By A Correspondent- A part four Journalism student at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) was hospitalised after her cellphone exploded in her handbag, leaving her unconscious.

The university yesterday confirmed that Miss Khanyile Sithole was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals after she collapsed following the blast in a lecture room on Monday.

Investigations are still underway to establish what could have caused the explosion although experts say mobile phones with faulty batteries or charging systems can explode spontaneously. Efforts to get comment from Miss Sithole were fruitless but her classmates said the explosion startled most of them into seeking cover.

“We were all seated waiting for our lecturer to arrive when we heard a loud pop. I thought the building was disintegrating. For a moment I thought maybe all the widows had been shattered, only to see smoke coming out of Khanyile’s handbag,” said one of her classmates.

“Khanyile was apparently more shocked than the rest of us. She shot out of her chair and immediately collapsed. When the dust had settled and we felt we were out of danger, some classmates took her to the campus clinic where nurses referred her to UBH for treatment. We are still in shock but we are happy that no one got injured during the incident,” said a student on condition of anonymity.

Experts say phone explosions can be caused by defects in manufacturing and usually it is batteries that lead to that.

“The common cause of battery explosion is when it is over-charged. In a cell phone’s battery system, there are separators that prevent two electrodes from connecting with each other. When the separators don’t work properly, it is more likely that these two electrodes will touch one another, and this will cause explosions,” reads a statement from an online electronic company.

Contacted for comment, Nust director for marketing and communications Mr Thabani Mpofu said Miss Sithole was stable.

“A part four student had an unfortunate incident after her phone exploded in her handbag which had a bottle of perfume. There was panic among students and she also suffered shock,” said Mr Mpofu.

“She was taken to UBH for treatment but we are happy to report that she has recovered as she had collapsed following the incident. She did not suffer any injury or burns just that her handbag was burnt after the explosion,” he said.

Mr Mpofu said Nust clinic nurses resuscitated Miss Sithole and referred her to UBH for further assessment.

“My comment would be to urge students to avoid carrying perfumes in the handbags together with cell phones as we suspect that may have caused the explosion. Sometimes when there are special occasions here at Nust like the graduation ceremony we ask students and parents not to bring perfumes as a combination of these may lead to an explosion,” said Mr Mpofu. He however, said the institution was still to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Opposition Zimbabwe People First has stood in solidarity with the recently arrested MDC Alliance Nation Youth chairperson, Obey Sithole and other leaders, activists, and citizens detained “for advocating for change.”

Sithole was on Monday arrested while leaving the Harare Magistrates Court where he was answering charges of holding an illegal demonstration in Warren Park last year. He said he was yet to be informed of the charges. We present Zimbabwe People First’s statement in full below.

THE Zimbabwe People First youths stand in solidarity with the recently arrested MDC Alliance Nation Youth chairperson Cde Obey Sithole and all other leaders, activists, and citizens incarcerated for advocating for change in our beloved Motherland – Zimbabwe.

We take serious notice of the injustice being perpetrated by the uniformed forces, the courts, and Zanu PF.These institutions, we believe are abetting gross human rights abuses exhibited by the continued persecution of opposition leaders and activists with the recent arrest of Cde Obey, Cde Joanna Mamombe, and others including myself Stephen Mazanza, the Zimbabwe People First national youth chairperson.

We believe and are gravely concerned that the Zanu PF regime is now stooping so low and has run out of ideas.

Their only option is to arrest, detain, and imprison anyone who they believe can stand up to them. All we are doing is excising our constitutional and democratic rights by either speaking out against the injustices we see or speaking for what we believe in.

The regime and its enablers cannot force us to love their evil deeds and as youths, we say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. As youths, we have suffered enough because of Zanu PF.

We have no jobs, no food, and no proper education. In short, we are a lost generation.

This regime is so lost that the only way they know to resolve any differences is through violence and abductions. We demand reforms, we demand electoral reforms, media reforms, we demand that the uniformed forces must be non-partisan, we demand free education, we desire peace we desire the prosperity of our nation.

To the regime we say, “Please stop this persecution of opposition leaders. Stop arresting the youths”.

Stephen Mazanza

Zimbabwe People First national youth chairperson

By A Correspondent- Legend in the medical field Dr Norleen T .M .Mbuwayesango has died.

Read the death notice:

“We sadly announce the death of a legend in the medical field Dr Norleen T .M .Mbuwayesango. She was wife to the famous Dr Mbuwayesango A Bothwell .

She succumbed to cancer yesterday afternoon.

Mourners are gathered in Westgate, Harare.

We publish the late Dr Mbuwayesango’s cancer journey which was published on June 10 2020 in Issues/ Pane Nyaya :

The Issues PaneNyaya #WCW for this week is an inspiration, a woman on a journey and a champion in our eyes.

This wife to Bothwell and mother of Tatenda and Shingai is confronting ‘head-on’ one the most feared, and life-threatening situations of our time – a cancer diagnosis.

Her name is Dr Noleen Tembani Munyandu-Mbuwayesango. On the morning of September 23, 2019, she found herself in a situation that she had never dreamt of or desired, a reality that she had always feared.

Driven by a conviction beyond her comprehension, she decided to self-examine her breasts as she took her shower. To her total alarm and shock, she observed a lump in one of her breasts.

Panic, fear, and despondency followed, as she shared the information with her husband and both being medical practitioners, immediately knew that it was breast cancer.

As they sat at their breakfast table that morning, mulling over the next steps, both were shuttered but knew they had to brace up to face their new reality even on the backdrop of knowledge on how deadly the disease could be and how difficult it could be to treat.

A few investigations later – various blood tests, CT scans, a Mammogram, MRI scan, bone scan and all the rigmarole – the cancer was placed at Stage IV. This stage meant that the cancer had spread to other parts of her body and was advanced. Noleen found herself stuck between being a doctor to other patients and suddenly a patient with a life-threatening condition- it was then that her daunting journey began…

A treatment plan was put in place where she would go through the steps of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and on 11 October 2019, the plan of treatment was operationalized.

The effects of chemotherapy immediately kicked in – diarrhoea, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, loss of hair, change of skin and nail colour, body discomforts to name but a few. Noleen became prone to infections and all sorts of negative effects ensued.

By the end of the fourth cycle of Chemotherapy, she had lost about 10 kilograms. According to her it was ‘terrible’ so much that she even considered the option of quitting, but her doctors encouraged her and adjusted her doses to help her pull through.

She has since finished chemotherapy, had surgery, and is now undergoing radiotherapy.

We crush on her today, because of the journey that she’s travelled– not just one of boldness, bravery, positivity and utter determination, but also a journey that has opened her eyes to the needs around cancer, and driven her to TAKE ACTION.

The gaps surrounding cancer treatment in Zimbabwe registered a new meaning to Noleen as she journeyed – the limited access to information, to treatment and to screening and knowledge became glaringly real. The number of cancer-related deaths that could have been derailed.

Today Noleen is pursuing addressing these needs and making a positive change. She is enacting the change she wants to see as has now made it her primary role, to ensure that breast cancer does not maintain an upper hand on Zimbabwean women.

In addition to writing a book documenting her journey with cancer to motivate others, through a Trust under registration she has pledged to work on mitigating breast health issues by improved awareness, screening, diagnoses, access to treatment and follow up on survivors.

Noleen represents the myriads of untold stories and battles with cancer. The tears cried in secret and the pain endured unattended. She represents the women who have lived, and those who succumbed.

Noleen represents hope and a nudge towards fighting on.

Issues PaneNyaya finds herself deeply inspired and could not help but crush on her.”

By A Correspondent- A 33 year old man from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb died Monday after being run over by an earth-moving machine (dozer) which he was being tested on, police have said.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube in a statement confirmed the accident adding that the body of the deceased, Tutukani Mlotshwa, had since been conveyed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) mortuary for post mortem. Ncube said:

Police in Bulawayo received a report that on the 26th April 2021 at around 1000hrs, a fatal incident involving an earth-moving machine (Dozer) occurred in Bulawayo, where a male adult was killed.

Circumstances are that the now deceased, Tutukani Mlotshwa, a male adult aged 33 years residing in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo was being tested on his earth-moving operating skills so that he could be employed as an earth-moving machine operator. The machine suddenly stopped, as he was operating it.

He got out of the operator’s seat and opened the engine cabinet. He started reviving the machine and it suddenly started moving again. He lost his balance and fell from the wheel where he was standing and was pulled under the machine. The dozer then crushed him beneath its wheels and continued moving on its own.

He said Mlotshwa who sustained multiple body injuries was ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) where he was certified dead upon arrival.

Ncube added that the cause of the death was due to negligence by the now deceased and the case will be investigated as sudden death.

He also said it is regrettable that life was lost through an incident that was avoidable and urged members of the general public to be cautious when operating machines as they are not predictable.

By MISA Zimbabwe| One of the reasons that contributed to the increased levels of Internet penetration in Africa and in Zimbabwe was that the internet space was perceived as a ‘free and unregulated space’ for freedom of expression and access to information.

It was also viewed as a platform that provided the freedom, security and privacy for free expression and exchange of ideas and information.

This, however, has never been the true state of affairs as far as the Internet is concerned.  Social media platforms have policies that regulate user behaviour on their platforms.

In Zimbabwe, existing laws have also been used to punish certain behaviour online, especially through the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Internet regulation has been characterised by different forms of ‘regulation’ that seemingly point at limiting freedom of expression. This includes restrictions on connectivity as was noted on a large scale during the 2019 Internet shutdown in Zimbabwe, intimidation and violence, censorship and surveillance, among others.

It is reported that the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica  Mutsvangwa, was recently asked in parliament what the government is doing to ensure and enforce cybersecurity and also punishing internet abusers.

The minister reportedly responded by saying the government is aware of the havoc which is caused by fake news on social media among families, communities and countries.

In that regard, the government is crafting a Cyber Bill which would soon be enacted to make sure that those who get on social media will be accountable and can be followed for what they would have written on social media and be dealt with if it is causing havoc and disharmony among the people.

It is MISA Zimbabwe’s position that the terms internet or social media abuse are very vague terms hence if any intention is expressed to punish conduct online, it would be important to specify that conduct.

This does not take away the need for responsible behaviour online, but neither does it mean every conversation or communication should be an offence or punishable at law.

The Internet space is, however, peculiar because the information is shared easily and quickly and has enabled other forms of expression like what is now known as digital activism or online movements.

In Zimbabwe, such notable movements have been the #ThisFlagMovement and also the #TajamukaMovement, which were aimed at advocating for the promotion of human rights and demanding improved access to basic needs.

Be that as it may be, regulation of the internet should not be centred on the tool, but rather on behaviours that can be justifiably identified as wrongs.

The first arrest based on social media communication was that of Vikazi Mavhudzi, who was charged with allegedly attempting to subvert a constitutionally elected government in 2011, although the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Since then, a trend of several arrests has been noted based on online communication, including that of  Pastor Evan Mawarire, and more recently, that of freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.

There seems to be a pattern of arrests in Zimbabwe which have promoted self-censorship and fear among citizens to freely express themselves, especially online. If anything, this trend is pointing more towards abuse of the legislative process and the criminal justice system.

For instance, following the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter campaign, an online campaign that was aimed at advocating against human rights violations in Zimbabwe, there was a proposition for the drafting of a Patriotic Bill, to criminalise ‘campaigning against one’s own country’.

MISA Zimbabwe position

MISA Zimbabwe’s key position is that any form of regulation of the Internet should be aimed at creating safe online spaces for the exercise of rights.  More so, safe spaces for women and children who have largely been victims of online violence instead of being centred on the criminalisation of online communication under the guise of internet abuse.

The Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill which was gazetted in May 2020, should therefore not be couched from the perspective of dealing with internet abusers.

The preamble of the Bill states that it is an Act to provide for data protection with due regard to the Declaration of Rights in the Constitution, public and national interest,  and to establish a Cybersecurity and Data Protection Authority, and to provide for their functions.

That human rights centred approach is what should shape legislation in Zimbabwe.

Likewise, it is critical to also highlight that cybersecurity does not mean, and neither is it restricted to national security,  although a culture of cybersecurity will create safe online spaces, promote digital rights and also promote national security.

It is notable that the gazetted Bill provided for offences like sending threatening data messages, cyberbullying and harassment, the transmission of false data messages intending to cause harm, the transmission of intimate images without consent, and child pornography, among others.

However, MISA Zimbabwe stands by its earlier position as noted in its commentary on the Bill.  The provisions should not be wide and vague, particularly the provisions on cyberbullying and harassment, false information, the transmission of data messages inciting violence or damage to property.

These provisions were relied on to infringe on free expression through the now-repealed Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and also through the existing Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Pertaining to false information, it is not disputed that the spread of false information has been prevalent, more so during COVID-19.  The World Health Organisation has also noted what is termed as an ‘infodemic’ as being an overabundance of information, which has resulted in the prevalence of misinformation.

Of note, is that there already exists a constitutional court order, in the case of  Chimakure and 2 others v Attorney General,  where the court noted that false news offences are unconstitutional as they infringe on freedom of expression and promote self-censorship.

The current framing of the provision in the Cyber bill is equally wide and vague, and will potentially resuscitate criminal defamation and promote self-censorship, which was similarly outlawed in the case of Madanhire and Another versus the Attorney General.

It should be noted that where false information has been spread, it is either misinformation or disinformation. Misinformation differs from disinformation in that disinformation is aimed at deliberately misleading, while misinformation can be through the genuine belief that the information is true.

The law should clearly distinguish the two and provide for possible defences which can include lack of knowledge of falsity.

Further, there are several ways of curbing the spread of false news that the government can implement which includes an open-door policy to providing substantive and accurate information. The government can also invest in innovative tools for fact-checking and information verification while also raising awareness and capacitating the public on the use of such tools.

This limits the risk of the overregulation of the internet space.

Above all, the golden rule is that any limitation of rights should be lawful, proportionate and necessary in a democratic society based on openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom.

Civil society organisations in Zimbabwe strongly condemn the increasing attempts to silence and shrink the civic space through the proposal to introduce the Patriotic Bill. It is our position that the proposed Patriotic Bill serves a single purpose, which is to criminalise free speech, and ultimately control, intimidate and stifle citizens’ democratic rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Zimbabwe Constitution’s Chapter 4 Bill of Rights.

On the 4th of August 2020, Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, in her reading of the 27th Post Cabinet Press Briefing, highlighted that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), in its 2018 and 2019 annual reports proposed the introduction of the Patriotic Bill. It was highlighted that the NPRC had recommended that “campaigning against one’s country” should be legislated at law and “criminalised”.

On the 4th of October 2020, The Sunday Mail published an article in which it was reported that principles of the proposed Patriotic Bill aimed at criminalising private correspondence with foreign governments to the detriment of the national interests, had been drafted, and were soon to be tabled before Cabinet for consideration for legal enactment. On the 2nd of March 2021, the late ZANU-PF legislator for Mberengwa South, Alum Mpofu, moved a motion in the National Assembly for the enactment of the proposed Patriotic Bill. Mpofu indicated that he was concerned with the negative portrayal of the country’s image and reputation and motivated that as the reason for moving the motion.

Amidst growing international condemnation of sustained State-sponsored human rights violations in Zimbabwe, the government has on numerous occassions, sought to shift blame by making unsubstantiated accusations of collusion between foreign governments and well-meaning citizens.

It is important to note that civil society organisations in their role as watchdogs, raise alarm both domestically and internationally on human rights developments. Therefore, the Patriotic Bill when viewed in unison with the proposed changes to the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05] points to an apparent attempt to stifle the activities of civil society organisations, thus undermining their watchdog and agenda setting role in perpetuating national democracy, good governance, demanding accountability and independent monitoring of duty bearers. It is our position that the proposed Patriotic Bill will only serves as a weapon to punish civil society organisations and political adversaries for exercising the right to expression, particularly in relation to the state of the nation.

As the Heads of NGO Coalitions operating in Zimbabwe, our considered view is that the general and sweeping nature of the proposed Bill is a cause for concern as it appears that it would apply to any citizen, civil society organisation and political opponent/party. There does not appear to be a delineation of what would constitute unacceptable private correspondence with foreign governments, save for what is determined by the government and in particular the ruling party. This is particularly of concern to the work of human rights-related organisations, whose mandate is to observe, bring attention to and seek redress for human rights violations.

As such, it is our consolidated view that there can be no room for a law such as the one proposed in a democratic society. We, therefore, call upon the government to:

1. Withdraw the proposed Patriotic Bill.
2. Focus on the alignment of existing laws with the Constitution.
3. Promote and uphold human rights in Zimbabwe.
4. To uphold the rule of law in Zimbabwe and independence of the judiciary.
5. To undertake legislative and administrative measures to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission.
6. To accelerate implementation of political, electoral and legislative reforms to improve
   democratic processes in Zimbabwe.
7. To address the issues arising from the reports by the 2018 Election Observer Missions in
   anticipation of the 2023 elections.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Gender Committee notes with huge concern, the continued incarceration and persecution of MDC Alliance female activists, Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri.

The activists are victims of persecution by prosecution and their ordeal at the hands of the State is clear testimony to the weaponization of the judiciary.

We note with great concern that the State continues to use judicial capture as a weapon to victimize dissenting voices in the country.

Mamombe, Chimbiri and another MDC Alliance activist, Netsai Marova were subjected to torture and sexual abuse by state security agents when they were arrested in May 2020 after protesting against the failure by the State to provide essential services to citizens following the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Following this ordeal, the trio spent 17 days in detention.

Currently, Mamombe and Chimbiri are languishing in remand prison after they were arrested in early March 2021 for addressing journalists at the Harare Magistrates Court.

On April 23, 2021Mamombe was forcibly removed from hospital where she had gone for medical attention. Prison authorities claimed they had been given instructions from above.

The Crisis Coalition Gender Committee is perturbed by the fact that judicial capture has led to violation of citizens’ fundamental rights  enshrined in the country’s constitution.

In the case of Mamombe, the State continues to defy Section 50 of the country’s constitution on the rights of arrested and detained persons.

The State has also used pretrial detention as a weapon to punish dissenting voices and this is evidenced by the fact that in most cases involving bail applications by incarcerated activists, the High Court has often pointed out to a miscarriage of justice on the part of the lower courts.

We implore the State to uphold citizens’ fundamental rights and desist from weaponization of the judiciary to clampdown on opposition activists.

An independent judiciary is a critical component of a democratic society and we condemn the State’s overbearing influence on the judiciary.

We are further concerned that the State continues to use brute force in response to genuine calls for reforms by concerned citizens.

As the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Gender Committee, we will use all appropriate legal means to challenge judicial capture and hold the State to account on rights violations and we call upon progressive Zimbabweans to compliment our efforts.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is under fire over the release of the 2019 Auditor-General’s report, which civil society organisations (CSOs) suspect could contain damning exposés of abuse of public funds.

The audit report, which was supposed to be tabled before Parliament mid-June last year, has not yet been released and government has remained mum about it.

The CSOs claimed that government was preventing Auditor-General Midred Chiri from publicising the 2019 audits of government, parastatals and local authorities accounts, which would expose public officials.

Former chairperson of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, Tendai Biti, told NewsDay that although the audit process could have been stalled by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it should have been published by now.

“Audit reports should be released on time as stipulated in the Public Finance Management Act to guarantee public finance accountability,” said Biti, who also once served as Finance minister.

“Citizens need to know how their money is being utilised and they can monitor it through the Auditor-General’s report. Failure to provide the report for public scrutiny is, therefore, unconstitutional.”

In the past, the AG’s reports have revealed abuse of millions of dollars in public funds.

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika said it had become the norm that government-run institutions failed to provide public reports timeously, which resulted in public financial losses going unchecked.

“Delay of the AG’s report exposes accountability and transparency deficits in an office that is supposed to exert accountability on others. These reports are for the public, who are the stockholders of public power and public resources, and must always have occasion to inspect them,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this appears to be a standing practice with many State-affiliated or constitutional offices that do not take time stipulations for release of reports seriously.”

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said he could not comment on the matter.

“I cannot comment on issues in the AG’s office. Her office is better placed to answer your questions,” Charamba said.

Chiri could not be reached for comment on her mobile phone.

During a recent discussion on public finance management, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development official Angella Mandoreba said the problem with failure to release the AG’s report was that some public officials that might be implicated could be leaving office and going outside the country before they were held to account for misuse or abuse of funds.

“We are almost mid-2021 when the 2019 report hasn’t yet been released so by that time the AG’s report will be presented well after people have forgotten some of the important issues in the report. Timeliness is crucial in publishing such reports which are important for the public to monitor how public funds are utilised,” Mandoreba said.

more- Newsday

By A Correspondent- The eight suspected robbers who pounced on former Agriculture minister Joseph Made’s farm before stealing an assortment of goods worth thousands of dollars appeared before Marondera magistrate Patience Chirimo yesterday facing unlawful entry, theft and possession of dangerous drugs charges.

Fungai Jiri (34), Tafadzwa Masimo (33), Talent Mugandani (25), Genesis Matiza (30), Sylvester Masimo (20) Takudzwa Mukamba (19), Prudence Bata (21) and Tadia Shanganya (17) were remanded in custody to May 7 for trial.

Allegations are that on April 22, police detectives in Marondera were tipped that the suspected broke into a house and stole various goods in Macheke, a neighbouring small town.h

The police detectives then went to a house in Mutamba, Macheke, where the accused persons were staying.

The detectives apprehended Jiri, Tafadzwa, Mugandani and Matiza leading to the discovery of various properties, including mattresses, gas tanks, fridges and microwaves, among other things.

Upon being quizzed, the accused persons implicated four others who were later arrested in Wedza.

The court heard that on April 15, Sylvester Masimo and Mukamba, who were employed at Made’s Tara Farm, and their accomplices used a claw bar to force open a locked door to the former minister’s house.

The accused went on to steal a six-plate gas and electric industrial stove, seven mattresses, a deep freezer, a microwave oven, 2×14-inch television sets, a 7kg gas tank, a 3kg gas tank, a Capri fridge, a 5,5 horsepower generator, a one-plate gas burner, various clothes, aluminium pipes, cutlery, a Motorola base station radio and five garden chairs.

On March 16 at Bronsburry Farm in Marondera, the accused allegedly cut the fence, got into the yard and stole one unregistered black and red Honda motorbike. On March 30, the accused persons went to Matepe Farm, where they cut a perimeter fence, got into the yard and stole two unregistered Honda motorbikes, two mountain bicycles, helmets, three pairs of goggles and a car battery.

The value of the stolen property was around $800 000.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The monthly cost of living for a family of five has shot to $28 362 from $26 560 in March, data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) indicated yesterday.

Price increases have continued to eat into the consumers’ pockets whose earnings fall far below this figure.

ZimStat said a Zimbabwean consumer now requires $5 672,47 to stay above the poverty datum line (PDL), also known as the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL).

This figure was $5 312,19 in March.

In December last year, ZimStat stopped reporting on the PDL for a family of five to focus on individual data.

It said this was in line with international standards.

But translated to an average family, the $5 672 adds up to $28 362.

“The Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for Zimbabwe stood at $5 672,47 per person in April 2021. This means that an individual required that much to purchase both non-food and food items as at April 2021 in order not to be deemed poor. This represents an increase of 6,8% compared to the March 2021 figure of $5 312,19,” ZimStat said.

According to the statistics agency, the food poverty line (FPL) stood at $4 099,95 during the period.

This represents an increase of 1,7% over the March 2021 figure of $4 033.

FPL represents the amount of money that an individual requires to afford the minimum required daily energy intake of 2 100 calories.

ZimStat said the poverty datum lines varied by province as prices vary from place to place.

The data showed that Mashonaland Central had the highest cost of living at $31 770 followed by Matabeleland North and Mashonaland East with $31 420 and $30 995, respectively.

Bulawayo’s cost of living was pegged at $30 925, with Manicaland at $30 130, Masvingo ($29 135), Harare ($28 355), Midlands ($26 480) and Matabeleland South at $25 005.

The data demonstrated that Zimbabwe’s economic crisis was worsening.

The majority of people, including professionals and civil servants, are at risk of malnutrition because they earn far below the TCPL.

Civil servants have been pushing for a salary increase.

Teachers, who represent the bulk of the civil service, are said to be earning between $17 000 and $22 000 per month, but they have been demanding between US$520 and US$550 per month, or their equivalent in the local currency.

Private sector workers have been affected by a rapidly shrinking consumer base due to de-industrialisation and the resultant job losses.

-newsday

• If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
• When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.
• Outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.

• Fully Vaccinated People:  Wear a mask.
• Unvaccinated People:  Wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, and wash your hands.

• Safety levels assume the recommended prevention measures are followed, both by the individual and the venue (if applicable).
• CDC cannot provide the specific risk level for every activity in every community. It is important to consider your own personal situation and the risk to you, your family, and your community before venturing out.

More- CentreforDiseaseControlandPrevention

By James Gwati- Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, has directed the party’s District Coordinating Committees (DCCs) to intimidate rural citizens so that they vote for their party in 2020.

Mpofu, told the state media that all DCCs had been directed to establish databases that capture all rural citizens in their respective jurisdictions.

Mpofu said they were targeting over five (5) million new people to vote for Zanu PF in 2020.

Zanu PF has a propensity of unleashing terror on citizens whenever the country holds elections.

The ruling party also uses state machinery in the form of state security agents to intimidate and displace opposition party supporters.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean businessman Mutumwa Mawere has hit hard times with his R2 million luxury apartment in Sandton set to go under the hammer over his failure to service his bond with a local bank.

Mawere left for South Africa after corruption investigations started against him when his former company, Shabanie Mashava Mines, came under Government scrutiny and he was accused of prejudicing the State of over Z$300 billion.

His mining assets were eventually frozen and the authorities took over the running of his mining firm.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Police are investigating a case where three people were found dead recently near Bata Farm in Bindura.

On Tuesday, the police said they were conducting investigations to establish the cause of the trio’s death. 

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident to The Herald.

“Yes, three people were found dead at Bata Farm yesterday. They were near a Honda CRV vehicle ABR 6239.

“One of the bodies was found lying about 40 m from the car and about 6 meters from dam shore. The second was found about 4.5 metres from the dam shore while the third one was found about 8.5 metres from the dam shore.

“Police are currently conducting investigations to establish the owner of the car.“Several items were found with the deceased which include money and cell phones. We also want to know what exactly happened, whether these people were attacked or they ate something, it is a puzzle that we want to unravel,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

By James Gwati- Zanu PF has directed its District Coordinating Committees (DCCs) throughout the country to force villagers to register to vote for the party ahead of the forthcoming national elections.

The party’s secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, told the state media that all DCCs had been directed to establish databases that capture all rural citizens in their prospective jurisdictions.

Mpofu said they were targeting over five (5) million new people to vote for Zanu PF in 2020.

Zanu PF has a propensity of unleashing terror on citizens whenever the country holds elections.

The ruling party also uses state machinery in the form of state security agents to intimidate and displace opposition party supporters.

By A Correspondent- the Police in Bindura has launched an investigation in a case in which three people were found dead recently near Bata Farm.

The police on Tuesday said they were conducting investigations to establish the cause of the trio’s death.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident to The Herald.

“Yes, three people were found dead at Bata Farm yesterday. They were near a Honda CRV vehicle ABR 6239.

“One of the bodies was found lying about 40 m from the car and about 6 meters from dam shore. The second was found about 4.5 metres from the dam shore while the third one was found about 8.5 metres from the dam shore.

“Police are currently conducting investigations to establish the owner of the car.“Several items were found with the deceased which include money and cell phones.

“We also want to know what exactly happened, whether these people were attacked or they ate something, it is a puzzle that we want to unravel,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Popular Gweru socialite, Gamuchirai Mudungwe (30) who was shot and killed in a frenzied gun attack on four people by a local polygamous man, who accused his second wife of cheating was yesterday buried at Senga cemetery in an emotional send-off thronged by hundreds of mourners.

It was indeed a befitting send-off as mourners paid their last respects at her parents’ house in Senga high density suburb.

Gamu was shot at close range from the back as she fled through the stair cases of a flat at her friend’s residence in Gweru Central Business District on Friday after his alleged killer, Peter Dube confronted her together with the other three as he accused Gamu of being involved in his second wife’s alleged acts of infidelity.

Gamu was killed together with Dube’s suspected second wife’s lover, Shelton Chinhango while the second wife herself, Nyasha Nharingo (31) and her sister, Nyaradzo sustained serous gunshot wounds.

Nyasha and Nyaradzo are still hospitalised with their condition reportedly now stable.

The road leading to Senga cemetery was totally sealed off as hundreds of lights flicking cars blocked all ends of the road behind a Nyaradzo Funeral Service hearse on its way to Gamu’s final resting place.

“We are very saddened that we have lost a lady of the people. For a very jovial lady like Gamu to die violently like that was the most cruel thing she least deserved,” commented one of her peers, and neighbour, Elizabeth Chidoori.

Gamu’s aunt, Mrs Entrance Takaidza said they were still trying to come to terms with Gamu’s sudden departure.

“She was a hardworking young lady and we are still in shock, we did not even know that she was as popular as this, it’s disheartening that she died a violent death,” she said.

Mr Simbarashe Dzvuka, father tothe late Gamu said they were not expecting some payment from the Dube family, but were keen to have the assailant brought to book so he could be accountable for the callous killing.

He confirmed the Dube family had reached out to them and allowed them to be at the burial.

“We are still in shock as a family and we are in mourning. The death of my daughter was just cruel by all measure but what can we do, we can’t resuscitate life. What we wish is to have justice in the end, this Dube guy should face justice, this is all what we can say at the moment,” said Mr Dzvuka.

Gamu is survived by one child.

Meanwhile, a convoy of over 100 cars drove from Kwekwe to Gweru to pick one of the shooting victims’ body Shelton Chinhango, a well know gold dealer in Kwekwe who was also buried yesterday.

Hundreds of gold dealers and artisanal miners who used to relate with Chinhango made a convoy of cars as they honked and skidded while giving Chinhango a befitting send-off.

On Monday,Dube’s relatives sent an SOS saying they were now living in fear as they constantly received threatening calls from Chinhango’s peerswho vowed to mete out revenge.

Dube’s young brother, Advance said they were advised by the police to move away cars fromDube’s car dealership company after receiving calls from unknown people threatening to burn down the car sales premises.- The Herald

By A Correspondent | There is no food at all at Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top pilot’s funeral, it has emerged, sparking murmurings that the late Wing Commander was assassinated.

Thomas Manyowa, who has been Mnangagwa’s most trusted helicopter pilot, is the most senior Airforce official of the crew who died in last week’s chopper accident in Arcturus. He is also the one who flew the presidential team to Karanda mid April when Mnangagwa opened a 160 metre footbridge.

I am deeply pained by the passing on of these two fine AFZ officers in a helicopter crash which also claimed a kid while injuring the mother and one other child. Barely two weeks ago, I tweeted on the two, highlighting late Flt-Lt Mapiye as a symbol of possibilities for the pic.twitter.com/1gf9iezpZi

— Jamwanda (@Jamwanda2) April 24, 2021

There have been loud complaints since Monday after the state provided only 12 loaves of bread and a small packet of mealie meal. This is all the government has provided for the funeral since Monday, several family sources told ZimEye.

On Monday, a group of soldiers dispatched by the state arrived at the property in Avondale carrying a a paltry 12 loaves of bread and a 10kg packet of mealie meal for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s own pilot. The development led to the late’s sister Rutendo screaming alleging her brother was killed. Speaking just as the loaves of bread were delivered, she rushed to say: “Vapedza ka kuchekeresa hanzvadzi yangu, havasisina kana basa naye. Varikundinyima futi fuel…” – after assassinating my brother they no longer care for him they are even denying me fuel, she said.

While efforts to get a comment from the Airforce were fruitless, ZimEye found the fmaily struggling for sustenance late Wednesday.

Another source complained saying, “how can they do this to the man they hae given state assistance who was doing all this work?”

They continued saying, “Even the defence minister Oppah Muchinguri came here with a convoy of 22 cars, but despite that large number they did not leave a penny, despite Mai Muchinguri describing Thomas as the most reliable pilot.”

ZimEye was at the time of writing reaching out to Minister Muchinguri and the Airforce of Zimbabwe spokesperson.

This AirForce of Zimbabwe Lady helicopter pilot is Flight-Lieutenant Mapiye. She flew us to Karanda yesterday. We celebrate this Officer who is the first Lady helicopter pilot of AFZ. Yes, they can. pic.twitter.com/iwOJFikHXF

— Jamwanda (@Jamwanda2) April 16, 2021

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that he is working tirelessly to unite the people of Zimbabwe.

Speaking during an interview with CITE News at the weekend, President Chamisa said:

Zanu PF is in panic mode, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself has created his own opposition in a bid to decimate the MDC Alliance but the truth is that we are unstoppable.

Let me say Mr
Mnangagwa has done a lot to help us rebuild the party.He thinks he is destroying us yet he is strengthening us.

My focus is on uniting the nation.Mr Mnangagwa knows we are the alternative and he is having nightmares because of our rising influence.

Lets be ready to fight for our rights, let’s be ready to fight for our freedom.

We represent light and they (Zanu PF bigwigs) represent darkness.

We are our own liberators, there is darkness before dawn..

Let’s be ready to celebrate our victory,” said President Chamisa.

He added:” We have realized that there are people who think that the struggle is about seeking to satisfy personal desires.

We will revisit our candidate selection processes.”

By A Correspondent- MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is giving Zanu PF sleepless nights as evidenced by the clueless ruling party mentioning of his name on its every meeting.

Every time Zanu PF meets or discusses any issues with the media, the party throws in Chamisa’s name.

On Monday the panicking political grouping, through its Chief Executive, Obert Mpofu lied to the nation that the entire opposition was pleading with them for salvation.

“In fact, people must be ready for a massive exodus from the opposition,” he told the state media.

“We have been approached by individuals from all sections of the opposition who are disgruntled. In no time, you will be shocked with the numbers of many who will come to the altar of the revolution,” said Mpofu.

By A Correspondent- Three male adults’ lifeless bodies were found in a Honda CRV near a dam at Bata farm Bindura on Sunday.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.

Two of the bodies have so far  been identified as Antony Ndawana Murombo (52) and Medion Kashiri (50) while the third one is yet to be identified.

Police is treating the case as a murder case.

It is alleged that a member of their neighborhood watch committee discovered the bodies in a Honda CRV registration number ABR 6239.

Investigations are in progress.

By A Correspondent- The country has reported three more Covid-19 related deaths and 16 new cases in the last 24-hours bringing the total number of cases to 38 102.

The vaccination programme is continuing countrywide with 428 844 people having been vaccinated against Covid-19 as of yesterday.   A total of 353 834 people received the first dose while 57 776 got the second jab.

The seven-day rolling average for new cases fell to 34 yesterday from 48.

All the 16 new cases are local transmissions.

So far, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Zimbabwe now stands at 1 560 while the national recovery rate stands at 92,2 percent.

A total of 1 495 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and positivity was 1,07 percent.

As of April 25, 2021 at 3PM, there were 36 people who were hospitalised of which three were admitted in intensive care units (ICU) while 13 had mild to moderate symptoms. Seven patients had severe symptoms while 13 was asymptomatic.

Midlands, Masvingo, Mashonaland West, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Wilkins, St Annes and Arundel did not report yesterday.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the highest number of seven cases was recorded in Matabeleland North followed by Bulawayo with three cases. Harare and Mashonaland East had two cases each. Midlands and Mashonaland Central each recorded one case.

“As of April 26, 2021, Zimbabwe, has now recorded 38 102 confirmed cases, 35 149 recoveries and 1 560 deaths,” reads the statement.

“Twenty-six new recoveries were reported and the national recovery rate stands at 92,2 percent and active case go down to 1 393 today.”

So far, Bulawayo province has recorded 5 629 cases 5 279 recoveries, 127 active cases and 223 deaths.

By A Correspondent- This is what he posted on his twitter account

This AirForce of Zimbabwe Lady helicopter pilot is Flight-Lieutenant Mapiye. She flew us to Karanda yesterday. We celebrate this Officer who is the first Lady helicopter pilot of AFZ. Yes, they can.

By A Correspondent- Three children under the age of 12 were killed in separate road traffic accidents which occurred on the same day in Zvishavane and Kwekwe.

Two children coming from school died after being hit by a vehicle while on their way from school.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the fatal accidents.

“It is confirmed that three children, two aged 11 years and the other aged 4 years died in two separate road accidents which occurred on Monday in Zvishavane and Kwekwe respectively,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said in the first incident one Fundile Moyo (28) of Luveve, Bulawayo was driving a Honda Fit motor vehicle along Harare – Bulawayo road with four passengers on board.

“On approaching 196km peg he lost control and the motor vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Blessing Moyo a girl aged 4 years who was among the passengers was thrown out of the motor vehicle through the window. She sustained head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kwekwe District Hospital. Two other passengers also sustained injuries and are admitted in Kwekwe District Hospital,” he said.

The second incident – Insp Mahoko said occurred along Masvingo – Mbalabala road in Zvishavane.

He said Phillip Dube (21) of Izayi Park in Zvishavane was driving a Toyota Fun cargo motor vehicle with no passengers.

“On approaching the 94 km peg, he attempted to overtake another vehicle which was in front. In the process he struck two children who were on their way from school, Tinotenda Anderson and Definate Chikava both aged 11 years. They both sustained head injuries and were rushed to Zvishavane District Hospital where they were pronounced dead upon arrival,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said both accidents are suspected to have been due to over speeding and a possible failure to keep proper look out on the road and its environs on the part of the drivers.

” It is sad that lives of children were lost in these circumstances. Drivers are reminded to always bear in mind that it is their duty to guard against accidents of any nature and promote safety on the roads,” said Insp Mahoko.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The proprietor of Bensam Flats in Gweru CBD — where a local businessman Peter Dube allegedly shot four people, killing two of them instantly last Friday — has kicked out the victims’ families.

Dube (35), a car dealer, has been in hiding since he allegedly shot and killed his second wife’s alleged lover, Shelton Chinhango, also a car dealer based in Kwekwe and Gamuchirai Mudungwe (30) of Gweru.

He also allegedly shot and injured his second wife, Nyasha Nharingo (31) and her sister Nyaradzo (34).

One of the tenants at the flats told Chronicle on condition of anonymity that the landlord visited the premises on Sunday night and ordered Nyasha and her family to move out. Said the tenant:

The landlord came last night and ordered Nyasha’s family out. He was in a no-nonsense mood. Nyasha, remember was planning to vacate the flat which Peter Dube was renting for her. We don’t know where they went but it was bad.

Nyasha is admitted to Gweru Provincial Hospital where her condition is said to be stable as she is out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is recuperating in a female surgical ward.

Her sister was supposed to be operated on last night to remove a bullet lodged in her head.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean businessman Mutumwa Mawere has hit hard times with his R2 million luxury apartment in Sandton set to go under the hammer over his failure to service his bond with a local bank.

Mawere left for South Africa after corruption investigations started against him when his former company, Shabanie Mashava Mines, came under Government scrutiny and he was accused of prejudicing the State of over Z$300 billion.

His mining assets were eventually frozen and the authorities took over the running of his mining firm.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Beitbridge town is battling with raw sewerage with the border town now requiring US$382 000 to fix the problem.

Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, told the state media that they were mobilising resources to address service delivery deficiencies.

“We have long-term plans to improve issues of service delivery and so far we need a total of US$382 000 so that we can be able to upgrade the current sewer reticulation facilities,” he said.

By A Correspondent- The former Vice President Kembo Mohadi’ s Beitbridge home town is struggling with the overwhelmed sewerage system.

Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, told the state media that they were mobilising resources to address this service delivery deficiency.

“We have long-term plans to improve issues of service delivery and so far we need a total of US$382 000 so that we can be able to upgrade the current sewer reticulation facilities,” he said.

By James Gwati-Zanu-PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa is regretting the November 2017 military coup which placed in power.

Mnangagwa in 2017 betrayed and booted out his long time ally the late former President Mugabe’s administration from power through a military coup.

Mnangagwa’s regrets were expressed by his party’s secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu yesterday when he invited back to the party the displaced Mugabe’s G-40 members.

“We have not shut the door for anyone interested in being part of the revolutionary train. The party just requires our deportees from the political oblivion to stand the test of loyalty and discipline to be welcome back to the mother party, Zanu PF.

“His Excellency President Mnangagwa who is the First The Secretary of the party has made it clear that Zanu PF is too big, a pocket with the capacity to “pocket us” all as long as we are loyal to the creed of the struggle and it’s a true meaning to our patriotic existentialism. The door is wide open,” said Mpofu.

By James, Gwati-The panicking Zanu-PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reached out to the former President Robert Mugabe’s allies and said that they were welcome to join him.

Mnangagwa in 2017 betrayed and booted out his long time ally the late former President Mugabe’s administration through a military coup.

His party’s secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu yesterday said they wanted Mugabe’s G-40 members back.

“We have not shut the door for anyone interested in being part of the revolutionary train. The party just requires our deportees from the political oblivion to stand the test of loyalty and discipline to be welcome back to the mother party, Zanu PF.

“His Excellency President Mnangagwa who is the First The Secretary of the party has made it clear that Zanu PF is too big, a pocket with the capacity to “pocket us” all as long as we are loyal to the creed of the struggle and it’s a true meaning to our patriotic existentialism. The door is wide open,” said Mpofu.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that he is working tirelessly to unite the people of Zimbabwe.

Speaking during an interview with CITE News at the weekend, President Chamisa said:

Zanu PF is in panic mode, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself has created his own opposition in a bid to decimate the MDC Alliance but the truth is that we are unstoppable.

Let me say Mr
Mnangagwa has done a lot to help us rebuild the party.He thinks he is destroying us yet he is strengthening us.

My focus is on uniting the nation.Mr Mnangagwa knows we are the alternative and he is having nightmares because of our rising influence.

Lets be ready to fight for our rights, let’s be ready to fight for our freedom.

We represent light and they (Zanu PF bigwigs) represent darkness.

We are our own liberators, there is darkness before dawn..

Let’s be ready to celebrate our victory,” said President Chamisa.

He added:” We have realized that there are people who think that the struggle is about seeking to satisfy personal desires.

We will revisit our candidate selection processes.”

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that he is working tirelessly to unite the people of Zimbabwe.

Speaking during an interview with CITE News at the weekend, President Chamisa said:

Zanu PF is in panic mode, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself has created his own opposition in a bid to decimate the MDC Alliance but the truth is that we are unstoppable.

Let me say Mr
Mnangagwa has done a lot to help us rebuild the party.He thinks he is destroying us yet he is strengthening us.

My focus is on uniting the nation.Mr Mnangagwa knows we are the alternative and he is having nightmares because of our rising influence.

Lets be ready to fight for our rights, let’s be ready to fight for our freedom.

We represent light and they (Zanu PF bigwigs) represent darkness.

We are our own liberators, there is darkness before dawn..

Let’s be ready to celebrate our victory,” said President Chamisa.

He added:” We have realized that there are people who think that the struggle is about seeking to satisfy personal desires.

We will revisit our candidate selection processes.”

By A Correspondent- A councillor from the Zibagwe Rural District Council and his wife died after they were assaulted with a log by their mentally challenged grandson on Sunday evening.

Ward 8 Councillor, Ambrose Ncube (74), died on the spot after the attack by Victor Sibanda (24).

His wife, Thandi Khumalo (68) also died after she was assaulted as she tried to intervene.

National Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“We can confirm that police are investigating a murder case of an elderly couple, a man aged 74 and his wife aged 68. The couple is believed to have been murdered by their grandson believed to be mentally challenged,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

He said the incident took place at Village Mutsekwa under Chief Samambwa area in Zhombe on Sunday around 6pm.

Zibagwe RDC Council Chair, Councilor Chamunogwa Zvishamira said Sibanda is the deceased couple’s grandson.

“The late councillor had just taken his grandson to stay with him. I am told that the grandson has a mental challenge. While details are still sketchy, we know that they had a misunderstanding and he drew a log and hit his grandfather several times on the head and he died,” said Cllr Zvishamira.

He said the wife died as she tried to intervene.

“Seeing that her husband was being assaulted, the wife tried to restrain Sibanda, but he turned the log onto her and assaulted her and she also died on the spot. Their bodies have since been taken to Kwekwe General Hospital where they await postmortem,” he said.

He said Sibanda has been picked up by the police.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The late former Vice-President Joshua Nkomo’s son Sibangilizwe Nkomo has resigned from the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust and the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement to pursue politics full-time.

The development comes amid reports that Sibangilizwe was interested in contesting the Zapu party presidency.

Nkomo’s name recently featured among candidates forwarded by branches to the party’s national executive to contest the presidency during the Zapu elective congress slated for August.

Yesterday, the two organisations pushing for the maintenance of Nkomo’s legacy, announced Sibangilizwe’s resignation.

“The two institutions welcomed Nkomo’s resignation and withdrawal from the activities of the trusts with immediate effect,” the organisations’ joint statement read.

“It is our solemn belief as institutions, that every person has his or her constitutional right and freedom to associate or belong to any organisation of his choice. It is this right that Nkomo has rightfully decided to pursue and exercise.”

The organisations advised all stakeholders, partners, groups and Zimbabweans based locally and abroad that Nkomo, who had been chairperson and founding trustee of the two institutions, had resigned with immediate effect to pursue an interest in active politics.

The Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project seeks to unite people through cultivating a culture of love, unity, peace and tolerance which was part of the late VP Nkomo’s vision.

It also enjoys good relations with government.

“Following this development, the Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Project Trust will continue with its work as usual under the capable leadership of its chairperson, Mehluli Moyo and the two organisations shall, from time-to time, consult him on matters that require the Nkomo family’s attention given that he was a representative of the family of our icon whose legacy the two trusts seek to help preserve for future generations,” the statement read.

Sibangilizwe yesterday confirmed his resignation.

“It’s true that I have resigned to pursue politics,” he said without further revealing the political outfit that he will join.

Recently, Nkomo told Southern Eye that if the people deployed him for the Zapu presidency, he would accept the offer.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A funeral parade to honour two Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) pilots and a technician who died in a helicopter crash in Goromonzi on Friday last week will be held this Friday.

The pilots are Wing Commander Thomas Tinashe Manyowa and Flight Lieutenant Anita Mapiye while the aircraft technician is Flight Sergeant Tinodiwanashe Chikamhi.

An 18 month old toddler, Jade Fenyere, who was sleeping with her twin sister, Jada, was also killed when the Agusta Bell 412 (AB 412) helicopter crashed into their house.

The AFZ on Monday said Wing Commander Manyowa will be buried in Chinhoyi, while Flight Lieutenant Mapiye will be interred at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare.

Flight Sergeant Chikamhi will be buried at Mucheke Cemetery in Masvingo.

Jade Fenyere will be buried today in Bocha, Manicaland Province.-statemedia

By Nomusa Garikai- Much has been said about the endless factional wars in the country’s main opposition MDC ever since the party’s launch in 1999.

Zanu PF has suffered similar factional war with the booting out of the VP Joice Mujuru and her Gatamox faction in 2014. This was followed by the November 2017 military coup that forced Robert Mugabe to step down and many of the G40 leaders were lucky to get away with their lives. 

Now there is talk of President Mnangagwa inviting both Gamatox and G40 members to rejoin Zanu PF. Why?

“The ruling party now feels it is in a strong position having essentially marginalised the opposition as a unified force, and hence it wishes to consolidate its position as the dominant political force in the country,” answered University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, Professor Stephen Chan.

“Reaching out to the G40 must not be misconstrued as an act of desperation, but one of confidence.

“What we see emerging is not just a dominant party state, but a hegemonic party state.

“The question is, however, for what does this hegemonic party stand? It seems sometimes like a gigantic patronage and enrichment network.

“However, this can still work if the oligarchic elite can ensure that economic benefits trickle down to those who are poor. A politically strong party in a fraying economy is in a difficult position.”

For once, Professor Chan is right, what good will come from having a strong party when the economy is in free fall! Mnangagwa has failed to revive the Zimbabwe economy and as long as the country remains a pariah state ruled by thugs there will be no meaningful economic recovery. The corona virus pandemic is set to drag the economy into even greater depths of poverty and despair.  

Come 2023 elections, the voters will be concerned about their economic situation and will not care that Mnangagwa and his former G40 and Gamatox Zanu PF colleagues have kissed and made-up.

Many of the G40 and Gamatox members are as keen as mustard to rejoin Zanu PF to escape the economic hardships brought on by the economic meltdown. They will soon discover that Mnangagwa wanted their vote but has no jobs and/or looted wealth to give them. Nothing!

There is no denying there is total chaos and confusion in the MDC camp, the recalls of elected MDC A officials in the last year have left many members divided and bitter. MDC has imploded. 

Still, if there were free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe; the people would rather vote for divided and confused opposition if only to be rid of the corrupt and oppressive Zanu PF. Mnangagwa knows that and hence the reason he will never ever implement the democratic reforms and hold free, fair and credible elections. 

The dog-eat-dog fighting in the MDC has worked to Mnangagwa’s advantage in making the MDC weak to exploit Zanu PF’s weaknesses but the pendulum has swung too far; a weak MDC has lost political credibility.

In 2013 SADC leaders advised Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends not to participate in the elections until reforms were implemented.  “If you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done!” SADC leaders warned.

MDC leaders did not heed the warning. Zanu PF won the elections with a landslide. SADC leaders’ warning was equally valid in 2018, but again MDC leaders paid no heed and Zanu PF blatantly rigged the election again. 

MDC leaders ignored the SADC leaders’ warnings because they were content with the few gravy train seats Zanu PF gave away as bait, they did not care that the elections were flawed and illegal. Zanu PF enticed MDC leaders to participate so the flawed process would have some credibility and the result have legitimacy for that Zanu PF did not mind sharing of the spoils of power with MDC leaders. A cosy win, win arrangement for both Zanu PF and MDC but one that has left people questioning the political credibility of MDC as the opposition.   

A credible opposition parties should aim to win power, especially free and fair elections in 2023 are guaranteed to deliver and opposition landslide victory. MDC leaders are once again gearing to participate in the 2023 elections with no reforms. They are, once again, content to win the few gravy train seats.

Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies are used to having their cake and eat it too; they rigged the elections and bribed the MDC to participate to guarantee legitimacy. 2023 elections are set to be Zanu PF’s worst nightmare. If Zanu PF dares to implement the reforms and hold free, fair and credible elections; the party is certain to lose. The economy is in a real mess and the electorate will jump at the chance to finally get rid of the corrupt and tyrannical regime. 

If Zanu PF does not implement any reforms and blatantly rig the elections only the opposition parties with no political credibility would participate in flawed elections for the now obvious reason of greed. Like it or not a now totally discredited opposition will never give the vote rigging Zanu PF any legitimacy. 

For the first time in since independence; HEADS Zanu PF lose and TAIL the povo win! 

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa was misled into believing that Victoria Falls City has achieved herd immunity against COVID-19, it has been established.

In a post on Twitter on Monday morning, President Mnangagwa claimed that 77% of the Victoria Falls’ adult population got vaccinated.

He said:

Victoria Falls has now achieved herd immunity!??

Last month, I received my first COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria Falls. I am immensely proud that over 77% of the city’s inhabitants have received their second jab.

Thank you to all the health officials who have made this possible.

However, according to Zim Fact, President Mnangagwa’s claim is not backed by empirical data.

It said:

Official data shows that by April 25, when Mnangagwa made the claim, 77% of Victoria Falls’ targeted adult population had only received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Given the double-dose vaccines currently in use by Zimbabwe, persons are only considered to be fully vaccinated after receiving their second shot.

Further, the threshold for herd immunity against COVID-19, a new disease that emerged in late 2019, is yet to be established.

The World Health Organisation defines herd immunity as the protection from an infectious disease that a population gets from a previous infection or vaccination.

WHO says it only supports the attainment of herd immunity through vaccination and not through allowing infections to spread unchecked through populations.-Zimfact

By A Correspondent- Villagers in the Dema area of Seke district have renewed their efforts to have the Dema tollgate relocated as it is economically affecting their lives.

The tollgate, located along Chitungwiza-Wedza Highway near Ziko Shopping Centre, is set to be moved to Kandava after disgruntled villagers protested over its location.

Seke legislator Munyaradzi Kashambe (Zanu-PF) yesterday said the relocation of the tollgate had since been approved, adding that erection of a new tollgate would be done once funds have been released.

“The Dema tollgate will be relocated to Kandava area near the Econet booster. They were waiting for the new toll plaza design and the design is out and approved. We are now waiting for the disbursement of the funds from the Finance ministry, otherwise all is good to go.

“We hope we won’t be delayed this time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, most of the funds are likely to be channelled towards road rehabilitation because roads have been declared a national disaster,” he said.

The Dema tollgate has been reported as one of the worst revenue collection points as motorists use feeder roads to evade paying toll fees.

Seke Rural Development Platform secretary-general Givemore Chipere said: “We handed over a petition last year to the then (Transport) minister Joel Biggie Matiza. Unfortunately, he passed on before responding to our issues. We are basically saying this tollgate should be moved further up. The tollgate is inconveniencing the villagers especially those who rely on farming and travel to markets in Chitungwiza.

“It is unfair for us to pay toll fees within our area almost everyday. Moreover, our schoolgoing children, especially at Besa Primary are at risk of being hit by vehicles that use a feeder road to evade paying toll fees,” he said.

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration in 2018 admitted that the toll plaza was wrongly located.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Financial services giant CBZ Holdings Limited has resolved to slash its workforce in response to rapid sector changes that have been precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and fresh inroads made by digitalisation since the global scourge rattled the markets last year.

COVID-19 only amplified a crisis that had haunted unions since banks scaled up a well-meant financial inclusion strategy about five years ago, which meant they switched to digital platforms to serve clients, eliminating a decades-old physical contact tradition.

Yet as governments rolled out hard lockdowns to fight the pandemic, which forced banks to make staff work from home, it provided them with a chance to rationalise costs by pursuing digitalisation in the post-lockdown era.

In his letter to staff on Friday, CBZ chief executive officer Blessing Mudavanhu did not disclose the extent to which COVID-19 and digitalisation had reshaped the bank’s operations.

But he invited them to take up a voluntary retrenchment package. Should there be a lukewarm response to the offer, Zimbabwe’s biggest banking group will then roll out compulsory job cuts from June, in one of the most shocking banking sector developments since COVID-19 hit Zimbabwe. He said CBZ had discovered that as the pandemic forced its way through, new skills had become crucial to move the banking group forward.

But those who were unwilling to embrace new business models being implemented were free to leave, he said.

The Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers Union told NewsDay Business yesterday that CBZ’s move could only be a tip of the iceberg as a number of banks were already implementing the same strategy.

“It has been essential to us as an organisation to ensure the preservation of jobs and earnings and we have committed to that for the duration of this crisis and furthermore, provided a range of additional measures to ensure that we support all of our staff and your families,” Mudavanhu told staff.

“The manner in which we reach, serve and provide solutions to our customers and clients has changed significantly. Most of our work has transitioned to digital platforms and automation has become key. This is an area which will continue to change and with this comes the need for new business models and different skill-sets.”

“As we venture into a new and changing business model and new ways of work, we will inevitably need to review our current structure and operations. We acknowledge that there are some colleagues among us who may not be willing or able to undertake this journey of change and will want to take the opportunity to pursue other interests. We are, therefore, pleased to announce the offer of a voluntary severance package for any employee who willingly, freely and voluntarily wishes to consider pursuing opportunities outside the organisation. Following the voluntary severance exercise, should it be found that we do, indeed, need to consider retrenchment, our retrenchment exercise will commence in June 2021,” he said.

Telecommunications giant TelOne has announced plans to axe about 200 workers.

“The TelOne digital transformation journey which has special focus on client experience enhancement and provision of new products and services entails the digitalisation of the company’s operations and systems through network upgrade and modernisation,” TelOne said.

“For this drive to succeed, relevant skills and qualifications emerged as one of the main priorities. Consequently, the company has taken a position to embark on a realignment programme to terminate the contracts of 184 individuals whose skills-set has been rendered redundant.”

By A Correspondent- Nkayi South MP Stars Mathe (Zanu-PF) is under fire from Matabeleland activists for bootlicking President Emmerson Mnangagwa, notwithstanding that the Zanu-PF leader was allegedly involved in the execution of Gukurahundi massacres in the early 1980s.

Mnangagwa is said to be one of the brains behind the Gukurahundi genocide in the Matabeleland and Midlands regions, which resulted in an estimated 20 000 civilians being killed and tens of thousands displaced. Mathe got herself in trouble after she praised Mnangagwa for ensuring political stability in the country.

“I am happy that this country is still run by blacks and has attained 41 years of independence. Some countries are still fighting for their independence and others have attained it, but they still have problems,” she said.

“We got our independence long back but we still live in unity, peace and harmony and we have not experienced any spilling of blood,” Mathe said in the National Assembly.

Her remarks sparked outrage from the secessionist Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) which described her as someone who does not deserve a position in Parliament.

“Honestly, there is nothing honourable in Mathe. The title honourable is too smart for her. Let her say and do honourable things and we will address her by that title.

“The people here are disgusted by parliamentary debates and the contributions attributed to the Nkayi South MP Mathe,” said the MRP in a statement.

“The controversial Mathe shamelessly exonerated her party Zanu-PF from the genocide which took place in Matabeleland.

“Mathe, who is also from Matabeleland, has guts to speak glowingly of Mnangagwa forgetting his involvement in the killing of thousands of people in the region.

“This kind of bootlicking should be criminalised. How on earth would Mathe hail Mnangagwa for things that do not exist in this country? How can she try to sweep under the  carpet crimes involving bloodshed in which the very people she is praising are implicated?”

The MRP claimed that Mathe was a witness to the genocide, which the late former President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF government masterminded soon after independence in 1980.

“She is a witness to the more than 20 000 innocent civilians who fell to the unjustified sword of the same people and party to which she is expressing her blind loyalty.

“Her own relatives and villagers in Nkayi were equally affected. They are in emotional pain to this day. Some still suffer physical agony to this day, but here Mathe is pretending that nothing of the sort ever happened.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 30-year-old man from Cowdray Park suburb who allegedly stabbed his neighbour with an okapi knife following a beer brawl.

The incident occurred yesterday when Njabulo Ncube and three accomplices who are still at large kicked and spilled complainant’s beer around 4PM while they were all drinking at a place called Caravan in Cowdray Park.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico confirmed the incident saying the complainant is in critical condition at hospital as he sustained three serious stab wounds on the back, one under the left eye and one on the right-hand palm.

He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands and to seek redress when there is a misunderstanding.

“Police have arrested Njabulo Msebele, a male adult aged 30 years from Cowdray Park, for attempted murder which occurred yesterday at around 4PM. The other accused persons are Shalom Ncube, Bhizo and Adolf whose other details are not known and all the three are still at large,” said Insp Ncube.

“The complainant was drinking beer at Caravan, Cowdray Park, Bulawayo together with the accused persons when Bhizo kicked and spilled the complainant’s half-full calabash. A misunderstanding arose between the complainant and Bhizo and the two started exchanging blows.

At that moment, the other three accused persons joined in and Njabulo Msebele produced an okapi knife, stabbed the complainant three times in the back, once under the left eye and once on the right-hand palm,” he said.

Insp Ncube said 30 minutes later, the complainant made a report at ZRP Cowdray Park Caravan base and the scene was attended to.

Police arrested Msebele who was searched and an okapi knife was recovered from his right trousers’ pocket.

“The other accused persons Shalom Ncube, Bhizo and Adolf were not located and are still at large. The okapi knife was booked as an exhibit at ZRP Cowdray Park. An ambulance was summoned which ferried the complainant to Mpilo hospital and his condition is serious,” he said.

Insp Ncube added: “Bulawayo police would like to warn members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands and to seek redress when there is a misunderstanding. We are also appealing to anyone with information which can lead to the apprehension of the other accused persons to report at any nearest police station.”-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema has directed school authorities to submit names of teachers who have not been reporting for duty since the reopening of schools last month as Government moves to enforce the “no work, no pay” principle.

The number of teachers reporting for duty has decreased since schools reopened last month as they are citing incapacitation.

According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the situation is more pronounced in Bulawayo and Harare as some teachers elsewhere have ignored the call for strike by their unions. In Bulawayo, only 50 percent of teachers have turned up for duty with pupil attendance pegged at 68 percent.

Speaking in Parliament during a question-and-answer session, Minister Mathema said his ministry is working with school heads to gather attendance information including names of teachers at all the schools not reporting for duty.

The information will then be forwarded to the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Minister Mathema warned that there will be consequences for teachers who are not attending lessons.

“I have heard that there are some schools where teachers are not going to work. What we are saying is that no work, no pay to those teachers who are not at work. We are working with school heads to have registers so that I pass on that information to the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare,” he said.

The minister said he has not received any representation from teachers’ unions pertaining to their grievances.

“We cannot have a situation where teachers just decide not to go to work. As the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, I have not received any representation from any of the teachers’ unions in the country. So, no work, no pay,” he said.

Speaking during a Covid-19 Taskforce meeting in Bulawayo last Tuesday, Provincial Deputy Education Director Mr Thabani Sibanda said two weeks ago, the ministry sampled 75 schools for teacher and learner attendance.

From that sampling, statistics showed that the teacher attendance drastically dropped due to incapacitation notices forwarded to schools, districts and the province. Cabinet last week reiterated that negotiations for improved conditions of service remain open under the National Joint Negotiating Council and that the ‘no work, no pay policy’ will be strictly enforced.

Government offered a 25 percent salary increment to civil servants from this month while a further 50 percent would be effected in June.

Three weeks ago, Government met its employees and outlined constraints being faced, emanating from a prolonged economic shutdown owing to the lockdown measures instituted to manage the Covid-19 pandemic, during which revenue generation was reduced to virtual insignificance.

Further, Government coffers are stretched since it is paying for vaccines, with the aim of administering doses to at least 10 million people to achieve herd immunity.

Government has set aside US$100 million to buy Covid-19 vaccines. However, Government has remained committed to fulfilling the payment of salaries and benefits to all civil servants, including those who were at home during the long periods of national lockdown.

-statemedia

Main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa says his party has tightened the criteria used to select parliamentary and local authority candidates to avoid infiltration by “fortune seekers” who defect to the ruling Zanu PF party once they win elections.

In an interview with online news agency, CITE, at the weekend, Chamisa said the recent defection of elected MDC Alliance representatives, among them top party executives, to Zanu PF had taught them hard lessons and forced them to tighten screws in the selection process.

Chamisa, who narrowly lost to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Zanu PF leader, in the disputed 2018 harmonised elections, said the MDC Alliance would now settle for “change agents committed to the struggle” ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

“What has happened is that a lot of our MPs and a lot of our councillors are people who are looking for opportunities,” he said.

“In fact, I have learnt from what has happened that instead of having people coming across as change seekers, change agents and change makers, they are actually job seekers, and so the preoccupation is to preserve a job as an MP or councillor,” said the youthful opposition leader, who has lost over 40 MPs and about 80 councillors in recalls orchestrated by the rival MDC-T party led by Douglas Mwonzora and Lucia Matibenga of the People’s Democratic
Party.

Following the mass recalls, several other MDC Alliance legislators and councillors also crossed the floor to the ruling party to safeguard their jobs.

Chamisa described the defections as “a survival strategy” as well as a great betrayal of the struggle for democracy.

He accused Zanu PF and the MDC-T of conniving to decimate his party by dangling trinkets to elected MDC Alliance representatives.

“That is why I am now apologising to the people of Zimbabwe to say that we had not thought through the processes of our candidate selection, and that is why we have to go back to the drawing board to say we don’t have a party candidate, but a community candidate, a collective ethic and converged process run by community and opinion-makers as opposed to a political party because these processes produce candidates who do not have their loyalty in communities and to the people,” Chamisa said.

“Most of the MPs and councillors who have remained in Parliament on account of allegiance to a counter party formed by Mnangagwa have not shown loyalty to the people and we are going back to the drawing board.”

The MDC Alliance leader said communities and stakeholders would now lead the candidate selection process as opposed to using party structures.

“There will be a radical shift and change to the current candidate selection process in this organisation to allow the community to lead the process,” he said.

But MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube scoffed at Chamisa’s claims, saying the MPs had dumped him after realising that the MDC Alliance had low regard of constitutionalism.

“There were no defections and the MPs only decided to stand on the side of their party constitution and the country’s Constitution. It is misleading for long-time comrades like Chamisa to believe in the lie he started himself that there is money involved or buying of people involved. He cannot be the only paragon of political correctness,” he said.

“He must not trivialise issues to that extent. It is very regrettable and insulting to people who made this party to be what it is.”

Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF government of engineering the arbitrary arrests of MDC Alliance activists, but the State has denied the charge.

“All the elected people were elected on the MDC Alliance ticket, but what we have seen is lawfare, the abuse of the courts in this case by Mr Mnangagwa to recall by his created surrogates whom you know, to then say all MDC Alliance MPs now belong to the MDC-T,” he said.

The MDC Alliance leader said the takeover of the party headquarters by Mwonzora’s MDC-T was a temporary setback, adding that his party would soon reclaim the property.

“What we have seen is authoritarian consolidation, an escalation of tyranny and we have seen the panic mode by Zanu PF and Mr Mnangagwa on account of our strength. We have remained steadfast, we have remained very strong and that’s why you have seen that they are in sixes and sevens. If we were such a non-factor in the politics of this country, they would have simply ignored us, but they can’t ignore us. They have discovered that we are too strong on the ground and want to weaken us, decimate our structures but they will not succeed,” Chamisa said.

Recently, Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo told NewsDay that his party was not involved in opposition party fights.

-Newsday

Outspoken Norton MP Temba Mliswa, who is being accused of violating COVID-19 regulations, yesterday successfully applied for the release of his passport to enable him to travel to Portugal and South Africa.

The Norton legislator applied for the release of his passport last week, but the magistrate delivered the ruling yesterday.

Mliswa allegedly violated COVID-19 regulations when he convened a Press conference at his Borrowdale residence in Harare, which was attended by nearly 20 journalists.

The legislator denied the charge, saying he was an essential services provider allowed to do business during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He also unsuccessfully filed an application to have his matter heard at the Constitutional Court saying the arrest violated his rights.

Meanwhile, suspended director of health in the Health ministry, Portia Manangazira, who is being accused of employing more than 27 relatives, including her father, who is in his late 70s, as health workers in December last year also successfully applied for the release of her passport.

Manangazira appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who released the passport to enable her to go to Zambia on a business trip.

Meanwhile, embattled wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga had numerous attempts to get her passport back to enable her to seek medical attention outside the country, hitting a brickwall.

Is it a case of selective application of the law?

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Warren Park, Harare, Child senator Mike Zinyoni, has scored 23 ‘A’ Level points in the 2020 Zimbabwe School Examination Council examinations held last November.

Zinyoni, who was at Marlborough High School, studied Pure Mathematics, where he got an A, Statistics (B), Software Engineering and Computer Science (A) and Business Studies (B) which are classified as technical sciences.

He told NewsDay that initially, it was hard for him to choose which subject to study between Physics or Statistics since their timetables clashed, but he ended up choosing Statistics since he felt it was more applicable in the real world.

Zinyoni is now looking for sponsorship to further his studies.-newsday