By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe reportedly has 84 ventilators for COVID-19, The NewsHawaks reports. This was reportedly revealed by a Director in the Ministry of Health during a parliamentary hearing that was being conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Health.

The reveal that the country has 84 ventilators comes at a time Zimbabwe is going through a COVID-19 second wave which has increased the demand for hospital beds in general.

According to a local publication:

A director in the Health ministry, Newman Madzikwa, says the country has 84 ventilators for Covid-19.

The ministry reportedly revealed that Covid-19 treatment is free at public hospitals, reportedly however states that Parirenyatwa Hospital is charging US$100 per patient. Legislator, Dr. Labode reportedly said it is a lie that public institutions do not charge COVID19 patients.

According to the Ministry of Health Director, Dr. Manangazira and Dr. Simbi gave a summary of institutions’ admission capacity and facilities available for testing for COVID-19 in Zimbabwe and said:

• In Bulawayo, there are 3 institutions taking COVID 19 patients. Thorngroove has no admissions at the moment.
• Harare has 5 institutions taking COVID19 COVID19 patients. St Anne’s has 24 patients, Wilkins has no COVID19 patients at the moment
• Nyanga with 15 beds has an occupancy (COVID19) of 80%.
• Mater Dei hospital has not been providing data on COVID19
• To date #Zimbabwe has 29 private laboratories, 26 govt labs, and 3 research labs offering COVID19 test.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe needs credible institutions that can facilitate peaceful transition of power.

President Chamisa was commenting on the US power transfer.

He urged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to embrace democratic processes that enable the smooth transfer of power.

“I’ve just been watching the US power transfer, transition and inauguration. I would like to congratulate President
@JoeBiden
on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States of America and Vice President
@KamalaHarris
for the landmark achievement.

The successful transition of power has demonstrated the importance of strong institutions in supporting democracy. Even when the system has been subjected to severe stress tests in recent times, it is thanks to strong institutions that democracy has prevailed.

Strong institutions treat everyone with respect, including the outgoing administration which was accorded a dignified exit as the new administration was ushered in. Africa must have strong credible institutions! It is vital for transition to be peaceful and predictable in Zim,” President Chamisa said in a statement.

Zephania Nkomo, liberation war hero who was part of ZAPU has passed away. With his credentials he is a national hero& if government is mature enough should do the honorary thing& certify what is obvious. Overlooking such people reduces the significance& importance of Heroes Acre.

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) January 25, 2021

According to a Ministry of Health official Dr. Mudyirandima, when Zimbabwe finally get its hands on the COVID-19 Vaccination, here is a list of the people who will be prioritized for vaccination:

1. Frontline workers
2. MPs
3. Members of the security sector
4. Ministers

The official did not give a reason why those mentioned above will be given priority over the elderly and the vulnerable like in other countries.

Zimbabwe is yet to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine.

Twimbos have already started to respond to the tweet asking for government officials to explain the priority list among other things:

By A Correspondent- Corruption syndicates involving medical doctors, police officers, mortuary staff and agents of some little known funeral service companies are charging between US$40 and US$100 to speed up the post-mortem process and even have bodies of accident victims released for burial without Covid-19 tests.

In some cases it appears that the agents are just extorting money, without actually doing anything or having anything done. In other cases they say if you take the sample to a private laboratory you can have the body released as soon as the result comes back.

At the centre of the graft are agents, touting for clients at hospital mortuaries and entrances, who claim to be connected to medical doctors and police officers on duty at the mortuaries. While touting for clients on behalf of their funeral service companies, they end up making extra money through soliciting bribes from bereaved families who do not wish to wait any longer for the bodies to be released.

They tell families it can take 48 hours using the Government hospital testing facilities for the results of a Covid-19 test to reach the mortuary.

The practice is rampant at Sally Mugabe Hospital where some funeral service agents mill around the mortuary waiting area touting for clients, or more recently following strict rules to cut numbers gathering at the mortuary, in the main hospital car park.

Sally Mugabe Hospital chief executive Dr Christopher Pasi said his office had received a number of reports since last year on the corrupt practices but had great difficulty trying to pin anything down.

“The corruption involves two willing participants, who agree to break the law and keep it a secret. It is difficult to apprehend the culprits because none of the parties is ready to give us any information. Investigations are still in progress.”

Dr Pasi said the hospital was overwhelmed with bodies and corruption syndicates may be taking advantage of the backlog in Covid-19 testing, to swindle people.

“It is true that our results may take longer because we have a backlog. All sudden death bodies are tested for Covid-19 before post-mortem. We cannot rule out the possibility that some corrupt elements may take advantage of the backlog to extort bereaved families,” said Dr Pasi.

The Herald went undercover at Sally Mugabe and Chitungwiza hospitals with a view to establish the truth. At Sally Mugabe Hospital, the reporter was approached by an agent who introduced himself as “Runzirwai” marketing services offered by “Geora Funeral Services”.

Runzirwai claimed he was connected to some medical doctors and mortuary staff who could assist in speeding up the release of bodies for burial.

“Covid-19 testing and the release of results may take up to 48 hours. Post-mortem will then be done when the results are known. As we speak, the doctor is in and waiting to do post-mortem in respect of bodies whose Covid-19 results are out.

“I can go inside and ask him to work on your relative’s body without Covid-19 test so that you get your body today for burial. I will hear how much he wants for the service but it is a big risk to carry out post-mortem on a body whose Covid-19 status is not known. To be safe just reserve US$100 to be shared among all those involved, including the police and the mortuary staff,” he said.

Because of the Covid-19 hospital rules barring visitors, most funeral service companies’ agents were touting for clients in a car park near Sally Mugabe Hospital.

In the car park, the reporter met another agent who introduced himself as “Josphat”. He was marketing the services offered by a company called “Siloton Funeral Services”. To prove his strong links with medical doctors, Josphat called a man that he claimed was a medical doctor and put his phone on loud speaker for the “client” to hear.

The said doctor’s number was saved as “Chiremba” on Josphat’s mobile phone. The doctor said he was in town but referred Josphat to someone called “Mutangirwa” for assistance. “Here in Harare your money makes life easier.

Doctors may even leave their work at private surgeries and rush here to assist you. The doctor said he will be back around noon and if you are now in a rush we can wait for him. But if you are impatient, we can engage the doctor on duty now.

“If you have US$40, we can do it now and ensure you collect the body in an hour’s time. I have to take your papers to the police post and deal with the officers there before taking them to the mortuary,” said Josphat.

At Chitungwiza Hospital two men, who were sitting in a Nissan Vanette inscribed “Hatina Musha Funeral Services”, said there was a backlog in Covid-19 testing at the hospital and people had an option to take their relatives’ samples for testing to external laboratories.

“Under normal circumstances, swabs are taken from the corpse and you, as relatives, are given the samples and you take them to Lancet where you will pay US$60.

“Since you said your relative died in an accident, we can talk to the doctor on duty and negotiate the immediate release of the body without a Covid-19 test. It is a matter of paperwork and you get the body in an hour. “You simply have to pay US$50 but it is negotiable,” said one of the agents.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Self-styled apostolic sect leader Herbert Senda who is popularly known as Madzibaba Enock of Johane Masowe Echishanu-Nyenyedzi Nomwe has been dragged to the magistrates’ court after he reportedly sold church property and pocketed the proceeds.

Madzibaba Enock who is not new to controversy neither is he a stranger in the court corridors appeared before magistrate Tendai Muchini on Friday charged with fraud and theft of trust property.

He was granted $15 000 bail before he was ordered to report twice per week to the police as part of his bail conditions.

The matter was remanded to 1 March 2021.

According to The Sunday Mail, it is the State’s case that sometime in August 2017, Senda misrepresented to home-seeker Munyaradzi Chaguta that he was the owner of a residential stand in Budiriro, which belonged to his church’s housing co-operative. He proceeded to sell the stand for US$10 000.

Chaguta agreed to pay a US$2 400 deposit and monthly instalments of US$500 until the debt was settled. Prosecutor Desire Chidanhire told the court that Senda sold the residential stand fully aware that one Tinashe Sithole had already paid a development fee of US$3 500 to the co-operative for the stand.

The State further alleges that as a result, the housing co-operative was prejudiced of US$4 751. On the second charge, Senda allegedly sold a vehicle belonging to the housing co-operative before converting the proceeds to personal use.

The State alleges that in August 2017 Senda was approached by Munodawafa Zambezi, who wanted to exchange his commuter omnibus for a residential stand.

After deliberations with the housing co-operative executive, an agreement was reached, which saw Zambezi being given two residential stands in exchange for his vehicle. The vehicle was entrusted to Senda as the sect’s leader. He, however, sold the vehicle and converted the proceeds to his own use, prejudicing the housing cooperative of US$10 000.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF political commissar Victor Matemadanda says the Covid-19 pandemic would not destroy the ruling party as yearned for by its detractors but will emerge stronger.

This comes after the virus claimed the lives of senior Zanu-PF and government officials.

Matemadanda said while coronavirus had robbed Zanu-PF and the government of dedicated cadres, the party would soldier on. He said it was delusional for some to think that Covid-19 is killing Zanu-PF people only.

Matemadanda added that Zanu-PF was not a party of individuals but it was a party which had stood the test of time.

By A Correspondent- The Shurugwi-Mhandamabwe Highway is set to be closed to traffic after flooding undercut part of the road at the Musavedzi River bridge leaving it hanging precariously – posing danger to humans and vehicles passing through it.

Unless a detour is established, the road is set to be closed as the section of the road has been destroyed by floods following incessant rains that have been pounding the area in the past week.

The road is vital not just to locals in Shurugwi District but also to the entire country as it is used to transport goods and services from Beitbridge to towns and cities such as Gweru, Kwekwe, Chegutu and Gokwe.

The route is shorter and makes business sense to use for ferrying goods and services to the above towns and cities unlike going via Zvishavane which is longer. Shurugwi South MP Edmond Mukaratigwa said the road near the bridge must be closed to avert disaster.

He said at the moment, one vehicle can pass the bridge at a time.

“In fact, it’s all about averting more losses of life and economic assets. We cannot get into the hyena’s mouth with our full conscience functional,” he said.

Mukaratigwa said another alternative is introducing a weight to protect the road section and the bridge from further destruction.

“In the meantime, we can caution heavier trucks for example those above a certain tonnage, not to use road until it is maintained or have one vehicle pass at a time as I have already more pragmatically suggested,” he said.

Mukaratigwa said another road can be opened.

“It’s all about preserving life and assets,” he said.

The section of the road as one approaches the bridge, he said, is really a hazard that cannot be ignored any longer.

“Using this road is cost effective connecting more particularly people of Shurugwi South with both Gweru, Shurugwi town, Bulawayo, Chegutu through to Chirundu and Mhandambwe linking right from Beitbridge,” he said.

Mukaratigwa said when there is a disconnection like this, people’s normal business and supply chains are disrupted. He said alternative routes are more costly due to longer distances and, discourages direct linkages that should exist for their associated advantages like timely supplies of economic services among others.

“For example, where rural mothers used to travel in one day to town, they may end up doing so for two days with negative consequences on their other gender roles in the home. That is the issue because that bridge no longer has a long life whether we stop passage of vehicles today or not,” said Mukaratigwa.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) board will soon convene a “crisis” meeting to map the way forward in terms of the parastatal’s restructuring following the demise of the entity’s acting general manager.

Mr Joseph Mashika who was appointed NRZ acting general manager on August 1 last year passed on last week Sunday at a time the board and management were restructuring of the entity.

In an interview on Friday, NRZ public relations manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said the meeting which would be held in Bulawayo could have been held over the weekend but was rescheduled.

This he said was due to other commitments by the board chair Advocate Martin Dinha that have cropped up.

The meeting will also focus on strategising operations to improve performance after the firm in 2020 moved 2,5 million tonnes of cargo from 2,8 million a year earlier.

The dip in freight volume has largely been attributed to the detrimental impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Going forward as NRZ, the board has quickly ordered that we have what I would call a ‘crisis’ meeting or ‘refocused’ meeting to review NRZ operations.

“The meeting is coming as a result of the demise of the acting general manager; it is also coming when we dipped in terms of our performance.

“In 2019, we had 2,8 million tonnes and then dropped to 2,5 million tonnes in 2020 and the dip is largely premised on the issue of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

As part of a restructuring exercise which began last year, NRZ is trimming the number of executive directors from six to three.

Last year, the parastatal’s board sacked general manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada, and three other senior executives namely: director marketing Mrs Elector Mafunga, director operations Mr Samson Bhuza and director corporate services Mr Misheck Matanhire.

NRZ has since submitted to Government some of the names of the interviewed and incumbent candidates to fill in senior executive posts under a leaner management structure the entity has adopted.

On the restructuring exercise, Mr Maravanyika said NRZ was pursuing the initiative, which is expected to add impetus on the entity’s transformation.

“There is no going back in terms of restructuring of NRZ, so this meeting is going to look at all those things because when the board relieved most of the top management you find that the management at NRZ currently, is depleted.

“So, the board has to come up with a working theme and make sure that the organisation continues to go on the vision and thrust of the shareholder (Government),” he said.

In 2020, the parastatal announced that it had been forced to revise downward its annual freight movement target by 10 percent for the year following a significant drop in business owing to a myriad of challenges NRZ faced in 2019.

Part of the parastatal’s challenges are largely to do with the company’s dilapidated rail infrastructure and obsolete equipment, which includes locomotives, coaches and wagons.

In 2019, the rail entity missed its target of hauling 4,2 million tonnes of cargo, only managing to transport 2,8 million tonnes, which again was 17,6 percent less compared with the 2018’s achievement of 3,4 million tonnes.

At its peak in the 1990s, the company used to move about 14,4 million tonnes of freight against an installed capacity of 18 million tonnes.-statemedia

https://twitter.com/killerzivhu1/status/1353628901893926913?s=20

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has denied reports that the Vice President who doubles up as the Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga was flown to China for treatment.

Last week Mnangagwa cut short his annual leave after ordering his deputy and Acting President, Chiwenga to take a rest.

Chiwenga, who has undergone extensive treatment in India, South Africa and China over the last two years was “worse for wear” during a recent meeting with Mnangagwa, which prompted his side-lining, according to Charamba.

In a series of tweets responding to weekend reports that the government had been paralysed by Covid-19, with Mnangagwa being forced to self-isolate and his two deputies both ill with the virus, Charamba dismissed the reports as “needless speculation.”

Mnangagwa, he said, “has never, is yet, to isolate on account of exposure to the coronavirus,” Charamba said. Four ministers have died from the virus, the latest being transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza.

“Vice President Kembo Mohadi took his annual leave soon after his term as Acting President ended. He is very much around and well enough to sit musingly watching his lovely herd,” Charamba tweeted, adding that Mohadi was at his farm in Beitbridge.

“As for Vice President Chiwenga, I can only say just as well rumours don’t kill. It they did, the man would long have joined his ancestors! Beyond taking over as Acting President while the President is on his traditional annual leave – which this year has proved more of technical fixture than a real break – the Vice President has been working well into the early hours of most of the days, both in his office and at home.”

Charamba said Chiwenga’s busy work schedule had been “made worse by a few of his relatives and associates who have succumbed to Covid-19,” adding:

“A few days ago, he looked worse for wear and the President ordered him to take some deserved rest. He would have wanted to be with the President at Thursday’s sorrowful burial event, in fact insisted to do so. The President restated his order and the Vice President had to watch proceedings from home.”

Charamba said Chiwenga would “resume work shortly.”

Responding to ZimLive enquiries over reports that the 64-year-old had been flown to China for treatment, Charamba said tersely: “No truth, not an iota.”

Chiwenga’s ailment has never been publicly disclosed, but numerous media reports suggest he was treated for esophageal stricture, the abnormal narrowing of the esophagus which causes patients difficulties in swallowing and leads to dramatic weight loss.-ZimLive

By A Correspondent- In a rather unexpected maintenance case, a married woman applied for maintenance for her two-year-old son from her ex-lover, claiming that he is the father of the child.

Francisca Musundire who is married to and living with her husband Tammy Mahara dragged her former lover Archbold Mukatshelwa to the Mutare Civil Court insisting that he is the father of her son. Musundire told the court, that she had a brief relationship with Mukatshelwa after she had temporarily separated from her husband Mahara. She said that the relationship resulted in the birth of her now 2-year-old son.

Musundire went on to say that her husband, who works as money-changer in the Mutare Central Business District is having challenges in taking care of the child, whom he knows not to be his.

The Manica Post reports that Musundire told the court,

“I pray for Mukatshelwa to take care of our two-year-old baby. I am staying with my husband and sometimes it is difficult for him to take care of another man’s child.

“Sometimes he refuses to take care of the child especially now when he is not feeling well. I need money to buy medication and take the child to Harare for specialised medical attention and I cannot raise it anywhere,”

Mukatshelwa on the other hand challenged the maintenance claim saying that the paternity of the child is doubtful. He challenged his former lover to prove that he is indeed the father through DNA tests.

Through his lawyer, Mr Chris Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Gonese Legal Practitioners, Mukatshelwa also argued that the DNA tests should be done at Musundire’s expense since she is the one claiming that the child is his, and not her husband’s.

“Musundire should prove at her own expense that the child does not belong to her husband, but to my client. That can only be done through DNA tests,”

Presiding magistrate Lazarus Murendo ruled that the paternity of the child should be established first before the court can grant a maintenance order. He said that Mahara and Mukatshelwa need to undergo DNA tests to establish if the baby is Mukatshelwa’s as Musundire is claiming

By A Correspondent- United States-based Zimbabwean preacher, Passion Java is reportedly embroiled in a dispute with his South Africa-based brother, Simba over their late mother’s estate.

Zim Morning Post reports that the dispute is over the late Senator Christine Rambnepasi-Java‘s house which Passion is allegedly saying should be given to their divorced sister.

In an audio which he posted on Facebook this week, Simba also claimed that Passion was pushing him out of the beneficiaries list. He said:

Passion wants the house and the cars to be given to our sister who ditched her husband and is a drunkard.

I will not back down because my mother never said that when she was alive.
I will be going to the High Court to challenge this and I have since engaged my lawyers Nyambirai, Hamukwadi and Samukange.

Passion will be served with papers wherever he is be it Dubai or America.

A family friend told Zim Morning Post that the long-standing quarrel between the two siblings started when Simba’s fortunes were waning. Said the source:

Simba used to live a good life where he commanded a managerial position with a leading telecommunications company.

He would drive latest vehicles and even lended the cars to Passion.

When things went south, he felt Passion was obliged to take care of him and that is their main beef.

Simba alleges that his mother Senator Christine Java left behind at least a car, farm and two houses.

Interestingly, one of the houses in Houghton Park was bought by Passion as a gift to his mother who was an MDC senator.

Christine succumbed to cancer this month and her estate is allegedly being registered with the Master of High Court and no executor has been appointed yet

By A Correspondent- A Harare detective was recently attacked by an angry mob in Mufakose for arresting two suspected drug dealers. After the two were arrested, a gang of eleven suspects emerged and demanded the release of the suspects and also of the dagga which was recovered by the officers.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said one of the officers was assaulted during the scuffle. He urged the public not to defeat the course of justice, saying they should allow the police to execute their duties.

“Police in Harare are investigating circumstances surrounding a case of assault on a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and defeating course of justice which occurred on January 19 2021 in Mufakose where two members of the CID Drugs and Narcotics were on duty,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“They arrested two suspects for possession and dealing in dagga, then 11 suspects emerged, forced the officers to release the arrested suspects and exhibits, and attacked one of the police officers with an iron bar.

“Members of the public are advised to adore the rule of law and refrain from disturbing the law enforcement officers on their constitutional mandate.”  

Meanwhile, police in Harare arrested Kudakwashe Nyashanu (37) on January 20, 2021 after he attacked police officers and escaped from police custody on January 19, 2021.

“At the time of arrest, he was driving a stolen Nissan Caravan which was stolen during a robbery and murder case in Masvingo on January 15, 2021,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“Two other suspects, Shepherd Chinhara and Edson Dhonza were arrested, leading to the recovery of various property stolen in Masvingo. The suspects will appear in court soon.”-statemedia

By A Correspondent- United States-based Zimbabwean preacher, Passion Java is reportedly embroiled in a dispute with his South Africa-based brother, Simba over their late mother’s estate.

The dispute is over the late Senator Christine Rambnepasi-Java‘s house which Passion is allegedly saying should be given to their divorced sister.

In an audio which he posted on Facebook this week, Simba also claimed that Passion was pushing him out of the beneficiaries list. He said:

Passion wants the house and the cars to be given to our sister who ditched her husband and is a drunkard.I will not back down because my mother never said that when she was alive.

I will be going to the High Court to challenge this and I have since engaged my lawyers Nyambirai, Hamukwadi and Samukange.

Passion will be served with papers wherever he is be it Dubai or America.

A family friend told Zim Morning Post that the long-standing quarrel between the two siblings started when Simba’s fortunes were waning. Said the source:

Simba used to live a good life where he commanded a managerial position with a leading telecommunications company.

He would drive latest vehicles and even lended the cars to Passion.

When things went south, he felt Passion was obliged to take care of him and that is their main beef.

Simba alleges that his mother Senator Christine Java left behind at least a car, farm and two houses.

Interestingly, one of the houses in Houghton Park was bought by Passion as a gift to his mother who was an MDC senator.Christine succumbed to cancer this month and her estate is allegedly being registered with the Master of High Court and no executor has been appointed yet.

Tinashe Sambiri| Zimbabwe is being
run by psychotic, paranoid, incompetent and extractive charlatans-without respect for life and dignity, MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said.

Hon Biti condemned the invasion of his offices by Zanu PF thugs at the weekend. Hon Biti also described his visit to Karoi as a nightmare as he was being trailed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spies.

“We have always argued that since the Nov 2017 coup Zim has veered in a dangerous slippery direction.Zim faces a multifaceted crises of governance legitimacy decay and collapse.We are run by psychotic paranoid incompetent extractive charlatans without respect for life and dignity.

Yesterday’s personal attacks are macrocosm of a new Zimbabwe curved in the desperate images of the usurpers of 2017.

A visit to Hon Mliswa’s farm in Karoi became a nightmare with arrests , threats and vile attacks on national television . Only a scared tin pot Republic does this

We have never been cowards. We have never yielded on matters of principle.We took an oath to uphold the constitution. We made a choice to fight for peacefuland democratic change , to fight fascism and autocracy. It’s a choice we know we may pay the price with our lives,” Hon Biti wrote on Twitter.

Mr Mnangagwa’s cornered administration has been accused of using Coronavirus to eliminate political foes.

Tinashe Sambiri| Zimbabwe is being
run by psychotic, paranoid, incompetent and extractive charlatans-without respect for life and dignity, MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said.

Hon Biti condemned the invasion of his offices by Zanu PF thugs at the weekend. Hon Biti also described his visit to Karoi as a nightmare as he was being trailed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spies.

“We have always argued that since the Nov 2017 coup Zim has veered in a dangerous slippery direction.Zim faces a multifaceted crises of governance legitimacy decay and collapse.We are run by psychotic paranoid incompetent extractive charlatans without respect for life and dignity.

Yesterday’s personal attacks are macrocosm of a new Zimbabwe curved in the desperate images of the usurpers of 2017.

A visit to Hon Mliswa’s farm in Karoi became a nightmare with arrests , threats and vile attacks on national television . Only a scared tin pot Republic does this

We have never been cowards. We have never yielded on matters of principle.We took an oath to uphold the constitution. We made a choice to fight for peacefuland democratic change , to fight fascism and autocracy. It’s a choice we know we may pay the price with our lives,” Hon Biti wrote on Twitter.

Mr Mnangagwa’s cornered administration has been accused of using Coronavirus to eliminate political foes.

FIVE 14-year-old Zimunya teenagers who allegedly murdered a fellow learner over a girlfriend are up for murder.

The teenagers who have since been released under the custody of their parents appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Ms Nyasha Kuture recently and were not asked to plead.

They were remanded to January 25 on condition that they report to their nearest police station every Friday and not to interfere with State witnesses. They were also ordered to continue residing at their given addresses.

The court heard that sometime in November 2020, the late Rufaro Makono who was a Form Two learner at Gwese Secondary School, Zimunya escorted a form one female pupil from the same school to her home.

It was alleged that Rufaro was proposing love to the girl. They parted ways at Nyagumbe River in Mutukwa Village.

Prosecuting, Mr Chris Munyuku, said: “On his way back home, the deceased, however, met a group of teenagers who confronted and accused him of dating the female learner. Sensing danger, Makono started running and the five gave chase.”

One of the teenagers is alleged to have picked a stone and threw it on Rufaro. He fell down and the teenagers took turns to assault him. Rufaro suffered a swollen head and bloody eyes.

When Rufaro got home, he did not tell his parents about the assault even when his condition deteriorated.

On November 29, Makono met a classmate, Munashe Mujaji and confided in him about the assault.

Rufaro later died at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital on December 4 and was buried three days later.

After the burial, information filtered that Rufaro had died as a result of the head injuries he sustained from the assault, prompting the police to exhume his body on December 11.

A post mortem conducted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare revealed Rufaro’s cause of death as severe head trauma.-Manica Post

Doctors, nurses and all who work in our hospitals at whatever level are at the forefront of the war we are engaged in. They are the heroes & heroines of our time. The importance of their work & risks they r exposed to must be acknowledged by all of us.

— Fortune Chasi (@fortunechasi) January 24, 2021

ZANU PF CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBER DEMANDS THAT THE MUCHINGURI INTERVIEW BE DELETED – SHOULD WE DELETE?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 17, 2021

2) One of the cops insisted that my friend was breaking lockdown regulations & the cop put his leg between my friend's legs leading to him tripping and falling onto the tarred road ?? #ZimbabweanLivesMatter

— Gilmore Tee™ (@GilmoreTee) January 24, 2021

4) On the second fall, “the friend” knocked out and only gained consciousness with handcuffs, almost near Bulawayo Central Police ? All along he was being dragged. ??

— Gilmore Tee™ (@GilmoreTee) January 24, 2021

https://twitter.com/GilmoreTee/status/1353445658397728773?s=20

8) Who pays for the medical bills, why are citizens being treated like this and why do police then lie about the occurrences of all these? ??

Ngapha there is COVID harrasing people! No man! #ZimbabweanLivesMatter #Zimbabwe

— Gilmore Tee™ (@GilmoreTee) January 24, 2021

10) Surely we can't live in fear of the pandemic and the police at the same time! ?????

— Gilmore Tee™ (@GilmoreTee) January 24, 2021

Coronavirus: please let's all avoid getting infected at all costs. This terrible virus could cause long-term complications even if one recovers. Don't put much emphasis on recovery rates, just be vigilance! Given a chance, this virus could deal a devastating blow to all of us. pic.twitter.com/xjaCHMrlK7

— Professor Solwayo Ngwenya PhD, FRCOG. (@Solwayo1) January 24, 2021

By A Correspondent- Popular Bikita traditional leader Chief Marozva (real name Philip Mudhe) has died, Tell Zim reports.

According to TellZim, details of how Marozva died are still sketchy at the moment:

Chief Marozva of Bikita born Philip Mudhe has died. A family member confirmed his death but could not give details on the circumstances surrounding his death. “We haven’t done a number of things that should be done when a chief dies yet,” said the family member

Children of Zimbabwe’s War Veterans Association paid tribute to the former senator and said he was one of their association’s benefactors:

Popular Bikita Chief & former Senator Marozva is No more. Chief Marozva was the first traditional leader to sponsor COZWVA at its first launch in Bikita when he donated 50×5kg meal meal in 2016 May his soul rest in Peace.

Burial arrangements are still to be announced. We will update this article if new details emerge.

By A Corrongstress Vimbai Zimuto sat down with the Daily News and took the time to clarify a few things including her supposed obsession with nudity.  Zimuto, whose nude photos went viral in 2019,  said she is not obsessed with nudity because she came into the world nude and there was nothing wrong with that.

Zimuto addressing her nudity obsession said her nude pictures and videos are just part of her work and they are divorced from Vimbai Zimuto as a person:

I have to correct you on the notion that I am obsessed with nudity. I am not obsessed with nudity. Nudity is how I came to earth so how can I be obsessed with something so natural. There is nothing weird about that. People need to understand that I don’t spend my day naked; I don’t walk around naked.

I don’t do that. . . it’s just part of my work. Sometimes I go to fine art classes where they just want me to sit there and draw my body because they love my body. It’s part of art. It has nothing to do with my morality. It has nothing to do with who I am as a girlfriend, wife or mother.

It’s part of my work. I don’t spend my day naked. It’s amazing that people actually think that way. Even when you see me on Instagram I will be telling stories through nude art. . . when you see me seated trying to tell a story through nude art; it’s about the story.

It has nothing to do with Vimbai Zimuto as a person, Vimbai Zimuto as a mother or Vimbai Zimuto in the street. If we understand that then we will get somewhere with our art.

Zimuto also responded to the question if she did controversial songs like kupakichwa, hapana kwaunoenda just to increase her ratings and said:

I wouldn’t say that because at that stage I was still discovering myself, who I am and what makes me tick.

When you have worked with legends such as the late Oliver Mtukudzi and Tanga weKwaSando it makes it difficult for you to find yourself because of the all-round ability you have. I can sing jazz, opera and choral music. In fact, I am a former member of Chitungwiza Harmony Singers.

I can sing and dance traditional music be it shangara, chokoto, mhande… I can do all that. So for the past three years when I began my solo career I went haphazard and tried my hand at everything I could. Then I found my passion; my passion is love and sensual music. I will go for it and this year it will be fireworks

Vimbai recently bagged her first Dutch advertisement a deal she described as her first advertisement in the EU. She says she has been in the advertising industry since she finished high school

By A Correspondent- One of the country’s oldest boys high schools, St George’s College this year celebrates its 125th anniversary in the provision of faith-based education that has seen the institution evolve to also enrol girls for the first time since its establishment, an official has said.

The school was opened on January 13, 1896 in Bulawayo by a French Jesuit priest, Marc Barthelemy with an initial intake of six boys.

As it grew over time, the college relocated to the capital city Salisbury, now Harare, in 1927 to the place it is currently located.

The school, previous white only, began enrolling black students in the 1960 despite strong opposition from the colonial government as it sought to be all-inclusive.

Over time it has produced leaders currently dominating in various spheres both locally and internationally.

Current headmaster, John Farrelly said the decision to enrol girls, only at Advanced Level, was taken by the school Board of Governor’s three years ago and was in line with Jesuit Apostolic Preferences also “include the excluded.”

“Female students had been excluded from a Jesuit Education at St George’s College since 1896,” he said.

In line with the new development, St George’s enrolled the first group of 29 female lower six students in 2020.

Farelly insisted the decision to enrol girls was not a “break from history”.

“History is a continuum and we are merely adapting to change and taking history forward,” he said.

And commenting on the suitability of the learning environment dominated by boys for female learners, Farelly said: “Our guiding principle was always that the College had robust structures in place to allow for the safeguarding of female students within the school. This was carefully planned for and at all times the new female students have been consulted as to the suitability of these structures for them.”

He said the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had seen schools being closed for the better part of last year had not allowed the institution “to evaluate the full aspect of all student life here at the College” for the girl students.

“The recently released examination results showing a 98 pass rate at AS level shows that all students, including the girls, performed exceptionally well despite the adversity that they faced last year due to the pandemic,” he said.

He said the college would in future consider enrollment of girls for Ordinary Level.

The college’s Rector, Father Joe Arimoso said various events had been lined up for the institution’s 125th anniversary which is running under the theme, “Celebrating faith, family and action.”

The events would, however, be adjusted with current Covid-19 regulations, he said.

St Georges, he said, was established “purely out of the love for education.”-newziana

By A Correspondent- Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affair, Ziyambi Ziyambi is currently battling for his life in the ICU of a Harare hospital amid a Covid-19 explosion that has paralysed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Cabinet.

This comes as the country is still to come to terms with the demise of three Cabinet ministers – two deaths being recorded inside a week.

Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza died aged 61, on January 22, two days after Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo, 61, succumbed to Covid-19 early on Wednesday.

Covid-19, this month, also claimed the lives of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ellen Gwaradzimba and military commander, Brigadier-General Collin Moyo (Retired), who were buried at the national shrine.

Former Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri died last year due Covid-19 related complications.

Inside sources told Zim Morning Post that Ziyambi had been hospitalised after catching the respiratory infection.

“These ministers held private parties over the festive season with family and friends – some were carrying the South African variant. Having been infected, they went on to interact with colleagues oblivious of the impending implosion,” a government insider who requested anonymity said.

“We are at the peak of 28-day window period since Christmas. Naturally, the people whom they came into contact with including ministers are not only shocked but are living in fear.”

As at 22 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 30 523 confirmed cases, including 21 080 recoveries and 962 deaths.

Zimbabwe’s casualties in Cabinet, which have not only cost precious life but have derailed set deliverable in ministries, leave President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s with a excruciating headache of how to move forward.

The departed cabinet ministers in question are Perrance Shiri (Agriculture), Sibusiso Moyo (Foreign Affairs) and Joel Biggie Matiza (Transport), were some of Mnangagwa’s work horses, in a cabinet that has a significant number of ministers who have proved to be deadwood.

“This is a major blow for Mnangagwa, he lost three of his best men who were sharp and hardworking. Replacing them will be hard for him from the current crop of House of Assembly members at his disposal. The options become even more limited if he considers the political matrix of which MPs are for him and which are against him,” said a South African based political science scholar who preferred anonymity.

When Shiri traded his military cap for political gloves upon his appointment as Agriculture minister, he proved that he was a hands on politician who was exemplary even at his own farm in Marondera.

His mission was, however, cut short by the coronavirus and his replacement Anxious Masuka is still making an attempt to ensure smooth continuity to fulfil his mandate.

He was seized with massive corruption cases surrounding distribution of Command Agriculture inputs.

“Unlike Shiri, his replacement lacks the hands on approach and has failed to set up control mechanisms to plug abuse of inputs. On-PFumvudza there has been inadequate education and Information dissemination extended to farmers. He is lucky that God blessed us with heavy rains and a bumper harvest will save his face,” said a political analyst who refused to be named.

In SB Moyo, Mnangagwa will face a Herculean task in finding a perfect replacement.

The late diplomat and soldier’s mandate was to engage and re-engage with existing and previously hostile nations.

He embarked on a whirlwind tour across the globe selling brand Zimbabwe.

As a result, he was bestowed with another responsibility, that of International Trade which he executed with great finesse.

“Look here, when Mnangagwa added the International Trade responsibility to Moyo’s portfolio, he knew very well his capabilities with these guys having worked together at the business and enterprise Unit of the ruling party. SB Moyo was the managing director of one of the party linked company that invested in DRC. So knew the world markets and the bible of International trade,” added the analyst.

In the previous dispensation, the portfolio was carried by self exiled Walter Mzembi, who besides his factional affiliation, by and large set a base that the late Moyo adapted and well executed.

His replacement will cause a headache for Mnangagwa and will force him to probably appoint one of the young turks in his next cabinet reshuffle with Kazembe Kazembe touted as the favourite.

The late Matiza was an engineer by profession and technocrat who used his knowledge to champion developmental issues in his ministry and Mashonaland East province that he chaired in the ruling party structures.

Recently, just before the National lockdown, he embarked on a tour where he visited new road construction sites to check on progress (or lack thereof).

He inherited a ministry that was in a mess following a corruption ridden tenure by Nicholas Goche who allegedly participated in bringing the National airliner Air Zimbabwe to its knees.

Matiza made a frantic effort to sanitise the mess and his effort saw Air Zimbabwe taking delivery of two planes bought in Malaysia.

The coronavirus pandemic also claimed the life of Manicaland Provincial minister Ellen Gwaradzimba last week.

This week, a dark cloud hung over the nation as Former Education minister Aeneous Chigwedere also died from Covid 19 related complications and was shockingly declared a liberation war hero.

On Friday evening, former Zimbabwe Prisons Services boss Paradzai Zimondi succumbed to the same pandemic after testing positive a fortnight ago along with Colonel Matemachani who is reported to be on recovery path.

Another prominent businessman and politican Christopher Chigumba also died on the same day.

Zanu-PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said government was doing everything in its capacity to contain the pandemic and urged citizens to adhere to World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health and Childcare guidelines and protocols.-ZimMorningPost

By A Correspondent- Popular Bikita traditional leader Chief Marozva (real name Philip Mudhe) has died.

According to a local publication, details of how Marozva died are still sketchy at the moment:

Chief Marozva of Bikita born Philip Mudhe has died. A family member confirmed his death but could not give details on the circumstances surrounding his death. “We haven’t done a number of things that should be done when a chief dies yet,” said the family member

Children of Zimbabwe’s War Veterans Association paid tribute to the former senator and said he was one of their association’s benefactors:

Popular Bikita Chief & former Senator Marozva is No more. Chief Marozva was the first traditional leader to sponsor COZWVA at its first launch in Bikita when he donated 50×5kg meal meal in 2016 May his soul rest in Peace.

Burial arrangements are still to be announced. We will update this article if new details emerge.-

HUMAN rights lawyers on Saturday 23 January 2021 accompanied a security guard, who filed a report at Milton Park Police Station on behalf of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) member and Harare East legislator Hon. Tendai Biti after he received some deaths threats and was subjected to abuse, harassment and intimidation.

The security guard was accompanied to Milton Park Police Station by Gift Mtisi and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR, where he filed the report which was recorded under RRB Number 4451978 about threats of arson and assault.

The security guard took action after some unidentified people affixed some card board boxes containing threatening and abusive messages at Biti Law Chambers in Milton Park suburb in Harare.

Some of the messages read; “You are a murderer Tendai Biti”, “Office of a rightful stupid Biti”, “After inviting sanctions you now celebrate deaths”.

Hon. Biti received some death threats on his mobile phone number following a heated telephone conversation with a person who identified himself as Gakanje, who quizzed the human rights lawyer and opposition MDC-Alliance Vice President for allegedly criticising government on Twitter on its failure to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Gakanje also sent some messages to Hon. Biti threatening to visit his office and residence to assault the human rights lawyer.

After filing the report, three Zimbabwe Republic Police members from Milton Park Police Station visited Biti Law Chambers in Milton Park suburb in Harare, where they collected some placards which were stuck at the law firm’s gate and also recorded some messages which were sent to Biti by Gakanje.

-ZLHR

By A Correspondent- Popular Bikita traditional leader Chief Marozva (real name Philip Mudhe) has died.

According to a local publication, details of how Marozva died are still sketchy at the moment:

Chief Marozva of Bikita born Philip Mudhe has died. A family member confirmed his death but could not give details on the circumstances surrounding his death. “We haven’t done a number of things that should be done when a chief dies yet,” said the family member

Children of Zimbabwe’s War Veterans Association paid tribute to the former senator and said he was one of their association’s benefactors:

Popular Bikita Chief & former Senator Marozva is No more. Chief Marozva was the first traditional leader to sponsor COZWVA at its first launch in Bikita when he donated 50×5kg meal meal in 2016 May his soul rest in Peace.

Burial arrangements are still to be announced. We will update this article if new details emerge.-

Tinashe Sambiri| Zimbabwe is being
run by psychotic, paranoid, incompetent and extractive charlatans-without respect for life and dignity, MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said.

Hon Biti condemned the invasion of his offices by Zanu PF thugs at the weekend. Hon Biti also described his visit to Karoi as a nightmare as he was being trailed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spies.

“We have always argued that since the Nov 2017 coup Zim has veered in a dangerous slippery direction.Zim faces a multifaceted crises of governance legitimacy decay and collapse.We are run by psychotic paranoid incompetent extractive charlatans without respect for life and dignity.

Yesterday’s personal attacks are macrocosm of a new Zimbabwe curved in the desperate images of the usurpers of 2017.

A visit to Hon Mliswa’s farm in Karoi became a nightmare with arrests , threats and vile attacks on national television . Only a scared tin pot Republic does this

We have never been cowards. We have never yielded on matters of principle.We took an oath to uphold the constitution. We made a choice to fight for peacefuland democratic change , to fight fascism and autocracy. It’s a choice we know we may pay the price with our lives,” Hon Biti wrote on Twitter.

Mr Mnangagwa’s cornered administration has been accused of using Coronavirus to eliminate political foes.

By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) last night held their first virtual awards ceremony for the combined ZAA USA-Canada editions in an event sponsored by WorldRemit held across various online platforms.

The combined event was held virtually in adherence to lockdown regulations regarding public gatherings due to Covid-19 and saw Zimbabwean achievers based in the USA and Canada get honored for their exploits.

“We are so proud of the achievements of Zimbabweans who keep defying odds and raising the flag wherever they are in the world.”

“As we celebrate and honour those in the USA and Canada, we also salute the efforts of every achiever around the world doing their best especially in such trying times. Let us celebrate each other as always,” said ZAA Chairman Conrad Mwanza.

The event was hosted by Canadian-based duo of Otni and Ruvi TV, with entertainment provided by SA-based musician Nox Guni who gave a sterling musical performance.

Notable winners on the night included teen motorcross sensation and humanitarian Tanya Muzinda, Zivanayi Masango, actor Tongayi Arnold Chirisa and Amanda Nothando as well as double award winner Malume Thamu of Asakhane Live for ZAA USA and ZAA Canada, respectively.

The event marked the second edition for ZAA Canada and the fifth for ZAA USA and was sponsored by WorldRemit, ZororoPhumulani and Burmain Properties.

ZAA is an international awards brand founded in 2010 to recognize, honor and celebrate high achievement by global Zimbabweans, with annual awards galas held in  ZAA editions in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Botswana.

ZAA Canada Winners
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Sima Shayla Mabaleka (Wellness Empowered) 

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD: Prudence Zinzile Ntutha

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR: Boxed Hope Foundation 

CULTURAL AMBASSADOR: Malume Thamu (Asakhane Live) 

FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Linda/Lulu

FEMALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Amanda Nothando 

MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lawrence Sibanda(the general) 

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Sandra Maenzanise 

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Kudakwashe Murasiranwa 

YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD: Boluwatife Adefemi

MALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Malume Thamu (Asakhane Live) 

MALE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Ronnie Mupambwa 

ZAA USA Winners

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Tisu Zim Goodies

FEMALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Caroline Makamache-Dhewa – Rutendo Hope Foundation 

COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD : Chiwoniso Mpofu 

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR: ZIMDFW Alliance Community 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENTERTAINMENT: Tongayi Arnold Chirisa 

MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Zivanayi Masango 

VIRTUAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: Christian Fellowship Intl. –

CFI VIRTUAL SHOW OF THE YEAR: The Dialogue with Pastor Tee – Pastor Teresa Dangwa 

YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD: Michelle Makai Maka Chikowero 

MALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Josh Juma 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT PROFESSIONALS: Dr. MonaLisa Muchatuta Tatenda Shopera Ph.d

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORT : Tanya Muzinda  

OUTSTANDING AWARD – CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT: Ziva Kwawakabva 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN EDUCATION: Dr. Tererai Trent 

FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Yangu Beauty

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Zivanayi Masango

By Nomusa Garikai- When some people have nothing better to say, the repeat themselves. Mwonzora is back at calling for national dialogue as the solution to Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown and political paralysis.

”He envisages that such a dialogue to build synergies in nation building should be broadened to include other political players, churches and civic society,” reported acting MDC-T spokesperson, Witness Dube.

“President Mwonzora indicated that as a party, we have not been approached by any institution in that regard, but welcomed a resolution mandating the party to take initiatives on the same.”

The 2008 national dialogue sponsored by SADC did come up with a raft of democratic reforms, the cure the nation had been waiting for, and the Zanu PF and MDC leaders, partners in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, were tasked to implement the reforms. Zimbabwe is still a Banana Republic governed by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs to this day because Zanu PF and MDC leaders failed to implement the agreed reforms.

We do not need a new national dialogue to come up with a new list of democratic reforms; the raft of reforms from 2008 is fine. What we need is to first of all acknowledge that it was Zanu PF and MDC leaders who failed to implement the reforms last time and hence the reason they cannot be entrusted to carryout the task again.

Zanu PF leaders knew that implementing the reforms and holding free, fair and credible elections would end the party’s iron grip on power. The situation has not changed; Mnangagwa and company will never ever reform themselves out of office.

Mugabe bribed Morgan Tsvangirai and his fellow MDC leaders with the trappings of high office and whilst they had their snout in the feeding trough the forgot about implementing the democratic reforms for the duration of the GNU. MDC leaders proved then beyond all doubt that they were corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent ; there is no cure for that and so they are to this day corrupt and incompetent.

When Douglas Mwonzora was elected the leader of the MDC-T, taking over from Madam Thokozani Khupe, one of his first “executive orders” was to recognise Mnangagwa as the legitimate president and therefore that the July 2018 elections as free, fair and credible. Why both Mwonzora and Mnangagwa have been calling for the national dialogue leading to a new GNU arrangement , Mnangagwa opted for POLAD,  is a mystery.

The 2008 to 2013 GNU was necessary because the 2008 elections were marred by the blatant Zanu PF cheating in the March vote followed by the wanton violence in the run-off. Everyone, including SADC and AU, refused to accept such a flawed process could produce a legitimate government. The GNU was compromise and GNU partners were tasked to implement the democratic reforms to stop a repeat of the 2008 election fiasco. 

If the July 2018 elections were free, fair and credible, as both Mnangagwa and Mwonzora would agree, then there will be no need to implement any democratic reforms. Reforms are implemented to stop elections being rigged. 

Zanu PF has a 2/3 majority in parliament and can therefore govern on its own without the needing any opposition coalition backing. 

A healthy and functioning democracy need an independent opposition party to hold the government of the day to democratic account. And so, a Zanu PF and MDC coalition will not be in the interest of the nation! 

Actually, Douglas Mwonzora is wrong; the July 2018 elections were not free, fair and credible. Zanu PF rigged the elections, the regime is legitimate. The EU, Americans, the Commonwealth and all the other election observers condemn the elections as a farce. ZEC failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll!

It would have been much easier to stop Zanu PF declaring itself the legitimate government if the Zimbabwe opposition had not participating the elections in such numbers. There is no denying that by participating in the flawed and illegal elections MDC and the rest of Zimbabwe’s opposition camp, gave the vote rigging Zanu PF some modicum of legitimacy. 

The ideal solution would be to get Zanu PF to step down, even this late in the day, to create the political space to appoint a interim administration tasked to implement the 2008 raft of democratic reforms to restore all the individual freedoms and rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections. 

The dialogue Mwonzora is calling for will have Zanu PF playing a pivotal role in the interim administration and it will never implement the required reforms, as stated above. Mwonzora’s proposal is a waste of time. 

If Zanu PF will not accept stepping down, as is almost certain it will not, then the party must be left in no doubt that the 2023 elections will be declared null and void if the plebiscite goes ahead without first implementing the democratic reforms,; even if all the usual opposition opportunists participated! 

Declaring the elections null and void will create the political space to appoint the interim administration of competent and visionary men and women who will, finally, implement the reforms.

Zimbabwe has been stuck with this corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship for 40 years and counting. The nation has failed to remove the party from power because it rigged the elections. And four decades of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption have left the nation in economic ruins. The corona virus pandemic has only turned a tragic situation into a catastrophe of Biblical proportion. 

What Zimbabwe needs to get out of this hell-on-earth Zanu PF has dragged the nation into is implement the democratic reforms and finally cure itself of the curse of rigged elections and bad governance. 

Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies are holding the nation to ransom and stopping the reforms being implemented. This cannot be allow to continue! 

If Zanu PF does not implement the democratic reforms before the 2023 elections then the party must be forced to step down to allow others to implement the reforms. Period!

 By A Correspondent- A popular apostolic sect leader is out on $15 000 bail after appearing before a Harare court facing charges of fraud and theft of trust property.

Herbert Senda – popularly known as Madzibaba Enock – of the Johane Masowe Echishanu-Nyenyedzi Nomwe sect allegedly sold church property and pocketed the proceeds. He appeared before magistrate Tendai Muchini on Friday. Senda was ordered to report twice per week to the police as part of his bail conditions.

It is the State’s case that sometime in August 2017, Senda misrepresented to home-seeker Munyaradzi Chaguta that he was the owner of a residential stand in Budiriro, which belonged to his church’s housing co-operative. He proceeded to sell the stand for US$10 000.

Chaguta agreed to pay a US$2 400 deposit and monthly instalments of US$500 until the debt was settled. Prosecutor Desire Chidanhire told the court that Senda sold the residential stand fully aware that one Tinashe Sithole had already paid a development fee of US$3 500 to the co-operative for the stand.

As a result, the housing co-operative was prejudiced of US$4 751. On the second charge, Senda allegedly sold a vehicle belonging to the housing co-operative before converting the proceeds to personal use.

The State alleges that in August 2017 Senda was approached by Munodawafa Zambezi, who wanted to exchange his commuter omnibus for a residential stand.

After deliberations with the housing co-operative executive, an agreement was reached, which saw Zambezi being given two residential stands in exchange for his vehicle. The vehicle was entrusted to Senda as the sect’s leader. He, however, sold the vehicle and converted the proceeds to his own use, prejudicing the housing cooperative of US$10 000. He will appear in court on March 1.-statemedia

FIVE 14-year-old Zimunya teenagers who allegedly murdered a fellow learner over a girlfriend are up for murder.

The teenagers who have since been released under the custody of their parents appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Ms Nyasha Kuture recently and were not asked to plead.

They were remanded to January 25 on condition that they report to their nearest police station every Friday and not to interfere with State witnesses. They were also ordered to continue residing at their given addresses.

The court heard that sometime in November 2020, the late Rufaro Makono who was a Form Two learner at Gwese Secondary School, Zimunya escorted a form one female pupil from the same school to her home.

It was alleged that Rufaro was proposing love to the girl. They parted ways at Nyagumbe River in Mutukwa Village.

Prosecuting, Mr Chris Munyuku, said: “On his way back home, the deceased, however, met a group of teenagers who confronted and accused him of dating the female learner. Sensing danger, Makono started running and the five gave chase.”

One of the teenagers is alleged to have picked a stone and threw it on Rufaro. He fell down and the teenagers took turns to assault him. Rufaro suffered a swollen head and bloody eyes.

When Rufaro got home, he did not tell his parents about the assault even when his condition deteriorated.

On November 29, Makono met a classmate, Munashe Mujaji and confided in him about the assault.

Rufaro later died at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital on December 4 and was buried three days later.

After the burial, information filtered that Rufaro had died as a result of the head injuries he sustained from the assault, prompting the police to exhume his body on December 11.

A post mortem conducted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare revealed Rufaro’s cause of death as severe head trauma.-Manica Post

By A Correspondent- Several government and Zanu-PF bigwigs have retreated to their farms and villages as the Covid-19 pandemic bares its teeth with four Cabinet ministers having died so far and President Emmerson Mnangagwa warning the situation could get worse.

Fear has gripped government corridors and party structures after several bigwigs succumbed to the vicious killer disease, while many others have reportedly tested positive to virus.

A number of ministers and party bigwigs were caught offside during the festive season, hosting and attending wild parties and proudly posting on social media pictorial and video evidence of their wayward behaviour in violation of set World Health Organisation Covid-19 regulations.

Four ministers Perrance Shiri, Sibusiso Moyo, Ellen Gwaradzimba and Joel Biggie Matiza have succumbed to Covid-19, three of them in the past two weeks, while some top government and party officials are reportedly in hospital battling the killer virus.

Government has remained tight-lipped on the number of ministers and other officials who are currently down with Covid-19. A senior Zanu-PF official yesterday said many officials were panicking and were now isolating after being in contact with the deceased ministers and other party officials. A good number had retreated to their rural homes or farms, he said.

Vice-President Kembo Mohadi is on annual leave and reportedly spending time at his farm in Beitbridge.

There were reports last week that Mohadi was also down with Covid-19 together with his colleague and acting President Constantino Chiwenga.

The reports were, however, dispelled by presidential spokesperson George Charamba.

“Vice-President Kembo Mohadi took his annual leave soon after his term as acting president ended. He is very much around and well enough to sit musingly watching his lovely herd,” Charamba said on Friday.

Zanu-PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda said he was spending time at his farm.

Matemadanda, who was wearing two face masks for “maximum protection”, denied as untrue claims that he had been rushed to hospital after suffering Covid19-related complications.

“Claims that I was rushed to hospital after contracting Covid-19 are false. I do not have Covid-19 and as you can see, I am in the field and I was tested yesterday (Friday). The results came out negative although I have been at risk,” he said.

Zanu-PF secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa, who is also reportedly at his farm, said he was recovering well from Covid-19 and was out of danger.

“I am so tired of being killed. Otherwise, I am making very good progress,” Chinamasa told The Standard yesterday.

Several ministers have not been seen in public lately, including Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, whose birthday party was widely condemned after officials and ministers posted pictures of themselves at the party where they danced and wined without adhering to Covid-19 regulations.

One of the ministers who were present at the party was Joel Biggie Matiza, who has since died from Covid-19. Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi was also there and is reportedly unwell.

In his address to the nation yesterday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa warned that the situation was pointing to more infections and had become worrisome.

“For our nation, the numbers of our infections have gone past 30 000 with indications pointing to more infections in the coming hours, days, weeks or even months,” Mnangagwa said.

“To date, we have lost over 962 of our beloved ones and soon we will reach and even pass the grim mark of a thousand. The situation is very worrisome and threatens to become dire.”

Zanu-PF’s United Kingdom district chairman Masimba Tawengwa also died recently due to Covid-19-related complications in England while newly-elected Zanu-PF Mwenezi district coordinating committee vice-chairperson Luckson Chikomo also died on Friday alongside former Education minister Aeneas Chigwedere and former Chitungwiza MP Christopher Chigumba.

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial secretary for information and publicity Ronald Ndava also succumbed to Covid-19 and so did Mashonaland Central provincial youth league secretary Lens Fernando Ruwizhu.

The party’s secretary for health David Parirenyatwa said the party was always on high alert to curb the spread of Covid-19, but events of the last few days should prompt the government to act.

“What we do in the party is we test everybody like what we did last time and those who test positive we isolate and they come back after sometime. In terms of contact, we also follow that up,” he said.

“On the recent developments as you can see, most of it is up to the government to follow that up. It is not really about the party now. Covid-19, as you know, it’s nonpartisan, so it is up to the government to then follow up to keep people alert.”

On behalf of the MDC T Party, my family and my own behalf, I wish to express my sincere and deep heartfelt condolences to the Moyo and Gwaradzimba families and the government of Zimbabwe at the passing on of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Retired Lt General S B Moyo and the Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba.

They both succumbed to COVID-19 related illness.

Minister Moyo was a decorated career soldier who started his career as a teenager when he left school to join the liberation war. He was part of the famous Manana Lutheran Mission High School kids who in 1976 abandoned their studies to join other liberation fighters. He later had a career in the Zimbabwe National Army before becoming our Foreign Affairs and International and Trade Minister in 2017. As a member of the senate, he showed determination towards peace and development.

Dr Gwaradzimba was a successful academic who at one stage was a Dean of Students at Africa University. She was a Senator in the Upper House, and as Provincial Affairs Minister she showed dedication towards the realization of the development of Manicaland Province.

May their souls rest in eternal peace

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1353251461078114306?s=20

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1353251465607970816?s=20

Government has gazetted registration fees for accreditation of journalists by the Zimbabwe Media Commission, with locals required to pay $600 for a new applicant and $500 for renewal or card replacement.

Journalists working for foreign media houses will pay US$150.

The rates are effective from January 1, 2021.

The fees were contained in Statutory Instrument 22 of 2021, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (Registration, Accreditation and Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021 (No. 1).

“It is hereby notified that the Commission has, with the approval of the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, in terms of Section 91 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act [Chapter 10:27], made the following regulations.

“These regulations may be cited as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (Registration, Accreditation and Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2021 (No. 1),”

“With effect from the 1st January, 2021, the First Schedule to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (Registration, Accreditation and Levy) Regulations, 2002, published in Statutory Instrument 79 of 2020, is repealed and substituted by the following,” reads part of the Gazette.-statemedia

FULL TEXT- @ZadhrDoctors issues statement over medical assassins statement by @nickmangwana pic.twitter.com/Z7iZl4wdyI

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 24, 2021

The Finance Minister in an interview on 20 January said the country is doing OK and the government will continue to acquire Professional Protective Equipment (PPE) for the COVID-19 frontline workers, Bloomberg reports.

Ncube was addressing the issue of the government’s efforts towards fighting COVID-19 when he said:

Like every health system around the world Covid has put a lot of strain. We continue to acquire more PPE, we never say we have sufficient, we are doing OK. Prevention is the best medicine.

Meanwhile, some workers at one of Harare’s biggest hospitals Sally Mugabe Hospital, are not reporting for duty because they are afraid to expose themselves to the virus because of lack of PPE.

According to the publication:

Nurses at Sally Mugabe Hospital, named after former President Robert Mugabe’s first wife, in the capital Harare say they get only one face mask per 12-hour shift and have to wear protective aprons normally used in bakeries.

Since the Jan. 7 death of senior nurse Miriam Pundu, they’ve refused to return to work until they are given adequate personal protective equipment.

The government has not announced a clear cut plan for the rolling out of the COVID-19 vaccine that is being rolled out in some countries.

By A Correspondent- Public hospitals where ordinary Zimbabweans go to for survival are charging as much as RTGS $10 000, an equivalent of US$100, for admission into their Covid-19 wards, an amount of money that very few ordinary citizens of this country can afford.

Inquiries by The Standard over the week found that Parirenyatwa, the main Covid-19 referral hospital in the capital, is said to be charging an upfront $10 000 upon admission to the general ward where Covid patients are treated.

Admission into private wards at the same institution calls for an advance payment of between US$1 500 and US$2 500 prior to admission. Very few people can afford these fees in Zimbabwe where the average salary ranges below US$100.

As a result, most people that go to these public health institutions seeking treatment for Covid-19 are turned away and now resort to home-based care.

Parirenyatwa Hospital spokesperson Linos Dhire, however, refuted claims that the institution was demanding such huge sums of money from Covid-19 patients.

“Covid-19 treatment remains free at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” said Dhire.

Zimbabwe is going through its worst phase since the breakout of Covid-19 in March last year with statistics of infected people close to breaching the 9 000 mark while fatalities stand at over 900.

In January last year, government raised consultation fees for its institutions with Parirenyatwa hospital charging $200 for consultation and the same for a bed on admission per day for Covid-19 patients. Other central hospitals were charging $160 with provincial hospitals charging $120.

A source at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital said the hospital was still charging the pegged $160 while referrals to Covid-19 centres were being done for patients who tested
positive to the virus.

A private hospital in Chitungwiza is charging US$20 for consultation and US$2 200 for the Covid-19 ward.

Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike called on the government to strengthen health systems as public health institutions are overwhelmed by the huge number of patients requiring health care from very few facilities that are manned by ill-equipped skeletal staff.

“Government, through the Health ministry, needs to regulate the fees charged at public health institutions to reduce the number of deaths from Covid-19-related health conditions,” Rusike said.-standard

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has told members to boycott the marking of exams to protect themselves from Covid-19.

“Use your brains rather than your stomach. Life is far more important than 30 pieces of silver. Zimsec does not care for any markers who test positive”

There are reports that reports that more than 250 school heads and teachers had tested positive of Covid-19.

An undisclosed number of educators around the country have succumbed to the deadly virus although authorities have not collated and released statistics of teachers that have died so far.

PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said there were reports that some school heads and teachers were not disclosing their Covid-19 statuses, which exposed fellow workers and students to the virus.

By A Correspondent | History indicates that whenever ZANU PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo speaks, something is happening and a change of government structure is taking place within 24-hours, literally. His pronouncements have a long reputation of being more than potent in restructuring the presidium. He is the one who announced the humiliation and subsequent removal of Vice President Joice Mujuru in 2014, and the sudden firing of both Emmerson Mnangagwa and Robert Mugabe in 2017.

On Saturday evening Khaya-Moyo dropped an announcement of a spiritual nature, concerning government leaders being removed from not just government, but from their very human existence. While Zimbabweans poked at the ZANU PF secretariat for news concerning the party’s covidiotic leadership, Khaya Moyo pleased with the nation saying they must not rejoice in the death of their leaders. He read out his letter in the following words:

Dear Zimbabweans

It is unAfrican to celebrate death.
Let’s mourn with those who have lost their loved ones.

Thank you.

It's unAfrican to kill another African in the name of politics of ZANU PF destroying MDC Alliance, it's unAfrican to celebrate vote rigging while killing MDC A members, it's unAfrican to expect people to sympathise with you, it's unAfrican to fear death!

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) January 23, 2021

The development comes as COVID Taskforce chairperson Oppah Muchinguri told ZimEye in an undercover interview that she fears party leader Emerson Mnangagwa can be killed anytime soon.

Mnangagwa whose immunity is at risk due to age and other issues, has been conducting public meetings some near the corpses of COVID victims. Below was the undercover piece –

KLOSAD Clinical Diagnostics Lab, whose staff members were last week exposed by this publication for issuing fake Covid-19 certificates, has been shut down to pave way for full investigations.

The laboratory was suspended from operating for an indefinite period to allow the Ministry of Health and Childcare and the Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe (MLCSCZ) to complete investigations into the lab’s operations.

The Sunday Mail understands that, in addition to the fake certificates scam, authorities are keen to probe allegations that Klosad was operating without proper registration and qualified staff while its Covid-19 certificates were being authorised by fictitious staff members.

MLCSCZ registrar Ms Agnes Chigora confirmed that the lab had been shut down for “further investigations”.

“Council has recommended suspension of services until finalisation of the ongoing investigations,” she said.

An official privy to the developments revealed that authorities were conducting additional investigations into the rot at Klosad.

“For example, this Nyakuedzwa who was approving the certificates is not even among the employees and is stationed at Chitungwiza General Hospital,” said the source.

“His name was only there on the paper but other people were doing the signing for him.

“The staff on the ground was not adequately trained and they were working without proper supervision.

“The Anesu Nyamugama who was arrested is not even registered as an employee of the lab and some of the names of the people who are said to have signed those papers were not on duty.

“So there are suggestions that the level of corruption at Klosad was high and it could have involved quite a number of people.”

Nyamugama was arrested last week facing fraud charges.

Allegations are that from January 8 to 12, Nyamugama issued two fake negative Covid-19 certificates to The Sunday Mail reporters Harmony Agere and Emmanuel Kafe, thus misrepresenting that they had gone through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

He was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova who granted him $7 000 bail and ordered him to return to court on February 24.

In a statement last week, Klosad said  it had dismissed Nyamugama and reported him to the police.

“Klosad Lab is committed to ethical conduct at all times as we are part of the fight against the spread of Covid-19 in our country and support the efforts made by the Government of Zimbabwe.

“We would like to advise the public and all our valued customers that

Klosad Clinical Diagnostics Lab is committed to producing accurate, authentic and certified certificates for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. We are currently working with an IT company on a computerised system that will put an end to all such cases of fake Covid-19 certificates.”

In another development, Klosad is being accused of entering into a suspicious alliance with commercial airliner, fastjet Zimbabwe.

Under the pact, fastjet is reportedly accepting Covid-19 certificates issued by Klosad only, while rejecting results from other registered laboratories.

A whistle-blower told The Sunday Mail that his family failed to travel to South Africa at the beginning of the month after fastjet rejected test results which were not done at Klosad.

“My brother’s wife and his kid wanted to fly back to SA using fastjet today but the Covid-19 results they were holding were rejected by the ticketing agent,” said the whistle-blower.

“The agent said they needed results from Klosad only. I later did investigations and was told that there is a contract between Klosad and fastjet to force everyone who boards the plane to produce a copy from the labs.

“I had time to check what’s going on because the health point at Robert Mugabe International Airport had certified the results as valid, only to be turned away by a ticket agent.”

Contacted for comment, fastjet accountable manager Mr Ed Berry denied the allegations.

“fastjet does not have an exclusive deal with Klosad, we employ a rigorous staff Covid-19 testing regime for this, we do not use Klosad, we use another supplier,” he said.

“Klosad has a testing centre on the same premises as the fastjet sales shop in Belgravia.

“They offer passengers of fastjet or TAAG Angolan Airlines, who also have their sales shop on the same premises a special rate.

“The airline has nothing to do with setting up this relationship. It was purely between the owner of the premises and Klosad.”

Former Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo, who is the owner of Klosad, did not respond to a request for an interview with this paper.-statemedia

VICE President Kembo Mohadi yesterday sent condolence messages to families of five senior ZANU PF and Government officials who passed away last week.

In a statement, VP Mohadi said Covid-19 continues to rob the country of hardworking patriots.

“In this month of January 2021, the nation has experienced the worst loss of life due to this Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

“It is with great sorrow that we continue to receive news of the passing of those dear and close to us.”

VP Mohadi paid homage to national hero Morton Malianga, whom he described as a committed revolutionary.

“His unflinching commitment to country’s independent Statehood remains inspirational to many of us,” he said.

“It is with deep sorrow that I also pay homage to our befallen heroine Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, who will forever be cherished for her admirable leadership in the implementation of our devolution programme.

“Ellen will everlastingly be emulated as a persistent fighter for empowerment programmes for the people.”

Malianga and Dr Gwaradzimba were declared national heroes and buried at the National Heroes Acre on Thursday.

VP Mohadi said he was deeply saddened by the death of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, who succumbed to Covid-19-related complications.

“Our reengagement programme is indeed poorer without him,” he said.

“His trademark of calmness under provocation distinguished him as an astute diplomat.

“The name SB Moyo had become synonymous with the country’s reengagement policy.”

VP Mohadi said the late Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Joel Biggie Matiza was an exemplary leader.

“The nation will forever be indebted to Matiza for exhibiting exemplary leadership in executing Government programmes, especially in the roads sector,” he said.

“Matiza will forever be emulated for going a step further in utilising local economies, talent and knowledge to build our roads such as the Harare-Beitbridge road. Zimbabwe has lost a man with great potential in its quest for an upper middle-income society by year 2030.”

The Vice President also mourned the death of former Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Major General Paradzai Zimondi (Rtd).

“Having worked with these men and women has shown me what it is to serve the nation without reservation and loyalty,” he said.

“I have seen in their lives a dedication and selflessness to duty as they executed their mandates.

“To the families and loved ones remaining, I say rest comforted in the fact that we share the grief in your loss.

“Once again to the families of those I have not mentioned by name and have had to inter their loved ones without observing the rites of passage as of a funeral in our local tradition and customs due to Covid-19, I say let us all derive strength in the Almighty God for the grace to hold on and continue.”-statemedia

Hey @MthuliNcube, where is this money given by donors to fight the #coronavirus, which is now devastating lives and livelihoods; leaving Mnangagwa's administration clueless, helpless and resorting to weird conspiracy theories to justify the #covid19 carnage ravaging the country! pic.twitter.com/WJ8GnlV6GV

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) January 24, 2021

By A Correspondent | ZANU PF Secretary For Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa was yesterday confronted over his baseless claims of a death story he alleged to ZBC news was published by ZimEye.

Below was the drama. …

Yesterday ZANU PF Legal Secretary Patrick Chinamasa made allegations of a death story to @ZBCNewsonline . We quickly confronted him over his allegations here https://t.co/gNxGKLXwQV pic.twitter.com/DAf8GJIOTG

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 24, 2021

PS @nickmangwana your tweet has extremely dire unfortunate & unintended consequences on poor ZANU PF supporters who unquestioningly trust your OFFICE & feel obligated to support everything you say
Delete your divisive tweet against healthcare professionals https://t.co/tgG0EsdjR4 pic.twitter.com/rRUdFOuNTI

— Patrick Zhuwao (@PatrickZhuwao) January 24, 2021

“It is a paranoid government…..that knows that it is killing innocent citizens”: Chief Svosve.

Watch the live video loading below…..(please be patient as it uploads)

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/ZimEye/videos/185399893327020/

By A Correspondent- Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Larry Mavima who survived the pandemic shares his experience and how he managed to overcome it. He was diagnosed with Covid-19 in November last year and he gives his account below.

Symptoms
When I contracted the virus initially, I started feeling weak, I had a fever, I was having dry coughs, loss of appetite and getting very tired. I would start off in the morning feeling tired and I would then feel like I needed to take a nap. I then knew something was not right and after three or so days I started having shortness of breath.

Low risk perception
I did not realise that it might be Covid-19. I just assumed that I was working too much until after about three or four days my family also noticed that I was not the normal me. They asked me to go see a doctor, we always see a doctor. I started procrastinating telling myself that I will be alright the next day. My family was however, adamant and managed to convince me to go and see the doctor. That is when I noticed that I was having difficulties in walking. It was very difficult to get to the car and walking to the doctor’s rooms.

Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor started examining me, asking me questions and he said “you seem to have shortness of breath” and I didn’t realise it. He also observed that my oxygen saturation was a bit low and checked my sugar levels and noticed it was high. I am diabetic so I was at risk because I am also hypertensive. He then asked me to take a Covid-19 test. We (me and my wife) then went to a private laboratory and we got tested and we were told to wait until the next day for the results.

The following the day the doctor called and informed us that that the results were out. We went back to the doctor and I was still feeling weak and tired and it was in the morning. I still had fever. The doctor said “your sugar levels are high. You were not managing it properly.” He informed me that I also had tested positive to Covid-19 and x-rays were showing that there was an infection in the lungs which was pneumonia.

The doctor then prescribed some antibiotics, betamethasone tablets, asked me to use a glucometer, oximeter and to continue checking my blood pressure constantly. He asked me to give him a daily update. I was told to steam two times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. My house was disinfected and fortunately my son and my wife both tested negative. They were told to maintain social distance, mask up always and constantly disinfect. After 21 days I then went back to the doctor and we had another test and I came out negative.

Fighting the pandemic psychologically
It is not a good feeling to be told that you have Covid-19 and when you are told to stop interacting with others. Most people find it difficult to isolate at home. After a few days of isolation people start breaching the isolation regulations. I would wake up, sit in the garden and do some light exercises just to make sure I don’t strain my lungs.

Anything which was needed to be done at the office the staff would bring the papers to my gate and drop them there and I would also return them the same way. I minimised the interaction with people. This is difficult for a politician and a minister because you are used to interacting with many people making decisions.

For the two weeks I was at home, I would only talk to people over the phone. Some would ask to see me oblivious of the risk of contracting the disease. One needs to have a positive attitude if they test positive to Covid-19. You just need to keep a positive mind, maintain social distance, masking up and not go anywhere.

I would say to all those people whether high profile or not they should listen to what the Government is saying. Do not delay to get treatment and do not procrastinate because you also risk the life of other people around you. At the moment without the vaccine the real deal is to mask up.

The biggest weakness with Zimbabweans is that they are reluctant to mask up. We need to constantly sanitise because we handle a lot of papers. In the second wave high profile people are succumbing to Covid-19 and there are many others out there dying who are not known. This thing is not political, it is real, it was not brought by any political party.

While we wait for the vaccine these are the things that we can do to prevent ourselves from being infected. All I can say is as politicians let us continue to spread the message. Let’s talk about it. Our people have this misguided belief that they have to interact face to face, that issues can’t be resolved wholesomely through the phone or on email.

These are dangerous times, we need zoom meetings (using digital platforms). All those making fun of these Covid-19 related deaths have lost ubuntu/hunhu. Just because your family has not been affected, it does not mean Covid-19 is not there.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Permanent Secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, has said there are theories suggesting that some professional doctors are deliberately killing political players.

He made the remarks on Twitter after one of his followers had alleged that some doctors were violating their professional ethics.

One Big Energy had said:

Some of your doctors are acting like mini Josef Mengele,s no ethics.. can you ensure you deal with the issue, saw some lawyer today asking about code of conduct, how do we trust buggers who threaten to withdraw oxygen based on party one supports? Show my tweet to the General he will sort it!

In response, Mangwana said he had made a follow-up on the matter to discover that there were theories which suggest that some doctors were killing some politicians.

He said:

I followed that. This is what’s leading to the unfortunate conspiracy theory that there are certain political players being eliminated in hospitals by political activists hiding behind medical qualifications.

While some dismissed Mangwana’s claims as mere hallucinations, some said it was possible hence the need to take action.

When Prof. Mlambo (@MlamboProf) expressed disbelief over the allegations, Mangwana said the “purported doctors brought it up. Not me. Others connected the dots, I amplified.”

Mlambo insisted that since Mangwana was the government Spokesperson’s he must not “amplify gossip or conspiracy theories. You communicate government’s position on issues.”

Mangwana responded:Didn’t those doctors give clear indicators? If you were a political player from a certain political party would you agree to be admitted to a hospital where those doctors work. They should be found and made to account and everyone who share their warped thinking.

Mlambo weighed in saying Mangwana was making “very serious allegations, with far-reaching consequences. I hope you have the proof PS!”

Mangwana said he had “tweets from certain “doctors” that’s the entry point. They should explain themselves. Thanks for giving this legs. I am sure before the end of the day we will hear something from the @PoliceZimbabwe.”

Mlambo said:

The @SeniorDoctors and @ZadhrDoctors should be involved. This issue has the potential to put the entire health sector into jeopardy.

Mangwana’s remarks come amid reports that some political elites including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga prefer getting medical attention abroad as they fear their political opponents might shorten their lives.

Unverified reports also suggest that the ruling ZANU PF has been using medical doctors to kill politicians from the opposition.