Tinashe Sambiri|Makomborero Haruvizishe’s parents have implored citizens to remain optimistic about fighting for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
Makomborero Haruvizishe’s parents expressed the sentiments during the MDC Alliance delegation solidarity visit to the jailed activist’s rural home in Bhuka, Masvingo.The deletion was led by Hon Charlton Hwende.
According to MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Gilbert Mutubuki, the visit was successful and Mako’s parents expressed gratitude to the delegation.
“We were in Mushandike at the rural home of my brother and friend Makomborero Haruzivishe.
His parents are not moved by the sentence.
Thank you MDC Alliance leadership for your love,” said Mutubuki.
Mutubuki also said the 9 Chivi activists appeared in court last week and the matter was postponed to May 6 2021.
Hon Hwende speaks to Makomborero Haruvizishe’s relatives
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to release jailed party members.
12 MDC Alliance members are languishing in prison.
On Saturday, President Nelson Chamisa tasked an MDC Alliance delegation to visit jailed activist, Makomborero Haruvizishe’s rural home in Bhuka, Masvingo.
A Harare motorist who hit a 7-year-old girl recently at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive has appeared in court for negligent driving.
Herbert Chakanyuka (57), was remanded out of custody pending the availing of the medical affidavit of the victim.
He was tracked down by police after a video of the hit and run incident went viral.
Chakanyuka told the court that he did not run away from the scene but parked his car at a distance before he realised that the child had been removed from the accident scene.
He added he did not notice the child as he focused on the traffic lights which had just turned green.
According to a police statement, the victim was identified as Mitchelle Kamupfumo, who is said to be alive, but was seriously injured.
IN an incident that has shocked villagers, a teen mother from Nyevedzanai Village in Chivi District, Masvingo Province allegedly threw her two-year-old baby into the crocodile-infested Tugwi River following a dispute with her brother over her alleged promiscuous behaviour.
The baby, which was thrown into one of the biggest rivers in the province which also feeds into the giant Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, has not been found since the incident happened on 1 April. Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the teen mother has been arrested while officials are still searching for the baby.
“On 1 April the 17-year-old female juvenile was coming from fetching water at a nearby stream when her 16-year-old brother saw her from a distance talking to a local boy, which did not go down well with the brother. When they went back home, they had an argument and the juvenile mother got angry and told him that she was going to commit suicide,” he said.
Insp Dhewa said later that day the teen mother took her two-year-old daughter to the river which is two kilometres away from their homestead and allegedly threw her into the water. She later came back and told her brother that she had thrown the baby into the river. Insp Dhewa said the brother told their grandmother who reported the matter to police leading to the teen being arrested. Villagers told Sunday News that the teen mother’s brother was not happy with the way his sister had been behaving for some time.
“Remember the girl had a kid when she was 15, so when the brother saw her flirting with another boy, we understand he got angry and told her to stop being promiscuous and bear more ‘fatherless’ kids,” said a villager from the area.
She added that the teen mother was also angry and she threatened to commit suicide.
“I think when she made the threats they never thought she was serious until she came back and told them that she had thrown the kid into the river.”
Meanwhile, in another incident a 44-year-old man from Chivi last month allegedly assaulted his 43-year-old wife with a whip made from a tyre leading to her death after he had accused her daughter of exhibiting promiscuous behaviour. Insp Dhewa said on 31 March at around 11pm, Elias Tokoda (44) from Romo Village, headman Makonese, assaulted Josephine Gutsa (43) after she tried to restrain him from beating his step-daughter, a 17-year-old, for having an affair with a married man.-The Sunday News
The police officer who was stabbed to death in Gokwe about two weeks ago was accused of supporting a system that is troubling people.
Two officers were stabbed but one died and the now-deceased was identified as Lloyd Muchaiona from the CID department in Gokwe.
Muchaiona was stabbed twice with a knife, once on the thigh and once on the back and died on the spot.
The suspects are Jephat Manoti alias Kedha, Bruce Nzungu and the third whose name is yet to be established.
The now deceased who was in the company of his friend Fanuel Chiriro were on their way home when the incident happened.
The three suspects reportedly advanced from behind and said to the two “vanhu vemutemo murikutinetsa (You members of the law enforcement agents are troubling us)”.
Chiroro was reportedly stabbed on the right thigh and on the back of his shoulder and managed to flee but collapsed some metres away from the scene.
Passers-by later saw the stab victims and rushed Chiroro to Hospital but Muchaiona had already succumbed to his injuries.
The incident occurred in Durawall Suburb and the three suspects are still at large.- The Mirror
A Harare motorist who hit a 7-year-old girl recently at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive has appeared in court for negligent driving.
Herbert Chakanyuka (57), was remanded out of custody pending the availing of the medical affidavit of the victim.
He was tracked down by police after a video of the hit and run incident went viral.
Chakanyuka told the court that he did not run away from the scene but parked his car at a distance before he realised that the child had been removed from the accident scene.
He added he did not notice the child as he focused on the traffic lights which had just turned green.
According to a police statement, the victim was identified as Mitchelle Kamupfumo, who is said to be alive, but was seriously injured.
The family of Anele “Nelli” Tembe and well-known musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes have confirmed the death of the musician’s girlfriend at the five-star Pepperclub Hotel in central Cape Town on Sunday.
Anele “Nelli” Tembe with boyfriend
Tembe apparently fell from the 10th floor of the hotel early on Sunday morning.
“We are still in shock and dealing with our emotions, as she was an exceptional and gifted young woman with so much life ahead of her,” the families said in a joint statement issued on Sunday afternoon. “She had a sweet nature about her and was always nurturing to those about her.”
Police were on the scene for much of Sunday, looking for clues at the upmarket hotel. Paramedics said they had been dispatched to the scene after being told a young woman “fell” to her death.
“She was in a critical condition and they started a full life-support resuscitation. Unfortunately her injuries were too severe and she was declared deceased,” said Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst.
The road outside the hotel was blocked off. Witnesses who were staying at the hotel described to TshisaLIVE how they had heard a woman screaming, followed by a loud “doef” sound — and then a man shouting.
A witness also reported hearing a man crying on Sunday morning, adding that the couple had been spotted the night before in the hotel elevator, looking “loved up”.
The statement from the families said: “Forbes is now inconsolable and is surrounded by family and [his] closest friends.” -Sowetan
10-man Leeds United stunned runaway leaders Manchester City by winning 2-1 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Northern Ireland midfielder Stuart Dallas gave the visitors a surprise lead three minutes before the break and then scored the winner in injury time.
Leeds captain Liam Cooper was sent off for a tackle on Gabriel Jesus before the opening period was over.
City had to wait until the 76th minute for their equaliser when Ferran Torres drove home his first Premier League goal since December.
Leeds are now 10th on the log with 45 points from 31 games while City remain with 74 points, 14 points ahead of Manchester United who are on 60 points having played 30 games, two less than Manchester City.
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa told BBC Match of the Day:
The value of the victory increases because it was achieved in a game where we were dominated and demanded character, effort and personality.
I think we have to link the victory to the spirit of the players. The spirit of all the players added together creates a uniform effort.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day:
We did not create enough for the forwards. It is part of the game.
In the last 10 minutes, they had other chances, they are fast and can do it.
When they defend in the way they were doing you have to stop them running and we did not do that.- BBC
A Mberengwa woman who stabbed and injured her lover’s wife with a knife has been sentenced to a wholly suspended 24 months sentence.
Lilian Moyo (23) of 1806 Northwood, Mberengwa was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment by Mberengwa Resident Magistrate Evia Matura.
Matura then suspended 12 months of the sentence for five years on condition that the accused does not commit a similar offence. The remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that the accused performs 420hrs community service at Mberengwa Police Station.
Moyo stabbed Sibusakupi Gumbo. Moyo who is pregnant pleaded guilty and said that she did not know that she was committing an offence when she stabbed the complainant.
The magistrate said that she gave a lenient sentence considering that Moyo was pregnant and was a first offender.
On March 7, 2021, Moyo went to Gumbo’s place in Eastvale, Mberengwa. Gumbo asked Moyo what she wanted at the house and she said she wanted to talk to the complainant and her husband.
Gumbo told the accused to go and wait for her husband outside the gate since she had nothing to discuss with her. Moyo then took a knife that was wrapped in a dish towel and stabbed Gumbo once on the left armpit before using a broken bottle to stab Gumbo several times on the head. Masvingo Mirror
Robert Sigauke, Political Commentator, Johannesburg.
Analysis…Robert Sigauke
On Sunday it was reported that Iphuthile Maphosa who is the spokesperson for ZAPU announced that the party had recently taken the decision to recall former PF ZAPU members from the current parliament. The decision was taken as a result and in line with the recalls that were effected on opposition members of parliament by their parties such as the MDC-T and recently the PDP, which seconded them to parliament. The decisions of the courts which followed these recalls largely and correctly so, upheld the recalls as legal and above board. Can the same be said for the imminent ZAPU backed parliamentary recalls?
First and foremost, if a party’s constitution provides so, a member of parliament may be recalled if he/she crosses the floor to another party. Then there must be three phenomena that follow; the member of parliament must be a member of that party which is recalling him/her, that party must have been the party that seconded that member of parliament and lastly, the member must have crossed the floor to another different party. The PF ZAPU prior to 1987 is no longer alive, it ceased to exist when it merged with ZANU to form ZANU PF. There was no ZANU PF before 1987, only PF ZAPU and ZANU. This is exactly the reason why whenever the likes of Khaya Moyo, Ambrose Mutinhiri, Cain Mathema et al are talked about, they are referred to as formerly PF ZAPU. This means they were members of the defunct PF ZAPU and are now members of ZANU PF. Therefore only ZANU PF, the party which holds their membership and seconded these stalwarts to parliament, may recall them, and not any other party, let alone ZAPU (2008) which they were never members of.
So if PF ZAPU merged with ZANU to form ZANU PF in 1987, what then is the status of the current ZAPU? When Dabengwa left ZANU PF in 2008 he did not revive any party, he technically formed a new party called ZAPU. The ZAPU that exists today is therefore a new party and not the PF ZAPU of prior 1987. This is exactly why the party name does not even have the PF moniker on their website, but simply ZAPU. Article 1 of its constitution denotes the name as ZAPU, not PF ZAPU. Therefore, the party that was formed by Dabengwa in 2008 does not have legal authority over members of ZANU PF in parliament. These are formerly, and not anymore since 1987, members of PF ZAPU which is now defunct since then. This is unlike the scenario of the MDC Alliance where members retained their parties but coalesced under MDC Alliance without necessarily forming a new party.
Thirdly, when PF ZAPU joined with ZANU, members from both parties became ZANU PF members and ceased to belong to either PF ZAPU or ZANU. Effectively this means neither PF ZAPU nor ZANU may recall these members in parliament, more so because these parties no longer exist legally and do not even have any member of parliament. Only the party ZANU PF may legally recall these members if they cease to be members of ZANU PF which seconded them to parliament.
It therefore, is a futile exercise for ZAPU to attempt to recall formerly PF ZAPU members whom they do not have legal authority over and have never had on their membership books. As symbolic an exercise as it might seem, this is a bad display at best especially as it will expose ZAPU’s desperation for publicity and bankruptcy of political gamesmanship.
Robert Sigauke is a Legal Manager and Political Commentator. He writes from Johannesburg. He can be reached on [email protected]
Zimbabwe international Khama Billiat scored an important goal for Kaizer Chiefs against Horoya in the CAF Champions League, as the Soweto giants booked a place in the last eight of Africa’s premier club competition.
The diminutive winger, who recently recovered from a leg injury which kept him out of action since January, started for Gavin Hunt’s men in attack.
With Chiefs needing to avoid defeat or a goalless draw in the clash to book a spot in the quater-finals, they fell behind on the stroke of half time through Barry’s header, which beat Itumeleng Khune.
Amakhosi levelled matters just after the restart, with Daniel Cardoso scoring from the penalty spot.
Horoya restored their lead minutes after, Camara scoring in the 69th minute.
Billiat then rescued Chiefs by levelling matters four minutes later, off a Dumisani Zuma assist.
They (Chiefs) held on to book a place in the last 8 for the first time in their history.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to release jailed party members.
12 MDC Alliance members are languishing in prison.
On Saturday, President Nelson Chamisa tasked an MDC Alliance delegation to visit jailed activist, Makomborero Haruvizishe’s rural home in Bhuka, Masvingo.
“Give a Breath for Health” campaign launched on World Health Day to kickstart global effort for purchasing oxygen and other life-saving supplies and therapeutics
Champion goalkeeper Alisson Becker, World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill ambassador for health promotion, is kickstarting a new global fundraising campaign, titled “Give a Breath for Health,” driven by the WHO Foundation and WHO. The initiative aims to support the delivery of oxygen and other life-saving supplies to health facilities treating patients with COVID-19 around the world.
The first donation to the “Give a Breath for Health” campaign, made by Alisson, will contribute with supplies to locations in the Amazon and collaborate with the efforts of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO regional office for the Americas, in support of the Ministry of Health of Brazil and the State Health Department of Amazonas.
“I am a proud Brazilian and wish my people the best health possible. Working together we can overcome this difficult moment and I will do what I can to help my country, my Region, and the world, during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Alisson, goalkeeper for the Brazilian national football team and Liverpool Football Club. “While vaccines offer great hope to many countries around the world, there remains a desperate need in many areas for supplies of essential medicines and equipment, including oxygen, to help keep people alive in our hospitals and clinics.”
Part of Alisson’s contribution will be used to purchase non-invasive ventilation masks for people hospitalized in remote parts of Brazil due to COVID-19. The supplies will be delivered to eight municipalities in the state of Amazonas: Coari, Humaitá, Itacoatiara, Lábrea Parintins, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Tabatinga and Tefé.
The rest of the donation will be used to purchase equipment to fill oxygen cylinders in the municipality of Tabatinga, located on the border with Colombia and Peru. These supplies will help solve a logistical problem regarding the need to send the cylinders to other locations for refilling.
“We are concerned about the situation in the Americas, where a surge in COVID-19 cases is causing some areas to experience very high occupancy rates at intensive care units and putting health systems at risk of collapsing,” said PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne. “As more and more patients require hospitalization, solidarity response efforts like the one led by Alisson Becker can help provide health care workers in the Region with much-needed supplies and equipment, including oxygen, to save lives.”
Oxygen delivery is among the priorities identified in WHO’s recently released Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for 2021, for which the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is seeking to raise funds from individuals, philanthropies, and corporates.
Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer of the WHO Foundation, thanked Alisson Becker for his generous support to health facilities in the Americas and for being the driving force behind the “Give a Breath for Health” campaign.
“The response to COVID-19 is bigger than any one country or government can manage alone. The ‘Give a Breath for Health’ campaign is an exciting example of how the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund can enable anyone, anywhere to support the urgently needed pandemic response efforts of WHO and its partners.”
About the WHO Foundation
The WHO Foundation is an independent grant-making foundation, based in Geneva, that sets out to protect the health and well-being of everyone in every part of the world, working alongside the World Health Organization and the global health community.
It aims to support donors, scientists, experts, implementing partners, and advocates around the world in rapidly finding new and better solutions to the most pressing global health challenges of today and tomorrow.
The Foundation targets evidence-based initiatives that support WHO in delivering Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all). It is focused on reducing health risks, averting pandemics, better managing diseases, and creating stronger health systems. It tackles these areas by building awareness and supporting its partners, including WHO, so that every life is invested in and the world is ready for any health emergency that may arise.
WHO Foundation. Together we have so much to achieve.
www.who.foundation
Campaign website
About PAHO
PAHO works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of the population. Founded in 1902, it is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It serves as the WHO regional office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the inter-American system. More information at www.paho.org
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Tinashe Sambiri|Makomborero Haruvizishe’s parents have implored citizens to remain optimistic about fighting for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
Makomborero Haruvizishe’s parents expressed the sentiments during the MDC Alliance delegation solidarity visit to the jailed activist’s rural home in Bhuka, Masvingo.The deletion was led by Hon Charlton Hwende.
According to MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Gilbert Mutubuki, the visit was successful and Mako’s parents expressed gratitude to the delegation.
“We were in Mushandike at the rural home of my brother and friend Makomborero Haruzivishe.
His parents are not moved by the sentence.
Thank you MDC Alliance leadership for your love,” said Mutubuki.
Mutubuki also said the 9 Chivi activists appeared in court last week and the matter was postponed to May 6 2021.
Bulawayo City Council is seeking authority from the Local Government ministry to borrow $4 billion arguing it has no capacity to fund its 2021 $10 billion capital budget to oil its operations.
Government is yet to approve the council’s 2021 budget of $17 billion with $10 billion set aside for capital expenditure and the remainder for salaries and other administrative costs.
Bulawayo residents last year opposed the council’s proposed $21 billion budget arguing the consultative process was flawed.
A latest council report, however, shows city fathers are crying that the local authority is financially incapacitated to fund the $10 billion capital budget, hence the need to apply for borrowing powers.
“Currently council has a capital budget of $10, 697,798,003.52 for the 2021 financial year.
“Council had no capacity to fund this capital budget from its own resources,” reads the council report.
“It was, therefore, imperative for the council to apply for borrowing powers of $4, 223,548,498.00 equivalent to US$51, 886,345.00 to fund various capital projects…”
In terms of Section 290 of the Urban Councils Act and Section 65 of the Public Finance Management Act, councils can apply for borrowing powers from the ministry of Local government for the acquisition or construction of permanent works or undertakings, the acquisition of immovable property, the making of advances authorised by this or any other Act, the payment of compensation, the liquidation of the principal moneys owing on account of any previous loan, the relief of general distress occasioned by some calamity in the council area and the acquisition of plant, equipment and vehicles.
Of the $4 billion, council said it will channel the largest chunk of $1,450,714,698 to water infrastructure rehabilitation and the remainder $332,910,000 (sewerage infrastructure), $863,450,000 (acquisition and development of land), $894,748,800 (roads construction and rehabilitation),$407,000,000 (landfill site new cell development) and $274,725,000 for the acquisition of plant, equipment and vehicles.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), however, questioned the council’s wisdom in choosing the route of seeking a $4 billion loan.
“Borrowing in an economy that perhaps was functional and with a positive growth trajectory would have been fine particularly for funding expenditure. However, with the council’s poor project management performance as exhibited by past and current projects, a lot of questions really may need to be asked,” said BPRA budget consultant Ntokozo Tshuma.
“The general norm would have been to quantify the total debt (from funds borrowed) as percentage of local Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the generaL standard of a safer amount normally should range between 2-3% of local GDP so if the funds to be borrowed become higher than this it creates challenges to the local authority in trying to liquidate the debt.”
The council minutes revealed that city fathers also turned down private funders, who wanted to lend the council US$100 million before settling for the easy route of applying for borrowing powers.
“As council they had been approached by a funder who was willing to lend council US$100m,” the council report added.
“The amount was too much and the council did not have the capacity to borrow and service the US$100m.
“The borrowing powers were a journey and as council there was need to show capacity to the ministry to pay.
“The motivation was the 3% and 3 years grace period.”
In June 2018, the council also applied for borrowing powers of US$100 million and US$26 million payable over 10 years pending improvement of the capacity to repay to cover various projects.-Standard
A gang of five armed robbers raided a family in Montgomery Bulawayo, ransacked their house and got away with cash, cellphones and other valuables.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the robbery, that occurred last Friday at around 1.30 AM.
Insp Ncube said:
We are investigating an armed robbery case where five suspects armed with a pistol and knife broke into a house at plot 66 King fair road, Montgomery on Friday at around 1.30 AM.
The armed robbers used an iron bar to force open the front French main door to enter the house.
The gang entered the main bedroom which was not locked and threatened the complainant (61) with a pistol and demanded cash.
Said Insp Ncube:Two accused persons grabbed the complainant and tied his hands from the back using a necktie, then the other accused person pointed a gun at his head.
They demanded money and ransacked the room and took away a brown wallet which had us$550-00 and a Samsung Note 4 cellphone.
Insp Ncube said four of the suspects went to the spare bedroom and woke up a 21-year-old man and demanded cash but did not find anything in his room.
One other accused person was left guarding the man while the other three proceeded to the other spare bedroom where the complainant’s two daughters were sleeping.
They forced open the spare bedroom door, gained entry into the room and woke up, 2 female adults aged 20 years and 25 years.
They demanded valuables from them and took away an iPhone 4s cellphone, iPhone 5s cellphone, Samsung s9 cellphone, 2 hp laptops serial numbers not known and their chargers.
The accused persons took away an open view decoder, 4-way electrical adaptor and car keys of a government Nissan NP300 registration number AAE 8142 owned by Umguza Rural District Council.
No one was injured. The total value stolen is US$3 655 and $100 and nothing was recovered.
At around 3.55 AM on the same day, the complainant called Queens Park Police Station and made a report, said Insp Ncube.
Police attended the scene and no arrest was made.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Fears are growing for a 38-year-old Zimbabwean man missing since March 24 when Islamist insurgents launched an attack on the northern Mozambican coastal town of Palma, a town of approximately 75,000 residents in the province of Cabo Delgado.
A father-of one, Nyasha Mugwagwa works as a catering manager for Remote Site Solutions, one of the contracted companies at the multi billion-dollar gas projects being built by France’s Total and other energy companies.
His family says it was last in contact with him on March 24, before a surprise raid by terrorists.
The government said dozens were killed in the attack, including seven foreigners caught in an ambush during an operation to evacuate them from Amarula hotel where they had sought refuge.
Mugwagwa’s family say they are increasingly worried.
“The outcome we hope for is that Nyasha walks in through the door. If he has met any other fate, we hope the family gets closure. We’re desperate for news, any news right now,” a family spokesman said.
Nyasha’s Mozambican wife, his three siblings and their mother were “deeply distressed”, the spokesman said.
The former Cresta Hotels employee moved to Mozambique five years ago.
He married a Mozambican woman in the town of Beira, where he usually returned after going to work on the northern gas exploration hub for weeks at a time.
His wife, looking after their young daughter, has not heard from him since March 24. On that day, Nyasha had called to say he was at the Wentworth Camp where many gas project workers lived before the terrorist raid.
Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi last week declared that his troops had reclaimed Palma from the terrorists. Military and police officials said dozens of dead bodies, many decomposing, littered the streets.
A local police chief told state broadcaster TVM earlier this week that on returning to the town following the assault, he had helped bury 12 beheaded bodies. While he could not identify their nationalities, he said he believed they were foreign because they were white.
Army spokesperson Chongo Vidigal confirmed the 12 victims were white, but said their nationalities could not be confirmed due to the decomposed state of the bodies. The army had sent a medical team to identify them, he said.
“It’s urgent that a team arrives to establish these small details,” he said, adding it was uncertain when they would arrive.
The burial of bodies before identification, as confirmed by the police chief, will alarm families with missing relatives.
Islamic State-linked insurgents have been increasingly active since 2017 in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province where Palma is located.
Mozambique is about 26% Roman Catholic, 31% other Christian, and 18% Muslim, according to government figures. Cabo Delgado is one of only a few provinces that have a Muslim majority.
Regional leaders from countries including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana met in Mozambique’s capital Maputo this week to weigh a response to the insurgency.
Mozambique’s foreign minister Veronica Macamo Dlhovo said the leaders resolved to send a mission to Mozambique this month to assess the threat and how they could help.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the leaders agreed a regional force should be revived immediately so it could intervene.
The insurgency is a rapidly growing threat to Mozambique, and SADC region after a few years of relative peace for the country. A long civil war followed the end of the independence struggle against colonial power Portugal in 1975, lasting until 1992.
A low-level conflict broke out again pitting the FRELIMO government against its long-time RENAMO rivals until a 2019 peace accord, although some low-level attacks continued.
Mozambique remains one of Africa’s poorest and underdeveloped countries despite the potential of its natural resources.
By A Correspondent- Rape cases of minor girls have risen alarmingly in Mashonaland Central province with between two and three rape cases reported on a daily basis for the past 12 months.
This was revealed by the Mashonaland Central Provincial Information Communication Technology Officer, Superintendent Sheila Tungadza during an International Women’s Day commemorations event in Bindura.
Superintendent Tungadza was representing the Officer Commanding Police Mashonaland Central at the event. She said:
The issue that has been worrying us as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is the rise in incidences where minors are being raped.
I don’t have statistics for Bindura off hand at the moment but for the whole of Mashonaland Central in general, we record two or three rape cases on a daily basis of minors and perpetrators who are in most cases relatives or neighbours.
At times, mothers leave their daughters in the hands of trusted male relatives going to church or going to buy wares for sale in neighbouring countries. The relatives end up abusing the little ones sexually.
I urge all here to leave our children in the care of trusted female relatives more than male relatives because what we are witnessing here is not a good picture.
Tungadza urged parents to establish relationships with their children so that it becomes easier for them to notice a behavioural change in case of sexual abuse. She said:
Fathers are raping their daughters to an extent whereby the girls are falling pregnant.
The mothers at times take time to witness these changes in their daughters and the abuse goes on for long.
Mothers and fathers, let us establish relationships with our children.
Let’s take time to listen to them every day after work and listen to their stories.
By creating an environment whereby children feel free to share with us anything, we stand a chance of noticing early if they would have been abused.
The children will also be free to tell us if anyone touches them and does anything inappropriate to them.
At times what makes children hide things from parents is that they fear getting beaten or scolded.
Let’s not create an environment whereby children fear us.-HealthTimes
iBy Taruberekera Masara- Zimbabwe is enduring a terrible pandemic inside a pandemic. There has been an unchecked rise in child pregnancy and sexual abuse across the country. Women Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni reported that 4 959 teenage pregnancies were recorded between January and February this year 2021.
The trend is worrying and very unprecedented.
Presenting a report in Parliament Minister Nyoni said:”Between January and February 5, 2021, there were 4 959 teenage pregnancies as well as 1 774 child marriages recorded countrywide,”
“A total of 4 959 got impregnated in such a short period and this means that nearly 5 000 of our girls risk losing their educational opportunity if they do not pursue re-admission. She further reported that a number of teenagers are now in marital unions albeit before reaching the legal majority age.
“Most worrying is the 1 774 who are in matrimonial union before their 18th birthday”, “They have lost opportunities and have also become vulnerable to other forms of violence, assault, which include economic and emotional” she said.
These tragic circumstances are a direct result of the lockdown decree that was made by the government following the outbreak of corona virus.
Since April 1 2020, the Zimbabwean government introduced one of the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns in response to the first detected cases of corona virus. The devastating impact of lockdown on the already severe child rights abuses have been exposed.
The lockdown consequentially brew a Secondary pandemic that is ravaging communities. Although Zimbabwe’s experience with child pregnancy and sexual abuse is not unique, the extent and prevalence of the issue, compounded by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has triggered a ‘secondary pandemic’ in the country marred by rising child pregnancy rates and GBV.
Unlike Covid-19 however, child pregnancy and marriages are a direct result of socio-economic and political conditions that undermine the ability of girls to escape from abuse. Minister Nyoni said that the victims have a likelihood of losing opportunities and also become vulnerable to other forms of violence, assault, which include economic and emotional abuse.
The country however, is working on finalizing legislation that will help to curb abuses.Sexual Harassment Bill and Gender Equality Bill.
These legal instruments will criminalize the offence of sexual harassment and provide frameworks for gender equality.
However,it is paramount to understand that law alone cannot sufficiently address the problem of child pregnancy and sexual abuse.
To curb the ‘pandemic’ there is need to step up raising girls’ awareness of their sexual and reproductive health and rights, protecting them from abuse and connecting them with education and health services.
Government must strengthen national health systems, implement comprehensive education on sexuality and relationships in and out of schools, and provide affordable, safe contraception to tackle the root causes of adolescent pregnancy.
One outstanding causes of child pregnancy in the recent past has been poverty. Where girls chose to marry off as a way of escaping lockdown induced hardships. In some cases parents marrying off their girl children so that they get money or support. In respect of such the government therefore has to plan robust empowerment programs to improve economic well-being of women. Empowering women goes a long way in giving power of choice among the vulnerable.
By and large in order to prevent teenage pregnancy, teenagers need to have a comprehensive understanding of abstinence, contraceptive techniques, and consequences. Although there are many different ways to prevent a teenage girl from becoming pregnant, the only one that is absolutely effective is sexual abstinence.
According to Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on children’s rights United Nations-Human Rights Council said,COVID-19 pandemic caused a socio-economic crisis that has worsened the existing stark inequalities of vulnerable children and this had resulted in the amplification of their risks.
She added that there was notable concern on the unprecedented spike in online sexual exploitation and abuse of children because of new and emerging forms of technology Governments should, inter alia, put in place a robust rights-based protection system even before disaster struck in order to prevent or mitigate the increased risks of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children in times of a national emergency or public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Singhateh ,child participation must be encouraged in the decision-making process and the development of any strategy during and after the pandemic on protecting them from sale, sexual abuse and exploitation.
The cooperation and collaboration amongst governments, international and national organizations, businesses as well as civil society organizations and global alliances must be encouraged as they all had a role to play in the protection of children from sale, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Zimbabwe’s teenage pregnancy rate of about 22% places the country in position 28 out of 54, with number 1 being the worst, on UNICEF’s early childbearing list.
The majority of the 22% that is being flagged in the petition to parliament were 18- and 19-year olds, accounting for nearly 80% of teenage mothers. This unmitigated disaster needs checking and redress.
By A Correspondent- Teachers who are reporting for work only three days out of five per week will be asked to give reasons for their absenteeism, a government official has said.
This follows reports that for the past week teachers at schools among them St Christopher’s and Jahunda Primary Schools in Gwanda town have been coming to work only three days per week.
As a result, parents are not sure whether to allow their children to go to school every day as there hasn’t been official communication from authorities.
But speaking in an interview with State media on Saturday, director of communications and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro said teachers should report for duty every weekday.
Said Ndoro:
We have instituted attendance registers on this one (absenteeism of teachers) meaning we have attendance registers in place and obviously one who does not report for duty will in future be asked to show cause as to why they did not report for duty.
Teachers must attend school daily as there is no Government directive to the contrary.
While some grades attend classes on certain days to ensure social distancing in schools, examination writing classes are required to attend school daily.
This is being done so that they catch up on lost time due to the closure of schools for the better part of the first term.
By Prince Njagu- The shameless ZANU PF led government have since turned deaf and dump after MDC Alliance activist, Vongai Tome was sexually assaulted by a police official during the Makomborero Haruziviishe solidarity gathering on Tuesday at Harare Magistrate court which turned violent after police started beating activists.
Tome remains in police custody even after revealing that she was sexually violated by one of the police officers on Tuesday.
No action has been take, in as far as investigating into the incident.
Violence broke out at the Harare Magistrates Court as police were beating up MDC Alliance supporters who were protesting against the 14-month sentence imposed on party executive Makomborero Haruziviishe.
Tome was arraigned before Harare Magistrate Richard Mangosi facing disorderly conduct charges and has been remanded in custody pending bail ruling.
MDC Alliance Women’s assembly issued a statement condemning the abuse and arrest of Vongai and other leaders.
National Executive member Vongai Tome and Ngoni Mupfuma were arrested during the Tuesday court solidarity gathering for Makomborero Haruzivishe.
Tome is a victim of abuse by one of the police officials and nothing has been done.
“Who is going to protect us? Who is going to listen to our cries?” said MDC Alliance Women Assembly Spokesperson Barbara Gwangwara Tanyanyiwa.
Tanyanyiwa said that the leadership crisis in the country was deeper and the government was resorting to violence as a means of silencing the citizens.
Haruzivishe’s 14 months sentencing for exercising his rights, has raised concerns on the state of affairs in the country as more and more activists are being put behind bars for speaking against ZANU PF.
“ZANU PF has no shame; when are they going to stop these human rights violations, are they going to put the whole country in jail since no one seems to agree with their inhuman ways?” said activist Sandra Bvungidzire.
Tanyanyiwa encouraged people to converge for change and push to end this suffering.
“When the youthful generation of yesteryear made a decision to activate the liberation struggle, it was because of widespread injustice. 41 years after the so called independence, we still witness widespread injustice,” said MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole on his Twitter page.
For far too long Zimbabweans have been suffering under the ZANU PF regime, during the Robert Mugabe era and now under Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The political and economic crisis continues to cripple the Southern African country. The main opposition party MDC-A has said the countries vows can be blamed on poor governance and human rights violations.
“Mako is a prisoner of conscience who is being persecuted for speaking out against poverty, injustice & corruption,” said MDC Alliance Spokesperson Fadzai Mahere on her Twitter page.
Activists and opposition political parties have been appealing for intervention from the international community.
“The police and courts in this country have been captured and they are under the control of ZANU PF,” said Bvungidzire.
Activists and opposition political parties allege that the legal system and police force have been captured by ZANU PF as a means to advance a political agenda.
“The perpetuation of judiciary capture. Obviously the appointed won’t disappoint the appointer,” said MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole on his Twitter page.
By A Correspondent- An MDC-T activist on Friday lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe AntiCorruption Commission (Zacc) accusing the party’s leader Douglas Mwonzora of stealing over $6 million from the opposition party’s coffers.
Patson Murimoga, a former Mwonzora ally, accuses the MDC-T leader of conniving with the party’s finance director Toddy Mapingire to loot the money, which they allegedly used to buy foreign currency on the parallel market.
In December last year, Murimoga made an initial police report t under RRB /2236/12/2020 on the eve of the discredited Supreme Court-ordered party extraordinary congress, which propelled Mwonzora to the helm of the party.
However, police are still to charge Mwonzora over the matter.
In his Zacc complaint seen by this publication, Murimoga said police appeared reluctant to act on the matter despite him writing to the Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, where he raised concern over lack of action by the law enforcement agency.
“The case was reported on December 26, 2020, CASERB# 2236/12/2020,” Murimoga wrote.”Several members of the MDC-T standing committee have deposed affidavits with the ZRP attesting to the theft and laundering of funds.
“The ZRP has conducted its own investigations and evidence exists in support of both theft and illegal exchange of foreign currency on the black market.
“The persons, who participated in the illegal exchange of foreign currency are known to the police.
“There are recorded statements from some members of the MDC-T standing committee attesting to the theft and money laundering.
“That the laundering was in total contravention of the country’s Foreign Exchange Act and the prevailing official exchange rate, which was US$1:83RTGS as established by the auction market.”
He said the MDC-T standing committee violated the government policy on the use of foreign currency in local transaction.
“That the funds from the Political Parties Finance Act are public funds that should not and can’t be laundered on the black market in total contravention of the country’s monetary and fiscal policies,” he said.
Murimoga wants Zacc to investigate why police have not arrested Mwonzora for the theft of funds despite overwhelming evidence.
“Arrest and depose all MDC-T standing committee members for their complicity in money laundering stemming from inability to report the theft and laundering of party funds,” he added.
“Take up the issue as a matter of urgency in light of police inaction and the soon-to-be-disbursed $29 million as gazetted by the government”.
In his letter to Nyathi dated February 3 this year, the MDC-T activist said there was enough evidence for the police to arrest Mwonzora.
“I strongly believe it is in the best interest of justice that Douglas Mwonzora, Todd Mapingire and others be arrested just like any other citizens will if they are accused of a similar crime,” Murimoga wrote.
“Justice is blind and should be dispensed without fear or favour.’
Mwonzora’s stranglehold on the opposition party has come under constant test after his protagonists including his deputy, Thokozani Khupe put pressure on him over the missing funds.
Last month, Khupe made a statement to the police on the alleged raiding of the from party’s coffers ahead of its disputed extraordinary congress.-standard
By A Correspondent- Opposition party Zapu says it will this week write to Parliament seeking to recall its former members, who are now part of the ruling Zanu-PF.
Iphuthile Maphosa, the Zapu spokesperson, said the decision was taken at a special meeting of the party’s National People’s Council held in Bulawayo yesterday.
Former Zapu members in the current Parliament include education minister Cain Mathema and his Small and medium enterprises counterpart Sithembiso Nyoni.
“Our letter of recalls will be delivered to Parliament as soon as it re-opens after the holidays,” Maphosa said.
“We are doing so because we have moved out of the Unity accord, which is a pact that had brought together Zanu-PF and PF Zapu together following the genocide on Zapu supporters perpetrated by Zanu-PF in order to institute a one-party state.”
Zapu broke away from Zanu-PF in 2008 after the parties merged in 1987 to end the Gukurahundi killings in the midlands and Matabeleland provinces.
Although the “recalls” may largely be symbolic, they will bring another dimension to the debate over the recalling of MDC alliance legislators and councillors by the rival MDC-T.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has been accused of aiding the MDC-T’s push to decimate the MDC alliance by controversially facilitating the recalls.-standard
By A Correspondent- The leader of the secessionist Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP), Mqondisi Moyo, made his first public appearance on Tuesday last week after going into ‘hiding’ for nearly a month fearing arrest.
Moyo led a delegation of his party leadership to his Gwandavale rural home in Matobo North, Matabeleland South province, where he met church and unnamed traditional leaders.
Moyo told The Standard that he was encouraged by one of the traditional leaders who was present who told him that his blood falls within the bloodline of the Lozi kingship.
Moyo said:
Some members of the church, community, traditional leaders and villagers invited me and my leadership to Matobo. The meeting was nothing ordinary, but unique.
The meeting was unique in the sense that the Matobo leadership together with family members wanted to pray for and bless the MRP leadership.
Indeed we were blessed, encouraged and honoured.
Moyo escaped arrest when armed security agents reportedly stormed his house last month.
The raid followed a confrontation between MRP activists and police in Ntabazinduna over a land dispute.
MRP activists clashed with police after the latter descended at Tabas Induna Farm in Ntabazinduna.
The activists had evicted Floyd Ambrose from the property accusing him of forcibly taking it from a white farmer, Brian Davies.
By A Correspondent- A Harare man, who seriously injured a seven-year-old girl in a hit-and-run accident has been arrested after a recording of the incident went viral on social media.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Herbert Chakanyuka was arrested after the accident was captured on a closed circuit television camera.
The incident occurred at the traffic lights-controlled intersection at Borrowdale road and Harare Drive.
“The Zimbabwe republic Police confirms that the suspect has been arrested and the victim has since been identified as Mitchelle Kapfumo,” Nyathi said.
“The suspect is being charged with negligent driving and failure to stop after an accident, failure to report an accident and failure to render assistance after an accident. The case is now pending before the courts.”-standard
By A Correspondent- A Zvishavane couple, who connived to rape a nineyear-old girl, was yesterday jailed to an effective 15 years after being jointly convicted of rape.
Benson Moyo (26) and wife Tafadzwa Moyo, whose ages were not given in state papers, both from Chipikiri village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, colluded to rape the complainant, who is a niece of Benson after she was left in their custody.
Gweru regional magistrate Pathekile Msipa convicted the duo after a full trial and sentenced them to 17 years before suspending two years on condition of good behaviour.
The couple, who kept on changing their defence during cross, examination, had denied the charges saying they were not at home when the offence was committed. But Msipa said the two’s line of defence was not credible before finding them guilty of the crime.-standard
By James Gwati-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has ordered the Lupane provincial hospital bosses to complete the construction of Lupane hospital with immediate effect
The government said it had injected $47 million for the completion of the 250-bed medical centre.
Chiwenga, who is also Health and Child Care Minister, visited the hospital’s construction site at the weekend and said the project should be completed by next year.
“The purpose of my visit was to accelerate the construction of the Lupane Provincial Hospital. This project as you are aware started way back in the First Republic in 2004. It had stalled to an unacceptable level. When the President visited Matabeleland North Province, this matter was also highlighted. We have been looking at ways of resuscitating all legacy projects which had stalled during the First Republic and we want to finish them.”
By A Correspondent- A Rusape magistrate Rufaro Mangwiro has ordered the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to pay $150 000 compensation to a man who sustained injuries after being mauled by a police dog last year.
Unity Saunyama’s initial request was for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to award him $248 755 as compensation for the costs he incurred and the pain he went through during and after the attack.
According to state media, the dog was released by Constable Zwelibanzi Masuko in Rusape’s central business district and it went on to bite Saunyama’s leg as he was passing by.
In her ruling, magistrate Mangwiro said the respondents did not dispute that Saunyama faced harm, which entitled him to some compensation.
However, the respondents were of the view that the $248 755 claim made by Sunyama was too high and they proposed compensation of $10 000. Magistrate Mangwiro said:
“A claim for compensation is not only awarded for physical pain. It is also awarded for shock, discomfort, mental suffering, loss of life’s amenities and disability. Saunyama’s claim is therefore justifiable.
Taking note of the evidence brought before the court, Magistrate Mangwiro said it was clear that various factors had to be taken into account for a proper assessment of damages to be made. The magistrate also said the context of the injury suffered has not been clearly noted, however, what is noted is that undue harm was suffered by Saunyama as a result of the negligence.
“Therefore an equitable amount of the damages granted will be $150 000. Each party will pay its own costs and interest at the prescribed rate of 10 percent per annum from December 31, 2020 to the date of payment,” she ruled.
By James Gwati- The popularity of the Harare based comedian and actor Madam Boss (real name Tyra Chikocho) has increased as evidenced by her recent appointment as Ingwebu Breweries brand ambassador.
Madam Boss joins other celebrities who include radio personality and comedian Babongile Sikhonjwa and model Ben Chest in selling the Bulawayo based Mahewu brand.
Acknowledging her appointment recently through her more than 800 000 fans on Facebook, Madam Boss said she was very much excited. “Guys, it’s so overwhelming and I’m so excited. Ingwebu Breweries, thank you for believing and trusting the Madam Boss brand to be your brand ambassador and influencer. I really appreciate,” said Madam Boss in a video drop.
The actress who is in Nigeria where she is filming for a forthcoming movie promised to do Ingwebu proud.
The Bulawayo-based company’s managing director, Dumisani Mhlanga said they want to penetrate the Harare market hence Madam Boss, who has close to a million followers on social media, was the perfect tonic.
“We asked ourselves how we’d penetrate the Harare market and sell our Royal Mahewu products there. This is why we chose Madam Boss as she has more than 800 000 followers on social media. We followed her and saw that she wasn’t a controversial person,” said Mhlanga.
By A Correspondent-Police in Bulawayo are hunting for four men who gang-raped a woman at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre and robbed a man from Cowdray Park suburb.
The gang — pirating in a silver Honda CRV vehicle — attacked the residents on Monday night.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube told the state media that a manhunt had been launched for the suspects.
“Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of robbery and rape which occurred on April 5 around 8 PM. The two complainants boarded a Silver Honda CRV registration number unknown at corner 6th avenue and Lobengula Street, Bulawayo intending to go to Cowdray Park. -Chronicle
By James Gwati-Zanu PF leadership in Masvingo’s Zaka district are writing down names of their party supporters whom they are giving access to food aid.
This came out during a recent Conflict Analysis and Resilient Analysis meetings organised by communities working Heal Zimbabwe.
The participants said no suspected opposition party supporter was given access to the donated food aid.
“We do not get food aid from the government in this ward as party chairperson and political activists cherry-pick beneficiaries. This has created a lot of tensions in the ward and if this issue is not addressed, distribution meeting will turn violent”, said one participant.
Participants also reported that party chairpersons also give directives to Village heads to compile names of beneficiaries and this has greatly weakened the Traditional leadership institution.
Other issues raised during the meeting include the interference of Legislators in the smooth running of Provincial Councils.
Participants noted that this was an attempt to retain central government control over the key role played by Rural District Councils in the implementation of devolution that is explicitly provided for in Section 264 of the constitution.
By James Gwati-Zanu PF activists have hijacked the distribution of food aid in Zaka and are only favoring their supporters.
The affected communities have,however, said this was causing conflicts in the district.
Speaking during Conflict Analysis and Resilient Analysis meetings organised by communities working Heal Zimbabwe, recently participants said known Zanu PF activists and their local leadership had on several occasions hijacked food aid distribution meetings.
More recently, a Zaka Ward 19 Councillor, Peter Imbayarwo and Agriculture Extension Officers had a food aid and agricultural input distribution exercise hijacked by the ward chairperson who was working in cahoots with other party activists.
“We do not get food aid from government in this ward as party chairperson and political activists cherry pick beneficiaries .This has created a lot of tensions in the ward and if this issue is not addressed, distribution meeting will turn violent”, said one participant.
Participants also reported that party chairpersons also give directives to Village heads to compile names of beneficiaries and this has greatly weakened the Traditional leadership institution.
Other issues raised during the meeting include the interference of Legislators in the smooth running of Provincial Councils.
Participants noted that this was an attempt to retain central government control over the key role played by Rural District Councils in the implementation of devolution that is explicitly provided for in Section 264 of the constitution.
A gang of armed robbers yesterday stormed wholesale outlet, Bulk Cash and Carry, located on Basch Street and Khami Road in Bulawayo, and viciously assaulted staff and customers before getting away with more than US$2 000 in cash, a wallet and till with an unspecified amount of money.
The incident, which occurred yesterday at around 12:30pm, is the latest in a spate of high-profile armed robberies targeting businesses around the city. Last month, six armed robbers raided a Bureau de Change in Bulawayo and made off with an undisclosed amount of money in foreign currency. When Sunday News got to the scene yesterday, the wholesale outlet’s owners were still counselling and consoling staff members who were attacked by the gun-wielding robbers.
Narrating the incident, the outlet’s visibly shaken supervisor, Mr Solomon Mtandabari, said they were taken by surprise when the robbers made a surprise assault on the shop just after midday.
“I just heard some commotion and someone yelled and said Solo what is happening outside and that’s when I replied and said I didn’t know what was going on. From then on one of the robbers, I think they were four or five, cocked his gun and shouted that everyone should lie down. One of them then came to me and asked where the money was. I told them that there was no money here today. He asked me what the side room near the tills is for and I told him that it’s where ladies change and he asked to go into that room,” said Mr Mtandabari.
Once inside the changing room, the robber, he said demanded cash but when he found out there was none, he put a gun to the shaken supervisor’s head and told him to walk back inside the shop.
“He had the gun on me and then he asked the till operator where the money was. Meanwhile, they were still assaulting our boss Mr Shahazad. He asked the till operator where the money was and she said there was a communication breakdown with our boss because his English is not good and that’s when they also slapped her.
They took the box with the cash and started hitting it with a hammer trying to open it,” he said.
Mr Mtandabari said they were not sure how much money was in the till that the gang later fled with.
The robbers also took a phone and a wallet from the shop-owner before assaulting a customer and taking away over US$2 000 in cash. On their way out, the marauding robbers also used their hammer to smash a door on the administration block. Bulawayo police spokesman Inspector Abednico Ncube said he could not comment on the incident as he was yet to be briefed.
In an incident that has shocked villagers, a teen mother from Nyevedzanai Village in Chivi District, Masvingo Province allegedly threw her two-year-old baby into the crocodile-infested Tugwi River following a dispute with her brother over her alleged promiscuous behaviour.
The baby, which was thrown into one of the biggest rivers in the province which also feeds into the giant Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, has not been found since the incident happened on 1 April. Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the teen mother has been arrested while officials are still searching for the baby.
“On 1 April the 17-year-old female juvenile was coming from fetching water at a nearby stream when her 16-year-old brother saw her from a distance talking to a local boy, which did not go down well with the brother. When they went back home, they had an argument and the juvenile mother got angry and told him that she was going to commit suicide,” he said.
Insp Dhewa said later that day the teen mother took her two-year-old daughter to the river which is two kilometres away from their homestead and allegedly threw her into the water. She later came back and told her brother that she had thrown the baby into the river. Insp Dhewa said the brother told their grandmother who reported the matter to police leading to the teen being arrested. Villagers told Sunday News that the teen mother’s brother was not happy with the way his sister had been behaving for some time.
“Remember the girl had a kid when she was 15, so when the brother saw her flirting with another boy, we understand he got angry and told her to stop being promiscuous and bear more ‘fatherless’ kids,” said a villager from the area.
She added that the teen mother was also angry and she threatened to commit suicide.
“I think when she made the threats they never thought she was serious until she came back and told them that she had thrown the kid into the river.”
Meanwhile, in another incident a 44-year-old man from Chivi last month allegedly assaulted his 43-year-old wife with a whip made from a tyre leading to her death after he had accused her daughter of exhibiting promiscuous behaviour. Insp Dhewa said on 31 March at around 11pm, Elias Tokoda (44) from Romo Village, headman Makonese, assaulted Josephine Gutsa (43) after she tried to restrain him from beating his step-daughter, a 17-year-old, for having an affair with a married man.
“Tokoda arrived from Takavarasha Business Centre and went to the bedroom where he found Gutsa together with her 17-year-old daughter and asked her why she was in a relationship with a married man. He started beating up the juvenile with a rubber whip and proceeded to beat up the mother. After realising that Gutsa was unconscious, he poured water on her in a bid to revive her. At midnight he discovered that she was dead,” he said.
Insp Dhewa said Tokoda handed himself to the police at 4pm the following day and his wife’s body was taken to Chivi District Hospital mortuary.
100 more coronavirus cases have been detected at Sacred Heart Girls High School, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said on Saturday. It said:
100 more new cases from some boarding school in Mat South (Sacred High): the outbreak is localised at the school.
This comes after the headmistress at the Roman Catholic Church-run girls school, Sister Ludo Ncube last informed parents and guardians that five coronavirus cases had been recorded at the school. She said in a statement:
“On behalf of the school family, I would like to confirm five cases of COVID-19 all being pupils at our school.
“Tests for COVID-19 were administered at Esigodini Hospital after realizing that nine of our students had flu symptoms.
“We sent nine of them to the hospital, five of them tested positive and four negative. The tests were conducted this morning 7 April.
“All necessary precautions have been taken in line with COVID-19 protocols.”
On Friday it was reported that that 51 new coronavirus cases had been detected at Sacred Heart primary and secondary schools.
45 of the pupils that tested positive are boarders while four are day-scholars and the other two cases are staff members. The latest development brings to close to 200 COVID-19 cases reported at the two schools.
Schools opened for the first term of the year late last month after a COVID-19 precautionary delay of three months following warnings of a potential third wave.
Since the re-opening, one other school, Prince Edward High School in Harare, reported that at least seven of its students had tested positive for the coronavirus.
A Chiredzi-based journalist has appeared at the Chiredzi Magistrates Courts facing a charge of stealing a classified document from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Law and Order office at Chiredzi Police Station.
Patrick Chitongo, who runs Lowveld Checkpoint, an online publication, is alleged to have committed the crime in August 2019.
His case failed to kick off on Wednesday after some of the police officers who were supposed to be State witnesses failed to turn up.
Chitongo, who is being represented by human rights lawyer Ross Chavi, was advised that the matter would proceed by way of summons.
It is the State’s case that in August 2019, Chitongo broke into a building at Chiredzi Police Station and stole the document before leaking it on social media.
The leaked document showed that the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which comprises the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Police Internal Security and Intelligence, and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Intelligence, formed a 24-hour Ferret team which monitored movements of key MDC members they suspected of being involved in planning acts of banditry during and after the MDC Alliance August 2019 demonstrations.
In the document, some of the members, who were suspected to be working in cahoots with a 23-member MDC youth vanguard based in South Africa to unleash acts of subversion, include Chitongo himself, Chiredzi town chairperson Gibson Hwende, former MDC Zaka West MP Festus Dumbu, ward 18 councillor Gilbert Mutubuki, Menias Gangata, the Premier Service Medical Aid Society administrator in Chiredzi, and James Kampota, the MDC Alliance district chairperson.
According to the leaked report, the Ferret Team received information on August 8, 2019 that a 23-member gang would enter Chiredzi town from South Africa using undesignated entry points.
The team even proposed that a roadblock be set up at Mkwasine-Tanganda junction to monitor every entry point into Chiredzi.
Part of the report gleaned by the NewsDay, which was allegedly compiled by one Inspector Ncube and Constable Ndiripo from Police Internal Security and Intelligence read: “The vanguards were to use three 4×4 double cabs with unspecified number plates armed with RS rifles, pistols and AK-47 rifles, some of which were stolen from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Furthermore, the number of weapons and ammunition were not specified though intended to be used during the demonstrations. The FT also gathered that the vanguard team was to be received and housed by Menias Gangata, Patrick Chitongo, Festus Dumbu, Gibson Hwende, Gilbert Mutubuki, James Kampota and Sisokisi, whose details were yet to be established.
“The Ferret Team is privy to the information from contacts that the MDC’s intelligence wing was seized with identifying insecured (sic) government properties.
“Furthermore, it was noted with great concern that same were identifying and profiling all security agents in Chiredzi as they are part of targets in order to weaken and embarrass the government.”
When JOC members started looking for Chitongo, he went into hiding before resurfacing weeks later, leading to his arrest.
By Taruberekera Masara in Pretoria| Zimbabwe is enduring a terrible pandemic inside a pandemic. There has been an unchecked rise in child pregnancy and sexual abuse across the country.
Women Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni reported that 4 959 teenage pregnancies were recorded between January and February this year 2021.
The trend is worrying and very unprecedented.
Presenting a report in Parliament Minister Nyoni said:”Between January and February 5, 2021, there were 4 959 teenage pregnancies as well as 1 774 child marriages recorded countrywide,” “A total of 4 959 got impregnated in such a short period and this means that nearly 5 000 of our girls risk losing their educational opportunity if they do not pursue re-admission.
She further reported that a number of teenagers are now in marital unions albeit before reaching the legal majority age. “Most worrying is the 1 774 who are in matrimonial union before their 18th birthday”,
“They have lost opportunities and have also become vulnerable to other forms of violence, assault, which include economic and emotional” she said.
These tragic circumstances are a direct result of the lockdown decree that was made by the government following the outbreak of corona virus.
Since April 1 2020, the Zimbabwean government introduced one of the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns in response to the first detected cases of corona virus. The devastating impact of lockdown on the already severe child rights abuses have been exposed. The lockdown consequentially brew a Secondary pandemic that is ravaging communities.
Although Zimbabwe’s experience with child pregnancy and sexual abuse is not unique, the extent and prevalence of the issue, compounded by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has triggered a ‘secondary pandemic’ in the country marred by rising child pregnancy rates and GBV.
Unlike Covid-19 however, child pregnancy and marriages are a direct result of socio-economic and political conditions that undermine the ability of girls to escape from abuse.
Minister Nyoni said that the victims have a likelihood of losing opportunities and also become vulnerable to other forms of violence, assault, which include economic and emotional abuse.
The country however, is working on finalizing legislation that will help to curb abuses.Sexual Harassment Bill and Gender Equality Bill.
These legal instruments will criminalize the offence of sexual harassment and provide frameworks for gender equality. However,it is paramount to understand that law alone cannot sufficiently address the problem of child pregnancy and sexual abuse.
To curb the ‘pandemic’ there is need to step up raising girls’ awareness of their sexual and reproductive health and rights, protecting them from abuse and connecting them with education and health services.
Government must strengthen national health systems, implement comprehensive education on sexuality and relationships in and out of schools, and provide affordable, safe contraception to tackle the root causes of adolescent pregnancy.
One outstanding causes of child pregnancy in the recent past has been poverty. Where girls chose to marry off as a way of escaping lockdown induced hardships. In some cases parents marrying off their girl children so that they get money or support. In respect of such the government therefore has to plan robust empowerment programs to improve economic well-being of women. Empowering women goes a long way in giving power of choice among the vulnerable.
By and large in order to prevent teenage pregnancy, teenagers need to have a comprehensive understanding of abstinence, contraceptive techniques, and consequences. Although there are many different ways to prevent a teenage girl from becoming pregnant, the only one that is absolutely effective is sexual abstinence.
According to Fatima Singhateh, Special Rapporteur on children’s rights United Nations-Human Rights Council said,COVID-19 pandemic caused a socio-economic crisis that has worsened the existing stark inequalities of vulnerable children and this had resulted in the amplification of their risks.
She added that there was notable concern on the unprecedented spike in online sexual exploitation and abuse of children because of new and emerging forms of technology Governments should, inter alia, put in place a robust rights-based protection system even before disaster struck in order to prevent or mitigate the increased risks of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children in times of a national emergency or public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Singhateh ,child participation must be encouraged in the decision-making process and the development of any strategy during and after the pandemic on protecting them from sale, sexual abuse and exploitation.
The cooperation and collaboration amongst governments, international and national organizations, businesses as well as civil society organizations and global alliances must be encouraged as they all had a role to play in the protection of children from sale, sexual exploitation and abuse.
Zimbabwe’s teenage pregnancy rate of about 22% places the country in position 28 out of 54, with number 1 being the worst, on UNICEF’s early childbearing list. The majority of the 22% that is being flagged in the petition to parliament were 18- and 19-year olds, accounting for nearly 80% of teenage mothers. This unmitigated disaster needs checking and redress.
By A Correspondent| MDC Alliance leadership including party Secretary General Charlton Hwende, Harare Provincial chairperson Wellington Chikombo, Deputy Organising Secretary Happymore Chidziva, Secretary for elections Jacob Mafume and many others yesterday visited the parents of incarcerated activist Makomborore Haruzivishe to explain the situation and how they are working to pull him out of incarceration.
The delegation also handed over groceries to the parents while they took time to help them in the fields.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has called for the immediate arrest of the rogue police officer who sexually assaulted Vongai Tome in central Harare on Tuesday.
Tome is a member of the MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women national executive.
She was sexually assaulted by the overzealous cop while showing solidarity with Makomborero Haruvizishe.
Read full statement below:
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE CAPTURED POLICE FOR PUBLICLY MOLESTING ITS ORGANIC LEADER VONGAI TOME.
09 APRIL 2021
The Zanupf-Sponsored police must stop their incessant sexual harassment and arbitrary arrests of our vulnerable women membership and leadership in the national democratic revolution. Vongai Tome, our leader was molested infront of the camera by an overzealous police officer during the trial of Cde Mako at Rotten Row Court on the 6th of April 2021. Her crime was just offering solidarity to a fellow social democrat who was incarcerated for for expressing his zeal for equality and justice before the law.
What becomes more frustrating is that our vibrant leader was arrested yet she was sexually assaulted by the police officer. Instead of bringing the culprit to account, they decided to illegally arrested her for raising her complaint now together with Ngoni Mupfumba , a member of the national youth assembly who had also come in solidarity with Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe.
We demand the immediate release of our organic social democrats who are ready to confront Zanupf Satanists. The rogue Zanupf regime must halt their perpetuation of war against its the desperate young women and men in the motherland.
Ngoni’s crime was to attend court in solidarity with Mako. Mdc Alliance Namibia is Cognisant of the fact that Vongai and Ngoni are not criminals but prisoners of conscience who are fighting for better livelihoods.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still demands the immediate release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, our symbol of a serious fighting against Zanupf shenanigans and their surrogates. We continue to demand an abrupt end to Joana , Cecilia and Netsai’s continued incarceration. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere and injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Lets converge as citizens to win Zimbabwe for complete change.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has called for the immediate arrest of the rogue police officer who sexually assaulted Vongai Tome in central Harare on Tuesday.
Tome is a member of the MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women national executive.
She was sexually assaulted by the overzealous cop while showing solidarity with Makomborero Haruvizishe.
Read full statement below:
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE CAPTURED POLICE FOR PUBLICLY MOLESTING ITS ORGANIC LEADER VONGAI TOME.
09 APRIL 2021
The Zanupf-Sponsored police must stop their incessant sexual harassment and arbitrary arrests of our vulnerable women membership and leadership in the national democratic revolution. Vongai Tome, our leader was molested infront of the camera by an overzealous police officer during the trial of Cde Mako at Rotten Row Court on the 6th of April 2021. Her crime was just offering solidarity to a fellow social democrat who was incarcerated for for expressing his zeal for equality and justice before the law.
What becomes more frustrating is that our vibrant leader was arrested yet she was sexually assaulted by the police officer. Instead of bringing the culprit to account, they decided to illegally arrested her for raising her complaint now together with Ngoni Mupfumba , a member of the national youth assembly who had also come in solidarity with Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe.
We demand the immediate release of our organic social democrats who are ready to confront Zanupf Satanists. The rogue Zanupf regime must halt their perpetuation of war against its the desperate young women and men in the motherland.
Ngoni’s crime was to attend court in solidarity with Mako. Mdc Alliance Namibia is Cognisant of the fact that Vongai and Ngoni are not criminals but prisoners of conscience who are fighting for better livelihoods.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still demands the immediate release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, our symbol of a serious fighting against Zanupf shenanigans and their surrogates. We continue to demand an abrupt end to Joana , Cecilia and Netsai’s continued incarceration. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere and injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Lets converge as citizens to win Zimbabwe for complete change.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi-Kore has denounced the abuse of women by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s misogynistic administration.
In a statement on Friday, Hon Karenyi-Kore condemned the abuse, arrest and persecution of MDC Alliance official Vongai Tome.
See Hon Karenyi-Kore’s statement below:
Mai Tome attended Makomborero’s Court proceedings and that got her arrested by the brutal Zimbabwean government.
She was sexually assaulted by one of the police officers before being taken into custody. A video of the events as they unfolded has been circulating since the incident. She is seen and heard in the video complaining to the officer whilst being restrained by other officers.
She was surely arrested in order to silence her, and for her not to further expose the inconsiderate attitude of the police force in executing its daily duties. Now that she is in custody, the case is going to be used to further imprison her in the future should she raise her voice about the sexual abuse.
This has been Zanu-PF’s tactics over the past months, particularly with Joanna, Cecilia and Netsai, who were sexually assaulted, incarcerated and silenced (tried at least).
Mrs Tome appeared before the courts in Harare where she was denied bail, as if she had committed a crime in the first place.
Human rights abuses against women have been the norm with the Zanu-PF government, with sexual harassment an abuse of choice. The people’s voices can never be silenced forever. Women’s voices will prevail.
Victory is certain.
Lynette Karenyi-Kore Vice President MDC Alliance 9 April 2021
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi-Kore has denounced the abuse of women by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s misogynistic administration.
In a statement on Friday, Hon Karenyi-Kore condemned the abuse, arrest and persecution of MDC Alliance official Vongai Tome.
See Hon Karenyi-Kore’s statement below:
Mai Tome attended Makomborero’s Court proceedings and that got her arrested by the brutal Zimbabwean government.
She was sexually assaulted by one of the police officers before being taken into custody. A video of the events as they unfolded has been circulating since the incident. She is seen and heard in the video complaining to the officer whilst being restrained by other officers.
She was surely arrested in order to silence her, and for her not to further expose the inconsiderate attitude of the police force in executing its daily duties. Now that she is in custody, the case is going to be used to further imprison her in the future should she raise her voice about the sexual abuse.
This has been Zanu-PF’s tactics over the past months, particularly with Joanna, Cecilia and Netsai, who were sexually assaulted, incarcerated and silenced (tried at least).
Mrs Tome appeared before the courts in Harare where she was denied bail, as if she had committed a crime in the first place.
Human rights abuses against women have been the norm with the Zanu-PF government, with sexual harassment an abuse of choice. The people’s voices can never be silenced forever. Women’s voices will prevail.
Victory is certain.
Lynette Karenyi-Kore Vice President MDC Alliance 9 April 2021
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala on Friday visited jailed party officials Hon Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
The two are being persecuted for challenging Emmerson Mnangagwa’s malice.
“Today (Friday), Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala visited Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Despite the traumatic experience the two brave and fearless female leaders spoke words of strength and resilience to the general populace,” Friends Of Job Sikhala Trust posted on Facebook.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala on Friday visited jailed party officials Hon Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
The two are being persecuted for challenging Emmerson Mnangagwa’s malice.
“Today (Friday), Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala visited Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Despite the traumatic experience the two brave and fearless female leaders spoke words of strength and resilience to the general populace,” Friends Of Job Sikhala Trust posted on Facebook.
Hon Sikhala visits Hon Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison
We're seeing unregistered vehicles; we don't want to see CIOs in this area, the only people we could work with are the police. Stop trying to frighten us, go away to the Moza border – Chilonga villagers speak @BitiTendai@BitiLawChamberspic.twitter.com/a1VdggvILk
Warriors striker Prince Dube scored a brace as Azam edged Mtibwa Sugar 2-0 in the Tanzanian Premier League on Friday.
The 24-year-old former Bosso gunslinger’s 8th minute spot kick and late strike were all Azam needed to collect maximum points.
With the double, Mgadafi, as Dube is affectionately-known locally, moves to the top of the top goalscorers’ chart in the Tanzanian top-flight with 10 goals.
He recently recovered from the hamstring injury which kept him out for months, as well as Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
President @nelsonchamisa sent a team of leaders led by SG @hwendec for a solidarity visit to Mako's family in Buka, Masvingo. The team briefed them on his welfare & legal plan before joining them in the fields.The family is resolute & supports Mako's quest for a free Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/LJlIjIidD4
— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) April 10, 2021
President Chamisa dispatched a team of National leaders led by SG Hwende for a solidarity visit to Makomborero Haruzivishe’s family in Buka, Masvingo. During the visit the team briefed them on the welfare and legal support plan for Mako before joining them for harvesting in the fields. The family is resolute and in full support of Mako’s quest for a free Zimbabwe.
The team led by SG Hwende comprised of the Organising Sec Hon Chibaya and his deputy Hon Zwizwayi , Mayor Jacob Mafume , Secretary for Rural Strategy Hon Bvondo Chidziva, Youth Assembly Chairperson Obey Sithole, Women’s Assembly Chairperson Sen Mugido, Secretary for Welfare Maureen Kademaunga, Harare Province Chairperson Hon. Chikombo & Masvingo Province led by Sen. Marava, Clr Mutubuki & others. The team spent the day with Makomborero’s family and took time to brief them on the party’s legal and welfare plan for Mako. The delegation also joined the family in the fields. Mako’s family were in good spirits and remain strong in the face of the unjust persecution of their son whom they testified to be a peace loving and selfless young man. Makomborero’s mother explained that while visiting the family in December, Mako told the family that he would continue to speak truth to power even though he was aware that imprisonment of opposition leaders was on the rise. He said that should he be arrested they must stay strong and hopeful and understand that he was being persecuted for fighting for a free and equal society. Mr Haruzivishe, Mako’s father, was thankful of the party’s concern and urged the party to continue to be ceased with the welfare of all imprisoned. Mako’s grandfather drew parallels between Mako’s persecution with his own persecution which he experienced when he was MDC councillor of ward 13 while Mako’s grandmother said that Mako’s imprisonment has strengthened her resolve, she urged the party leadership to remain strong and unwavering. Currently 12 MDC Alliance leaders and members are in prison being held as political prisoners. The MDC Alliance continues to call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners and the nullification of all their charges.
MDC Alliance President @nelsonchamisa sent a team of leaders led by SG @hwendec for a solidarity visit to Mako’s family in Buka, Masvingo. The team briefed them on his welfare & legal plan before joining them in the fields.The family is resolute & supports Mako’s quest for a free Zimbabwe-MDC Alliance
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has called for the immediate arrest of the rogue police officer who sexually assaulted Vongai Tome in central Harare on Tuesday.
Tome is a member of the MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women national executive.
She was sexually assaulted by the overzealous cop while showing solidarity with Makomborero Haruvizishe.
Read full statement below:
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE CAPTURED POLICE FOR PUBLICLY MOLESTING ITS ORGANIC LEADER VONGAI TOME.
09 APRIL 2021
The Zanupf-Sponsored police must stop their incessant sexual harassment and arbitrary arrests of our vulnerable women membership and leadership in the national democratic revolution. Vongai Tome, our leader was molested infront of the camera by an overzealous police officer during the trial of Cde Mako at Rotten Row Court on the 6th of April 2021. Her crime was just offering solidarity to a fellow social democrat who was incarcerated for for expressing his zeal for equality and justice before the law.
What becomes more frustrating is that our vibrant leader was arrested yet she was sexually assaulted by the police officer. Instead of bringing the culprit to account, they decided to illegally arrested her for raising her complaint now together with Ngoni Mupfumba , a member of the national youth assembly who had also come in solidarity with Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe.
We demand the immediate release of our organic social democrats who are ready to confront Zanupf Satanists. The rogue Zanupf regime must halt their perpetuation of war against its the desperate young women and men in the motherland.
Ngoni’s crime was to attend court in solidarity with Mako. Mdc Alliance Namibia is Cognisant of the fact that Vongai and Ngoni are not criminals but prisoners of conscience who are fighting for better livelihoods.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still demands the immediate release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, our symbol of a serious fighting against Zanupf shenanigans and their surrogates. We continue to demand an abrupt end to Joana , Cecilia and Netsai’s continued incarceration. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere and injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Lets converge as citizens to win Zimbabwe for complete change.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has called for the immediate arrest of the rogue police officer who sexually assaulted Vongai Tome in central Harare on Tuesday.
Tome is a member of the MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women national executive.
She was sexually assaulted by the overzealous cop while showing solidarity with Makomborero Haruvizishe.
Read full statement below:
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE CAPTURED POLICE FOR PUBLICLY MOLESTING ITS ORGANIC LEADER VONGAI TOME.
09 APRIL 2021
The Zanupf-Sponsored police must stop their incessant sexual harassment and arbitrary arrests of our vulnerable women membership and leadership in the national democratic revolution. Vongai Tome, our leader was molested infront of the camera by an overzealous police officer during the trial of Cde Mako at Rotten Row Court on the 6th of April 2021. Her crime was just offering solidarity to a fellow social democrat who was incarcerated for for expressing his zeal for equality and justice before the law.
What becomes more frustrating is that our vibrant leader was arrested yet she was sexually assaulted by the police officer. Instead of bringing the culprit to account, they decided to illegally arrested her for raising her complaint now together with Ngoni Mupfumba , a member of the national youth assembly who had also come in solidarity with Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe.
We demand the immediate release of our organic social democrats who are ready to confront Zanupf Satanists. The rogue Zanupf regime must halt their perpetuation of war against its the desperate young women and men in the motherland.
Ngoni’s crime was to attend court in solidarity with Mako. Mdc Alliance Namibia is Cognisant of the fact that Vongai and Ngoni are not criminals but prisoners of conscience who are fighting for better livelihoods.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still demands the immediate release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, our symbol of a serious fighting against Zanupf shenanigans and their surrogates. We continue to demand an abrupt end to Joana , Cecilia and Netsai’s continued incarceration. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere and injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Lets converge as citizens to win Zimbabwe for complete change.
“Give a Breath for Health” campaign launched on World Health Day to kickstart global effort for purchasing oxygen and other life-saving supplies and therapeutics
Champion goalkeeper Alisson Becker, World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill ambassador for health promotion, is kickstarting a new global fundraising campaign, titled “Give a Breath for Health,” driven by the WHO Foundation and WHO. The initiative aims to support the delivery of oxygen and other life-saving supplies to health facilities treating patients with COVID-19 around the world.
The first donation to the “Give a Breath for Health” campaign, made by Alisson, will contribute with supplies to locations in the Amazon and collaborate with the efforts of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO regional office for the Americas, in support of the Ministry of Health of Brazil and the State Health Department of Amazonas.
“I am a proud Brazilian and wish my people the best health possible. Working together we can overcome this difficult moment and I will do what I can to help my country, my Region, and the world, during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Alisson, goalkeeper for the Brazilian national football team and Liverpool Football Club. “While vaccines offer great hope to many countries around the world, there remains a desperate need in many areas for supplies of essential medicines and equipment, including oxygen, to help keep people alive in our hospitals and clinics.”
Part of Alisson’s contribution will be used to purchase non-invasive ventilation masks for people hospitalized in remote parts of Brazil due to COVID-19. The supplies will be delivered to eight municipalities in the state of Amazonas: Coari, Humaitá, Itacoatiara, Lábrea Parintins, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Tabatinga and Tefé.
The rest of the donation will be used to purchase equipment to fill oxygen cylinders in the municipality of Tabatinga, located on the border with Colombia and Peru. These supplies will help solve a logistical problem regarding the need to send the cylinders to other locations for refilling.
“We are concerned about the situation in the Americas, where a surge in COVID-19 cases is causing some areas to experience very high occupancy rates at intensive care units and putting health systems at risk of collapsing,” said PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne. “As more and more patients require hospitalization, solidarity response efforts like the one led by Alisson Becker can help provide health care workers in the Region with much-needed supplies and equipment, including oxygen, to save lives.”
Oxygen delivery is among the priorities identified in WHO’s recently released Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for 2021, for which the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund is seeking to raise funds from individuals, philanthropies, and corporates.
Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer of the WHO Foundation, thanked Alisson Becker for his generous support to health facilities in the Americas and for being the driving force behind the “Give a Breath for Health” campaign.
“The response to COVID-19 is bigger than any one country or government can manage alone. The ‘Give a Breath for Health’ campaign is an exciting example of how the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund can enable anyone, anywhere to support the urgently needed pandemic response efforts of WHO and its partners.”
About the WHO Foundation
The WHO Foundation is an independent grant-making foundation, based in Geneva, that sets out to protect the health and well-being of everyone in every part of the world, working alongside the World Health Organization and the global health community.
It aims to support donors, scientists, experts, implementing partners, and advocates around the world in rapidly finding new and better solutions to the most pressing global health challenges of today and tomorrow.
The Foundation targets evidence-based initiatives that support WHO in delivering Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all). It is focused on reducing health risks, averting pandemics, better managing diseases, and creating stronger health systems. It tackles these areas by building awareness and supporting its partners, including WHO, so that every life is invested in and the world is ready for any health emergency that may arise.
WHO Foundation. Together we have so much to achieve.
www.who.foundation
Campaign website
About PAHO
PAHO works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of the population. Founded in 1902, it is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It serves as the WHO regional office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the inter-American system. More information at www.paho.org
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala on Friday visited jailed party officials Hon Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
The two are being persecuted for challenging Emmerson Mnangagwa’s malice.
“Today (Friday), Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala visited Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Despite the traumatic experience the two brave and fearless female leaders spoke words of strength and resilience to the general populace,” Friends Of Job Sikhala Trust posted on Facebook.
Hon Sikhala visits Hon Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri at Chikurubi Maximum Prison
“We are in severe trauma pliz stand with us. Pliz tell mom & pple of Zim that we are prepared to die for Zim.”
Visited @JoanaMamombe & @ceechimbiri2 at Chikurubi 2day & as a lawyer ws allowed 1 hr with them. Their story & wrd to me was one. "We are in severe trauma pliz stand with us. Pliz tell mom & pple of Zim that we are prepared to die for Zim". @JoanaMamombe's mother is seriously ill pic.twitter.com/hqgG4Tvu64
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Lynette Karenyi-Kore has denounced the abuse of women by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s misogynistic administration.
In a statement on Friday, Hon Karenyi-Kore condemned the abuse, arrest and persecution of MDC Alliance official Vongai Tome.
See Hon Karenyi-Kore’s statement below:
Mai Tome attended Makomborero’s Court proceedings and that got her arrested by the brutal Zimbabwean government.
She was sexually assaulted by one of the police officers before being taken into custody. A video of the events as they unfolded has been circulating since the incident. She is seen and heard in the video complaining to the officer whilst being restrained by other officers.
She was surely arrested in order to silence her, and for her not to further expose the inconsiderate attitude of the police force in executing its daily duties. Now that she is in custody, the case is going to be used to further imprison her in the future should she raise her voice about the sexual abuse.
This has been Zanu-PF’s tactics over the past months, particularly with Joanna, Cecilia and Netsai, who were sexually assaulted, incarcerated and silenced (tried at least).
Mrs Tome appeared before the courts in Harare where she was denied bail, as if she had committed a crime in the first place.
Human rights abuses against women have been the norm with the Zanu-PF government, with sexual harassment an abuse of choice. The people’s voices can never be silenced forever. Women’s voices will prevail.
Victory is certain.
Lynette Karenyi-Kore Vice President MDC Alliance 9 April 2021
By A Correspondent- A police officer, Constable Washington Mukanganyama (38), has been jailed for nine years for raping a form four pupil.
Mukanganyama, of ZRP Residential Camp in Banket, appeared before Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Ignatius Mugova charged with one count of rape.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty after a full trial.
Mugova sentenced Mukanganyama to 12 years’ imprisonment but suspended three years were suspended on the condition he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
According to prosecutor Nyasha Sibesha, Mukanganyama raped the juvenile once on December 30 2020 at around 10 PM.
The complainant had been left in the custody of the police by her mother for a theft case that was reported against the juvenile by her mother.
Mukanganyama committed the offence in the radio room after he took a wooden board and placed it on top of a pile of clothes.
It is the State case that Mukanganyama removed the juvenile’s clothes after he had closed the doors and wore a condom and raped the girl once.
After changing of shifts the complainant then narrated her ordeal to one Constable Kavhumo who then informed his superiors.
The juvenile was referred to Banket district hospital for examination.
By A Correspondent- President Nelson Chamisa has urged Zimbabweans to remain strong and unwavering despite incessant persecution.
Said Chamisa:
“THE POWER OF FOCUS-People that inspire and encourage in the leadership journey are a rarity. To many of you who encourage and energize when the oppressor is attacking us,THANK YOU! All oppression is temporary.Keep organizing,never agonize.Repression is a signal 4 Action & change.”
He also paid tribute to Amai Chiweshe:
I note with sadness the death of a mighty woman of God, Amai T Chiweshe who passed on this(Thursday) morning.
Amai Chiweshe was pastoring in Chitungwiza.She was wife to the powerful late Evangelist PD Chiweshe.May we all be consoled in Lord during this sad moment.Rev 14:13 RIP Mupositori!
By A Correspondent- A man from Nyanga, Manicaland Province, who had been presumed dead by his family reappeared almost a week later.
Lovemore Chatindo was last seen on Christmas Day last year and everyone was convinced that he had been murdered for ritual purposes.
A search party failed to find Chatindo and his friend and traditional healer, Manyanga Sanyanga, claimed that he had seen Chatindo in his dreams.
Sanyanga said Chatindo had pleaded to be rescued as he was in pain, with four litres of blood having been drawn from his body.
The traditional healer claimed that Chatindo had died at the hands of a local businessman, Cossy Samanyika, who had reportedly used his blood for ritual purposes.
However, Chatindo resurfaced after New Year looking pale and hardly recalling what transpired on the day of his disappearance.
He was taken to hospital after he was picked up by Good Samaritans in Mutoko, about 300km from his home.
Doctors diagnosed that Chatindo had lost a lot of blood and that he needed an urgent blood transfusion.
Chatindo said he does not remember what happened during the six days he was missing. He said:
I do not remember those six days. I only remember falling asleep at Samanyika’s tuck-shop.
When I woke up, a donkey was neighing at me in Mutoko. I was in a gulley and I do not know what happened for me to get there.
Samanyika has denied involvement in Chatindo’s disappearance and he has since approached Chief Saunyama’s court for redress.
Meanwhile, the traditional healer made a U-turn to exonerate Samanyika, saying he never dreamt of Chatindo’s death.
Chief Saunyama ordered the parties to consult a traditional healer to unravel the mystery.-ManicaPost
By A Correspondent- Former Zanu-PF youth leader, Godfrey Tsenengamu, has exhorted the country’s political leaders to ditch politics of hate and unite for their own good and that of the nation.
“We need to change the way we do our politics. We may differ, but there is a need to find a common ground and move forward.
“I do not condone lawlessness, but politics of hate is not good. Let us open a new chapter so that we can end toxic politics.
“Let us unite as Zimbabweans and solve our differences peacefully. Political problems can be solved politically without violence,” Tsenengamu said.
Reacting to several arrests of opposition figures, Tsenengamu also called on Zanu-PF supporters to condemn arbitrary arrests of activists — the same way they condemned the persecution of Mnangagwa’s supporters during the reign of the late former president Robert Mugabe.
“During Mugabe’s time many people who are in the current Zanu-PF were not happy with the move to arrest Mnangagwa and (vice president Constantino) Chiwenga, and now they are happy with the current arrests.
“This is not good for the country. We must learn to sit down and solve our issues without attracting the attention of outsiders.
“It’s high time we end the politics of bitterness. Let’s find ways to solve our issues together as Zimbabweans,” Tsenengamu also said.
This comes as political tension is rising again in the country, amid fresh fears of violence as a reeling MDC Alliance feels the pressure on new fronts, including the threat of the coalition losing its name.
On Tuesday, police had to be called in to disperse agitated alliance supporters in Harare, after Haruzivishe was sentenced to an effective 14 months in prison for inciting public violence.
The sentencing witnessed rowdy scenes involving MDC Alliance supporters who had thronged Harare Magistrates’ Court in solidarity with the youthful activist — leading to clashes that left one freelance photojournalist, Sam Takawira, injured after he was caught up in the melee as he was filming proceedings.-DailyNews
Makomborero was imprisoned for calling out the Zanu PF-led government for the looting, corruption, murder and arbitrary arrests of opposition members.
He has been thrown behind bars for 14 months for telling the truth known by every Zimbabwean.
Mako represents millions of youths in Zimbabwe who feel their democratic rights have been snatched away by the use of teargas, bullets, partisan judiciary and inhumane prisons. The youth hold the key to the freedom of the whole country and the tone set by Mako unsettled a regime out of touch with the masses.
Freedom is always a long walk, Makomborero is one of those who have set the first step.
Lynette Karenyi-Kore Vice President MDC Alliance 8 April 2021
By A Correspondent A National University of Science and Technology (Nust) student, Nobhekimpilo Mbovora fondly known as Vivica has set the Internet ablaze as she posted her nude pictures on her Facebook wall.
In the pictures, she is seen bending on her bed in a sexually suggestive pose.
The Facebook post set tongues wagging and one social media user who goes by the name Phemia Tembo suggested that the second-year Computer Science student should just be an X-rated actress.
Vivica says her main objective of posting such nudes on social media is to change the perception and belief of society that a nude woman is of loose morals.
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE CAPTURED POLICE FOR PUBLICLY MOLESTING ITS ORGANIC LEADER VONGAI TOME.
09 APRIL 2021
The Zanupf-Sponsored police must stop their incessant sexual harassment and arbitrary arrests of our vulnerable women membership and leadership in the national democratic revolution. Vongai Tome, our leader was molested infront of the camera by an overzealous police officer during the trial of Cde Mako at Rotten Row Court on the 6th of April 2021. Her crime was just offering solidarity to a fellow social democrat who was incarcerated for for expressing his zeal for equality and justice before the law.
What becomes more frustrating is that our vibrant was arrested yet she was sexually assaulted by the police officer. Instead of bringing the errant pokicer to account , they decided to illegally arrested her for raising her complaint now together with d Ngoni Mupfumba , a member of the national youth assembly who had also come in solidarity with Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe.
We demand the immediate release of our organic social democrats who are ready to confront Zanupf Satanists. The rogue Zanupf regime must halt their perpetuation of war against its the desperate young women and men in the motherland. Ngoni’s crime was to attend court in solidarity with Mako. Mdc Alliance Namibia is Cognisant of the fact that Vongai and Ngoni are not criminals but prisoners of conscience who are fighting for better livelihoods.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still demands the immediate release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, our symbol of a serious fighting against Zanupf shenanigans and their surrogates. We continue to demand an abrupt end to Joana , Cecilia and Netsai’s continued incarceration. Justice anywhere is justice everywhere and injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Lets converge as citizens to win Zimbabwe for complete change.
By Valerie Karimakwenda- Massive displacements, which are the norm now, affecting barely known minorities are illustrious of the factual observation of how Zanu Pf and the Zimbabwe pre-independence governments are two sides of a shaved, debased coin, devoid of empathy towards the most economically vulnerable communities, good governance for vaccination against such vulnerabilities.
This article focuses on how the so called Zanu Pf revolution is now eating its children, a tragedy characteristic of piss poor revolutionary ideology, and mere chicken logic limited comprehension of independence, democracy, the epitomes of good governance, which would have protected the targeted minority communities for massive displacements.
Why did settler governments, such as that of Smith go to great pains to hide vital information? Why does Zanu Pf go to great lengths of pursuing the same policy?
The reason is because, in technical terms, media repression, allows for disinformation dissemination which is a preservative of the status quo that is hideous, illegal and illegitimate.
Traits that Zanu Pf and the settler governments have, similarly.
Media repression, is an effective strategic choice akin to lighting a light, putting it in a basket under the bed. A preference for darkness, for light would bring attention and subsequent demands for accountability and transparency, especially with regards with treatment of minorities, in this case for Zanu Pf. Unfortunately, Zanu Pf had an abortion, of transparency and accountability, in the first weeks of term, that is, the last few weeks of April 1980. Because of media repression perpetuated by the recently branded Zanu Pf TV (ZBC) to Auxillia Mnangagwa fantasy show, Zimbabweans are kept in the dark about past, ongoing and future massive displacements.
Cultures and heritages of minorities are not if any deterrent value against a profit offensive, platformed by Zanu Pf. Like the referenced settler governments, no consultations are made with the affected minority communities, nor are they represented in any manner in the deliberations, procedures of setting up of the entities seeking to acquire the ancestral lands of the minorities, at a regulatory or executive level. Their councillors, members of parliament, senators, all from the illegal party of Zanu Pf, don’t care, but are focused on retaining power for perpetual self enrichment, which is a consequence of the minorities displacements by entities linked to those illegally in power, in addition to not having met regulations, such as tax payments.
The Chilonga and Nambya people have a few things in common among them. Both are minority communities, who, with consistency, have aided Zanu Pf in staying in power. This is not a HAA! moment, they deserve it. No, it is a reflection and observation that only Zanu Pf would allow this. The people centered, oriented opposition party would not. A stark difference, and a break from the past, Zanu Pf.
The only genuine opposition, currently focusing on smooth and peaceful transition of power would have respected the minorities cultures and heritages, in addition to consulting them, for their input, which is undeniably, crucial, also ensuring that regulations protecting these communities are in place.
Furthermore, the genuine opposition wouldn’t rely on opaque, probably unconstitutional special permits seeking to deprive minority communities of their ancestral heritages, or any communities for that matter.
The genuine opposition would do community changing things in transparent accountable manner. None of the self enrichment activities fostering nicodemus exploitation of marginalized communities would see light of the day under the watch of the opposition. This explains recalls of people’s champions such as Biti. Typical flight from transparency and accountability by Zanu Pf.
The affected communities will not benefit, barely for the following reasons, employment, especially for the Nambya people by the Chinese, would be exploitative labor, flouting labor and safety regulations.
For both the Nambya and Chilonga people, because of decades long marginalization, evidenced by limited exposure to only public schools with poorest education infrastructure and poorly motivated and educators means that there is an impenetrable glass ceiling for the youth of these communities for social stratification advancement. In addition, this life limited exposure works well for the government and the dubious, above the law companies seeking to exploit these helpless companies.
These are some of the reasons the opposition which is being hounded out of parliament by the scared and paranoid Zanu Pf is fighting tooth and nail for proper and institutionalized devolution of power. Communities such as the Nambya, would thus have a say in their own affairs and governance, drastically mitigating colossal exploitation by Zanu Pf, things such as so called special permits would thus be impotent.
In conclusion, the mentioned minorities, and those yet to be displaced by Zanu Pf, should take this as a wake up call, stop aiding Zanu Pf illegal retention of power , rather they should consider the alternative to Zanu Pf, the people’s project opposition, which among other things would usher in devolution, a synthesis of democracy and good governance, valuing the input of all communities, banishing Zanu Pf spawns such as marginalization.
The opposition, together, especially with the minorities communities would initiate joint custodianship for both cultural and heritages of these communities, together with their possession of their ancestral lands, a clear, clean break from the past, which is undemocratic Zanu Pf and settler governments.
President Mnangagwa has sent his condolences to the British Royal family following the death of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, who died aged 99 today.
In a statement this afternoon, the Buckingham Palace announced the Prince’s death.
“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.” President Mnangagwa wrote on his Twitter micro-blogging platform:
“My deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and the @RoyalFamily on the death of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
By A Correspondent- Law officer Tapiwa Kasema, who is facing allegations of consenting bail to suspected notorious armed robbery Musa Taj Abdul, has been freed on $20 000 bail.
Kasema was released this morning by Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna following his fresh freedom bid on changed circumstances.
He was also ordered to report once every month at Glen View Police Station in Harare.
Kasema was ordered to surrender title deeds to a Glen View house as part of bail conditions.
He is being charged with criminal abuse of office.
By A Correspondent- A soldier who lives in Entumbane suburb and is stationed in Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife and violently destroying pots and plates after she refused to give him roasted meat.
A privy source said while Lucia Muleya (36) was washing her plates and pots at around 4.30PM last week on Saturday, her husband Umulina Mwembe (39) arrived in a huff and demanded money to buy beer.
The reliable source said Lucia, who is a meat vendor, gave him $160.
“He further demanded meat that Lucia sells, but she refused to give him. That did not sit well with him as he grabbed his wife by the throat and smacked her with an open hand. As if that was not enough he picked the plates she was washing and smashed them on the ground leaving them in pieces and he also destroyed pots while shouting obscenities at her,” said the source.
Lucia dashed to a police station and made a report.
She said she had suffered enough at the hands of her husband who always gets violent whenever he is drunk.
By A Correspondent- A senior police officer stationed at Bulawayo Central Police Station was left nursing a swollen face after he was allegedly punched several times by his love rival over a girlfriend.
A source, who is close to Assistant Inspector Garikai Chitore (44), said on 4 April at around 7pm, Chitore who was driving his Toyota Ipsum picked up his girlfriend Thenjiwe Nyathi (38), who works as a till operator at a local supermarket.
“He drove her to Pelandaba West suburb where she stays. When they arrived there he got inside the yard and parked. When the unsuspecting Chitore got out of his car to head to the house, a man pitched up and accused him of snatching his girlfriend,” said his close friend.
The two exchanged harsh words and the situation escalated to a fistfight.
Chitore’s love rival, only known as Arnold, rained blows on the officer and the officer tried to fight back, but he was slow for the energetic and fast Arnold, said his colleague.
Arnold, who was angry that Chitore had invaded his love nest, summoned more power and hit him hard with heavy blows causing him to tumble on the ground, the source said.
He bled and within a few minutes his bloodied face got swollen.
According to a neighbour, who witnessed the whole dramatic incident, Chitore wailed for forgiveness, while trying to fend off the fists which were raining heavily on him.
The neighbour said Thenjiwe fled to a neighbour’s house where she sought refuge.
Arnold left the scene in a huff, but was later arrested after Chitore reported the matter.
Chitore was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital and is still there receiving treatment.
Efforts to contact Thenjiwe hit a snag as her mobile number was not reachable.
Strenuous efforts to get a comment from Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube were abortive as he was not reachable.-BMetro
Zimeye is a Zimbabwe media fighting corruption and injustices on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe.
Any article written by Zimeye is to expose scandals negatively affecting our country. It’s aim is to expose these scandals to educate people of Zimbabwe on issues negatively affecting their economy and subsequent welfare.
As you are aware, your client is a business partner of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has committed lots of atrocities with the guns obtained through your client.
Mnangagwa’s forces used guns obtained through your client to shoot and kill unarmed civilians from 2018 to date. Lots of women have been abducted at gun point, sexually assaulted and tortured.
Furthermore, your client was unlawfully gifted massive land through shoddy deals with Emmerson Mnangagwa. His behaviour clearly shows a person who enables an evil dictator, someone who profits from the suffering and impoverishment of Zimbabweans.
With regards to these shoddy deals with Emmerson Mnangagwa and atrocities committed, your client has indirectly caused and worsened the suffering of the people in Zimbabwe. Your client is guilty by association for enabling Mnangagwa to commit the various atrocities affecting the ordinary citizens.
Therefore, on behalf of Zimbabweans, we demand the below-
1. Mr Zingman should give back the land he got from his shoddy deals with Emmerson Munangagwa
2. Compensate all those shot by Mnangagwa’s soldiers
3. Compensate all the women abducted, sexually assaulted and tortured at gun point by Mnangangwa’s CIA
4. Cease all his dealings in Zimbabwe, actually banned from entering Zimbabwe
The above are some of the demands from people of Zimbabwe which your client has to fulfil in order for Zimeye to delete the article about your client.
Florence Madamombe writes in her own capacity as a Zimbabwean citizen
By Farai D Hove | MDC renegade, Morgen Komichi has announced saying his makeshift party has literally degenerated into multiple splits (or strings) of mere Disciple Hunters.
He said his MDC T formation is now engaged in a program to create disciples, since it’s launching in May last year.
Sounding as if trying to convince his agenda-doctors, Komichi said, “we have actually put up a program, in which we are following to meet organisations, one on one…”
He continued saying: “We want to come to a Zim that’ll be identified as a nation where belonging to a political party will not be an issue anymore, it’ll just be an identity…yes of course, if you want your vision to succeed you must educate…
“You must look for people…you must look for disciples…”
We want to come to a Zim that'll be identified as a nation where belonging to a political party will not be an issue anymore, it'll just be an identity…yes of course, if you want your vision to succeed you must educate…You must look for people…you must look for disciples… pic.twitter.com/xkRaQG5g8y
The development comes as his boss, Douglas Mwonzora who took over from Thokozani Khupe as interim leader of the MDC-T after the party’s chaotic extraordinary congress last December, struggles to convince people to support his Project.
ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government regards Mwonzora as the head of the official opposition ahead of MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa after a series of controversial court rulings that allowed the MDC-T to elbow out their rivals from their offices and elected positions.
In a new report on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, the US said Mwonzora’s “minor” political party was the beneficiary of court rulings that disfranchised voters.
“The High Court, in a series of decisions beginning in March, paved the way for a minor political party, the MDC-T, to challenge the leadership of the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, ignoring earlier jurisprudence that ruled that political parties, as private and voluntary associations, should resolve their differences using internal remedies,” the US report read in part.
“This decision disenfranchised voters by allowing the minor political party to recall and replace elected MDC Alliance parliamentarians and local councillors.
“In June police and military arrested some and blocked other senior MDC Alliance officials from entering the party’s headquarters when MDC-T party members broke into the building.”
The damning report was a blistering attack on Mnangagwa’s human rights record with accusations that state security agents were being used to target government critics for abductions and torture.
Mwonzora says he wants to introduce a new kind of politics in Zimbabwe, which promotes dialogue and has been gravitating towards a working relationship with Mnangagwa’s government.
Last week’s developments, however, pointed to lack of trust by the international community with the EU delegation reportedly pointing out to the MDC-T that it has questions about its status.
Mwonzora was told in no uncertain terms that his claim to be the main opposition leader in Zimbabwe was dubious during a March 31 virtual meeting with EU heads of mission, multiple sources that followed the proceedings have said.
Villagers in Marumisa area, under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe, were left in shock after it emerged that a father and son were having sex with the same woman.
The shocking and disturbing incident came to light after the woman, Rosemary Hwingwiri reportedly got pregnant.
Unable to withstand the shame Hwingwiri is reported to have revealed the appalling incident to her aunt, who later spilled the beans to other relatives.
Narrating the wicked real-life drama to B-Metro, a source from the area, who claimed to have intimate details of the incident, said Edmore Muranda and his son Tinashe shocked the entire village when news filtered that they had been bonking the same woman.
It is reported that the woman at the centre of the disturbing drama was close to the Muranda family.
It is said that Edmore swooped in and slept with the woman, taking advantage of the fact that she was close to his wife and the same happened to his son who betrayed his mother’s trust by sleeping with her best friend.
“There are shocking things that you expect to happen in life, but not this one that involves a father and a son, Edmore and Tinashe that they were sleeping with the same woman. What is surprising is that the woman who was sleeping with the two was close to their family,” said the source who requested not to be named.
The source said though the matter was now talk of the area, the two families – Muranda and Hwingwiri – were trying to push it under the carpet.
The source further said the matter had since reached Chief Nemangwe’s court.
Contacted for comment Chief Nemangwe could neither confirm nor deny the incident. He said it was difficult to deal with the matter since all the parties involved or their relatives had not yet approached his court.
“It’s still a rumour and no one has so far approached my court with a complaint. But if the rumour turns out to be true, stern action will be taken against the parties involved for putting the name of the area into disrepute.
“It is an abomination for a father and son to sleep with the same woman. It is also totally unacceptable in our culture,” said Chief Nemangwe.
Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi has cancelled a warrant of arrest he had issued against opposition politician Ms Linda Masarira for absconding court on Wednesday.
Masarira (38) is facing allegations of selling her landlord’s property worth US$3 140 before converting the money to her own use.
She was facing theft of trust property charges when she appeared before Mr Mangosi.
The court heard that sometime in January 2018 Lawrence Madamombe, the landlord, left his property in Masarira’s custody at his house in Marlborough in Harare.
It is alleged that when Madamombe went to collect his property from Masarira later that year he realised that the property was missing.
The court heard that upon inquiring from Masarira, Madamombe discovered that she had sold his property and converted the money to her own use.
By A Correspondent- A woman from Kensington plots on the outskirts of Bulawayo lost her left hand after being shot during a botched armed robbery at her house.
Cathrine Chingono was shot on her left hand and thigh and the hand was later amputated.
The dreadful incident was heard when the suspected armed robber Dumolwenkosi Tshuma (27), from Gumtree plots, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Racheal Mukanga charged with armed robbery.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 14 April 2021.
The court heard that on 24 March 2021 and at around 11pm, Tshuma in the company of his accomplices, Nkululeko Banda, now deceased and another one only identified as Daniel, went to Chingono’s plot armed with a gun.
Upon arrival and in a bid to scare the complainant, Tshuma allegedly fired a single shot while they were still outside.
They then forced open Chingono’s door. While inside the house they found the complainant and her husband, Zenzo Phiri. Tshuma, who was allegedly brandishing the firearm, pointed it at the complainant.
While pointing it at her, he demanded cash, but she refused to comply and he shot her left hand and thigh.
The complainant’s husband reportedly escaped through a window, screaming for help, resulting in the attackers running away.
The matter was reported to the police and Chingono was referred to hospital where her hand was amputated.
Investigations by the police led to the arrest of the accused person and the recovery of the firearm after his co-accused Banda, who had committed another armed robbery case, was found with it. The accused’s fingerprints also matched those found at the scene.
Before his death, Banda is said to have confessed to having been in the company of the accused during the commission of the crime.-BMetro
By James Gwati-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has established leather processing centres throughout Matabeleland in its desperate move to lure the angry Ndebele people to vote for Zanu PF in 2023.
According to the state media already 10 leather sub-clusters have been set up in Matabeleland North province with the intention of creating 10-mini factories capable of making school shoes and other leather products.
The state media said under the project, 10 sets of four different machines have been bought for training and capacitating trainees.
On Friday Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was in Bulawayo where he said that they were going to reopen all closed industries.
Chiwenga was accompanied by several government ministers who included, Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza, Bulawayo Provincial Minister of State and Devolution Judith Ncube, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister, Raj Modi, and Minister of State in VP Chiwenga’s office, Evelyn Ndlovu, made the promise.
By James Gwati- In a desperate move to win the hearts of the people of Bulawayo ahead of the 2023 elections, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga to the City of Kings and Queens to promise them that his administration is reopening all local industries.
Chiwenga who was accompanied by several government ministers who included, Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza, Bulawayo Provincial Minister of State and Devolution Judith Ncube, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister, Raj Modi, and Minister of State in VP Chiwenga’s office, Evelyn Ndlovu, made this promise in Bulawayo on Friday.
Chiwenga said they were starting with reviving the leather and shoes manufacturing industries in the second capital city.
“When it comes to the leather industry, Zimbabwe is better positioned than its regional peers since the leather value chain is well structured, starting from input suppliers, livestock farmers, abattoirs…and manufacturers of leather products and retailers,” he said.
By James Gwati- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said Zimbabwe could soon be supplying the whole world with leather I would have from cattle his fellow Zanu PF Junta snatched from former white commercial farmers at the turn of the millennium.
Surprisingly, all the cattle breeds the Zanu PF big wigs stole from white farmers they chased away from their farms during the controversial land reform program in 2000, were either slaughtered or sold.
Also because of the way Harare took back farms from the white farmer, Zimbabwe was slapped with sanctions and can not trade with the west.
“This (sanctions) is now behind us. We no longer talk of sanctions; the land has been reunited with its people and the people with their land and that is now over. We now move on,” said Chiwenga when he was delivering his keynote address to mark the official launch of the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021-2030) in Bulawayo on Friday.
“That period has given us the chance, the time to think outside the box and we now have to rebuild our livestock and leather products. We want all of us, not in the too distant future, to talk about the best leather in Zimbabwe globally. Zimbabwean leather has to be the best and that way we will rebuild our glorious past,” he said.
By A Correspondent- A Wadzanai Primary School Headmaster Peter Saunyama , has been arrested for fondling and beating up a female parent.
The Kambuzuma based school head said he beat up the parent because he was in self-defence as the parents were heavily descending on him.
Charges were withdrawn from police after Saunyama was also reported to have beaten another parent with a broom stick leading to his arrest.
Some of the parents and school children booed Saunyama as police led him to a police post where statements were recorded and later released after one of his victims withdrew the charges.
On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my behalf, 1 extend my heartfelt condolences to you, Your to your Family, as well as to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Mnangagwa Flying To UK For Prince Phillip Funeral? Writes Condolence Message | Full Letter https://t.co/LMlUtH656l
The people of Zimbabwe have very fond memories of Your Majesty’s visit with Prince Philip on the occasion of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 1991, which led to the historic Adoption of Harare Declaration.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration.
On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you, Your to your Family, as well as to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Mnangagwa Flying To UK For Prince Phillip Funeral? Writes Condolence Message | Full Letter https://t.co/LMlUtH656l
The people of Zimbabwe have very fond memories of Your Majesty’s visit with Prince Philip on the occasion of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 1991, which led to the historic Adoption of Harare Declaration.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration.
A report circulating on a flyer concluded with the following statement: The funny thing about patents is that this means that it must be man-made, not biological. Also meaning that these diseases were made specifically for one purpose: DEPOPULATION
The Reuters news agency fact checking team debunks with whole myth with the following:
The list of patents linked to specific diseases and viruses is being shared with the suggestion that it is proof that viruses are manmade. This is false, and a misinterpretation of the types of patent listed.
Shared as an image in a Facebook post on Oct. 15 (here), the list contains a mix of diseases and specific viruses: AIDS, H1N1, Ebola, swine flu (the disease caused by H1N1), BSE, Zika, SARS, and coronavirus. Underneath each item is a patent number. The Facebook user comments in the caption: “Viruses can ONLY be patented if they are MAN MADE. Read that again xxx.”
The patenting of naturally occurring material is a complex area (here) but the list of patent numbers used to illustrate the claim in the social media post either do not correspond to the virus or disease listed, or have been taken out of context.ADVERTISEMENThttps://ffd4f16b78bc5e031e2348dac54b3e91.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html?n=0
For example, the first item on the list is AIDS, the syndrome caused by HIV, and has named underneath ‘US-Patent 5676977’. But this is not an AIDS patent; rather, it is a patent from the 1990s for tetrasilver tetroxide molecular crystal devices that the patent applicants had hoped would be able to effectively cure AIDS (here) . It has now expired (here) .
The second patent, US-Patent 8835624, is listed under H1N1. But this not a patent for this virus, which causes swine flu. In fact, it is referring to an aptamer – a molecule that binds to other target molecules. Scientists wanted to use this specific aptamer to identify the H1N1 virus (here) .
The rest of the listed patents are as follows:
:: Ebola (US-Patent 20120251502)
This refers to EboBun, a new strain of Ebola that was identified and isolated in a patient in Uganda and led to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) applying for a patent. By doing so, the CDC said it would be able to “grant rights to use the virus strain for the commercialization of diagnostics, vaccines, and antibody/antigen testing, and make them more quickly and readily available to patients, doctors and research scientists. Another reason for patenting is to ensure that another entity does not acquire a patent in a similar space and restrict the beneficial uses of the invention”.
In other words, the application to patent the biological strain was to ensure further research could be carried out on it. It was not man made (here) . The patent has since been abandoned (here) .ADVERTISEMENT
:: Swine flu (US-Patent CA2741523 A1)
This patent is also related to EboBun – not swine flu (H1N1), like the Facebook post suggests. As earlier described, EboBun is a biological strain of Ebola – and is therefore not manmade. Its patent status is still pending (here) .
:: BSE (US-Patent 0070031450 A1)
Reuters could not find any evidence of a patent registered under this number. Unlike the other items on the list, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) is not a virus nor a disease caused by virus.
:: Zika (ATTC VR-84 Rockefeller Foundation)
The first part of this listing appears to be a typing error for ATCC – the American Type Culture Collection – which is a non-profit resource for biological materials. It distributes microorganisms, cell lines, and other materials for further research by scientists (here) .ADVERTISEMENT
VR-84 is the name of the Zika virus strain as listed on the ATCC website. This is not equivalent to a patent (here) .
The Rockefeller Foundation has also addressed claims that it patented the virus, confirming this is not true. It explained that a foundation-supported centre first discovered Zika in Entebbe, Uganda in 1947, and later gave a sample to ATCC.
“There is no indication that The Rockefeller Foundation holds or has filed for any patent on the Zika virus or has received any royalties or payments,” the foundation said in a statement (here) .
:: SARS (US-Patent 7897744 & 8506968)
The first patent is for the genomic sequences of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus. This does not mean the applicant, the Public Health Agency of Canada, made the virus; rather it identified its composition. The patent listing says this information could be used for diagnosing or treating SARS-related illnesses (here) .
The second patent number listed is for a vaccine composition that could be used in preventing infection with a disease such as SARS or treating the infection (here) . The composition includes viral particles that have been modified, but this is not the same as claiming the original virus is manmade.ADVERTISEMENThttps://ffd4f16b78bc5e031e2348dac54b3e91.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html?n=0
:: Coronavirus (US-Patent 10130701)
Coronavirus is an umbrella term for different types of viruses that can be found in humans and animals (here) .This patent, however, taken out by the Pirbright Institute, is for a type of weakened coronavirus to be used as a possible vaccine for respiratory diseases in animals (herehere) . Again this does not mean the original virus was manmade.
In summary, the list of patents presented is not evidence that viruses including H1N1, Zika and Ebola are manmade. The patents instead relate to naturally occurring virus material that has been isolated by scientists (as in the first SARS example), naturally occurring virus material that has been modified by scientists (as in the coronavirus example) or a different material altogether (as in the AIDS example). There is debate in the scientific world around the issue of whether naturally occurring material can be patented, and it what circumstances (here(13)61698-0/fulltext) but there is no question that the viruses and diseases listed in this post are products of nature.
VERDICT
False. It is generally true to say that naturally occurring material cannot be patented, while a version modified by man can. However, sometimes such modifications may be very slight, or use a new method to isolate biological material. This, however, does not mean that viruses are manmade, and the list of patents in the post does not challenge this fact.
Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts here . – Reuters
By A Correspondent- The European Union (EU) says it is currently engaging opposition parties and other stakeholders as it gears up for formal dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Zimbabwe and the bloc last formally engaged in 2019 at ministerial level as the two parties sought to normalise relations after more than a decade of frosty ties.
The dialogue followed years of informal engagements, opening a new page in relations between the two parties.
The dialogue framework is based on Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries which outlines the specific modalities for regular, comprehensive and balanced political dialogue between the two sides.
EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonenn recently told NewsDay that a follow-up meeting with Harare was disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
“So far, two political dialogue sessions have been held. The next edition will go ahead once the EU and the Foreign Affairs ministry can find a mutually suitable date,” Olkkonenn said.
“The EU is engaging political parties and a wide range of other stakeholders in the Zimbabwean society. An engagement with civil society and youth are something that the EU particularly values.”
He, however, said formal dialogue would only take place between the EU and the government and there were no pre-conditions set.
“Of course, we are in continuous contact with the government, particularly through its Foreign Affairs ministry,” he said.
The EU has been demanding reforms from the Zimbabwean government as well as the upholding of human rights and return to constitutionalism as Mnangagwa’s government has been accused of shrinking the democratic space.
The government has been under EU and the United States spotlight for allegedly using State institutions to clamp down on dissent, especially opposition supporters and human rights defenders.
Last month, the EU condemned the continued incarceration of MDC Alliance MP Joanah Mamombe and MDC Alliance activist Cecilia Chimbiri, saying the selective application of the law in their case was a violation of human rights.
By A Correspondent- A Nyanga man who had been presumed dead by his family pulled a shocker when he made an appearance almost a week later.
Lovemore Chatindo was last seen on Christmas Day last year and everyone was convinced that he had been murdered for ritual purposes.
However, a search party of his remains drew blanks.
The search had been prompted by a traditional healer’s claims that Chatindo had died at the hands of a local businessman, Cossy Samanyika, who had reportedly used his blood for ritual purposes.
Chatindo’s friend and soothsayer, Manyanga Sanyanga, claimed that he had seen Chatindo in his dreams.
Sanyanga said Chatindo had pleaded to be rescued as he was in pain, with four litres of blood having been drawn from his body.
Sanyanga also claimed that Chatindo’s body had been dumped in a gulley.
However, Chatindo resurfaced after New Year.
When he came back home, Chatindo looked pale, prompting fellow Nyamaropa villagers, under Chief Saunyama’s area, to suspect that he was a ghost that had made a rare visit.
Chatindo’s resurfacing brought business to a halt as scores of villagers sought to catch a glimpse of the “dead man’s resurrection”.
Although Chatindo is still alive, he hardly recalls what transpired on the day of his disappearance.
Surprisingly, when Chatindo was taken to hospital after he was picked up by Good Samaritans in Mutoko, about 300km from his home, doctors diagnosed that he had lost a lot of blood and that he needed urgent blood transfusion.
Samanyika has vehemently denied ever using Chatindo’s blood for rituals.
He has since approached Chief Saunyama’s court for redress.
Samanyika says he is now losing business because of the allegations.
“People are no longer buying from my shop because of these unfounded allegations despite the fact that Chatindo resurfaced. People believe that I have his blood in my tuck-shop. I want his family to prove the allegations they are making,” said Samanyika when he appeared before Chief Saunyama’s court last week on Friday.
Narrating the real life drama before the same court, Chatindo’s wife, Catherine Simbai, said she believes Sanyanga’s claims.
“When my husband disappeared, we thought he had died. We actually made a police report and were already making plans for his funeral when he resurfaced.
“While he has no visible wounds, he looks so pale. Doctors at Regina Coeli Mission said he had very little blood in his body.
“Up to now, he is yet to fully recover,” said Simbai.
Chatindo looked confused during the court session and said he does not know how he got to Mutoko.
He said he does not recall what transpired during the six days he was missing.
“I do not remember those six days. I only remember falling asleep at Samanyika’s tuck-shop. When I woke up, a donkey was neighing at me in Mutoko. I was in a gulley and I do not know what happened for me to get there,” said Chitando.
Sanyanga then made a U-turn to exonerate Samanyika, saying he never dreamt of Chatindo’s death.
“My hands are clean. I have nothing to do with Chatindo’s disappearance as he is my friend. We should be thanking the Lord for bringing him back alive. Why are we pointing fingers?” said Sanyanga.
However, this did not go well with the villagers who accused Sanyanga of conniving with Samanyika to conceal the truth surrounding Chatindo’s disappearance.
Chief Saunyama ordered the parties to consult a traditional healer to unravel the mystery. — Manica Post
A Harare man is in the habit of following his ex-wife to church and hurling obscenities at her in front of congregants and pastors.
The Harare Civil Magistrates’ Court has now ordered him to stop the habit by granting the peace order his ex-wife asked for.
Auxillia Garinaro told magistrate Ms Meenal Narotam that her ex-husband, Trymore Mugombe, also visits her parents’ house threatening to kill her. It is also alleged that Mugombe scolds Garinaro’s parents using vulgar words if they try to reprimand him.
“I am applying for a protection order against my ex-husband. He comes to my parents’ house where I am staying and he abuses me. We divorced, but he is always coming to our house saying I will have no peace in my life.
“He calls me a prostitute in front of my parents and he even scolds my neighbours. Recently, he followed me to church and scolded me in front of the congregation and the pastor. He uses obscene words and he once approached my pastor and scolded him saying he was not in a position to reprimand him for his abusive behaviour. He is a very violent man and I am now afraid of him,” she said.
Mugombe denied the allegations and told the court that Garinaro was denying him access to see his child.
“I am disputing that I am abusing her. We split in a bad way so I have nothing to do with her. All her allegations are false because she is jealous that I am now married to another woman.
“The problem is that she does not want me to see my child and when I visit to see my child, she tells her that I am not her father but her uncle. This pains me a lot and we end up exchanging words,” he said.
Ms Narotam granted the order and ordered Mugombe to stop abusing Garinaro in any way or risk being arrested for breaching the order.
Two schools in Matabeleland South have reported 106 cases of COVID-19, reigniting fears that schools remain hotspots and that authorities were not adequately prepared for their reopening.
Sacred Heart Girls High School in Esigodini was closed on Thursday after 51 pupils tested positive to COVID-19.
The Health ministry also reported that 55 pupils at Umzingwane High School tested positive to the virus on the same day.
According to the situational report released by the ministry, Umzingwane High School cases were part of the 68 new cases recorded countrywide on Thursday.
Late last month, seven pupils at Prince Edward High School in Harare tested positive to COVID-19 after undergoing PCR tests at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
Government banned pupils in boarding schools from travelling home for the Easter holidays to avoid the potential of spreading coronavirus. It also ordered that lessons be conducted on a rotational basis to enhance social distancing in classes.
Matabeleland South medical director Ruth Chikodzore confirmed that some students tested positive to COVID-19 at Sacred Heart Girls High School.
She said the school has been closed to avoid the spread of cases and the health and education officers were working to strengthen COVID-19 preventive measures at the institution.
“Those who tested positive are in isolation at the school and those who were negative are under quarantine in separate facilities at the school,” Chikodzore said.
But a source from the Health ministry yesterday told NewsDay Weekender that tests at Sacred High School were conducted after four students had tested positive to COVID-19.
“We tested 136 students and 51 tested positive. Among the positive cases, two are staff members, while four are day scholars and 45 are boarding students,” an Education ministry official, who preferred anonymity, said.
“Among the day scholars who tested positive, two stay at Sacred Heart Primary, one stay at Sacred Heart Secondary and last one stay at Falcon College.”
Reports were that the cumulative COVID-19 positive cases at the Roman Catholic Church run-girls high school stood at 55 while staff members that tested negative were vaccinated.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said COVID-19 cases were being reported in schools because authorities were failing to follow the laid out standard operating procedures in curbing the spread of the virus.
He said: “Government banned travelling of boarding pupils for Easter holidays, but some errant school authorities permitted pupils to go out and allowed some parents to see their children.
“The pupils contracted the virus from outside, resulting in cases developing in schools. That explains why cases are spiking soon after the Easter holidays.”
He, however, referred questions on government’s plans to curb spread of COVID-19 in schools to the Health ministry.
Chief co-ordinator of the national response to COVID-19, Agnes Mahomva said government was monitoring closely cases of COVID-19 in schools. She said the situation in schools was “under control” could have been worse if the government had not put in place strict preventative measures.
“We are investigating why the schools recorded new cases when there are robust standard operating procedures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19,” Mahomva said.
“After investigations, we will analyse the outcomes and try to address the loopholes which might have led to the emergence of new cases in schools. We will advise the nation of the new preventative measures, if there is need.”
Reports of COVID-19 in schools come at a time health experts have warned that a deadlier third wave was imminent. Teachers unions opposed the reopening of schools over concerns of government’s preparedness to handle COVID-19 cases.
In a recent report, the World Health Organisation said sub-Saharan countries, including Zimbabwe, were already facing the threat of new COVID-19 variants when their health institutions were poorly equipped to handle new variants.
Pupils from various schools were yesterday turned away after “incapacitated” teachers resolved to attend duty for three days per week.
NewsDay Weekender gathered that parents were ordered to withdraw their children from schools, especially in Harare, as teachers did not report for duty.
Teachers unions vowed that their members would not attend classes until government addressed their concerns. Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the ministry was aware of reports that teachers were not attending classes.
He said to maintain order in schools, government had tasked “devoted” teachers to attend to learners whose instructors had absconded.
“The (Education) ministry will not be deterred from its mandate of providing inclusive and quality education by perceived threats of job action,” Ndoro said.
“If the employees who are under our ministry are not performing as expected, then we will advise the employer.
“There are only a third of teachers who are members of the teachers unions and the rest have no representatives. Just like any other employer, we will take the necessary measures against those teachers who are not reporting for duty.”
But a boarding school head who spoke on condition of anonymity told NewsDay Weekender that it was difficult to control and monitor pupils when teachers were not reporting for duty.
“It is difficult to enforce the wearing of masks, sanitising and social distancing among pupils single-handedly as teachers are on go-slow,” he said.
“That is the reality on the ground. The situation is better for day schools as pupils can go to their homes, but here at boarding schools, we have to take care of them.”
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure said government should address the incapacitation crisis, as it was likely that school would close due to the bleak COVID-19 situation in schools.
“Teachers are not teaching. When they show up at the workplace, they are simply logging in and staying in,” he said. “When Artuz members go to schools on Monday, they are going to protest on campus. The COVID-19 scare is soon going to force schools to close; we should find solutions to the incapacitation crisis.”
Government’s efforts to resolve the impasse reached a deadlock last week after the civil servants rejected a 70% pay rise offer. Government also threatened to revoke salaries for civil servants who were not reporting for work in protest over poor salaries.
Marondera residents have blamed the recall of some MDC Alliance councillors for poor service delivery.
This was revealed during a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists-organised discussion at Mbuya Nehanda Hall where speakers said the lack of representation at both ward and parliamentary level was hurting service delivery.
Six councillors from the Nelson Chamisa led-MDC Alliance were recalled last year while Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu was also shown the exit door.
The recalls by the MDC-T came after a Supreme Court in March last year ruled that Chamisa was not the bona fide leader of the party. More than 40 MPs and 164 councillors were recalled.
Ward 1 councillor Chengetai Murova, who was recalled as Marondera mayor, said residents no longer have a voice.
“The people are in a dire need of representation in council. This is because service delivery has been compromised due to lack of representation. I can no longer fight for my ward and its residents. Life has changed and there is need for a by-election.
“For example, a resident wanted his papers to be certified, he was told go to his councillor and I could not help him. It is the resident who suffers,” he said.
The MDC Alliance had 11 out of 12 councillors before the recalls.
Marondera Residents Open Forum chairperson Edmund Mujeyi said recalling councillors and delays in replacing them has dire consequences.
“People pay rates to council and they expect service. If that doesn’t happen, it means they stop doing so. These are clear consequences of not having representation in council,” he said.
Both government and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission have said that holding of by-elections has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MDC-T Mashonaland East spokesperson Farai Nyandoro said the recalls have brought pain to residents in the form of policy inconsistencies and corruption.
“A councillor is a facilitator, mediator and messenger of residents. If he or she misses, then there is not link between them and council. Moreover, the recalling of councillors will definitely bring along policy inconsistencies and fuel corruption.
“For example, if a new set of councillors come in, they will likely overturn some decisions. Moreover, the council committees are no longer functional due to lack of quorum. This will see unilateral decisions being made which is detrimental to service delivery and development,” he said.
By A Correspondent- The European Union (EU) says it is currently engaging opposition parties and other stakeholders as it gears up for formal dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Zimbabwe and the bloc last formally engaged in 2019 at ministerial level as the two parties sought to normalise relations after more than a decade of frosty ties.
The dialogue followed years of informal engagements, opening a new page in relations between the two parties.
The dialogue framework is based on Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries which outlines the specific modalities for regular, comprehensive and balanced political dialogue between the two sides.
EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonenn recently told NewsDay that a follow-up meeting with Harare was disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
“So far, two political dialogue sessions have been held. The next edition will go ahead once the EU and the Foreign Affairs ministry can find a mutually suitable date,” Olkkonenn said.
“The EU is engaging political parties and a wide range of other stakeholders in the Zimbabwean society. An engagement with civil society and youth are something that the EU particularly values.”
He, however, said formal dialogue would only take place between the EU and the government and there were no pre-conditions set.
“Of course, we are in continuous contact with the government, particularly through its Foreign Affairs ministry,” he said.
The EU has been demanding reforms from the Zimbabwean government as well as the upholding of human rights and return to constitutionalism as Mnangagwa’s government has been accused of shrinking the democratic space.
The government has been under EU and the United States spotlight for allegedly using State institutions to clamp down on dissent, especially opposition supporters and human rights defenders.
Last month, the EU condemned the continued incarceration of MDC Alliance MP Joanah Mamombe and MDC Alliance activist Cecilia Chimbiri, saying the selective application of the law in their case was a violation of human rights.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of a driver who knocked down a minor at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive in a hit and run accident that went viral on social media.
The accident which occured on 30 March at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive was captured on a CCTV and went viral on social media platforms particularly Twitter and Facebook with people collectively calling for the identification of the reckless driver.
This led to the identification and arrest of the alleged reckless driver who has since been identified as 57-year-old Herbert Chakanyuka. The victim of the accident has been identified as 7-year-old Mitchelle Kamupfumo.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that Chakanyuka is facing multiple charges which include “Negligent driving and Failure to stop after an accident, failure to report an accident and failure to render assistance after an accident.” The 57-year-old is expected to appear in court soon.
Below is the statement from Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi which iHarare is publishing in full.
SERIOUS ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MINOR AT CORNER LIBERATION LEGACY WAY AND HARARE DRIVE
Reference is made to a video which went viral on social media in which a motor vehicle hit a pedestrian at the traffic lights controlled intersection of Liberation Legacy Way (Borrowdale Road) and Harare Drive, Harare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that the suspect, Herbert CHAKANYUKA (57) has been arrested and the victim has since been identified as Mitchelle KAMUPFUMO (7). The suspect is being charged for, “Negligent driving and Failure to stop after an accident, failure to report an accident and failure to render assistance after an accident” and the case is now pending before the courts.
Police applauds members of the public for continuously supplying positive information on criminal matters in the country.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said repression is a signal for action and change.
President Chamisa also urged Zimbabweans to remain strong and unwavering despite incessant persecution.
“THE POWER OF FOCUS-People that inspire and encourage in the leadership journey are a rarity. To many of you who encourage and energize when the oppressor is attacking us,THANK YOU! All oppression is temporary.Keep organizing,never agonize.Repression is a signal 4 Action & change,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
He also paid tribute to Amai Chiweshe:
“I note with sadness the death of a mighty woman of God, Amai T Chiweshe who passed on this(Thursday) morning.
Amai Chiweshe was pastoring in Chitungwiza.She was wife to the powerful late Evangelist PD Chiweshe.May we all be consoled in Lord during this sad moment.Rev 14:13 RIP Mupositori!”
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said repression is a signal for action and change.
President Chamisa also urged Zimbabweans to remain strong and unwavering despite incessant persecution.
“THE POWER OF FOCUS-People that inspire and encourage in the leadership journey are a rarity. To many of you who encourage and energize when the oppressor is attacking us,THANK YOU! All oppression is temporary.Keep organizing,never agonize.Repression is a signal 4 Action & change,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
He also paid tribute to Amai Chiweshe:
“I note with sadness the death of a mighty woman of God, Amai T Chiweshe who passed on this(Thursday) morning.
Amai Chiweshe was pastoring in Chitungwiza.She was wife to the powerful late Evangelist PD Chiweshe.May we all be consoled in Lord during this sad moment.Rev 14:13 RIP Mupositori!”
Tinashe Sambiri|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is using colonial tactics to suppress dissenting voices, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Valerie Karimakwenda has said.
In a detailed article Karimakwenda accused Mr Mnangagwa of using typical Ian Smith tactics to silence perceived political opponents.
See full article below:
By Valerie Karimakwenda MDC Alliance UK And Ireland Youth Assembly Organising Secretary
Massive displacements, which are the norm now, affecting barely known minorities are illustrious of the factual observation of how Zanu Pf and the Zimbabwe pre-independence governments are two sides of a shaved, debased coin, devoid of empathy towards the most economically vulnerable communities, good governance for vaccination against such vulnerabilities.
This article focuses on how the so called Zanu Pf revolution is now eating its children, a tragedy characteristic of piss poor revolutionary ideology, and mere chicken logic limited comprehension of independence, democracy, the epitomes of good governance, which would have protected the targeted minority communities for massive displacements.
Why did settler governments, such as that of Smith go to great pains to hide vital information? Why does Zanu Pf go to great lengths of pursuing the same policy?
The reason is because, in technical terms, media repression, allows for disinformation dissemination which is a preservative of the status quo that is hideous, illegal and illegitimate.
Traits that Zanu Pf and the settler governments have, similarly.
Media repression, is an effective strategic choice akin to lighting a light, putting it in a basket under the bed. A preference for darkness, for light would bring attention and subsequent demands for accountability and transparency, especially with regards with treatment of minorities, in this case for Zanu Pf. Unfortunately, Zanu Pf had an abortion, of transparency and accountability, in the first weeks of term, that is, the last few weeks of April 1980. Because of media repression perpetuated by the recently branded Zanu Pf TV (ZBC) to Auxillia Mnangagwa fantasy show, Zimbabweans are kept in the dark about past, ongoing and future massive displacements.
Cultures and heritages of minorities are not if any deterrent value against a profit offensive, platformed by Zanu Pf. Like the referenced settler governments, no consultations are made with the affected minority communities, nor are they represented in any manner in the deliberations, procedures of setting up of the entities seeking to acquire the ancestral lands of the minorities, at a regulatory or executive level. Their councillors, members of parliament, senators, all from the illegal party of Zanu Pf, don’t care, but are focused on retaining power for perpetual self enrichment, which is a consequence of the minorities displacements by entities linked to those illegally in power, in addition to not having met regulations, such as tax payments.
The Chilonga and Nambya people have a few things in common among them. Both are minority communities, who, with consistency, have aided Zanu Pf in staying in power. This is not a HAA! moment, they deserve it. No, it is a reflection and observation that only Zanu Pf would allow this. The people centered, oriented opposition party would not. A stark difference, and a break from the past, Zanu Pf.
The only genuine opposition, currently focusing on smooth and peaceful transition of power would have respected the minorities cultures and heritages, in addition to consulting them, for their input, which is undeniably, crucial, also ensuring that regulations protecting these communities are in place.
Furthermore, the genuine opposition wouldn’t rely on opaque, probably unconstitutional special permits seeking to deprive minority communities of their ancestral heritages, or any communities for that matter.
The genuine opposition would do community changing things in transparent accountable manner. None of the self enrichment activities fostering nicodemus exploitation of marginalized communities would see light of the day under the watch of the opposition. This explains recalls of people’s champions such as Biti. Typical flight from transparency and accountability by Zanu Pf.
The affected communities will not benefit, barely for the following reasons, employment, especially for the Nambya people by the Chinese, would be exploitative labor, flouting labor and safety regulations.
For both the Nambya and Chilonga people, because of decades long marginalization, evidenced by limited exposure to only public schools with poorest education infrastructure and poorly motivated and educators means that there is an impenetrable glass ceiling for the youth of these communities for social stratification advancement. In addition, this life limited exposure works well for the government and the dubious, above the law companies seeking to exploit these helpless companies.
These are some of the reasons the opposition which is being hounded out of parliament by the scared and paranoid Zanu Pf is fighting tooth and nail for proper and institutionalized devolution of power. Communities such as the Nambya, would thus have a say in their own affairs and governance, drastically mitigating colossal exploitation by Zanu Pf, things such as so called special permits would thus be impotent.
In conclusion, the mentioned minorities, and those yet to be displaced by Zanu Pf, should take this as a wake up call, stop aiding Zanu Pf illegal retention of power , rather they should consider the alternative to Zanu Pf, the people’s project opposition, which among other things would usher in devolution, a synthesis of democracy and good governance, valuing the input of all communities, banishing Zanu Pf spawns such as marginalization.
The opposition, together, especially with the minorities communities would initiate joint custodianship for both cultural and heritages of these communities, together with their possession of their ancestral lands, a clear, clean break from the past, which is undemocratic Zanu Pf and settler governments.
