officer in this case. Comm Makodza’s lawyers, Nyamayaro, Makanza and Bakasa Legal Practitioners say Chacha must recuse himself from investigating their client since he has a corrupt relationship with suspected land baron Felix Munyaradzi.  

Munyaradzi was arrested last year on allegations of duping stand seekers in Sandton near Westgate in Harare. The lawyers said Munyaradzi was an accused person in a case of fraud were Comm Makodza was the complainant. Munyaradzi and Chacha allegedly communicated on various occasions during the period between December 2020 and February 2021. In addition, Chacha’s wife, Constable Fortunate Dube, who is based in Marondera, is also alleged to have been receiving various amounts of cash from Munyaradzi.  

Munyaradzi is also alleged to have paid for the car Dube is driving and is said to have built her a house in Marondera. In February, another senior police officer Chief Superintendent Matipforo filed a report alleging Chacha was obstructing the course of justice and criminally abusing his office in handling his matter. Chief Supt Matipforo was under investigation for bribery and criminal abuse of office after he was allegedly allocated a residential stand corruptly by Harare City Council officers who are under police investigation.

In a letter dated February 12 to ZACC chair Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, copied to police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) Mr Thabani Mpofu and Prosecutor General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi, Chief Supt Matipforo said the letter was not aimed at stopping investigations into his case, but to highlight irregularities in the manner Chacha was handling the matter.

Chacha is also the investigating officer in a case in which suspended Registrar-General Clement Masango is accused of flouting tender procedures when purchasing vehicles for his department. Masango is being charged with criminal abuse of office.

-statemedia