The 2321 were arrested on New Year’s Day for allegedly violating Covid-19 containment restrictions during the holiday as authorities continue to crackdown on reckless behaviour that promotes the spread of coronavirus infections.
Law enforcement agents are eager to question popular Harare music producer Arnold Kamudyariwa, also known as DJ Fantan, after he organised an unsanctioned musical concert in Mbare on New Year’s Eve, in breach of the regulations.
Yesterday, police arrested 200 teenagers who were having a party in Westgate in open contravention of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations. Upon arrest, some of the teenagers were heavily intoxicated.
A Mutare businessman was arrested after hosting a show headlined by sungura musician Alick Macheso at Watsomba business centre.
In Mbare, 52 people have been arrested after videos and pictures of the event went viral.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police officers deployed to patrol in Mbare were in soup for allowing DJ Fantan’s event to take place.
“We are also aware of the incident of an alleged unsanctioned gathering in Mbare on New Year’s Eve and investigations have been instituted,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“So far, 52 people have been arrested and we are looking for DJ Fantan, who operates a recording studio at Block 14 Matapi Flats and David House Entertainment operators for openly defying the Government’s Covid-19 measures on health, safety and security.
“The police officers who were allegedly on the ground on the day have been directed to shed more light on what transpired.
“In Watsomba, Mutare police have arrested a local businessman who hired musician, Alick Macheso, to perform at a family event at the Growth Point in violation of the national lockdown measures.”
He warned that police would come down hard on members of the public who do not abide by the Covid-19 containment regulations.
Asst Comm Nyathi said on New Year’s Eve, police recorded a number of disturbing murder cases linked to beer-drinking binges.
“On December 31, 2020, at Tshelela Nyoni’s shop, Silalatshani, Filabusi, a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed with an okapi knife following a misunderstanding.
“Again, on December 31, 2020, a 41-year-old man was stabbed on the chest with a knife after a misunderstanding over a girlfriend at Drummond Shops, Makhado, Beitbridge.
“In Filabusi, a 49-year-old man was stabbed with a knife on December 16, 2020, and later succumbed to the injuries on December 30, 2020.”
He had attempted to resolve a dispute between the suspect and other family members, said Asst Comm Nyathi.
In an unrelated incident in Mwenezi on December 29, a six-year-old girl was fatally assaulted by her uncle with a switch after she had lost track of cattle she was herding along with another minor.
“In a bid to conceal the crime, the suspect and his accomplice cut off the girl’s private parts and set the body on fire.
“They were arrested following a tip-off.”
Our Masvingo Bureau chief George Maponga reports that the suspect, Taruziva Sithole (37) of Chomutamba Village 3, allegedly connived with his friend Shackmore Dube (26) of the same village to kill Sithole’s niece, Irene Sithole, before torching her corpse beyond recognition.
Sithole and Dube have since been arrested and appeared in court before Mwenezi Resident magistrate Mr Honest Musiiwa facing murder charges.
The duo was not asked to plead by Mr Musiiwa who on Friday remanded them in custody to January 14 and advised them to seek bail at the High Court.
Prosecutor Mr Lyton Katsidzira told the court that Sithole and Dube connived to kill the former’s niece after the later had been promised a vehicle and lots of money for a juvenile girl’s body parts by an unknown person in South Africa. – state media/additional reporting
The MDC Alliance Students’ Council is disturbed by the prolonged incarceration of one of our own Alan Moyo. Our NEC led by chairperson Prince Gora visited Cde Moyo on Thursday and found him in good spirits but in need of his freedom. Alan is just a student leader whose only crime is believing and fighting for academic freedoms and a better Zimbabwe.
Today is the 25th day of his imprisonment and the state continues to play micky mouse games with Moyo’s freedom in particular Magistrate Judith Taruvinga who deliberately distorted the report of Alan’s bail hearing and left out key information. The record was as a result struck off at the high court and his lawyer now have to go back to the lower court to have the record corrected. All this is being done to deny Alan Moyo freedom which we equally continue to demand. If they do not free him, we will soon be freeing our anger as we have done before.
The ED Mnangagwa led government has failed and its only response to the wailing people of Zimbabwe is the use of force to silence us instead of silencing us through addressing the crisis in the country. Surely the government will never tire in frustrating us but we will also never tire in demanding and fighting for a better Zimbabwe.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described 2021 as a “turning point.”
In his New Year message President Chamisa called for unity of purpose in fighting for freedom:
2021 A TURNING POINT!
Through the huddles,attacks and downs of 2020. We remain standing and marching towards a free and New Great Zimbabwe.Fighting for freedom is a national duty and patriotic act.No oppressor is more powerful than the Oppressed who are United.
2021 must be incredible and full of surprises! Let’s make history. Secure Victory this 2021.
Save and serve your great country. Wishing you an action-packed, happy and blessed new year! #Godisinit
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described 2021 as a “turning point.”
In his New Year message President Chamisa called for unity of purpose in fighting for freedom:
2021 A TURNING POINT!
Through the huddles,attacks and downs of 2020. We remain standing and marching towards a free and New Great Zimbabwe.Fighting for freedom is a national duty and patriotic act.No oppressor is more powerful than the Oppressed who are United.
2021 must be incredible and full of surprises! Let’s make history. Secure Victory this 2021.
Save and serve your great country. Wishing you an action-packed, happy and blessed new year! #Godisinit
The funeral arrangements for the late former Highlanders midfield ace Richard Choruma have been released.
Choruma died in South Africa last week after a short illness at the age of 42.
It has now been revealed he will be buried on Saturday January the 9th.
His body will arrive at JNM airport on Friday at 12pm then there will be a memorial service the same day at McDonald Hall from 1pm to 4pm.
The church service is on Saturday at St Patrick’s Church then the hearse will proceed via Barbourfields stadium to his final resting place at Lady Stanley Cemetery.
VP CHIWENGA'S NATION ADDRESS We have seen the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 Nov 2020 to 14084 to date, the cumulative number of COVID19 deaths as of 1 Jan 2021 is now 14084 cases, and 396 deaths.
Other commercial services specified in part 5 of the knockdown order that is to say all former businesses and registered informal traders are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2021 for 30 days – VO Chiwenga
10. Just to be clear, restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents. Also, tourist facilities and national parks will operate as before subject to the usual health precautions.
… number of covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe in light of the recent search in covid-19 cases the following stiff measures are being put in place with immediate effect: gatherings are being reduced no more than 30 people at funerals.
By Julius Choto | Hello Zimbabwe , hello the world . I am Julius Choto the father of the slain footballer Kelvin Tinashe who was brutally shot and killed by ZRP Chitungwiza in 2019 Jan 14-16 Protest that swept the country.
Today I and other Progressive Democratic Zimbabweans across the globe are in celebration of the first ever success story after challenging and wining our High Court case against the fascist regime for the callous murder.
Firstly I would like to acknowledge the support I got form the oppressed of Africa, the Progressive Democratic forces of Zimbabwe and the whole world wide ,the mighty ZHLR Lawyers, Human rights Watch, Human rights Commission, Amnesty International of SADC. I also acknowledge the unwavering support I got from ZimEye News (supported by Deighton Pierce Glynn) MDC-A President Advocate Nelson Chamisa who made the case international.
My fellow Zimbabweans this victory is ours together. We have been to long living in oppression in the land of our birth. One can never know that one is oppressed when he is perpetually oppressed. This success story of Kelvin Tinashe Choto through his father Julius Choto is and must be a big Eye opener to all the oppressed of our time and it’s a stern warning to all Dictators. We are going to be free again and its inevitable.
THE JOURNEY
The journey to victory of late Tinashe Success story was not on an easy road .I nearly befell the same fate as my son, and put my family security at stake through attempts of direct invasion of my home and work place. VIDEO:
Soon after the burial , I was suppose to get the post-mortem report .Police refused to give it to me .My Lawyers advised to go to court .I got the report outside court settlement. When it was time for inquest, concerned parties ie (family members ,witnesses, police) were suppose to group up and show evidence but Chitungwiza police connived with their friends at Chitungwiza Magistrates Court and did their own fake inquest and finalised the case in our absence .They did this because they could not investigate themselves. I then applied for Default Judgement at High Court .The government never stood firm for their fake inquest because they were shameful of their actions. My case sailed through to the rooftop because there was no opposition , hence victory.
Most cases happen in the dark ,so according to the fascist ,no one is accountable in atrocities of darkness .That is why most cases die in their infancy or initial stages .The other set back is when fear of the unknow overrides courage especially when your loved ones discourage you to challenge Authorities.
According to Amnesty International Kelvin Tinashe case was the most clearest of them all because it happened in broad day light ,in front of about 10000 to 15000 people .
The scarf that they put on around their necks is a Rasta flag ,a symbol of African peace that supports Earthman connection. It’s a gross abuse of it by trying to gain political milage with it . Come on Zimbabwean people. There is hope for Democratic Victory as the case of
Tinashe Kelvin Choto is a mirror of all the atrocities that happened in independent Zimbabwe from Gukurahundi to the so called New Dispensation Era ,even that of Solomon Mujuru.
The Freedom train is coming and going our way ,so Zimbabweans get on board .Victory for Democracy is certain and near .These are the fruits of our courage , persistence and determination
While technology seems to favour the young and energetic, the story is not the same for one of the youngest cabinet ministers in president Emmerson Mnangwagwa’s government, Hon Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT Postal and Courier Services.
As the year comes to an end, we review various government ministries, their performance, targets and more importantly achievements against set goals.
And also how they solved various ministerial problems.
Many, probably know the minister as the camera shy, one who only relies on written speeches and rarely says anything off head about the sector, a sign of lack of passion and understanding of the sector he is supposed to be overseeing.
The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is one interesting ministry in Zimbabwe.
It is one of the youngest ministry in the government of Zimbabwe.
Officially commissioned in 2009 following a pact which gave birth to Government of national Unity.
It came after the ministry of Transport and Communication split into two, that is the Ministry of Transport & Energy and the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services.
A young minister during the government of national unity, Nelson Chamisa was mandated to stir up the new ministry.
Chamisa was 31 years of age then.
The current Minister, Jenfan Muswere, who is now the fifth minister since the inception of the ministry is 39years as at Dec 2020.
Born on the 19th of December 1981, Jenfan Muswere a Zanupf youth league secretary of finance romped to victory when he won the Makoni West parliamentary seat.
Those in the political sectors , know him as one of the key actors who was instrumental in making sure that president Mnangagwa escaped death at the height of political persecution during the last days of president Mugabe.
For playing such a role, many felt that president Mnangagwa rewarded him with a ministerial post, one he has completely failed to deliver.
Unfortunately, the youthful minister has failed to excite the sector unlike his predecessors.
Instead of using his energy to grow the ministry he has been fingered as part of the biggest problems in the ICT sector.
Evidently, the sector has lost it’s economic value in his full view, as he chise to remain behind the scenes, yet his hand is strongly felt.
The biggest let down was his failure and lack of interst to fix Telecel Zimbabwe’s demise. Telecel is currently incapacitated and the minister has failed to implement the government’s proposed partial Privatization to bring the once fastest growing mobile operator back to its former glory.
He has never uttered policy or direction on how best they can recapitalise the asset, while the ship continues to sink.
He has failed to restore sanity in one of the state owned enterprise telecommunications company, NetOne.
The country is experiencing mobile network challenges, tariff issues have been a cause of concern among customers.
The regular Potraz has switched to the cost based billing system driving instability to both the consumers and the operators as they chase dollar value.
Former ministers who came before him aggressively championed removal duty on ICTs and priority payments on ICT imoortation and services, this has been ignored in toto.
Unlike his predecessors who worked so hard to make the ministry vibrant and move with the digital era, Muswere seems to be ignorant of what is expected of him.
To take you back a little bit, Nelson Chamisa was the first minister before Webster Shamu replaced him after the demise of the government of national unity. He wss popular for making sim cards and handsets prize tumble.
Shamu who also seemed to have no clue about the technology industry did nothing but read speeches before he was replaced by Supa Mandiwanzira.
Shamu however did not interefer in the internal politics and day to day running of state owned enterprises, he was not a technocrat but allowed experts to deliver, while he continued to read his speeches.
Mandiwanzira understood the dynamics of technology quite well which was also supported by his eloquence in speech. He was a business mogul, very ambitious minister and knew exactly how things must go no tonsistain the sector.
Unfortunately he was a straight businessman, who failed to mix politics and business of the day.
The former Television presenter did not last long after the removal of the late president Robert Mugabe from power through a military assisted process.
The New Dispensation headed by the current President, Emmerson Mnangagwa took over and handed the ministry to Kazembe Kazembe with Muswere as deputy.
Kazembe is the most sober minister we have ever had, he is reported to have appointed board members he has never physically met, but had beautiful resumes, it was appointment based on merit not aristocracy.
A cabinet reshuffle saw the promotion of Muswere to Ministerial post.
The ministry has never had any serious issues or controversy, but not during the times of Supa Mandiwanzira, who was blamed by former NetOne Boss, Reward Kangai for introducing to the nation what is now called the “Birth and growth of a cartel in the ICT sector” in Zimbabwe.
This opened a can of worms which we still think to date are running the sector.
The biggest problem in the ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services is lack of policy direction, strategies and ideas to move Zimbabwe tech sector out of the doldrums.
The other problem has been focusing on the only state owned enterprises that has been making profit, NetOne.
TelOne has been doing very well of late, there has not been any reported scandal except the Pachedu fiber deal that has gone quiet.
The other issue that has raised eyebrows in the ministry is how and why the ministry recently licensed only dark fiber Africa as the latest ISP and IAP at the time it cancelled multiple of local licenses.
Yet the government had been preaching infrastructure sharing to stop duplication of services .
It seems there is so much energy, focus and strategies to milk the NetOne, with many battles today sucking in many officials, a move which to date caused serious instability at the second largest telecommunications company in the country.
State players evidently continue to wrestle over NetOne financial resources.
The then NetOne managing director Reward Kangai broke his silence after he was fired from company exposing how the cartels were fighting over the company’s resources.
Kangai wrote to then President Robert Mugabe in a letter entitled thenbirth and growth of a cartel in the ICT sector in Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately most of his allegations and evidence he unearthed were ignored or had a political initiated outcome.
The accused Supa Mandiwanzira was however exonerated of most of these allegations that were levelled against him by state.
Kazembe Kazembe tried to stabilize the ship when he took over as minister, he fired the boards that were being used and created new ones altogether.
Telecel was sinking because the former minister had announced that he was going to close it and promised to cancel its license, however, it only turned out that the government was the fiery bidder when Telecel finally decided to pack up.
Long story short the government then acquired Telecel.
Kazembe Kazembe fired the previous boards that were appointed by his predecessor.
Thisbsaw a new Potraz, Zimpost, NetOne and Zarnet board being appointed and these to date were reported to have performed professionally and independently.
To date some of his boards are still running, but the NetOne ghost again visited the current dispensation.
The biggest problems started off when NetOne board led by Chairman Mutizwa complained about serious unprofessionalism and lack of corporate governance.
The chairperson and other board members were then either pushed out or forced to resign as the NetOne tensions heightened.
This complaint needs to be visited and an inquiry is meant to be done to come out with proper findings.
The biggest problem in the ICT sector was how Telecel was acquired, and why to date there is no share certificate availed and funding strategy by the major stakeholder who is government.
The ministry of ICT has 60% stake in Telecel but to date has failed to inject capital into its entity.
Lack of capital resources have seen Telecel Zimbabwe slowly sinking.
In the past years Telecel Zimbabwe was the country’s fastest growing mobile network but to date its revenues have plungeg, subscribers depleted and national coverage dwindle.
As if that was not enough it has lost human resources to competitors.
It’s mobile money facility, Telecash, has crushed out with very few base stations running nationwide.
This asset would have operated better with a better investor but the ministry has remained mum and clueless on how to solve it.
Supa Mandiwanzira was very popular for driving the infrastructure sharing policy , the vision was to try and reduce duplication of services and encourage investments in other less serviced areas.
This vision was immediately abandoned when he left office.
The ministry in its wisdom created a company called Zarnet, it has board members on government payroll and basically the company is not known for anything else except duplication of service, yet the ministry is still maintaining it .
Another biggest let down from the ministry of ICT was its failure to defend or advocate on removal or subsided duty on ICTs.
This is the legacy that was fought for and installed by the first minister, driving Zimbbawe’s mobile and voice penetration with an all time time figure of 102% voice penetration and 60% data penetration.
However, these high statistics are greatly falling and dropping with each and every passing year, a red indicator which needs urgent attend attention as ICTs are major drivers of the nation’s GDP.
Back to NetOne confusion, of the board members appointed by Kazembe Kazembe only one board member did not resign.
She was not forced to do so like others, as alleged, infact she was promoted.
Today she is the acting Netone board chairperson and her name is Susan Mutangadura.
This is part of the biggest problem at NetOne which the ICT minister Jenfan Muswere has personally created by appointing her.
According to our sources she has violated all known basics corporate government ethics in the history of the ministry.
Mutangadura sucked in the permanent secretary of ICT engineer Sam Kundishora into her scandals where she lied before the courts of law, a crime of perjury that Mamvura was never a board member.
In his attempt to exonerate the great Susan, Permanent Secretary Kundishora wrote a rather embarrassing letter telling the world that Mutangadura was innocent of not acknowledging the appointment, as he had not announced the appointment as the Permanent secretary.
This attempt however did not decriminalize the crime, unfortunately one of the board members Ranga Mavhunga was arrested for this crime, while surprisingly Susan Mutangadura was protected from the long arm of the law, as she was not arrested or prosecuted for the same crimes her subordinate is facing.
To put the ministry into another disrepute , the permanent secretary wrote another shameful letter again where he told the police officers to stop investigating reported crimes at NetOne because they are not complaining or aggrieved by the allegations, hence the state must look other side.
This was a new low by the ministry of ICT under Jenfan Muswere as they clearly self incrimate in their ignorance of basic application of the law.
The ministry of ICT pulled another shocker when they insisted of hiring ZTE, a company linked to the infamous Kangai cabal case, where the government was ready to pay a new company millions for billing and switching services already offered by a competitor techno tree.
Under Muswere’s watch NetOne lost an arbitration case against payments solutions provider Formula Telecom Solutions (FTS) in the London International Court of Arbitration
NetOne was demanded to pay Israel-based FTS US$5 million in compensation
The latest complete disrespect of rule of law occured when the NetOne board tried to fire its former CEO Lazarus Muchenje, senior manager Loveness Goverah and Tauya Mugwagwa on termination of contract basis, a move which the judge blocked for the managers, legally setting a precedence.
Justice Dube said that by” failing to comply with the requirements of section 12(4a) of the labour act, NetOne failed to comply with the due process of law”.
Irked by such a judgment the board appealed against it, a move which the minister must have reigned.
NetOne under Susan Mutangadura has been in continuous contempt of court, where the company risks being sued as they willfully violate the nation’s court orders.
The first contempt of court was when they physically barred Muchenje from attending work, even after winning a High Court interdict.
The second contempt was when they withdrew a court case awaiting judgment and go ahead to fire the CEO when there is a current interdict stopping them from doing so.
The have recently done another contempt of court by announcing in the government gazette that a CEO has been fired when they know for sure that they have been stopped from firing or hiring a CEO till the high court finalizes the case.
This is another clear disregard of the law as they continue to operate like carefree mafias.
The worst that is happening is that NetOne under Mutangadura is bleeding millions in futile court cases, which it drops and resurges at cost.
If NetOne was a private company no shareholder would have allowed such attitude.
Minister Muswere has failed to reign in all these issues and one wonders whether its incompetence, errors of omission or commission.
Any progressive minister would have reigned in and stopped these serious issues collapsing the once highly regarded tech sector in Zimbabwe.
France-based Warriors striker Tino Kadewere has finally broken silence on the courtesy call he made on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The 24-year old and members of his family were hosted by the veteran politician at State House on Wednesday before he returned to his base in France.
Reacting for the first to the meeting, which trended for two days on social media, the lanky striker said, as cited by The Herald: “It was an honor to be able to get to meet His Excellency.”
“When my brother told me that we had been invited by the President, I was touched and I said to myself this has always been a dream.”
“It gave me a boost in my head and so much confidence that even the President himself is proud of what I am doing,” he added.
Kadewere also said he couldn’t believe how “humble” the President and his family are.
“It gives me the courage to be able to do more for my country. The book present he gave me is wonderful. I never expected it. I was actually shocked about how humble the First Family is.”
“Those people are very humble. I shed a tear ndichipinda muState House kuti only if my (late) brother Prince was alive awonawo His Excellency.”
“It’s every sportsperson’s dream to meet the President,” concluded the Olympique Lyon man. Credit- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
We have seen the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 Nov 2020 to 14084 to date, the cumulative number of COVID19 deaths as of 1 Jan 2021 is now 14084 cases, and 396 deaths.
In light of the recent surge in Covid 19 cases the following stiff lockdown measures are being put in place with immediate effect;
VP CHIWENGA'S NATION ADDRESS We have seen the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 Nov 2020 to 14084 to date, the cumulative number of COVID19 deaths as of 1 Jan 2021 is now 14084 cases, and 396 deaths.
1. Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all funerals. All other gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums, restaurants etc etc are banned for 30 days.
2. The existing COVID 19 preventive health measures will be strictly enforced that is to say, correct wearing of face masks, social distancing, hand sanitization, and temperature checks will be strictly enforced and offenders will be prosecuted.
3. Only essential services are to remain open such as I= hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only – essential staff allowed to come to work. These services can only open at 8 am and must close at 3pm and will I be subject to curfew that will start at 6pm and end at 6am.
4. Of the other commercial services only Part 4 lockdown order services such as mining, manufacturing and 2 agriculture will operate as before. Other commercial services specified on Part 5 of the lockdown order that is to say, all formal businesses and registered informal trader’s are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2071 for 30 days.
5. Inter provincial and inter City transport services are restricted only to essential services and Part 4 commercial services.
6. People must stay at home save for buying food and medicines or transporting sick relatives. Other exceptions are as specified in the lockdown order
7. As for schooling only examination classes are to open now.
8. Cross border traders are stopped forthwith save for commercial and transit cargo related to essential and critical services.
9. Air transportation remains unhindered and will continue as before with arrivals and returning residents being required to present Covid 19 free certificates. As for land access only returning residents and essential service drivers will be admitted subject to presentation of Covid 19 free certificates. These certificates must have been issued at least 48 hours before departure.
10. Just to be clear, restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents. Also, tourist facilities and national parks will operate as before subject to the usual health precautions.
The funeral arrangements for the late former Highlanders midfield ace Richard Choruma have been released.
Choruma died in South Africa last week after a short illness at the age of 42.
It has now been revealed he will be buried on Saturday January the 9th.
His body will arrive at JNM airport on Friday at 12pm then there will be a memorial service the same day at McDonald Hall from 1pm to 4pm.
The church service is on Saturday at St Patrick’s Church then the hearse will proceed via Barbourfields stadium to his final resting place at Lady Stanley Cemetery.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described 2021 as a “turning point.”
In his New Year message President Chamisa called for unity of purpose in fighting for freedom:
2021 A TURNING POINT!
Through the huddles,attacks and downs of 2020. We remain standing and marching towards a free and New Great Zimbabwe.Fighting for freedom is a national duty and patriotic act.No oppressor is more powerful than the Oppressed who are United.
2021 must be incredible and full of surprises! Let’s make history. Secure Victory this 2021.
Save and serve your great country. Wishing you an action-packed, happy and blessed new year! #Godisinit
VP CHIWENGA'S NATION ADDRESS We have seen the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 Nov 2020 to 14084 to date, the cumulative number of COVID19 deaths as of 1 Jan 2021 is now 14084 cases, and 396 deaths.
Other commercial services specified in part 5 of the knockdown order that is to say all former businesses and registered informal traders are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2021 for 30 days – VO Chiwenga
… number of covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe in light of the recent search in covid-19 cases the following stiff measures are being put in place with immediate effect: gatherings are being reduced no more than 30 people at funerals.
The MDC Alliance Students’ Council is disturbed by the prolonged incarceration of one of our own Alan Moyo. Our NEC led by chairperson Prince Gora visited Cde Moyo on Thursday and found him in good spirits but in need of his freedom. Alan is just a student leader whose only crime is believing and fighting for academic freedoms and a better Zimbabwe.
Today is the 25th day of his imprisonment and the state continues to play micky mouse games with Moyo’s freedom in particular Magistrate Judith Taruvinga who deliberately distorted the report of Alan’s bail hearing and left out key information. The record was as a result struck off at the high court and his lawyer now have to go back to the lower court to have the record corrected. All this is being done to deny Alan Moyo freedom which we equally continue to demand. If they do not free him, we will soon be freeing our anger as we have done before.
The ED Mnangagwa led government has failed and its only response to the wailing people of Zimbabwe is the use of force to silence us instead of silencing us through addressing the crisis in the country. Surely the government will never tire in frustrating us but we will also never tire in demanding and fighting for a better Zimbabwe.
Other commercial services specified in part 5 of the knockdown order that is to say all former businesses and registered informal traders are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2021 for 30 days – VO Chiwenga
… number of covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe in light of the recent search in covid-19 cases the following stiff measures are being put in place with immediate effect: gatherings are being reduced no more than 30 people at funerals.
Giving first aid to lightning strike victims while waiting for professional medical attention can save their lives. It is safe to touch a lightning strike victim. People struck by lightning DO NOT carry a charge.
Follow these four steps immediately to help save the life of a lightning strike victim:
Call For Help immediately.
Give directions to your location and information about the strike victim(s). It is safe to use a cell phone during a storm.
Assess The Situation
How many victims are there?Where was the victim struck?Is the storm still continuing?
Safety is a priority. Be aware of the continuing lightning danger to both the victim and rescuer. If the area where the victim is located is high risk (e.g., an isolated tree or open field), the victim and rescuer could both be in danger. If necessary, move the victim to a safer location. It is unusual for a victim who survives a strike to have any major broken bones that would cause paralysis or major bleeding complications unless the person suffered a fall or was thrown a long distance. Therefore, it may be safe to move the victim to minimize possible further exposure to lightning.
Respond Lightning often causes a heart attack. Check to see if the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat. The best place to check for a pulse is the carotid artery which is found on your neck directly below your jaw, as shown in the picture.
Resuscitate If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim does not have a pulse, start cardiac compressions as well (CPR). Continue resuscitation efforts until help arrives. If the area is cold and wet, putting a protective layer between the victim and the ground may help decrease hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Lightning may also cause other injuries such as burns, shock, and sometimes blunt trauma. Treat each of these injuries with basic first aid until help arrives. Do not move victims who are bleeding or appear to have broken bones.
Source-Centre For Disease Control And Prevention
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance will roll out a robust campaign to fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The party has called for vigilance as cases of the deadly pandemic continue to rise in Zimbabwe and across the globe.
“The main organs of the MDC Alliance will have strategic planning meetings early this month to roll out our action plan for 2021.
The urgent need for political reforms, the deepening economic crisis and the policy implications of Covid-19 will be among our priorities,” the party said in a statement.
Leaked government documents reveal the country’s hospitals have been overwhelmed by rising Coronavirus cases.
“The country’s hospitals are struggling to cope with the high incidence of COVID-19 cases,” a government source told ZimEye.com.
By Jane Mlambo| Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is also the minister of health and child care will today issue a statement on national lockdown as Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to escalate since the beginning of the new wave.
Zimbabwe is currently battling a new Covid-19 wave that has seen all designated hospitals reaching their carrying capacity while new cases continue to be reported everyday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa began his annual leave today meaning he is not available to address the nation on the new measures to be taken to contain the situation that is already spilling out of hand.
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has described the death of human rights activist Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo as a devastating blow to the nation.
Fuzwayo succumbed to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday.
“Such dreadful times! Just learnt that the Gwanda based Human rights defender, Bekezela Fuzwayo succumbed to Covid19.
I knew the brother as a great leader and community organizer.Fuzwayo stood for human rights,dignity and justice. Rest in peace our tower.The people shall govern,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
By A Correspondent- Daniel Sibanda hit his wife Sethule Moyo with a sjambok after he discovered that she was trading his sexual goods for a bucket of maize.
After several fruitless efforts to tell her husband to fend for his family Sethule told the court that she ended up devising a survival plan. “I had to engage in transactional sex with a truck driver after my husband failed to fend for the family while he came home drunk, but with no money,” she said.
She said the truck driver would sleep with her for money that could buy a bucket of maize and other necessities.
“I can’t call it a love affair, it’s a batter trade where I would sleep with him and he would give me money to buy 10kg mealie-meal or a bucket of maize and groceries such as sugar and cooking oil. He would also give me cash,” she said.
She added that her husband would get money from piece jobs but he would squander it on booze with friends at Lupane Business Centre. “My husband makes money from piece jobs, but he blows it on beer and comes home drunk. He would demand sadza, when I told him there is no mealie-meal he would hit me with open hands,” she said.
Sethule told the court that her husband last week hit her several times with a sjambok causing her to suffer bruises all over the body.
“My husband last week hit me all over the body with a sjambok, I sustained bruises all over the body and I was failing to sit,” she said.
Thulani admitted that he thumped his wife.
“I got a tip-off that she was seeing a truck driver, after that I ambushed her and caught her with him at Lupane Business Centre and on that day Sethule had left saying she was going to visit her ailing uncle. I had to beat her up.
When I got home in the evening on that particular day, I once again hit her because I had gathered that she had been cheating on me with that truck driver and they were seen on several occasions together,” he said.
He appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Ndumo Masuku facing physical abuse charge. He pleaded guilty. Thulani was remanded out of custody to next week on Tuesday for sentencing.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- A gang of knife-wielding robbers pounced on a sleeping couple, took cash before bashing the naked woman on the buttocks and took turns to rape her in front of her wailing children.
The couple cannot be named for ethical reasons.
The family source who requested not to be named said on Christmas Eve at around 8PM when the couple and their children had retired to bed, the husband heard noise from the kitchen.
“He wrapped himself with a towel and rushed to check what was happening, he got the shock of his life when he saw four men standing in the kitchen. Fear gripped him as the two of the accomplices grabbed him by the neck and pointed a knife to his face while warning him not to scream, he never screamed,” said the family source.
They demanded cash while threatening to kill them, said a source close to investigations.
“He gave one of the accused persons a Samsung J2 cellphone. The two accused persons searched the house and took R630 which was in a wallet under the mattress and US$4 which was in the wardrobe,” said the source.
The robbers then proceeded to the bedroom where they beat up his wife with a stick on the buttocks before raping her.
“They took turns to rape her without protection in front of her children who were crying. After committing the horrendous act they fled,” said the source.
On Christmas Day the couple reported the matter at Magwegwe Police Station. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.
“We confirm that we are investigating a case of unlawful entry, rape and robbery. We are making some follow ups. This was an unfortunate situation where four unknown men broke into a house and raped a woman in front of her children.
“We urge members of the public to come up with information to help the police to arrest these robbers because we believe these robbers are not from the Mars but are from the community and someone knows them.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- The entertainment industry is once again feeling the pinch as events and night clubs are locked down for the next two weeks.
That said, many South Africans, including celebrities, were forced to find alternative and creative ways of making money during the national lockdown.
Sultry socialite turned businesswoman Zodwa Wabantu is not letting the lockdown stop her from securing the bag.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the “Zodwa Wabantu: Uncensored star announced that since President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to shut down the indoor and outdoor events due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic she has made other means to make a living.
The star said since she won’t be able to entertain her fans with her sexy dance moves, she opted to sell eggs and live chickens from her tour bus.
The star urged her 1,4 million fans to suggest which areas she should start with on her latest business venture.
Zodwa is expanding her horizons in the beauty industry as she recently announced she would be opening a beauty salon in Mpumalanga in 2021.
Evolving from a socialite to a businesswoman over the years, the Soweto-born star managed to garner a string of property development businesses, the cosmetic range, perfumes, lipstick and petroleum jelly.
The star, who recently made a big move to Joburg, has announced that she’s set to launch her own premium cider.
She is also venturing into the world of performing arts.
Sharing a video clip on her Instagram page recently, the queen of dance announced that she would be starting 2021 with a bang as she goes back to school.
She is joining the Star Quality Performing Arts College that is home to renowned artistes including “Skeem Saam” actor Eric Macheru, former “Our Perfect Wedding” host Kayise Ngqula and “The Queen” actor Vusi Thanda. – IOL
By A Correspondent- Two conmen were taught a hard lesson that they will never forget as they were thoroughly bashed for trying to dupe an illegal money changer by giving him a fake US$100 near Chicken Inn, opposite Tredgold building in Bulawayo.
The dramatic incident happened on Tuesday at around 10:30PM just in front of the fast-food outlet.
The unfortunate conmen were trying to trick the money changer by giving him a fake US$100 for RTGS cash.
However, their plan landed them into hot soup.
The alert money changer quickly noticed that it was fake money, he then swiftly called his colleagues, who came and rounded off the two partners in crime.
One of the illegal money changers who was feeling the texture of the money exclaimed in a high-pitched voice “iyi fake mari check, they must be beaten because they are thieves.”
One of the illegal money changers hit one of the conmen and others joined in assaulting them.
The incident happened in front B-Metro lenses. One of the conmen who was only identified as Dumo was “clapped” twice and released.
But his dreadlocked friend only identified as Trevor was taught a hard lesson that he will he will never forget.
Money changers and people who were milling around took turns to kick him, while some punched him with fists. He bled from the mouth and nose.
No one cared that he was excessively bleeding as they took turns to kick and hit him.
The major highlight of the incident was when one vendor hit him several times with a sjambok all over the body causing Trevor to wail for help. They tore his shirt and trousers with some wanting to cut off his dreadlocks.
He tried to cover his essentials but it was a fruitless effort because they hit him even on the hands and arms, forcing him to leave his assets dangling in the open for everyone to see.
Two police officers who were on patrol came to his rescue and warded off the vicious mob.
By A Correspondent- A man, who has been enduring a sex drought since 2015, was caught having sex with a donkey in a bushy area near his homestead in Gokwe.
The bestiality incident which has become a subject of discussion in Manami Village happened last week on Friday.
According to a source Kudakwashe Moyo, who was herding cattle, bumped into Silvanos Mukwazhi while he was busy bonking a village head’s donkey in the bush.
Seeing that he had been caught in a shameful act, Mukwazhi who had lowered his trousers to knee level during the act, took to his heels.
The source said the frightened Mukwazhi left his shoes at the scene.
Moyo never bothered to give chase, he took the shoes and headed to the owner of the donkey’s homestead and reported Mukwazhi.
“He reported the matter to the village head Ncube who later referred the matter to Chief Mkoka. Chief Mkoka is the one who is presiding over the matter,” said the source.
Appearing before Chief Mkoka, Mukwazhi said since 2015 after he unceremoniously broke up with his long-time flame, no lady has been accepting his love proposal.
“For five years now my life has been a sad episode because there is no lady who has been accepting my love proposal,” said Mukwazhi.
He said he has sought help from a prophet but nothing has changed.
“I enlisted the services of a prophet to help me exorcise the bad spell that was presumably cast upon me by my ex-girlfriend five years ago, but nothing changed.
“Since that time I have not had sex, out of desperation I had to have sex with a donkey of the village head,” he told Chief Mkoka’s traditional court.
Chief Mkoka confirmed the incident: “I am a handling a case of bestiality where Silvanos Mukwazhi was caught having sex with a donkey belonging to the village head. He admitted and apologised. The court will sit on Thursday next week for a ruling.”-statemedia
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo businessman is embroiled in a bitter marital battle which has all elements of a soap opera after his wife sensationally claimed her marriage had been turbulent and fraught with fights, quarrels and accusations and counter-accusations of witchcraft.
Nkani Khoza proprietor of a local school retail company, Totally Uniforms is being accused by his wife Virginia Khoza of being verbally, physically and emotionally abusive.
Virginia claimed her husband who wants to divorce her also wants to suspend her from their company so that he can enjoy the fruits of their hard work alone.
Virginia bared her soul at the Bulawayo Civil Court where she was seeking a protection order against her husband. In her affidavit she claimed her husband was no longer observing the marriage vows that he pledged the day they got married.
“I am applying for a protection order against my husband because he is verbally, emotionally and psychologically abusive towards me and this has been going on since March 2020. He accuses me of practising witchcraft.
“He is also threatening to suspend me from being a manager at our family-owned business and confiscating my car keys. I no longer have peace due to his constant harassment. I worked very hard to keep the company ticking but now he wants me to leave so that he enjoys the profits alone.
He also harasses me in the presence of customers and doesn’t give me money,” protested Virginia. She further stated that her husband was also selling their matrimonial property without her consent.
Nkani in his response denied all the allegations levelled against him. He told the court that his wife was the one who was violent adding that at one time she threatened to stab him with a kitchen knife if he ever tried to divorce her.
“I am very much opposed to the application. It is clear from what she is saying that the protection order is in bad faith. The protection order is about the emotional and psychological abuse which all doesn’t exist.
“At work she is a manager and I’m the chief executive officer. She is supposed to directly report to me, but she is refusing to take orders saying we are equal.
“Our problems started in March as she has clearly stated and this was after my son from the previous marriage came to our house and joined us at work. She was angered by that and started alleging that I wanted him to inherit our business.
“I told her I was just helping him as my son. This is despite the fact that, I also raised her three children from the previous marriage and we are still staying with one of them who has since married and has a child who is nine years old. He is still staying at my house without paying rent but I had never complained,” fumed Nkani.
He said his wife has also banned his relatives from visiting their matrimonial home in Parklands.
“In November I lost my aunt in Chiredzi and I was pained when she said she has gone to hell and that was good. She also insulted and assaulted my two sisters who stay in Beitbridge. What happened is that she took one of the ladies from our church and went with her to my rural home in Beitbridge.
“I was not aware that they were going to my rural home, until I got a call that she had assaulted my sister and her husband. After assaulting the first one, she then proceeded to my other sister’s homestead where she also wanted to assault her but fortunately, she didn’t find her at home as she had gone to church,” said Nkani.
He further said he once involved church elders to solve their marital problems but to no avail.
“When the church elders tried to counsel us, she became violent and started fighting resulting in the meeting being abandoned. She continued with the fight when we got home when she took a big kitchen knife and started demonstrating how she will rip off my stomach if I divorce her. She also went to my nephew and told him that if ever
I attempted to divorce her, she will kill me”.
He adds: “She once spotted a snake in the house and when it disappeared, she said it was my snake.
The following day the kids spotted that snake and I took boiling water and killed it. When I told her I had killed the snake which she alleged was mine, she said she knows that I‘ll meet in the spiritual world with other people”.
Virginia however, insisted that her husband was verbally abusing her by constantly alleging that she was a witch.
“I am the one who approached the church elders to reprimand him as he was always alleging that I’m a witch and that I killed my late husband and uncle. Sometime in March he woke up at around 1AM and when I asked him what was going on, he remained quiet.
“He later answered saying he was shown a vision by his late uncle telling him to leave the house because what was happening was not making him happy. He then says I use rosaries (sacramentals of the Catholic Church) from our church to tie his neck and feet. I told him that it is a demonic issue,” said Virginia.
Virginia’s application was however, dismissed by presiding magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu, after she failed to give satisfactory reasons why she went to Beitbridge and attacked her husband’s sister and her husband.
By A Correspondent- An unnamed businessman is facing charges of contravening COVID-19 regulations after he hired Sungura maestro Alick Macheso to perform at a family birthday celebration in Watsomba, Manicaland on New Year’s eve.
Speaking to the state media, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the event in Watsomba did not go ahead as it was stopped by police.
Said Nyathi:
The businessman is now also facing charges of contravening COVID-19 regulations, where it is said twenty people attended the celebrations, but we want to verify.
We are also aware that Macheso had been hired to perform on the 31st of December by another businessman in Mutare.
That event was stopped by the police. So we want musicians to be responsible. Let’s not take for granted the issue of COVID-19.
Musicians should comply with covid-19 regulations. Business-people should comply with covid-19 regulations. This includes members of the public.
Please, please, let us not wait for the police to force us to wear a mask, to practise social distancing, to sanitise.
Ass Comm Nyathi also revealed that fifty-two people have been arrested following an illegal music concert held in Harare’s Mbare suburb on New Year’s Eve.
He said police are looking for the chief suspect in the case, popular music promoter, DJ Fantan, who is allegedly on the run.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that fifty-two people have been arrested over the illegal Mbare New Year’s music concert.
Speaking to ZBC News, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police are looking for music producer, DJ, and manager at Chill Spot Records, Fantan, real name Arnold Kamudyariwa, who is believed to be on the run.
He said:
We are conducting investigations and so far indications are that 52 people were arrested when police moved in to stop this bash, and we are told Fantan has a studio in Mbare where he puts speakers outside and plays music. He is now on the run. Police are currently looking for him.
We want to assure the public that definitely, action will be taken. We are also conducting investigations to find out what really the police officers on the ground did… what role they played.
This comes after pictures and videos from the New Year’s Eve bash surfaced on social media platforms on Friday.
The government was roundly criticised for allowing a “coronavirus superspreader” event to take place at a time when there is a surge in new infections and hospitals were reportedly full of COVID-19 patients.
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa is deeply concerned about the high incidence of COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe.
President Chamisa urged Zimbabweans to stick to stipulated precautions to avert the spread of the deadly pandemic.
Doctors have revealed that hospitals battling to contain the rising Coronavirus cases.
Below is President Chamisa’s statement:
Extremely concerned at the level at which Covid-19 is now killing our citizens.
Doctors informed me that all Covid-19 hospital units are full.Citizens are now dying without getting access to hospitalization. Be vigilant follow Covid-19 precautions at all times:mask up, wash hands!
We are losing relatives, friends and members of our communities to this deadly pandemic. We cannot afford to be as complacent as we have been in recent months. Our communities are paying the price. We must change our conduct if we are to beat this pandemic.
I call upon responsible offices to apply & encourage precautions.
The virus does not select,therefore selective application of rules is self-defeating.I extend my prayers to all those who are unwell & salute our healthcare warriors for taking the frontline role in this deadly war.
By A Correspondent- Three pupils from Mutero High School in Gutu have been given three months wholly suspended jail sentences for bullying.
The three, Stewart Mazuru (20), Tapiwa Gijima (18) and a minor (17) appeared before Gutu magistrate Mandlenkosi Ndlovu last Friday.
The State said that the three accused another student of stealing a mobile phone.
After accusing the minor, the bullies took the complainant to a dam where they assaulted him for three hours while at the same time pushing him into the water.
They only stopped bullying the minor after the lunch bell rang. The incident occurred on December 12, 2020.
The State led by Samuel Magobeya said that the accused asked the complainant to accompany them to the school dam a slight distance away from the school which complainant agreed to. Complainant however, attempted to run away after noticing that there was no one at the dam.
The accused then chased him and took turns to assault him accusing him of stealing Mazuru’s mobile phone. The court heard that the accused would push him into the dam after assaulting him.
“The three accused took turns assaulting the complainant whom they accused of stealing a mobile phone belonging to Mazuru. They pushed him into the dam after every assault and only let him free after the lunch hour siren rang,” said Magobeya.
By A Correspondent- War veterans yesterday said President Emmerson Mnangagwa is turning around the economy and the country is moving in the right direction.
Addressing the media in Harare, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said war veterans were fully behind Mnangagwa’s economic policies.
“As the (ZNLWVA) we are happy about the stewardship of this economy by our president. We stood by him in elections and we will continue standing by him, he is doing a fantastic job in managing the finances of this country and the introduction of-PFumvudza farming is great progress to boost agricultural production, which guarantees food self-sufficiency and commercialise smallholder agriculture,” Mutsvangwa said.
“If we look back to 1980, we wanted political history, in 2000 we wanted political history by recovering our land and its resources, what was left was our financial victory.
“From that time, the country suffered from wayward financial management, everyone remembers the hyperinflation of the first republic, especially in 2008 when the whole population lost its historic service,” Mutsvangwa said.
He said war veterans have started preparing for their long-overdue congress.
“We have set up a committee consisting of seven chairpersons from various districts which will be chaired by the vice chairman of ZNLWVA, who will be in charge of transport and logistics arrangements.
“We are announcing in the shortest possible time the holding of the congress of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. We are telling members of the ZNLWVA across the country that the conference is going to be held in due course and there will be elections of the new leadership, which will emanate from that congress.
“The activities which are going on to date have been completely suspended by the president. He is taking charge of the formation of the war veterans league as the organ of the party and this shall be under the office of the political commissar,” he added.
Extremely concerned at the level at which Covid19 is now killing our citizens.Doctors informed me that all Covid-19 hospital units are full.Citizens are now dying without getting access to hospitalization. Be vigilant follow Covid-19 precautions at all times:mask up, wash hands!
By A Correspondent- Queen Ndlovukazi Nomalanga Ndiweni-Moyo, King Mambo’s first wife has died, the Chronicle reports. Queen Nomalanga reportedly died in South Africa a day before yesterday after a short illness.
Her death was announced by Chief Bekezela Bhekimpi Nyathi who told the publication that: We want to let the nation know that our mother Queen Ndlovukazi Ndiweni-Moyo, the first wife of King Mambo has passed on in South Africa due to a short illness today.
As a Royal Family, we lived happily and during the Christmas Holiday, she was here as we celebrated the holiday together at our homestead in Mawabeni, Umzingwane District
The family spokesperson said they were making efforts to repatriate her body for burial at their homestead in Mawabeni. Burial arrangements are yet to be announced we will update this article if new details emerge.
47-year-old Queen Nomalanga has 5 children 3 boys and 2 girls. According to the publication, she was president when her husband King Mabo married a second wife Queen Ndlovukazi Priscilla Percy Ndlovu in October this year.
On another note, Queen Nomalanga ‘s cowife Queen Priscilla last week donated Christmas goodies to the elderly at Entembeni Old people’s home. In donating the goodies the queen said she wanted to bring Christmas cheer to everyone.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Police have confirmed the theft of ZWL$200 000 from Nyaradzo Funeral Services in Bulawayo’s Donnington West industrial site by an unknown person.
The suspect allegedly stole the money either by stealing the company’s ATM card, which was then used to “swipe” at several shops in town or through card cloning.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube disclosed that the theft happened recently when the company’s accountant sent an internal security guard, Genesis Mlala, to purchase some groceries. Insp Ncube explained:
We received a case of theft which occurred under Tshabalala area where on the 20th of December the accountant of Nyaradzo funeral services Donnington West who gave an ATM card to Genesis Mlala, a male adult aged 35 years residing at Pumula East who is the internal security of the company to go and purchase the company groceries for the kitchen.
Upon making a transaction at Ok Mart, the card declined due to lack of funds in the account.
Then this Genesis Mlala phoned the person advising her that there were no funds in the account and was told to return back to the office.
Some investigations were carried out by the company and an online bank statement request revealed that an unknown accused person swiped using the company ATM card on some shops in town and withdrawing ZWL$203 673 without company approval.
A report was made to the police; no arrest yet, but it was observed that the company ATM card was kept in a locked drawer in the accountant’s office.
We are investigating to establish which card was used to swipe. Was it the same card which was being kept by this accountant or a duplicate card was used? Investigations are in progress.
By Majaira Jairos | I got a call this morning to say Thompson Dondo has gone to live with Satan.
I haven’t got enough details surrounding his death other than that he succumbed to COVID 19. Thompson was a very shady character, who was involved in modern slavery in UK, where he used undocumented Zimbabweans almost for nothing as he was paying them peanuts.
Some Zimbabweans were trafficked into the UK which is the reason why he ended up being in trouble with the UK authorities. He had to escape from the UK and he has died a fugitive. It is unfortunate that he has passed on without disclosing who abducted Tawanda Muchehiwa Tawanda Muchehiwa, but he was part of the Ferret Team.
Thompson was a military nurse before we went to UK where he initially worked as a nursing carer via an Agency. He also worked as a driver for carers for that same Nursing Agency.
He later left to form his own Agency with another Zimbabwean and this is when they involved themselves in modern day slavery and human trafficking in Middlesbrough.
Once back home here in Zimbabwe, because of his military background, he joined the CIO as an informer and subsequently became fully involved as a Ferret.
Now, the biggest questions are, will Tawanda Muchehiwa ever get justice? Will the other Ferret details now come out in the open and own up to their evil acts now that Dondo is gone? Personally I think that Thompson’s demise was a divine intervention.
I believe that where earthly justice system fails, heavenly justice system takes over.
To this end, may Tawanda Muchehiwa continue to recover physically and psychologically.
By A Correspondent- The MDC T has asked the nation to pray for their former leader and party VP after she has been hospitalized.
The update was posted by MDC T on Twitter in a post that said she was in a stable condition:
@DrThoko_Khupe has now been admitted to a local private health facility for further management. She is in a stable condition and is in good spirits. We expect her to fully recover soon. Thank you for your prayers Zimbabwe.#CovidIsReal#StayHome#MaskUp#Sanitize
@DrThoko_Khupe has now been admitted to a local private health facility for further management. She is in a stable condition and is in good spirits. We expect her to fully recover soon. Thank you for your prayers Zimbabwe.#CovidIsReal#StayHome#MaskUp#Sanitize pic.twitter.com/ZyaUFzE5HY
Thokozani Khupe was one of the delegates at the HICC on Sunday where about a thousand people gathered to elect a new leader for the court-sanctioned MDC T congress.
She announced she tested positive for COVID-19 2 days after the congress on 29 December.
THokozani Khupe at one point was diagnosed with cancer and she beat the disease and even went on to establish her own cancer foundation, The Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation to help those suffering from cancer.
France-based Warriors striker Tino Kadewere has finally broken silence on the courtesy call he made on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The 24-year old and members of his family were hosted by the veteran politician at State House on Wednesday before he returned to his base in France.
Reacting for the first to the meeting, which trended for two days on social media, the lanky striker said, as cited by The Herald: “It was an honor to be able to get to meet His Excellency.”
“When my brother told me that we had been invited by the President, I was touched and I said to myself this has always been a dream.”
“It gave me a boost in my head and so much confidence that even the President himself is proud of what I am doing,” he added.
Kadewere also said he couldn’t believe how “humble” the President and his family are.
“It gives me the courage to be able to do more for my country. The book present he gave me is wonderful. I never expected it. I was actually shocked about how humble the First Family is.”
“Those people are very humble. I shed a tear ndichipinda muState House kuti only if my (late) brother Prince was alive awonawo His Excellency.”
“It’s every sportsperson’s dream to meet the President,” concluded the Olympique Lyon man. Credit- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The state media reported that Impala CEO #ThompsonDondo succumbed to #COVID19 but his company issued a statement and said he died of kidney failure. Who is lying here?
#ThompsonDondo Contradictions over the cause of death of #ImpalaCarRental boss. Contrastingly, The Herald reports that Dondo succumbed to Covid-19 and added that details would be availed by the family spokesperson. pic.twitter.com/MzIlvSHAFH
By A Correspondent- 2 Men from Mwenezi reportedly murdered a 6-year-old girl, cut out her private parts before burning her body beyond recognition.
Taruziva Sithole (37) of Chomutamba Village 3 and his friend Shackmore Dube (26) from the same village killed Sithole’s niece Irene Sithole before torching her corpse on 29 December.
The matter came to light in court yesterday where the duo who stood charged with murder before Mwenezi Magistrate Honest Masiiwa.
The state, led by Lyton Katsidzira alleged that:
Sithole and Dube connived to kill the former’s niece after the later had been promised a vehicle and lots of money for a juvenile girl body parts by an unknown person in South Africa.
Sithole, who was staying with Irene at his house allegedly decided to kill her so that Dube could take her private parts to South Africa.
On 29 December around 8pm Sithole allegedly started attacking Irene with a log and she collapsed and died.
He allegedly took his niece’s lifeless body and put it in a bag before using a cloth to remove stains of blood to conceal the vice.
At around midnight on the same day, Sithole took Irene’s corpse in the bag and went outside to meet Dube who was waiting for him a few metres from his house.
Dube then allegedly proceeded to cut off Irene’s genitals before the pair proceeded to burn her body in a fire until it was burnt to ashes save for some teeth, ribs and parts of the skull that remained.
The matter came to light after Irene went missing and Sithole’s wife raised alarm with neighbours that he had seen him pounding his niece with a log.
The gruesome murder of young Irene came barely 4 months after another gruesome murder of another minor Tapiwa Makore who was murdered by a Murehwa headman and his father’s brother Tapiwa Makore.-statemedia
By Majaira Jairosi | I got a call this morning to say Thompson Dondo has gone to [REDACTED] . I haven’t got enough details surrounding his death other than that he succumbed to COVID 19.
Thompson was a very shady character, who was involved in modern slavery in UK, where he used undocumented Zimbabweans almost for nothing as he was paying them peanuts. Some Zimbabweans were trafficked into the UK which is the reason why he ended up being in trouble with the UK authorities. He had to escape from the UK and he has died a fugitive. It is unfortunate that he has passed on without disclosing who abducted Tawanda Muchehiwa, but he was part of the Ferret Team.
Thompson was a military nurse before we went to UK where he initially worked as a nursing carer via an Agency. He also worked as a driver for carers for that same Nursing Agency. He later left to form his own Agency with another Zimbabwean and this is when they involved themselves in modern day slavery and human trafficking in Middlesbrough.
Once back home here in Zimbabwe, because of his military background, he joined the CIO as an informer and subsequently became fully involved as a Ferret.
Now, the biggest questions are, will Tawanda Muchehiwa ever get justice? Will the other Ferret details now come out in the open and own up to their evil acts now that Dondo is gone?
Personally I think that Thompson’s demise was a divine intervention. I believe that where earthly justice system fails, heavenly justice system takes over. To this end, may Tawanda Muchehiwa continue to recover physically and psychologically.
The opposition MDC-T has announced that party deputy president Thokozani Khupe who a few days ago announced that she had tested positive to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been admitted in hospital.
The party said she is stable and in good spirits but has been taken to hospital for further management.
“DrThoko_Khupe has now been admitted to a local private health facility for further management. She is in a stable condition and is in good spirits. We expect her to fully recover soon. Thank you for your prayers,” said the party.
@DrThoko_Khupe has now been admitted to a local private health facility for further management. She is in a stable condition and is in good spirits. We expect her to fully recover soon. Thank you for your prayers Zimbabwe.#CovidIsReal#StayHome#MaskUp#Sanitize pic.twitter.com/ZyaUFzE5HY
Khupe was part of the over 1000 people who attended the party Extra-Ordinary Congress held on the 27th of December 2020 to elect a substantive president to replace the late Morgan Tsvangirai.
When they left this Covid-19 Super-Spreader event, they went home where they interacted with relatives who work in shops, government offices, hospitals, garages & restaurants.
Farewell to an Elder in the Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) and a former Bishop J R Shenk. He went to be with the Lord early this morning (01.01.21).
Bishop Shenk was also a member of the EFZ National Advisory Council and a former National Treasurer.
He is remembered as one of the pioneers of the EFZ.
“What a stalwart soldier and servant of the Lord. His work and legacy will continue to live on and bless the church. Our hearts and prayers are with Mrs Shenk and the family and all the Brethren In Christ Church”- Dr Goodwill Shana.
“Deepest condolences to his family / the BICC and the body of Christ he was a lovely humble servant of God who served this nation well “- Bishop Trevor Manhanga .
May the Lord comfort the family and the Church at large during this time of loss and pain.
In the new Zimbabwe, this guy deserves a suburb to be named after him. He has outdone everyone of his generation in the ultimate sacrifices of seeing a new and better Zimbabwe. He is the epitome of solidarity and selflessness. I see and appreciate this leader ????@MakomboreroHpic.twitter.com/tBTU7gVaYk
1- Two things Mako has done which noone has noticed: a) He issued the clearest factual account during the Motlanthe Commission that changed the direction of that inquiry forcing generals to testify, what led to all fingers being pointer on the instigator and deployer, Mnangagwa
b) he performed what no investigative journalist has ever done in the history of Zimbabwe: to dig into phone network wires and records, to expose state agents for abducting Dr @DMagombeyi, what immediately forced the state to release the doctor @nelsonchamisa
The MDC Alliance Students’ Council is disturbed by the prolonged incarceration of one of our own Alan Moyo. Our NEC led by chairperson Prince Gora visited Cde Moyo on Thursday and found him in good spirits but in need of his freedom. Alan is just a student leader whose only crime is believing and fighting for academic freedoms and a better Zimbabwe.
Today is the 25th day of his imprisonment and the state continues to play micky mouse games with Moyo’s freedom in particular Magistrate Judith Taruvinga who deliberately distorted the report of Alan’s bail hearing and left out key information. The record was as a result struck off at the high court and his lawyer now have to go back to the lower court to have the record corrected. All this is being done to deny Alan Moyo freedom which we equally continue to demand. If they do not free him, we will soon be freeing our anger as we have done before.
The ED Mnangagwa led government has failed and its only response to the wailing people of Zimbabwe is the use of force to silence us instead of silencing us through addressing the crisis in the country. Surely the government will never tire in frustrating us but we will also never tire in demanding and fighting for a better Zimbabwe.
By Nomusa Garikai- Give a fool rope enough, and he will hang himself; so goes the old adage. Zimbabwe’s political fools are swinging in the breeze!
“The activities of NGOs in our country, in the majority of cases, have not been developmental. The US and other Western countries have been splashing money to elements of the opposition with a view to effect regime change. That has nothing to do with promotion of democracy,’ fired (or rather misfired) Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF’s acting spokes person.
“In Zimbabwe, if one wants to buy a house or a car without working for it, he or she just needs to join an NGO and give out to that NGO that he was opposed to the ruling party and money will be provided.”
Chinamasa was commending on US Senator Rand Paul’s criticism of USAID for spending US$10 million trying to democratise Zimbabwe.
There is no denying that millions if not billions of USD in donor funds have been poured into Zimbabwe to promote democracy and good governance and there is precious little to show for it. Still, that does not mean there is no need for democracy and good governance in the country.
Indeed, with 50% of the country’s population now living in extreme poverty, with the country’s education and health care all but completely collapsed after decades of being starved of funds, etc. the need for good governance is greater now than ever before.
Yes the Zimbabwe’s NGOs and opposition leaders are corrupt and incompetent but nothing compared to the Zanu PF ruling elite and Comrade Chinamasa knows it! .
“In Zimbabwe, if one wants to buy not a house but a sprawling Blue Roof house mansion worth US$2 billion, not just have a car but a fleet of posh cars, have five star overseas education and health care services, have multiple farms, a multimillion dollar business empire, have an extravagant lifestyle, etc., etc. without working for it, he or she just needs to join Zanu PF. And to top it all, will be minister for donkey years!” Chinamasa should have added, after all he was minister for 38 years!
And there lays the nub of it all! Of course, the ordinary Zimbabweans would have never voted for the building of the US$2 billions Blue Roof whilst the country’s hospitals and schools rotted and decayed from neglect.
When the nation was fighting to end white colonial oppression “One man! One vote!” was the clarion call and everyone believed in the freedom and dignity of all the citizens. Sadly, by the time the country gained her independence, Zanu PF had forgotten all that in pursuit of absolute power.
Zanu PF’s campaign message in 1980 was that the civil war would continue is the party failed to win the elections and so the people voted to end the war and kissed “one man! One vote!” good bye. Zanu PF has rigged all the elections ever since.
Zanu PF has made “regime change” a dirty phase when in reality it is the very essence of free, fair and credible elections. Free and fair elections are a right and not a privilege to be given to some and denied to other as those in power see fit. The ultimate expression of the free vote is for the voters to remove anyone from office if they so wished!
“On paper, the reason being advanced for this colossal funding is because America wants to help in developing Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions. In reality, however, the real reason for this funding is to enable America to create, fund and control a pliant and puppet government in Zimbabwe, a government that will play to the whims and fantasies of America’s neo- imperialist agenda,” chipped in Obert Gutu.
Gutu was the MDC-T a deputy minister in the 2008 to 2013 GNU. The people of Zimbabwe risked life and limb to elect Gutu and his fellow MDC leaders into power on the understanding they would bring about the democratic changes the nation was dying for.
However when MDC leaders got into power, Mugabe bribed them with the trappings of high office and they forgot about implementing the reforms to fighting to maintain the de facto one party dictatorship.
Power, wealth and privilege stopped MDC leaders seeing the evil of the dictatorship and the human suffering and deaths it had brought to the nation just as the same trio had blinded Chinamasa and his fellow Zanu PF cronies.
It was US ambassador to Zimbabwe 2004 to 2007, Chris Dell, who said Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader, “was a flawed and indecisive character who would be an albatross round Zimbabwe’s neck if he ever got into power”. MDC did get into power in the 2008 to 2013 GNU. The party failed to implement even one the democratic reforms in five years, proving ambassador Dell was right!
USAID had no business working with the MDC’s corrupt and incompetent leaders, especially after the GNU debacle. And so USA Senators Rand Paul was right in his scathing criticism of USAID for working with MDC leaders even to this day!
There is a crying need for democratic change and good governance in Zimbabwe, now more than ever. USAID and the people of Zimbabwe must, from now on, be more shrewd and savvy in who they work with in the fight for democratic change in Zimbabwe.
By Wilbert Mukori- Let me say this for the umpteenth time: Zimbabwe’s official corona virus cases and deaths is but a fraction of the real and true figures.
Officially Zimbabwe has 13 867 cumulated cases of which 2 254 are active cases and 363 deaths. There have been 719 new cases and 9 deaths in the last three days showing the number of cases are on the increase.
“We hear UK beds are overwhelmed by Covid-19. Well, that’s them.They say in SA, hospital admission thresholds are now quite high- that’s them. But, let me tell you about our own situation, don’t catch the virus if you can avoid it. We are being overwhelmed and overrun by this virus.” commented Nick Mangwana on twitter.
Mangwana is the government spokesman and also the source of the official data on corona virus cases and deaths.
”We really are in it!”
“Those who doubt should call any hospital including private ones and hear what they will be told. Our capacity to admit other patients is extremely diminished.”
There is very strange coming from some one authorised to give the definitive corona virus cases and deaths across the land. So he is himself doubting the official figures he has been dishing out!
Indeed, any one with half a brain has cause to doubt the official figures. If there are only 2 254 active cases and 10% of them, at most, would require hospitalisation. Why would a country of 16 million be running out of hospital beds after admitting only 225 corona virus patients, particularly when the country has had over a year to prepare to treat tens of thousands and, so far, had not happened?
One way Zimbabwe has failed to keep track of the true corona virus figures is because the country has not been testing, tracing and tracking as per World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation and as common sense would dictate.
Last month there were many reported cases of corona virus cases at a number of school including Dadaya High School, in Zvishavane. The ration thing to do was to test all 1 000 or so students and staff. There was only enough test kits for 47 tests per day!
Even now with the number of corona virus surging up, Zimbabwe’s test regime continues to remain wilfully inadequate. Yesterday the nation carried out 1 677 PCR test in total country wide!
No doubt many students went back home without ever being tests and all those who had the virus but not the symptoms continue spreading it to the rest of the community.
So by failing to carryout a US$2 test the nation could end put after one month with 100 corona virus cases traceable to just one individual and 10 of whom will require hospital treatment costing US$ 100 each, at least and 1 out of the 100 will die!
How many people in Zimbabwe today have corona virus and would be in isolation if the country was carrying out a more rigorous testing, tracking and tracing regime? And we are not going this to save US$2! What a criminal waste of human lives!
The official Zimbabwe covid 19 cases and deaths would suggest the country has done exceptionally in containing the pandemic but this will be overshadowed if was so because we falsified the figures. The matter will be much worse if in falsifying the figures we ending up putting more Zimbabweans at risk of getting the virus and many dying.
Thank God there are now a number of corona virus vaccines available. Still, as a third world country that will rely on the generosity of others to get the vaccine, it will not be for another year before a significant number of Zimbabweans get the jab.
Meanwhile, we must do something to end the blundering incompetence shown by this Zanu PF regime in the handling of the pandemic. There is no excuse why Zimbabwe has not increased the number of tests consider it is our only line of defence since our health care has all but collapsed.
I hope some day the country will carryout a thorough inquiry to uncover the truth on how Zimbabwe handled the corona virus pandemic. The true figure of how many people had the virus and how many died will never be known for certain still it will be useful to have more realistic figures than the official figures that even those complying them are dismissing with contempt!
By A Correspondent- 6 more people succumbed to COVID-19 yesterday. This was revealed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in the report that communicated the progression of the virus in Zimbabwe. The Ministry also noted that 217 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The ministry stated that:
217 new cases and 6 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Deaths reported in Masvingo(1), Harare(1) Manicaland(1) Mashonaland Central(1) Bulawayo(2).
The update also stated that of the 217 cases reported yesterday 216 are local cases while the other one is a returnee from South Africa.
This comes after Zimbabwe has recorded over 200 new cases for 3 consecutive days after a long period of recording fewer cases, especially during the dry season.
By A Correspondent- A Harare holidaymaker who was on holiday with his family fell into a Victoria Falls gorge on New Year’s day
Times Live reported that by 5 PM yesterday, rescuers had not yet located him.
ZimParks’s Tinashe Farawo told the publication that:
There was an incident this afternoon when a 40-year-old man fell into the gorge around 2.30pm. We are on the ground searching for him,
According to The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), an estimated 513 cubic metres per second were flowing into the Victoria Falls as of December 23 2020.
A similar incident occurred at the resort town 16 years ago in 2005 when a man fell into the gorge as he was trying to retrieve his spectacles after dropping them.
By A Correspondent- A grief stricken family is demanding justice after a relative died in custody in Murewa on Boxing Day following a police dog bite outside a nightclub, although a police statement to this publication says the death cannot instantly be linked to the attack.
The deceased, 32-year-old Talent Mangirazi, got into trouble when patrol officers tried to arrest him and others for curfew violation in the late hours of Christmas Day.
An earth-moving equipment operator, Mangirazi arrived in Murewa from Harare on 23 December alongside his elder brother to spend the festive season at their rural home with their aged parents.
The night of 25 December would however end in tragedy when police pounced on merrymakers inside a crowded nightclub where Mangirazi was drinking, around 11pm, hours into a night curfew to control the spread of Covid-19.
This transpired after Mangirazi had spent Christmas morning at the family homestead in Gapara village, before leaving around 10am to meet up with old acquaintances at a local drinking hole.
Around 6pm, Mangirazi –a cousin of former Zimbabwe cricket player Johnson Marumisa – decided to heighten the partying and hitched a lift to the popular Murewa Centre, some 20km up the road, where other friends were waiting for him.
Several eye-witnesses who spoke to The NewsHawks said that around 11pm, armed officers with police dogs descended on the packed nightclub, spraying teargas and attempting to arrest the revellers on charges of breaching curfew restrictions.
Incensed by the tear-gassing, a brawl ensued when some of the revellers resisted arrest, while others fought back the police.
It is said that Mangirazi tried to flee but, with dogs in hot pursuit and clearly incapacitated after a day of holiday alcohol bingeing, he did not last the distance.
Inconsolable elder brother Luckmore Mangirazi told The NewsHawks on Wednesday that Murewa Police Station officers told the family that Talent could have died of fatal injuries sustained when he collided with a stationery haulage truck while attempting to escape.
This account is contained in a statement to The NewsHawks from the office of police national spokesperson, Paul Nyathi.
“It is premature to allege that this person was killed by a police dog as the Post Mortem is yet to be done,” reads the statement. “The body is at Parirenyatwa Hospital Mortuary awaiting examination. Facts on the ground indicate that this person was among over 100 revelers at Sky Blue Night Club and Siyawamyaya Butcher when Police went to disperse this gathering which was clearly contravening the Government’s Covid-19 safety regulations and they met resistance. The crowd threw stones to Police Officers and damaged a Police Ford Ranger vehicle ZRP 320R’s rear screen.”
“Police moved in to disperse this unlawful gathering as the victim (Mangirazi) ran way and crashed against a haulage truck trailer which was parked at the shops. He fell down and sustained injuries. He was then bitten on the thigh by a police dog which was quickly restrained by its handler. The cause of the death can only be ascertained once the Post Mortem results are out. We urge all concerned parties including the media to be patient until the Post Mortem results are out before rushing into conclusions.”
The Mangirazi family, however, narrated a different version.
“His legs clearly show very deep wounds from dog bites,” said Luckmore. “He also bled profusely from the nose and mouth, and his head is covered in blood. There is also a dark scar on his chest.”
After apprehending him, the patrol officers took Talent to Murewa Police Station, from where he was then rushed to Murewa Hospital upon realising his critical condition.
“This is extremely hard to take for the family, especially the circumstances of his death, a very violent way to die,” added Luckmore. “We have been robbed of a much-adored family member, a young man who as much as he loved his drink and a good time, also dedicated his time to the family and gave as generously as possible. We have to get to the bottom of what really happened to our son and brother for us to be at peace as a family. Without doing this, we would have terribly let down Talent. If anybody is responsible for Talent’s death, there must be nothing left for them but to face justice.”
Mangirazi had two phones on him on the fateful night, so notification of his death to family members was made by police to a contact obtained from one of the gadgets.
His body was transferred from the Murewa Hospital mortuary to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary on Tuesday, where it is still awaiting post-mortem examination before burial arrangements are made.
Mangirazi, who was single, worked for KW Blasting Zimbabwe at the time of his death, and was stationed at a mine in Mapinga on the Harare-Chirundu highway.
Senator Douglas Mwonzora is approaching parliament to block his deputy Thokozani Khupe. The legislator speaks to ZimEye in an exclusive interview. (below).
Douglas Mwonzora
EXCLUSIVE DOUGLAS MWONZORA INTERVIEW AT 8PM OVER:
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
Such dreadful times! Just learnt that the Gwanda based Human rights defender, Bekezela Fuzwayo succumbed to Covid19.I knew the brother as a great leader abs community organizer.Fuzwayo stood for human rights,dignity and justice. Rest in peace our tower.The people shall govern! pic.twitter.com/RVntdyq07K
Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has described the death of human rights activist Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo as a devastating blow to the nation.
Fuzwayo succumbed to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday.
“Such dreadful times! Just learnt that the Gwanda based Human rights defender, Bekezela Fuzwayo succumbed to Covid19.
I knew the brother as a great leader and community organizer.Fuzwayo stood for human rights,dignity and justice. Rest in peace our tower.The people shall govern,” President Chamisa said in a statement on Twitter.
Senator Douglas Mwonzora is approaching parliament to block his deputy Thokozani Khupe. The legislator speaks to ZimEye in an exclusive interview. (below).
Douglas Mwonzora
EXCLUSIVE DOUGLAS MWONZORA INTERVIEW AT 8PM OVER:
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
By Francis Mufambi | Zimbabwe and China share significant historical ties hailing from the liberation struggle. The socio-political and economic relations have for the umpteenth time remained a classical epitome of the much envisaged South-South cooperation.
This explains why it was no coincidence that the two great nations both launched five-year plans in the second half of 2020. The critical blueprints, which mirror the developmental trajectories of the two states are anchored on targets ofsustainable development, reform, engagement and above all opening the territories to investors with a view to achieve competitive economies by the year 2030.
Emmerson Mnangagwa (R) talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 3, 2018. Mnangagwa is on a visit to China to seek economic support from a major partner that previously backed his ousted predecessor Robert Mugabe. / AFP PHOTO / POOL / Parker Song (Photo credit should read PARKER SONG/AFP/Getty Images)
In November 2020, Zimbabwe launched the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) succeeding the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP). NDS1 main pillars are transformation, reengagement, wealth creation and growth with a target to achieve a middle society income by 2030 as well as a quest to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly, China pursuant of the 2016 policy dubbed ‘China’s National Plan on Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ launched its five-year plan with ambitious goals to achieve a moderately prosperous society build on innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable growth and reform.
The Chinese perspective of concentrating on Common Values and not Universal values is a diplomatic leverage in its cooperation with the developing world. It makes it easier for China to lead in a process laid down by the Havana Charter of encouraging Free Trade and cooperation among nations. China remains a role model in defying Western prescribed development.
Zimbabwe and China share a common adversary in the form of the United States and its allies. For Zimbabwe, the nation is suffering under cancerous economic embargoes imposed after a successful Land Reform Programme while China is facing a tough tariff regime imposed on its exports by the Trump Administration. In this lighthearted vein, China and Zimbabwe through their five-year plans share common position of constructive engagement for developmental purposes at the backdrop of American-induced hardships.
Of considerable interest is that Zimbabwe continues with the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ with a goal to attract foreign direct investment. Similarly the Chinese government is relaxing its policies especially in liberalizing capital flow and currency.
The Southern African state is seeking to exploit its competitive advantage especially in terms of its Agricultural capabilities and currently a national programme called Pfumvudza in order to attin food self-sufficiency as well as a strategy for import substitution. The Chinese five-year plan shares similar perspectives although its major linchpin is in becoming an innovation centre of the world. The Sino five-year plan is premised on the creation of self-relianceespecially in the 5th Generation networking as well as vehicle technology.
The essentiality of NDS1 is on its reality prescriptions and projections. It is not an ambitious political manifesto like document. It is a public policy document outlining what the Zimbabwean state will pursue in rejuvenating its economic growth. NDS1 is nuanced in practical interventions in the maintenance of macroeconomic stability. Its pursuit is in engineering economic recovery and sustainable growth. All stakeholders are expected to play their part for the realisation of its projected goal of a middle income nation by 2023. The Communist Party of China has systematically used five-year plans with practical objectives which were attainable. China’s econoomic template remains Zimbabwe’s panacea and low hanging fruit to effectively emulate.
In the contemporary when the world is struggling to deal with the Covid 19 pandemic, China has launched a new Healthy Policy dubbed ‘Healthy China 2030: A vision for Healthcare’ where primary care and the healthy of all its citizens is prioritised. This more or less resembles what has been captured in NDS1.Article 34 of NDS1 also focuses on Health and Wellbeing of Zimbabwean people stating that ‘The overall goal is to improve quality of life increase life expectancy among others’
Zimbabwe and China obviously at different stages of development. However, the two states share significantmutuality and similarity on policy goals. Zimbabwe can leverage its relations with China and use such as a spring board to land into the much desired world of modernity
Mufambi is an Msc Student in International Trade & Diplomacy at University of Zimbabwe.
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Newly-elected MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has shown serious political maturity as he reached out to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa and to ZANU PF leader cde ED Mnangagwa. Speaking at his first press briefing as president of the MDC-T at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, Mwonzora said President Mnangagwa and Chamisa were not an enemy.
“The National Council will sit in January as extension to the just-ended congress to discuss further issues and national dialogue. Chamisa, Biti, Welshman or Mnangagwa are not my enemies, the real enemies are poverty and ignorance,” he said. His statement made the rumour mill to go round with some saying that he is working with Zanu-PF to decimate the opposition. Still, he said he was willing to work with the ruling party for the good of the nation.
“I don’t need to be on the payroll of Zanu-PF at all. This is what opponents who are trying to discredit you do. I do not become a member of Zanu-PF just because I have disagreed with you.”
Announcing the MDC-T as “the government in waiting,” Mwonzora said he will “work professionally with Zanu-PF” in proffering robust solutions to the myriad of problems facing Zimbabwe.
The international economic crisis has hit the world especially its ‘periphery’, remarkably hard, and has had deep consequences at the economic and political levels. Since its onset, parties in parliament (especially those in opposition) have found themselves faced with a dilemma: choosing between the need to cooperate with the government in order to overcome the crisis and the opportunity provided by a weakened government to stress their adversarial position, so as to be more easily re-elected and possibly get into power.
We need to understand that the Official Opposition is viewed as the caucus tasked with keeping the government in check. It is also generally viewed as the alternative government or “government in waiting”. It has a duty to serve the nation not to advance the selfish political ends of a political party. The ruling party or governing party or political party in a democratic parliamentary system is the political party or coalition holding a majority of elected positions in a parliament, that administers the affairs of state.
In many democratic republic countries, the ruling party is the party of the elected president that is in charge of the executive branch of government. Within such parliamentary systems, the majority in the legislature also controls the executive branch of government, thus leaving no possibility of opposing parties concurrently occupying the executive and legislative branches of government. In other systems, such as in an American style presidential system, the party of the president does not necessarily also have a legislative majority. Zimbabwe had not have a majority opposition members in parliament always the ruling party controls the majority until 2008 where a government of national unity had to settle the issue.
Opposition parties are all the other parties who have the work to question, criticize and blame the ruling party for their wrongdoings, so that the ruling party can improve. There is one fundamental difference between the two, the ruling party tries its best to carry on apparently development activities so in next elections they do not have to face Anti incumbency,and opposition tries hard to create obstacles in the name of public demand.
Many schemes and programs criticized by the opposition become essential and find favour when they come to to power basically it is power play among various players. No Government can run effectively unless there is an effective opposition. Thus it becomes imperative for a democracy to embrace an opposition party. Our Democratic functions all these years in the same way. Ruling party may implement so many decisions in the interest of Nation,however it is for the opposition party to question where ever there is a lacuna.Any Bill passed by the Central Government after taking into the views of the oppositions parties.That is a healthy democracy. A proper government encourages opposition to be present in order for the work of the government to be examined checked and balanced. Zimbabwe is a parliamentary democracy with various political parties. So it is in the interest of ZANU PF to be in a race with another oiled party. There is no joy in competing alone. In a parliamentary democracy, citizens elect their representatives. Citizens vote for the party of their choice and, in this way, influence government policy. A political party brings together people with the same political ideas. By taking part in an election, parties hope to get as many of their members as possible into a representative body, like parliament or a municipal council. At the same time they try to hold as many posts as possible in the government, or in the municipal or provincial executive. Political parties have various functions. One is promoting the interests of their voters. They also draw up party programmes. Citizens can join political parties, enabling them to help shape the party programme. So Zimbabwe has no interest in destroying opposition parties.
While ZANU PF expects to have a strong opposition to oppose it, it does not have to strengthen it or to weaken it. ZANU PF has no interest in a weak opposition. But it does not pray for a stronger one.
So the congratulatory messages by ZANU PF to Mwonzora simply means we are welcoming you the race. Even opposing teams shake hands. After a football match they even exchange shirts. A player who exchanges his shirt at the end of a match can not be accused of selling out. So it is irresponsible and cheap politics to accuse ZANU PF of compromising the MDC in its colours.
The problems of the MDC were caused by MDC itself. It was not ZANU PF which took MDC to court. MDC took itself to court. When the supreme court gave a decision it was not a political decision but a legal one.
When Senetor Mwonzora won the elections it was just civil and humane for ZANU PF to congratulate him. They would have done the same to Khupe Chamisa or Komichi. ZANU PF is alive to the fact that democracy does not survive in a lonely space.
However if the opposition decides to destroy itself ZANU PF will not interfere but will only hope they do not.
It is bemusing to hear Chamisa and Biti accuse ZANU PF of baking Mwonzora or Khupe.
Always the loser hopes to find one to blame and indeed the blame this time is laughable. It is not in the place of ZANU PF to encourage MDC to unite or to be strong. If they chose to disunite ZANU PF will rub its hands in a colourful glee.
For 2021 ZANU PF is aiming at serving the people of Zimbabwe. It has no time to engage in the kids play engineered by the MDC. The MDC is letting its constituencies down. They spending their time in infighting splitting up and blaming ZANU PF. This has never been in their manifesto. The only achievement achieved by MDC is to split and split again.
For the sake of the nation MDC must work together with the government. The kudira jecha mantra must be abandoned. Zimbabwe needs people who work together for the good of the nation. We hope to have a fresh political mind in the year 2021.
Another dark cloud has hot us again. Mr Thompson Dondo of Impala Car Hire has passed away.
Details will follow from the family spokesperson. I just got the call from one of his managers Simms. It’s not Covid related. My sincerest condolences to the Dondo family and all who knew him. He had a very close relationship with us as the Arts Journalist Association of Zimbabwe and he will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Impala Car Hire owner Thompson Dondo has passed away, a source close to the family has confirmed.
Details of his death are still sketchy but the source said it is not COVID-19 related.
Another source briefly commented saying:
Another dark cloud has hot us again. Mr Thompson Dondo of Impala Car Hire has passed away. Details will follow from the family spokesperson. I just got the call from one of his managers Simms. It’s not Covid related. My sincerest condolences to the Dondo family and all who knew him. He had a very close relationship with us as the Arts Journalist Association of Zimbabwe and he will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
In a gory murder case that has left the community in Mazetese Village in Mwenezi shell-shocked, two men allegedly connived to kill a six-year-old girl before burning her body beyond recognition after cutting off her genitals for sale in South Africa.
Taruziva Sithole (37) of Chomutamba Village 3 allegedly connived with his friend Shackmore Dube (26) of the same village to kill Sithole’s niece Irene Sithole before torching her corpse beyond recognition on December 29.
Irene’s remains including a tooth, badly burnt pieces of the skull and ribs were recovered from where the pair burned her body.
A traders’ bag commonly known as Shangaan bag was used by Sithole to carry Irene’s corpse from his house where he had brutally killed his niece by pounding her with a log.
Sithole and Dube have since been arrested and appeared in court before Mwenezi Resident magistrate Mr Honest Musiiwa facing murder charges.
The duo were not asked to plead by Mr Musiiwa today (Friday) who remanded them in custody to January 14 and advised them to seek bail at the High Court.
Prosecutor Mr Lyton Katsidzira told the coury that Sithole and Dube connived to kill the former’s niece after the later had been promised a vehicle and lots of money for a juvenile girl body parts by an unknown person in South Africa.
Sithole, who was staying with Irene at his house allegedly decided to kill her so that Dube could take her private parts to South Africa.
On 29 December around 8pm Sithole allegedly started attacking Irene with a log and she collapsed and died.
He allegedly took his niece’s lifeless body and put it in a bag before using a cloth to remove stains of blood to conceal the vice.
At around midnight on the same day, Sithole took Irene’s corpse in the bag and went outside to meet Dube who was waiting for him a few metres from his house.
Dube then allegedly proceeded to cut off Irene’s genitals before the pair proceeded to burn her body in a fire until it was burnt to ashes save for some teeth, ribs and parts of the skull that remained.
The matter came to light after Irene went missing and Sithole’s wife raised alarm with neighbours that he had seen him pounding his niece with a log.
A report was made to police to Sithole’s arrest who then implicated Dube.
The pair led police to where they had burnt Irene’s body leading to recovery of pieces of the skull, ribs and teeth.
As of today, (Friday) Irene’s mutilated private parts has not yet been recovered.
The gruesome murder of the Mwenezi juvenile comes as the nation is still recovering from the heinous murder of Tapiwa Makore of Murehwa believed to have been masterminded by his uncle for ritual purposes.
Tapiwa’s head has not been recovered to date save for his torso and the body is now set to be buried minus the head in one of the intriguinf murders of 2020 that caught the attention and aroused emotions of the entire nation.
Well-known Bulawayo tycoon Worthwhile Mugabe has died.
He died of Covid-19 in Harare.
Mugabe was DSK Holdings managing director.
Mr Mugabe was Worthwhile Investments founder. His company DSK Holdings had six subsidiary companies namely DSK Electricals, Girjac Services, High Peak Cables and Hardware, Power Control Systems, Kayzed Sales and another portfolio offering accommodation in Dalesford, Gweru’s leafy suburb. He also had his footprints outside the country.
Being a well-seasoned and experienced industrialist, Mr Mugabe had on countless times been awarded various private sector leadership accolades from reputable organisations such as Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), MEGAFEST and Zimbabwe Institute of Management, to mention but a few.
Mr Mugabe had managed to create strategic alliances with internationally recognised manufactures of electrical components and other associated products.
Mr Mugabe some years back acquired spacious premises in Belmont Industrial area in Bulawayo
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti has filed a Z$15 million counter-lawsuit against a Russian woman who accused him of assault after calling her a “very stupid idiot,” leading to his arrest last month.
The opposition lawmaker is suing Tatiana Aleshina – a Russian national with business interests in Zimbabwe – jointly with CID Law and Order officers, Detective Garauzive, Detective Chief Inspector Chibaya, and Constable Sydney Ndlovu.
He accuses the detectives of wrongful detention over “a matter or case where even if convicted, the plaintiff would not be subjected to a prison term because of the frivolity of the charge,” Biti says in his founding affidavit now before the High Court.
His counter-claim comes days after he was sued for Z$1 million by Aleshina, accusing the politician and his party of insulting her and defaming Augur Investments – a company she has interests in – after tweeting that it was corrupt.
“On or around November 30, 2020, the first defendant (Aleshina) made false, wrong and a malicious report to ZRP alleging that the plaintiff had assaulted her by uttering that ‘You Tatiana you are stupid, very stupid, stupid idiot,'” Biti argues through his lawyer Alec Muchadehama.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the complaint, even if true (a point heavily contested) was trivial, frivolous and at most a criminal nuisance, the first defendant appointed second defendant as an IO in the matter.”
He wants damages broken down as follows; Z$5 million for contumelia and injury to his feelings and dignity; Z$5 million as constitutional damages for wrongful deprivation of liberty and torture, cruel and degrading treatment, and another Z$5 million in damages for wrongful and malicious actions by officers.
Biti also accuses detectives of trying to raid his law firm and harassing his mother. He argues the matter between him and Aleshina is a “trivial” affair that should not have involved the CID Law and Order.
He also complained about his detention in police cells saying conditions exposed him to Covid-19 as there was no running water, sanitizers, masks, or gloves.
“The conditions of Harare Central Police custody are particularly demeaning and in any event amount to torture cruel and degrading treatment. There was overcrowding and lack of social distancing with over 52 inmates detained in that particular night,” he says, adding this dented his social standing.
By A Correspondent- Civil society activist and human rights advocate Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo succumbed to COVID-19 at Gwanda Hospital yesterday.
The sad development was confirmed by a close family member late Thursday afternoon.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition boss Marvellous Khumalo described the late Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition treasurer who also doubled as the secretary general for Gwanda Residents Association as a “resolute human rights defender and a patriotic Zimbabwean who dedicated all his adult life for the betterment of socio-economic and political emancipation of the citizens at large”.
On Thursday, ZimEye exclusively revealed that Fuzwayo had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and he was recuperating at a Gwanda health facility which is doubling as an isolation centre.
ByLukeTamborinyoka| Arsenal’s emphatic win over Chelsea at the Emirates stadium on Boxing day lifted my spirits in a tenuous and gloomy year in which the despondent people of this country were boxed down mainly by the twin evils of a global pandemic and an inept regime with a penchant for repression and violence.
The year 2020 was just an unforgettable year that has etched its own unique space in the history of humankind, particularly for the weatherbeaten people of this our beloved country.
For lovers of the world’s most beautiful game, records were either made or broken in this tumultuous year. Liverpool’s 7-0 trouncing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was the first time the Reds have won an away match in the English top flight by a margin of seven goals in their illustrious history. This year will also go down in history as the year in which football talisman Lionel Messi, who is having a bad season by his own lofty standards, scored his 643rd goal for Barcelona to equal football legend Pele’s record of goals for a single club which the Brazilian star achieved at Santos.
Otherwise for most Zimbabweans, the year 2020, which ended only a few hours ago, will go down in history as a year to forget. Given our collective nightmarish experience as a nation in 2020, it was shocking last night to watch and hear Mr Mnangagwa in his televised address telling Zimbabweans the country had just had a successful and a productive year.
The man must certainly be living in a different world. And he most certainly must have lived a different year from the one lived by all of us.
It was a wicked year in which the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, leaving in its wake almost two million graves and more battered and bereaved souls. This is not to mention dislocated livelihoods and locked down means of survival.
By last night, Zimbabwe had officially lost 360 innocent souls to the pandemic, with the actual figure presumed to be far much higher. Israel Murefu, the president of the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), says more than 30 percent of formal jobs were lost in the Covid-19-induced lockdown.
The pandemic-induced lockdowns in this eventful year managed to lock down livelihoods, particularly in highly informalised economies such as ours, where most transactional activities now take place by the roadside and on the street pavements where teeming vendors have resorted to eking a living through the rigour of honest, hard work.
2020 was a bad year in which wicked governments such as the regime in Harare took advantage of the lockdowns to display their callousness. Soldiers were wheeled out of the barracks purportedly to enforce the Covid-19 lockdown when the actual intention was to suppress citizen rights, particularly the rights related to free movement, expression and political choice.
No one was spared in the 2020 clampdown as evidenced by the spate of State-sponsored abductions, murders, arbitrary arrests and the gross interference in the work and mandates of independent institutions.
Journalists, judges, MPs, lawyers, the church, political and civic activists all had a torrid time under the Mnangagwa regime in 2020. For the first time in the history of this country, a global campaign dubbed # ZimbabweanLivesMatter became a strident and sonorous chorus across mother Earth as the world stood in solidarity with the repressed people of Zimbabwe.
In 2020, we had SADC, the AU, the UN, the church mainly through the Catholic bishops as well as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission all condemning the State-instigated gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe. The regime responded by stating that all these esteemed institutions had been captured by the British.
Perhaps the stand-out insidious event of 2020 was what became known as the infamous Covid-19 Supreme Court judgement. The judgment inadvertently transferred the July 2018 electoral votes from a political party called the MDC Alliance to a regime surrogate called MDC-T or MDC-Thoko, which name has now further morphed to MDC-Togaraseyi (Mwonzora).
The highly political judgement was a deliberate ploy by the regime to decimate the MDC Alliance by stripping the party of its human and material assets. The 2018 vote was reversed, the MDC Alliance party headquarters was grabbed and handed to the regime’s stooges while the people’s MPs and councillors were recalled by a party they had defeated.
But despite the vicious body blows, the people’s party and its leader Nelson Chamisa remain standing to this day only because they are the true repository of the people’s hopes and aspirations.
The interference with autonomous and independent institutions has intensified under the Mnangagwa regime. We even had judges writing a letter complaining about the gross interference in their work. What stood out in this blight of interference in the work of independent institutions was when we had the Minister of Health suspending elections in the country, in the process brazenly usurping the powers of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
But while by-elections and other gatherings to entrench democracy were banned, purportedly for fear of spreading the Covid-19, Zanu PF’s DCC elections and Mnangagwa’s rallies were allowed to proceed. Even the circus of an extraordinary Congress by the regime’s surrogates has just been allowed to take place.
Covid-19 the pandemic brought about Covidgate, the corruption angle to the pandemic, most of it linked to the well-heeled elite. Mnangagwa’s blood relatives and those around him were caught up in the corruption scandals. Stephen Tserayi, Henrietta Rushwaya, Obediah Moyo and many others were fingered in shady deals, some of them linked to the First family.
The year 2020 was the year in which the regime practically demonstrated its despicable position on women. Barely four days after Mothers’ Day, the day in which the world celebrates the chastity of women and mothers, the Mnangagwa regime brutally assaulted, abused and abducted MDC Alliance activists Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marova and Joannah Mamombe, an elected MP. The world was appalled.
The year 2020 was the year in which the military over-reach stretched to the broadcasting sector, further raising the tempo in the call for security sector reforms. The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in November awarded six television licences, two of them to media houses with links to the military. The two television licences, among the six, were given to Rusununguko Holdings and Fairtalk Communications, both with links to the military. Armed with the experience of Sibusiso Moyo, who became a temporary news anchor at ZBC in the early hours of 15 November 2017 during the coup, the military probably presumed itself ready to run its own television stations.
The dignity of civil servants, particularly those in the health and education sectors, hit new lows in the year 2020. Teachers, nurses and doctors are on the frontline in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic but this inept government has dismally failed to provide them with both a living wage and the requisite PPEs.
It has been quite a tenuous year in which we in the democratic movement have lost comrades and and senior party members, among them Hon. Miriam Mushayi, a member of the National Standing Committee. Our President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa also lost his mother in this difficult year.
Our mayors, councillors and party leaders across the country have been brutalised and victimised. The mayor for Harare, Clr Jacob Mafume, is currently in prison on trumped-up charges.
It has just been a tenuous year in many respects. Ginimbi and Gringo are gone, taken away from us by the grim spectre of death.
We are ending a brutal year with the smell of death and destruction yet again in the air. After cyclone Idai, which killed people and destroyed livelihoods, cyclone Chalane has bared her deadly fangs once again. There is just no respite for the wretched and despondent people of this land.
And yet there lies a lot of hope ahead: a new year, a new paradigm and new settings. We have for long played and transacted our politics in predictable fora. Perhaps in this new year, it’s time to change turf. We must now act the action. All bark and no bite serves not much purpose.
Perhaps this is the year to show our teeth.
For now, it ain’t no goodbye to the year 2020. It’s a badbye to a bad year!
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
– Mnangagwa's sudden backing of Thokozani Khupe -WhatsApp leak – Prime Minister post appointment allegations – Future relations with Nelson Chamisa. – Being reduced to a lame duck MDC leader – Special message to nation -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/st6LwsbaaS
NYAMASVISVA: I have run out of data. And fuel as well.
MWONZORA: That alone shouldn’t worry you Comrade we are well oiled this time I will send you ten GB data. You need to stay tuned.
NYAMASVISVA: But SG do you see MDC winning any election without toddler apa?
MWONZORA: We can do without him and we will be able to have a GNU set up imagine Comrade when Simboti becomes a Prime mnister, we’ll create jobs for those we are working with Same as Chamisa he will also promote those on his side.
MWONZORA: But it is very fortu-nate on our side that HE the head of state is on our side do (sic) we’ll never lose this battle to Chamisa, Biti, Ncube, Kore the list is endless but we need all the Provincial Structures, MPs, Senators, Councillors as well as the wards. No chete ndivo vanofanira kubuda mu party then taenda no nyika Nyamasvisva.
NYAMASVISVA: Okay I have received the bundle Mr SG thank you Ngawa tipe mari dze COVID-19 idzo tirwise IvIDC ALLIANCE takaguta hedu isu.
ByLukeTamborinyoka | Arsenal’s emphatic win over Chelsea at the Emirates stadium on Boxing day lifted my spirits in a tenuous and gloomy year in which the despondent people of this country were boxed down mainly by the twin evils of a global pandemic and an inept regime with a penchant for repression and violence.
The year 2020 was just an unforgettable year that has etched its own unique space in the history of humankind, particularly for the weatherbeaten people of this our beloved country.
For lovers of the world’s most beautiful game, records were either made or broken in this tumultuous year. Liverpool’s 7-0 trouncing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was the first time the Reds have won an away match in the English top flight by a margin of seven goals in their illustrious history. This year will also go down in history as the year in which football talisman Lionel Messi, who is having a bad season by his own lofty standards, scored his 643rd goal for Barcelona to equal football legend Pele’s record of goals for a single club which the Brazilian star achieved at Santos.
Otherwise for most Zimbabweans, the year 2020, which ended only a few hours ago, will go down in history as a year to forget. Given our collective nightmarish experience as a nation in 2020, it was shocking last night to watch and hear Mr Mnangagwa in his televised address telling Zimbabweans the country had just had a successful and a productive year.
The man must certainly be living in a different world. And he most certainly must have lived a different year from the one lived by all of us.
It was a wicked year in which the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, leaving in its wake almost two million graves and more battered and bereaved souls. This is not to mention dislocated livelihoods and locked down means of survival.
By last night, Zimbabwe had officially lost 360 innocent souls to the pandemic, with the actual figure presumed to be far much higher. Israel Murefu, the president of the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ), says more than 30 percent of formal jobs were lost in the Covid-19-induced lockdown.
The pandemic-induced lockdowns in this eventful year managed to lock down livelihoods, particularly in highly informalised economies such as ours, where most transactional activities now take place by the roadside and on the street pavements where teeming vendors have resorted to eking a living through the rigour of honest, hard work.
2020 was a bad year in which wicked governments such as the regime in Harare took advantage of the lockdowns to display their callousness. Soldiers were wheeled out of the barracks purportedly to enforce the Covid-19 lockdown when the actual intention was to suppress citizen rights, particularly the rights related to free movement, expression and political choice.
No one was spared in the 2020 clampdown as evidenced by the spate of State-sponsored abductions, murders, arbitrary arrests and the gross interference in the work and mandates of independent institutions.
Journalists, judges, MPs, lawyers, the church, political and civic activists all had a torrid time under the Mnangagwa regime in 2020. For the first time in the history of this country, a global campaign dubbed # ZimbabweanLivesMatter became a strident and sonorous chorus across mother Earth as the world stood in solidarity with the repressed people of Zimbabwe.
In 2020, we had SADC, the AU, the UN, the church mainly through the Catholic bishops as well as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission all condemning the State-instigated gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe. The regime responded by stating that all these esteemed institutions had been captured by the British.
Perhaps the stand-out insidious event of 2020 was what became known as the infamous Covid-19 Supreme Court judgement. The judgment inadvertently transferred the July 2018 electoral votes from a political party called the MDC Alliance to a regime surrogate called MDC-T or MDC-Thoko, which name has now further morphed to MDC-Togaraseyi (Mwonzora).
The highly political judgement was a deliberate ploy by the regime to decimate the MDC Alliance by stripping the party of its human and material assets. The 2018 vote was reversed, the MDC Alliance party headquarters was grabbed and handed to the regime’s stooges while the people’s MPs and councillors were recalled by a party they had defeated.
But despite the vicious body blows, the people’s party and its leader Nelson Chamisa remain standing to this day only because they are the true repository of the people’s hopes and aspirations.
The interference with autonomous and independent institutions has intensified under the Mnangagwa regime. We even had judges writing a letter complaining about the gross interference in their work. What stood out in this blight of interference in the work of independent institutions was when we had the Minister of Health suspending elections in the country, in the process brazenly usurping the powers of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
But while by-elections and other gatherings to entrench democracy were banned, purportedly for fear of spreading the Covid-19, Zanu PF’s DCC elections and Mnangagwa’s rallies were allowed to proceed. Even the circus of an extraordinary Congress by the regime’s surrogates has just been allowed to take place.
Covid-19 the pandemic brought about Covidgate, the corruption angle to the pandemic, most of it linked to the well-heeled elite. Mnangagwa’s blood relatives and those around him were caught up in the corruption scandals. Stephen Tserayi, Henrietta Rushwaya, Obediah Moyo and many others were fingered in shady deals, some of them linked to the First family.
The year 2020 was the year in which the regime practically demonstrated its despicable position on women. Barely four days after Mothers’ Day, the day in which the world celebrates the chastity of women and mothers, the Mnangagwa regime brutally assaulted, abused and abducted MDC Alliance activists Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marova and Joannah Mamombe, an elected MP. The world was appalled.
The year 2020 was the year in which the military over-reach stretched to the broadcasting sector, further raising the tempo in the call for security sector reforms. The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe in November awarded six television licences, two of them to media houses with links to the military. The two television licences, among the six, were given to Rusununguko Holdings and Fairtalk Communications, both with links to the military. Armed with the experience of Sibusiso Moyo, who became a temporary news anchor at ZBC in the early hours of 15 November 2017 during the coup, the military probably presumed itself ready to run its own television stations.
The dignity of civil servants, particularly those in the health and education sectors, hit new lows in the year 2020. Teachers, nurses and doctors are on the frontline in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic but this inept government has dismally failed to provide them with both a living wage and the requisite PPEs.
It has been quite a tenuous year in which we in the democratic movement have lost comrades and and senior party members, among them Hon. Miriam Mushayi, a member of the National Standing Committee. Our President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa also lost his mother in this difficult year.
Our mayors, councillors and party leaders across the country have been brutalised and victimised. The mayor for Harare, Clr Jacob Mafume, is currently in prison on trumped-up charges.
It has just been a tenuous year in many respects. Ginimbi and Gringo are gone, taken away from us by the grim spectre of death.
We are ending a brutal year with the smell of death and destruction yet again in the air. After cyclone Idai, which killed people and destroyed livelihoods, cyclone Chalane has bared her deadly fangs once again. There is just no respite for the wretched and despondent people of this land.
And yet there lies a lot of hope ahead: a new year, a new paradigm and new settings. We have for long played and transacted our politics in predictable fora. Perhaps in this new year, it’s time to change turf. We must now act the action. All bark and no bite serves not much purpose.
Perhaps this is the year to show our teeth.
For now, it ain’t no goodbye to the year 2020. It’s a badbye to a bad year!
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Zimbabwe woke up today to a showering of Grief over the death of cde Masimba Tawengwa.
Cde Obert Mpofu texted to say “ “We are devastated. We are still under observation after a serious covid attack on us too. I have no words an I can only ask God to comfort you and comfort the Tawengwa family.”
Cde Belinda penned this heart wrenching message to cde Nickie Mangwana. “Let me start my year by saying THANK YOU to you instead.
Thank you for allowing me to have a friendship with this Beautiful soul. You’ll never know how close me and Masimba became in this journey. We never skipped a week without talking and for hours.
He had so much stuff planned for his branch and his personal life.
I always felt he had a huge task to fulfil by filling up your shoes.
You were somewhat a hero, leader to him. Sometimes I’d listen to him express how neglected he felt since you got promoted. I’d quickly rush to blot out those thoughts of self pity coz you know how much he got used to you Hand holding him. He was our Big baby.
I watched him grow out of that too. He got his footing right day by day. Slowly he could spell out his own vision for UK branch. I think you can safely testify, he was coming right. Nick, you didn’t just have a friend in Masimba, he was your brother. He held the fort for you with the family too in your absence. Your wife must be torn. He was a source of comfort I know. Ever reliable, faithful, loyal, God fearing. Along the way, I got impressed by one thing more than others, Masimba loved God. We actually would pray a bit during our conversations, we had a lot coming for us a some point but God saw I threw. Life is too short. I wish we just took that drive to Mazowe that moment instead of plan. I recall something in me saying, “Call Nick now”. I’m glad I listened. I know Masimba didn’t hold grudges so I’m confident that very day he literally buried the hatchet. He was a bit sulky that you hadn’t made time for him but Ill tell you after you drove off, it was his ‘Happy new year’! Typing through a river of tears. It’s the pureness if his heart that I’m mourning. Very few people of his kind in this life, especially in our party. You have lost, I have lost. I’m sorry I can’t comfort you as I would be expected. I’m the one whose tough on the outside type. I hope you get closure along the way. I’ll need all your prayers. I’m carry a lot of his stuff on me Andrew literally even. I’ll be looking out to hear from you. Take care of yourself ❤️” Cde Nick Mangwana said “ We can never know why God allowed this to happen but the same God has His way to comfort all. MHDSRIP” Many ZANU PF members in UK have expressed their condolences the grief is so thick that you can touch it. Rest in power our comrade.
It is the great political thinker,Frantz Fanon,who once opined that every generation must,out of relative obscurity,discover its mission and fulfil it or betray it.These great prophetic utterances, echoing from decades ago,have finally found credence and relevance in the tumultuous politics of the land of my nativity Zimbabwe.The youth,who constitute a significant demographic proportion of the totality of the general population,67% to be precise,are awakening from their traditional lethargy and slumber and are actively stepping up to influence and direct the destiny of this great post-colonial nation state.
From the eloquent and articulate student activists led by one Ngadziore, a brave Tsenengamu fearlessly denouncing corruption from within the Lion’s den to the radical and confrontational MDC Alliance youth battalion resisting state brutality and repression while condemning human rights violations,abductions,misgovernance,economic mismanagement and looting of state coffers,it is unambiguously clear that the present generation has taken upon itself the historical duty of confronting evil and charting a new path in pursuit of executing the unfinished business of the liberation struggle.As we stand on the threshold of the end of year 2020,it is not only crucial but needful to reflect on why the youth have risen to fight and register their displeasure at the way national affairs are being managed.
Since the attainment of independence in 1980 when the majority rejoiced in the hope and promise of a better life,Zimbabweans have never known peace or prosperity.Their socio- economic and political circumstances have always been sliding deeper into the grove of sorrow and misery year in year out. Even now as we prepare to exit 2020,the economy remains in doldrums despite claims to the contrary by ruling party apologists.While the government grand-stand and pontificate about great milestones in turning around the fortunes of our comatose economy,the downtrodden and poor majority continue to experience severe hunger,extreme poverty and hopeless joblessness as their lived material reality.It is symptomatic of a kakistocracy(worst gvt) far divorced from reality to boast of the success of Transitional Stabilization Program,a moribund neoliberal economic policy,when the generality of the people remain hungry,angry and unemployed and lacking basic necessities for survival.
To buttress this assertion,the Human Development Index is the best indicator of the quality of life a people live,not dubious quantitative measures that conceal reality by use of unfathomable computations and permutations far divorced from lived experiences of the majority.
According to the 2020 Zimbabwe Vunerability Assessment report,the country is facing a catastrophic food security situation with an estimated 8 million people in need of food aid and humanitarian assistance.Compounded by the menacing Covid-19 pandemic,the already dilapidated healthcare system has been thrown into disarray,threatening the lives of many.The education sector is in the intensive care unit,with many teachers incapacitated thereby depriving the future of an educated populace.Approximately 95% of the people in Zimbabwe are sustaining themselves through the informal markets due to the highest level of unemployment in the formal sectors.Recently,homelessness has spiked due to ruthless demolitions of houses sanctioned by central government.Politically,the democratic space has continued to shrink due to state authoritarianism and dictatorship,repression and suppression of dissenting voices as indicated by the arbitrary arrests and jailing of government critics since ED fraudulently got into power through court declarations.
From the above submission,it is clear that the Bill of Rights in the constitution is being trampled upon left,right and center.It is categorically self-evident that democracy is under siege.Social and economic justice is non-existent.Human rights are not being respected.All this because the state has decided to adopt,under the guidance of Mthuli,policies that are anti-poor,anti-labour and serves the interest of a few while impoverishing the majority.
Neoliberal austerity measures always impoverish the majority while enriching a select elite few,especially the politically connected.Nowhere in the world has these policies benefited the majority.A cursory study of the economic history of neoliberalism,or what Naomi Klein calls the shock therapy,which Mthuli espouses expose a trail of devastation and suffering that these policies have caused in the lives of the poor across the globe.Be it in Chile under Pinochet,Mexico or Britain under Thatcher,these policies caused great suffering to labour,students,peasants and the weak of society while of course creating wealth accumulation avenues for a rich few to become richer.
As a political project,neoliberalism includes the deregulation of finance,privatization of public services,elimination and curtailment of social welfare programs like BEAM ,open attacks on labour unions and routine violations of labor laws like the unwarranted incarceration of striking teacher and Leader Sheila of Artuz.
This ideology teaches individuals to view themselves only as consumers,embrace freedom as the right to participate in the market and replace issues of social responsibility for an unchecked embrace of individualism and the belief that all social relation be judged according to how they further one’s individual needs and self interests.Matters of mutual caring,respect and compassion for others give way to the limiting orbits of privatization and unrestrained self interest.The list goes on but this begs the question.
Is this the kind of society we aspire for as a sovereign people?Should we allow the ruling political and economic elite to impose this survival-of-the-fittest ethos,turning us into a dog-eat-dog society that tears itself up to their class advantage?I beg to differ.Hence the need to resist the consolidation of neoliberal hegemony as sought by Mthuli and the looting machine that we have as state and government.
It is because of such policies that engender suffering among the working class,students,peasants and the unemployed that has led to youths taken to the streets in many countries in recent history.The youth in Zimbabwe have like wise decided to rise up and take a stand against such practices from an unresponsive state that is insensitive to the plight of the majority.Even development plans like the NDS-1 are useless if they prioritize profit at the expense of human need.They forget that,as once intoned by Amilca Cabral,peope are not fighting for mere ideas in their heads but are fighting for material benefits and to feed their children.
It is for these reasons that the youth need to craft an informed counter-hegemonic narrative that challenges the status quo and resonates with the hopes and aspirations of the suffering majority who are yearning for a better life.Contrary to what some pro-establishment armchair critics may say,the youth know what they are fighting for and what they need to achieve.They have refused to accept rampant corruption,economic mismanagement and economic exclusion inherent in neoliberal regimes of austerity.
Zimbabwe needs a social democratic dispensation that is pro-poor,people-centred,non-racial and egalitarian in nature centered on the core values of solidarity,justice,equality and freedom.It requires a dynamic economy built on the principles of a mixed economy with a strong social conscience;an open democracy in which national government is accountable to the people through the devolution of power and decision-making to the provinces and local structures and institutions.It is a noble cause to fight for a just society in which the weak and the poor are assured of a decent standard of living and equitable social services such as health and education and in which equall opportunities are available to all peoples.
The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism continues unabated.Fighting for a People’s government and people’s rights,freedoms and security of persons remains prominent given the victimization and brutality we are subjected to by the junta regime.The fight for a better life and dignity and the fight against corruption continues until victory against all these man-made ills is achieved.This aptly sums up what informs our resistance to the military regime in power,a securocracy that has sought to militarize all facets and aspects of civilian life.
As we stand on the threshold of year 2021,may all the youth in Zimbabwe realise that the future of the nation depends on them.Into their tender hands the survival of the country is entrusted.It is time to scale up the fight for a better life. The One Million Youth Voices campaign launched by the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly is the platform for all concerned and caring patriotic youths to converge and unite for a prosperous Zimbabwe.
Till we meet again in 2021,allow me to wish you all a Happy New Year!
SIMBA MUKORI is the MDC ALLIANCE National Executive Deputy Secretary for Policy and Research.
By Obert Masaraure| The year 2020 saw the new dispensation aggressively implementing a sly tactic of dividing citizens voices. We now confidently call the dispensation new because it has demonstrated a new level of ruthlessness never witnessed under Mugabe.
Some sections of our society were deliberately coopted and accommodated on the gravy train while those who chose to remain principled faced immense persecution. The persecution was aimed at completely wiping out all dissenting voices. The main opposition is a clear case study and the Trade Union movement was not spared either.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ was clearly labeled as a regime change agent by the state’s propaganda machinery. After the labelling we endured unprecedented attacks from the state including, arrests, convictions, sentencing, salary cessations, suspensions from work, hacking of emails, physical violence and break ins at our Head Office.
As the world battled with COVID19, we were battling for survival under attack from an unrelenting State. The state’s assault on our union rarely got the attention of the mainstream media because media was preoccupied with COVID19 and some sections of the media have been captured by the ruling establishment.
At the close of 2020 we look back with pride, we survived a brutal system and managed to remain united. All the weeks we spent in the bush hiding from Mnangagwa’s Ferrets never broke our resolve and our unity. We remain a united fighting machinery. We are further excited that while we faced all the persecution, more teachers saw it fit to join us. Teachers chose us over the poodles who were coopted by the state.
The persecution from the state never deterred us from fighting for labour justice and inclusive access to education. We stood on a strong foundation of our 2020 congress and remained guided by our solid five year strategic plan. At the end of the year we ticked boxes and celebrated a 82% achievement of set goals. We expanded our partners’ network, undertook research, recruited and retained members and led series of successful lobbying and advocacy initiatives.
We do not expect any leniency from the ruling establishment in 2021, we expect more attacks from the vindictive state. We will however focus on pushing for reforms both on the terrain of labour jurisprudence and on administration conduct. We further recommit ourselves to the #SaveOurEducationZW campaign, which aims at securing lasting solutions to the multifaceted crisis blighting our education.
In the interim, the urgency of now is to secure the release of Cde Sheila Chisirimunhu from prison and clear the names of all members facing various frivolous charges.
We will continue to push for the establishment of a united fighting front for all teachers’ unions. It is however unfortunate that some of the teacher unions have been coopted by the establishment and are not sincere on unity.
In 2021 we will openly collaborate with all progressive forces that believe in our fight for labour justice and inclusive access to education. We wont shy away from embracing support of progressive governments across the globe who intend to support our causes. We will further openly embrace the support of the genuine political opposition in Zimbabwe. ARTUZ further recommits to work under the umbrella of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, ZCTU, we hope to regularize our approved membership through completing minor administrative details.
The open collaboration approach is a direct response to the sinister agenda being pushed by the state, of isolating and crushing dissenting voices. We seek to unite all excluded voices and form a common fighting front so that we collectively push for reforms.
2021 is a year of collaborations.
We thank the teachers of Zimbabwe who continue to believe in us under these difficult circumstances. Lets remain resolute and push for reforms. Selling out by joining yellow unions is easy way out to get stands and other crumbs but the future of our profession will be in danger.
In 2021 we pledge to achieve the restoration of our USD 520 salaries. To achieve that we will begin the year with completely withdrawing our labour. We will not be invigilating the ongoing shambolic public examinations and we wont report for duty when schools open.
We wish all Zimbabweans a fighting 2021. Lets collaborate and liberate ourselves.
The narrative that Mwonzora and MDC T are Zanu proxies reinforced by ED.
Wezhira Munya
1 January 2021
In an unprecedented move, ZANU PF congratulations opposition political party MDC T.
Since 1999, Zanu PF has been arresting, beating and attacking MDC.
Surprisingly, on 31 December 2020, ZANU PF President ED congratulated Mwonzora the newly elected MDC T.
The congratulatory message from ED to Mwonzora and MDC T party was broadcasted live on Zbc tv and other Zbc platform.
Zbc has been used by Zanu PF to decampaign former MDC President Dr. Morgan Tsvangirai and MDC Alliance President Chamisa.
Mwonzora’s first press statement at Harvest House was broadcasted live by Zbc tv. This has never happened in the history of MDC.
ZANU PF failed to condemn violence that rocked MDC T extraordinary congress.
Former MDC T Khupe was beaten and verbally abused by Mwonzora’s supporters.
ZANU PF chief propagandist George Charamba has been praising Mwonzora and MDC T.
In his numerous tweets, George Charamba aka Jamwanda has been attacking MDC Alliance party and President Nelson Chamisa.
Mwonzora is now the darling of ZANU PF.
Many people were shocked to see Zupco buses carrying few MDC T delegates to extraordinary congress. Komichi and Khupe confirmed that the buses were given by Zanu PF on “credit”.
The judiciary constructed MDC T held it’s extraordinary congress without qouram. This in violation of MDC T constitution.
Only 1000 members attended this congress out of 5 000 expected delegates in 2014 structures.
Most 2014 MDC congress delegates are pro-Chamisa and MDC Alliance. It means 4 000 congress delegates heed MDC Alliance Secretary General Hwende’s call not to attend MDC T congress.
In addition, the self proclaimed constitutionalist Mwonzora appointed Mudzuri as 2 vp and other new national members.
Khupe is angry that, Mwonzora appointed Mudzuri as vp.
This is in violation of MDC T constitution. Extraordinary congress only elects the president.
The extraordinary congress was rigged according to Mudzuri, Komichi and Khupe.
Khupe and Komichi held press conference and told the world that MDC T extraordinary congress was “rigged, unfair and violent.”
Mudzuri wrote on his Facebook page: “MDC T congress was a sham.”
However, Mwonzora knew Komichi and Mudzuri are power hungry and position oriented. Mwonzora then appointed Mudzuri as vp and Komichi as chairperson.
Suddenly, Komichi congratulated Mwonzora’s victory and Mudzuri calls for unity.
In these new appointments, Tsvangirai family members were not appointed.
Mwonzora, Khupe et al nominated Tsvangirai family members after supreme court judgment.
It seems Mwonzora uses people to achieve his mission.
He used Khupe and dumps her by appointing second vp Mudzuri.
Team Khupe got deputy positions in new look MDC T leadership.
Phugeni , former MDC T president spokesperson was relegated to deputy spokes.
Phugeni was also Khupe’s spokesperson.
He was replaced by Mwonzora’s chief propangadist and spokesman Witness Dube.
Witness Dube was former aid to Khupe during inclusive government.
Witness Dube dumped Khupe and joined Mwonzora.
Chief Ndlovu is now deputy treasurer who sensationally claimed that Mwonzora abused millions of MDC T party was demoted by Mwonzora.
Chief Ndlovu is one of the pillars of Khupe team.
Chief Ndlovu was replaced by Mashakada as new treasurer.
Mwonzora is vindictive. He denotes Phugeni and Chief Ndlovu because he had sharp conflicts with them.
Many political analysts view ED’s praises on Mwonzora and MDC T as a signal to unity government.
MDC T has won many court judgments against MDC T. However, legal experts such as Alex Magaisa described these victory as “Zanu PF assisted.”
MDC T and Mwonzora are hated by many opposition supporters after recalling MDC Alliance party deployees such as members of Parliament, councillors and Senators.
Mr Dumba, the chief campaigner of Mudzuri said, “I denounce the election of Mwonzora as MDC T president. He rigged elections. The low turnout of delegates at MDC T congress shows MDC T’s unpopularity and shows MDC Alliance popularity.”
Mr Dumba said, MDC T is violent and rigs elections .
MDC T led by Mwonzora is highly divided. Factionlism in MDC T has caused some members such as Dumba to join MDC Alliance.
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has learnt with deep sadness of the passing on of Bekezela Maduma, the Secretary General of Gwanda Residents Association on 31 December 2020.
Maduma’s death is a great loss not only to his family, but the entire Matabeleland region.
Up until his death, Maduma actively worked with ZLHR and other civil society organisations in the protection and promotion of human rights.
Maduma championed challenging of human rights violations and represented the interests of Matabeleland at various forums.
At the time of his death, Maduma was leading litigation efforts aimed at ensuring access to safe, clean and potable water to the residents of Gwanda.
ZLHR will always value the contribution to fostering a culture of human rights that he made. As a partner, a client and a human rights defender, we salute Maduma for actively pursuing redress for violations for many people in Matabeleland region. Through several advocacy and litigation efforts, Maduma worked towards protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe.
Maduma will be sadly missed by all those who were privileged to share some moments with his worthy existence. ZLHR family expresses deepest condolences to the Maduma family, friends and colleagues.
By A Correspondent| The ministry of Mines and Mining Development has resolved to mediate in the raging dispute between Chantelle Chikafu and John Maungwa.
The two have for the better part of last year been rowing bitterly over mining boundaries at Umfurudzi in Shamva leading to a High Court order instructing the Mashonaland Central provincial mining director to engage the two parties.
This is the second determination after the initial one spearheaded by a team led by provincial mining director Tariro Ndlovu.
This particular determination was done by a team led by Manicaland provincial mining director Owen Dube.
“Following a High Court Order issues on 20th October 2020 under case number HC2595/20, a dispute hearing was conducted on the 16th and 17th December 2020 followed by a ground visit on the 18th of December 2020 with both parties present,” reads the determination by the Mines Ministry.
“The following observations were noted 1a Wickman 23, initially mining block was approved for relocation from South to North of Umfurudzi river on 21 November 2017. The indication position of Wickman 23 on ground does not match it’s position as at registration. The disputed workings are outside boundaries of Wickman 23 at registration,” the determination reads.
Maungwa was therefore ordered to revert back to his original position as at registration while Chikafu was asked to adjust its registered coordinates to exclude area encroaching into Wickmen 23. Contrary to a series of media reports, Chikafu’s lawyer Jivas Mudimu said the determination has said it all.
“The disputed land is within her land allocated to her through the special grant. She has gone through attacks in the media but all the stories were false as she was being victimised in this case,” he said.
Mudimu said the courts and Ministry of Mines and Mining development have done their job and the out come has quashed all the false reports that were pedeled against his client.
“There were a series of attacks in the media and surprisingly she has not been given chance to give her side. I am glad that she has been cleared of all this. She got the mine legally and it is actually Maungwa who was falsely claiming the peace of land,” he added.
Some sections of the media had linked Chikafu to Shamva North MP Oscar Gorerino which was false.
The same media house tried to again to link her with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) which was false.
“I have already written to the media house in question demanding retraction of all the false stories,” said Mudimu
By A Correspondent| MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende has said he has intercepted information that Zanu PF and the Douglas Mwonzora are planning to amend the constitution to forego by-elections and replace vacant parliamentary and local government seats with party nominees.
Posting on social media, Hwende castigated the move saying its an onslaught on democracy requiring all Zimbabweans to resist and say enough is enough.
“Just been reliably informed that ED’s ZanuPF has together with the so called MDC-T agreed on a draft Constitutional amendment and a bill will soon be introduced in Parliament to forego all by elections and replace them with a system that allows their preferred Party to replace an MP or Cllr. This onslaught on Democracy is an issue that requires all Zimbabweans to resist and say enough is enough,” said Hwende.
By A Correspondent-| A 52-YEAR OLD Shamva man died after falling from a rock and fructured his skull.
Charlse Tembo’s body is at Shamva mortuary pending post-mortem.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the incident that happened on Monday.
“I can confirm a sudden death case in Shamva where an elderly drunk man fell on a rock and broke his skull, dying on the spot,” Mundembe said.
According to Tembo’s close relative Joseph Manoro, who collected him from the bar where he had been drinking before the fateful incident, Tembo had spent the day drinking heavily and could not walk properly on the way home.
He lost his balance and fell headlong to his death.
“The deceased is my uncle, he had been drinking all day so when I went to pick him for a meal he tried to run away after diverting from our route home and hit on a rock where he broke his skull,” Manoro said.
“I discovered that he had died after breaking his skull hence I filed a police report and they attended the scene and conveyed the body to Shamva mortuary.”
By Obert Masaraure| The year 2020 saw the new dispensation aggressively implementing a sly tactic of dividing citizens voices. We now confidently call the dispensation new because it has demonstrated a new level of ruthlessness never witnessed under Mugabe.
Some sections of our society were deliberately coopted and accommodated on the gravy train while those who chose to remain principled faced immense persecution. The persecution was aimed at completely wiping out all dissenting voices. The main opposition is a clear case study and the Trade Union movement was not spared either.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ was clearly labeled as a regime change agent by the state’s propaganda machinery. After the labelling we endured unprecedented attacks from the state including, arrests, convictions, sentencing, salary cessations, suspensions from work, hacking of emails, physical violence and break ins at our Head Office.
As the world battled with COVID19, we were battling for survival under attack from an unrelenting State. The state’s assault on our union rarely got the attention of the mainstream media because media was preoccupied with COVID19 and some sections of the media have been captured by the ruling establishment.
At the close of 2020 we look back with pride, we survived a brutal system and managed to remain united. All the weeks we spent in the bush hiding from Mnangagwa’s Ferrets never broke our resolve and our unity. We remain a united fighting machinery. We are further excited that while we faced all the persecution, more teachers saw it fit to join us. Teachers chose us over the poodles who were coopted by the state.
The persecution from the state never deterred us from fighting for labour justice and inclusive access to education. We stood on a strong foundation of our 2020 congress and remained guided by our solid five year strategic plan. At the end of the year we ticked boxes and celebrated a 82% achievement of set goals. We expanded our partners’ network, undertook research, recruited and retained members and led series of successful lobbying and advocacy initiatives.
We do not expect any leniency from the ruling establishment in 2021, we expect more attacks from the vindictive state. We will however focus on pushing for reforms both on the terrain of labour jurisprudence and on administration conduct. We further recommit ourselves to the #SaveOurEducationZW campaign, which aims at securing lasting solutions to the multifaceted crisis blighting our education.
In the interim, the urgency of now is to secure the release of Cde Sheila Chisirimunhu from prison and clear the names of all members facing various frivolous charges.
We will continue to push for the establishment of a united fighting front for all teachers’ unions. It is however unfortunate that some of the teacher unions have been coopted by the establishment and are not sincere on unity.
In 2021 we will openly collaborate with all progressive forces that believe in our fight for labour justice and inclusive access to education. We wont shy away from embracing support of progressive governments across the globe who intend to support our causes. We will further openly embrace the support of the genuine political opposition in Zimbabwe. ARTUZ further recommits to work under the umbrella of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, ZCTU, we hope to regularize our approved membership through completing minor administrative details.
The open collaboration approach is a direct response to the sinister agenda being pushed by the state, of isolating and crushing dissenting voices. We seek to unite all excluded voices and form a common fighting front so that we collectively push for reforms.
2021 is a year of collaborations.
We thank the teachers of Zimbabwe who continue to believe in us under these difficult circumstances. Lets remain resolute and push for reforms. Selling out by joining yellow unions is easy way out to get stands and other crumbs but the future of our profession will be in danger.
In 2021 we pledge to achieve the restoration of our USD 520 salaries. To achieve that we will begin the year with completely withdrawing our labour. We will not be invigilating the ongoing shambolic public examinations and we wont report for duty when schools open.
We wish all Zimbabweans a fighting 2021. Lets collaborate and liberate ourselves.
By A Correspondent- Former MDC-T Acting president Thokozani Khupe has accepted the appointment as the party’s vice president following her defeat in last week’s extra ordinary congress that was marred by chaos, allegations of vote rigging and violence, Zim Morning Post reported.
The extra ordinary congress saw former secretary general Douglas Mwonzora romping to victory ahead of Khupe, Elias Mudzuri and Morgen Komichi.
Despite the chaos and violence that rocked the elective congress Mwonzora, who was suspended by Khupe during the voting process, controversially won and was declared the winner with 883 votes.
Khupe, Komichi and Mudzuri walked out of the congress citing irregularities such as missing names in the voters roll.
Khupe unsuccessfully ordered that elections be stopped and went on to suspend Mwonzora.
However, the independent electoral body which supervised the election process allowed voting to go ahead and declared Mwonzora as the winner.
In his first press conference as the new MDC-T leader, Mwonzora appointed Khupe and Mudzuri has his deputies.
Insiders said the two leaders have accepted the appointments although Khupe had some reservations.
“Khupe accepted the appointment but she is of the opinion that she should be the only VP,” said the source.
“The presidium is yet to meet but she has already pointed out that she prefers to be the only deputy to Mwonzora.
“Another bone of contention is the position of the leader of the opposition in parliament,” said the source.
“Khupe wanted to retain that position but Mwonzora rejected the request so that he can assume the position.”
Those close to Mwonzora said the new MDC-T leader has made it clear that the position of the leader of the opposition in parliament is reserved for the party leader and this automatically disqualifies Khupe.
By A Correspondent- A 31 year old police officer has been fined $5 000 or 10 days in prison by a Gweru magistrate after he was convicted of stealing a friend’s bank card which he used to buy beer and groceries.
Xavier Tawanda Mushunje, who is stationed at Parliament Building in Harare, pleaded guilty to stealing almost $9 000 from Andrew Phiri when he appeared before Mr Progress Murandu yesterday.
On December 17, 2020, Mushunje approached Phiri and asked for financial assistance saying his vehicle had been clamped by Gweru City Council employees. Mushunje, the court heard requested, $1 230 from Phiri so that he could pay to have his vehicle released.
Phiri gave Mushunje his One Money card and personal identification number.
The two agreed that once Mushunje paid the fine to Gweru City Council, he would return the card. At around 2pm on the same day, Phiri received notification messages on his mobile phone indicating that $8 916.59 had been withdrawn from his account and the purchase was done at a supermarket in Gweru.
Phiri then realised that his card was being used without his authority and made a police report.
A follow-up was made with the supermarket where CCTV footage showed Mushunje buying beer and groceries using the complainant’s card.
Mushenje was tracked down to Shangani and was arrested while he was on his way to Bulawayo.
Phiri’s card was recovered and Mushunje paid back all the money he had used.-statemedia
By Nomusa Garikai- ”We have an opposition that asked for sanctions, an opposition which has been cohabiting with countries that seek to undermine our development trajectory,” said Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF acting spokesperson and former Minister of Finance.
“I would want a categoric statement from Mwonzora on sanctions to say he was mistaken and he must apologise to the Zimbabwean people for causing pain, something that has affected our development.”
Chinamasa was responding to the recent statement by the new MDC-T President, Douglas Mwonzora, calling for the lifting of the targeted sanctions imposed of Zanu PF leaders by the USA, UK and their western allies.
The sheer hypocrisy of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite reminds me of what Chinua Achebe said about the privileged.
“Privilege, you see, is one of the great adversaries of the imagination; it spreads a thick layer of adipose tissue over our sensitivity,” said Chinua Achebe, without doubt one of Africa’s priceless jewels.
Patrick Chinamasa and his fellow Zanu PF ruling elite’s layer of adipose tissue is so thick and hardened they are devoid of all sensitivity.
Oh, Chinamasa and his Zanu PF colleagues will claim that they are sensitive to the millions of ordinary Zimbabweans now living in abject poverty because of the country’s economic meltdown. They lack of sensitivity is subtle; they blame the economic meltdown on the sanctions imposed on the regime by the west knowing fully well that is a lie!
The real cause of the country’s economic meltdown is the gross mismanagement and rampant corruption. In a healthy and functioning democratic country, the people would have booted the corrupt and incompetent Zanu PF regime out of office a long time ago. Zimbabweans are stuck with the corrupt regime because Mnangagwa and company rig elections.
And so if Zanu PF ruling elite were being honest and sensitive to the suffering of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans now living in extreme poverty; i.e. they cannot afford one decent meal a day let alone education for their children and health care; they too would be demanding free, fair and credible elections as the only way to end the corruption and misrule endemic in the de facto one-party dictatorship.
The anti-sanction band wagon is full of hypocrites! Consider the following:
Turn back the clock to the period before Zimbabwe’s independence and most blacks including Zanu PF leaders supported the UN sanctions imposed on Rhodesia’s white racist regime of Ian Smith. The sanctions were to pressure the regime to dismantle the racist political system.
Sanctions, targeted or not, will disrupt the country’s economic activities and so many more people will suffer. The whites made a big song and dance about how much the black majority were suffering because of the sanctions.
The black majority accepted the economic hardship brought about by the UN sanctions knowing fully well that these hardships were nothing compared to those brought on by the white racist oppression and exploitation.
The majority of Zimbabweans in independent have been denied their freedoms and rights including the right to free elections and even the right to life. The west impose sanctions on the Zanu PF regime to pressure it to restore the individual freedoms and rights.
Zanu PF has vehemently maintained that the country’s elections have always been free, fair and credible. SADC and AU refused to endorse the 2008 elections as having been free and fair and Zanu PF was forced to go into a GNU which was tasked to implement a raft of reforms designed to end the curse of rigged elections.
Sadly, not even one reform was implemented and hence the need to retain the sanctions on the regime.
If the UN sanctions against the white ruled Rhodesia were justified; then sanctions are equally justified against this corrupt and equally oppressive Zanu PF government!
The UN sanctions were more austere than the targeted western sanctions, Mugabe confirmed this with his “look East” policy, and therefore it is rich to attribute Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown and the tragic human suffering it has brought to the western sanctions.
The root cause of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown is decades of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption. In 2016 Mugabe revealed just how rampant corruption was when he admitted the country was being swindled US$ 15 billion in diamond revenue alone. Mugabe never arrested even one diamond swindler or recover one swindled dollar.
Mnangagwa promised to root out corruption after seizing power in the November 2017 military coup. Three years since the coup and he too is yet to arrest one diamond swindler or recover one swindled dollar. Indeed the blueprint used in the looting of diamonds have now been extended to other areas.
It is corruption that has bankrolled Mugabe’s sprawling US$ 2 billion mansion and his extravagant lifestyle and that of his fellow Zanu PF cronies. And, naturally, Zanu PF will never acknowledge corruption is the root cause of the economic meltdown because they are the Godfathers of corruption and don’t want it stamp out.
As long as Zanu PF remains in power corruption and mismanagement will remain. The only sure way to end corruption and mismanagement is by implementing the democratic reforms, end the curse of rigged elections and hold free, fair and credible elections.
The western imposed sanctions have been one way of put Zanu PF under pressure to implement the reforms.
The best opportunity to implement the reforms was during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. MDC leaders sold-out and failed to implement even one token reform in 5 years. Douglas Mwonzora was one of MDC- T MPs and senior members involved in sell-out.
It is ironic that the people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the understanding the party will deliver the democratic changes, as the party name implied, the nation was dying for. MDC leaders have not only failed to deliver even one democratic change in all their 20 years on the political stage; but worse still, they are now campaigning to have all other measures to force Zanu PF to implement reforms removed.
“Mwonzora must apologise for sanctions imposed on Zanu PF by the West!” MDC leaders have done a lot more than that by making sure no reforms are implemented and by participating in flawed and illegal elections thus giving the vote rigging Zanu PF regime legitimacy!
The moral of this tragic tale is that Zimbabwean must take the business of electing competent leaders with the seriousness the matter demands and that starts with the understand the issues of the day. For example, the only sure way to get the democratic reforms implemented fully is if we, the people, know what these reforms are!
Democracy and good governance are all wonderful and beautiful but they come with a price tag – a well informed and diligent electorate. It is now time for the people of Zimbabwe to stand up and be masters of their own destiny!
You have to read the @HeraldZimbabwe to see that he was being trained to be a commissar meaning someone was about to loose their job at shake shake building or a faction that was not happy with the development.
Negative negative then positive in 24hrs. Breadcrumbs for you Sir
ZUPCO BUSES AND VIOLENCE AT THE JUDICIALLY-CONSTRUCTED MDCT EOC EPITOMISE ZANUPF PRESENCE, MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA ECHOES.
It is foolhardy to believe that a genuine Mdc outfit can drag itself to secure transport services from Zanupf-controlled buses. The presence of Zupco buses at the Mdc-T inquorate Extra-Ordinary Congress resembles a fortified destructive hand of the clueless rogue regime aimed at crippling the people’s project led by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Mdc Alliance Namibia urges the Mwonzora led party to halt reading from Zanupf books of violence and barefaced looting and corruption in the party that purports to be democratic and transparent.
Furthermore, the violence that marred the proceedings is characteristic of the national religion of their enablers who use state-sponsored violence to achieve political goals. This was evidenced when Khupe (the former Acting President) received a hard slap from the marauding party members after she stood firm challenging rigging and embezzlement of funds by the cunning, dishonesty and corrupt Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora. The counterfeit Constitutionalists exhibited their lack of comprehension of the preamble of their own constitution. In the preamble it is unequivocally stated clearly that when a Convention of social democrats converged to deliberate on the serious national issues, they unanimously resonated to confront the dismal failure and inability of the Zanupf totalitarian government to govern Zimbabwe justly, transparently, honestly, fairly and equitably.
Despite such a clear preamble, Mwonzora and cronies continue with injustice, dishonesty, inequality and self-enrichment using the peoples’ money. Khupe told the press that she regretted working with Mwonzora because he withdrew party funds without the consent of others which becomes both criminal and unconstitutional. There is no transparency in the Zanupf-made party. It is imperative for all social democrats to open their eyes wide to survive deception from these political hypocrites and deceivers.
Moreover, the Mdc-T constitution provides the obligation to empower the people by respecting their basic universal freedoms of choice, expression and association. In contravention of this constitutional provision, Mwonzora and cabal went on to disempower our people through illegal recalls supported by the captured courts, parliament and and police. Their constitution is very clear on the need to fight disempowerment of the people , breach of the rule of law through state-sponsored violence and abuse of human rights. On the contrary, it is the autocratic Mwonzora who is facilitating the forcible deprivation of power and liberty of voters who chose Mdc Alliance Councillors and MPs ahead of MdcT in 2018 to represent them in local councils and parliament. This can only happen with the aid of the satanic regime.
Mdc-T is absolutely infringing its own party law by displaying a cold shoulder to the core values of ensuring that the party strive for the democratic structural economic liberation, empowerment and complete transformation of Zimbabwe. Instead of embracing this democratic trajectory enshrined in the party supreme law, Mwonzora proves to be lacking transparency and public accountability in this political institution. Mdc Alliance Namibia lampoons the lack of ideological orientation and dedication to eradicate all forms of corruption including an unsanctioned withdrawal of public coffers. These Zanupf surrogates must stop singing from the hymn book of corruption copying from their desperate masters if they desire to be seen as an alternative government by the innocent citizenry.
It is quite perturbing to witness the illegal arrest and detention of our Mayor His Worship Jacob Mafume. This is a foolish attempt by Zanupf and their proxies to weaken the power of the people of Harare who voted for Mdc Alliance since the inception of the political dynamo in 1999. We comprehend the attempt by these sons and daughters of Satan to derail the revolutionary train by weaponising the law to gain political mileage as well as paving way for looting with impunity. We demand resistance to the imposition of a Zanupf and Zanupf lite commission proposed by the frustrated regime which wants to continue eating while the general citizenry is wallowing in abject poverty. Zanupf must free all political prisoners.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia would like express its astounding gratitude to the leader of the political mountain President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for completely distancing us from this Zanupf agenda. We believe in the change that delivers. As a District, we are delighted that finally, the concealed Zanupf hand in the Mdc-T was unearthed manifesting in Zupco buses and politically motivated violence as Zanupf’s certified belief system.
he was a lovely humble servant of God who served this nation well 
