The Forum offered legal assistance to the 76 mourners arrested during the burial of Tatenda Pasinyore who died after alleged assault by police on 28 February. The mourners were charged with breaking COVID-19 lockdown regulations and participating in an illegal gathering. The Forum lawyers, on instruction from the arrested, engaged police officials and the charge was lessened to violating COVID-19 lockdown regulation. All the mourners were released after paying $500 fine each.
Pasinyore passed away at Gweru’s Mutapa Police Station after he was brutally assaulted by police who had arrested him for violating COVID-19 regulations. The family is receiving legal assistance from the Forum and is awaiting results of a post mortem carried out on 4 March 2021.

By Zvamaida Murwira

Former First Lady Grace Mugabe and a group of her associates are coming under investigation from anti-corruption authorities following complaints that they grabbed residential stands worth US$10 million without paying from an upmarket development on State land in Borrowdale.

Grace Mugabe at Gushungo Dairy Estate, which she took over in 2009
Grace Mugabe at Gushungo Dairy Estate, which she took over in 2009
Arosume Property Development (Pvt) Limited were appointed as developers for the land on Carrick Creagh Estate allocated to Sally Mugabe Housing Cooperative in 2005 and have now lodged complaints with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Special Anti-Corruption Unit in the President’s Office.

Zacc spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure said the commission would investigate all reported cases of corruption without fear or favour, including the Carrick Creagh Estate.

“We are dealing with all suspected cases of corruption that have either been reported to us, that have appeared in the media or even on social media. We are determined to allow the law to take its course,” he said.

According to a letter filed with Zacc, Grace Mugabe and Dr Chombo are accused of using undue influence.

“A tripartite agreement was thus entered into between the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development, Arosume Property Development (Pvt) Ltd and the Sally Mugabe Housing Cooperative.

“The object of the tripartite agreement is the development of upmarket residential stands of varying sizes at Carrick Creagh Estate, Borrowdale, Harare.

“To this end the ministry contributed land owned by the state whilst Arosume Property Development was tasked with the development of the area,” read the papers.

The agreement came with some regulatory and policy arrangements, such as the standard 20 percent of the land to be reserved as Government commonage as required on all developments where State land is privately developed.

The developer negotiated that 50 undeveloped stands be transferred to Arosume before work started, due the risks involved in the scheme. But the bulk of development costs and profits would come when the stands were sold.

But Arosume now alleges that some with political clout unprocedurally grabbed land from original beneficiaries and transferred the properties into companies and individual names without paying for them, reads the complaint, naming former First Lady Grace Mugabe and former Minister Ignatius Chombo.

It is alleged that former First Lady Grace Mugabe transferred to companies under the directorship of two of her children, Bona and Robert Mugabe Jnr, seven stands totalling just under 10,2ha.

Companies and individuals associated with the First family that benefited include Farai Olivia Mushonganyika who obtained land worth US$364 000 without paying, Junior Gumbochuma for land worth US$544 000 (1,2ha), Penking Investment for land of US$812 000 and Montshow Investments for land of US$1,9 million.

One of the names appearing on the list is former MDC legislator Timothy Mubhawu, who is alleged to have received land worth US$432 000.

Former Cabinet minister Chombo is alleged to have grabbed land worth almost US$1 million with three stands totalling 2,2ha allocated to three firms including Comverol Enterprises and Cavford Trading. -The Herald

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia has said Zanu PF is abusing the term patriotism in a bid to muzzle alternative voices.

Patriotism cannot be imposed on citizens, according to the MDC Alliance.

Read full statement below:

MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA LAMBASTS THE ZANUPF PROPONENTS OF THE SENSELESS AND UNDEMOCRATIC PATRIOTIC BILL.

06 MARCH 2021

Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely amazed that the Parliament of Zimbabwe has the time to debate on the useless patriotic bill that seeks to muzzle the citizenry’s democratic rights to express their political opinions about how Zimbabwe is being governed.

Instead of priotising fixing the devastating economic meltdown, Zanupf Mberengwa South legislator Alum Mpofu said, “I move the motion in my name that: Cognisant that Zimbabwe’s image and national reputation are critical factors in attracting foreign investment…have enacted laws that bar citizens from engaging in unpatriotic activities and communication intended to denigrate the integrity of their homeland”.

This is incontrovertible evidence proving Mnangagwa’s futile attempt to put Zimbabweans on mute and make sure they don’t castigate the cartels and their enablers who are running national affairs like their tuckshops.

Mpofu’s utterances unearthed Zanupf’s deliberate diversion from serious national issues like the gross abuse of human freedoms manifesting in unprecedented levels of human butchery of opposition activists and journalists. Zanupf legislator went on to open up attacking his own rotten system in the process of moving the motion. He said,”…the overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans are focused on building the positive image of the country as reforming , open , peaceful and democratic country that is attractive to investment”. This is a clear testimony that even politically inept Zanupf morons also subscribe to social democracy but due to fear of persecution by the Harare monocratic regime, they continue to support looting and corruption.

Moreover,Mdc Alliance Namibia would like to make it clear that they reject to be stifled by greedy politicians who intend to silence voices of dissent in the motherland and the diaspora.

We shall continue to speak condemning autocratic Zanupf government for failing to revamp our economy. We shall continue to amplify our revolutionary voices against the arbitrary arrests and detention of our people for speaking against the selective application of the law. Zanupf must know that patriotism can’t be imposed on the citizens.

Love is a natural drive! This attempt to compel citizens to love a country governed by greedy stomach politicians who eat on behalf of the citizens who continue to wallow in abject poverty as Zanupf accelerates belly politics of plunder and self-enrichment.

We concur with Hon Molokele Daniel who postulated that the talk of patriotism should not be allowed in Parliament when the motherland has political prisoners in the names of Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe, Takudzwa Ngadziore, Chiriga, Hon Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, Tungamirai Madzokere, Last Maengahama only to mention but a few. Mdc Alliance Namibia demands the unconditional release of its organic and pragmatic leadership.

The Parliament of Zimbabwe must be people driven. We can’t have a Parliament that decides on behalf of the people against their will as well the Supreme Law of the country. Demonstrations and protests are allowed by the 2013 constitution, Joana and other revolutionaries should be allowed to express their political opinions without fear of persecution by prosecution. These are the issues that should be brought to the August House for debating.

Furthermore, we have got civil society activists who have been denied bail in the motherland for standing up for the truth or being true patriots.

How then do you expect such citizens to say anything positive about a satanic thugocratic government that is tormenting its citizens for sharing a different plate of political opinion? Civil servants and all in the private sector are struggling to join pieces together including paying school fees for their helpless children. In the recent months , we saw Amalgamated Rural Teachers’Union of Zimbabwe’s Gender Secretary for Masvingo Province (Artuz) sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for demanding a living wage against slave wages paid to teachers in the motherland. These are the issues that must be brought to Parliament to give trade unionists their powers to protest against unsalted peanuts (meagre salaries).

To wind it up, Mdc Alliance Namibia urges Mpofu to preach the ideology of social democracy to his cronies before moving foolish and helpless motions in the sacred House of Legislators. As a district , we shall continue speaking against gross abuse of power by Zanupf terrorists. We are not deterred by empty bills that are meant to rob us of our democratic rights to speak out our minds regarding governance issues. We are Zimbabweans! We are not scared of the patriotic bill since we are going to employ all our organs to resist an attempt to establish a One-party state.

FreeCdeMako
FreeCecilia
FreeHonJoana
FreeChiriga
FreeTakudzwa
FreeLast
FreeTunga
ZanupfMustGo
CartelsMustFall
OurLandIsOurProsperity
OurLand
ChilongaSolidarity

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|Two Members of the dreaded Ferret Team broke into MDC Alliance national chairperson, Hon Thabitha Khumalo’s house on Saturday morning and severely assaulted her.

The armed team also seized her gadgets.Ferret operations comprise Central Intelligence, Police Internal Security Intelligence(PISI) and military intelligence personnel.

Hon Khumalo is currently receiving medical attention at a health facility in Bulawayo.

“MDC Alliance National Chairperson, Thabitha Khumalo, was on Saturday morning attacked by two armed men who brazenly broke into Saurcetown home in Bulawayo, severely beat her knees, head using a knobkerrie.
They stabbed her right hand,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.

Senior MDC Alliance official Elliot Pfebve commented:
“We condemn the cowardly and politically motivated attack on Hon Thabitha Khumalo, the MDC Alliance National Chair this morning at her home in Bulawayo. MDC alliance remain vigilant against the regime’s terror tactics towards people’s leadership.”

Demolitions of illegal housing structures remain suspended and Government will only be in a position to demolish structures once compensation and new land to relocate the affected people is secured, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe has said.

Responding to social media reports that Government is set to demolish more than 3 000 illegal houses in Gweru, the Minister said the position is that houses can be pulled down when there is alternative accommodation.

“The social media report purporting there were over 3 000 houses to be demolished is misleading.  

“During our recent visit of Gweru, we toured areas which were affected by floods we identified areas where some houses were built in wetlands and the Government position is that people should not be settled on wetlands or along river banks.

Those houses on the river banks should be removed, but they can only be removed after Government and the local authority finds a new place.

“If those affected were settled there by a land baron then that land baron should compensate the affected,” he said.

Minister Garwe said Government will not wantonly destroy people’s houses as a proper housing scheme was being put in place in line with Vision 2030 of achieving an upper middle class economy.

“Government stopped the demolition of houses and the position remains, but what is critical is that where there are no proper lay out plans, where there is no water and other ablution facilities those structures should be removed and the persons responsible for settling home-seekers under such conditions should be liable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Garwe said Government is working on the construction of water and sewage reticulation infrastructure on houses built under Garikayi/Hlalani Kuhle housing scheme.

Speaking during a tour of housing schemes in Marondera recently, Minister Garwe, said Government will also relocate residents whose houses were built on wetlands.

“It is our responsibility as Government to bring sanity to all Garikayi settlements although the houses were not built in a proper way. It is also our responsibility as Government to provide social amenities in all human settlements.

“In Marondera, we know there was land reserved for such infrastructure as hotels, but was converted for other uses. We need to identify new spaces for such features.

“I have noticed that in all the housing schemes in Marondera, there is no provision of roads, water and sewer. People are using septic tanks on stands that are as small as 400 square metres which is against the building standards. Potential waterborne diseases are being created,” he said. Herald

Hello New Zimbabwe Vol 2 songs by Minister Clifford Hlatywayo
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No one will be moved out of the Chilonga area in Chiredzi South for the US$60 million lucerne grass project by Dendairy Company on 6 000 hectares, as the local farmers will become out-growers, and only a few families will have to move within the area to allow infrastructure development.
Political opportunists have been incorrectly speculating that the scheme, approved by the local community itself as well as local traditional leaders and the local council, would see the displacement of thousands of villagers.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said villagers in the area earmarked for the project by the Kwekwe-based milk processor would be incorporated into the project and empowered as out-growers in line with Vision 2030.

Minister Chadzamira said only a few families would be moved from their homes to pave way for some developments under the project, but will still be settled within the same area to benefit from the game-changing venture that seeks to modernise rural Chikombedzi.

While the land use model for Chilonga was being changed from communal to commercial land, this would not result in relocation of people from their ancestral lands.

The Minister berated political opportunists in the opposition circles who were trying to gain cheap scores by misconstruing facts in pursuit of nefarious agendas that do nothing to develop Chikombedzi.

Government had done due diligence and consulted widely with the local community and their leadership to get their buy-in for the massive project. The grass project would be Masvingo’s biggest investment in recent history by private investors, transforming the rural Chilonga hinterland with new modern bridges, roads, a railway line and a factory.

“First and foremost, as Government we want to make it clear that nobody will be removed from their ancestral land under this US$60 million lucerne grass project that is in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,” he said.

“We have a few homes that will have to moved as part of the reorganisation that will take place as new developments take shape in the area, but these affected people will still be resettled in the same area because we want them all to benefit from the project as lucerne grass out-growers.”

Government had taken a keen interest in the project to make sure that the local community were not short-charged with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga visiting Chilonga area twice to make sure the community were not excluded from the project.

“We don’t know the motive behind those who are saying Chilonga people will be removed from their ancestral land to pave way for a project to grow grass. We have made sure that our people will benefit as out-growers and Government will not abandon its people.

“We made consultations from the lower levels right up to the political leadership and chiefs, but there are some who are trying to make political capital out of these consultations and spreading falsehoods.”

Under the project, measures were being put in place so that every family benefits from the grass project which will see a new railway line being built in the area to link Chilonga and the Nandi-Sango line.

The railway will be used to export grass to niche markets in Dubai and China via Mozambique.

Modern roads will also be built in the area with the investor also set to fund construction of an all-weather bridge across Runde River on the road which links Chiredzi Town to Chikombedzi via Chilonga.

Villagers use canoes to cross the flooded and crocodile-infested Runde River to travel to Chikombedzi or Chiredzi, the district commercial capital.

“Thousands of jobs will also be created for locals (in Chilonga) as a huge factory will be built to process the lucerne grass for export. There will be a number of infrastructural developments by the investor in Chilonga that will economically transform the area in line with Vision 2030.

“It is unfortunate that some people with hidden agendas are using social media to distort facts and whip up emotions about a very noble project where Government has put in place measures for a win-win scenario between the investor and the locals,” said Minister Chadzamira.

This was corroborated by Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Mr Lovemore Chisema who emphasised that consultations were done with locals to get their buy-in for the project.

“We consulted all the interested parties from the villagers themselves,chiefs and councillors and a resolution was passed in council endorsing the lucerne grass project. The local community raised their concerns and these were noted in coming up with the final resolution supporting the project,” said Mr Chisema.

Chiredzi Rural District Council chair Mr Ailes Baloyi confirmed that the local authority endorsed the lucerne grass project following consultations with the community in Chilonga.

“Council came up with a resolution to back the grass project in Chilonga and there were no objections. Council got assurances that our people will benefit as grass out-growers and they supported the project,” said Mr Baloyi.

Over 6 000ha in Chilonga will be turned into a lucerne growing estate in northern Chikombedzi with water set to be drawn from the confluence of Runde and Chiredzi Rivers.

In an indication of more economic benefits that will accrue to the Chilonga community from the grass project, the investor has already pumped funds towards the revival of Chilonga Irrigation Scheme.

The scheme was revived last year having been mothballed since 2007 owing to water shortages after the water pump was submerged by silt while the water abstraction point could also not continue supplying water following a change of course by the heavily silted Runde River.

Chilonga Irrigation Scheme is now up and running and currently plot holders are harvesting maize on 159ha where irrigation was restored with the help of the investor.

This has already provided food security for communities in arid northern Chikombedzi. -Herald

Tinashe Sambiri|Pressure groups and church organizations are deeply concerned about the victimization of Shangaan people by the Zanu PF administration.

In a postion paper released last week, MACRAD Trust challenged the eviction of Chilonga villagers by Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( Masvingo Province) has implored churches and Non Governmental Organizations to fight for the rights of Chilonga villagers.

See statement below:

People Of Masvingo People Are United In Defending Their Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources

04 March 2021

As Masvingo MDC A Youth Assembly ,we are the residents of the province and our brothers,sisters and parents are the genuine occupants of Chilonga area.

We therefore stand firm with the people of Chilonga-we one and the same. We condemn the violation of the villagers’ right to dignity,their livelihoods ,cultural practices, land rights and indigenous knowledge systems.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime should be sensitive to the needs of the poor and implement policies that put the people first.

We note with concern oppression of minority groups in the country.

The Zanu pf regime has ignored the plight of the people of Chiredzi North and South.

Not sparing the zero developmental policies in areas like Mwenezi where the Shangaan and the Pfumbi minority groups hail from. In its effort to achieve their exploitative policies the Zanu pf regime has always resorted to politicization of the Traditional leadership.

We applaud the Local Traditional leaders for standing firm and protecting their traditional and cultural values and natural treasures in their local land.

Whose agenda and for whose benefit do they want to sacrifice shifting such a large number of villagers from their land?

In the MDCA policy blueprint the respect and uplifting of minority groups is clear and the respect for a bottom up approach to implementation of policies is critical.

Zanu pf regime has no clue or plan to address the problems of these groups.

As MDCA under the caring hands of Advocate Nelson Chamisa ,we are willing to join hands with all groups Civic Society, Churches, traditional leaders and cultural pressure groups in speaking with one voice against this victimization of the Chilonga people.

Timoth Muswere
MDCA Masvingo Youth Assembly Spokesperson

Tinashe Sambiri|Pressure groups and church organizations are deeply concerned about the victimization of Shangaan people by the Zanu PF administration.

In a postion paper released last week, MACRAD Trust challenged the eviction of Chilonga villagers by Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( Masvingo Province) has implored churches and Non Governmental Organizations to fight for the rights of Chilonga villagers.

See statement below:

People Of Masvingo People Are United In Defending Their Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources

04 March 2021

As Masvingo MDC A Youth Assembly ,we are the residents of the province and our brothers,sisters and parents are the genuine occupants of Chilonga area.

We therefore stand firm with the people of Chilonga-we one and the same. We condemn the violation of the villagers’ right to dignity,their livelihoods ,cultural practices, land rights and indigenous knowledge systems.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime should be sensitive to the needs of the poor and implement policies that put the people first.

We note with concern oppression of minority groups in the country.

The Zanu pf regime has ignored the plight of the people of Chiredzi North and South.

Not sparing the zero developmental policies in areas like Mwenezi where the Shangaan and the Pfumbi minority groups hail from. In its effort to achieve their exploitative policies the Zanu pf regime has always resorted to politicization of the Traditional leadership.

We applaud the Local Traditional leaders for standing firm and protecting their traditional and cultural values and natural treasures in their local land.

Whose agenda and for whose benefit do they want to sacrifice shifting such a large number of villagers from their land?

In the MDCA policy blueprint the respect and uplifting of minority groups is clear and the respect for a bottom up approach to implementation of policies is critical.

Zanu pf regime has no clue or plan to address the problems of these groups.

As MDCA under the caring hands of Advocate Nelson Chamisa ,we are willing to join hands with all groups Civic Society, Churches, traditional leaders and cultural pressure groups in speaking with one voice against this victimization of the Chilonga people.

Timoth Muswere
MDCA Masvingo Youth Assembly Spokesperson

ANGER tells us that we need to take action to put something right.

It gives strength and energy as well as motivates one to act, although sometimes it can be irrational action.

For some people, anger can get out of control and cause problems with family members, neighbours and the law.

This was the case for a Zimunya woman who did the unthinkable on Monday when she bit off her neighbour’s lower lip and swallowed it.

The woman allegedly went on to suck her victim’s blood.

The macabre real life drama has left some Zimunya residents convinced that it was an act of vampirism.

The cause of the fight was rumour mongering involving the lady’s daughter-in-law who had told her that their neighbour was gossiping about her.

Emilia Madondo (47) was left nursing a gaping wound on her face after being attacked by Shamisai Nyakasvika.

The Weekender caught up with Madondo at the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital on Tuesday.

She narrated the events that led to the horror attack.

“On Monday morning, I received a text message from Nyakasvika enquiring on why her daughter-in-law had been at my place on Sunday. She threatened to drag her daughter-in-law to my house to force her to marry my son.

“She accused me of trying to influence her daughter-in-law into finding alternative accommodation, yet I have always been pleading with the woman not to turn her back on her in-laws,” said Madondo.

She said Nyakasvika then attacked her when she had approached her for recourse.

“When I approached her seeking clarification on what she meant through the text message, she punched me all over the body. I stood my ground and fought back,” she said.

Madondo said they traded insults during their fight but things took a dramatic turn when neighbours intervened to stop the fight. Nyakasvika took advantage of her lapse in concentration to deliver the devastating blow.

“During the fight, saliva was drooling from her mouth like a rabid dog. When she bit me, I first thought it was a dog. When she finally released her grip on me, blood gushed from my lower lip.

“We looked for the chunk everywhere, but could not locate it; I think she swallowed it. She did not even spit the blood that came with the lip.

“There were bloodstains on her doorstep this morning. I am afraid that she either swallowed my lip or kept it for ritual purposes,” said Madondo as she struggled to talk.

In an interview with The Weekender, a neighbour who was only identified as Mai Gumbo said there has always been bad blood between the two women.

“Nyakasvika is always away at work and when she returns home, her daughter-in-law feeds her with information on what Madondo would have been saying about her. This is common knowledge in the hood.

“During the attack, Madondo tried to bite Nyakasvika’s breast, but she got more than what she had bargained for as the latter bit her lip. Both women are well known for using teeth in their fights,” she said.

Nyakasvika’s phone went unanswered when The Weekender tried to reach her for comment.

The matter was reported at Zimunya Police Station and the police said investigations are still in progress.- Manica Post

A MUTARE man will perform 175 hours of unpaid work after he was convicted of assaulting his mother.

The man was accusing his mother of witchcraft.

Booker Mwedzi of Zimunya was convicted of assault charges when he appeared before a Mutare magistrate last weekend.

Mr Chris Munyuku prosecuted.

“On February 25, the complainant, Gogo Dephine Kanderera (59) heard her son Mwedzi shouting at home while she was in the field. Kanderera went to inquire what was happening and upon arrival, she saw Mwedzi seated at the doorstep.

He started shouting at her saying that she was a witch. Mwedzi assaulted Kanderera and she fell down,” said Mr Munyuku.

Mwedzi went into the house and armed himself with a hammer and a hoe. Gogo Kanderera managed to escape and informed one of their employees, Tendai Mapedza.

Gogo Kanderera went back to her house together with Mapedza and upon seeing them, Mwedzi grabbed a slasher intending to further assault his mother.

The old lady was rescued by Mapedza, who was also assaulted in the process.

A police report was made at Zimunya Police Post, thereby leading to Mwedzi’s arrest.- Manica Post

IT took 10 prophets to expose a Marange man’s alleged role in the murder of a fellow villager almost three decades ago.

Although Dunmore Mukanjari had initially admitted that he had taken part in the murder of Ruwizhi Makondo Mashato 29 years ago when he recently appeared before Chief Marange’s court, he shifted goalposts upon realising that he was likely to face criminal prosecution and claimed that he made the confession under duress.

This prompted Chief Marange to hire the services of 10 white garment prophets to unravel the mystery.

Mukanjari, Dorcas Ndova, Manzinde Denga, Godfrey Denga and Agnes Mauchaza allegedly murdered Mashato for ritual purposes.

The four families are at the mercy of an avenging spirit that is allegedly castrating its victims and killing them soon afterwards.

During the prophets’ exorcizing ceremony, a ‘goblin’ was discovered in Mukanjari’s trousers pocket.

Led by Madzibaba Kelvin ‘Portridge’ Munhumumwe, the group of prophets interceded spiritually and tried to make Mukanjari confess, but he insisted that he had been possessed by evil spirits when he initially made the confession.

The team later pulled a goblin (dumwa) from Mukanjari’s pocket and all hell broke loose. Mashato’s spirit manifested through Memory Mukanjari — the accused’s sister-in-law- and threatened to strike Mukanjari dead if he insisted on denying participating in the murder.

Mashato further claimed that his remains had been retrieved from the well where they had initially been thrown into, before they were dumped in Odzi River.

“After they removed my remains from the well, they dumped them in Odzi River. That is where I have been ever since. I am cold and cannot take it any longer. I want my relatives to accord me a decent burial so that I can rest peacefully,” said Mashato’s spirit.

The spirit promised that after appeasement, it will direct the Mashatos to the exact spot where the deceased’s remains are laying.

The avenging spirit is demanding 50 beasts as compensation from the four families.

After Chief Marange gave them until March 15 to appease Mashato’s spirit, the Mukanjaris have has since started contributing cattle towards the appeasement of Mashato’s spirit.

To date, they have managed to raise three beasts. However, Dunmore has since relocated his cattle to an unknown destination to avoid making a contribution in the appeasement.

“He has hidden his cattle because he does not want to pay for his sins. Our children are the ones who are dying and we have no option but to appease the avenging spirit with our own cattle. Mukanjari is so heartless.

“We have even stopped procreating because we fear that the children will all die. Marrying into this family is a curse. Had I known that this would happen, I would not have married into the Mukanjari family,” bitterly complained Mercy Mukanjiri.- Manica Post

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has begun drawing up new National Assembly constituency boundaries that will be used for the 2023 harmonised elections.

ZEC has started undertaking the first phase of the delimitation exercise, which involves updating polling stations and adding new residential areas into the voter registration database ahead of next year’s boundary mapping process.

The elections management body has begun mobilising $10 billion required for the expansive nationwide exercise, which is carried out after every 10 years.

The Sunday Mail has gathered that delimitation will be undertaken in three phases, starting with a mass voter registration blitz, which has already commenced under Phase One.

Under Phase Two, ZEC will begin marking new constituency boundaries using data obtained under the initial phase.

The second phase will take six months to complete.

Phase Three, which will take a month to complete, will witness the production and distribution of the final delimitation report ahead of the elections.

ZEC chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said the delimitation exercise will take two years to conclude.

“In total the exercise requires around $10,6 billion to cater for preparations, procurement of vehicles and equipment, establishment of ICT infrastructure, training of staff and stakeholders, production of voter education material, publicity and awareness campaigns, fieldwork and production and distribution of the delimitation report among others,” said Mr Silaigwana.

“The delimitation exercise has three phases.

“Phase One, which has already started, will run up to early next year and includes a mobile voter registration drive that will be conducted.

“Phase Two of the delimitation, which will take approximately six months, will commence early next year.”

He said the commencement date of Phase Two will be informed by the completion of preparatory activities, including the mobile voter registration campaign and procurement lead times.

“Phase Three includes the enactment, production and distribution of the final delimitation report which will take approximately one and half months.”

Delimitation involves coming up with a minimum threshold of registered voters to make the country’s 210 National Assembly constituencies, and is conducted using the number of registered voters in an administrative jurisdiction.

Zimbabwe goes for its harmonised elections in 2023 and ZEC is required by law to draw new electoral boundaries, at least six months before the elections.- The Sunday Mail

Tinashe Sambiri|Two Members of the dreaded Ferret Team broke into MDC Alliance national chairperson, Hon Thabitha Khumalo’s house on Saturday morning and severely assaulted her.

The armed team also seized her gadgets.Ferret operations comprise Central Intelligence, Police Internal Security Intelligence(PISI) and military intelligence personnel.

Hon Khumalo is currently receiving medical attention at a health facility in Bulawayo.

“MDC Alliance National Chairperson, Thabitha Khumalo, was on Saturday morning attacked by two armed men who brazenly broke into Saurcetown home in Bulawayo, severely beat her knees, head using a knobkerrie.
They stabbed her right hand,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.

Senior MDC Alliance official Elliot Pfebve commented:
“We condemn the cowardly and politically motivated attack on Hon Thabitha Khumalo, the MDC Alliance National Chair this morning at her home in Bulawayo. MDC alliance remain vigilant against the regime’s terror tactics towards people’s leadership.”

Hello New Zimbabwe Vol 2 songs by Minister Clifford Hlatywayo
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MDC Alliance President has condemned yesterday’s assault of party chairperson Tabitha Khumalo by suspected state security agents saying the incident confirms deteriorating human rights situation in the country.

Posting on Twitter, Chamisa said;

“The barbaric and cowardly attack on MDC Alliance National Chairperson Thabitha Khumalo at her home in Bulawayo yesterday points to a deteriorating security of persons, rule of law and the human rights situation in Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe must be safe for all who live in it,”

Khumalo was attacked by yet to be known assailants who stormed her Bulawayo home and attacked, stabbing her hand in the process.

By A Correspondent| According to Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Gweru police rounded up and arrested a total of 76 mourners who were gathered at a local cemetery to bury the 28-year-old man who died while in police custody.

This followed earlier running battles in the high density suburb of Mutapa when the family of the deceased went and dumped the coffin at the entrance to the police station in protest over his arrest and death in holding cells.

NGO Forum which has since dispatched lawyers to represent the 76 mourners said the arrest was at the behest of Officer Commanding Midlands Police though no charges have been laid against the arrested crowd.

The 28-year old Tatenda Pasipanyore died at Gweru’s Mutapa Police station last Sunday after he was brutally assaulted by police who had arrested him for violating COVID-19 regulations.

A post mortem is said to have been done though results have not yet been availed to the family.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of thirteen accident victims who died in two separate road accidents which occurred in Manicaland and Mashonaland Provinces on Friday.

Seven people died in Manicaland when their pick-up truck collided head-on with a fuel tanker at the 67km peg along the Mutare-Nyanga Road.

Four of the victims were Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officers while two were civilians and the other victim an inmate.

Police identified the four ZPCS officers as Mango Chakanyuka (42), Maluvani John (38), Rima Moses (40) and Faith Nyapokoto (age not ascertained).

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Two civilians — Alice Joma (42) and Ruvarashe Karairwa (20) — also lost their lives together with an inmate Anesu Muusha (48).

Two other inmates survived the fatal accident and are currently at Bonda Mission Hospital.

In the separate accident that occurred at the 135km peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Road, police said five victims have so far been identified. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:

The victims’ names are Moline Dzihwa (18), Faith Kanakembizi (40), Cynthia Gombarashama (13), Tendai Washaya (7) and Blessmore Nhamburo whose age was yet to be confirmed.

One of the victims has not been identified so far.

The accident occurred after a motorist who was driving a BMW motor vehicle towards Mt Darwin struck and killed six people.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga – whose previous two divorce cases revealed that he is loaded with money, property and businesses — has completed building a new luxurious mansion in Harare’s upmarket Borrowdale suburb.

He is expected to move into the jaw-dropping home soon, informed sources say.

The cost of the new house runs into millions of dollars. The source of Chiwenga’s wealth remains a mystery.

The breathtaking property was constructed in recent months by Chinese nationals who fitted it with the latest technology to bolster the security-conscious vice-president’s safety.

Dubbed “the White House”, the awe-inspiring double-storey mansion has a spectacular structure and the finest finishings; transcendental decorative texture and optics — all built by the Chinese.

In the popularity stakes of Harare’s palatial homes, Chiwenga’s new house could overshadow businessman Philip Chiyangwa’s “White House” along Crowhill Road in Borrowdale, which now looks relatively dilapidated.

There are now so many more beautiful homes in the area.

The “White House” epithet is borrowed from the United States president’s neo-classical, palladian official residence and workplace in Washington DC, located at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, built in 1792, but opened in 1800.

Chiwenga’s new property is located along Manombe Close in Carrick Creagh Estate in Borrowdale and has reportedly been lavishly fitted with imported furnishings. Carrick Creagh, which overlooks the upmarket Borrowdale Brooke neighbourhood, is a prime suburb where a 2 000-square-metre stand can cost around US$100 000, according to independent realtors.

Chiwenga has not yet moved into the mansion, but has made several visits to the property to monitor progress.

Scenically manicured landscaping has already taken shape, while wildlife trophies, including lions — similar to those at the State House entrance — have been installed at the new property.

Under heavy military and police guard, the house can easily be mistaken for celebrity mansions in Beverly Hills, US.

Monied Zimbabweans are known for competing to build the most spectacular houses.

Since his return from China in November 2019 where he was saved from the jaws of a critical illness after being in the intensive care unit for months and then immediately divorcing his wife Marry, Chiwenga moved out of their matrimonial at No.614 Nick Price Road in Zimbabwe’s prime housing estate, Borrowdale Brooke

The estate was developed by Zimbabwean golf legend Nick Price, who reached No.1 on the world rankings.

Chiwenga is currently staying at the Golden Peacock Villa Hotel along Kingsmead Road in Borrowdale in Harare owned by Anjin — a joint venture between the ministry of Defence and a Chinese investor – after he abandoned the house he said is of “sentimental value” to him.

Even though he managed to evict Marry from the Brooke with the help of the army, Chiwenga still moved out.

Initially, Chiwenga left the Brooke house, where used to live with his other former wife Jocelyn, in April 2010 to stay with Marry on 11 Rosary Close in Greystone Park suburb, also in the Borrowdale area.

For the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander’s convenience, his “White House” has an elevator to take him up to his expansive bedroom upstairs.

Truckloads of property, groceries and expensive whiskey, according to credible sources, were recently delivered to the mansion, an indication that the VP’s relocation from the Golden Peacock Villa Hotel is imminent.

Chiwenga, who used to love his fine whiskies – particularly Johnny Walker Blue Label and others – has quit drinking on health grounds after spending about five months in China in 2019, receiving treatment for a life-threatening ailment.

A sickly and emaciated Chiwenga was rushed to Beijing in July 2019 at a time many government and family members had lost hope that he would recover, prompting a scramble for his position among senior Zanu PF and government officials.

He had earlier sought treatment in South Africa and India, to no avail.

He underwent two delicate operations in Beijing to clear part of his oesophagus which was blocked. He was admitted in an intensive care unit of a state-of-the-art hospital for some time before being moved into a private ward.

At the time he was airlifted, Chiwenga was in terrible shape and severely emancipated, weighing only 55 kilogrammes and could not eat. By November, he was weighing about 90kgs, official sources said at the time.

Chiwenga and Marry’s divorce matter is still pending in court, although the vice-president has unilaterally selected the property he prefers giving to his wife whom he got arrested and detained for a long time. Chiwenga has also seized their children from Marry.

The vice-president has experienced successive ugly divorces, including with Jocelyn and, in both instances, he has used military might to force out his bitter lovers from the Borrowdale Brooke mansion.

Jocelyn was hounded out of the house which was then inscribed C&J (Constantino and Jocelyn), before that was replaced by C&M (Constantino and Marry).

The inscriptions have since been taken down.

Jocelyn now lives close to the hilltop house in the Brooke, while Marry is staying with her parents in Glen Lorne.

-Newshawks

The government has undertaken to vaccinate all teachers who are prepared to receive Covid-19 immunisation jabs immediately after schools reopen next week as authorities ramp up efforts to create a safe learning environment.

Authorities are doubling efforts to procure more doses in preparation for the second phase of the national vaccination programme, which targets to inoculate lecturers at tertiary institutions, teachers and others at medium risk from the respiratory virus.

Last week, the World Health Organisation-led Covax facility allocated 984 000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to Zimbabwe under a revised allocation schedule published by the global vaccine alliance.

The Government has also secured an additional 75 000 doses of India’s Covaxin vaccine, which has been shown to have an 81 percent efficacy rate after Phase Three trials.

The country is preparing to take delivery of a shipment of 600 000 vaccines procured from Chinese pharmaceutical giant, Sinopharm.

Schools will reopen in phases with the three examination classes resuming classes on March 15, while the rest of the classes will open a week later on March 22.

In preparation for the reopening, the Government has heightened surveillance and monitoring of schools’ preparations for the enforcement of WHO and Ministry of Health and Child Care standard health guidelines. 

More than 31 000 people had received their first shot of the vaccine by Friday under the first phase of the national vaccination programme.

Preparations for commencement of Phase Two are at an advanced stage.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education communication and advocacy director, Mr Taungana Ndoro said authorities were putting in place measures to guarantee the safety of teachers, learners and staff.

“As you know, teachers are part of the frontline workers and Government has placed them under Phase Two of vaccination which is likely to begin soon,” he said.

“We are not sure of the exact date when teachers will receive their jabs, but as a Ministry we have put in place measures that ensure maximum safety for teachers and learners.”

Teachers unions have requested to meet the Government to discuss a proposed mandatory Covid-19 testing and vaccination of educators.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Dr Takavafira Zhou said the unions had written to the Government requesting to meet before schools reopen.

“We have already written to Government requesting for a meeting which will discuss a number of issues such as Covid-19 testing in schools, vaccinations and salaries to ensure a smooth opening of schools,” he said.

“The safety of teachers and learners is very important, so we need clarity. 

“We are also pushing for social dialogue between Government and teachers so that we discuss the welfare of teachers.”

National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) president, Mr Arthur Maphosa, emphasised the need for vaccination of teachers ahead of schools’ reopening.

“That is one of the issues that we will be raising in our districts’ meeting over the next week,” said Mr Maphosa.

“It is important that we know when teachers will also receive the vaccine.” 

Last year, nearly 300 students tested positive for Covid-19 between September and December with John Tallach Secondary school in Matabeleland North recording the highest number of cases.

The Government gave a green light to schools’ reopening on Tuesday ordering that school authorities reduce class sizes and enforce hot sitting.

At schools with inadequate infrastructure, pupils will not attend school daily, but will alternate attendance days to allow for proper implementation of social distancing rules.

Authorities have designed an ad-hoc learning programme entailing intensified one-on-one learning, provision of self-study guidelines and rigorous homework in order to accelerate catching up.The Government has started employing more qualified but jobless teachers to allow the splitting of classes.

-State Media

Chaos reigned supreme at Gweru’s Mtapa high density suburb yesterday when aggrieved residents and family members dumped the body of Tatenda Kasinyore, known as “Nyale”, near Monomutapa Police Station entrance where he was detained before falling sick and later dying at a local hospital.

Kasinyore (28) allegedly died on Wednesday after being detained at the police station where he had been arrested for an alleged disorderly conduct following a complaint by a fellow resident that he was being a nuisance and throwing stones at her house. The residents and relatives are accusing police officers of having assaulted Kasinyore when he turned violent while he was trying to resist arrest.

Business was temporarily brought to a halt along Gweru-Matobo Road when residents left the body in the middle of the road close to the police station. Police had to fire teargas to disperse residents who were gathered outside the police station while some were marching on the streets after allegedly being influenced by civic society organisations and purported human rights activists who had allegedly hijacked the funeral.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police had to disperse residents who had violated Covid-19 lockdown regulations to have a maximum of 30 people gathering at a funeral.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police had to maintain law and order after some unnamed civil society organisations and purported human rights activists hijacked the funeral resulting in the commotion.

“According to the Covid-19 regulations, funeral gatherings are limited to 30 people. So we discovered that the people who had gathered for the funeral were exceeding 30 and police had to disperse people. On the other had we realised that there were some civil organisations and purported human rights activists who had taken advantage of the situation so, police had to maintain law and order,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said Kasinyore died at Gweru Provincial Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday after being detained at Monomutapa Police Station.

“People in Mtapa called the police making a report of a person who was drunk and breaking window panes. The police arrested him and found him with drugs and he was drunk. They detained him and put him in a holding cell at Monomutapa Police Station. At around 4am, some suspects sharing the cell with him alerted the police that he was vomiting before an ambulance was called. He died at Gweru Provincial Hospital,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police were carrying out further investigations to establish what led to Kasinyore’s death.

“The matter is being investigated by the police and the public should allow the ongoing investigations to proceed smoothly,” he said. -Sunday News

Churches, which were shut as the country tightened lockdown measures at the beginning of the year, were allowed to resume physical services last week after the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana, through his twitter handle on social media last week said churches had been given the green light to resume gatherings.

“Churches can congregate but shall not exceed 50 people,” he said. In line with new regulations announced by President Mnangagwa last week, congregations are expected to observe social distancing and sanitisation measures. Only 50 congregants will be allowed per sitting.

Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) executive director Reverend Useni Sibanda said the lockdown had been hard on many churches and congregants alike, as revenue streams were cut.

“In terms of the day to day running of the church, there has been a lot of revenue loss and I can tell you right now that a lot of pastors are struggling. This is because our people have not been working and they can hardly contribute anything. Zimbabwe is a largely informal economy and so if people are sitting at home, they cannot make any money,” he said.

Rev Sibanda said while many were elated that churches were up and running again, getting congregants interested in services could be a tall order as some were now used to life in the “new normal.”

While online services were now prevalent, Rev Sibanda said a lot of pastors missed delivering services with a personal touch.

Rev Sibanda’s sentiments were echoed by Bishop Colin Nyathi of Harvest House International Church, who said the reopening of churches will be a boost as preaching with congregants present physically was uplifting.

“As a preacher nothing beats physical contact with your congregants. As a preacher you get a lift when you hear people say ‘Amen’. So, this has been hard for us while it has not been easy for congregants as well because they want to fellowship with others,” he said.

Bishop Nyathi said while the return of people to church was welcome, it did not mean they will be abandoning their online services.

Church leaders heaved a sigh of relief after houses of worship were given the go ahead to reopen, as two months of a national lockdown had reportedly left some churches in financial dire straits while some missed the presence of their congregants.
Churches, which were shut as the country tightened lockdown measures at the beginning of the year, were allowed to resume physical services last week after the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana, through his twitter handle on social media last week said churches had been given the green light to resume gatherings.

“Churches can congregate but shall not exceed 50 people,” he said. In line with new regulations announced by President Mnangagwa last week, congregations are expected to observe social distancing and sanitisation measures. Only 50 congregants will be allowed per sitting.

Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) executive director Reverend Useni Sibanda said the lockdown had been hard on many churches and congregants alike, as revenue streams were cut.

“In terms of the day to day running of the church, there has been a lot of revenue loss and I can tell you right now that a lot of pastors are struggling. This is because our people have not been working and they can hardly contribute anything. Zimbabwe is a largely informal economy and so if people are sitting at home, they cannot make any money,” he said.

Rev Sibanda said while many were elated that churches were up and running again, getting congregants interested in services could be a tall order as some were now used to life in the “new normal.”

While online services were now prevalent, Rev Sibanda said a lot of pastors missed delivering services with a personal touch.

Rev Sibanda’s sentiments were echoed by Bishop Colin Nyathi of Harvest House International Church, who said the reopening of churches will be a boost as preaching with congregants present physically was uplifting.

“As a preacher nothing beats physical contact with your congregants. As a preacher you get a lift when you hear people say ‘Amen’. So, this has been hard for us while it has not been easy for congregants as well because they want to fellowship with others,” he said.

Bishop Nyathi said while the return of people to church was welcome, it did not mean they will be abandoning their online services. – state media

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has begun drawing up new National Assembly constituency boundaries that will be used for the 2023 harmonised elections.

ZEC has started undertaking the first phase of the delimitation exercise, which involves updating polling stations and adding new residential areas into the voter registration database ahead of next year’s boundary mapping process.

The elections management body has begun mobilising $10 billion required for the expansive nationwide exercise, which is carried out after every 10 years.

The Sunday Mail has gathered that delimitation will be undertaken in three phases, starting with a mass voter registration blitz, which has already commenced under Phase One.

Under Phase Two, ZEC will begin marking new constituency boundaries using data obtained under the initial phase.

The second phase will take six months to complete.

Phase Three, which will take a month to complete, will witness the production and distribution of the final delimitation report ahead of the elections.

ZEC chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said the delimitation exercise will take two years to conclude.

“In total the exercise requires around $10,6 billion to cater for preparations, procurement of vehicles and equipment, establishment of ICT infrastructure, training of staff and stakeholders, production of voter education material, publicity and awareness campaigns, fieldwork and production and distribution of the delimitation report among others,” said Mr Silaigwana.

“The delimitation exercise has three phases.

“Phase One, which has already started, will run up to early next year and includes a mobile voter registration drive that will be conducted.

“Phase Two of the delimitation, which will take approximately six months, will commence early next year.”

He said the commencement date of Phase Two will be informed by the completion of preparatory activities, including the mobile voter registration campaign and procurement lead times.

“Phase Three includes the enactment, production and distribution of the final delimitation report which will take approximately one and half months.”

Delimitation involves coming up with a minimum threshold of registered voters to make the country’s 210 National Assembly constituencies, and is conducted using the number of registered voters in an administrative jurisdiction.

Zimbabwe goes for its harmonised elections in 2023 and ZEC is required by law to draw new electoral boundaries, at least six months before the elections.- The Sunday Mail

A MUTARE man will perform 175 hours of unpaid work after he was convicted of assaulting his mother.

The man was accusing his mother of witchcraft.

Booker Mwedzi of Zimunya was convicted of assault charges when he appeared before a Mutare magistrate last weekend.

Mr Chris Munyuku prosecuted.

“On February 25, the complainant, Gogo Dephine Kanderera (59) heard her son Mwedzi shouting at home while she was in the field. Kanderera went to inquire what was happening and upon arrival, she saw Mwedzi seated at the doorstep.

He started shouting at her saying that she was a witch. Mwedzi assaulted Kanderera and she fell down,” said Mr Munyuku.

Mwedzi went into the house and armed himself with a hammer and a hoe. Gogo Kanderera managed to escape and informed one of their employees, Tendai Mapedza.

Gogo Kanderera went back to her house together with Mapedza and upon seeing them, Mwedzi grabbed a slasher intending to further assault his mother.

The old lady was rescued by Mapedza, who was also assaulted in the process.

A police report was made at Zimunya Police Post, thereby leading to Mwedzi’s arrest.- Manica Post

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has begun shifting the national map for purposes of the upcoming 2023 election.

ZEC has started drawing up new National Assembly constituency boundaries that will be used for the 2023 harmonised elections.

ZEC has started undertaking the first phase of the delimitation exercise, which involves updating polling stations and adding new residential areas into the voter registration database ahead of next year’s boundary mapping process.

The elections management body has begun mobilising $10 billion required for the expansive nationwide exercise, which is carried out after every 10 years.

The Sunday Mail has gathered that delimitation will be undertaken in three phases, starting with a mass voter registration blitz, which has already commenced under Phase One.

Under Phase Two, ZEC will begin marking new constituency boundaries using data obtained under the initial phase. The second phase will take six months to complete.

Phase Three, which will take a month to complete, will witness the production and distribution of the final delimitation report ahead of the elections.

ZEC chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said the delimitation exercise will take two years to conclude.

“In total the exercise requires around $10,6 billion to cater for preparations, procurement of vehicles and equipment, establishment of ICT infrastructure, training of staff and stakeholders, production of voter education material, publicity and awareness campaigns, fieldwork and production and distribution of the delimitation report among others,” said Mr Silaigwana.

“The delimitation exercise has three phases. “Phase One, which has already started, will run up to early next year and includes a mobile voter registration drive that will be conducted.

“Phase Two of the delimitation, which will take approximately six months, will commence early next year.”

He said the commencement date of Phase Two will be informed by the completion of preparatory activities, including the mobile voter registration campaign and procurement lead times.

“Phase Three includes the enactment, production and distribution of the final delimitation report which will take approximately one and half months.”

Delimitation involves coming up with a minimum threshold of registered voters to make the country’s 210 National Assembly constituencies, and is conducted using the number of registered voters in an administrative jurisdiction.

Zimbabwe goes for its harmonised elections in 2023 and ZEC is required by law to draw new electoral boundaries, at least six months before the elections.

Mr Silaigwana said under Phase One, ZEC will this year focus on creating a delimitation roadmap and train staff on the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) software for mapping and data analysis.

“ZEC will focus on the updating of polling area descriptions in aspects such as, properties found within and new infrastructure.

“Developments take place continually in communities with construction projects resulting in new schools, dams, roads, business centres, churches and so on.

“Additionally, addresses of new residential areas need to be captured. There are new settlements that continue to develop in most areas.

“These developments need to be incorporated into the voter registration address database,” he said.

The capturing of addresses for prospective registrants will ensure that they are posted to the correct polling station, in a particular ward and constituency.

“This is critical since we have now migrated from the ward-based voters roll to polling station specific voters roll and as such, a person will appear on only one polling station.”

Mr Silaigwana said training will focus on the steps involved in the delimitation process, the legal framework, the criteria used, and apportionment of seats.

“In our case we will train staff to use Geographical Information System (GIS) software for mapping and data analysis.

“We have to train staff to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to capture geographic co-ordinates primarily of polling stations.”

Political analyst, Mr Godwine Mureriwa urged political parties to mobilise their supporters to register to vote.

“President Mnangagwa is on record as saying there will be electoral reforms and now that the preparatory work of the delimitation exercise has started, it is also important for political parties at Parliament level to begin advocating for electoral reforms,” said Mr Mureriwa.

“This is now the time to begin and not when elections are due or when they are completed.  “It is also the time for political parties to know the country’s demography before elections are due.”

Findings from a recent research on prospects of delimitation conducted by independent elections civil group — Zimbabwe Election Support Network — established that using the legally established threshold for delimitation, National Assembly constituencies should have an average 27 000 voters.

Reads the ZESN report: “Applying the +/- 20 percent threshold provided for in the Constitution gave these figures; the lowest number of registered voters expected for any constituency would be 21 662, the average will be 27 077 and the highest number of registered voters expected would be 32 493.

“For the purposes of this research the average was used to provide an overall picture.”

Section 161 (3) of the Constitution states that: “The boundaries of constituencies must be such that, so far as possible, at the time of delimitation, equal numbers of voters are registered in each constituency within Zimbabwe.” – state media/additional reporting

ANGER tells us that we need to take action to put something right.

It gives strength and energy as well as motivates one to act, although sometimes it can be irrational action.

For some people, anger can get out of control and cause problems with family members, neighbours and the law.

This was the case for a Zimunya woman who did the unthinkable on Monday when she bit off her neighbour’s lower lip and swallowed it.

The woman allegedly went on to suck her victim’s blood.

The macabre real life drama has left some Zimunya residents convinced that it was an act of vampirism.

The cause of the fight was rumour mongering involving the lady’s daughter-in-law who had told her that their neighbour was gossiping about her.

Emilia Madondo (47) was left nursing a gaping wound on her face after being attacked by Shamisai Nyakasvika.

The Weekender caught up with Madondo at the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital on Tuesday.

She narrated the events that led to the horror attack.

“On Monday morning, I received a text message from Nyakasvika enquiring on why her daughter-in-law had been at my place on Sunday. She threatened to drag her daughter-in-law to my house to force her to marry my son.

“She accused me of trying to influence her daughter-in-law into finding alternative accommodation, yet I have always been pleading with the woman not to turn her back on her in-laws,” said Madondo.

She said Nyakasvika then attacked her when she had approached her for recourse.

“When I approached her seeking clarification on what she meant through the text message, she punched me all over the body. I stood my ground and fought back,” she said.

Madondo said they traded insults during their fight but things took a dramatic turn when neighbours intervened to stop the fight. Nyakasvika took advantage of her lapse in concentration to deliver the devastating blow.

“During the fight, saliva was drooling from her mouth like a rabid dog. When she bit me, I first thought it was a dog. When she finally released her grip on me, blood gushed from my lower lip.

“We looked for the chunk everywhere, but could not locate it; I think she swallowed it. She did not even spit the blood that came with the lip.

“There were bloodstains on her doorstep this morning. I am afraid that she either swallowed my lip or kept it for ritual purposes,” said Madondo as she struggled to talk.

In an interview with The Weekender, a neighbour who was only identified as Mai Gumbo said there has always been bad blood between the two women.

“Nyakasvika is always away at work and when she returns home, her daughter-in-law feeds her with information on what Madondo would have been saying about her. This is common knowledge in the hood.

“During the attack, Madondo tried to bite Nyakasvika’s breast, but she got more than what she had bargained for as the latter bit her lip. Both women are well known for using teeth in their fights,” she said.

Nyakasvika’s phone went unanswered when The Weekender tried to reach her for comment.

The matter was reported at Zimunya Police Station and the police said investigations are still in progress.- Manica Post

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has described the arrest of its three youth assembly members, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova as a calculated ploy by Zanu PF to silence dissenting voices.

Joana and Cecilia were arrested as they were going through their routine reporting procedure in line with their bail conditions.Police then arrested Netsai as she was waiting for her colleagues.

The three were arrested for addressing a news conference in solidarity with jailed human rights activist Makomborero Haruvizishe.

In an interview with ZimEye.com on Saturday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo denounced the harassment of the trio.

“The arrest of the trio is a calculated ploy by Mr Mnangagwa to silence dissenting voices. The clueless and cruel regime wants to destroy young people.

The regime is fighting the young, in actual fact the tired, old and useless Zanu PF bigwigs are fighting the future of the country.
They are fighting the means of production.

Joana, Netsai and Cecilia are true freedom fighters.They are being persecuted for denouncing Zanu PF tyranny.

Mr Mnangagwa is desperate to destroy the future of young people. The regime is afraid of the people,” said Hlatywayo.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Lynette Karenyi-Kore has described the working conditions for health workers in the country as pathetic.

Hon Karenyi-Kore challenged the Zanu PF administration to address health workers’ grievances as a matter of urgency.

Read full statement below:

As we start the International Women’s month, I visited Victoria Chitepo hospital in Manicaland Province in solidarity with women assisting with medical care to the province, and women receiving the same, particularly pregnant mothers.

I met with very hard-working nurses and doctors.

I was, however, disturbed by the working conditions prevailing at the hospital: inadequate and insecure PPE, outdated and malfunctional medical apparatus and broken beds.

Not forgetting the meagre salaries being paid to these nurses who risk their lives in this deadly pandemic. These nurses deserve better, patients deserve better, all Zimbabweans deserve better.

Lynette Karenyi-Kore
Vice President
MDC-Alliance
5 March 2021

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national chairperson, Thabitha Khumalo has been hospitalized after being attacked by suspected State Security agents.

Although details are still sketchy, it is believed Zanu PF agents pounced on the MDC Alliance official on Saturday morning.

In a statement released on Saturday, MDC Alliance said :

“MDC Alliance National Chairperson, Thabitha Khumalo has been hospitalised after attack by suspected state agents in the early hours of morning.”

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has described the arrest of its three youth assembly members, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova as a calculated ploy by Zanu PF to silence dissenting voices.

Joana and Cecilia were arrested as they were going through their routine reporting procedure in line with their bail conditions.Police then arrested Netsai as she was waiting for her colleagues.

The three were arrested for addressing a news conference in solidarity with jailed human rights activist Makomborero Haruvizishe.

In an interview with ZimEye.com on Saturday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo denounced the harassment of the trio.

“The arrest of the trio is a calculated ploy by Mr Mnangagwa to silence dissenting voices. The clueless and cruel regime wants to destroy young people.

The regime is fighting the young, in actual fact the tired, old and useless Zanu PF bigwigs are fighting the future of the country.
They are fighting the means of production.

Joana, Netsai and Cecilia are true freedom fighters.They are being persecuted for denouncing Zanu PF tyranny.

Mr Mnangagwa is desperate to destroy the future of young people. The regime is afraid of the people,” said Hlatywayo.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president Lynette Karenyi-Kore has described the working conditions for health workers in the country as pathetic.

Hon Karenyi-Kore challenged the Zanu PF administration to address health workers’ grievances as a matter of urgency.

Read full statement below:

As we start the International Women’s month, I visited Victoria Chitepo hospital in Manicaland Province in solidarity with women assisting with medical care to the province, and women receiving the same, particularly pregnant mothers.

I met with very hard-working nurses and doctors.

I was, however, disturbed by the working conditions prevailing at the hospital: inadequate and insecure PPE, outdated and malfunctional medical apparatus and broken beds.

Not forgetting the meagre salaries being paid to these nurses who risk their lives in this deadly pandemic. These nurses deserve better, patients deserve better, all Zimbabweans deserve better.

Lynette Karenyi-Kore
Vice President
MDC-Alliance
5 March 2021

The MDC Alliance trio have been remanded in custody again at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

The magistrate said the court will give a ruling on Monday 08 March 2021.

Joana Mamombe, and Cecilia Chimbiri were arrested over the solidarity speech address the Harare West MP, Mamombe issued at the Harare Magistrates Court for the jailed activist Makomborero Haruzivishe last week. Their tortured colleague, Netsai Marova who was not included in the charges, was taken in at Harare Central Police Station last night while attending to her friends.

Prof Lovemore Madhuku who had also attended Mamombe’s speech address, presented himself for arrest last night but the police refused to charge him. – MORE TO FOLLOW