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Mnangagwa’s Hatred Of Opposition Members Shocking

Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, says Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself is behind the persecution of political activists and perceived government critics.

According to Hon Sikhala, Mr Mnangagwa’s “fascism” will not go on forever.

Sikhala, Hopewell Chin’ono and Fadzayi Mahere were arrested for allegedly communicating falsehoods.

“Basically this is fascism. An absolute dictatorship and persecution of those people whom they regard as opponents of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This arrest is purely at the pleasure of Emmerson Mnangagwa. Don’t include anyone in this fight.

It is the fight with Emmerson Mnangagwa. His hatred of my person, Hopewell Chin’ono. Vice President Tendai Biti and others in the opposition forces in our country has been witnessed in the whole year of 2020.

This will not go on forever. We are also watching Mnangagwa’s actions.

This cannot continue. We cannot continue being abused in our country and this message must be very clear to him.

There are levels where you can tolerate persecution, but this one has gone beyond normal persecution,” Sikhala told reporters in Harare on Monday.

Job Sikhala
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ZBC Produces Video Of 2nd Street Motionless-Baby Mother Blaming The Glass Instead Of The Police Officer | WATCH.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation has produced a video of a woman claiming she is the mother of the visibly lifeless baby, seen in a viral video at Second Street, Harare last week Monday.

In the footage, an extremely thin woman dressed in an orange top, is seen claiming she is a said, Rebecca Musariri.

In the clip, she is heard not at all complaining about the last week attack, but defending the police saying no baton stick was ever used in the attack. Below are pictures of the woman which are compared to those from the incident.

The woman presented by ZBC Tuesday night is heard saying, “inini ndiri right, iye ndiri mupenyu, mwana ari right, uye mupenyu, ndini mai vemwana wenyaya iri kufamba pa social media, yekunzi inini ndakafa, pamwe chete nemwana.

“Glass ndorakawira ku mwana, neni wacho. Hapana akarohwa ne baton stick.”

The woman’s statement is contrasted to the original footage which shows her visibly angry to the point of physically manhandling a male police officer as a crowd keeps repeating that the cop has killed her son. The ZRP officially states that the officer had used a baton stick to smash a windscreen onto the child.

HAS THE MOTHER TRULY CHANGED HER MIND 8 DAYS LATER?

Screen print from original incident
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Why I Killed My Parents…

A man from Mangwe District in Plumtree, who allegedly killed his parents in cold blood and set fire to a hut with their bodies, yesterday led police on indications at the homestead.

Suspect speaks

Lisani Nleya (45) appeared remorseless as he casually narrated how he carried out the callous killing.

Shackled in leg irons and handcuffs, Lisani told detectives that his parents — 83-year-old Mr Nicholas Nleya, who had partially lost his sight, and his wife Margaret (78) who was walking with the aid of a stick — deserved to die for bewitching him.

He said he acted alone in the ruthless double-murder that shocked the country in September last year.

Herdsmen at the homestead told police last year that they fled for their lives at around 10pm when they heard Margaret begging her assailant(s) to spare her life.

After killing his parents, Lisani allegedly lit Molotov cocktails and sticks of dynamite in the hut to destroy evidence. He was arrested at a prophet’s house in Emakhandeni suburb on Sunday following a tip off.

Lisani allegedly confessed to police that he had sneaked into the country from South Africa to commit the horrific crime.

He is said to have cut ties with his family and had not communicated with them in 15 years. Lisani lived in South Africa but would come to Zimbabwe to spend time in Bulawayo with friends but never set foot at the homestead nor bothered to check on his relatives.

Yesterday he was brought to the homestead under heavy police guard. Clad in white jeans, blue tackies, a brown jacket and a black mask, Lisani took the officers behind the homestead and showed them how he entered on the fateful day.

He said his weapons, which included three petrol bombs and a petrol container, were in a satchel on his shoulders.

Lisani told officers that he demanded money when he entered his parents’ bedroom hut and his mother extended R200 which he dismissed as too little. His mother, he said, told him she did not have more as she had just paid a doctor for a check-up.

Forensic reports and a post-mortem indicate they may have been axed or stabbed to death before being set alight. Lisani narrated how he threw three petrol bombs inside the room.

Like a sniper, he said, he threw the first bomb which ignited the house and provided light for him to aim at his targets with the second. He said a third bomb did the greatest damage.

It blew up part of the house, shook the ground and threw him some meters away resulting in a leg injury.

Lisani said after being satisfied that his mission was complete, he dashed outside the homestead jumping over the fence to evade people he expected to arrive at any moment.

After observing from a distance for a while, he said he rushed to the place where he had left a bicycle and cycled about 90km to Figtree before getting a lift that took him to Bulawayo.

He took his parents’ two cellphones, sold one to a Nigerian in South Africa and the other is still at his rented place in South Africa. Villagers who spoke to Chronicle on Monday said Lisani was the black sheep of the family who deserted the army and headed for South Africa.

They said he was different from his siblings who had “made it in life” and appeared disinterested in taking advantage of the same opportunities his parents afforded the family through hard work and education.

Some alleged he had on a number of occasions, threatened to deal with his parents whom he accused of bewitching him.

The couple was buried in one big grave just centimetres apart at Empandeni Mission Cemetery, on September 8 last year. -Chronicle

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Model Raped During A Photoshoot, Now Suspect is Freed On Bail. ,

A 33-year-old man who allegedly raped an 18-year-old pregnant woman during a private photoshoot in Bulawayo, was arrested on Monday and appeared in court the same day.

Phakamani Sibanda of 6 Hardy Road in Sunnyside, Bulawayo, was remanded out of custody to February 15 for continuation of the trial. Bulawayo province police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed Mr Sibanda’s arrest.

“Police acting on a tip-off from members of the public arrested a 33-year-old man, Phakamani Sibanda, in connection to the alleged rape of a pregnant 18-year-old woman during a private photoshoot last year in December in Bulawayo.

“He has since appeared in court and was remanded out of custody until February 15 for continuation of the trial,” said Insp Ncube.

The photo studio where the alleged rape occurred is situated at the corner of Fort Street and Fourth Avenue in Bulawayo.

The incident occurred on December 28 last year, when the complainant went to the studio for a photoshoot at around 9AM.

She was wearing a dress and Sibanda took some photos of her and after some time she asked for a room to change her clothing for another set of photos. Mr Sibanda provided her an office for her to change her clothes.

As she was changing, the accused knocked and entered the room and instructed her to take off her skin tight so that the photo could be of greater quality. She told Sibanda she wasn’t comfortable with his request.

After voicing her concerns, Sibanda left the office and the victim changed into a new set of clothes and then proceeded to continue with the photoshoot. When they were done and she went to change again, that was when the Sibanda allegedly pounced.

It is alleged Sibanda followed her into the office, held her by the waist and told her that she looked good before raping her. During the ordeal, she screamed for help, but no one came to her aid.

Afterwards, Sibanda is said to have apologised for his actions and told her he would send some photos.

A report of the rape was made on December 31, after the victim narrated her ordeal to another woman, leading to his arrest on Monday. -Chronicle

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Police Raid Pushcart Businesses In Bulawayo

Police in Bulawayo yesterday impounded scores of pushcarts which are popularly known as scanias at the fresh produce market between 4th and 5th avenues.

The pushcart operators carry goods mainly for vendors from the market to various destinations in the city and charge US$1 or equivalent in local currency for a trip. There was drama as the scania operators fled, leaving their carts behind when the police pounced.

The officers did not bother chasing after the pushcart operators but instead loaded the carts in their trucks and took them away. When the operators later regrouped, they told Chronicle that pushing scanias was the only job that they knew.

“We know there is Covid-19 and we know authorities think they are doing this for our protection but the truth is that we live from hand to mouth. If we do not work, it means we will not eat the next day,” said a pushcart operator who declined to be named.

Another who only identified himself as Dingi said police usually release their pushcarts after paying an admission of guilt fine of about $1 000 for each pushcart. He said on a good day, before the initial lockdown in March last year, he could make up to US$30.

“We have to make a choice between staying at home and starving . . . It is for this reason that we are pleading with the authorities to appreciate our plight. We should be considered an essential service because we have to fend for our families despite the pandemic,” he said.

Mr Vincent Dube said the police action was meant to reduce crowding at the marketplace as many of the people causing congestion were pushcart operators.

“It will be difficult to maintain social distancing with so many people at the marketplace hence this police action. We need few people to be at the market to buy food items and go home if we are to contain this pandemic,” said Mr Dube.

When asked why they fled and abandoned their carts, a pushcart operator said he feared arrest.

He said what they normally do is that after police have impounded their carts, they then follow them up at the police station to pay a fine and get back their carts.

“If you are arrested without a fine, you will rot in police cells and that is what we are avoiding by running away,” he said.

Police are clamping down on residents who defy the stricter lockdown measures which came into effect early this month.

Vendors were banned from the city centre but surprisingly at the market it was business as usual yesterday.

Vendors and pushcart operators were playing hide and seek with the police and many of them said they would rather risk arrest than starve at home.

Many were arrested but it seems the arrests are not deterrent enough as minutes after the police raid, new vendors are seen displaying their wares on the streets and canvassing for customers. They now display just a few items which they quickly grab and run away at the sight of police officers.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said pushcart operators were not exempt under Level Four national lockdown hence the arrests. “They are violating outlined lockdown regulations. They have not been classified under essential services providers. We are not just rounding up pushcart operators but arresting everybody violating lockdown regulations,” said Insp Ncube. -Chronicle

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Persecution Of Opposition Members Is Pure Satanism

Tinashe Sambiri|The persecution of MDC Alliance members by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is an act of Satanism, a party official has said.

Commenting on the arrest of Advocate Fadzayi Mahere on Monday, MDC Alliance Namibia spokesperson, Robson Ruhanya said:

“Pure Satanism, we view the persecution of MDC Alliance members as an act of Satanism,” Ruhanya wrote on Facebook.

Zanu PF’ s Varakashi team is struggling to justify the arbitrary arrests and rampant persecution of political activists and perceived government critics.

Human rights defenders have called for the immediate release of release of political prisoners.

Mr Mnangagwa’s administration is taking advantage of the lockdown to harass political foes.

Hon Sikhala and Hopewell Chin’ono
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Cleric Blasts Mnangagwa

Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has exhorted church leaders to distance themselves from Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “evil” regime.

In a statement on Monday, Bishop Magaya said the church should not strengthen the hands of the evil regime.

Read full statement below:

“If you return oh Israel ( Zimbabwe) declares the Lord, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence and do not waver, and if you swear as the Lord lives in truth, in justice and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him and in him shall they glory ” ( Jeremiah 4 vs 1 and 2).

The so much sought for socio economic bliss can only be realised if Zimbabwe is solidly anchored on truth, justice and righteousness.

We should remove all detestable practices from the presence of God. These include arresting people on the basis of non existing laws, looting and monopolising natural resources, lynching with impunity, rule by law and not rule of law, framing mischief using the law ( Psalm 94 vs 20) and then convine national days of prayer and fasting where non repentant people raise hands that are dripping with blood before God.

Prophet Jeremiah together with many other ancient prophets makes it clear that it is only when we put truth, mercy and justice first that the nation can truly move towards socio- economic transformation. This is the message that the church should unequivocally continue to reiterate. Failure to do so the church would be guilty of strengthening the hands of evil doers ( Jeremiah 23 vs 14b).

God Save Zimbabwe!

Mr Mnangagwa
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Man Who Brutally Killed Own Parents Finally Nabbed

POLICE have arrested a son of a late prominent elderly couple from Empandeni in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, for allegedly killing his parents.

Lisani Nleya (45) was allegedly arrested at a prophet’s house in Bulawayo after sneaking into the country from South Africa.

He allegedly confessed to killing his parents during police interrogation.

Nleya did not attend his parents’ funeral and allegedly last communicated with his family before the brutal killings on September 1 last year at Mzaza Village in Empandeni.

Nicholas Kenny Nleya (83) and his wife, Margaret (76), were allegedly attacked by unknown assailants and workers at their homestead told police they fled when they heard Margaret begging for her life as the attackers assaulted the couple.

The Nleyas were both retired teachers at nearby Catholic-run Empandeni Primary School, and were staunch members of the Roman Catholic Church.

They were respected and looked up to by many people in the area. It is suspected the assailants beat the couple to death and set a hut with the bodies in it on fire.

The bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Remnants of petrol bombs and dynamite were in the room where the charred remains were found.

At the time, a source close to investigations said four Molotov cocktails, three still intact, sticks of dynamite and an axe head were in the room, indicating a possible attempt to create an explosion that would destroy everything.

“There was also an axe head at the scene. It did not belong to the homestead. Their bodies were mutilated. This then might confirm the notion that the couple was murdered before being burnt,” said the source.

The source said forensic investigations picked that the couple bled a lot before death.

Family spokesperson Mr Patrick Nyathi yesterday confirmed the arrest.

“Police phoned to inform us that Lisani Nleya was arrested in connection with the murder case of our relatives. As a family we want the law to take its course so that we know the whole truth. We were not told of the details about his arrest, we are waiting but we hope he will appear in court. For now, that is what I can say,” said Mr Nyathi.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspect who was based in South Africa sneaked into the country and was arrested after a tip-off.

“The suspect came from South Africa and following a tip-off that he was at a certain prophet’s house to collect his belongings, police pounced on him and arrested him. He confessed to having killed his parents,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said investigations are in progress and he is expected to appear in court soon.

His arrest, a villager said yesterday, confirmed what was an open secret in the village that Lisani was behind the cold blooded killing of his parents.-Chronicle

ZRP badge
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BREAKING: ZBC Produces Video Of Extremely Thin Woman With Long Braids Saying She’s The 2nd Street Mum Of Lifeless-Baby Attacked By ZRP Cops…

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation has produced a video of a woman claiming she is the mother of the visibly lifeless baby, seen in a viral video at Second Street, Harare last week Monday.

In the footage, an extremely thin woman dressed in an orange top, is seen claiming she is a said, Rebecca Musariri.

In the clip, she is heard not at all complaining about the last week attack, but defending the police saying no baton stick was ever used in the attack. Below are pictures of the woman which are compared to those from the incident.

The woman presented by ZBC Tuesday night is heard saying, “inini ndiri right, iye ndiri mupenyu, mwana ari right, uye mupenyu, ndini mai vemwana wenyaya iri kufamba pa social media, yekunzi inini ndakafa, pamwe chete nemwana.

“Glass ndorakawira ku mwana, neni wacho. Hapana akarohwa ne baton stick.”

The woman’s statement is contrasted to the original footage which shows her visibly angry to the point of physically manhandling a male police officer as a crowd keeps repeating that the cop has killed her son. The ZRP officially states that the officer had used a baton stick to smash a windscreen onto the child.

HAS THE MOTHER TRULY CHANGED HER MIND 8 DAYS LATER?

Screen print from original incident
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Situation Overview- IOM Partners Govt To Strengthen Capacities For Public Health Measures During The Pandemic

IOM continues to provide support to Government of Zimbabwe as well as the individuals and communities affected by crisis, and to actively contribute to the efforts of the international community to identify ways to more effectively address future humanitarian challenges related to natural hazards and conflicts.

IOM activities in Zimbabwe include strengthening core capacities for public health measures at points of entry (PoEs) and to provide critical services to returning migrants.

As of the 11 of January 2021, Zimbabwe recorded 21,477 cases of COVID-19 and 507 deaths.

MASVINGO

Heavy rains on 7 January 2020 and subsequent burst at Gungwa Pumphouse resulted in overspill at Mutirikwi Dam in Masvingo. This resulted in flash floods downstream in Chiredzi ward 16.

Two families in Chiredzi ward 16 with a total of 8 members were marooned. Four members of one family made it to higher ground while the other two members were swept away.

Two members of the other family were both swept away, a mother and her 11-month-old baby. The marooned were rescued on 8 January 2020 and are currently at Calisaunders Hospital in Triangle where they are receiving treatment and counselling.

Due to the trauma experienced in witnessing other family members, including their mother being swept away, the bereaved family needs psychological support as a fundamental need.

Given that the mother was a breadwinner, other notable needs to this family include Food and Non-food Items.

On another note, one house in ward 28 was destroyed by the heavy rains. Fortunately, the local community initiative was on call to assist.

The affected household received 2 tents and building assistance from the local community.

The District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC) has resolved to conduct a comprehensive infrastructure damage assessment.

BEITBRIDGE

A picture containing outdoor, building, sky, ground Description automatically generatedToday (11 January 2020),

IOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Publicity, Ministry of Health and Childcare, Zimbabwe Republic Police and District Development Council conducted Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) awareness campaigns on COVID-19 in 8 congregation areas (bus stations, marketplaces, and shopping areas) in Beitbridge urban reaching more than 1000 individuals.

As of today, there are currently 71 (55 males and 18 females) individuals at Beitbridge isolation center who tested positive for COVID-19, 59 of whom are local cases referred from the district hospital.

On 10 January 2020, 70 self-repatriating migrants (69 Male Adults, 5 Male Minors, 88 Risk Communication and Community Engagement in Beitbridge –

11 January 2020

Female Adults and 8 Female Minors) passed through the border post in 14 buses, they all had valid COVID-19 free results and were processed to go home.

From 09 January 2021 at 0600 hrs to 10 January 2021 at 0600 hrs a total of 362 truck drivers (all males) were entry screened at Port Health with the support of IOM.

During the same period, a total of 422 (283 males and 139 females) pedestrians were also screened on both entry and exit,

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Mahere Exposes The Deplorable Living Conditions For Incarcerated Citizens

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, who was Tuesday remanded in custody to Friday on charges of publishing falsehoods, complained in court of the deplorable state of cells at the Harare Central Police Station.

She was arrested Monday before she was brought to court Tuesday.

However, Mahere told Magistrate Trynos Utahwashe her detention in police cells overnight was unnecessary as her arresting officers had completed their work by Monday mid-morning.

“Her detention from that time was unnecessary,” Mahere’s lawyer David Drury told the court adding the conditions of the police cells were “unbearable”.

“They are filled with the stench of stale urine and there no blankets. There were no temperature checks or sanitisers at the police entrance. There is no social distancing in the waiting area or holding cells. No masks are available in the cells as cellmates had old masks.

“There is also no provisions of sanitary ware in the cells. The toilet was a pit latrine surrounded by a puddle of urine. There is no separation with the beds and toilet hole as well as privacy during menstruation.”

Mahere’s lawyer added:

“A pungent smell exists because of lack of aeration. The cell blocks are small and seven inmates were crowded in each room. You have to walk barefooted and women take off their undergarments.”

Magistrate Utahwashe said he got worried if he received such complaints and ordered the state to investigate and bring a full report Friday

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OPINION: ED Engage Your Political Nemesis

By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo
Context
In 1999, the then MDC leader and former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, whilst he was addressing more than 20 000 supporters in Rufaro stadium, called for the removal of the democratically elected Head of State, Robert Mugabe, so they say, and he said in his own words I quote ” What we want to tell Mugabe today, is that please go peacefully, if you don’t want we will remove you violently”. This was regarded as treason charges, and immediately Tsvangirai flew to South Africa, where he addressed journalists, and called for the later to step down from office. We witnessed a number of episodes, where George Bizos flew in to assist Tsvangirai, after her was charged with treason, death penalty, if found guilty. 

Application
Politics was applied, and Tsvangirai was acquitted after a number of Heads of States, diplomats and other strategic people engaged the former Zanu PF leader. Tsvangirai went further to contest more than four elections, losing to Mugabe. 
Mutual understanding
In 2008, despite a run-off which saw dozens of opposition members being killed, the then MDC leader, and former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe signed a Global Political Agreement, which gave birth to an inclusive arrangement. Who thought Mugabe would share the same table with Tsvangirai?

Narrative :
1. Forgiveness2. Reconciliation3. Way forward4. Working arrangement
Context 
In August 16, 2017, Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was dragged before the courts of Law, after being accused of wanting to overthrow a democratically elected Head of State, Edgar Lungu, after his motorcade failed to pave way for the Head of State. The allegation attracted a death penalty, and he spent more than 90 days in prison. It took former Nigerian President , Obasanjo, Yoweri Museveni, Jacob Zuma, and many others to plead with Lungu to release the main opposition leader. 

Application
Hakainde Hichilema was acquitted, and the Judge made it clear that he had terminated the proceedings but their discharge was conditional. 

Narrative
1. Edgar Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema met at a church function and greeted each other
2. Lungu paved way for dialogue between his party, and main opposition party
3. Peace and tranquility was restored in the Southern Africa country

What is opposition?
1. A contrast or antithesis
2. Alternative
3. Designated Government
4. Check the excesses of the ruling party
Current Trajectory
We have the leading Journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono, St Mary’s Mp , Job Wiwa Sikhala, MDC Alliance national Spokeswoman, Fadzai Mahere, and Mayor of Harare, Advocate Jacob Mafume.

The non of our business concept :

Fun part of it, Jacob Mafume is number 2 in office, if it was in the Western world, Mafume would be moving around in an escort or motorcade. Do you know what number 2 means? Someone regarded with high calling, higher Office, and he is the second in command in Harare, he is the eye of potential investors. 

In the best interest
I’m not saying they are not guilty, my simple advice is you can use your Political influence to come up with a strategic plan to waiver this and peace must prevail in our country. The current picture and image of our country is not looking good

Thank You Shumba, thank You Murambwi, and once again thank You Mr President “

My two cents advice :
1. Get rid of toxic politics
2. You have a legacy to protect
3. You need to be remembered for something that is of importance
4. You need a neutral, Strategic Political advisor 
5. You need to engage Nelson Chamisa, despite your political differences

6. Bury the hatchet, and bring everyone to the table
7. We have a Political crisis, which must be resolved by all Political leaders
8. You need a sound Development Policy to give a proper direction of our country
9. Those giving you advice won’t be there, when something bad happens, they will throw Spanners on you

10. Exhaust on Strategic engagements with your political opponents
11. Accept constructive criticism
12. Remove bad apples around you
13. Erode bootlickers around you
14. You cabinet is not inspiring. 

15. Change within your cabinet is imminent. 

16. You have a lot of deadwoods in the current cabinet 

17. There must be a proper Economic Recovery framework to address the implications of Covid-19 pandemic
18. Set up a taskforce which is Inclusive of Corporate World, Business Community, church, Researchers, Development Practitioners, academics etc

19. Redirect expenditure towards Critical sectors of the economy

20. You are not being felt on the ground. 

Please take note of number 20 ??

21. Those around you or closer to you are feeding you with information you want to hear, and later discard you, make use of this opportunity to creat a LEGACY which will be carried in future generations

22. Last but not least, you will loose nothing by engaging Nelson Chamisa, and others on a properly constituted , structured dialogue process
23. Livelihood of people matters most especially during this Covid-19 pandemic era. 
24. You need an inspiring team around you. 

25. Looting in the public sector has gone to the extreme, and develop a Strategic Thinking Approach on Governance & Leadership to save your name 

Kindly be felt on the ground !!!

Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is the Head of Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking – ZIST, and he can be contacted at [email protected]

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Uganda Shuts Down All Social Media Platforms, Messaging Ups

Uganda ordered internet service providers to block all social media platforms and messaging apps on Tuesday until further notice, a letter from the country’s communications regulator seen by Reuters said.

A source in Uganda’s telecom sector said the government had made clear to executives at telecoms companies that the social media ban was in retaliation for Facebook blocking some pro-government accounts.

The U.S. social media giant said on Monday it had taken down a network in Uganda linked to the country’s ministry of information for using fake and duplicate accounts to post ahead of this week’s election.

Users had complained earlier on Tuesday that they were unable to access Facebook and WhatsApp, social media platforms being widely used for campaigning ahead of Thursday’s presidential election in the East African country.

“Uganda Communications Commission hereby directs you to immediately suspend any access and use, direct or otherwise, of all social media platforms and online messaging applications over your network until further notice,” said the letter from the commission’s executive director to internet providers.

The commission’s spokesman Ibrahim Bbossa and government spokesman Ofwono Opondo did not answer calls requesting comment. An aide to Minister of Information Judith Nabakooba said she was unable to comment at the moment.

-Reuters

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Wealthy Citizens Turn To Nurse Aides For Palliative Care

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) says health authorities need to speedily act to regulate nurse aides being hired to offer palliative care by wealthy Covid-19 patients.

Well-off Zimbabweans, who are isolating at home after contracting the virus, are hiring nurse aides to provide them with care during the period, offering between US$20-US$30 daily.

Due to the poor remuneration in the local health sector, most nurse aides are jumping at the opportunity and taking up such offers despite the lack of personal protective equipment.

“There is a trend to hire nurse aides to take care of Covid-19 patients that we have noted. Most nurse aides have taken up the jobs to make more money.

“However, many have been exposed to the virus due to lack of proper protective equipment in executing their work,” Zina president Enock Dongo said.-DailyNews

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RBZ Sets The Record Straight On New Notes

By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has said it has no plans of introducing Z$100 and Z$200 banknotes as suggested in some sections of the media.

RBZ will soon introduce a new set of higher denomination banknotes to increase physical money supply, curb cash shortages and improve transacting convenience.

RBZ is working on the introduction of a Z$50 banknote into the market for the convenience of the public.

Authorities have approved the introduction, into circulation, of new Z$50, Z$100 and Z$200 banknotes this year.

The $50 note will be introduced first, while plans to introduce the other notes are still in the works.

Designs of the new Z$50 dollar note are awaiting the President’s approval before printing can commence.

Zimbabwe has Z$2, Z$5, Z$10 and Z$20 notes in circulation.

RBZ notice
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Mwonzora To Become Leader Of Opposition

MDC-T’s newly elected president, Mr Douglas Mwonzora, is set to assume the role of Leader of Opposition in Parliament and is expected to make changes to the structures controlled by the opposition in the August House.

The assumption of the new role by Mr Mwonzora, who is also a Senator, followed an extraordinary congress of the MDC-T which saw him trounce then acting president, Dr Thokozani Khupe, Messrs Elias Mudzuri and Morgan Komichi, in a hotly disputed election.

Sources in the MDC-T said Mr Mwonzora is set to take up the new role once Parliament resumes sitting next month.

He is expected to appoint a new Chief Whip to replace Ms Paurina Mpariwa, who has been promoted to become secretary general of the MDC-T and also reconstitute members of the MDC-T who sit in the Parliament Standing Rules and Orders Committee, the August House’s supreme decision making organ chaired by Speaker of the

National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda. Other changes will be chairpersons of Portfolio and Thematic committees, Parliamentary Legal Committee, among others.

“Ms Mpariwa is set to relinquish her post as Chief Whip. You cannot have a whole secretary general running around among MPs. She is set for bigger things like taking up membership of regional and international bodies such as Sadc-PF, Pan African Parliament, International Parliamentary Union,” said a source.

When contacted for comment, Mr Mwonzora played down the issue.

“We do not intend to make unnecessary changes that humiliate other people but we will try to have a Parliament party caucus that is strong, effective and efficient. When Parliament opens, I intend to take my two Vice Presidents Madam Khupe and Eng Mudzuri to have a discussion with Speaker of the National Assembly Adv Mudenda, who is Head of Parliament and will then make necessary announcements should the need arise,” said Mr Mwonzora.

“I will also be liaising with our Secretary for Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Anele Ndebele, other leaders, Chief Whip and deputy presidents, we will then make necessary announcements should that need arise.”

Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi declined to comment substantively on the goings on in the MDC-T.

“As Government we do not comment on what happens in individual political parties and how they run their business. It is our expectation however, that the leader of opposition plays his role in Parliament as provided for by the Constitution and Standing Orders, otherwise why would a leader delegate when he is there,” said Minister Ziyambi.

Prior to the extraordinary congress, Dr Khupe was the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

The Leader of the Opposition is the principal leader of the minority caucus responsible for developing the minority position, negotiating with the majority party, directing minority caucus activities on the Chamber floor and leading debate for the minority.-statemedia

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Matemadanda Tears Into Chamisa

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda says Nelson Chamisa and the MDC Alliance ‘made their bed and must now lie in it’ after they allegedly repeatedly spurned the hand of friendship extended to them by President Mnangagwa.

Matemadanda also accused Chamisa of over-estimating himself and suffering a lack of wisdom.

This, according to him was Chamisa’s biggest undoing.  

Matemadanda said the President invited all parties to POLAD and the MDC Alliance decided not to join, and this had exposed Chamisa as being politically immature.

Matemadanda said he respected Thokozani Khupe, Morgen Komichi and Doug Mwonzora for sticking to the constitution.

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ZUPCO Implements Social Distancing On Its Buses

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe United Passengers Company in Bulawayo yesterday started implementing social distancing on its buses with kombis now obliged to carry a maximum of eight passengers per trip as part of the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The commuting public in Bulawayo continues to sing transport blues as the State-controlled Zupco buses fail to cope with demand despite the restrictions in movement brought about by COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Social distancing was introduced on commuter omnibuses following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

A survey carried out by Southern Eye observed that Zupco commuter omnibuses were at first ferrying eight passengers per trip.

With the pressure arising from increasing numbers of passengers they then increased the number to 12 a trip.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association chairperson Ambrose Sibindi said Zupco needed to increase the size of its fleet to ensure adequate transport because there was an underestimation of the population that would be going into town.

Zupco southern region manager Tineyi Rusawako said they would increase the fleet in areas that were facing challenges.

“We have an adequate fleet to cater for everyone now that a number of people are getting into town.

“We will make sure we beef up in the areas that have inadequate transport to ease the commotion that was there today (yesterday),” Rusawako said.-newsday

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I Have One Wife- Billiat

Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has rubbished weekend reports that he had married a South African singer as a second wife.

Billiat said he was happily married to Mai Kim (Esnath Munyedawo) and will never marry a second wife.

The weekly City Press of South Africa reported that Billiat married television star Nomcebo “Dot” Mthethwa.

The City Press reported that the Zimbabwean football star had secretly paid lobola for his new lover.

According to the report, Nomcebo’s mother, Smaniso Mthethwa, confirmed that Billiat was engaged to her daughter and the two were planning a future together.

Mthethwa is the hottest new Gqom artiste. Her career is thriving with her hit single “Makoti” getting a lot of air play on South African radio.

Mthethwa’s mother could not give more details, saying she needs permission from the couple.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport from his base in South Africa, Billiat said he had one wife, who is also the mother of his daughter.

“Khama has one wife, Mai Kim, I never married anyone. I don’t know why people are doing this. I repeat I am happily married to Mai Kim,” said Billiat.-Chronicle

Khama Billiat
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Stern Test For ED As Markers Test Covid-19+

By A Correspondent- Teachers’ unions have made sensational claims that at least 200 of their members currently marking recently completed public examinations have tested positive for Covid-19.

As a result, the unions want Zimsec to stop the marking until it is safe to continue.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union president Obert Masarure said Zimsec must consider the safety of teachers first and stop examination marking.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company in Bulawayo yesterday started implementing social distancing on its buses with kombis now obliged to carry a maximum of eight passengers per trip as part of the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The commuting public in Bulawayo continues to sing transport blues as the State-controlled Zupco buses fail to cope with demand despite the restrictions in movement brought about by COVID-19 lockdown measures.

-newsday

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My Arrest Is A Direct Result Of The Fight With Emmerson Mnangagwa-Hon Sikhala

Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, says Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself is behind the persecution of political activists and perceived government critics.

According to Hon Sikhala, Mr Mnangagwa’s “fascism” will not go on forever.

Sikhala, Hopewell Chin’ono and Fadzayi Mahere were arrested for allegedly communicating falsehoods.

“Basically this is fascism. An absolute dictatorship and persecution of those people whom they regard as opponents of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This arrest is purely at the pleasure of Emmerson Mnangagwa. Don’t include anyone in this fight.

It is the fight with Emmerson Mnangagwa. His hatred of my person, Hopewell Chin’ono. Vice President Tendai Biti and others in the opposition forces in our country has been witnessed in the whole year of 2020.

This will not go on forever. We are also watching Mnangagwa’s actions.

This cannot continue. We cannot continue being abused in our country and this message must be very clear to him.

There are levels where you can tolerate persecution, but this one has gone beyond normal persecution,” Sikhala told reporters in Harare on Monday.

Hon Sikhala and Hopewell arriving at court
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Alec Mudimu Moves To Turkey

Zimbabwe international Alec Mudimu has joined Turkish side Ankarapor FC, it has emerged.

The 25-year-old versatile defender, who was on the ranks of Moldovan champoons FC Sheriff last season, has now moved to Turkey, where his Warriors teammate and centre-back partner Teenage Hadebe, also plys his trade.

Ankarapor however play in the TFF 1, the second tier of Turkish football.

Details of Mudimu’s move are still sketchy but it appears he has already signed for the team.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Alec Mudimu
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Darikwa Joins Wigan Athletic

Darikwa finds new home
Zimbabwe international Tendayi Darikwa has completed his move from Nottingham Forest to Wigan Athletic.

The 29-year-old suffered a career-threatening knee injury just after the AFCON 2019 finals and his career took a turn for the worse.

Although he went on to recover, he never featured for Forest, who have now sent him on loan to the League One side until the end of the season.

Wigan confirmed the development on their Twitter handle.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Tendai Darikwa
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CHAN Tournament: Logarusic Confident Of Victory

Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic believes his squad is capable of coming out with a better result at CHAN tournament despite lack of adequate preparations.

The team’s camp was disrupted for more than a week after an outbreak of coronavirus. The scheduled international friendlies were also canceled as fifteen squad members were put in isolation and group training suspended.

“What we need to do is concentrate on the positives,” Logarusic said, according to The Herald.

“We have had several negatives since last year but what distinguishes Warriors from the rest of the pack is their ability to win fights even under difficult circumstances.

“We cannot go to a tournament to add up numbers, no. We are going there to compete and we will compete.”

The Warriors will undergo a final Covid-19 test today ahead of their departure for Cameroon tomorrow.

Zimbabwe play the CHAN opener against hosts Cameroon on Saturday at 6pm.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Logarusic
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You Will Not Rule Forever, Sikhala Tells Mnangagwa

Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, says Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself is behind the persecution of political activists and perceived government critics.

According to Hon Sikhala, Mr Mnangagwa’s “fascism” will not go on forever.

Sikhala, Hopewell Chin’ono and Fadzayi Mahere were arrested for allegedly communicating falsehoods.

“Basically this is fascism. An absolute dictatorship and persecution of those people whom they regard as opponents of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This arrest is purely at the pleasure of Emmerson Mnangagwa. Don’t include anyone in this fight.

It is the fight with Emmerson Mnangagwa. His hatred of my person, Hopewell Chin’ono. Vice President Tendai Biti and others in the opposition forces in our country has been witnessed in the whole year of 2020.

This will not go on forever. We are also watching Mnangagwa’s actions.

This cannot continue. We cannot continue being abused in our country and this message must be very clear to him.

There are levels where you can tolerate persecution, but this one has gone beyond normal persecution,” Sikhala told reporters in Harare on Monday.

Job Sikhala
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Leicester City Forward To Join Kadewere’s Olympique Lyon

Leicester City striker Islam Slimani is reportedly set to undergo his medical on Tuesday at Lyon as he nears a return to Ligue 1.

The Algeria international is coming in as replacement for Moussa Dembélé who looks set to join Atletico Madrid on loan.

Lyon’s sporting director, Juninho has confirmed on French TV channel, Telefoot, that there is interest in the player.

He said: “We’re following him. He wants to come to us at OL, but nothing has been done yet.”

Should the deal complete, this will mark Slimani’s return to France. The 32-year-old had an impressive loan spell at Monaco last season, scoring nine goals and tallying seven assists in just 18 top-flight appearances, but returned to parent club Leicester City in the summer.

He will have to fight off the competition of Tino Kadewere, Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi who have formed the team’s front three.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Stadium
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Mahere Exposes The State’s Deliberate Set-up To Fuel Covid-19 Transmission To Accused Persons

https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348964351634526211?s=20
https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348964351634526211?s=20
https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348963505479823360?s=20
https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348963226776694785?s=20
https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348961178022785024?s=20
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Distance Yourselves From Mnangagwa’s Evil Regime, Cleric Exhorts Church Leaders

Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has exhorted church leaders to distance themselves from Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “evil” regime.

In a statement on Monday, Bishop Magaya said the church should not strengthen the hands of the evil regime.

Read full statement below:

“If you return oh Israel ( Zimbabwe) declares the Lord, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence and do not waver, and if you swear as the Lord lives in truth, in justice and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him and in him shall they glory ” ( Jeremiah 4 vs 1 and 2).

The so much sought for socio economic bliss can only be realised if Zimbabwe is solidly anchored on truth, justice and righteousness.

We should remove all detestable practices from the presence of God. These include arresting people on the basis of non existing laws, looting and monopolising natural resources, lynching with impunity, rule by law and not rule of law, framing mischief using the law ( Psalm 94 vs 20) and then convine national days of prayer and fasting where non repentant people raise hands that are dripping with blood before God.

Prophet Jeremiah together with many other ancient prophets makes it clear that it is only when we put truth, mercy and justice first that the nation can truly move towards socio- economic transformation. This is the message that the church should unequivocally continue to reiterate. Failure to do so the church would be guilty of strengthening the hands of evil doers ( Jeremiah 23 vs 14b).

God Save Zimbabwe!

The crocodile
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Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation A Farce

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to release political prisoners with immediate effect.

Hopewell Chin’ono, Hon Job Sikhala, Alan Moyo, Jacob Mafume and Advocate Fadzayi Mahere are being harassed for standing for the truth.

See below the MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women full statement:

MDC ALLIANCE ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN STATEMENT ON THE ARBITRARY ARREST OF THE PARTY SPOKESPERSON FADZAI MAHERE AND OTHER LEADERS

The MDC Alliance Assembly of women strongly condemns the arrest of the National Spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala and Hopewell Chin’ono by the state on charges that are illegal and unconstitutional.

The continued abuse of opposition leaders and political activists should be castigated by every progressive Zimbabwean.

The government is pushing the opposition by continuosly abusing its power and capturing the state institutions which is a shame. The new dispensation promised by Emerson Mnangagwa is a fallacy as he continues to squash the democratic space.

We condemn the use of Criminal Law (CodificationReform) Act which is ultra vires the constitution of Zimbabwe.

We there demand the release of Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala, Jacob Mafume and Hopewell Chin’ono and all other political prisoners for they are not criminals.

We continue to fight for democracy and a people’s government that will respect the rule of law and all the freedoms.

Fightforbetterlivelihoods

Change that relievers

Barbara G Tanyanyiwa
MDC A Assembly of Women National Secretary for Communications

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Persecution Of Opposition Members An Act Of Satanism

Tinashe Sambiri|The persecution of MDC Alliance members by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is an act of Satanism, a party official has said.

Commenting on the arrest of Advocate Fadzayi Mahere on Monday, MDC Alliance Namibia spokesperson, Robson Ruhanya said:

“Pure Satanism, we view the persecution of MDC Alliance members as an act of Satanism,” Ruhanya wrote on Facebook.

Zanu PF’ s Varakashi team is struggling to justify the arbitrary arrests and rampant persecution of political activists and perceived government critics.

Human rights defenders have called for the immediate release of release of political prisoners.

Mr Mnangagwa’s administration is taking advantage of the lockdown to harass political foes.

Advocate Mahere
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Common Symptoms Of COVID-19

The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are: fever, dry cough and fatigue.

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include: loss of taste or smell; nasal congestion; conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes); sore throat; headache; muscle or joint pain; different types of skin rash; nausea or vomiting; diarrhoea; chills or dizziness. Symptoms of severe Covid-19 disease include: shortness of breath; loss of appetite; confusion; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; and high temperature (above 38 °C). More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage.

People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical care immediately.

If possible, call your health care provider, hotline (in Zimbabwe the number is 2019) or health facility first, so you can be directed to the right clinic.

What should I do if I have Covid-19 symptoms?

If you have any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, call your health care provider or Covid-19 hotline for instructions and find out when and where to get a test, stay at home for 14 days away from others and monitor your health. If you have shortness of breath or pain or pressure in the chest, seek medical attention at a health facility immediately.

Call your health care provider or hotline in advance for direction to the right health facility. If you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever, seek medical care if you have a fever. If local guidance recommends visiting a medical centre for testing, assessment or isolation, wear a medical mask while travelling to and from the facility and during medical care.

Also keep at least a one-metre distance from other people and avoid touching surfaces with your hands.

This applies to adults and children.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating Covid-19?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. Covid-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of Covid-19. In hospitals, physicians will sometimes use antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections which can be a complication of Covid-19 in severely ill patients. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

Precautionary measures

Stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, especially when distancing cannot be maintained, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds and close contact, regularly cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue — www.who.int

Credit:WHO

Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

email :[email protected]

Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre

@zimonlinehealt1

YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre

Website:www.zimonlinehealthcentre.co.zw

COVID-19
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#BREAKING- FADZAYI MAHERE REMANDED IN CUSTODY

By A Correspondent- Arrested MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has been remanded in custody to January 15 2021.

Mahere will spend 3 more days behind bars after her initial appearance Tuesday.

Harare Magistrate Utahwashe will hand down his ruling on her bail application challenging the state’s bid to place her on remand.

This is a developing story. More details follow.

Refresh this page for this story and more…….

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Bishop Magaya Reprimands “Unrepentant” Mnangagwa

Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has exhorted church leaders to distance themselves from Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “evil” regime.

In a statement on Monday, Bishop Magaya said the church should not strengthen the hands of the evil regime.

Read full statement below:

“If you return oh Israel ( Zimbabwe) declares the Lord, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence and do not waver, and if you swear as the Lord lives in truth, in justice and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him and in him shall they glory ” ( Jeremiah 4 vs 1 and 2).

The so much sought for socio economic bliss can only be realised if Zimbabwe is solidly anchored on truth, justice and righteousness.

We should remove all detestable practices from the presence of God. These include arresting people on the basis of non existing laws, looting and monopolising natural resources, lynching with impunity, rule by law and not rule of law, framing mischief using the law ( Psalm 94 vs 20) and then convine national days of prayer and fasting where non repentant people raise hands that are dripping with blood before God.

Prophet Jeremiah together with many other ancient prophets makes it clear that it is only when we put truth, mercy and justice first that the nation can truly move towards socio- economic transformation. This is the message that the church should unequivocally continue to reiterate. Failure to do so the church would be guilty of strengthening the hands of evil doers ( Jeremiah 23 vs 14b).

God Save Zimbabwe!

Emmerson Mnangagwa
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ZPP Castigates Govt Over Arrests Of Activists, Opposition Politicians

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Peace project (ZPP) has castigated government over the recent arrest of civil rights and political activists, saying the move shows lack of respect for democracy and the rule of law.

In the past few days, police have arrested MDC national vice-chairperson Job Sikhala, the party’s spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, and freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono for allegedly publishing falsehoods on social media prejudicial to the State after they individually posted on their Twitter handles that a Harare police officer had beaten a two-year-old child to death.

It later turned out that the child was alive.

In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, ZPP national director Jestina Mukoko said the harassment of journalists and political activists was a cause for concern and a dent to the country’s image.

“The growing trend of arrests targeting human rights and political activists and journalists is a cause for grave concern. The latest arrest of the opposition MDC Alliance spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, which comes on the heels of the arrest of anticorruption advocate and freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and MDC Alliance vice-chairperson Job Sikhala point to a sustained attempt to stifle freedom of expression and silence those that dare speak out against the current social, economic and political crises the country is facing,” said Mukoko.

She added: “It is unfortunate that the three are charged under a section of the law the Constitutional Court has ruled to be unconstitutional. Section 31 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which deals with ‘publishing or communicating false statements’ prejudicial to the State, was struck down by the Constitutional Court in 2014 in a matter brought by two Zimbabwe Independent newspaper journalists.

“Harare mayor Jacob Mafume and student activist Allan Moyo have remained incarcerated in a clear case of pre-trial persecution.”

Mukoko said instead of decongesting the cells in a bid to curtail the spread of the virulent COVID-19, it was sad that government was increasing the numbers.

“Even more worrying is that this is happening as the country is at the peak of COVID-19 infections, and the thrust should be to decongest detention centres. We urge government to embrace alternative voices, and to allow freedom of expression as spelt out in our Constitution as only this will pave way for progress, as there is no society that can thrive when its people live in fear,” she said.

-newsday

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MSU Suspends Face To Face Lectures

By A Correspondent- The Midlands State University (MSU) has indefinitely suspended face-to-face lectures to reduce possible transmission of the deadly coronavirus disease.

MSU deputy registrar (academic affairs) Irvine Gumbo said students should pay full fees and register for e-learning classes that commenced yesterday.

“In light of the continued increase in the number of new COVID-19 positive cases, Midlands State University would like to advise all students, across all campuses, particularly those who were scheduled to commence face-to-face lectures on the 4th of January 2021 that all face-to-face lectures have been postponed to a date to be advised,” Gumbo said in a statement.

“Meanwhile, all students are advised to pay their full fees and register to be able to attend online classes and access learning materials.

“Online classes for all students will commence on January 11, 2021.”

He said the decision was in the best interests of “all our stakeholders’ health”.

The adoption of e-learning particularly during lockdowns has been described as unaffordable and elitist by students organisations.

Last year, the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) rejected government e-learning proposals saying the majority of students had no access to reliable network connections and electricity.

Zinasu also pointed out that the majority of students could not afford expensive internet and data bundles.

According to the student body, an estimated 8 000 students deferred their studies in 2020 due to economic hardships.

-newsday

-newsday

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Rio De Ore Mine Sacks 150 Workers

By A Correspondent- Rio De Ore Mine in Inyathi, Matabeleland North province, has terminated employment contracts for 150 workers saying it was winding down operations.

This came soon after it was served with a court order compelling it to remit an outstanding $152 000 in subscription fees to the National Union of Mines, Quarrying, Iron and Steel Workers of Zimbabwe.

The termination of workers’ contracts was confirmed by their union’s regional officer Abraham Kavalanjila yesterday.

He said the company terminated the workers’ contracts on December 31 last year, but the matter was reported to the union on Friday.

He added that the company was under-paying the workers and owed them a total of US$225 000.

“This mine has been underpaying its workers since August 2019. We lodged a complaint with the National Employment Council of the Mining Industry.

“It owes employees US$225 000 and now faces unfair labour practice litigation,” Kavalanjila said.

Efforts to get comment from the mine owner Joseph Chowels were fruitless as he was not answering calls to his mobile phone.

But a letter signed by Chowels dated January 7, 2021 to the union confirmed termination of the contracts.

“This letter serves to confirm that the contractors are no longer contracted by Rio De-Ore Mine as of December 31, 2020. Please may you update your records,” Chowels wrote to the union.

Kavalanjila yesterday wrote back to Chowels acknowledging receipt of the letter on contractors’ behalf and requested him to furnish the union with the list of contractors whose contracts had been terminated within seven days.

“Also be advised that proper procedures when terminating contracts must be followed.

“The union will not hesitate to take legal action against you,” Kavalanjila responded.

The development came after the union on December 18, 2020 filed an application at the Inyathi Magistrates Court seeking an order compelling the company to remit the money owed to the union as members’ subscriptions.

The union represented by its training officer Shadreck Pelewelo cited Rio De Ore Mine as the respondent.

Inyathi magistrate Nyaradzo Tukwa ruled that the company should pay the amount owed to the union.

“The application be and is hereby granted.

“The respondent be and is hereby ordered to pay an amount of $152 000 to the applicant not later than seven days,” ruled Tukwa.

However, the union said the company had not yet complied with the court order but had terminated the workers’ contracts.

In his founding affidavit, Pelewelo submitted that on August 2 2019, the union furnished the company with a stop order form where its then 38 members authorised the company to deduct 3% of their monthly salaries as subscription fees to the union not later than every fifth day of each month.

He said the workers were supposed to earn $18 000 according to the schedule of minimum salaries.

“An amount of $164 160 for the period from January 2020 up to August 2020 is due and owing to the union by the respondent,” the affidavit read.

“The respondent has since paid the sum of $145 000 and despite demand the respondent has refused, failed or neglected to pay the outstanding amount of $19 160.

“On October 22, 2020 some 44 employees of the respondent joined the applicant and the applicant now has 82 members who work for the respondent.”

Pelewelo said on October 29, the union furnished the company with the stop order form where new members authorised it to deduct 3% from their salaries towards union dues.

“Notwithstanding demand, the respondent has also failed, refused or neglected to pay the union dues to the applicant for the months of September, October and November 2020 in the sum of $132 840,” Pelewelo submitted. “The total amount that is due and owing by the respondent to the applicant is $152 000.”

The union said the company’s failure to pay had rendered it (union) bankrupt, affecting its capacity to represent its members.

-newsday

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Persecution Through Prosecution Unacceptable -MDC Alliance

Tinashe Sambiri|Persecution through prosecution is unacceptable in the country, MDC Alliance has said.

Senior MDC Alliance officials and perceived government critics have been arrested in the past few days as the Zanu PF regime desperately moves to silence dissenting voices.

MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Cifford Hyatywayo described the persistent harassment of party members and human rights activists as barbaric.

See statement below:

MDC Alliance strongly condemns the continued abuse of national justice institutions through the arrests of Vice Chairman Hon. Job Sikhala, Party Spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, Harare Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, student leader Allan Moyo and wrongly convicted prisoners: Last Maingehama and Tungamirirai Madzokere together with other political prisoners who are continuously being persecuted by the State.

The ZanuPf government is abusing state institutions by continuously persecuting opposition leaders and human rights defenders. We reiterate the people’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s sentiments that the arrest pertaining to non existing crimes represents dictatorial rule,severe abuse of power and an attack on the rule of law.

Persecution through prosecution reflects authoritarian consolidation rather than democratization.

We have also noted with concern the denial of Constitutionally guranteed right to health for His Worship Mayor Mafume who is reportedly ill and is deliberately exposed to environments fertile for contracting the deadly corona virus. Mayor Jacob Mafume deserves both his right to bail and right to access proper medical assistance with immediate effect.

It must be highlighted that this recent spate of arrests targeting Hon. Job Sikhala, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere and Hopewell Chin’ono is illegal as is it premised on charges that were long declared unconstitutional by the highest court in Zimbabwe. It is pure law-fare targeted to terminally bleed the democratic contingent considered to be holding different views from ZANU PF.

Solidarity is a critical pillar of the MDC Alliance as a social democratic party and we shall pursue democratic and constitutional channels to show that people power is stronger than the people in power in demand for freedom for all prisoners of conscience.

ChangeThatDelivers

Clifford Hlatywayo
MDCA Deputy National Secretary for Communications

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Mnangagwa Himself Is Behind My Arrest -Hon Sikhala

Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, says Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa himself is behind the persecution of political activists and perceived government foes.

According to Hon Sikhala, Mr Mnangagwa’s “fascism” will not go on forever.

Sikhala, Hopewell Chin’ono and Fadzayi Mahere were arrested for allegedly communicating falsehoods.

“Basically this is fascism. An absolute dictatorship and persecution of those people whom they regard as opponents of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

This arrest is purely at the pleasure of Emmerson Mnangagwa. Don’t include anyone in this fight.

It is the fight with Emmerson Mnangagwa. His hatred of my person, Hopewell Chin’ono. Vice President Tendai Biti and others in the opposition forces in our country has been witnessed in the whole year of 2020.

This will not go on forever. We are also watching Mnangagwa’s actions.

This cannot continue. We cannot continue being abused in our country and this message must be very clear to him.

There are levels where you can tolerate persecution, but this one has gone beyond normal persecution,” Sikhala told reporters in Harare on Monday.

Hon Sikhala and Hopewell Chin’ono arriving at court today
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MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women Denounces Arrest Of Advocate Mahere: Full Text

MDC ALLIANCE ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN STATEMENT ON THE ARBITRARY ARREST OF THE PARTY SPOKESPERSON FADZAI MAHERE AND OTHER LEADERS

The MDC Alliance Assembly of women strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of the National Spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala and Hopewell Chin’ono by the state on charges that are illegal and unconstitutional.

The continued abuse of opposition leaders and political activists should be castigated by every progressive Zimbabwean. The government is pushing the opposition by continuosly abusing its power and capturing the state institutions which is a shame. The new dispensation promised by Emerson Mnangagwa is a falace as he continues to squash the democratic space.

We condemn the use of Criminal Law (CodificationReform) Act which is ultra vires the constitution of Zimbabwe.

We there demand the release of Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala, Jacob Mafume and Hopewell Chin’ono and all other political prisoners for they are not criminals.

We continue to fight for democracy and a people’s government that will respect the rule of law and all the freedoms.

Fightforbetterlivelihoods

Change that relievers

Barbara G Tanyanyiwa
MDC A Assembly of Women National Secretary for Communications

Posted on

UZ Postpones Exams Over Lockdown

By A Correspondent- The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has postponed to next month examinations which were due this month following the imposition of a 30 day COVID-19-induced lockdown by government.

The university had earlier urged its students and lecturers to prepare for examinations based on the original timetable prepared in November last year before government announced stricter lockdown measures starting on January 4, under which all face-to-face lectures and learning activities were banned except for Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations.

According to a circular published by the academic registrar, Noah Mutongoreni yesterday, the examinations, which were scheduled for January 20, 2021, will now commence on February 10, 2021 and end on March 10, 2021.

“At its academic committee meeting held on January 8, 2021, the university resolved to shift the examination dates by two weeks. Both lecturers and students are advised that online teaching should continue. Students should stand prepared and ready to sit for the examinations on the newly-announced dates,” the circular read in part.

UZ circular
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Govt Fumigates Public Areas In Harare

By A Correspondent- Government has begun fumigating public areas in Harare in a bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in communities as the country’s confirmed cases and deaths continue to soar.

National spokesman Paul Nyathi said law enforcement agents, working in conjunction with the ministry of Health had used public order vehicles to fumigate normally crowded areas in the capital.

Areas such as Samora Machel Ave (near Holiday Inn), Mbuya Nehanda St between Speke Avenue and Robert Mugabe Road, Simon Muzenda termini, Corner Chinhoyi and Samora, and Seke Road flyover were all fumigated during the exercise.

The team was set to fumigate Mbare Musika and surrounding areas last night.

-dailynews

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Govt To Reign In Land Barons

By A Correspondent- National Housing minister Daniel Garwe says the government is working on modalities to rein in at least 15 land barons believed to be in possession of 80% of the country’s residential space.

Garwe said his ministry was putting final touches to an audit report on urban land occupation and ownership to be tabled before Cabinet.

Garwe said it was a Cabinet decision to audit and act on land barons owing to the chaos that has arisen in the housing sector in recent years.

More to follow….

-dailynews

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FULL TEXT: Save Our Education Campaign Under The ADAPT Blueprint

12 January 2021

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ launched a spirited #SaveOurEducationZW campaign in 2020. The campaign is aimed at rescuing the education sector from the crisis it is trapped in. The campaign is not a reactionary response to the education crisis but a systematic response anchored on our education blue print, “ADAPT.” ADAPT is both a call to action to citizens and an alternative policy strategy which we are tabling to government for adoption in the educations sector.

Adequate funding for education, Devolved and democratic education management, Addressing Curriculum deficits and Teacher Capacity Development, Promoting labour justice for education workers and Technological and infrastructure development are the five pillars of our ADAPT education blueprint.

Adequate Funding for education.

Zimbabwe’s budgetary allocation towards education has consistently been below 13% under the government of President Emerson Mnangagwa. Over 80% of this meagre allocation is consumed by wages. It follows that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has limited capacity to engage in capital investments for education. This comes at a time when Zimbabwean schools are battling with infrastructure deficits and we have a shortage of almost 3 000 schools. Learners are also failing to access to education because of failing to pay fees and levies.

Government is mandated to fund basic education in section 75 of the constitution.

The Dakar declaration on education to which Zimbabwe is a signatory benchmarks budgetary allocation for education at 20%. The Sub Saharan Average budgetary allocation for education stands at 16.0%. Zimbabwe is therefore under investing in education. The little resources allocated to the education sector are at times lost due to corruption as captured in the Auditor’s report of 2018, USD 6 090 000 meant for procuring books and other materials for the new curriculum was diverted. Recently the education Ministry also received ZWL 600 million for safe schools opening but the amount never brought expected changes.

Parents are now the major funders of education through tuition fees and levies. However massive corruption is alleged in the manner School Development Committees, SDC are managing funds.

Because of underfunding our education system is not ready to withstand the challenge of emergencies such as COVID19 and other natural disasters.

ACTION: We invite citizens to join us under the #SaveOurEducationZW campaign to advocate for more government funding for education and accountability in expenditure of resources allocated to education. To that end we shall be engaged in budget tracking for resources allocated to education sector.

We further call for free basic education in line with the dictates of the constitution.

The Union is agitating for an education in emergencies charter to avoid disruption of education during emergencies.

ARTUZ will conduct trainings for SDCs to improve their financial management skills. The Union is further creating Parents Teachers Associations, PTAs to play an oversight role on how schools spent fees paid by parents.

Devolved and Democratic education management.

The responsibility of managing education is fully entrusted to permanent secretary and the line Minister. Provinces and districts are only there to implement policy directives dictated from Harare and have no role generating policies compatible for their regions. The curriculum is a one size fit all with no regard for the varied education needs of our diverse communities.

Education management is highly politicized with the toxic ZANU PF politics taking precedence over learning. Education resources are diverted to support the ruling party’s private political interests as we rightly raised in our safe schools court application before Justice Mafusire at Masvingo High Court in 2018.

ACTION: Advocate for devolved education management with regions being empowered to make own policy initiatives and add regional learning goals to the national template. We further call for the banning of partisan politics in the education ecosystem so that our schools are safe.

Addressing Curriculum deficits and Teacher Capacity development.

The current education curriculum still has gaps of both content and implementation. Our curriculum still fall short on addressing civic education goals among other learning areas. Some learning areas in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are still to be fully implemented because of resource challenges. Continuous assessment remains a dream because of shortage of resources.

Teachers are failing engage in continuous development because of stringent conditions imposed on unpaid study leave. Our teachers are therefore not up to speed with modern teaching methods and content in their teaching areas.

ACTION: Advocacy for the annual review of the curriculum to update it to the national educational needs and the skills needs of the 21st century. We further invite citizens to help us push for flexible and fully paid study leave for teachers.

Promoting labour justice for education workers.

ARTUZ’s labour justice index explores in detail the structural challenges impeding the realization of labour justice in the teaching profession. Teachers are highly demotivated because of underpayment. Rural teachers are the worst affected as they work under extremely difficult conditions. The demotivated teachers are also victimized by the ruling ZANU PF party, being accused of pursuing a regime change agenda. Our teachers therefore fail to deliver quality services to our learners under these difficult circumstances.

ACTION: ARTUZ will continue to research and document the violations of teachers’ rights. We call upon citizens to join us as we advocate for the compliance with the provisions of section 65 of Zimbabwe’s constitution. We further call for the introduction of a substantial rural retention and attraction allowance. The allowance should at least be 75% of basic salary.

Technological and infrastructure deficits.

The ZimStats Information and Communication Technology, ICT census on Access and Use by Education institutions report of 2017 paints a gloomy picture on access to ICT. Access to computers, electricity and the internet is below 10% in our schools. This is at a time when the bulk of learning materials are now readily available online. It is also at a time when most countries are switching to online remote learning in the face of the COVID19 pandemic.

Access to a library, laboratory and a proper classroom remains a dream for the majority of learners in rural areas and unregulated urban settlements. This infrastructure has to be developed for our learners.
Zimbabwe still has a shortage of almost 3000 schools, as a result learners either walk for long distances to access education or are overcrowded in under resourced schools.

ACTION: ARTUZ invites citizens to join the call for an Education equalization fund for education, the fund should receive funding from our mineral wealth and other revenue flows. This fund will be channeled towards technological and infrastructure development in schools.

The #SaveOurEducationZW campaign is not just a reactionary move to the education crisis but a comprehensive response to the deep rooted crisis.

ARTUZ invites you to join us every last Friday of the month in 2021 as we act for education under the #SaveOurEducationZW.

ARTUZ INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

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“Exam Markers Test Covid-19 Positive”: Teachers Unions Claim

By A Correspondent- Teachers’ unions have made sensational claims that at least 200 of their members currently marking recently completed public examinations have tested positive for Covid-19.

As a result, the unions want Zimsec to stop the marking until it is safe to continue.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union president Obert Masarure said Zimsec must consider the safety of teachers first and stop examination marking.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company in Bulawayo yesterday started implementing social distancing on its buses with kombis now obliged to carry a maximum of eight passengers per trip as part of the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The commuting public in Bulawayo continues to sing transport blues as the State-controlled Zupco buses fail to cope with demand despite the restrictions in movement brought about by Covid-19 lockdwon regulations

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Latest On Hopewell Chin’ono, Job Sikhala Court Appearances

https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1348900405795840002?s=20
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WATCH- Chinamasa Speaks On Death Rumours. Says “I Am Not Dead”

By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf heavyweight Patrick Chinamasa who was reported on social media to have died has trashed the reports revealing that he was very much alive.

In an exclusive interview with ZimEye, Tuesday morning, Chinamasa said it was embarrasing that people would peddle lies alleging that he had died.

He said:

“Hello. Morning. Who am i talking to? Simba Chikanza? Are you the ones alleging that i have died? It is embarrasing isn’t it? .. eeeh .. i am alive. thank you very much. thank you.”

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

https://www.facebook.com/watch/ZimEye/videos/457270495434917/
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Govt Breaks Own Rules On Number Of People At Burials

By Jane Mlambo| Government has breached its own rules with regards to burials after gathering over one hundred people at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of the late Brigadier Moyo.

This is despite the COVID-19 lockdown regulations restricting burials to only 30 people.

Part of the government delegation at the burial of the late Brigadier Moyo.

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Zim Gospel Songbird Bags Adjudicated Discovery Of The Year In South Africa

Lety Chawira

By Jane Mlambo| Emerging gospel songbird Lety Chawira has won her first global award after her song “Heal our land” was adjudicated as the discovery of the year at the 2020 Maranatha Awards.

Chawira who rose to fame with her collaboration with Rev Chivaviro titled “Matestmony” was elated at the recognition which she said will be a major boost to her budding career.

The awards ceremony was supposed to be held in Kenya but due to Covid-19 pandemic they were announced virtually.

In an interview, Chawira said the award was a major boost in her career.

Lety Chawira’s recently bagged gong

“I want to thank God for getting this first award in my career as a musician this shows that people are appreciating my works out there,” she said.

She said the award came as a major motivation and she will be releasing several songs and videos.

“I will be working on more videos and songs that will be released this year because this award has shown me that out there people love my music,” she said.

Janet Manyowa and Thembalami won the best collaborations on the same awards.

“It is encouraging to see musicians from my home land taking awards. It shows that we are heading somewhere as an industry,” she added.

The song has been considered as prophetic with music pundits hailing the songbird for remembering her country in prayers.

Chawira, who started music in 2008 and has three albums to her name, expressed appreciation to people who have been instrumental in the growth of her career.

“I have worked with various producers all of whom have been crucial in building my career. Although I am reaping rewards in West Africa, I do appreciate the work being done by locals especially Mono Mukundu,” she said.

Chawira worked with Mono on her two album “Mbiri Ndeyenyu” and “Vesai Moto.”

She is working on a DVD to be released later this year.

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14 Trapped Miners Rescued From Peace Mine

By A Correspondent- 14 miners who were trapped underground after the tunnel they were working in collapsed have all been rescued with no casualties.

The mining accident occurred at Peace Mine in Silobela on Saturday night and the miners were pulled out on Monday night after fellow miners and the community stepped in.

Rubble collapsed into the tunnel creating an approximately 20-metre barricade which barred the miners from getting out of the tunnel.

Initial reports had claimed that 12 miners had been trapped but it was later established that 14 people were rescued.

Acting Kwekwe Civil Protection Unit Chairperson, (CPU) Clemence Muduma said some of the rescued miners had been taken to hospital.

Said Muduma:

All the miners, 14 of them are out and are safe. They have since been rescued. Some of them were taken to hospital for check-ups and were released.

Meanwhile, Silobela member of parliament, Mthokozisi Manoki-Mpofu called upon authorities to close the mine until ownership issues were solved.

Mining operations at the mine were controlled by the Silobela Community Ownership Trust, but since the chairperson, Arther Nkiwane died, miners have been carrying out unsanctioned mining operations.-statemedia

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“Repatriation Of Dead Zimbabweans To Continue”: Govt

By A Correspondent- The repatriation of Zimbabweans for burial in the country will continue under strict and safe health protocols to avoid contamination and the risk of new Covid-19 infections, a senior government official said today.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s director of Environmental Health, Mr Victor Nyamande said all necessary precautions were being taken to save more lives.

He said although the movement of bodies for burial internally had been reviewed, those Zimbabweans who die outside the country will be repatriated but subjected to a rigorous process.

As from Sunday midnight, people who die from Covid19 will be buried in towns or areas in which they would have died and there will be no body-viewing.

The police have since been ordered to block any movement of corpses.

Government announced the measures last night as 978 new cases and 24 deaths were recorded countrywide.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions to make sure we avoid having more infections.

“Those who will die in foreign countries will be allowed burial in the country, but we are going to effect strict monitoring and supervisory technics,” said Mr Nyamande.

He said the processing of the repatriation documents will, besides passing through the various embassies, be subject to approval by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Mr Nyamande said it was important for those processing documentation including the funeral parlours to cooperate with authorities so that Zimbabweans are afforded the decent burials they deserve.

“Under the new order, all bodies (from Covid19) will now be buried in the town/city where the death would have taken place.

“Those who seek to transport the bodies for burial elsewhere will have to undergo a tight screening process from authorities,” he said.

The officials said all bodies will be taken straight from the funeral parlours and hospital mortuaries to the place of burial.

Mr Nyamande said the same scenario will apply to those bodies coming in from other countries.

“There will be no body-viewing or taking of bodies home. From the airport or land border, the remains will be taken straight to the gravesite as indicated.

“The burials will be supervised by health officials to ensure that we protect the communities from Covid-19 infections and we can only succeed with everyone’s cooperation,” said the official.

Zimbabwean and South African health authorities came up with stringent measures recently to curtail the spread of the contagious disease.

On average 60 bodies of Zimbabweans are repatriated from South Africa through Beitbridge weekly.

To process documents at the country’s embassies, people require the Ministry of Health and Child Care clearance for repatriating remains of Zimbabweans, a birth certificate or national Identification documents of the deceased.

This applies mostly to those travelling by road and where the remains are flown, a passport is mandatory and a copy of the informant’s particulars and a burial order.

On average it costs an average of R15000 to transport a body from South Africa to Zimbabwe by road.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe last week warned those defying the order restricting people to 30 per funeral.

“The ministry has also noted with concern, that despite funerals being allowed a maximum of 30 people, this limit is being disregarded by many.

“Citizens are urged to observe this regulation. Any violation of this requirement will meet the full wrath of the law,” said Minister Kazembe.

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VP Mohadi To Officiate At Brig Gen Collin Moyo Burial

By A Correspondent- The late national hero Brigadier-General Collin Moyo (Rtd), will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Tuesday 12 January 2021.

According to the government spokesperson Nick Mangwanga, the burial programme will be presided over by the Acting President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Kembo Dugish Campbell Mohadi.

Said Mangwana,

“The late national hero Brigadier-General Collin Moyo (Rtd), will be buried at the National Heroes Acre on Tuesday 12 January 2021. The programme will be presided over by the Acting President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Honourable K.C.D Mohadi.

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Quartet In Soup For Killing Bushbuck

By A Correspondent- Four Bindura men who shot and killed a bushbuck at Tsambe game park in Bindura were arraigned before a Bindura magistrate yesterday.

The quartet Lovemore Kandiya (18), Hendrick Chitengu (44), Edson Karudzarema (42) and Leo Chitengu pleaded guilty to the charge before magistrate Tendai Chifamba.

They were remanded in custody to tomorrow for sentencing.

Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on January 7 the armed quartet stormed Tsambe game park in search of game meat.

They shot and killed a bushbuck which they came across and took the meat to their homes.

Game rangers who heard gunshots went for a search and found footprints which led them to Kandiya’s homestead.

A police report was filed and they arrested Kandiya before recovering a dish of meat from the shot buck.

He implicated his accomplices who were tracked and were caught with some meat, the meat was recovered and a 303 rifle used in the crime was also recovered from Karudzarema’s bedroom.

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Latest On Covid-19 Cases, Deaths

By A Correspondent- The country recorded 820 new Covid-19 positive cases and 21 deaths on Monday. All 820 cases are local cases with 385 cases from Harare alone. A total of 1 518 PCR tests were conducted. New recoveries were 631.

The national recovery rate stands at 59,3 percent and active cases went up to 8 556.

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“Dead” Robber’s Daughter Digs Up Father’s Loot

By A Correspondent- Family members of a robber who died in prison in 2016 have been arrested after they dug up the yard and garden at the house where he was a tenant more than 13 years ago.

Vincent Matope Gavi was arrested and convicted for robbery in 2008 together with two accomplices after robbing a foreigner of US dollars and South African rands.

He died in 2016 and was buried in Rafingora without disclosing where he had stashed his bounty.

His daughter, Mellisa Mutandwa (20), who resides in Chinhoyi, claimed that her late father’s spirit had spoken to her in a dream and directed her to the house he used to rent with his family before his arrest.

The owner of the house, Anna Liwanga Lukupa, was shocked to find the Gavi family digging up his yard and attempted to restrain them.

Lukupa’s protestations were ignored and she called the police leading to the arrest of the family for unlawful entry.

The deceased’s widow, Nelia Mutandwa, told The Herald that she believed what the spirit said because her daughter was still a toddler when her husband was arrested. She said:

She then came here in the trance and started digging in search of the said money in the company of her uncle Nomore Gavi who is also my late husband’s brother.

I was then informed that my daughter, brother-in-law and other family members who had accompanied her were arrested by the police for unlawful entry.

Meanwhile, heavily-armed police officers were deployed to guard the home where the loot is believed to have been stashed

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Debate Over New Higher Denomination Notes

By A Correspondent- Reports indicating that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will soon introduce higher denominations of banknotes have sparked debate with some commentators in support of the move while others remain unconvinced of the merits of such a move.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the RBZ will introduce into circulation new $50, $100 and $200 banknotes this year.

Affirmative Action Group Matabeleland chapter president Reginald Shoko told NewsDay that the introduction of higher dominations will ease cash shortages and ideally, the largest denomination must be equivalent to US$20, roughly ZWL$2 000.

While acknowledging that the introduction of bigger denominations could be a good move, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) regional manager for Bulawayo, Comfort Muchekedza, said banknotes could spread the coronavirus to all corners of the country. He said:

With the increased cases of coronavirus, banknotes are also mediums of transmission; they easily exchange hands and move so fast to all corners of the country.

National Consumer Rights Association advocacy advisor Effie Ncube said higher denominations may drive up inflation. Said Ncube:

On the negative side, it may drive up inflation because each time you add new money into the market you drive up inflationary pressures or prices. We may see a lot of prices of different commodities going up.

Zimbabwe’s highest denomination currently is the $20 banknote which is roughly equivalent to US$0.25 and informal traders are now using Zimbabwe dollars as change while transacting in US dollars.

-newsday

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Mwonzora To Be “Biggest Opposition By 2023” – And Perpetuate Rigged Elections, Deplorable Lack Of Imagination

By Nomusa Garikai- The trouble with Zimbabweans is they have no clue what constitutes a competent leader and it is little wonder the nation has blundered from pillar to post, the blind leading the blind into the ditch. 

It therefore is no surprise that some Zimbabweans are already seeing Douglas Mwonzora, the recently elected MDC-T leader, as the man who could lead the nation.

“What l would like to state clearly and as background knowledge is that the powers of the opposition have been going down since 2008 when MDC got 110 seats in parliament, then 2013 got 60 and then 2018 they got around 40 and if the probability that we learnt at school is to be applied it means the opposition is likely to get 30+/- seats in 2023 unless there comes a third political party,” wrote Kumbirai Chivhuna in Bulawayo 24.

“The second thing is that Zanu learnt a big lesson in 2008 with Mugabe clearly telling the politburo Kuti kukurukura hunge wapotswa and from there they made sure that they win the first round election and no room for rerun or runoff.

“Then thirdly Zanu Pf has monetized politics to an extent that whoever has the money will have more than 50% odds in favour of him before the campaign starts.”

Any one who does not understand what the 2008 GNU was about is not ill qualified to propose a way forward for Zimbabwe. Chivhuna has no clue what the GNU was about. 

The first thing Mugabe and his Zanu PF thugs learned from the 2008 to 2013 GNU was that MDC leaders are corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent. There is no deny that Mugabe bribed them to forget about implementing the reforms and not even the repeated nagging by SADC leaders to implement the reforms could get MDC leaders to do it. 

The second thing they learned was that they can keep their dictatorial powers including the powers to blatantly rig elections, as long as they bribe MDC to participate in elections no matter how flawed and illegal the process.  

So Zanu PF has rigged the elections to secure the presidency plus the 2/3 or so parliamentary majority. The party has then used the remaining 1/3 of the gravy train seats as bait to entice the opposition to participate in elections regardless how flawed and illegal process got!

Douglas Mwonzora is a long standing senior MDC leader and he was in the 2008 to 2013 GNU that failed to implement even one reform. 

Mwonzora participated in the 2013 and 2018 elections without any reservations.

MDC-T is going to receive $ 13.6 million, its share of the $100 million 2021 national budget allocation from the Political Party Finance Act (PPFA). And as the party’s new leader Douglas Mwonzora will get 20% or $2.72 million. 

One can ever talk the likes of Mwonzora to demand the implementation of reforms and boycott elections to pressure Zanu Pf to implement reform is naive. Mwonzora and company will never risk losing the MP and Senator salary and allowances, the PPFA payout and the other benefits Zanu PF is offering.

“l would say that Mwonzora stands a big chance become the biggest opposition by 2023 if he plays well but with regards to winning the presidential election that’s far fetched coz Zanu has solidified maybe for 2028,” argued Kumbirai.

Participating in the 2023 elections with no reforms will only serve to perpetuate the Zanu PF dictatorship, the very thing the nation is desperate to end. Of course, it is foolish to seen stagnation as progress! 

Anyone suggesting the MDC idiots who have already proven to be corrupt and incompetent are fit to hold any public office much less the highest office in the land suffers a deplorable lack of imagination!

After 40 years of rigged elections, the root cause why we are stuck with this corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship, Zimbabwe is going to implement the democratic reforms and finally hold free, fair and credible elections. 

If Zanu PF and its cohort opposition opportunists do not implement the reforms, then the 2023 elections must be declared null void. 

We live in any age where other nations are exploring the mysteries of deep space, splitting the atom, have developed corona virus vaccine in record time and done a host of other mind-boggling exploits. And we are failing to define what constitutes free, fair and credible elections and implement for our own benefit and that of posterity! 

Zimbabwe’s next elections MUST be free, fair and credible; that is not negotiable!

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Another MDC A Leader Arrested As Fight For “Headlines” Hots Up – All Deserted Fight For Reforms

By Patrick Guramatunhu- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was launched by Morgan Tsvangirai and his friends in 1999 to answer the nation’s cry for democratic changes as the only way to end the de facto one party, Zanu PF, dictatorship.

Ever since the people have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the understanding to party will deliver the changes and thus end the dictatorship. 

MDC has been on the political stage for over 20 years, 5 of which in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, but, alas, has nothing to show for it. The party has failed to implement even one meaningful democratic reform in 20 years. Not a sausage!

Why?

The overarching reason why MDC leaders have failed to implement even one democratic reform even in the five years of the GNU, when Zanu PF leaders had committed themselves to reforms by signing the SADC sponsored 2008 Global Political Agreement; is that MDC leaders are corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent. 

Ever since the end of 2008 to 2013 GNU with all the damning evidence of their selling-out of reforms, MDC leaders have all but thrown in the towel on getting any democratic reforms implemented and on free, fair and credible elections. They are now fighting skirmishes that they know will do nothing to dismantle the dictatorship. 

“MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has been arrested and charged with ‘publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state’ for posting widely circulated video which purported to show a baby killed by a policeman’s baton stick while strapped to its mother,” reported Bulawayo 24.

MP Job Sikhala, MDC A Vice Chairperson, has already been arrested for the same charge. 

Last year Sikhala and fellow MDC A leader, Jacob Ngarivhume were arrested to calling for the 31 July 2020 public protests. 

Nelson Chamisa, MDC A President, claimed that he was the winner of the July 2018 presidential race and the party has refused to accept Mnangagwa as the legitimate President. The party has resolved to stage public demonstrations as one way of pressuring Mnangagwa and Zanu PF to accept a power sharing arrangement in which Chamisa and a few of his fellow MDC A leaders will be given cabinet positions. 

No one of substance, notably the EU, Americans and SADC, have taken Chamisa’s claims seriously because they all know the whole elections was a farce, Zanu PF blatantly rigged the elections. ZEC failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll. Chamisa failed to produce the V11 forms, summary of the votes count from each Polling Station, to show where his 2.6 millions vote came from. 

Not even ZEC was able to produce all the V11 forms to show where Mnangagwa’s winning votes came from! ZEC’s submitted affidavit to the ConCourt had only 90% of the V11 forms and hence the reason why the commission ended up with three different tallies of the votes; without the V11 no one could trace and verify all the figures.

MDC A and the rest of the opposition should have never participated in the July 2018 elections without first implementing the reforms. “MDC A has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections!” boasted the Chamisa before the elections. 

By participating in the flawed and illegal elections, MDC A gave the process credibility and gave the vote rigging Zanu PF legitimacy. What is so infuriating is that the MDC leaders have known this all along, as David Coltart, MDC A Treasure General, readily admitted in his book! 

“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” wrote Senator Coltart.

“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”

MDC leaders have been participating in flawed and illegal elections because they could not resist the few gravy train seats Zanu PF was offering to entice them to participate. MDC leaders have sold-out on reforms and free, fair and credible elections. 

Instead of fighting to implement the reforms and thus guarantee free, fair and credible elections MDC leaders are now insisting they can win rigged elections.

Instead of fighting to implement the reforms MDC leaders are fighting for headline grabbing skirmishes that will keep their names and faces in the public eye and keep up the illusion the MDC is still fighting for the common cause of free and fair elections. 

Of course, it nonsensical for MDC A to participate in the flawed and illegal elections and thus give the vote rigging Zanu PF regime legitimacy and then try to remove the regime from office by public protests. Why did they give Mnangagwa legitimacy in the first place!

Make no mistake about it, Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala, Tendai Biti, Nelson Chamisa, Douglas Mwonzora and all the other opposition opportunists are will all gearing to participate in the 2023 elections with no reforms in place. It is incumbent on every thinking Zimbabwean to put an end to this madness. 

Expose the MDC A leaders for the sell-outs they are, for selling out on reforms for selfish gravy train seats, and the opposition will lose credibility. A vote rigging Zanu PF regime cannot get legitimacy from a discredited opposition. 

If the 2023 elections go ahead with no reforms, it is clear both Zanu PF and the opposition want this, then the plebiscite must be declared null and void. And with a discredited opposition and illegitimate Zanu PF, it will easy to get everyone this time, including SADC, to condemn the elections as a farce

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“You Killed This Child!” ZRP Cop Didn’t Deny As People Shouted 9 Times, And Now Kazembe Says The Child’s Alive And Has No Injuries At All

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Ramaphosa Closes Beitbridge Border As Covid-19 Wrecks Havoc In SA

South Africa will close its borders to general passenger traffic until 15 February to contain the spread of a new strain of the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the decision last night while giving an update on the state of affairs concerning the containment of the pandemic.

Under the new regulations, only commercial cargo, diplomats, daily commuters with school or work visas and those seeking emergency medical attention, will be allowed through the border.

President Ramaphosa said foreigners and South African returnees will also be allowed to leave or arrive.

“Based on the recommendations of the National Coronavirus Command Council, cabinet has decided to maintain the country on adjusted alert level 3.

“Most of the measures that were announced on 28 December 2020 will therefore remain in place,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said congestion at the country’s borders was one of the major challenges that needed addressing.

He said congestion at ports of entry had exposed many people to infection as they waited to be processed.

“To reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission, Cabinet has decided that the 20 land ports of entry that are currently open will be closed until the 15th of February for general entry and departure.

“These include the six busiest border posts, which are Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg and Kopfontein,” said President Ramaphosa.

People will be allowed through the borders for the transportation of fuel, cargo and goods, and emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition.

Said President Ramaphosa: “Given the risk of widespread transmission, most indoor and outdoor gatherings will not be permitted. This includes social gatherings, religious gatherings, political events, traditional council meetings and gatherings at sports grounds.”

Funerals will not be attended by over 50 people, and that there be social distancing, hand sanitising and wearing of face masks.

The curfew hours will now start at 9pm and end at 5am.

The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and on-site consumption of alcohol remains banned.

-State Media

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL TOUGHNESS, JOB LOSS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

COVID-19 has created concerns about wellbeing and mental health leading to a growth in research assessing the consequences of the coronavirus on psychological well-being. This generally suggests that symptoms of anxiety and depression and self-reported stress were common psychological responses to the pandemic.

However, it is also the case that not everyone responds in the same way.

A research team led by Dr. Dara Mojtahedi of Huddersfield University looked at the relationship between Mental Toughness and self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

A PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH STUDY PROVIDING IMPORTANT INSIGHT INTO THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY COVID 19 – AND INDICATING WHAT MIGHT YET BE NEEDED

They used the MTQ48 to assess Mental Toughness. Mental Toughness is a personality trait describing mental responses to stress, pressure and challenge. These range from Mental Toughness at one end of a spectrum and Mental Sensitivity at the other. MTQ48 assesses overall level of Mental Toughness as well as level of Mental Toughness on 6 components of Mental Toughness.

The study indicates that although all can be generally anxious, stressed and depressed in response to the sustained pressure derived from the Covid 19 pandemic, the more Mentally Tough are better able to deal with this. The more Mentally Sensitive respond less well.

This is an important confirmation that our mental approach to events is a significant factor in determining our mental health or wellbeing. The study takes a snapshot at a point in time. Nevertheless, these findings are consistent with other research using the Mental Toughness concept and the MTQ measures which shows that the Mentally Sensitive can become more Mentally Sensitive under sustained stressful conditions.

This has significant implications for much of the population both during and after the pandemic. Without self awareness and without targeted intervention it may be that significant numbers will experience anxiety, depression and stress, with all of their consequences, for some time even when Covid 19 is dealt with.

A by product of the study was that it was also able to show a similar effect with respect to job loss. The Mentally Tough dealt better with that outcome when it occurred.

The study suggests that, given Mental Toughness can be developed, creating self awareness about ones Mental Toughness may be useful to help mitigate some of the effects of the pandemic.

MTQ48 and MTQPlus are measures of Mental Toughness developed by Doug Strycharczyk, CEO, AQR International in collaboration with Professor Peter Clough and Dr John Perry.

For information about the MTQ measures and development programmes contact [email protected]

The research was published in Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.607246/abstract

– ENDS –

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2nd Street Child’s Bodyparts Were Clearly Motionless Over A Long 43 Sec Period As Mum Wrestled ZRP Cop And Here’s Minister Kazembe Says…

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Man Who Brutally Killed Own Parents Finally Arrested

POLICE have arrested a son of a late prominent elderly couple from Empandeni in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, for allegedly killing his parents.

Lisani Nleya (45) was allegedly arrested at a prophet’s house in Bulawayo after sneaking into the country from South Africa.

He allegedly confessed to killing his parents during police interrogation.

Nleya did not attend his parents’ funeral and allegedly last communicated with his family before the brutal killings on September 1 last year at Mzaza Village in Empandeni.

Nicholas Kenny Nleya (83) and his wife, Margaret (76), were allegedly attacked by unknown assailants and workers at their homestead told police they fled when they heard Margaret begging for her life as the attackers assaulted the couple.

The Nleyas were both retired teachers at nearby Catholic-run Empandeni Primary School, and were staunch members of the Roman Catholic Church.

They were respected and looked up to by many people in the area. It is suspected the assailants beat the couple to death and set a hut with the bodies in it on fire.

The bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Remnants of petrol bombs and dynamite were in the room where the charred remains were found.

At the time, a source close to investigations said four Molotov cocktails, three still intact, sticks of dynamite and an axe head were in the room, indicating a possible attempt to create an explosion that would destroy everything.

“There was also an axe head at the scene. It did not belong to the homestead. Their bodies were mutilated. This then might confirm the notion that the couple was murdered before being burnt,” said the source.

The source said forensic investigations picked that the couple bled a lot before death.

Family spokesperson Mr Patrick Nyathi yesterday confirmed the arrest.

“Police phoned to inform us that Lisani Nleya was arrested in connection with the murder case of our relatives. As a family we want the law to take its course so that we know the whole truth. We were not told of the details about his arrest, we are waiting but we hope he will appear in court. For now, that is what I can say,” said Mr Nyathi.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspect who was based in South Africa sneaked into the country and was arrested after a tip-off.

“The suspect came from South Africa and following a tip-off that he was at a certain prophet’s house to collect his belongings, police pounced on him and arrested him. He confessed to having killed his parents,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said investigations are in progress and he is expected to appear in court soon.

His arrest, a villager said yesterday, confirmed what was an open secret in the village that Lisani was behind the cold blooded killing of his parents.-Chronicle

ZRP badge
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Desperate Zanu PF Regime Accuses ANC Of Supporting President Chamisa

The Zimbabwean Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) is reportedly investigating evidence that South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly sponsoring the opposition leader President Nelson Chamisa.

According to the publication, Ramaphosa is being accused of trying to destabilize Zimbabwe by sponsoring the opposition.

The development was reportedly revealed by ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe as he was accusing Zanu PF of blackmailing the ANC.

Mantashe also dared Mugwadi who threatened to leak a bombshell on the ANC’s visit to Harare, to drop the bombshell and said:

“You can’t always have a neighbour that is always blackmailing you. This relationship with Zimbabwe (ZANU PF) is always filled with threats and blackmail. I don’t like that. If ZANU PF wants to spill that beans on our meeting with them they just must. I am eager to hear what they want to spill.”

Meanwhile, Zanu PF is reportedly not happy with the ANC meeting G40 members in South Africa and wanted the party to silence President Mnangagwa’s critic Julius Malema. Both issues were negatively responded to as the ANC said it will meet with anyone who is legally in South Africa and said they cannot silence Malema in a democracy.
-Savanna News

President Ramaphosa
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I Have One Wife- Billiat

Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat has rubbished weekend reports that he had married a South African singer as a second wife.

Billiat said he was happily married to Mai Kim (Esnath Munyedawo) and will never marry a second wife.

The weekly City Press of South Africa reported that Billiat married television star Nomcebo “Dot” Mthethwa.

The City Press reported that the Zimbabwean football star had secretly paid lobola for his new lover.

According to the report, Nomcebo’s mother, Smaniso Mthethwa, confirmed that Billiat was engaged to her daughter and the two were planning a future together.

Mthethwa is the hottest new Gqom artiste. Her career is thriving with her hit single “Makoti” getting a lot of air play on South African radio.

Mthethwa’s mother could not give more details, saying she needs permission from the couple.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport from his base in South Africa, Billiat said he had one wife, who is also the mother of his daughter.

“Khama has one wife, Mai Kim, I never married anyone. I don’t know why people are doing this. I repeat I am happily married to Mai Kim,” said Billiat.-Chronicle

Billiat
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HWANGE TEACHER’S COLLEGE A Hub Of Capitalism

The Council Of Student Teachers (COST), was alarmed by the reluctance of Hwange Teacher’s College on the issues affecting their students on Teaching Practice. An exploitative situation is being faced by the pioneer students of Hwange Teacher’s College who are on Teaching Practice in the hands of both Hwange Teacher’s College and United College of Education, which oversees the former’s affairs.

After successfully fighting for an increment in the Teaching Practice allowances from a mere 150rtgs a month to 5656rtgs a month, it has been noted that these students have not received their monthly allowances from September 2020 when they started till date. This is another cat and mouse game of a clueless if not lack of leadership in government offices.

The government is supposed to provide student teachers with much needed funds, though little, they may be able to acquire teaching and learning material necessary for the discharge of their duties as student teachers. The allowance is also a proof that the government is acknowledging their existence as teachers under training.

Hwange Teacher’s College authorities claim that the mishap is not their fault. According to them, they fowarded the relevant information to SSB on time and hence the fault should be with the paying services of the government.

This is not a new game, it has been practised in all government institutions. They try to clear their names and paint others black when they are the real snakes. HTC is supposed to recieve payslips every monthend from the Public Service’s SSB. When they didnot see those coming they decided to fold their hands and relax. Woe to you Hwange Teacher’s College staff, woe to you United College Of Education who are supposed to oversee the newly formed college against proponents of misery.

Students need their allowance, above all, the contract they got into with the government says thatvthey will be getting that monthly allowance.

COST, in this regard shall be uncompromising and myopic towards the resuscitation of the hardworking pioneer student teachers of Hwange Teachers College.
Woe betide anyone who gets in the way of student teachers.
#htcstudentsdeserverespect
#saveoureducationzw

For and on behalf of COST
Muzamani Walter
Council Of Student Teachers
President
+263775313277

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Gweru Hit By Horror Floods

By Thabo Makuyana| In another clear sign of Global Warming, Gweru, Zimbabwe’s fourth largest city has been hit by heavy floods that have caused extensive damage to furniture, destroyed homes, made many Zimbabweans homeless and thus far claimed 6 lives.

Zimbabwean Member of Parliament (MP) Brian Dube representative for Gweru Urban Constituency, has advised the above and more in an interview that lasted a little over 5 minutes.

Gweru is Zimbabwe’s most centrally located city and home to Fletcher, Mzingwane, Thornhill and Mkoba high schools. Thornhill High School is proud to have educated Mr Takwana Tyaranini, the founder of Senditoo.com, a company that is expanding throughout Africa. Many other famous people who serve in corridors of business, legal and political power have also been educated in Gweru.

The floods are said to have reached 0.5m in height in places, thus leading to the total writing off through water damage, of whole household furniture in some cases where residents could not evacuate all their belongings on time.

The MP said that there are 6 victims who are still to be rescued, after a vehicle they were in was swept away by waters from Gweru River.

MP Brian Dube said it is suspected that all 6 people have unfortunately lost their lives.

Approached for comment, police we’re still to respond.

Hon Brian Dube said the Zimbabwean Airforce attended to help rescue the stranded who included children. It is likely that the Zimbabwean scuba divers struggled due to the current ferocity of the river.

MP Brian Dube went on to explain that there is a shortage of desperately needed equipment for the emergency services and pleaded for what he called, “Serious Assistance from the international community, including blankets and food for those who have been seriously affected, as some have lost absolutely everything and that is what is immediate.”

He then went on to say that long term assistance might include the reconstruction of homes and some of the roads which have been as he said, “Terribly Damaged.”

When asked about help from Government MP Brian Dube said that there is a rapid response team that has been set up with the Mayor of Gweru, but that also needs equipment and resources like vehicles and fuel as at the moment they have just one car and as such will not be able to cover all the areas affected.

He further went on to explain that the current spending for this disaster is off budget for him as the MP and for the council; and they will likely need a lot of help. The said he was using his own resources to run around helping his constituents and was appealing for help from organisations that are able to help.

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Nottingham Forest To Offload Tendai Darikwa ?

English Championship side’s Nottingham Forest might offload Warriors’ right-back Tendai Darikwa after indicating that they might ship him out this month.

This was revealed by Darikwa’s coach Chris Hughton who reportedly spoke highly of Darikwa but said he should go to another club where he can get some game time:

We have always been very open with Tendayi. He is a really good individual, a good trainer and a good player. But it’s a good while, even before my time, since he is played. He is one that if there is an opportunity for him to get games elsewhere, then I think that’s an opportunity we would accept and he would take.

But having said that, he pushes everyday in training. And although he has not been involved, I wouldn’t be too fearful of involving him. It’s only that he has not played for a while. But his levels have been good and he has played some Under-23 games, and is an incredibly good professional.

Tendai Darikwa according to the publication, had an injury last year, his anterior cruciate ligament ruptured before the conclusion of last season and he bounced back as an unused substitute after the injury.-NewsDay

Darikwa
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Minister Kazembe Kazembe’s Interview Hints 2nd Street-Lifeless Child’s Mother Was Likely Assassinated By Cops

Kazembe Kazembe

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…..

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Health Ministry Imposes Restrictions On Movement Of Dead Bodies For Burial: Full Text

PRESS STATEMENT RESTRICTIONS ON THE MOVEMENT OF COVID-19 DEAD BODIES FOR BURIAL IN THE COUNTRY

Harare, 11 January 2021, The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) would like to advise the public that it has now imposed restrictions regarding the movement of COVID-19 dead bodies ahead of burial in the country.

In order to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a body will now be buried in the town or city where the death would have occurred. This decision would ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is contained.

Below are the protocols to be observed during the burial process:

1.The Police will only clear body movements for burial straight from a funeral parlour or hospital mortuary to the burial site.

  1. Nobody viewing will be allowed.
  2. Bodies will not be taken home.
  3. The public is urged to keep a distance of 4 metres as the body is lowered into the grave by either city health of funeral parlour officials.
  4. The gravesite will be disinfected before and after the burial.
  5. Gatherings at funerals have been reduced to strictly 30 people.
  6. For those who want to transport the body for burial outside the city or town of death, they should ensure that the body is hermetically sealed in a triple coffin before collection of body from the funeral parlour or hospital mortuary.

Police Commanders in all provinces have been advised to ensure that the Government’s directive is complied with.

The public is accordingly informed of this important message

COVID-19
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UK Bans Zimbabweans

The United Kingdom (UK) has banned arrivals from Zimbabwe among a number of southern African countries, including the Seychelles and Mauritius as part of measures to contain the spread of the new South African strain of Covid-19.

The British government said the new regulation is in response to new evidence showing an urgent need to halt travel from all southern African countries to help prevent the spread of a new coronavirus (Covid-19) variant identified in South Africa.

In a statement, UK announced that all arrivals who have travelled to or transited through Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, eSwatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, the Seychelles and Mauritius in the past ten days are now prohibited from entering its territory.

“Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last 10 days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola — as well as Seychelles and Mauritius,” read the statement.

“This does not include British and Irish nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who will be able to enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival along with their household.”

In her official Twitter page, British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Melanie Robinson confirmed the ban.

“Please note temporary UK entry restrictions introduced for travellers from Zimbabwe and other countries in the region from Saturday, January 9,” she tweeted.

According to the UK government website, the measure will be in place for a provisional two weeks, and apply to all travellers except British/Irish citizens.

Botswana, Mauritius and Seychelles were however, later removed from the UK’s travel corridor list along with Israel.

This comes after the UK on December 23 banned entry for travellers who had been to, or transited through, South Africa in the previous 10 days. All flights from South Africa are banned indefinitely.

Findings from a study commissioned by the Zimbabwean Government to ascertain whether or not the Covid-19 second wave currently plaguing the country was triggered by a new imported strain of the virus are expected this week.

The director of Epidemiology and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Portia Manangazira said initial findings from the study indicate that a new strain may be spreading throughout the country.

According to the Health Ministry, as at Sunday Zimbabwe had recorded 507 deaths and 21 477 confirmed cases. -Chronicle

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Robbers Pounce On Truck Full Of Cooking Oil

Cooking oil bottles – file

Four suspected armed robbers on Wednesday hijacked a Mutare-bound 30-tonne truck laden with 1 300 boxes of cooking oil worth over $4,7 million after pretending to be truck drivers on their way from Harare to Marondera.
Three of the suspects Terrence Muzuva (43) of Mabvuku, Tendai Marufu (40) of Hatcliffe and Edmore Nhengu (42) of Glen Norah C were remanded in custody. The fourth suspect remains at large.

All the stolen cooking oil has since been recovered. Police recovered the loot while it was being offloaded at premises in Adbernnie, Mbare.

The truck driver was on his way to Mutare when he offered a lift to two of the suspected robbers in Harare during the night. He had collected the cooking oil at ZimGold Company along Lytton Road in Harare at around 6pm.

Investigations revealed that he was then approached by two of the robbers who alleged they were truck drivers on their way to Marondera.

It is alleged that along the way and near a Total Service Station in Msasa, one of them ordered the unsuspecting driver to stop and he complied.

Two of his accomplices suddenly appeared from the dark and bundled him onto the truck’s sleeper cabin. They tied his hands and legs with a rope before stashing a cloth in his mouth and took control of the truck.

The robbers then drove to Chisipite where they phoned their other accomplices to come with two trucks so that they offload the cooking oil. They offloaded about 1 260 boxes of cooking oil into the trucks and drove to Adbernnie.

Two of the suspects were left at the scene while guarding the driver and the truck which still had about 40 more boxes of cooking oil.

At around 10am the following morning, the driver screamed for help, resulting in policemen on patrol approaching the truck.

The two robbers were then arrested and a follow-up was later made, leading to the arrest of the third suspect in Adbernnie while in the process of offloading the cooking oil. Police said the fourth suspect escaped and a manhunt for him has since been launched.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Simon Chazovachii, confirmed the arrests. “We are still carrying out investigations on the case and efforts are still being made to locate the fourth suspect who is still on the run,” he said.

Insp Chazovachii said investigations have so far revealed that the suspects had sold the cooking oil at the premises where they were offloading the loot. – Herald

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“Mnangagwa Wants To Use Coronavirus To Eliminate Political Foes”

Tinashe Sambiri|The selective application of the law by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is calculated to suppress the voice of the opposition, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of plotting to use the deadly Coronavirus to eliminate political foes.

Read full statement below:

The arbitrary arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Hon Job Sikhala represents dictatorial rule,severe abuse of power and an wanton attack on the rule of law.Persecution thru prosecution reflects the authoritarian tendencies of this dictatorship.

The regime is hell-bent on selective application of the law, with law being weaponised against political opponents and critics.These arrests on spurious charges during a severe pandemic are designed to expose political opponents to hazard.This is sadistic,heartless and abominable.

We know these are acts of provocation by the desperate who are taking citizens for granted.The regime mistakes citizens’ calmness for inability to defend themselves. Patience is not infinite.When you push an animal into a corner,with no respite it will have to come thorough you

We are a peace-loving people who are guided by the principles of peace and non-violent democratic expression.Young people are rightfully restless. It is become increasingly difficult to stand by while the regime picks and victimize citizens one by one like lambs to the slaughter.

We demand a stop to the scourge of arbitrary rule;to political persecution and weaponization of the law all of which are anathema to democratic practice &constitutionalism.We demand the release of all political prisoners. Restraint in the face of such provocation appears finite

The image of our country suffers with each arrest.The so-called ‘Second Republic’ has become a Banana Republic. The ill-treatment of opposition is such a disgrace.The regime likes to blame everyone for our country’s woes but it’s the principal author of our problems. No one can take us seriously with this behaviour.

Excellence, Brilliance, Difference

God bless you!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

President Chamisa
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Another Prosecutor Falls Into Hot Soup Over Granting Bail To Gang Member

Rotten Row magistrates court

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has filed another complaint against public prosecutor, Mr Arthur Bosha, who last year consented bail for one of the three notorious armed robbers who operated with gang leader, Musa Taj Abdul.

Musafare Mupamhanga and his co-accused Conwell Kasambarare and Spicer Takawira are believed to be part of the gang that raided Mashwede Holdings last year and got away with over US$100 000, R42 000, $14 000 worth of fuel coupons, firearms and 20 live rounds of ammunition.

The suspects were recently released from jail on bail pending appeal in separate incidents at the High Court. They have since gone into hiding and police are still looking for them.

Police are also looking for more than nine other robbers, including two ex-policemen, who are believed to be unleashing terror countrywide.

The CID has since made a complaint to the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) and the Police Anti-Corruption Unit (Pacu) againt Mr Bosha. Pacu and Sacu are now investigating the matter.

Sources close to the investigations yesterday confirmed the developments and said Mr Bosha was likely to be charged for criminal abuse of office once the matter has been finalised.

They believed that a group of criminals have been using the same method of operation of applying for bail pending appeal in a bid to evade prosecution. Once released, the criminals disappear and continue terrorising people.

Most of them have over five warrants of arrests which are believed to have been fraudulently cancelled.

Last month, prosecutor Tapiwa Kasema was arrested for consenting to bail to four other notorious armed robbers including Taj Abdul. The robbers were rearrested before they could be released on bail.

Another law officer Mr Douglas Chesa is under probe on allegations of consenting to bail on December 8 last year to suspected armed robber, Douglas Mutenda.

Mutenda who has since been rearrested, is facing several counts of armed robberies and had been released on $5 000 bail on December 9 after the State consented on the basis that some of his co-accused, including Mupamhanga were out on bail.

He was arrested on Christmas eve in Mhondoro. It is alleged that Mr Bosha then consented to the suspected armed robbers’ bail application saying, “The respondent (State) submits that the applicant’s co-accused persons were granted bail by this honourable court on similar facts and circumstances.

“Conwell Junior Kasambarare was granted bail by Honourable Justice Tsanga on 26 May 2020 under bail number B692/20 and Spicer Takawira was granted bail on 19 August 2020 by Honourable Justice Chinamhora under bail number B773/20.

“The respondent finds no basis of differentiating the applicant (Mupamhanga) with his co-accused persons who have been granted bail.”- state media

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Zim Now A Banana Republic-President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|The selective application of the law by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is calculated to suppress the voice of the opposition, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also accused the Zanu PF regime of plotting to use the deadly Coronavirus to eliminate political foes.

Read full statement below:

The arbitrary arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Hon Job Sikhala represents dictatorial rule,severe abuse of power and an wanton attack on the rule of law.Persecution thru prosecution reflects the authoritarian tendencies of this dictatorship.

The regime is hell-bent on selective application of the law, with law being weaponised against political opponents and critics.These arrests on spurious charges during a severe pandemic are designed to expose political opponents to hazard.This is sadistic,heartless and abominable.

We know these are acts of provocation by the desperate who are taking citizens for granted.The regime mistakes citizens’ calmness for inability to defend themselves. Patience is not infinite.When you push an animal into a corner,with no respite it will have to come thorough you

We are a peace-loving people who are guided by the principles of peace and non-violent democratic expression.Young people are rightfully restless. It is become increasingly difficult to stand by while the regime picks and victimize citizens one by one like lambs to the slaughter.

We demand a stop to the scourge of arbitrary rule;to political persecution and weaponization of the law all of which are anathema to democratic practice &constitutionalism.We demand the release of all political prisoners. Restraint in the face of such provocation appears finite

The image of our country suffers with each arrest.The so-called ‘Second Republic’ has become a Banana Republic. The ill-treatment of opposition is such a disgrace.The regime likes to blame everyone for our country’s woes but it’s the principal author of our problems. No one can take us seriously with this behaviour.

Excellence, Brilliance, Difference

God bless you!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

President Nelson Chamisa
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Release Jailed Political Activists, MDC Alliance Students Council Leader Challenges Mnangagwa

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF regime today stunned all and sundry after arresting MDC Alliance National Spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere.

Advocate Mahere was arrested for allegedly communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the State.

In a statement the MDC Alliance roundly condemned the shocking arrest of Advocate Mahere.

“MDC Alliance National Spokesperson Adv Mahere has been arrested on flimsy charges of communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the State.

We condemn the weaponization of the law against MDC Alliance leadership and all pro-democracy activists,” said the party.

The Secretary General of the MDC Alliance Students Council, Rujeko Hither Mpambwa called for the immediate release of Advocate Mahere and all jailed political and human rights activists.

“The Zanu PF regime has gone too far.The level of persecution is shocking.

Mr Mnangagwa’s administration is running scared.

We call for the immediate release of Advocate Mahere, Hopewell Chin’ono, Hon Sikhala and all political prisoners,” said Mpambwa.

Rujeko Hither Mpambwa
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MDC Alliance Students Council Denounces Persecution Of Party Leaders

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Students Council has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of exposing jailed party members to the deadly Coronavirus.

MDC Alliance National Spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere confirmed on Wednesday morning she tested positive for Coronavirus.

In a statement on Twitter, the MDC Alliance Students Council said:

“Our national spokesperson
@advocatemahere
tested positive for covid-19. The state is behind all this. We all know the plan of
@zanupf_patriots
to expose our leaders to the virus. We pray for her quick recovery and for those who are still incarcerated.

freepoliticalprisoners.”

Earlier MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti said:

“By incarcerating political activists, the regime is planning to eliminate its perceived opponents and every other inmate…”

MDC Alliance official, Blessing Simpson Madzima wrote on Facebook:

“Get well soon Fadzai Mahere. This regime is deliberately arresting and incarcerating opponents to expose them to Covid-19 and death. We now need to rise above politics and seek global intervention to save lives. You will get through and live.”

“Stay strong people’s spokes Fadzayi Mahere . Sending healing mercies to you as we continue to fight for a better Zimbabwe for all.

FreeAlanMoyo

FreeHopewellChinono

FreeJobSikala,” Netsai Marova posted on Facebook.

Fadzayi Mahere
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“Free Job Sikhala”

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leader, Tererai Obey Sithole, has described Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF bootlickers as ” unrepentant murderers and looters.”

Sithole condemned the persecution of MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.

“Tipeiwo Jobho wedu, haasi muranda wenyu.

FreeJobSikala

Mnangagwa and his cabal of unrepentant murderers and looters must learn to prioritize things that matter.

It must sink in their heads that criminalizing the freedom of expression will not in any way alleviate the crisis we are faced with as a country. Fix the economy not the people asking you to fix it.
Free Hopewell Chin’ono now,” wrote Sithole on his official Facebook page.

MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba also wrote:

“Harare metropolitan Mayor Jacob Mafume is in prison. We have it on authority that he is not feeling well. The regime won’t allow him his constitutional right to a health. He need urgent medical treatment.
Below is a petition that you can sign to add your voice in the call for Justice. “

In a statement MDC Alliance National Secretary for Welfare, Maureen Kademaunga denounced the harassment of party members and human rights activists.

“The list keeps growing. Fadzai Mahere, our party spokesperson has been taken in. Political repression under the guise of Law & Order is on the rise. No-one is safe anymore.

Mayor Jacob Mafume is a political prisoner who is being persecuted for his allegiance to the MDC Alliance. Bail is his constitutional right. His health is under serious threat as he shares a cell with 40 prisoners. He has severe Covid19 symptoms. #FreeJacobMafume.”

Hon Sikhala
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MDC Alliance Denounces Persecution Of Political Activists

MDC Alliance strongly condemns the continued abuse of national justice institutions through the arrests of Vice Chairman Hon. Job Sikhala, Party Spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, Harare Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, student leader Allan Moyo and wrongly convicted prisoners: Last Maingehama and Tungamirirai Madzokere together with other political prisoners who are continuously being persecuted by the State.

The ZanuPf government is abusing state institutions by continuously persecuting opposition leaders and human rights defenders. We reiterate the people’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s sentiments that the arrest pertaining to non existing crimes represents dictatorial rule,severe abuse of power and an attack on the rule of law. Persecution through prosecution reflects authoritarian consolidation rather than democratization.

We have also noted with concern the denial of Constitutionally guranteed right to health for His Worship Mayor Mafume who is reportedly ill and is deliberately exposed to environments fertile for contracting the deadly corona virus. Mayor Jacob Mafume deserves both his right to bail and right to access proper medical assistance with immediate effect.

It must be highlighted that this recent spate of arrests targeting Hon. Job Sikhala, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere and Hopewell Chin’ono is illegal as is it premised on charges that were long declared unconstitutional by the highest court in Zimbabwe. It is pure law-fare targeted to terminally bleed the democratic contingent considered to be holding different views from ZANU PF.

Solidarity is a critical pillar of the MDC Alliance as a social democratic party and we shall pursue democratic and constitutional channels to show that people power is stronger than the people in power in demand for freedom for all prisoners of conscience.

ChangeThatDelivers

Clifford Hlatywayo
MDCA Deputy National Secretary for Communications

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Ovidy Karuru’s Impressive Form Continues

Warriors midfielder Ovidy Karuru’s resurgence in the South African top-flight continues after he made an impact in Black Leopards’ game yesterday.

The former Masvingo United man was on target against his former side Stellenbosch, scoring a first half penalty in the 1-1 draw.

This was the 31-year old’s third goal for Leopards, after netting a brace against his former paymasters Kaizer Chiefs earlier this season.

Karuru’s strike might be a bitter pill to swallow for Stellenbosch, as the Cape Town-based side released him under unclear circumstances at the end of the the 2019/20 campaign.

The fact that he was unattached during the days Zimbabwe played Algeria in back to back AFCON qualifiers in November but still included in the squad was regarded by many as a bad decision, which was however defended by the Warriors technical team.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Ovidy Karuru
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Coronavirus Simple Precautions You Need To Know

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks.

The situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why?Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.

Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

Credit:WHO

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COVID-19
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21 Succumb to COVID-19 Today

By Jane Mlambo| 21 people have died of Covid-19 today Monday, 11 January 2021, ministry of health and child care has said.

According to ministry of health and child care daily update, a total of 820 people tested positive the deadly coronavirus taking the cumulative total to 22297 and 528 deaths.

Of the 820 cases, 385 were from Harare alone while Mashonaland East recorded 133 cases, Bulawayo 31, Masvingo 77, Manicaland, 71 and Matebeleland North 45.

631 new recoveries were recorded taking the national recovery rate to 59.3 percent.

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MDC Alliance Assembly Of Women Statement On Arrest Of Advocate Mahere And Persecution Of Party Members

MDC ALLIANCE ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN STATEMENT ON THE ARBITRARY ARREST OF THE PARTY SPOKESPERSON FADZAI MAHERE AND OTHER LEADERS

The MDC Alliance Assembly of women strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of the National Spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala and Hopewell Chin’ono by the state on charges that are illegal and unconstitutional.

The continued abuse of opposition leaders and political activists should be castigated by every progressive Zimbabwean. The government is pushing the opposition by continuosly abusing its power and capturing the state institutions which is a shame. The new dispensation promised by Emerson Mnangagwa is a falace as he continues to squash the democratic space.

We condemn the use of Criminal Law (CodificationReform) Act which is ultra vires the constitution of Zimbabwe.

We there demand the release of Fadzai Mahere, Job Sikhala, Jacob Mafume and Hopewell Chin’ono and all other political prisoners for they are not criminals.

We continue to fight for democracy and a people’s government that will respect the rule of law and all the freedoms.

Fightforbetterlivelihoods

Change that relievers

Barbara G Tanyanyiwa
MDC A Assembly of Women National Secretary for Communications

Advocate Mahere