By A Correspondent- A Hatfield Police Station police officer is among the 4 people who were fatally shot in Harare CBD last night during a shootout with ZRP officers as they tried to rob a solar shop situated at 110 Mbuya Nehanda Street.

The matter came to light in a police memo seen by the publication that stated that the incident occurred last night and Constable Kudzai Kanjera is among the deceased.

According to the publication, ZRP said this is what transpired during the robbery that ended Constable Kanjera’s life: The owner of the shop, Chris Chibueze, 45, told police he received a call from a customer who wanted him to deliver a solar battery at his residence at 6PM, after business hours. Chibueze, who had left his shop, returned to get the solar battery.

Suddenly, he was approached by six male adults who were armed with four pistols. The accused persons ordered Chibueze to lie down whilst pointing firearms at him to which he complied.

One of the suspects grabbed the safe keys and took US$10,000 in cash. As the suspects were leaving, police said detectives who were outside fired shots resulting in a gun-battle with the suspected robbers who were “overpowered.”

Chibueze recovered his money which had been dropped by the suspects during the shootout.

ZRP is holding Tichaona Kariwa of Domboshava and 29-year-old Blessing Bheura of Chitungwiza who survived the shootout while  Constable Kudzai Kanjera, Admire Nhetekwa, Tatenda Chari, and Brian Chibaya. all died during the gun battle.

By A Correspondent- High Court Judge Justice Thompson Mabikwa’s angry lover reportedly send the esteemed judge’s nude photos to a group of fellow judges using his cellphone after she discovered he was seeing another woman, ZimLive reports.

The woman believed to be Oratile Nare, a young assistant of Justice Maxwell Takuva, a fellow Bulawayo High Court judge is believed to be the one who embarrassed the widowed judge in such a manner after she discovered he had sent nude pictures of himself to another woman the night they were together

Nare reported;y left the judge’s house with the judge’s phone after the discovery and further went on to send the conversation between the judge and the pictures between the pair to a group of JSC judges and to some of his contacts via WhatsApp.

A police report was reportedly made and JSC is reportedly going to respond to the incident on Monday. Meanwhile, VP Mohadi was reportedly cloned and audios of him and his lovers some of them containing raunchy conversations have flooded social media.

Source: ZimLive

By A Correspondent- The European Union (EU) has renewed sanctions against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), a military-controlled company, over “persistent” human rights abuses by the Harare administration.

The EU has, over the years, rolled back sanctions against Harare, leaving only an arms embargo against ZDI, while its travel bans and asset freezes on former First Lady Grace Mugabe, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Philip Valerio Sibanda remain suspended.

It warmed up to Mnangagwa after the 2017 coup that deposed long-time ruler, the late former President Robert Mugabe, but yesterday accused the government of breaking promises on reforms and criticised continuing human rights violations.

The government denies any wrong doing, with Mnangagwa insisting that they were only dealing with “bad apples” allegedly causing divisions.

“In light of its continuing concerns, the EU has reviewed its restrictive measures, recalling their purpose to encourage a demonstrable, genuine and long-term commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to respect and uphold human rights and the rule of law,” the EU said yesterday.

“The EU has decided to renew its arms embargo and to maintain a targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, including the continuing need to investigate the role of security force actors in human rights abuses.”

The bloc first imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe after Mugabe deported its chief election observer in 2002, but gradually eased the restrictions.

“Violations of human rights and limitations on the democratic space are also persisting. The EU is especially concerned about a proliferation of arrests and prosecutions of journalists, opposition actors and individuals expressing dissenting views and the use by high-level officials of speech that could be interpreted as incitement to violence,” the bloc said.

The EU said it was worried over “lack of substantial reforms” that has allowed the continued deterioration of the humanitarian, economic and social situation in the country.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has committed to adhere fully to its constitutional and international human rights obligations which imply respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including addressing impunity.

“Perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses should swiftly be brought to justice and the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry should be implemented as a matter of priority and urgency.”

A total of 23 civilians were killed in August 2018 and January 2019 after the regime unleashed soldiers to deal with protests over election results and fuel price hikes, respectively, and despite a commission of inquiry recommending action on perpetrators, Mnangagwa has remained mum. The commission of inquiry on the August 1, 2018 shootings was led by former South African President Kgalema Monthlante.

The EU recommended that perpetrators of human rights abuses be brought to book, adding that it would continue to closely follow developments.

“These measures do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investment, or trade and Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty free and quota free access of its exports to the EU, with negotiations to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) ongoing.”

“Accelerated political and economic reforms, respect for human rights, boosting trust in the rule of law and tackling corruption would contribute significantly to investor confidence, build a steady business climate and facilitate Zimbabwe in taking full advantage of the opportunities the EPA provides,” the European bloc said.

“The EU reiterates its readiness to support credible and sustainable economic and political reforms, based on tangible commitments made by the government of Zimbabwe.

“The EU regards electoral reform as an important element to strengthen democracy in Zimbabwe and is ready to continue its support in this field in line with the recommendations made by the 2018 EU electoral observation mission.

“The upcoming political dialogue with Zimbabwe will provide an opportunity for exchanging views and deepening mutual understanding as well as looking for constructive co-operation,” Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo refused to comment, saying he needed to see the statement and how it was presented.

“I need to see the statement and how it is presented and then comment,” he said.

By James Gwati- Zanu PF has defended the liberation war hero status which they accorded to Zimdancehall chanter, Soul Muzavazi Musaka, popularly known as Soul Jah Love, saying he was one of them.

Soul Jah Love, who was 31, passed away on Tuesday, will be buried today at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare.
Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo, said in a statement that his party cherished Soul Jah Love’s music.

“Zanu PF takes note of the joy, appreciation, and pride among our young people and the generality of Zimbabweans across the divide following the declaration of Liberation Hero status on our music icon, Cde Soul Jah Love (Soul Muzavazi Musaka) by His Excellency the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa.
“We all call upon all mourners to observe the lockdown measures to save lives as well. May His Soul Rest in Peace”.

The National Heroes Act, which Zanu PF abuses to confer their friends and relatives with the national hero status says.

“Where the President considers that any deceased person who was a citizen of Zimbabwe has deserved well of his country on account of his outstanding, distinctive and distinguished service to Zimbabwe, he may designate such person as a national, provincial or district hero of Zimbabwe”.

By James Gwati-Geraldine Baye, a Harare Slay-queen who made headlines for engaging in faeces rituals to lure prominent businessmen said she was deeply in love with the late Zimdancehall chanter, Soul Jah Love.

Below is what the faeces lady wrote on her Facebook page about her alleged good times with Chibaba.

Google just had to remind me…This is all am left with…Memories…You didn’t have to go like that..together times to be cherished…we wer so private and so happy no1 knew about us we protected each other we did not let anyone in our home stories..You taught me to so many things,you gave me a reason to believe in myself again You gave me love you gave me strength in our very peaceful home…you did not want anyone to know about us at first it made me feel some typer way till you showed me the bigger picture,You wer only trying to protect us and it worked#hokoso….you sang Kunyangwe Mukadaro for me and Ndiani anonzi Sauro(so funny how Ndiani anonzi Sauro was composed)and Murwere wepfungwa,you couldn’t wait to get home so you could play the recorded version…Court days wer the hardest for us…Takashorwa asi maitiro avo Mwari kukomborera pakashoreka.Everyone turned their backs on us but thats wat made us strong,people always questioned our relationship but we still chose and because we wer all we had for each other we grew closer by the dayand some days wer hard but our beautiful moments wer more.People laughed at me our love story became a mockery asi takanga takagara takashoreka we accepted still,we understand each other mukushoreka kwedu.Sometimes you would get sick in the middle of the night and you would completely refuse to go to the hospital ohhh that really annoyed me so muchl would just sitting on the floor completely clueless on what to do,l would shout at you and tell me kuti haaa Chibaby ChaDaddy come cuddle your man.Sometimes nights wer long coz its either you would at be at the studio normally leave home at 23.00-3am or you would be sick from 17.30-5am or you would be at the show.What hurt me the most worst wer Fridays and Saturdays,because we would spend the wholeday okay but get sugar attacks from 18.00 and start regaining strength around 23.30 that part of our lives was the worst,the next morning boom Jahlove IS A FAILURE,u would spendmost of ur time wondering why people cant see that you wer trying and you wer also human like everyone, no1 knew how that chronic disease affected you,all people wanted to see was a strong Jahlove but never considered you wer trying.we accepted kushoreka kwedu and we lived in our own corner oh Muzavazi you have broken us as ur family who will protect us.Kunyangwe vakati muri benzi muri benzi rangu.l come in peace.RIP my Soulmate..

By James Gwati- President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his two deputies, Constantine Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi have snubbed the burial of popular Zim dancehall musician Soul Jah Love and opted to preside over the burial of the little known former ZRP Boss, Moses Griffiths Mpofu.

Mpofu is the former Police Deputy Commissioner. He died on Friday last week and was declared a National Hero and will be buried today at the National Heroes Acre.
Soul Jah Love is a Zimdancehall chanter who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 31 will also be buried today at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare, after Zanu PF declared him a liberation hero.

By James Gwati-Moses Griffiths Mpofu, is former Police Deputy Commissioner. He died on Friday last week and was declared a National Hero and will be buried today at the National Heroes Acre.
Soul Jah Love is a Zimdancehall chanter who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 31 will also be buried today at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare, after Zanu PF declared him a liberation hero,

INTERVIEW LOADING BELOW – REFRESH TO LISTEN

Below is a brief interview with Temba Mliswa’s ex girlfriend Susan Mutami on Saturday morning.

Qn: Hello Susan, did you manage to get the lawyers?

SM:Yes I did.

Qn::Is everything going well?

SM:Everything is going well I am waiting for my ticket.

Qn:Ok so now they have now released you?

SM:Oh no they haven’t, can I call you in a second I am just in the shower?

Qn:Ok thanks I am happy that at least that is a bit of progress.

SM:Yes I just gave a statement yesterday I will call you back just now.

2ND CALL…

Qn: Hi Susan.

Congratulations!

SM:For what?

Qn. Oh no, you’ve had a breakthrough isn’t it?

SM: Oh okay, so I’m saying I’m busy at the moment, can J call you back?

Qn: So some was saying you should be careful not to say too much because Mama Auxilliah knows a bit about that history. So that might.

SM: Oh okay.

Qn: I don’t know if you saw that, writing to you, that just try to be as.

SM: Let me call you back. Let me call you back.

PHONE DROP

By James Jemwa-Zanu PF has snubbed the late Zimhall dance musician Soul Jah Love’s Mbare friends to speak at his final resting place.

His Mbare fans wanted at least five (5) Ghetto Youths to speak. On the program, only one friend of the late musician has been scheduled to speak.

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has described the late Zim Dancehall artist Soul Musaka as a giant in the music industry.

Musaka was popularly known as Soul Jah Love Love or “Chibaba”.

“Our nation has lost a giant in the music industry.Young talent gone too soon,one of a kind.

The music industry is poorer without this rare gift. My condolences to all Soul Jah Love fans, his family and friends.

May God grant us comfort and fortitude during these trying times. RIP,” said President Chamisa.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa of using arms of the State to suppress the will of the people.

In a strong article published by The Guardian Newspaper, President Chamisa exposed Mr Mnangagwa’s deception.

According to President Chamisa, authoritarian governments are repressive, corrupt and inefficient.

Read full article below:

Africa cannot afford to continue with the despotic forms of governance that still proliferate across the continent. Authoritarian and dictatorial governments are repressive, corrupt and inefficient. Their main interest is to retain power and loot public resources for the benefit of a few political elites, leaving the majority of citizens in poverty. As a result, although rich in raw resources, our continent remains the poorest in the world.

We have seen this trend of authoritarianism in Zimbabwe, and we are now seeing it in Uganda, which has just held a farcical election.

These authoritarian regimes share a common thread: they have no tolerance for dissent. Anybody who speaks out or raises questions is treated as if they were enemies of the state rather than a constructive part of the civic process. In this way, these regimes stifle competition and justify exclusion and repression. Such a playbook has been on show in Uganda, where the regime unleashed egregious violence against Bobi Wine and his movement during the election campaign.

Another common characteristic in these repressive governments is their refusal to allow young people to develop politically and take on leadership roles. This despite the reality that Africa has the world’s largest population of young people: the median age is 19.7. It is also projected to have a population of 2.5 billion by 2050, the majority of whom will be young people.

Young people represent a critical force in Africa. This future population projection is often referred to as the “demographic dividend”, and economists predict this growth will be good for Africa. Others caution that this dividend can only be an asset to Africa if we can fix the institutions of governance, improve our infrastructure and make progress beyond being merely extractive economies.

There is a need for deliberate policies that include young people in the political and economic architecture of their countries. Unless this is done, the demographic dividend will become a nightmare, as more young people rely on the state to provide for their welfare.

Unfortunately, dictators stand in the way. Young people seeking leadership are dismissed as upstarts and thwarted with the might of the state’s coercive powers. They are constantly told that they are the future, but that future never arrives. The view of the ageing authoritarian generation in power is very self-centred and short-termist – they have no real incentive to plan for a future that they have no prospect of experiencing. The result is that they think only about now and only about themselves, their families and associates.

In Zimbabwe, we know all about false and misleading promises. When the current regime took power from Robert Mugabe in November 2017, they made grand promises including a new democratic process, respect for human rights and re-engagement with the international community. But despite all these big claims, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government went on to oversee the exact opposite – disputed elections, human rights violations, and grand corruption. Lately, they have been using surrogates to undermine and shut down the opposition. The Zanu-PF government has taken money intended for the opposition and diverted it to its associates. It has facilitated the removal of my MDC Alliance party’s elected representatives from parliament and local authorities.

Zimbabwe cannot afford further corrosions of democracy in this decade – and nor can any other country in Africa. Government should be by the meaningful consent of the people: any consent that is coerced is not legitimate, it is not free choice. Elections must be free and transparent – when results are announced amid serious and glaring voting irregularities, the process lacks legitimacy.

The international community should not keep rubber-stamping these illegitimate outcomes in the name of maintaining a supposed peace. The consequence of doing so is to continue the exclusionary systems of government that fly in the face of demographic and political changes.

Now dictators are callously exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen repression. In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni used the pandemic to prevent his main rival from campaigning effectively during the election. In Zimbabwe, the regime suspended byelections under the guise of fighting the pandemic, but the ruling party carried on with its political activities.

The Mnangagwa regime has been arresting opponents and journalists and throwing them into crowded and squalid jails, exposing them to Covid. When our spokesperson at the MDC Alliance, Fadzayi Mahere, left prison recently, she tested positive for the virus.

It is important for both the African and global communities to take a tough stance on these illiberal regimes. Staging elections is part of the dictators’ playbook because it creates a facade of democracy. There is no point in recognising unfair elections, such as Uganda’s in January – it only serves to legitimise and entrench authoritarian regimes.

Nelson Chamisa is leader of the MDC Alliance, Zimbabwe’s largest opposition party-

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

By A Correspondent- Thieves stole four solar panels that were used to power the borehole system in Kadoma’s Ward 7, depriving residents access to potable water.

Kadoma Mayor Alderman Action Nyamukondiwa said the system was installed using Devolution funds.

The borehole was serving residents from adjacent Wards 3, 4 and 5 as well.

Chamber Secretary Willard Mangwengwende confirmed the theft and said they would make a comprehensive report once they understand what transpired.

“I will only be able to advise after getting full information on what happened,” he could only say after H-Metro sought for a comment from council.

Local ZRP also confirmed the theft saying investigation were underway.

“We have received that report. However, no arrests have been made. If you have any information that may assist us, please come forward. We’re investigating the matter,” said an officer at Rimuka police station.

Residents mourn the theft of these solar panels since that will force them to resort to the situation prior where they walked longer distances to fetch for the precious liquid.

Some, it is observed, end up using unsafe sources as other points are overwhelmed.-statemedia

By James Gwati-Vice President Kembo Mohadi is nursing head injuries he sustained from thorough beatings by another woman for infidelity.

Muhadi was thoroughly beaten up by an unnamed woman after he had a raucous showdown with Jacob Mumpande, husband to Abbigal Mumpande, with who the Vice President is having an adulterous relationship with, this week.

Sources said following the violent confrontation, an unidentified woman who was with Mohadi inside his Harare home, got so angry at the discovery that he was seeing another woman and hit him (Mohadi) with an object, possibly a shoe, which caused him to bleed from the head.

The couple, Abbigal and Jacob Mumpande whose marriage Mohadi has caused to break are all members of the dreaded Central Intelligent Organisation, CIO and work with the ill-looking Vice President.

By James Gwati- There was chaos at the late Zim dancehall, Soul Jah Love’s funeral Harare’s Masasa Park, Friday after Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour which has volunteered to sponsor the burial and other funeral expenses refused to take the late’s body to Mbare.

Jah Love’s fans most of them from Mbare where Zim dance music originated from, had asked Nyaradzo to take the body of their celebrity and friend to the high-density suburb for a farewell.

An official from Nyaradzo told the “crowd” mourning Chibaba, that it was not possible for them to take the body anywhere without the authority of the state since the late had been declared a liberation hero.

“It’s unfortunate that we can not take the body of your friend anywhere from here because he is now a property of the state. I think you would agree with me and you have witnessed the police escorting us from the funeral parlour to this place,” humbly responded the official.

Soul Jah Love whose real name is Soul Musaka, died at Mbuya Dorcas Hospital Tuesday evening at the age of 31 and was declared a liberation Hero by Zanu PF.

By being declared a liberation hero, it means that the state was now in charge of all the proceedings.

By James Gwati-The European Union said it was concerned about the continuing abuse of human rights by President Emerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Mnangagwa, who replaced the late and former long-serving Zimbabwean leader, Robert Mugabe through a military coup in November 2017, had promised to be a better devil than his predecessor.

In the run-up to the July 2018 elections which later endorsed him as the country’s elected President, Mnangagwa promised to respect the rule of law. But a few days after his election, on the 1stof August 2018, his administration unleashed soldiers on unarmed civilians and killed at least six people.

Since then President Mnangagwa’s government has been on a human rights spree where is using soldiers and the police to butcher civilians.

In a statement, Friday when it was announcing the review on sanctions on Zimbabwe, the EU said the proliferation of arrests and prosecutions of journalists, opposition actors and individuals expressing dissenting views, and the use by high-level officials of speech that could be interpreted as incitement to violence was disturbing.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has committed to adhere fully to its constitutional and international human rights obligations which imply respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including addressing impunity. Perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses should swiftly be brought to justice and the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry should be implemented as a matter of priority and urgency,” said EU.

“In light of its continuing concerns, the EU has reviewed its restrictive measures, recalling their purpose to encourage a demonstrable, genuine and long-term commitment by the Zimbabwean authorities to respect and uphold human rights and the rule of law. The EU has decided to renew its arms embargo and to maintain a targeted assets freeze against one company, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, taking into account the situation in Zimbabwe, including the continuing need to investigate the role of security force actors in human rights abuses,” said the western bloc.

Brussels said it will continue to closely follow developments in Zimbabwe, with particular attention to the human rights situation.

Contrary to what Zanu PF propagates to the nation, the EU said the renewed sanctions do not affect the people of Zimbabwe, its economy, foreign direct investment, or trade.

“ Zimbabwe continues to benefit from duty-free and quota-free access of its exports to the EU, with negotiations to deepen the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) ongoing. Accelerated political and economic reforms, respect for human rights, boosting trust in the rule of law and tackling corruption would contribute significantly to investor confidence, build a steady business climate and facilitate Zimbabwe in taking full advantage of the opportunities the EPA provides,” said EU.

EU slapped Harare with sanctions at the turn of the millennium after the former President Robert Mugabe’s government had embarked on a chaotic land reform program and chased away former white commercial farmers from their land without compensation.

By A Correspondent- A Warren Park woman found herself in the dock yesterday after she reportedly pointed a gun and threatened to shoot her husband’s suspected lover at a bar in Warren Park 1.

The suspect Edinah Mupedziswa, was not asked to plead when she appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova.

The complainant in the matter is Georgina Chanakira.

The court heard that on February 12, at around 2pm, Chanakira was at her workplace, in the bar where she was doing stock take with her employer Mike Mashonganyika, Netsai Shonhiwa the accountant and Rutendo Mushangiu who is also a cashier as Chanakira.

The State alleges that whilst in the bottle store, Shonhiwa introduced Mupedziswa to the staff as her sister and when she was introduced to Chanakira, she interjected and said she knew her as her husband’s girlfriend.

Chanakira denied having an affair with the man in question even after being shown pictures and that infuriated Mupedziswa who went out of the bar and came back holding an unidentified pistol and pointed it at Chanakira threatening to shoot her.

Mupedziswa was restrained by her sister and was disarmed.

The court heard that no recoveries were made but it was found that the gun was not registered.

Shambadzeni Fungura appeared for the State.-HMetro

By A Correspondent- A 24 year old Bindura man from Okello 18 Mine in Shamva was arraigned before a Bindura magistrate yesterday after allegedly stealing 100 kilograms of gold ore.

Aaron Nyamunda pleaded not guilty before magistrate Moreblessing Makati and was remanded in custody to April 21.

Prosecutor Sheilla Kudzai Maribha alleged that on Tuesday at around 2300hrs, the complainant and owner of the mine, Roy Tsiga (26) were conducting some patrols at the mine with his brother Simon.

They saw a small light at one of the mine site which is no longer operational.

They drew closer and observed two people pulling a sack full of gold ore out of a mine shaft using a windlass.

The duo was asked to explain what was taking place but they were tongue-tied and a chase ensued.

While in the race for freedom, Nyamunda’s luck hit a brickwall and he fell into a shaft while his accomplice, who is still at large vanished into the darkness.

The accused was helped out of the shaft and was subsequently arrested.

Four bags of gold ore weighing approximately 100kgs were recovered from where they had been hidden, some metres away from where the accused was seen pulling out the gold ore.

By A Correspondent- The latest lockdown extension by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has opened new avenues for Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to continue milking the public.

Most informal traders who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity claimed that police officers who are patrolling Harare CBD are forcing the closure of shops sighting lockdown measures.

However, in his statement, President Mnangagwa said informal traders could open their businesses if they meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

“We have been forced to close the shop by police, but we have all the necessary measures in place”, said a shop owner who refused to be named.

Several shop owners also claimed that they have remained open after paying bribes to the police.

“We were allowed to open after paying some bribes to the officers, initially we were told to close”, said the shop owner who also refused to be named.

The latest lockdown restrictions have been met with mixed reactions with informal traders saying they are the most affected as they can no longer afford to pay rentals.

Josphat Chimuti, a vendor said it was cruel for the government to continue locking down the country without mitigating them.

“INI ndoda kuona mkuru wenyika ndimuedze nekuti tarwadziwa( I want to see the President because we have suffered)”, said Chimuti.

The latest lockdown is expected to end in March.

Meanwhile yesterday the country started rolling out the vaccine which has been declared safe by health officials.

By A Correspondent- Harare Metro (H-Metro), a state-run publication has apologised for publishing a letter to the editor which wished for the death of an unnamed member of the presidium.

The publication regarded the publishing of the letter as “erroneous.” Read the retraction post:

IN our 19 February 2021 edition of H-Metro we erroneously published feedback from someone wishing death upon ‘someone in the presidium’. The error is regretted. We apologise sincerely to the Presidium and all our readers for this error and for any inconveniences caused – EDITOR

Responding to the apology by the publication some social media users said there was nothing to apologise for since the letter was written to the Editor and had to be posted as it was.

A number of people have in the recent past wished for the death of all the members of the presidium saying they have failed to run this country.

Some posts on social media openly wished that the trio gets infected by the deadly coronavirus.

By A Correspondent- Masvingo Province has received 22 000 jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines which the country recently procured from Chinese firm Sinopharm.

The consignment was received by Provincial medical director Dr Amadeos Shamu who said everything was in place to start the vaccination of frontline health workers.

He said the vaccines will be stored at the provincial stores at the Ministry of Health and Child Care provincial headquarters before distribution to the province’s seven districts. Dr Shamu said:

Every district gave us a rough estimate of the number of frontline health workers that they have and we are going to use those figures to distribute the 22 000 doses that we received today.

From tomorrow (Saturday), the vaccines will start being shipped to districts and we hope that by Sunday every district will have received their share ahead of the start of vaccination of frontline health workers on Monday.

However the impending vaccination of frontline health workers will be done on a voluntary basis. No one will be forced.

The delivery of the vaccines in Masvingo follows the inaugural vaccination of health caregivers at Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital in Harare on Thursday.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is also the minister of Health and Child Care was the first to be vaccinated, a gesture that earned him praises from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) managing director Lovemore Chinaka was granted bail when he appeared before the courts for flouting tender procedures.

Lovemore Chinaka who was being represented by his lawyer, Oliver Marwa, was being accused of violating tender procedures involving US$1 405 920.

He was not asked to plead to the charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Esthere Chivasa who freed him on a $30 000 bail.

Magistrate Chivasa also ordered Chinaka to report to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission once a fortnight.-statemedia

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

………….(please be patient as it uploads )

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has described the late Zim Dancehall artist Soul Musaka as a giant in the music industry.

Musaka was popularly known as Soul Jah Love Love or “Chibaba”.

“Our nation has lost a giant in the music industry.Young talent gone too soon,one of a kind.

The music industry is poorer without this rare gift. My condolences to all Soul Jah Love fans, his family and friends.

May God grant us comfort and fortitude during these trying times. RIP,” said President Chamisa.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

………….(please be patient as it uploads )

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

………….(please be patient as it uploads )

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

………….(please be patient as it uploads )

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….(please be patient as it uploads)

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has increased the number and the format of subjects to be written by Grade 7 pupils starting this year.

Under the new Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) structure, pupils will write six subjects namely; Mathematics; English Language; Indigenous Language; Agriculture, Science and Technology and ICT; Social Sciences and Physical Education and Arts.

The development was confirmed by ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicky Dhlamini who said:

Yes, the structure is a true reflection of ZIMSEC exams. This is in line with the new curriculum. This class started the new curriculum in Grade 3 as scheduled, and in accordance with the framework, ZIMSEC has put in place the structure.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communication Taungana Ndoro said:

This exam structure is under the competence-based curriculum which the learners started on in 2017 when they were in Grade 3.

Below is the new Grade 7 examination structure:
1) Mathematics, Paper 1, Multiple Choice (60 per cent)
-Paper 2, Structured (40 per cent)

2) English Language
Paper 1, Multiple Choice (60 per cent)
-Paper 2, Structured (40 per cent). Summary added to Paper 2.

3) Indigenous Language for example Ndebele, Shona
Paper 1, Multiple Choice (40 per cent)
– Paper 2, Structured (60 per cent). Summary added to paper 2.

4) Agriculture, Science and Technology and Information Communication and Technology,
– Agriculture 50 per cent
– Science and Technology 30 per cent
– ICT 20 per cent
Paper 1, Multiple Choice (50 per cent)
Paper 2, Structured (50 per cent)

5) Social Sciences (formerly General Paper)
– Family Religion and Moral Education (FAREME) 50 per cent
– Heritage and Social Studies 40 per cent
– Guidance and Counselling 10 per cent
Paper 1, Multiple Choice (50 per cent)
Paper 2, Structured (50 per cent)

6) Physical Education and Arts
– Visual and Performing Arts 50 per cent
– Physical Education, Sports and Mass Displays 50 per cent
Paper 1, Multiple Choice (100 per cent) One paper only.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

By A Correspondent- Police confirmed that Samantha Mudimba was playing with three other minor girls aged eight years and below when the incident occurred on Tuesday.

Samantha has since been transferred from a hospital near her home and is now admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.

“Children were injured as a result of an explosion in Sibakwazi, Mwebe Village under Chief Hwange on February 16.

Circumstances are that at around 0900hrs, four children were playing at Siphilisiwe Mathema’s homestead when there was an explosion. One child was seriously injured, losing her right leg,” said Matabeleland North police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda.

He said two children were rushed to Simangani Clinic before being transferred to St Patrick’s Hospital.

The one who lost her leg was then transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

Insp Banda warned villagers living in the area and near border areas not to pick suspicious objects.

“Our appeal to the public is that adults and children should treat every piece of metal not common in the area with suspicion especially in areas along the borders where landmines were planted during the armed struggle,” he said.

Ms Mathema whose three-year-old daughter was among the injured told Chronicle that she was startled by an explosion behind her kitchen hut as she was attending to her chores.

“The children were playing a crawling game behind my kitchen hut when all of a sudden I heard a loud explosion and children screaming. I rushed to the scene and found my younger sister, Samantha lying on the ground moaning in pain while the other children were also crying. That’s when I noticed that flesh on her leg was in shreds.

My daughter was also injured as she sustained cuts on her head and left side of the body. We raised alarm and some villagers managed to mobilise transport to the clinic before an ambulance was called to ferry them to Hwange. I’m still in shock over the whole incident as everything happened in a flash,” she narrated.

Another villager, Mr Osino Mumpande who attended the scene said he was jolted into action by a loud explosion as he worked in his field.

“I was one of the first people to arrive at the scene and assisted in mobilising transport to ferry the injured girls.

What I saw was not a good sight. One of the girls’ leg was completely shattered by the explosion while the other children suffered cuts all over their bodies. It’s a miracle that they survived especially Samantha whose injuries were serious compared to the others,” he said.

Mr Mumpande appealed to Government to ensure that landmines in the area are removed, adding that they were also killing and maiming both people and livestock.

“There was a programme that was launched sometime in 2006 by Government to demine these areas. It appears it was suspended. We appeal to Government to intervene as these are a danger to people’s lives and our livestock. Just yesterday a landmine was discovered in Msuna by our neighbours luckily no one was hurt as soldiers detonated it,” he said.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Lloyd Damba has been appointed the new Presidential spokesperson for the MDC T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

In an interview with ZimEye, Damba confirmed the development and said:

“Yes it is true. I have been appointed presidential spokesperson with immediate effect.”

We publish below the full statement of his appointment:

Open Letter to President Mnangagwa

Dear Mr. President

#SoulJahLove was one of the most influential Zimdancehall musicians in Zimbabwe. He inspired a lot of ghetto youths with his music, including teaching them how to fish.

I went to pay my last respects at the Musaka residence earlier today and they are not happy with how some mourners are being treated by ZRP.

They asked me to ask you to waiver the covid-19 regulations a bit to allow his fans to mourn him. The family requested that his fans should at least be allowed to stand in the road observing social distancing as they bid farewell to their Zimdancehall superstar.

Their wish is to have the hearse with his body pass through Mbare and then drive to his Msasa Park residence this afternoon.

As the first citizen of Zimbabwe, I am kindly requesting you to intervene and allow his mourners to give him a befitting sendoff.

Yours Sincerely

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira

By A Correspondent- A man from Emthunzini suburb in Bulawayo sexually assaulted his stepdaughter to spite his wife, who was allegedly having a sexual affair with a man in the same suburb.

The man cannot be named so as to protect the identity of the 15-year-old minor.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.

“We arrested a man who raped his 15-year-old stepdaughter at a bushy area near Emthunzini suburb.

“The man told the minor that he had to rape her because her mother was involved in an extra marital affair with a man in the suburb,” said Insp Ncube.

Insp Ncube advised rape victims to seek medical attention within 72 hours after the ordeal so as to get post exposure prophylaxis.

“Post exposure prophylaxis will help in preventing one from contracting HIV and they will also get medication to prevent unwanted pregnancy,” he said.

A source said last week on Friday at around 6am, the pair went to Inyanda Farm to work in the fields in return for payment.

While they were working in the farm, the stepdad told his step child that they had to take a recess and they sat under a tree.

After a few minutes the dad said they had to look for firewood in the bushy area and the unsuspecting child agreed.

“While they were in the bush looking for firewood he said they had to rest under a tree. He then started to caress the minor and raped her.

“After the ordeal he told the minor that he raped her because he was fixing her mother who was cheating on him with a man in the suburb,” said a source close to the family.

After the act the pair went home and upon arrival the minor told her aunt that her stepfather had raped her.

Her aunt advised her to report the matter to the police and accompanied her to Nkulumane Police Station where a report was made leading to the arrest of the man.

The minor was referred to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination.

The man is set to appear in court.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The government, through Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Thursday sent a message of condolence to the Musaka family following the death of musician Soul Musaka, popularly known as Soul Jah Love.

The award-winning Zimdancehall musician died on Tuesday after battling diabetes for many years. He was 31.

In a statement, Minister Mutsvangwa described the late artist as a leading chanter whose music influence cut across all generations.

She said:

It is with great sadness that we have learnt the death of Soul Musaka Soul Jah Love, leading dancehall musician and a chanter who has greatly influenced the dancehall music scene in the country and across all generations.

I join you my fellow Zimbabweans in celebrating the life of a young man whose lyrical prowess was legendary, entertaining and spoke to the real-life situations as it touched on our social culture.

All the people who knew him greatly loved and will always keep the memory of a great musician. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes the treasure.

On behalf of Government, I send our deepest condolence to the Musaka family, friends, music fraternity and his fans during this time of bereavement and may God bring you the much-needed peace and comfort till we meet again.

By A Correspondent- A swarm of bees ruined what was supposed to be a blissful Valentine’s Day tryst for a couple from St Peters Village near Bulawayo’s Old Pumula suburb when they were stung by bees while allegedly having sex in the bush.

It is reported that on Sunday last week the couple, who decided to have a “hot” Valentine’s Day celebration, was attacked by the seemingly “jealous” bees while having a lunchtime romp in the bush.

Reports are that the woman is married.

According to a source close to the incident, the unidentified man and his alleged girlfriend only identified as naDee, were reportedly having sex in a bushy area when they were attacked by bees.

After being attacked in the midst of their alleged love nest, the couple, which was partially naked, is said to have escaped in different directions. Their screams caught the attention of some members of an apostolic sect who were praying nearby.

“It seems before they arrived someone might have stirred the honeycomb hanging on a tree under which they were having sex. This is because the bees attacked them the moment, they started enjoying each other.

After being stung, the couple ran in different directions screaming for help. Members of the apostolic sect who were praying nearby and later helped the couple, initially didn’t realise that the lovebirds were being stung by bees as they thought that they had been busted by the woman’s husband.

“Despite the fact they were stung several times, the couple who didn’t go to the hospital apparently out of shame, are however out of danger,” the source said.

Cases of couples being attacked while in the bush having sex are not new in Zimbabwe. In 2013 a lion reportedly attacked a man and woman having sex in a bushy area situated in Mahombekombe suburb in Kariba.

In 2015 a prophet with an apostolic sect in Murayo Village under Chief Nyamondo in Mberengwa, Midlands Province was also allegedly bitten by a snake during a sex romp in the bush with a married woman.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Six Ugandan soldiers were handed prison sentences of up to three months by a military court on Thursday for taking part in the brutal beating of local journalists covering the country’s opposition leader.

The seven injured journalists were covering an effort by opposition leader Bobi Wine to file a petition on Wednesday with the United Nations against human rights abuses, when they were set upon by security forces.

The 38-year-old former popstar Wine has alleged January’s election was rigged, and his petition to the UN detailed alleged abuses such as illegal detentions, torture, forced disappearances and continued harassment of opposition groups.

Journalists were injured as military police chased his supporters away from the United Nations’ offices in Kampala.

An army statement said a disciplinary committee of the court martial had “convened and deliberated on its officers and militants who misbehaved and assaulted members of the fourth estate”.

Six soldiers were given detentions of between 60-90 days and a seventh was issued with a severe reprimand, it said.

A first statement identified four soldiers who had been jailed, but a later statement gave the names of two more.

Also on Thursday defence forces chief David Muhoozi called a press conference to apologise to the media, promising to pay for the medical care of the injured journalists.

Journalists in Uganda often face rough treatment at the hands of security forces, which soared during an election marred by the worst bloodshed in years, as well as a sustained crackdown on government critics.

Shortly before the election, when asked why police were assaulting journalists, police chief Martin Ochola said it was for their own good, and refused to apologise.

“We are telling you there’s a danger there, but you are insisting you must go where there is danger. Yes we shall beat you for your own sake, to help you understand not to go there. Yes, we shall use reasonable force to ensure that you don’t go where there’s a risk,” he said.

The head of the UN in Uganda, Rosa Malango, condemned Wednesday’s attack.

“We deplore the excessive use of force by military police which contravened the arrangements made… to ensure safe delivery of this petition”.

US Ambassador to Uganda Natalie Brown said journalists should not be attacked for doing their job: “Those who violate press freedom must be held to account.”

The incident was also widely condemned by media and civil society institutions.

“We note with concern that attacks against journalists which started during the campaigns for presidential elections continue to date and appear to have become an operational norm for Ugandan security personnel,” the Federation for African Journalists said. AFP

By A Correspondent- The Republic of India has pledged to donate 75 000 coronavirus vaccines to Zimbabwe, with the South Asian giant granting Harare the opportunity to buy more.

In a post on his social media channels this Friday, President Mnangagwa said his government is working hard to procure more vaccines.

He wrote:

We are grateful to our Indian friends for committing to donate 75 000 Covid 19 vaccines and for the opportunity to buy more moving forward.

We are working tirelessly to obtain sufficient vaccines so we can overcome this virus and revive our economy.

By A Correspondent- When marriage is war, then the bedroom is the battlefield.

This came to light when a Bulawayo man, Trust Moyo (43), was arraigned before a court facing charges of brutally assaulting his wife Sehlule Ndlovu (46) all over the body with a hosepipe following a misunderstanding over a bed.

He was, however, not asked to plead to physical abuse charges as defined in Section 3 (1) (a) as read with Section 4 of the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 5:16 when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja, who remanded him out of custody to 2 April 2021 on $3 000 bail.

It is reported that Moyo, from Hillside suburb, who seemed to have been chucked out of the house, flew into a rage and assaulted his wife after she stopped him from taking with him their matrimonial bed.

The court heard that on 9 February 2021 and at around 8am, Moyo had an argument with his wife over an undisclosed reason before the latter told him to take his belongings out of the house.

It is reported that while taking his belongings, Moyo also took their matrimonial bed and Ndlovu stopped him, saying the bed was also hers.

A heated argument reportedly arose between the two parties resulting in Moyo losing his temper and allegedly assaulting his wife with fists on the face.

As if the assault with fists on the face was not enough, Moyo went on to take a piece of hosepipe which he used to assault Ndlovu several times all over the body.

Ndlovu sustained several injuries and made a report to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest.

By James Gwati- Vice President Kembo Mohadi has been caught red-handed by the husband of his married lover, Abbigal Mumpande, and pleaded for forgiveness.

This happened after the ill-looking Mohadi’s adulterous relationship with Abbigal was early this week exposed through a leaked phone call between the two.

Upon catching the two love-birds, Abbigal’s husband, Jacob Mumpande, this week confronted Mohadi for an hour at his residence in Harare, during which the vice president apologized.

Mumpande also demanded that his wife be transferred from Mohadi’s Munhumutapa Building office as the couple tries to save their marriage.

Both Jacob and Abbigal are Central Intelligence Organisation agents and work at Munhumutapa Building.

Jacob screens visitors to the building, which also houses President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office, while Abbigal has similar duties upstairs in Mohadi’s office.

Before joining the CIO in 2019, Abbigal worked for a local NGO in Binga.