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By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has dispelled as false reports which have been published in the media regarding the involvement of soldiers in assaulting Mberengwa villagers.

In a statement, Zimbabwe National Army Director Public Relations Colonel Alphios Makotore said NewZimbabwe.com and NewsDay lied as soldiers are not in any way involved in investigations regarding theft and burglary

“Zimbabwe National Army would like to dispel allegations that its members severely assaulted villagers in Humbani area, Mberengwa West, following a break-in at the homestead of local government Minister July Moyo last month.

“The false article was published by NewZimbabwe.com whose reporters never sought to verify the facts from the Army authorities or the Police but quoted anonymous sources for their story. The fact of the matter is that the Army does not have any of its soldiers deployed in Mberengwa. The army does not in any way investigate cases of theft and burglary,” he said.

The burglary and theft at the Minister’s homestead happened some two weeks ago and the Zimbabwe Republic Police reacted accordingly. Investigations are still underway to apprehend the culprits.

He said the so-called sources are suspects who want to divert attention of investigators by soiling the good name of the Zimbabwe National Army.

“As for the Beitbridge news story which was published by NewsDay on 01 February 2021, wherein it is alleged that Army commandos beat up police, the NewsDay newspaper story is also complete fabrication based on the reporter’s own imagination.

“Members of the Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police are carrying out joint operations together with personnel from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the immigration department.

“The army would like to warn members of the public, especially some of those criminal elements who ply their illegal activities in and around Beitbridge that the law will soon catch up with them. The security forces authorities are well aware of some malcontents who are trying to besmirch the operation in particular and the good image of the security forces, in general. Their futile and criminal machinations to discredit the operation will not succeed,” he said.

-zbc

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By A Correspondent- The police Sub Aqua Unit has called off a search for two men who were swept away in a flooded Umzingwane River in an attempt to save a drowning cow for an R800 reward on Saturday.

The police with assistance of community members in Makhakavhule area, about 15km west of Beitbridge town decided to call it a day after searches yielded nothing for three days.

The team combed through a 9km stretch that included the confluence of the uMzingwane and Limpopo Rivers.

Khathutshelo Mudau and Busani Ndou believed to be around 30 years had entered the flooded river in a vain attempt to get R800 for saving a drowning cow.

Two people managed to swim to the banks of the river after the mishap.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena said investigations were ongoing.

“A search between the place of occurrence and the confluence of the uMzingwane   and Limpopo Rivers has yielded nothing. Further investigations are underway and we want to advise people, motorists included to avoid crossing flooded rivers. This will help to minimise the unnecessary loss of human lives,” she said.

When tragedy struck the four men had been promised an R800 reward by a woman who wanted them to rescue her cow which was drowning in the flooded river.

The now-deceased, along with the two survivors, were reportedly coming from a village party known as a stokvel when they heard about the reward.

They took an inflatable boat into the river.

Unfortunately, the boat capsized soon after they got into the violent tide.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Anti-Corruption Hawks on Tuesday arrested Dr Fredrick Mabamba, Chitungwiza land baron of United Westand Housing Cooperative.

Mabamba was arrested on allegations related to illegal allocating residential stands all over Chitungwiza.

Police sources told The Herald that Mabamba was apprehended at his Town Centre offices following a witch-hunting visit by a high powered Government delegation that toured Chitungwiza and Budiriro 5B last weekend.

Last year Mabamba caused a stir after trying to block Chitungwiza Municipality from constructing its Civic Centre on State land claiming the land belonged to him.

This is happening when many families have been affected by ongoing demolitions of structures built on illegally acquired land while some have lost properties after the recent rains caused running water to flood their houses.

The eventualities triggered blameshifting with the ruling ZANU PF blaming MDC dominated urban councils of razing down structures with the opposition party blaming the ruling party of the same.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently warned that going forward, the issue of illegal allocation of residential stands will be severely dealt with.

The issue has been a perennial one with land baron year-in, year-out, duping unsuspecting and desperate home seekers.-statemedia

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By A Correspondent- Shingai Rukwata Ndoro, a COVID-19 survivor has said herbals such as Zumbani / Umsuzwane/Lippia Javanica which many Zimbabweans have been using as a remedy for COVID-19 do not work.

Zumbani and other traditional herbs became popular recently as some said it can treat coronavirus.

Below is Shingai’s statement.

Today it’s my 6th day at home recuperating very well after a discharge from hospital following staring death in the eye and escaping from it.

I survived Covid-19 and here is my story for awareness.

On the night of December 22, 2020, I had a fever and a sore throat.

The following day in the morning,  I had a test for Covid-19 and it was confirmed that I was positive.

Since I had mild symptoms consisting of a mild cough, the doctor whom I consulted prescribed the necessary medication but this doctor failed to tell me a simple message: “If this cough persists beyond four days, please seek medical attention.” (I later contacted him about this and he has been very contrite about what he did not do.)

The lack of this information or advice for me was to be near fatal for me.

I did lots of home remedies of steaming, zumbani, garlic, etc trying to heal. I can tell you that those things don’t work. But they aren’t harmful but will give you a false sense of security when your situation is fast deteriorating.

I had a cough and a headache for 11 days until a friend visited me at home where I was isolating. He asked me to buy a pulse oximeter and it was noticed that my oxygen saturation wasn’t enough. Panic!

I was attended to by another private doctor at home and then put on an oxygen concentrator at home for two days (December 30-31) with no meaningful change. It was him who made the prudent decision that I’d better be hospitalised. The following day on New Year’s Day I was hospitalised in Harare at a private facility. I was taken first into the High Dependency Unit, and then Intensive Care Unit as the situation got worse.

I was put on life support for the severest stage of this disease and I was being treated of its worst form: Covid-19 pneumonia while I had an underlying condition as a Type 2 diabetic. You can imagine the double trouble. My lungs were now in their worst! My oxygen saturation was not improving.

In all this, as a patient you are by yourself with the medical team. No visitors allowed.

For a total of 32 days I was fighting this disease and for 22 days I was hospitalised.

Although I have since lost 12kg that some of you who know me physically may fail to easily recognise me, my life was not lost. It was too close to death!

I can’t thank my friend, the private doctor and the medical team enough. It was very tough for me, but I’m thrilled to be alive.

To you all my family members, relatives and friends, your messages to me while I was in hospital gave me hope, courage and strength to live and fight the disease.

The will to live or that positive urge to stay alive is a wonder! I SURVIVED the worst of Covid-19!!!

By A Correspondent- A police assistant inspector and a constable spent the whole last night marooned after Munyati River burst its banks upstream.

The two, who were manning Musena Police Base which is located downstream managed to evacuate themselves after the water levels had subsided in the early hours of today.

The two duty officers, Assistant Inspector Manyanye and Constable Marangira reportedly made distress calls prompting response from the District Civil Protection Unit and villagers from the surrounding areas whose combined efforts could not immediately save the situation.

District Development Coordinator Mr Vafias Hlabati confirmed the flooding at the Police base but said the two police officers managed to evacuate themselves to safety after water levels subsided.

“The two police officers are now safe and I have been in a meeting with the officer in charge who told me the water levels have subsided.

“We have also been contemplating relocating the police base to safer place but will also be consulting with other stake holders,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Insiza South legislator Spare Sithole (Zanu-PF) has been accused by villagers of holding a public meeting during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Sithole, whose constituency is in Matabeleland South province, allegedly held the meeting at Zhampale Primary School on January 27 in total disregard of the COVID-19 regulations that outlawed public gatherings.

Chief Sibasa, born Bekezela Sibanda, accused the MP, businesspeople and “rogue youths” of defying regulations to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“The regulations state that there must be no public gatherings, but Sithole conducted a meeting in ward 11, gathered people. He used the headman and councillor to co-ordinate the meeting,” Chief Sibasa said.

“The MP is the one who should enforce the law. My fear is that COVID-19 might spread fast in this area. This is likely to cause people to disrespect traditional leaders when we try to enforce lockdown regulations,” he said.

Sibasa said he was alerted by headmen who attended the meeting.

“They said how do you allow us to conduct meetings at this time of COVID-19. I told them that I did not know anything about the MP’s meeting. I was not invited to the meeting.”

Headman Malindi Siwela confirmed that a meeting was called by the MP on January 27, where 19 village heads attended.

He said he advised the MP to stop conducting such meetings to avoid spreading the virus.

“When these MPs came to us from the city, we thought that maybe their meetings are authorised. I tried to stop the meeting, but as you know, these politicians have their
own way of doing things,” Siwela said.

Sithole claimed that his meeting was given the nod by the police and that it was meant to assist villagers on issues to do with collection of farming inputs, after reports that some beneficiaries did not get theirs.

“Those who say I conduct public gatherings are the ones stealing from villagers. I went to the place after some villagers complained that some villagers were stealing their inputs during distribution,” he said.

The legislator said some villagers were fraudulently registered as if they collected their inputs when they did not.

“I went to the place with the police who recorded statements. My mission was to assist the people,” he said, adding that those hurt by his actions were involved in the theft.-newsday

By A Correspondent- State prosecutors did not oppose bail in the case of a top cop in Matabeleland North, Commissioner Erasmus Makodza who was arrested yesterday for allowing his girlfriend to run private businesses on a police farm since 2019 without paying a cent into police funds.

The top cop was granted bail on Tuesday by regional Magistrate Stanford Mambanje after the State said it would not oppose bail.

The development comes as Allan Moyo, a University of Zimbabwe (UZ) student who was arrested early last December remains in prison over 50 days later charged with incitement to commit public violence. Moyo, on July 3, allegedly incited some commuters at Copacabana bus terminus in Harare by telling them the time to stage a revolt against Mnangagwa’s administration was conducive because the president had failed the people of Zimbabwe.

However, the now officer commanding Matabeleland North, Makodza, was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on charges of criminal abuse of office for allegedly concealing from the police a personal transaction involving the force when he was in his previous post as officer commanding Mashonaland East.

The State accuses Makodza of purporting to be representing the police in the deal structured with his girlfriend whom he had a four-year-old child, Mawonei Chapfudza, entering into a joint venture agreement for Lendy Farm in Marondera in 2019 and imposed her as a private investor.

It also alleges that Chapfudza used her relationship with Makodza as a launch pad to use the police farm for her personal business without remitting anything in terms of that agreement.

Magistrate Mambanje granted Makodza bail on condition that he deposits Z$10 000 to the Clerk of Court, reside at a given address, not interfere with witnesses and report once a month to police.

Makodza was represented by his lawyer Tapiwa Makanza. He will come back to court on the 2nd of March.

ZAAC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure said it is alleged that Makodza during his stint as officer commanding Mashonaland East hatched a plan to corruptly benefit from businesses on the farm when he imposed Chapfudza as a private investor at the farm in the areas of horticulture, piggery and poultry among others.

“Our preliminary investigations have shown that this joint venture was never fully implemented as envisaged in the agreement as Chapfudza ended up doing her work at the farm with the full blessing and concurrence with the accused person.

“She was using police resources to do her projects without remitting the requisite 10 percent to police as was in terms of that agreement,” said Comm Makamure.

“We want to warn people occupying high offices that the law will treat you the same like any other person. As Zacc we will invoke the law without fear or favour,” he said.-NehandaRadio/ZimEye

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean medical doctor and consultant surgeon, Dr Tendai Mutwira has succumbed to Covid-19.

Dr Tendai Mutwira’s death comes less than a week after a prominent Bulawayo-based medical doctor, Dr Cherifa Sururu had also succumbed to COVID-19.

Posting on his Facebook page, journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono said:

I am saddened to report that another medical doctor and consultant surgeon has died from Covid-19.Dr Tendai Mutwira who was based at Harare Hospital is the 6th doctor to die from Covid in the last 30 days.

This more than ever shows the effects of LOOTING and Corruption which is denying healthcare workers proper and sufficient PPE leaving them exposed to the pandemic including their families!!!

All because of greedy politicians and their surrogates who have been feasting on public funds meant to help tame the infections!May the Doc’s soul Rest In Peace! I am sorry we let you and your colleagues down Doc!!! #DemLoot

This is also happening when health caregivers in public health institutions have been lamenting over potential exposure to the deadly virus.

Health workers say they do not have adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) which include gloves and masks, a situation which enhances their proximity to danger.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence of the coronavirus which has since killed many people including a handful of senior government officials.

By A Correspondent- MDC-T national chairperson Morgen Komichi yesterday warned that Zanu-PF would cruise to victory during the 2023 harmonised elections if the country’s opposition parties remained divided.

Komichi, one of the candidates that lost the MDC-T presidency to Douglas Mwonzora at the party’s extraordinary congress last December, said the current disunity in the opposition camp would give Zanu-PF victory on a silver platter.

“The current institution of opposition political parties is disintegrated,” he said on his Twitter account.

“They pose no threat at all to Zanu-PF come 2023. Either group, there is no one with the capacity to dislodge Zanu-PF if this division continues. It is like the enemy is no longer Zanu-PF.”

Komichi said divisions within the MDC formations would only help Zanu-PF to win in 2023, adding that the resolution to the country’s economic woes could only be possible through a united opposition.

“Remember, before the MDC Alliance was formed, we were getting around 1,2 million votes and the number doubled because of the unity by all forces. People must unite and there is no need for fighting.”

Ironically, Komichi and Mwonzora left the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance in a huff and joined the then Thokozani Khupe-led outfit, after the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment by the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai of two vice-presidents – Elias Mudzuri and Chamisa – in 2016 was illegal.

Mwonzora and Khupe have since recalled over 30 MPs linked to Chamisa, as well as more than 80 councillors countrywide.

The MDC Alliance immediately dismissed Komichi’s assertions labelling them “cheap politicking” coming from a man whose party had already”coalesced”with Zanu-PF to destroy MDC Alliance.

MDC Alliance national deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo said: “They are already in a unity arrangement with Zanu-PF and that is why they were helped to attempt to destroy the MDC Alliance by taking our properties, recalling our councillors and MPs among other actions.”

Meanwhile, Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe has already warmed up to uniting with the MDC Alliance.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) yesterday recovered about 40 boxes of Covid-19 testing kits worth more than US$12 000 whose origin was traced to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, as the anti graft body intensifies investigations into abuse of Personal Protective Equipment.

Investigations are now zeroing in on Mpilo Hospital, with a view to arrest officials from that hospital who might be implicated in the scam.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the recovery and vowed that the Commission will leave no stone unturned in its fight against corruption.

“On 18 January 2021, we received information alleging that suspected stolen Standard Q Covid-19 test kits were being sold on the black market in Harare,” he said.

“A follow up was then made which led to the recovery of 40 boxes of Standard Q Covid-19 test kits at Bard House offices opposite Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with a street value of USD12 500.

“Investigations established that the kits were a donation from Unicef to the Government of Zimbabwe through National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm).

“The recovered consignment was traced back to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo where they were stolen from. Investigations are in progress with a view to arrest officials from Mpilo Hospital.”

Comm Makamure warned people involved in abuse of PPEs, saying the long arm of the law will inevitably catch up with them.

“These people are obviously working against the Government of Zimbabwe in its resolve to fight the Covid-19 pandemic so that ordinary citizens can live a normal and disease free life,” he said.

“Some people are seeing the Covid-19 disease and attendant measures being taken to combat it as a way to make money.

“They think it is an opportunity for rich pickings and line their pockets at the expense of the health of ordinary persons. This must stop. As Zacc, we will not fold our arms, but we will use every effort to weed them out. So, we would like to send a strong warning to unscrupulous and would be offenders.”

Comm Makamure has said ZACC has opened investigations on pharmacies that were diverting Covid-19 drugs on the black market despite the fact that they would have accessed the foreign currency to import them on the central bank facilitated auction rate.

The antigraft body said preliminary investigations have also indicated that some pharmacies were insisting on payment in foreign currency.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Police in Midlands have arrested two Harare men driving around the country with fake Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe identity cards, swindling businesses after accusing them of using the wrong foreign exchange rate.

The two were arrested at the weekend in Shurugwi when a highly-suspicious supermarket owner called in the police.

A search of their car allegedly found in addition to the fake Reserve Bank identity cards they were using in the supermarket, more fake identity cards in different names for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

Maxwell Madiwaya (46) of Kuwadzana 6 and Mike Chidziyo (42) of Hopley were found with RBZ tags bearing their names and a fake RBZ fine book. They were travelling in a new Mazda BT50 twin cab vehicle and police said their fake receipt books showed they had swindled hundreds of businesses in several towns and cities.

They were wearing identical suits and neck ties which they were apparently using as uniforms. Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emanuel Mahoko yesterday said the two were arrested on Saturday.

“The two were arrested after they approached management at Vital Supermarket in Shurugwi and demanded to see their receipts and how they were using the forex exchange rate,” he said.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Pastors have urged government to categorise churches as essential services so that they can operate.

A pastor from Glory Temples Ministries in Masvingo, Ntobeko Mhlanga, told NewsDay that churches were essential service providers as their mandate was to assist people spiritually and emotionally, as well as to save lives during times of distress.

“There is need for churches to petition the government so that we can be considered as essential services in order to assist people in trauma, distress and depression caused by fear and the effects of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties which are at alarming levels,” Mhlanga said.

“Churches are also essential services by their nature because they save lives,” he said.

Mhlanga said amid a contagious disease outbreak and deaths that have left most people heartbroken, there was need for spiritual healing.

Another pastor from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Mutare, Edmore Sibanda, said some pastors were being denied permission to pass through roadblocks despite that they woulwd be travelling to provide counselling services to their church members.

Sibanda said churches could not be considered as COVID-19 super spreaders in the same category as bars and restaurants.

Gatherings such as weddings, churches, at bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums and eating out at restaurants were banned during the COVID-19 lockdown period which will end in mid-February.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The late former president Robert Mugabe’s daughter Bona has posted a picture of herself and husband Simba Chikore on facebook.

On the picture is another couple clad in their wedding gear.

Bona captioned the picture “Love month”.

By A Correspondent- Seven years ago, a team of paediatric surgeons separated a set of Siamese twins in a historic operation that lasted more than 8 hours.

The operation to separate the thoracopagus conjoined twins, Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe, took place at the Harare Children’s Hospital in 2014 and involved 50 medical personnel who were led by MR Bothwell Mbuwayesango.

The two-month-old male twins were joined at the chest and abdomen including the liver. The most delicate part of the operation was on the liver, which had to be cut into two to ensure both boys were left with a portion each. According to the Sunday Mail, MR Mbuwayesango’s fear was the possibility of the boys losing a lot of blood, which would have resulted in death.

However, due to the tenacity, grit, skill and teamwork, the medical team which comprised of surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, neonatologists and nurses working with minimal resources pulled off the remarkable feat which has been described as “the stuff of dreams” and a “miracle surgery”.

Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe are now two healthy seven-year-old boys. One of the doctors who operated on the twins remarked,

“We’ve come full circle now. Can you believe those conjoined twins are now handsome little boys with very different personalities but thriving and happy!”

We applaud the health personnel who carried out the delicate surgery and we wish Kupakwashe and Tapiwanashe all the best in their lives.

Press Statement
2 February 2021

ON World Wetlands Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) calls upon policymakers, local and central government to take concerted and coordinated efforts to develop and implement action plans to stop the ongoing degradation of wetlands and protect, preserve and restore them.

World Wetlands Day, which is commemorated every year on 2 February, aims to raise global awareness on the vital importance of wetlands for human beings, flora and fauna and our planet as a whole.

World Wetlands Day is also an occasion to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, the “Ramsar Convention” on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Ramsar Convention seeks to protect and preserve wetlands. Zimbabwe is a party to this Convention and in terms of which has designated 7 ‘Ramsar sites’ of wetlands of
international importance.

In 2021, World Wetlands Day is being commemorated under theme
“Wetlands and Water”, which highlights the need to protect and restore
wetlands since they are a significant source of freshwater, at a time
when the world is facing a growing shortage of freshwater.

This day is an opportunity for people around the world, including Zimbabwe, to reflect on how water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence which is important to life and the health of the planet and highlight the detrimental effects of the destruction of wetlands on the quality of life for humans, other forms of life and the environment.

Wetlands are critical in the water cycle, providing freshwater for many people around the world. Wetlands absorb water throughout the rainy season, preventing flooding and runoff carrying pollutants causing siltation of water sources. The wetlands store the water,
replenish ground aquifers, and slowly release this water in the dry season into streams and river systems around cities until it finds its way into the major water sources supplying the cities. Without wetlands, these water sources would quickly run dry in winter months
and poor rainy seasons, causing major water shortages. Wetlands also act as natural filters for pollutants and provide safe drinking water as a result. The water found in wetlands supports agriculture and aquaculture, thereby providing income and sustenance for millions of people across the globe.

In Zimbabwe, the loss of wetlands has been mainly caused by human interference and mismanagement. In particular, the drainage of wetlands to pave way for human settlements, industrial activity and agriculture has caused wetlands to disappear rapidly.

Across the country, some local authorities and the so-called land barons ignore the need to protect wetlands by approving housing developments on wetlands despite the existence of many domestic and international laws against such conduct. This has been disastrous for
some residents, as their houses have been flooded and destroyed with some local authorities having the temerity of blaming residents for constructing houses on wetlands rather than providing progressive solutions.

For several years, ZLHR and its partners have consistently challenged such conduct by local authorities, non state actors and other government departments and ministries in the courts.  Many notable successes have been recorded in our bid to preserve and protect
wetlands.

The protection and restoration of wetlands guarantees the right to water. Section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that everyone has the right to safe, clean and potable water.  Section 74 provides for an environment that is not harmful.

Government must develop sustainable strategies for the protection and restoration of wetlands. This is a human rights issue that requires a human rights-based solution.

To protect and restore wetlands and secure the availability of freshwater for present and future generations, ZLHR urges local and central government to;

o       Stop destroying and start restoring wetlands;

o       Commit to the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands that are considered to be Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Sites;

o       Increase awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands through educational campaigns and media coverage;

o       Immediately stop approving housing developments on wetlands;

o       Establish an Environmental Tribunal to investigate violations of environmental laws and impose punitive action;

o       Introduce a new Bill in Parliament governing wetlands and covering the problem of private individuals holding title deeds over wetlands;

o       Treat wetlands solely as a water resource and legislative provisions protecting water resources;

o       Domesticate the provisions of the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biodiversity and incorporate them into Zimbabwe’s municipal law so as to uphold the obligations under international law to maintain Wetlands of International Importance.

ENDS

By A Correspondent- Prosecutors from the army, air force and police have 18 days to vacate the civilian courts, a development which will ensure that a Constitutional Court (ConCourt) ruling of 2019 that barred them from operating at civilian courts is fully implemented.

On February 20, 2019, the ConCourt, sitting as a full bench, unanimously banned the use of State security agents as public prosecutors in civilian courts.

The ConCourt said their secondment to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was a serious violation of the Constitution.

The ruling, which becomes effective on February 20 this year, came following an application filed by the Zimbabwe Law Officers’ Association and former public prosecutor Derek Charamba, in which the parties sought an order compelling Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to stop engaging police and army personnel as public prosecutors.

The ConCourt gave them until February 20 to vacate the civilian courts.

In January 2015, the late former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, who then headed the nine-member ConCourt bench, reserved judgment in the matter after submissions were made by the PG’s representative Sharon Fero and applicants’ lawyer, Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara.

But on February 20 last year, ConCourt judge Justice Antoinette Guvava delivered the unanimous judgment and read out the operative part which ordered the PG to disengage the services of security officers from the NPA over two years.

“The engagement by the first respondent (NPA) of the serving members of the security services to prosecutorial duties is in contravention of section 208 (4) of the Constitution … It is, hereby, ordered that: the first respondent (NPA) is directed to disengage all members of the security services within 24 months from the date of this order,” Justice Guvava said.

During the hearing, Justice Chidyausiku took the PG’s Office to task, demanding an explanation on why NPA wanted its job to be done by police officers and soldiers still in service.

“Why do you want the police to do your job? We in the Judiciary do not want to have police officers as magistrates,” Justice Chidyausiku said then.

“Give us one good reason why we should have police prosecutors as opposed to civilian prosecutors … In principle, I do not see the reason why the PG would want his job done by the police,” he said.

In response, Fero said the practice of engaging security forces as public prosecutors had been in existence since time immemorial, adding that the main reason was the unattractive conditions of service offered by NPA.

Fero also said there were no provisions in the Constitution that precluded security forces from being engaged as prosecutors.

But in his submissions on behalf of the applicants, Zhuwarara said the use of security forces to perform prosecutorial duties in civilian courts was in violation of section 208(4) of the Constitution.

He said that engagement of the police and army officers to prosecute in civilian courts was a misnomer, adding that the practice could not be condoned, tolerated or excused in a democratic society.

“The mechanics of birthing a public prosecutor are different from those put in place to bring about a police officer or an army officer … They (police and army prosecutors) are part of the security system and cannot be engaged in civilian institutions since they are bound by specific rules of discipline,” he said.

Charamba yesterday said they would wait for the PG to comply with the order, failure of which they would take him to task.

“We will go back to court if they defy, our papers are ready. We are giving them time to comply with the order. The NPA was given two years which is ample time to recruit and the prosecutors to wind up their cases,” Charamba said.

-Newsday

Chinese ambassador to Harare Guo Shaochun says Zimbabwe will be one of the first countries to receive the Chinese Covid-19 vaccine in a bid to stop the current pandemic surge.

“Zimbabwe will be one of the first 14 countries to receive vaccine aid from China very soon,” he said.

More to follow..

By A Correspondent- An abusive Bulawayo kombi driver is on the run after allegedly brutally stabbing his girlfriend to death for threatening to end their relationship.

Melinkosi Moyo from Lobengula West allegedly followed Prudence Ndlovu (24) from the same suburb to a relative’s home in Nkulumane suburb where he stabbed her repeatedly before fleeing the scene on Sunday midnight.

According to The Chronicle, Ndlovu, a third-year student at Bulawayo Polytechnic, was allegedly having relationship problems with Moyo whom she had been dating for about two years.

Her sister Future Ndlovu said :

“They were in a relationship for almost two years but of late my sister was not happy. She was in an abusive relationship which she wanted to end. So, on Saturday, before she was killed, she had visited one of our cousins in Nkulumane suburb.

“It seems Moyo was not happy with the decision that my sister was taking. She was always telling me that he was abusive and she wanted to call off the relationship. It seems on Saturday she told him that the relationship was over.

“Moyo would not accept that and constantly called her. He even followed her to Nkulumane suburb at 11PM,” said Ms Ndlovu.

She said Moyo called her sister and asked her to meet him outside so that they could talk.

“It seems they spent about 30 minutes talking and thereafter my cousin heard her scream. When she went to check out what had happened she found her lying on the ground bleeding. She had stab wounds on the neck, above her left breast and in the back,” she said.

“She was stabbed on Sunday at about 12AM. An ambulance was called but officials responded saying they only had one ambulance which was ferrying a patient to Mpilo Central Hospital. The ambulance only arrived at the scene at 3AM and she had died. We are told that she was in serious pain as she cried for help but couldn’t get it. For about 30 minutes, we are told that she would request that she be given water to drink as she pleaded for help saying she was dying. But the person she was with is also young so she could not render any help,” said Ms Ndlovu.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said murder investigations were on course.

“We are investigating a suspected murder case where 24-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her boyfriend. It is worrying that members of the public are violating lockdown regulations to commit crime. Government imposed a 6PM to 6AM curfew and this crime was committed in the middle of the night when everyone was supposed to be home. We are also worried over domestic violence cases being perpetuated during Level Four national lockdown,” said Insp Ncube.

He appealed to members of the public who might have information that could lead to Moyo’s arrest to come forward.

By A Correspondent | Just as he was now recovering from COVID -19, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been readmitted into hospital.

Hon. Ziyambi who doubles as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson during parliamentary discussions, had at the time gone to get his blood pressure checked at a nearby hospital when he was told it has shot up, a family source said.

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By A Correspondent | Just as he was now recovering from COVID -19, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been readmitted into hospital.

Hon. Ziyambi who doubles as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson during parliamentary discussions, had at the time gone to get his blood pressure checked at a nearby hospital when he was told it has shot up, a family source said.

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By A Correspondent- Parts of Chipinge District in Manicaland Province at 18:56 hrs yesterday reportedly experienced an earth tremor.

According to the publication, the development was confirmed by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD).

No damage, injuries and or fatalities has been reported so far.  The magnitude of the tremor was 4.3 and it reportedly hit 69 km east of Chipinge.

According to an expert on Eathquates on Twitter, the same termor also hit parts of Beira:

Earthquakes

4.2 S of Beira, Mozambique

4.4 S of Beira, Mozambique

4.3 E of Chipinge, Zimbabwe

Last year Kariba was also hit by 5 mild tremors just before the onset of the winter season.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has maintained its demands for dialogue with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance insists the legitimacy crisis is the major impediment to dialogue with Zanu PF.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Monday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatywayo said:

“There are no talks or whatsoever with ZANU PF. We have been clear on the conditions for a credible dialogue.

There is need for an independent and credible mediator at a neutral venue with the right participants.

MDCA is committed to all the efforts that are genuine and meant to deal with the real crisis in Zimbabwe which is the legitimacy crisis.”

The Combined Harare Residents Association in collaboration with residents associations in all provinces, and civic society organizations has launched a national devolution campaign code named #3DCampaign.

The main objective of the campaign is to build citizen voice and agency among women and youths in devolution implementation and alignment of local government laws while building alliances and national consensus on devolution

The launch of the campaign come at a time when the government of Zimbabwe has developed a Devolution and Decentralization Policy and commenced a process of aligning local government laws with the constitution.

Service delivery in Zimbabwe has become a major challenge as most local authorities are failing to provide basic social services which has been mainly attributed to poor financing, corruption, abuse of power and lack of citizens’ oversight role on public bodies among others.

The campaign intends to cement and galvanize provisions of the constitution that promote self-government of local authorities, and recognition of the right of communities to manage their affairs in deciding their development agenda in the proposed local government legislation.

CSOs and Residents Associations that attended the meeting resolved to work together in an inclusive and well-coordinated fashion on the promotion of Devolution in Zimbabwe.

Is your sex life suffering in lockdown? Do you relieve it through exercise?

If so, you are alone as some quick-witted lovebirds seem to have complete control over that stress, as they make full use of their exercise hour by doing a lot more than the “recommended” popular morning jogs or brisk walks.

Investigations by B-Metro reveal that to avoid lockdown wrecking their sex life or pushing their relationship to the limits some amorous couples especially the youth, are taking advantage of the popular morning jogs by hiding in the tall roadside grass, graveyards and maize fields to engage in in sex.

B-Metro also found out that some youths from North End suburb caused commotion early Sunday morning as they fought over girls and the best spots for the “morning glory”.

The investigations also established that some residents mostly from North End, City Centre and Makokoba have turned the large stretch of land at corner Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue, where King Lobengula used to hold the Inxwala Festival, into a love nest.

The depraved ones are also going for “quick sessions” at some of Bulawayo’s final resting places like West Park and Athlone cemeteries.

In other areas like Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Emganwini stories are also being told of how bushy areas and maize fields have become “overwhelmed” with people who have made it a habit to have sex orgies during morning jogs.

Residents spoke of their shock and disgust, with some saying it was tempting to assume that these cases were a product of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Ellen Maphosa from North End spoke of her fury after she spotted a youthful couple having sex against a tree on her way to town.

She condemned the behaviour as “shameful”.

“Early morning runs are no longer achieving the original goal. People have no morals at all, it was really shameful on Friday last week when I saw a youthful couple having sex behind a tree on my way to town. It was clear that they had left home under the guise of going for a morning jog,” she said.

Even when jogging some defy social distancing as they don’t keep a minimum of about 1,5 metres apart from each other to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

Edward Tembo from Sauerstown concurred with Maphosa saying randy couples, especially the youth, have turned morning jogs into sex orgies.

“Most residents, especially the youth, are taking advantage of them to engage in illicit sex. The truth is that teenagers now engage in sex, especially in maize fields or unfinished buildings,” said Tembo.

Mr Again Moyo who was visiting the grave of his mother also claimed he was left “horrified” after seeing a couple in jogging oufits having sex in the graveyard.

“Just imagine I visited my mother’s grave at West Park and came across two people having sex on a grave. I was horrified but they didn’t seem to care. It was clear that they were taking advantage of the tall grass that reduces visibility to enjoy themselves on top of the dead. It is obviously disrespectful to those resting in those graveyards and those visiting them,” he said while repeatedly shaking his head.

Residents have demanded action against those with ill motives to spoil the party for those with good intentions.

“We want those people jogging in the morning to control their behaviours because what we see in the name of exercise and being fit in the name of fighting the coronavirus is not morally right. Police should arrest anyone found jogging outside his or her home,” fumed Nothabo Moyo from Mzilikazi suburb.

Meanwhile, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi couldn’t be reached for comment by the time of going to print or responded to questions sent to him on WhatsApp to establish if morning jogs or outdoor running not considered a violation of lockdown regulations

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By A Correspondent| MDC Alliance deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala has been freed on ZWL$25 000 bail.

He has been held since January 9 following his arrest on charges of communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the state after he tweeted about a circulating video showing a baby allegedly ‘killed’ by a police officer’s truncheon.

By A Correspondent | The MDC Alliance Trio, Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri have been arrested again.

The announcement was made by the Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights head Roselyn Hanzi who in a tweet said charges or allegations are still unclear.

Analyst Brian Kagoro commented by posing the question: Is this just a way of exposing young female activists to the risk of contracting COVID-19 for the most nebulous of reasons?

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY- REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE UPDATES

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has maintained its demands for dialogue with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance insists the legitimacy crisis is the major impediment to dialogue with Zanu PF.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Monday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatywayo said:

“There are no talks or whatsoever with ZANU PF. We have been clear on the conditions for a credible dialogue.

There is need for an independent and credible mediator at a neutral venue with the right participants.

MDCA is committed to all the efforts that are genuine and meant to deal with the real crisis in Zimbabwe which is the legitimacy crisis.”

By A Correspondent- Afro-fusion singer Diana Samkange has temporarily hung her guitar to focus on farming where she specialises in the production of herbs.

Since the government enforced the lockdown in March last year to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, musicians have not been able to stage shows as all public gatherings including music concerts are banned.

For Samkange, the inactivity in the music sector has pushed her to the land where she now spends time in the bush gathering herbs such as Zumbani.

She told the Daily News:

The situation in the arts sector is deplorable. Musicians are suffering as the majority of them survived solely on concerts and royalties.

As for me, I have diverted my attention and focus on farming and herb business.

Since last year, I have recorded good business with clients buying Zumbani and other herbs to protect themselves against the virus.

The demand for Zumbani is too high. I am now spending most of my time in the jungle gathering traditional medicines for me to meet the demand.

By A Correspondent- Two unidentified men drowned in Mazowe river while taking pictures.

The duo, aged 22 and 21 died in Glendale, Mashonaland Central province after they encroached the edges of the flooded Mazowe River while taking pictures from their mobile phones.

They reportedly both slipped and drowned.

Mazowe assistant district development coordinator Willard Masimba confirmed the incident and urged people no to go to close to flooded rivers.

The incident happened a few hours after Bindura District development coordinator Richard Chipfuwa had issued a flood warning to communities in the Bindura, Mazowe area after two dams, Candy and Iron Duke, burst their walls resulting in the flooding of Mazowe River.

A Glendale resident Brian Jonga said Candy and Iron Duke dams burst their walls at around 7 am Sunday morning.

More details follow.