By A Correspondent | ZimEye responds to a viral rumour claiming President Nelson Chamisa has been arrested.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

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.

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

By A Correspondent- The glaring legal deficiencies in Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi, who was preferred for the job despite faring poorly in public interviews held in 2019, were exposed on Thursday when High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi asked him to go back to the law school and familiarise himself with the country’s statutes after he spectacularly bungled a bail appeal in a high-profile robbery case.

Justice Chitapi said this while dismissing Hodzi’s appeal against bail granted to suspected notorious armed robber, Musa Taj Abdul, his accomplices Rudolph Tapiwa Kanhanga and Godfrey Mupamhanga. The trio was granted bail by High Court judge Benjamin Chikowero last December.

Justice Chitapi said he was taken aback by Hodzi’s failure to comprehend legal fundamentals when making an appeal.

He also said it had worryingly become the norm for officials at the National Prosecuting Authority to rush to courts armed with poor applications.

Justice Chitapi upheld Justice Chikowero’s ruling.

“The applicant is advised to familiarise his office with important judgments of this court and the Supreme Court on key operational areas of law like bail generally. I have no doubt that the applicant may well have been advised not to mount this unmeritorious application,” Justice Chitapi said.

“Having commented adversely on the ineptitude shown in the handling of this application, the comments being an aside, I determine that having taken account all the documents filed of record and heard counsel in argument, there is no merit in this application at all. Resultantly, the application is dismissed.

“It is important for purposes of this application that I comment that the above order was granted after the learned judge had read the documents filed of record and hearing counsel’s submissions, meaning that both the applicant’s counsel Mr Kasema and the respondent’s counsel Maheya addressed the learned judge on the parties positions in the matter.

“Ordinarily, once the court pronounces itself and passes judgment in a matter before it, the court, judge or magistrate who has made the order becomes functus officio (of no further legal effect).”

“The applicant has averred firstly that the issue of the prosecutor having to first obtain consent of his superiors is an administrative act which is part of internal operations within the applicant’s establishment, viz the National Prosecuting Authority. Section 269 (1) (a) of the Constitution provides that the applicant is independent and is not subject to the direction or control of anyone. Therefore, unless the administrative arrangements in that office become public law, the court will not pry into them,” he said.

During the 2019 selection process, Hodzi was handpicked for appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa despite having failed to score the required 70% mark. The top performers, Calvin Mantsebo, who topped the list and Tinomudaishe Chinyoka, who came second, were not considered as government settled for Hodzi who came a distant sixth in the interviews.

-newsday

Government has ruled out the possibility of Gweru Provincial Hospital being upgraded to a central hospital anytime soon, saying it would have to undergo a massive facelift to qualify for the status.

The required upgrades include the construction of more theatre units and expansion of wards.

The 400-bed institution in November last year formally applied to the Health ministry to be upgraded to a central hospital following additions and improvements, including a fully-fledged renal and intensive care unit.

Most of the upgrades were done last year as the Health and Child Care ministry sought to use the provincial referral hospital as a COVID-19 centre.

Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro on Wednesday, however, ruled out the institution being turned into a central hospital saying the institution needed further upgrades.

He said there was need for construction of a theatre block with four theatres, 10-bed intensive care (ICU)unit, acquisition of a CT scan, laparoscopy and endoscopy equipment, among other requirements.

“We have a number of issues that need to be addressed before we accord it the status. The following are the problems that have been identified; Limited working space, especially theatres. Clinicians have to give each other operating schedules so that every speciality is accommodated in the two theatres,” Mangwiro told parliamentarians last week.

“Consultation rooms are limited such that issues of privacy and confidentiality are compromised due to the working space challenges. Three beds in ICU and four beds in the renal area are not able to cater for the growing number of patients,” he said.

“For ward space, currently in female surgical ward, we are mixing gynaecological with surgical patients, compromising infection. An increase in the number of medical personnel joining the institution has need for the expansion of accommodation for medical personnel within the institution.”

Mangwiro added that he would next week announce a timetable for the upgrading of the facility to attain central hospital status.

Meanwhile, the Health and Child Care ministry said the institution achieved a major feat when it performed a hip replacement surgery, a first of its kind to be performed at provincial hospital level.

The surgery was performed by orthopaedic surgeon Brian Paketh and his team with logistical support from medical superintendent Fabian Mashingaidze.-newsday

Magwegwe legislator Anele Ndebele has renewed calls for the closure of Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot in Umguza district, Matabeleland North province, saying it should be turned into a youth vocational training centre.

Chief Ndiweni once petitioned former Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri in 2016 demanding the closure of the police training facility.

Chief Ndiweni argued the centre was not benefiting the community, saying locals were being sidelined in recruitments.

The centre used to offer vocational skills such as welding, carpentry and others before government turned it into a police training depot in 2006.

In his contribution in Parliament on Tuesday, Ndebele bemoaned the lack of a vocational training centre in Matabeleland North province.

“I am rising to bemoan and also to implore your office to request the vocational skills training at Ntabazinduna, the one that was taken away to train police officers, the one that currently lies as a white elephant, that it be given back to the Ministry of Youth so that our youth are able to access life skills at that vocational centre,”
he said.

“Whatever happened then seems to have happened at the highest political level and to disentangle it, we must operate it at that level. I implore your office (Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda) to appeal to the Executive to return the only vocational skills training centre for our youth back to the ministry because Matabeleland North (province) has no vocational skills training centre.”

-newsday

13 MARCH 2021

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE REGARDING THE FAKE NEWS ABOUT PASSPORTS COLLECTION AT MAKOMBE OFFICE

The attention of the Civil Registry Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has been drawn to the fake news “advising” persons who applied for passports between 2019-February 2020, to collect their documents at Makombe Offices, from Monday, 15 March 2021.

The message originated from a fake Facebook page under the name Makombe Passport Office Official and was signed off by a Joshua Taderera purporting to be a “Passport Official”.

We dissociate ourselves from the fake Facebook page, its communication about passports collection and any of its individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of the Civil Registry Department.

This is not true and any information from the Facebook post is not authentic.

The Civil Registry Department is working round the clock to clear the passport backlog and any communication regarding the collection of passports by applicants will be communicated via official communication channels and through the Short Message Service (SMS) platform.

All collections will however be done in compliance with the relevant Covid-19 regulations.

We also take this opportunity to advise the nation that the Civil Registry Department does not charge any extra amount or solicit for any favours outside the stipulated statutory fees.

Any persons or agents canvassing for any “processing fees” via online platforms are doing so for their own criminal and corrupt gains.

We urge our citizens to rely on official sources of credible information and exercise caution before sharing unverified communication on social media platforms, which not only misleading but potentially prejudice citizens of their hard-earned cash.

Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly behind former Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s resignation because their families clashed over business interests in Beitbridge and in Penhalonga.

Sources privy to the developments told the publication that the families first clashed over the Dry Port that was being constructed by Mohadi in Beitbridge in 2019:

Mohadi two years ago set up a dry port project called Malindi Dry Port with some local business. He has vast tracts of land in Beitbridge. A fight subsequently erupted among the Malindi partners and as a result some of them pulled out to set up their own project.

They then invited some members of the Mnangagwa family, but Mohadi was unimpressed and upset by the move. He then protested to the Mnangagwas, who were themselves not happy with his bid to push them out of Beitbridge.

The dispute deteriorated as Mohadi insisted that the Mnangagwa family members should not come to Beitbridge to seize opportunities from him take bread from his mouth. That became a sore point between them.

He is aware of the real reasons why he was removed. Ask him, he will tell if you can convince him to talk.

Mohadi’s calls were reportedly monitored by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) since 2019 and the purpose of that task was to use the recordings to remove him from power when or if it became necessary. 

A source that spoke to The NewsHawks is quoted as saying:

Mohadi’s phone was being monitored since 2019 and all his business dealings and political interactions, as well as personal indiscretions were known. This was because he had clashed with the First Family over the establishment of a dry port in Beitbridge.

Mohadi has an interest in a cargo bonded warehouse facility at the border so he intended to expand his interests to dry port, but Mnangagwa’s sons also had theinterest in the same venture. He confronted the boys and that created serious problems.

Mohadi and Mnangagwa reportedly clashed over gold mining in Penhalonga too and Mohadi reportedly tried to resolve the issue amicably to no avail.

Mohadi resigned on 1 March 2021 after ZimLive unearthed his se_x scandal with different women but he insisted that he was a victim of voice clowning as he denied the scandals.

By A Correspondent- The Registrar General’s (RG’s) Office in Bulawayo has said citizens who applied for passports before the end of February 2019 should collect their travelling documents as they are now ready.

This was confirmed by Bulawayo Provincial Registrar Jane Peters on Thursday. She said:

We now have passports for those people who applied for travel documents up to the end of February 2019.

Members of the public who applied for passports before the said period should come and collect their documents.

We are now having a filing challenge because of these uncollected passports.

Peters added that they were only attending to a limited number of people in line with the Government’s coronavirus containment measures. She said:

From the 4 to 18 January we already had bookings so within this period we are trying to clear those bookings before we could accept new people that are coming in.

At the moment we are dealing with external applications and we are handling a very limited number of applications.

The demand is high for our services but due to Covid-19 containment measures, we are constrained.

We can’t attend to all the people that need the service. We are attending to a specific number of applicants per day.

The Registrar General’s Office has been battling with a passport backlog that had reached 200 000.-statemedia

A Borrowdale mother and her son were arrested after they reportedly teamed up and covered up the woman’s other son’s murder after he was shot and killed by his brother, ZimLive reports.

Norman Tyron Carr, 32, and his mother Tracy Samantha Carr, 55 were arrested for the murder of Dylan Carr who they shot and buried in a shallow grave at their home on Cosham Avenue in Borrowdale.

It is the state’s case that:

1.  The duo conspired to kill Dylan Carr sometime in January after he set fire to his mother’s bed during a drug-fuelled row
2. Norman shot his brother and they wrapped his body in a blanket and buried him in a shallow grave which they dug behind the garage
3. Tracy hid the gun they used at her business premises
4. The crime was revealed after Norman was involved in an accident with a friend and he confessed his crime to family members, the police and friends at the scene that he had killed his brother.
5. ZRP launched an investigation into the matter and subsequently arrested the duo.

The pair will be back in court on 26 March. Meanwhile, Dylan’s friends thought he was away and he will subsequently show up later as usual as he was known to disappear and show up later.

In another sad gun incident that occurred in Gweru, 2 gunmen shot and killed a 73-year-old grandmother in front of her orphaned grandchildren

By A Correspondent- Government and the civil servants’ negotiations ended in a stalemate following a virtual meeting held yesterday. Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima confirmed yesterday’s meeting but said no agreement had been reached as yet.

“I can confirm that the NJNC met virtually today to find common ground on issues such as updates on Government Employees Mutual Savings (Gems) Fund and feedback on the cost-of-living adjustment. I cannot discuss what transpired exactly but no agreement was reached and the meeting had been adjourned to a later date so that the parties could consult their constituencies. A date for the next meeting will be advised but this is the first step towards finding each other,” he said.

Apex Council deputy secretary-general Mr Gibson Mushangu said Government had offered them a 25 percent salary increase, which they rejected.

“The Government’s offer does not even whisper to our demands which we have been tabling since we started negotiations post the dollarised era of October 2018. In today’s meeting, the Government tabled a 25 percent offer with effect from 1 April 2021 against the 151 percent offer accorded to other sectors,” he said.

Last year Government tasked the NJNC to come up with a roadmap leading to a salary structure for civil servants that will be equivalent to an average of US$550 that was being paid when civil servants were being paid in foreign currency.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Local Government minister July Moyo yesterday gazetted new fees for burial space in Harare while also announcing a massive hike in water charges and refuse collection fees for the capital.

The latest increases, coming at a time businesses and residents have been clamouring for a 50% slash in municipal rates owing to depleted incomes because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will weigh down heavily on the capital’s estimated three million inhabitants, who are already failing to access adequate services including potable water.

Residents in high-density areas will now pay $115 per cubic meter for the first 5m3, up from $100, and thereafter as much as $200 per cubic meter for more than 20m3 of water consumed.

Residents in low-density areas will now be expected to pay $153 per cubic meter for the first 5m3, and thereafter as much as $210 per cubic meter.

Non-residential properties, including hotels and restaurants, will pay $200 for the first 50m3 and $180 in excess of 50m3, subject to a minimum monthly charge of $10 000.
Schools will be classified as domestic consumers.

On cemeteries, Moyo approved that it would now cost at least $14 300 to bury an adult and $6 945 for children in the city’s Area A+ while for Area A, adults will pay $8 170 with children paying $4 085.

For Area B, adults will get their burial space for $6 130, while children will get theirs for $ 3 270.

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works has, in terms of section 229 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], as read with section 33 of the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04], approved the following regulations made in terms of section 12 of the Cemeteries Act [Chapter 5:04], by the City Council of Harare, in its capacity as trustee of Harare Cemeteries,” the gazette read in part.

Non-residents will be made to fork out $8 170 an adult and $4 085 a child for burial space under the approved charges.

Cremations for adult resident Hindus will cost $8 170, and for non-Hindus $12 255, while non-resident Hindus will pay $12 255 and non-resident non-Hindus will fork out $16 340.

For the cremation of foreigners, it will cost $28 595.

The minister also approved new fees for the reservation of a grave site and for the burial of ashes or a body in a grave in area A or B or A+ effective January 1, 2021.

It will cost $2 045 for the disposal of ashes by scattering in Area A, B or A+. Under the Harare (Incorporated and Local Government Areas) (Waste Management) (Amendment) By-laws, 2021 (No 28), Moyo approved by-laws that would seek a hike in refuse collection fees to $565, up from $28 for highdensity and $803 from $42 for low-density areas.

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works has, in terms of section 229 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], approved the following by-laws made by the City Council of Harare,” the notice read in part.

It will take at least $1 632 for commercial refuse collection per week under the new fees structure approved by the minister.

“For the removal of excess domestic waste or garden waste, a pre-paid charge of(a) for the supply and subsequent removal of a standard waste receptacle containing domestic or garden waste – $1 258.-Newsday

Defiant Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) leader Mqondisi Moyo has vowed he will not hand himself over to the police, insisting state security agents were ‘murderers’ plotting to assassinate him.

Police in Bulawayo are reportedly on a manhunt for Moyo after he led a group of party activists last Monday to intervene in farm ownership wrangle between white farmer Brian Davies and Floyd Ambrose in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North province.

Ambrose, the son-in-law of former Vice President Kembo Mohadi, continues to occupy Tabas Induna Farm defying a High Court order for him to vacate the property.

Davies then sought the assistance of Moyo and his supporters to remove Ambrose from the farm last Monday. On arrival at Tabs Induna Farm on the day, Ambrose and his workers were forced to flee into the bush and fire gunshots at the MRP activists.

However, following the dramatic incident, army and police officers in civilian clothing allegedly raided Moyo’s house in the wee hours of Wednesday in an attempt to arrest him.

The MRP leader was reportedly not around when the raid was conducted.

In retaliation to the raid, MRP activists Thursday stormed Bulawayo Central Police Station protesting over Moyo’s alleged harassment by state security agents. Nine MRP activists were arrested during the demonstrations and have since appeared in court and remanded in custody facing charges of public violence.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com from his hideout Friday, a defiant Moyo said he had no intention to surrender himself over to the police.

“I will not hand myself to the murderers for now because I have not committed any crime. I am beginning to defy the oppressor and its security state apparatus,” he said.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are part of Zanu-PF. On the morning of Wednesday, the 10th of March 2021 after 12am, heavily armed soldiers and police pounced on me and they were numbering between 10 and 12. It is clear that they wanted to and abduct and kill me,” claimed Moyo.

He said since he started political activism more than 10 years ago, he has cooperated well with the police on all the occasions he had been arrested.

“Actually, I have been arrested more than 17 times ever since I started my activism and I have never resisted arrest. Actually in many cases, I have handed myself over to the police, but this time I am convinced they want to kill me as I can no longer entrust my life with them.”

“I did not murder anyone, neither am I a rapist or a fugitive, and why would I be hunted by heavily armed forces?” rhetorically asked Moyo.

He claimed six members of his party were shot and injured by the police during the demonstrations at the police station.

“Six of my party members were shot and injured by overzealous police in front of the world and nine are languishing at Khami (Maximum Security) Prison since Thursday. Their sin being that they went to Bulawayo Central Police Station to inquire peacefully about my whereabouts,” said Moyo.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- 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

By A Correspondent- High Court judge Justice David Mangota has ordered Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri to pay legal costs for lawyers representing three people who were injured during the August 1 2018 shootings.

The vicious military crackdown claimed six lives and left dozens others injured during protests over delayed presidential election results.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, which facilitated the legal representation, said the trio is seeking reparations for shock, pain and suffering instigated by the illegal actions of the soldiers.

“The three victims are lucky to be alive after they were shot in Harare’s CBD [central business district] when soldiers opened fire on members of the public as they attempted to disperse protesters who were demonstrating against a delay in releasing election results. The trio is seeking damages for shock, pain, and suffering caused by the unlawful actions of the soldiers,” the rights group said in a statement.

“Through her lawyer Gloria Dzitiro of Mutumbwa, Mugabe and Partner Legal Practitioners, the Defence minister had requested that the three matters, which they had erroneously set down, be removed from the court roll.”

“Advocate Wilbert Mandinde, who appeared with Mr Darlington Marange from Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, argued that the error in prematurely setting the matters down deserved to be censured.”

“The government has claimed that it has fully complied with the [Kgalema] Motlanthe Commission recommendations. However, one of the three, Andy Manyeruke has since taken President Emmerson Mnangagwa to court seeking an order that the President fully complies with the recommendations as has been claimed.”

-newsday

By A Correspondent- 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.

The 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.-statemedia

A Hurungwe man was yesterday arrested for allegedly killing a 15-year-old girl and stealing groceries she had bought from nearby shops.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the murder, adding that the 26-year-old suspect Tawanda Kasinga was also on the police wanted list for robbery and theft cases that took place in Magunje.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Tawanda Kasinga (26) of Nyamupfukudza village 2, Chief Dendera, Hurungwe in connection with a suspected murder case of a female juvenile (15) which occurred on February 7, 2021,” Nyathi said.

He said on February 7, the victim was sent to Doro Business Centre in Hurungwe to buy some groceries and she did not return home.

She was later found dead in a bush near the shopping centre.

Investigations, Nyathi said, led to the arrest of Kasinga from his hideout in Banket, Mashonaland West province on March 8, 2021.

He was also found in possession of some grocery items which were last seen being carried by the victim.

“It was also established that the suspect was on the police wanted persons’ list for robbery and theft cases which occurred in Magunje,” Nyathi said.

He said Karinga had also donated some stolen grocery items to his relatives.

“We applaud members of the public for being observant and supplying vital information which assisted the police in this arrest.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The people of Mount Darwin were left shell-shocked after a 32-year-old man in their community ran amok with an axe and struck his wife four times after accusing her of infidelity.

Knowledge Chimukanika has since been arrested for attempted murder after his wife Elgin Chikambeka (25) was treated and discharged at Mount Darwin hospital.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case which occurred in Muzaza village.

According to witnesses Chimukanika accused his wife of cheating and went to take an axe from his mother Esther Kambira’s homestead.

“Chimukanika suspected his wife who is a vendor at Mount Darwin market place of cheating and went to her workplace where he insulted her and threw her selling goods away,” said Netsai Motsi.

“We helped his wife to pick her goods and she went home, upon her arrival her husband who was drunk took spare keys and locked her inside before going to his mother’s place to pick an axe.”

“He came with the axe unlocked the door struck his wife three times on the four head and once on the right hand,” added the source.

It is further alleged that Chikambeka cried for help and her husband fled from the scene leaving her in a pool of blood.

The mother in law came to her rescue and rushed her to Mount Darwin hospital where she was treated and discharged.

The suspect was subsquently arrested at a nearby village where he was drinking beer.

By James Gwati- Police in Bulawayo has declared war against Mushikashika operators following the bashing of a team of traffic cops by kombi drivers early this week.

The war was declared by Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube who said they were now hunting for the kombi drivers who assaulted his collegues.

“This is not just an attack on police officers, but on the entire Zimbabwe Republic Police and Government. It’s a behaviour that will not be tolerated and it would be in the best interest of those involved to hand over themselves to the police before the long arm of the law catches up with them,” he said.

According to Inspector Ncube the beaten Police officers were conducting routine patrol at 6th Avenue extension where pirate kombis operate from.

“When kombi crews spotted our officers, they sped off resulting in one of the drivers hitting another vehicle,” he said.

“The driver of the kombi, which was hit, pursued the driver of the offending kombi as he drove along Herbert Chitepo Street, towards 1st Avenue. Police also chased after the same kombi and upon reaching 5th Avenue intersection, the kombi driver caused another accident leading to his arrest.”

Insp Ncube said the kombi drivers and touts immediately attacked police officers as they demanded the release of their colleague.

“That is when an unknown object was used to attack the police vehicle, smashing its window screen. This is a regrettable incident which is unexpected of Bulawayo residents,” he said.

By James Gwati-A team of overzealous traffic police was this week in Bulawayo central business district beaten up by angry Mushikashika operators.

The incident happened after the cops had intercepted a kombi that was involved in an accident while fleeing from being arrested by the same.

The angry kombi drivers ganged up with some people who were nearby and attacked traffic police officers before smashing the rear windscreen of their patrol vehicle.

Police in Harare and Bulawayo are playing cat and mouse game with kombis which have been banned from carrying the community public by the government.

Last week President Emerson Mnangagwa told the police that they should intercept any Kombi seen pirating in the city centre which is not under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) banner.

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa says Zanu PF should not blame the MDC for speaking with the west because it is also spending money doing the same.

Mliswa said Zimbabwe has all the resources it needs for development and does not need re-engagement.

Speaking in the National Assembly during debate on the motion on the enactment of the Patriotic Bill, the self-styled legislator said, “I repeat that Zimbabwe does not need any western allies. Zimbabwe needs to dig dip into its resources and curb corruption and we shall need no western ally.

“The very same Government today is re-engaging with the West, spending more money paying lobbyists for us to re-engage with the West yet sanctions are there. Different strokes for different folks.

“Why do we speak with a forked tongue then blame the opposition for speaking to the West, but you are in the same line marching to see who pleases the master? Zimbabwe does not need anybody.

“Zimbabwe needs itself to ensure that the resources in this country are managed in a manner that it goes to the people,” he said.

Mliswa added, “You might say what you want to say but Gaddafi was a good example with oil. He made sure that the people of Libya had something to eat. How many people in Marange today have enjoyed the diamond? How many people in Shurugwi where Honourable Mkaratigwa hails today have enjoyed the gold?

“How many people in Matabeleland have enjoyed what is there? Today, we also go on and suspend the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act which was the source of empowerment for every local.

“The Finance Bill comes on the background that when you move the Act, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will come in. How much FDI has come in since you suspended that Act? Foreigners are doing what they want.

“The resources of this country belong to foreigners and not to the people of this country. The people of this country must be having those claims in their hands and negotiating with foreigners – even ugogo umaNcube, ugogo umaKhupe, ugogo Mpariwa, give her the claims.

“The people who are investing are not worried about her but the minerals but you would have empowered her. Why are we afraid of empowering our people? How many Members of Parliament (MPs) here in their constituencies has anything yet we spend money? To be able to get into power, you need money but when you are in power, you are seen here passing laws that reverse the gains of the struggle.

“The gains of the struggle were to ensure that we have economic emancipation but it is being reversed. The land reform is being reversed. We have got a government policy of 500 hectares per person – some of the whites are being exonerated because you believe they are productive. If we have been facing sanctions – that is why this patriotic Act is critical, how then can we talk about development yet you say sanctions are critical but you want to use sanctions when it is necessary? When it is about time you want to say no. There is no production from a farmer in this country that can happen without them being fully empowered, having access to finance which is five or ten years and also includes holiday, medical aid and whatever you want and then we pay it. How come we are now expected to perform better than the whites when they actually had this land more than we did and they had resources?

“We need to be able to speak the truth. The Patriotism Act is critical in the aspect that we are also conforming to certain issues which need to be addressed and so forth. We are MPs. I went to the Speaker the other day and said I am concerned – we do break the law as MPs but when we do not break the law you are arrested willy-nilly because you are outspoken. These are some of the issues which make people not give Zimbabwe money because they see how you are treating an Honourable MP – he is at the back of the truck and you are happy. What is the point of a diplomatic passport that I have?

“What does this passport mean when you are treated like a dog and at the end of the day you are acquitted? The Speaker is not consulted about MPs being arrested – not that you want to be defended; no – does the case stand the taste of time?

-Open Parly

Government and the civil servants’ negotiations ended in a stalemate following a virtual meeting held yesterday.

Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima confirmed yesterday’s meeting but said no agreement had been reached as yet.

“I can confirm that the NJNC met virtually today to find common ground on issues such as updates on Government Employees Mutual Savings (Gems) Fund and feedback on the cost-of-living adjustment. I cannot discuss what transpired exactly but no agreement was reached and the meeting had been adjourned to a later date so that the parties could consult their constituencies. A date for the next meeting will be advised but this is the first step towards finding each other,” he said.

Apex Council deputy secretary-general Mr Gibson Mushangu said Government had offered them a 25 percent salary increase, which they rejected.

“The Government’s offer does not even whisper to our demands which we have been tabling since we started negotiations post the dollarised era of October 2018. In today’s meeting, the Government tabled a 25 percent offer with effect from 1 April 2021 against the 151 percent offer accorded to other sectors,” he said.

Last year Government tasked the NJNC to come up with a roadmap leading to a salary structure for civil servants that will be equivalent to an average of US$550 that was being paid when civil servants were being paid in foreign currency.

-State Media

HER great-great-grandfather was part of King Lobengula’s revered Imbizo Regiment which was known for being fearless and participated in the Gadade Battle in Ntabazinduna before defeating the Allan Wilson Patrol in Pupu, Lupane.

Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Headquarters Bulawayo District Commander, Colonel Ossie Oli Mhandu (61), who is based at Imbizo Barracks is the first woman in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to lead a military formation.

She was born Ossie Ngwenya in Godlwayo, Filabusi in 1960.

A widow and mother of seven, she was elevated to become a commander in 2018, having been in the ZNA since December 1, 1980.

She is a veteran of the liberation struggle who was married to a decorated soldier, Retired Brigadier-General Kimmy Mhandu, who passed on in 2016. Col Mhandu believes that her rise in the military is directly connected to her forefather’s military background.

At 17, she was already a military instructor during the war of independence while in Zambia.

Col Mhandu survived the Mkushi Camp massacre after the Ian Smith regime bombed the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) female camp, where about 500 youthful freedom fighters perished. A Chronicle news crew yesterday caught up with Col Mhandu at Imbizo Barracks where she took the crew through her life journey and historic rise in a male-dominated field.

She narrated how she was recruited into joining the war by Umzingwane MP, Retired Brigadier-General Levi Mayihlome when she was just a Form Three pupil at Ihlathi Secondary School in Sizinda, Bulawayo in 1977. She left a note under a pillow alerting her sister that she was joining the war.

Colonel Ossie Oli Mhandu The commander said had she told her sister about her plans face-to-face, she was going to be blocked as she was still a child. Her sister, who was in her 30s, was her guardian as both her parents had died.

Col Mhandu, was born in Filabusi and did her primary education at Mbawulo Primary School in the same area, before moving to Bulawayo in 1975.

In Zambia she ended up rising to become a camp instructor and then became a commander with the rank of a deputy brigadier. In some pictures taken during the liberation struggle, she can be seen with the likes of Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, whom she described as a close friend.

“To tell you about my journey to the struggle I have to take you back so that you can appreciate my background. The reason I’m here, I feel could be connected to my great great grandfather. My great grandfather was Maphongwana, he was an Imbizo Regiment warrior fighting under King Mzilikazi and served under King Lobengula as well. He is part of the warriors that fought the Gadade Battle. He led Yingena troops under the Imbizo Regiment. I believe this background led me to join the liberation struggle,” said Col Mhandu.

She said after joining the liberation struggle in May 9, 1977, she trained for six months and the journey has been long: surviving the war, being attested into the ZNA in 1980 and rising through the ranks to her current post.

“My appointment is historic in the sense that I’m the first female commander to lead a formation in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. I’m paving a way for others to follow suit. Some say I’m the first in Africa but I’m not sure if I’m the first in Africa. What I know is that I’m the first female commander to command a formation here in Zimbabwe,” she said.

She said her elevation confirms that ZNA recognises and respects gender equality. Col Mhandu said while her promotion is historic, it is a result of discipline, loyalty and determination in the military and for any soldier to rise, they need to have those qualities. She said in 1997 she was the first woman in the military to be promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and has been rising ever since.

She said, however, as a female commander she has to be firmer as some men do not believe that a woman can lead.

“Men in general don’t want to accept that women can command in the military. They don’t want to be commanded by a woman but as a woman you have to be bold. Even in making decisions, you have to be firm, there is no time of being apologetic when you take a decision; stand by it and they will respect you for that. So, I don’t have a challenge with my soldiers, not even with my commanders because they know that I can work without an incident,” she said.

“No one can come and try to challenge me and if someone tries use his masculinity, if I suspect that you are trying to disrespect me you will be in for it. If you make a slight mistake, ngiyakijampisa kuphela so that you realise that I am a commander and something of similar nature does not happen again. Because if you show weakness, they can easily try to take advantage.”

Col Mhandu said the Mkushi Camp bombing has shaped who she is and her promotion in the military is linked to how she emerged during the war.

“That bombing made me to be fearless and being fearless is what has led me to rise to the position that I’m holding today in the ZNA, to be very strong soldier. A man cannot simply challenge me because I can tell some of them that they don’t have the stamina, they have not experienced what I have gone through,” she said as she briefly giggled.

Col Mhandu said she lost two of her best friends during the Mkushi attack, stating that it was only through God’s grace that she survived.

“God intervenes when He wants you to survive. It was a sudden attack and in such an attack you just see yourself having survived. So, I just used tactics but most people died during that attack. A sudden attack is difficult to prepare even though we were on high alert as we had already learnt that Freedom Camp had been bombed,” said Col Mhandu.

“So, we were just on standby but we not expecting it, we just thought who would bomb a women’s camp leaving men. So, being vigilant helps; that is what helped most of us during that attack. Most of the recruits died during the attack as they entered pits that we had dug. There was the next camp which had trained cadres, so the helicopters were hitting our camp before hitting another camp which was just a kilometre away. Most of the cadres drowned as they tried to escape by plunging into a river.”

She said after coming back home, she was married just after independence. As a parting shot, Col Mhandu encouraged women to aim higher saying it was possible to have a female general, especially if men are supportive.

“It’s very possible to have a female commander, because if I was younger, I would have aimed to get there but I’m towards retirement where we have to leave some of these positions for younger generations. I want to encourage other females in Africa and the world at large not to look down upon themselves. There is much need for females to aim high and display their capabilities as I have done. I have tried and I hope there can copy from what I’ve done; maybe it can assist them. They need to have role models to look up to, I also had them,” said Col Mhandu.-state media

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’s attention has been drawn to a fake Facebook page purporting to be from the Civil Registry Department suggesting that persons who applied for passports between 2019-February 2020 are to collect their passports at Makombe Office with effect from Monday 15/03/2021.

The message, is fake and did not originate from the Civil Registry Department. We urge citizens to disregard the fake news.

By James Gwati-Last month when he was in Bulawayo, President Emmerson Mnangagwa summoned the leadership of Highlanders and today in the capital, he had a meeting with Dynamos Football club’s executives.

In the country’s political history, Dynamos represents the Shona tribe and the late President Robert Mugabe’s ZANU party while Highlanders stands for the Ndebeles and the original ZAPU which was fronted by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, before the 1987 unity accord.

Just like what happened during the early 1980’s Gukurahundi, whenever the two rival teams meet the match does not end in harmony as there is always violence.

To these two teams when they see each other they see a political rivalry between the Shanas and Ndebeles.

By James Gwati-A Chimanimani prophet, has failed to capture a snake which is being used by two elderly women in suspected witchcraft activities.

One of the two elderly friends – Gogo Savie Nenohwe and Gogo Ethel Sithole was spotted by a 12-year-old girl breastfeeding a snake while uttering names of fellow villagers whom she wanted the reptile to deal with.

The girl reported the case to Chief Mutambara who then requested a local prophet to capture the snake.

Madzimai Mukono, on Monday, visited Gogo Sithole’s residents on a mission to capture the snake but could not make it.

“We went to Gogo Sithole’s homestead to capture the snake on Monday but failed to do so as a multitude had gathered to witness the drama. We will go back later this week and we hope to succeed in our mission.
“After capturing the snake, we will bring it to the chief’s court,” said Madzimai Mukono.

TRIBUTE TO ANNE NHIRA

The lead actress of Zimbabwe’s first soapie Studio 263 Anne Nhira passed away on Wednesday night due to injuries sustained in a robbery.

In August 2017 Nhira found herself at loggerheads with socialite Zodwa Wabantu when she single-handedly lobbied the government of Zimbabwe to block her from performing at the Harare International Carnival.

She was born in a musical family in which her brothers are musicians and made a mark in the acting industry in 2002 when she played the lead role of “Vimbai Jari. ”

Anne later moved to the South African Diaspora where she continued her career in acting bagging a role in 2014 in one of South Africa’s biggest soap operas Zabalaza that is aired on MNet and SABC. featured in a TV drama Mutual Friends.

She launched Anne Studios International which specialises in talent scouting, training. film production, artist management and modeling.

It has roped in some top producers such as MacDonald Chidavaenzi better known as MacDee and Benjamin Rupapa for music production and music management.

May her Dear Soul Rest in Everlasting Peace.

By A Correspondent- | A former Belvedere Teachers College lecturer, Mr Roben Mutwira has died in Leeds, UK.

Mr Mutwira was found dead at his home on Sunday.

The cause of death was not known at the time of writing.

A church report states that he has no biological family connections in the UK.

The full announcement reads:

It is with a very heavy heart and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing on of Mr Roben Mutwira on the 7th of March 2021.

Sekuru Mutwira was a much loved, active and respected member of the Leeds United Methodist Church.

As his Christian family, we have committed to ensure that his body is repatriated home so he is laid to rest kumusha as was his wish.

Mr Mutwira does not have biological family here in the UK and we are stepping in that gap as we have been his family over the past few years.

Although Sekuru had a funeral policy, unfortunately it had not yet matured. We appreciate any help that you can afford so that Mr Mutwira can be taken back home at the next possible opportunity.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Thank you and be blessed.

We are using account details below for funeral contributions:

Name: Rugare Tulo Musekiwa

*Acc: *10337795*

Sort code: 04-00-04

Monzo bank

BREASTFEEDING is beautiful and natural.

It is a sacred bond between a mother and her young one.

However, it becomes scary when a woman in menopause breastfeeds a snake.

This is the case of a Chimanimani woman who has sent tongues wagging after being spotted at her friend’s house breastfeeding the giant reptile.

The hard to believe incident is now before Chief Mutambara’s court as two elderly friends – Gogo Savie Nenohwe and Gogo Ethel Sithole – are answering to the witchcraft allegations being levelled against them.

Gogo Nenohwe was spotted by a 12-year-old girl as she breastfed the snake while uttering names of fellow villagers whom she wanted her ‘baby’ to deal with.

Chief Mutambara urged the two women to consult a white garment prophetess, Madzimai Loice Mukono. The visit to Madzimai Mukono’s shrine saw the skeletons tumbling from the duo’s closets as the prophetess revealed that a snake that resides at Gogo Sithole’s homestead is used by the ladies for witchcraft.

When the case was heard before Chief Mutambara’s Court last week on Saturday, the key witness narrated the spine chilling incident.

“I saw Gogo Nenohwe breastfeeding a very big snake which had a red cloth and beads tied around it. After breastfeeding it, she took out a plate of food and fed the snake. I did not see what food she was feeding it, but I heard her muttering names of fellow villagers and telling the snake to deal with them,” narrated the minor.

After reporting the case to Gogo Sithole and realising that she was not taking any action, the young girl then reported the matter to other villagers.  It was also brought before the village head, Ms Molline Nenohwe’s attention, who then took the issue to Chief Mutambara.

The two women were then summoned to the traditional leader’s court.

“Why is it that when this girl told you that she had seen your friend breastfeeding a snake at your house you did not take any action? It is clear that this girl is traumatised by what she saw,” said Chief Mutambara.

In her defence, Gogo Sithole said when the girl brought the matter to her attention, she could not travel to the chief’s court to make a report.

“I did not have money to bring the matter to your court. I also did not confront Nenohwe because I knew that once I confronted her, I would need to bring the matter before the chief’s court, yet I couldn’t do that at that moment,” she said.

But Gogo Sithole’s niece, Maria, said she used to share a room with the snake.

“I used to sleep in the room where Gogo Nenohwe was seen breastfeeding the snake. The snake stays in that room. I stopped using the room because of that and begged my aunt to move me to another room. Sometimes the snake comes out to bask in the sun,” said Maria.

Other villagers in Nenohwe Village also said they have come across a giant snake that has a red cloth tied around it. Villagers say the snake has been spotted basking in the sun at Gogo Sithole’s homestead.

Gogo Nenohwe remained tight-lipped during the hearing and refused to entertain the media after the court session. Madzimai Mukono is now on a mission to capture the snake.

“We went to Gogo Sithole’s homestead to capture the snake on Monday, but failed to do so as a multitude had gathered to witness the drama. We will go back later this week and we hope to succeed in our mission.

“After capturing the snake, we will bring it to the chief’s court,” said Madzimai Mukono.

-ManicaPost

A heartbroken woman had to drag her unruly son to court after he came home drunk on several occasions and at one time dangled his manhood before her and urinated on the sofas after accusing her of giving him inadequate food.

Agnes Ndlovu has had no peace at the hands of her rowdy son, Dalubuhle Ncube (43), who insults her whenever he comes home from a beer binge.

Agnes told a court that her son at times comes home at around midnight and shouts at her.

She went on to say she had tried on several occasions to reprimand him, but he never cared to listen.

Instead he became so unruly and pushed her violently against the wall causing her to suffer a fractured arm.

Dalubuhle dangled his manhood in front of his mother and urinated on the sofas, while saying he was fixing her for giving him little sadza.

Seeing that her child had crossed the line, she approached the courts.

“I’m applying for a protection order against my son Dalubuhle who harasses me, he always comes home drunk and insults me for giving him little sadza. When I tried to reprimand him he pushed me against the wall and I fractured an arm. He would urinate on sofas saying he is fixing me and I had to leave him after he shouted obscenities at me.

What he did is against our African culture,” said the troubled Ndlovu.

The presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube ordered Dalubuhle not to verbally and emotionally abuse his mother.

A man from Horongondo Village in Gokwe has been dragged to Chief Mkoka’s traditional court after he was caught having sex with his daughter-in-law.

A family insider, who spoke to B- Metro on condition of anonymity, said Tobias Chiyangwa (37), who works in Kwekwe, fell ill at work and decided to go home without telling his family that he was coming home.

He arrived home at around 2.30am on Thursday last week and headed straight to his bedroom hut. On entering his bedroom, he got the shock of his life as he found his stepfather, Levious Mataire (47), bonking his wife Moreblessing Chuma (28).

“It was sad after he caught his stepfather having sex with his wife Moreblessing. His stepfather tried to flee, but it was too late as he had already seen him. He did not do anything to them since he was not feeling well,” said the family insider.

The family insider went on to say a shamed Moreblessing fled.

“After being caught, Moreblessing failed to face her husband and has since fled to her parents’ home in Gweru,” said the family source.

When contacted for a comment Tobias said: “I caught them having sex on my matrimonial bed. I have since put the bed out of the bedroom and I will no longer use it. I reported the matter to Chief Mkoka. My wife has left for her parents’ home in Gweru and left a letter of apology under the pillow in our matrimonial bedroom,” said Tobias.

Chief Mkoka confirmed the incident.

“We are handling a matter of infidelity where a man was caught having sex with his daughter-in-law. If he is found guilty he would be fined three cattle for sleeping with his daughter-in-law and would be ordered to buy a new bed for his stepson,” he said.