The late actress, Anne Nhira called her brother, Juan, and told him that she was attacked and this was the last thing that she said before she was rushed to hospital in South Africa on Monday.

Nhira, who shot to prominence through her role on the hit soap opera, Studio 263, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained after a mugging in South Africa’s Belview Suburb on Monday.

Juan who is based in South Africa said when he spoke to his sister, the few words she said were her recollection of what happened.

“The only few words I heard from my sister were that men with guns came out of the bushes at the prayer mountain. When I found her (at the scene), I didn’t want her to talk too much as I wanted to get help,” Juan said.

He said although his sister said there were gunmen involved, he did not see any gunshot wounds on her.

“There were no bullet wounds that I saw, but there was physical damage on the chest area, stomach, rib cage and her back. We’re actually trying to get the surveillance of that area and see if we can come up with anything.

“There’re no witnesses so far and what we know is what she told us,” said Juan.

Asked about burial arrangements, Juan said they are waiting for pathology results so that they map a way forward.

“We signed all the forms that were required so we’re now just waiting for the pathologists to give us the results. It’s only then that we’ll have a solid plan. They’re saying it’ll take a bit of time,” said Juan.

— Chronicle

Nearly 5 000 teenage girls got pregnant while close to 2 000 were married off in the first two months of the year, in what experts believe was a result of idleness and school closures caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Government imposed a Level Four lockdown at the beginning of the year resulting in the postponement of school opening. According to a report by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development which was presented in Parliament last week, the country recorded 4 959 cases of teenage pregnancies and 1 774 child marriages in January and February alone. The report also showed that 900 girls below the age of 17 were raped in October and November last year, indicating an average of 15 girls being raped per day.

Some of the rape cases were of girls below the age of seven. Mashonaland Central tops the numbers with 4 475 teenage pregnancies and 1 436 child marriages while Matabeleland South is second with 290 teenage pregnancies and 65 child marriages. Harare did not record any teenage pregnancy nor child marriage while Bulawayo had only one teenage pregnancy case and zero child marriages.

Matabeleland North recorded 74 child marriages and no teenage pregnancies. Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni who presented the report said close male family members were identified as perpetrators of rape and other forms of child abuse.

She said it was clear that rural areas have issues around teenagers who are exposed to sex before the age of consent. Dr Nyoni said staying at home and being idle also contributed to the minors getting pregnant.

“We acknowledge that this is a time of great anxiety, uncertainty and stress for many as normal life routines are changed. Women and girls who constitute the greater percentage of gender-based violence survivors find themselves trapped in homes with abusive husbands, fathers, brothers and family members with limited access to protection and support services. With the report, we have indeed witnessed unprecedented incidents of rape during this period.”

On rape cases of underaged girls, the report showed that the Victim Friendly Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police received 1 222 cases of rape in the third quarter of 2020 and in the fourth quarter they received 1 274 cases countrywide. A total of 134 girls between the age of zero and seven years were raped in the fourth quarter, 239 girls between eight years and 12 years, 292 girls between 13 and 15 years and 235 girls between 16 and 17 years.

Educationists, experts in adolescent sexual reproduction and parents said there was need for an urgent intervention by the Government and local communities. National Association of Secondary Headmasters president Mr Arthur Maphosa said the solution lies in the opening of schools as most teenage girls were being exposed to abusers while at home.

“The number of teenagers falling pregnant is not only disturbing but detrimental to efforts made by the Government and its partners to protect and empower the girl child. Children have to be in school but that was not possible for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that forced the closure of schools. Our young girls were exposed to the vagaries of society, made to engage in sex, forcibly in most cases.

“Parents no longer give strict supervision as they heavily rely on the school teacher to do the work. Hopefully as the Government finds a solution with communities, we hope to heal and mend the disaster through intense educational programmes.

We as educators cannot sit and leave the rot to spoil our children’s future. Men as fathers, brother and community leaders have to own up and stop this inhumane behaviour of raping our kids, marrying them off for money and status. It is disgusting.”

In a statement to Sunday News, the Farming Community Education Trust (FACET), said apart from rape, other drivers of teenage pregnancies were lack of appreciation of the value of keeping girls in school, poverty at family and community level.

“Most parents in these communities do not value education. The main reason being poverty because they cannot afford school fees and other requirements needed to send their children to school. Because of this, most girls then opt for marriage to escape poverty at home. Some are forced into these marriages by their parents so they can get a dollar from the arrangement. The trouble is that this becomes a cycle of poverty.”

The organisation said the solution was for communities to educate young girls and boys on the dangers of sex. Traditional leaders were identified as strategic in keeping the community in check.

Zimbabwe Council of Churches president Bishop Lazarus Khanye said in most cases, although not related to specific areas, the surge in teenage pregnancies was as a result of exploitation by those who have resources.

This year the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education committed to spend $123 million that will help pregnant girls to continue with their education. This is in line with the amended Education Act which now allows girls to attend school during and after the pregnancy. -Sunday Mail

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) and challenged the parastatal’s board to come up with a feasible and pragmatic turnaround strategy to revive the company.

NRZ has 10 working locomotives out of 67 and has failed to attract business from mining companies moving heavy metals in and outside the country. The organisation requires at least US$400 million to get back on its feet in the short term.

Speaking after touring NRZ properties in Bulawayo on Friday, Minister Mhona said NRZ required fresh capital injection to totally revitalise the parastatal and while the ministry engages the Treasury to avail some of the required resources, the board should also look at other prospective suitors to revive the parastatal.

Minister Mhona said most of the machinery and locomotives at NRZ were obsolete and were not moving with changing technologies. He said NRZ must make itself competitive on the market to become the transporter of choice and attract business.

“What I saw today belongs to the scrapyard. Those machines and equipment are outdated. To capacitate NRZ from the fiscus, the cake is very small. We go each year as a ministry and sometimes you are given a third of what you are anticipating. Despite the cake being small as a nation we are endowed with mineral resources and we can turn around the organisation ourselves.

It is not about having the money but also the capacity to have the ideas of generating the money. We need the NRZ board to give us a turnaround strategy. The moment you go with a begging bowl to the Treasury you will be frustrated because the Treasury is incapacitated.

The board should also look at strategic partnership. The moment you become vibrant and robust we attract business,” he said.

Minister Mhona said Government was also seeking to transport all heavy goods and metals by rail to prolong the lifespan of the roads.

“It is noble to move our goods from road to rail. Our roads are in a sorry state because there are heavy metals and goods being transported by road. Moving heavy goods from the roads and have them transported by road is the way to go,” he said.

NRZ board chairman Advocate Martin Dinha said NRZ required at least 40 locomotives for it to be able to meet some of the service requirements. He said NRZ required 300 new and modern coaches and 300 wagons.

“We don’t have enough traction power as NRZ. The NRZ board has always been on record in appealing to the Government to assist in terms of capacitation.

“We need at least 40 locomotives, 300 wagons and 300 coaches and this request had been given to Government and for us to move forward and achieve what we want that is the capacity needed to turn around the organisation. In terms of figures it is difficult to give them in terms of how much it costs. One locomotive costs around US$3 million. For 40 it is around US$120 million,” he said. -Sunday News

The Government has threatened to close schools that will bar pupils from attending classes over the issue of fees as it has emerged that most learning institutions are also demanding fees payment in foreign currency.

Schools open tomorrow for the first year for examination classes and the rest of the classes will open on 22 March.

However, parents have been scratching their heads over high demands from schools some that are pegged in foreign currency.

It has also been noted that some schools even if they allow parents to pay using local currency, are using rates higher than the official rates. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema told Sunday News yesterday that any school that will bar a pupil over the issue of fees risk being closed. He said the ministry was also concerned over the issue of fees as schools know the procedures that must be followed in coming up with the fees and levy structures.

“These schools are fully aware of the procedures to be followed when they want to increase fees, they know the consequences if they decide to increase without the consent of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry. What we are saying is that authorities should not be allowed to benefit from nothing.

It is also illegal for schools to then bar pupils from school owing to non-payment of fees, school heads know all this and they know that the ministry has the power to close them if they ignore these directives,” said Minister Mathema.

However, a survey by Sunday News has revealed that most boarding schools are pegging their fees in foreign currency, with authorities saying pupils will not be allowed within the school premises if they do not show proof of payment.

According to a circular from Embakwe Mission school in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, the school head, a Mr M Ndlovu, said Forms One to Three boarders are expected to pay US$325, Form Four boarders; US$345, Upper Six boarders (without practicals); US$365 while Upper Six students with practicals are expected to pay US$380.

“Payments may be made in local currency, Rand or United States Dollars to the given bank accounts. The bank will give the rating of the day.

Proof of fees payment is to be produced on boarding the bus. It is our hope that the fees charged will cover the term’s expenses at the same time helping the school to settle fixed charges of the past year like ancillary staff salaries, insurance, Nssa, Zesa and Zinwa,” reads the circular.

Other schools such as Mzingwane High School is demanding $21 000, John Tallach Secondary School $30 000 while Thornhill High School in Gweru is charging $30 000. Speaking on the preparedness of schools to open Minister Mathema said all was in place, revealing that officials from the ministry have been going around the provinces to assess the preparedness well before Cabinet announced the school calendar.

“Remember that we already have the Standard Operation Procedures which school heads have been implementing since last year, therefore I can safely say that come Monday its all systems go, we are ready.

“As a ministry we have done our best in the provision of Personal Protective Equipment to the schools but also our schools have become industries where they are producing masks and sanitisers but parents and guardians must play their part by also ensuring their children always mask up as we fight to contain the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Last week, on Thursday, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela, reiterated the ministry’s policy on school fees noting that school authorities should be guided by the set down ministry procedures on the collection of school fees. According to the new calendar the first term will end on 4 June, the second term will begin on 28 June ending on 10 September 10 while the third term will start on 4 October ending on 17 December. Sunday News

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, who is a man of faith has pointed out that those who are guided by God Almighty will always emerge victorious.

President Chamisa used the biblical illustration of David and Saul to describe the political events in the country.

Saul, being tormented by an evil spirit, tried in vain to kill David. In the Bible God describes David as a man after His own heart.

“STRONGER EVERYDAY..”Now there was a long war between the house of SAUL and the house of DAVID.

But David grew stronger and stronger,and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.” (2Sam 3:1) Blessed sabbath,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF is desperate to justify the killing and torture of innocent citizens, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

The clueless and cruel regime is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising influence, according to the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its visibly jaded spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo feebly attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda address.

In response, the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly accused Zanu PF of using the press conference to justify the persecution of human rights activists in the country.

Read full statement below:

Resistance To Abuse Of Our Rights Is Not Subversion, ZANU PF In Panic Mode

By Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

13-03-2021

ZANU PF is running scared and cannot fathom the idea of citizens converging for change.

In a hollow presser issued by the debilitating former revolutionary party through its mouthpiece, Simon Khaya Moyo, ZANU PF accuses the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance of threatening “to unseat a constitutionally elected Government”.

Such lies and unsubstantiated falsehoods on the alternative People’s Government can not go unchallenged.

It is important to note that whenever ZANU PF make those subversion allegations, the intention is to sanitize their intended bloodbath on innocent citizens.

When a hyena wants to devour its own cubs it first accuses them of smelling like goats.

The last time ZANU PF made those serious allegations against the people, they went on a rampage killing innocent civilians in January 2019. Last year following the July 31 call for demonstrations, the same regime drew a long list of “enemies of the government” and went on to arbitrarily arrest and imprison citizens without trial.

Remember Simon Khaya Moyo!

This is the same man who once described Emmerson Mnangagwa live on national television as “incompetent and inconsistent”. Now the same Khaya Moyo wants citizens not to question this “incompetent” dictator.

Anything from ZANU PF through Khaya Moyo is deception, lies and pretense. This is a man who always indicate right and turn left.

When ZANU PF tells you that they respect multi party democracy yet they go on to take over our party headquarters and recall the people’s elected representatives, they are lying with a straight face.

What sort of multi party democracy is propagated and irrigated by wanton arrests of alternative voices and closure of democratic space.

What democracy does ZANU PF parrot about when innocent alternative voices like Makomborero Haruzivishe, Takudzwa Ngadziore, Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe and many others are languishing in prisons for demanding their rights as citizens.

Resistance to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s abuse of power must never be mistaken as subversion.

Mnangagwa was not elected but was selected by the military through the gun so ZANU PF must spare us the ‘constitutionally elected’ nonsense.

While there is nothing positive to take home from ZANU PF’s hollow presser for the hungry and angry citizens, the response itself to the People’s #Agenda2021 is a clear indication that the message reached home.

Our message to the dictator is simple and clear. We can no longer tolerate the dehumanizing abuse we have endured for so long from this rogue regime.

The People’s #Agenda2021 and Citizens Convergence for Change will never be stopped by a failed ZANU PF’s sideshows.

Our grievances are very clear and genuine.

We are fed up with arbitrary arrests, imprisonment pre-trial, unchecked looting and corruption, state capture and abductions.

Defiance and resistance to ZANU PF abuse of power is our new normal.

DefyOrDie

CitizensConvergence4Change

Agenda2021

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF is desperate to justify the killing and torture of innocent citizens, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

The clueless and cruel regime is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising influence, according to the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its visibly jaded spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo feebly attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda address.

In response, the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly accused Zanu PF of using the press conference to justify the persecution of human rights activists in the country.

Read full statement below:

Resistance To Abuse Of Our Rights Is Not Subversion, ZANU PF In Panic Mode

By Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

13-03-2021

ZANU PF is running scared and cannot fathom the idea of citizens converging for change.

In a hollow presser issued by the debilitating former revolutionary party through its mouthpiece, Simon Khaya Moyo, ZANU PF accuses the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance of threatening “to unseat a constitutionally elected Government”.

Such lies and unsubstantiated falsehoods on the alternative People’s Government can not go unchallenged.

It is important to note that whenever ZANU PF make those subversion allegations, the intention is to sanitize their intended bloodbath on innocent citizens.

When a hyena wants to devour its own cubs it first accuses them of smelling like goats.

The last time ZANU PF made those serious allegations against the people, they went on a rampage killing innocent civilians in January 2019. Last year following the July 31 call for demonstrations, the same regime drew a long list of “enemies of the government” and went on to arbitrarily arrest and imprison citizens without trial.

Remember Simon Khaya Moyo!

This is the same man who once described Emmerson Mnangagwa live on national television as “incompetent and inconsistent”. Now the same Khaya Moyo wants citizens not to question this “incompetent” dictator.

Anything from ZANU PF through Khaya Moyo is deception, lies and pretense. This is a man who always indicate right and turn left.

When ZANU PF tells you that they respect multi party democracy yet they go on to take over our party headquarters and recall the people’s elected representatives, they are lying with a straight face.

What sort of multi party democracy is propagated and irrigated by wanton arrests of alternative voices and closure of democratic space.

What democracy does ZANU PF parrot about when innocent alternative voices like Makomborero Haruzivishe, Takudzwa Ngadziore, Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe and many others are languishing in prisons for demanding their rights as citizens.

Resistance to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s abuse of power must never be mistaken as subversion.

Mnangagwa was not elected but was selected by the military through the gun so ZANU PF must spare us the ‘constitutionally elected’ nonsense.

While there is nothing positive to take home from ZANU PF’s hollow presser for the hungry and angry citizens, the response itself to the People’s #Agenda2021 is a clear indication that the message reached home.

Our message to the dictator is simple and clear. We can no longer tolerate the dehumanizing abuse we have endured for so long from this rogue regime.

The People’s #Agenda2021 and Citizens Convergence for Change will never be stopped by a failed ZANU PF’s sideshows.

Our grievances are very clear and genuine.

We are fed up with arbitrary arrests, imprisonment pre-trial, unchecked looting and corruption, state capture and abductions.

Defiance and resistance to ZANU PF abuse of power is our new normal.

DefyOrDie

CitizensConvergence4Change

Agenda2021

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

The International Cross-Border Traders Association Temporarily Closed Beitbridge Border Post today 12 March 2021, Demanding the reopening of borders in Zimbabwe.

1. Why the top Zimbabwean government officials are sending trucks to buy goods in South Africa for resell in Zimbabwe?
2. Traders are dying in the bush when they try to cross borders through ungazetted points of entry.
3. Traders are loosing goods to robbers in the bush.
4. Airports must be closed not to close land borders only.
5. Borders must be opened since the vaccine is now available.

ICTA
+27 100 232 732
WhatsApp +27623966158

Tinashe Sambiri| Zanu PF is desperate to justify the killing and torture of innocent citizens, MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said.

The clueless and cruel regime is afraid of President Chamisa’s rising influence, according to the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its visibly jaded spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo feebly attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda address.

In response, the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly accused Zanu PF of using the press conference to justify the persecution of human rights activists in the country.

Read full statement below:

Resistance To Abuse Of Our Rights Is Not Subversion, ZANU PF In Panic Mode

By Stephen Sarkozy Chuma

13-03-2021

ZANU PF is running scared and cannot fathom the idea of citizens converging for change.

In a hollow presser issued by the debilitating former revolutionary party through its mouthpiece, Simon Khaya Moyo, ZANU PF accuses the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance of threatening “to unseat a constitutionally elected Government”.

Such lies and unsubstantiated falsehoods on the alternative People’s Government can not go unchallenged.

It is important to note that whenever ZANU PF make those subversion allegations, the intention is to sanitize their intended bloodbath on innocent citizens.

When a hyena wants to devour its own cubs it first accuses them of smelling like goats.

The last time ZANU PF made those serious allegations against the people, they went on a rampage killing innocent civilians in January 2019. Last year following the July 31 call for demonstrations, the same regime drew a long list of “enemies of the government” and went on to arbitrarily arrest and imprison citizens without trial.

Remember Simon Khaya Moyo!

This is the same man who once described Emmerson Mnangagwa live on national television as “incompetent and inconsistent”. Now the same Khaya Moyo wants citizens not to question this “incompetent” dictator.

Anything from ZANU PF through Khaya Moyo is deception, lies and pretense. This is a man who always indicate right and turn left.

When ZANU PF tells you that they respect multi party democracy yet they go on to take over our party headquarters and recall the people’s elected representatives, they are lying with a straight face.

What sort of multi party democracy is propagated and irrigated by wanton arrests of alternative voices and closure of democratic space.

What democracy does ZANU PF parrot about when innocent alternative voices like Makomborero Haruzivishe, Takudzwa Ngadziore, Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe and many others are languishing in prisons for demanding their rights as citizens.

Resistance to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s abuse of power must never be mistaken as subversion.

Mnangagwa was not elected but was selected by the military through the gun so ZANU PF must spare us the ‘constitutionally elected’ nonsense.

While there is nothing positive to take home from ZANU PF’s hollow presser for the hungry and angry citizens, the response itself to the People’s #Agenda2021 is a clear indication that the message reached home.

Our message to the dictator is simple and clear. We can no longer tolerate the dehumanizing abuse we have endured for so long from this rogue regime.

The People’s #Agenda2021 and Citizens Convergence for Change will never be stopped by a failed ZANU PF’s sideshows.

Our grievances are very clear and genuine.

We are fed up with arbitrary arrests, imprisonment pre-trial, unchecked looting and corruption, state capture and abductions.

Defiance and resistance to ZANU PF abuse of power is our new normal.

DefyOrDie

CitizensConvergence4Change

Agenda2021

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Tinashe Sambiri| The clueless Zanu PF regime is afraid of the people’s agenda, MDC Alliance has said.

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo stunned all and sundry on Friday when he accused President Nelson Chamisa of inciting social unrest.

A perplexed Khaya Moyo even instructed the police to arrest President Chamisa.

Zanu PF has dismally failed to resolve the country’s deepening economic woes.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3736407166406917&id=307873449260323

MDC Alliance Response to threats by Simon Khaya-Moyo – ZANU PF is afraid of the People's Agenda: pic.twitter.com/bqPQfiwBD8

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) March 12, 2021

Afro-contemporary musician Terry Afrika was yesterday involved in a head-on collision which claimed one life along Bindura Road.

Terry Afrika said his wife who was driving at a speed of between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour lost control of the car after hitting a pothole.

After losing control of the car Terry Afrika’s collided with an oncoming vehicle resulting in the death of one person who was in the other car.

Below are pictures of the accident….

Former MDC Alliance top official Tracy Mutinhiri is set for a sensational return to Zanu PF after handing in an application letter at the Mashonaland East provincial offices in Marondera declaring her intention to rejoin the ruling party.

This was revealed by the party’s provincial administration secretary Kudzai Majuru during a provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting held in Marondera on Saturday last week.

Mutinhiri, who joined the opposition party during the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s era after defecting from Zanu PF, quit the MDC Alliance in February last year citing “personal reasons” after having held influential positions for four years.

“We received applications from people who want to rejoin the party. We have Tracy Mutinhiri and three others. As a province, we recommended that they be readmitted into the party, However, according to the (party) constitution, they will become ordinary card-carrying members. We await for approval from our party leadership on the way forward,” Majuru said.

The other two who have applied to be readmitted into the Zanu PF party are Oswell Gwanzura from Goromonzi district and Joseph Kamwendo from Murewa.

Gwanzura was expelled after standing as an independent candidate during the 2018 elections as he protested against former Goromonzi South legislator Petronnela Kagonye’s alleged rigging of the party’s primaries, while Kamwendo had fallen out of favour with the late provincial chairmanship Joel Biggie Matiza.

Majuru added that Mutinhiri’s ex-husband and former minister Ambrose Mutinhiri had also applied to work with the Zanu PF provincial team.

“We all know that Mutinhiri was welcomed back through our top leadership. He, however, applied to the province notifying us at provincial level so that we work together,” Majuru said.

Zanu PF is currently luring expelled members and opposition party activists to join the party and beef up its support base ahead of the 2023 elections.

Recently, top MDC officials Lillian Timveos and Blessing Chebundo also defected to Zanu PF.

-Newsday

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa says criticism from different quotas inspires him to provide leadership in Zimbabwe’s fight for political and economic emancipation.

He made the remarks while speaking at the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiCZ) press conference to remember the Save Zimbabwe Campaign prayer meeting that was heavily crushed by the police on 11 March 2007.

“Some are saying Chamisa is silent and some say Chamisa makes a lot of noise in Zanu PF depending where you are and I can understand because it’s also a source of inspiration because I realize that people have hope and they want us to do something and say something more and we will provide that.

“The greatest mistake any leader can ever make is to assume that the leader is the struggle and is to assume that the leader is the alpha and omega of what the people must do, let us take back the struggle to where it belongs in the hands of the people.

“The country we want to see is in our hearts and in our heads, we can only unleash it for our future generations and for ourselves when we begin to all act not as politicians not as trade unions, churches but as citizens but the bottom line is for us to go back to our common denominator that which unites us which is Zimbabwean,” said Chamisa.

Meanwhile, the MDC Alliance leader claimed he had reached out to President Emmerson Mnangagwa through letters and emissaries for dialogue but the latter has snubbed him.

“I have written so many letters to Mnangagwa, I have sent emissaries to Mnangagwa to say come let us reason together this problem of Zimbabwe is too big for you, you are incapable of solving it alone, it takes two to tango come let’s look at the problem together but he does not listen. He has refused to listen, he has refused to understand where we are coming from.

“You can’t say the country is normal when Makomborero is in jail, when the student leaders are in jail, when Hopewell Chin’ono has charges, when senior political leaders in the MDC Alliance have charges and when workers have charges that cannot be normal. You cannot be the only one who is normal when everyone is wrong, that is what has to be corrected but it starts with understanding that something is fundamentally broken and it needs to be fixed and can only be fixed by all of us,” he said.

-263Chat

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has followed up his recent meeting with Highlanders Football Club executive with another against rival Dynamos FC.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba through his Jamwanda2 Twitter account posted about the meeting saying the meeting was part of Mnangagwa’s support to the most followed sport which has not been active since COVID-19 started.

“This morning His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa met the Executive of Dynamos Football Club as part of his support for the national sport which has been frozen by COVID-19 pandemic.

“This inactivity has created financial challenges for most Clubs in the country, motivating the President to take a keen interest in their fate and how it can be improved. Football remains the leading sport in the country.

“The Club gave the President its iconic jersey bearing his initials. A few weeks back, His Excellency the President met with the hierarchy of Highlanders Football Club to listen to challenges they face in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic which has stymied contact sporting activities worldwide.

“Two key faces in Dynamos FC are former Minister of Information and Publicity, Hon Webster Shamu, and Cde Marechera, both war veterans. Cde Marechera who appears in the accompanying picture with Dynamos Chairman, participated in historic Zanla attack on Grand Reef Airbase, a mission which was led by late Paradzayi Zimondi, Augustine Chihuri,” said Jamwanda.

A Bulawayo woman is suing her former maid after she had an affair with her husband and she is demanding $2500 as compensation for impairing her dignity, B Metro reports.

Abigirl Ncube (Nee Mpofu) approached the Bulawayo civil court suing Nothando Sibindi for having an adulterous affair with her husband, Erick Ncube and siring a child in their relationship which reportedly started in 2017 when Sibindi was the couple’s maid.

In the court papers seen by the publication, Ncube also claimed Sibindi is running a flea market after getting financial assistance from her husband:

The plaintiff is married to Erick Ncube under a monogamous marriage in terms of the Marriage Act Chapter 5:11 which was entered in 2015. Ever since the period beginning 2017 the defendant has illicitly associated and engaged with the plaintiff’s husband in adulterous sexual relationship well knowing the marital status of the plaintiff’s husband.

One child has been born out of the illicit and adulterous relationship between the defendant and the plaintiff. This is despite several pleas from the plaintiff directed at the defendant to end her adulterous affair with the plaintiff’s husband, defendant is still continuing with the affair.

This after she had promised to end the affair in 2019. Plaintiff has been seriously hurt and her dignity impaired by the flagrant adultery and lack of remorse exhibited by the defendant.

…An order for the payment in the sum of US$2 500 being damages for loss of consortium, society, love, companionship and association her spouse was providing before the defendant’s unlawful malicious and illicit association with the plaintiff’s husband well knowing his marital status.

Sibindi is yet to respond to the lawsuit.-B Metro

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights are sweating over the impact of President Nelson Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

In his Agenda 2021 address on Tuesday, President Chamisa exposed Zanu PF’s failure to revive the country’s economy.He also pointed out that the MDC Alliance would not be forced by anyone to endorse Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Illegitimate administration.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its spokesperson, Simon Khaya -Moyo attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

Khaya-Moyo shocked all and sundry when he accused President Chamisa of inciting social unrest.

“We are ready to deal with attempts to cause social disharmony.We view the address as a clear attempt to incite civil unrest and violence,” claimed Khaya- Moyo.

Political analysts argue Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance and Khaya Moyo ‘s has literally confirmed the former revolutionary party is in panic mode.

South African taxi operators have blocked traffic at their component of the Beitbridge Border Post in protest of Zimbabwe’s delay in opening its land borders.

A source from South Africa said scores of taxi owners have parked their vehicles between the border entrance and the Shell filling station, blocking all outgoing and incoming traffic in that country.

The official said the protesters were claiming that the state of affairs was affecting their revenue inflows since few people are currently using their services.

“They are saying the rigid trucks (light commercial) and other Zimbabwean registered vehicles must not be allowed entry into that country until Zimbabwe fully reopens its borders.

” In addition, they are demanding that the cross border transporters known as Omalaitsha be allowed to transport goods into Zimbabwe,” said the source.

Another border official said the gates to the South African side had been closed to avoid a spillover of the protesters into the border.

-STATE MEDIA

Three Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution (ZETDC) senior managers from the southern region have been arrested for alleged criminal abuse of office as public officers.

ZETDC is a subsidiary of Zesa. he trio of ZETDC southern region manager, Engineer King Dube; finance manager Willard Kunaka and procurement officer Noel Manjoro were arrested by police working with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission investigation team.

Dube, in his separate case, is accused of allegedly taking a ZETDC contract worker and using him at his house when he was not entitled to have a gardener — a development that saw the company being prejudiced of US$17 568,25.

In his second case, Dube, charged together with Kunaka and Manjoro, allegedly defrauded the company of US$62 635,97 by showing favour to one company which had not won a tender for a required job.

First to appear before Gweru provincial magistrate Mr Edwin Marecha facing criminal abuse of duty as a public officer was Dube.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded out of custody on $20 000 bail to April 2 for trial.

It is the State’s case that from January 2013 to February 2017, Dube allegedly took a ZETDC contract worker Andrew Homa to work as a gardener at his residence in Gweru.

Homa, the court heard, had signed a contract with ZETDC as a line worker and on ZETDC pay roll before being made to work as a gardener.

During the period, Homa earned US$17 568, 25.

The court heard that Dube’s contract of employment did not allow him to have a domestic worker being paid by ZETDC, therefore, he unlawfully and intentionally did what was contrary to or inconsistent with his duty as a public officer by showing favour to himself.

Dube then appeared together with Kunaka and Manjoro before the same court where the trio faced one count of criminal abuse of duty as public officers. They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr Marecha remanded them out of custody on $20 000 bail each to April 2 for trial. It is the State’s case that on April 17, 2018, ZETDC allegedly intended to find a supplier to do supply and fitting of cabinets and partitioning of offices for general managers, human resources and administration manager, engineering manager and finance manager in Gweru.

The State heard that the nature of the job cost US$33 468 which exceeded the US$10 000 limit requiring to go through tender processes, a requirement under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.

Dube, Kunaka and Manjoro, allegedly acting in connivance, decided to split the job to avoid going to tender.

On April 17, 2018, the accused persons allegedly divided the scope of work as follows, general manager’s office US$9 938, human resources and administration manager’s office US$6 710, engineering manager’s office US$9 999, finance manager’s office US$6 830.

The court heard that the split was allegedly done to ensure that each of the original orders were below US$10 000. The original orders were done on the same date and works were allegedly done on the same premises meaning the splitting was intentional.

Dube, Kunaka and Manjoro, the court heard then allegedly called for quotations from Ndaftech Investments (Pvt) Limited, Premcraft (Pvt) Limited, Herbets Construction (Pvt) Limited and Creative Systems (Pvt) Limited.

On all the four occasions, the court heard that Ndaftech (Pvt) Limited won using a low bid but ZEDTC went on to amend orders of additional services which exceeded the original value by 50 percent of the original amounts.

After the amendments, the court heard that the cumulative cost of all the jobs was US$62 635,97.

Dube, Kunaka and Manjoro’s responsibility was allegedly to make sure that proper procedures were followed before awarding a contract unlawfully and intentionally which was contrary or inconsistent with their duties as public officers by showing favour to Ndaftech Investments (Pvt) Limited.

Ms Wadzanayi Shayanewako appeared for the State in both matters. -Chronicle

TWO Gimboki, Mutare goat thieves received a thorough hiding last week on Friday night when they were caught partying and braaing goat meat shortly after a goat had been reported stolen in Dora Pindo.

Gimboki residents had to be restrained by the police as they assaulted Langton and Nyasha Mapanga.

While some shouted profanities at the two, some claimed that the pair should be thoroughly dealt with as they were a menace to the society. After being rescued from the mob by the police, the duo had to spend the night in police cells at Dangamvura Police Station.

The owner of the goat, Manyara Musiwacho, had tracked the goat from Chisamba Village in Dora to Langton’s residence in Gimboki, where the thieves were found braaing the liver and partying with friends at around 2am.

Musiwacho approached Langton and then alerted his neighbours.

The people came out in their numbers to discipline the duo.

“Langton is my neighbour in Dora and I had talked with him that night. When I got home, my wife told me that the goats were making weird sounds and when I went into their pen to check, I discovered that one was missing. That was around midnight.

“I went to Langton’s homestead to enquire from him, but he was not there. I decided to make a follow-up to Gimboki and that is when I found him partying with his friends. Everyone there admitted that they were braaing goat meat,” said Musiwacho.

Langton and Nyasha have since appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Tamara Chibindi, facing livestock theft charges.

They were convicted on their own guilty plea and were remanded to a later date to allow the State to check on their previous convictions.

Mr Tiriwamambo Kangai prosecuted.- Manica Post

The country has reported three more Covid-19 related deaths and 36 new cases in the last 24-hours bringing the total number of cases to 36 377.

The two new deaths were recorded in Harare while Mashonaland Central had one death. The vaccination programme is continuing in static sites countrywide with 36 019 frontline workers having been vaccinated as of yesterday.

The seven-day rolling average for new cases rose to 24 from 23 on Wednesday. All the 36 new cases are local transmissions.

So far, the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Zimbabwe now stands at 1 492 while the national recovery rate stands at 93,4 percent. A total of 1 706 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and positivity was 2,1 percent.

As of March 9, 2021, at 3PM, there were 120 hospitalised people of which three patients were admitted in intensive care units (ICU) while 22 had mild to moderate symptoms. Twenty-two had severe symptoms while 76 were asymptomatic.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the highest number of 10 cases was recorded in Harare followed by Matabeleland North with nine cases.

Bulawayo recorded eight cases each while the Midlands and Masvingo East had three cases each. Mashonaland West recorded two cases with Mashonaland Central recording one case. Manicaland and Matabeleland South did not record any cases.

“As of March 11, 2021, Zimbabwe, has now recorded 36 377 confirmed cases, 33 972 recoveries and 1 492 deaths,” reads the statement.

“Nineteen new recoveries were reported and the national recovery rate stands at 93,4 percent and active case go up to 913 today.”

So far, Bulawayo province has recorded 5 321 cases 5 097 recoveries, 19 active cases and 205 deaths. -Herald

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said the people’s struggle will not be affected by the defection of Senator Lilian Timveos and Hon Blessing Chebundo to Zanu PF.

MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende, quoting President Chamisa’s remarks, said the MDC Alliance was going through a process of shedding off exhausted elements.

“The MDC Alliance does not regard those who have left the party as a loss but as an important process of shedding off those exhausted elements who impede and slow down our national democratic struggle.

Our struggle is not driven by those who have mercenary zeal but is moved by those who have missionary enthusiasm.

Those who want to eat have no place in the democratic train: AGENDA 2021,” Hwende wrote on Facebook.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights are sweating over the impact of President Nelson Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

In his Agenda 2021 address on Tuesday, President Chamisa exposed Zanu PF’s failure to revive the country’s economy.He also pointed out that the MDC Alliance would not be forced by anyone to endorse Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Illegitimate administration.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its spokesperson, Simon Khaya -Moyo attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

Khaya-Moyo shocked all and sundry when he accused President Chamisa of inciting social unrest.

“We are ready to deal with attempts to cause social disharmony.We view the address as a clear attempt to incite civil unrest and violence,” claimed Khaya- Moyo.

Political analysts argue Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance and Khaya Moyo ‘s has literally confirmed the former revolutionary party is in panic mode.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has released a statement clarifying the issue of the 2021 school calendar after it had been speculated that the Association of Trust Schools’ (ATS) has its own 2021 school calendar. We present the statement in full below.

It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that there are claims that the Association of Trust Schools’ (ATS) has its own 2021 school calendar.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to advise its valued learners, parents, guardians, teachers and other stakeholders that in terms of the Education (Non-Government Schools) Regulations of 2005, Section 9 (1): “The Secretary shall prepare an annual school calendar to determine the days during each term when pupils shall be required to attend school for instruction,”

The regulations further state in Section 9 (3): “In special circumstances, the Secretary…may permit a school to open or close, or both, on dates other than those specified by the school calendar for any term.”

The Secretary has published the revised 2021 school calendar and has not allowed any school to deviate from it. All schools are, therefore, expected to adhere to the 2021 school calendar announced by Government.

For ease of reference, pursuant to a Cabinet decision announced on 2 March 2021, all schools will open on 15 March 2021 for examination classes and open on 22 March 2021 for non-examination classes. The first term will run until 4 June 2021 and the second term will begin on 28 June 2021 and close on 10 September 2021 while the third term will begin on 4 October 2021 through to 17 December 2021.

All well-meaning public and private schools, including ATS schools, should therefore abide by the Ministry’s 2021 school calendar. Any deviation from the above school calendar announced will attract censorship with the sternest penalty being deregistration of the deviant school.

Responsible authorities of schools are also advised to be guided by the set down Ministry procedures on the collection of school fees.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education maintains all authority in the governance of the education system in Zimbabwe as it remains committed to provide equitable, quality, inclusive, relevant and competence-driven Primary, Secondary and Non-formal education at all times.

The Ministry reinforces the wearing of face masks, physical distancing as well as handwashing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in all school centres as preparations continue for the safe opening of schools and the accelerated implementation of t ching and learning activities.

Mrs Tumisang Thabela SECRETARY FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

NO good has ever come out of bedding a married woman and even if you are a man of God, the Lord will not protect you from a raging jilted husband.

We are reminded of these words by a horrendous incident which happened in Zananda Village under Chief Nhema’s area in Shurugwi, Midlands province where a prophet is feared to have suffered impotence after his manhood was sliced with a piece of a broken beer bottle by a gold panner who had caught him having sex with his wife in their matrimonial bedroom.

Richard Mbaya, popularly known as Madzibaba Richy, will live to rue the day Sunday Madamba busted him bedding his wife, Waraidzo Mapuranga.

It is reported that Madamba was enraged when he unexpectedly came home to find his wife canoodling in bed with Madzibaba Richy.

According to a source from the area, Mapuranga was frequenting prayers and fellowships at Madzibaba Richy’s church until she became so close to the “Man of God”.

It is alleged that Madamba, who was also suspecting his wife of cheating on him, had his suspicions confirmed when he came home unexpected.

Upon arrival he couldn’t believe his ears when he heard his wife groaning in pleasure while enjoying the prophet’s one-eyed monster.

Boiling with anger, he forced open the door and found the two giving each other the time of their lives. Madamba short-circuited the two lovebirds’ intimate act when he started assaulting them.

“He first threw several punches to his wife and intensified his assaults with booted feet before he turned to Madzibaba Richy. He violently pulled him and kicked him all over the body before he struck him several times with a beer bottle on the head.

“And things took an even more sinister turn when he broke a beer bottle and used its pieces to stab Madzibaba Richy on his back and manhood.

“Reports from his relatives are that he has not had an erection since and it is feared that the injuries might be permanent. He is also having trouble urinating,” said the source who declined to be named.

The source further said during the attack both Madzibaba Richy and Mapuranga screamed like trapped animals while receiving a thorough hiding from Madamba.

Although Madamba could not be reached for comment, his wife confirmed the incident. She however, disputed that she was caught having sex with Madzibaba Richy.

“What you heard is untrue. When my husband came home, he just found Madzibaba Richy in the house conducting some prayers. How can we have sex in the presence of the children? He was just incensed why I had invited him without his consent,” said Mapuranga before she hung up her phone.

After he suffered the horror assault and out of shame Madzibaba Richy reportedly left the area to an unknown destination- B-Metro

Own Correspondent|
A Mberengwa woman is in hot soup after reportedly buying charms to get rich.

Reports say the woman, identified as Chengetai, is at loggerheads with her family members.

Sources claimed Chengetai visited outspoken Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi who allegedly gave her the charms to lure rich guys.

“Chenge wants to get married but all her boyfriends are threating to commit suicide if she abandons them.

We are planning to confront the preacher who gave her the charms,” said Chenge’s brother.

Chengetai would not confirm whether she got the charms from Makomichi.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said the people’s struggle will not be affected by the defection of Senator Lilian Timveos and Hon Blessing Chebundo to Zanu PF.

MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende, quoting President Chamisa’s remarks, said the MDC Alliance was going through a process of shedding off exhausted elements.

“The MDC Alliance does not regard those who have left the party as a loss but as an important process of shedding off those exhausted elements who impede and slow down our national democratic struggle.

Our struggle is not driven by those who have mercenary zeal but is moved by those who have missionary enthusiasm.

Those who want to eat have no place in the democratic train: AGENDA 2021,” Hwende wrote on Facebook.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights are sweating over the impact of President Nelson Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

In his Agenda 2021 address on Tuesday, President Chamisa exposed Zanu PF’s failure to revive the country’s economy.He also pointed out that the MDC Alliance would not be forced by anyone to endorse Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Illegitimate administration.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its spokesperson, Simon Khaya -Moyo attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

Khaya-Moyo shocked all and sundry when he accused President Chamisa of inciting social unrest.

“We are ready to deal with attempts to cause social disharmony.We view the address as a clear attempt to incite civil unrest and violence,” claimed Khaya- Moyo.

Political analysts argue Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance and Khaya Moyo ‘s has literally confirmed the former revolutionary party is in panic mode.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said the people’s struggle will not be affected by the defection of Senator Lilian Timveos and Hon Blessing Chebundo to Zanu PF.

MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende, quoting President Chamisa’s remarks, said the MDC Alliance was going through a process of shedding off exhausted elements.

“The MDC Alliance does not regard those who have left the party as a loss but as an important process of shedding off those exhausted elements who impede and slow down our national democratic struggle.

Our struggle is not driven by those who have mercenary zeal but is moved by those who have missionary enthusiasm.

Those who want to eat have no place in the democratic train: AGENDA 2021,” Hwende wrote on Facebook.

Own Correspondent|
A Mberengwa woman is in hot soup after reportedly buying charms to get rich.

Reports say the woman, identified as Chengetai, is at loggerheads with her family members.

Sources claimed Chengetai visited outspoken Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi who allegedly gave her the charms to lure rich guys.

“Chenge wants to get married but all her boyfriends are threating to commit suicide if she abandons them.

We are planning to confront the preacher who gave her the charms,” said Chenge’s brother.

Chengetai would not confirm whether she got the charms from Makomichi.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF heavyweights are sweating over the impact of President Nelson Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

In his Agenda 2021 address on Tuesday, President Chamisa exposed Zanu PF’s failure to revive the country’s economy.He also pointed out that the MDC Alliance would not be forced by anyone to endorse Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Illegitimate administration.

On Friday, Zanu PF through its spokesperson, Simon Khaya -Moyo attempted to pour cold water on President Chamisa’s Agenda 2021 address.

Khaya-Moyo shocked all and sundry when he accused President Chamisa of inciting social unrest.

“We are ready to deal with attempts to cause social disharmony.We view the address as a clear attempt to incite civil unrest and violence,” claimed Khaya- Moyo.

Political analysts argue Mr Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance and Khaya Moyo ‘s has literally confirmed the former revolutionary party is in panic mode.

Tinashe Sambiri|Soccer fans have expressed mixed views on the donation of a replica jersey by Harare Giants Dynamos FC to Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Last month, Mr Mnangagwa received a replica jersey from Bulawayo Giants Highlanders FC.

According to irate football fans, Mr Mnangagwa is using the popularity of the two soccer giants to gain political marks.

However, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba wrote on Twitter:

“The Club gave the President its iconic jersey bearing his initials. A few weeks back, His Excellency the President met with the hierarchy of Highlanders Football Club to listen to challenges they face in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic which has stymied contact sporting activities worldwide.

“Two key faces in Dynamos FC are former Minister of Information and Publicity, Hon Webster Shamu, and Cde Marechera, both war veterans. Cde Marechera who appears in the accompanying picture with Dynamos Chairman, participated in historic Zanla attack on Grand Reef Airbase, a mission which was led by late Paradzayi Zimondi, Augustine Chihuri.”