ZimEye will be going live shortly at a press conference where the man who exposed MDC T aspiring presidential hopeful Douglas Mwonzora is set to address the media.

The man only identified as one Chisvo is set to reveal more details regarding the court appointed MDC T Secretary General’s alleged divertion and theft of party funds.

Refresh this page for latest details…

By A Correspondent- The court yesterday granted permission for the temporary release of renowned Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga’s passport so that she could travel for a fellowship event in Germany.

Dangarembga is jointly charged with Julie Gabriel Barnes on allegations of participating in a public gathering with an intention to promote public violence during the July 31 nationwide demonstrations.

The duo had surrendered their passports as part of their bail conditions for the offence. Barnes had submitted before the court that she intends to travel abroad for business issues.

In passing her ruling, magistrate Estere Chivasa said Dangarembga had been nominated for a lifetime opportunity hence it would be inhumane if the court withheld her passport, leading to her missing the event.

She also said the duo had religiously attended court since they were arrested and had never violated their bail reporting conditions and, therefore, there was no justification to deny them relaxation.

The duo, through their lawyer Chris Mhike of Atherstone and Cook, had offered to surrender their motor vehicles as surety for bail relaxation, but Chivasa said it was not necessary.

They were remanded to January 5, 2021.

Dangarembga was arrested a few days after she was nominated for the £50 000 Booker Prize with her latest novel, This Mournable Body.

Tinashe Makiya appeared for the State.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The accident reportedly occured in Kandava village, Seke along the Harare Hwedza road.

It could however not be immediately established how the two vehicles in the picture ended up the way they are.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-T party has fired more than 60 party members in Mashonaland East province accusing them of being loyal to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.

The expulsions saw top and fierce opposition party members in all the nine districts of the province being dismissed as the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T is preparing for its annual congress.

A list of the persons fired gleaned by this paper showed that notables who have been shown the exit door include former Marondera mayor Chengetai Murowa, provincial boss Anthony Mutodza, youth leader Charles Ngwena and Wonder Siriya among many others.

“The MDC-T Mashonaland East province has expelled its members who joined another party,” read the notice by party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora.

MDC Alliance provincial spokesperson Chengetai Murova scoffed at the move by Khupe saying that the MDC-T cannot sack members that belong to another party.

“I think he (Mwonzora) is losing his senses. We belong to the MDC Alliance not the MDC-T. We have been clear on that issue, we are members of the MDC Alliance. How can he fire people who don’t belong to his party? We saw the list, with many MDC Alliance members’ names on it, and we laughed at it. We are not moved by such antics, it won’t change anything,” he said.

The MDC-T, armed with the Supreme Court order, has been on overdrive purging members who were perceived to be loyal to Chamisa.

The courts reinstated Khupe as the acting MDC-T leader using the 2014 structures, a move that was perceived as a ploy to neutralise Chamisa.

Meanwhile, the Local Governance ministry has recalled Marondera deputy mayor Bornface Tagwireyi after recommendations from the MDC-T.

Tagwireyi becomes the sixth councillor to be recalled after his colleagues experienced the same fate recently.

-Newsday

Video loading below …

Yesterday we spoke while in a rush as you explaining that you had entered court when it was said that the file for Thanks Makore is (was not found)…

The lawyer replies saying: Yes it is true that his file was not there when we got there; so we were told to come back on the 18th of December,

I went to see the clerk for justice Chitapi who said that the file will be taken to his house because he is on vacation.

On the issue of DNA checks, we are going back today, we were told that they are going to check the report…

We are going to PGHQ, the office of the police commissioner general, the DNA records are in the hands of the police right now the company does not have anything with them.

There is a head (skull) that was found and it was commented that the head cannot be that of a 7 year old child.

Own Correspondent

An MDC-T party member, Leonard Chisvo has reported a fraud case against Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora to the police at Highlands Police Station under case number RRB4586626.

Mwonzora faces arrest today, " but I'm going to win the Congress (the Presidency), no question about it," pic.twitter.com/kYjmXpu5GA

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 15, 2020

This comes at a time when Mwonzora is busy trying to come clean over accusations that he raided a party account and diverted $300 000 for private use.

The party funds had been allegedly transferred to one of the party lawyers, Sarudzayi Chitsanga’s account following a family bereavement. MDC-T received $161 million from government under the Political Parties Finance Act.

Mwonzora claims that he never had access to party funds and never distributed the $300 000 to anyone.

“I have read about that and I am told that somebody has already made a police report to that effect. It is not true. I never withdrew any money from the MDC-T account and I challenge my accusers to give the public proof of the withdrawal by myself,” Mwonzora said.

“Chitsanga has been one of our lawyers since March 31, we had five lawyers who were helping the MDC-T, and we have a lawyer here in Bulawayo — Ngwenya, Mtungura in Mutare, Madhuku, Chitsanga, and Kadoko all in Harare. These are the lawyers who have been handling MDC-T cases including all the 20 court challenges that were brought by the MDC-T.

“We owe these lawyers some money, and legal fees running to over US$100 000 and we have to pay them, so yes we do owe Chitsanga more money than what people are talking about.”

He said where a lawyer has bereavement, it would be reasonable for the party to assist him, adding that Chitsanga was actually owed over US$12 000 by the party. He did not explain why the payment made to Chitsaanga did not follow normal procedure or was made without other party leaders being made aware.

“I never had access to that money at all and I challenge my accusers to show that I had access to it. The MDC-T has an accounting system which is very elaborate and this is an accounting system that I have been presiding over for years since 2014 as the SG and its accounting system is provided for in the constitution and finance and administrative rules.”

He claimed that the reports that he looted party funds were clear mudslinging ahead of the party congress slated for December 19 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

“So this is false, this is malicious, this is calculated to affect my chances at congress and I was told that some people wanted me arrested because they do not want an opponent like me to contest them. But I challenge them to prove their allegations and make that proof public, “he said.

The MDC-T senator said during his campaign trail, he was using funds donated by friends.

“But if the money was paid to a lawyer who is owed money by the organisation and who has a problem and the money is there, how does it become looting by Mwonzora?”

He then bragged that he had the highest chances of winning the MDC-T presidency to succeed the late party leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Meanwhile, Mwonzora said that all expelled and recalled party members would not be eligible to attend the MDC-T congress.

“Our officers are currently engaging with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Those people who have been expelled from the party or those that have been recalled will not be eligible for the congress,” he said.

Mwonzora also dismissed reports that the congress will be virtual, saying that it would be a physical one where delegates from across the country would attend.

“We have made security arrangements to deal with the possible disturbances of our congress by certain elements that we suspect are likely to disrupt our congress. The independent electoral commission is going to be given the voters role on Wednesday,” he said, adding that 20 COVID-19 compliance officers had been trained.

Mwonzora will contest against the acting MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe, chairperson Morgan Komichi and deputy national chairperson Elias Mudzuri for the presidency.

Additional reporting by NewsDay

NewsDay

THE Progressive Teachers Union in Zimbabwe (PTUZ) yesterday claimed that more than 10 000 teachers around the country resigned from the profession in the months of September to December 2020.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou in a statement said that the number of resignations was expected to double by January 2021.

Currently, Zimbabwe has around 136 000 teachers and around 4,6 million learners.

Zhou said the mass exodus of teachers was due to government’s failure to address their salary issues after they demanded to be paid US$520 per month or the equivalent.

He said some of the teachers that resigned preferred to work as artisanal miners, while others preferred to be vendors or to work in neighbouring countries.

“Another driving force has been failure by government to prioritise the health and safety of teachers. Several teachers have decided to protect themselves and their families by leaving teaching. With the quantum leap of COVID-19 cases among teachers and pupils, there is danger that the resignation rate might exceed 20 000 by January 2021,” Zhou said.

“Worse still 99,9% of all remaining teachers have mentally resigned from the profession although they physically remain at their stations. This is a dangerous scenario for any profession and calls for urgent intervention by government in order to stabilise the situation and guarantee quality public education and skills revolution as envisaged in Agenda 2030,” he said.

The PTUZ said teachers were unable to send their own children to school and cannot trust the salary negotiations by government and the Apex Council which they viewed as “treacherous”.

“Teachers have fallen from grace to grass because of government’s failure to restore their salary’s purchasing power parity pegged at US$520-US$550. The challenge in the education system also calls upon all teachers across the teacher unions’ divide to bury their differences and fight together as brothers and sisters for status restoration,” the PTUZ said.

Primary and Secondary education minister Cain Mathema refuted the statistics by the PTUZ saying he does not have such information.

“I am hearing that for the first time. I don’t know where he is getting his figures. I haven’t received such a report at the moment. I don’t belong to his organisation anyway, so I am in the dark. Maybe he knows better,” Mathema said.

In the wake of a rise in statue erections across the country, ZANU PF coupist Emmerson Mnangagwa is getting an own plaque built for him in the ancestral Vic Falls town lands.

It will be built at the Zambezi bridge’s “No man’s land” between Zimbabwe and Zambia border for tourist attraction purposes.

The development could anger the local people of the area seeing that Mnangagwa is the same who once desecrated the ancestral properties by trying to corruptly hand them to the racist US President Donald Trump.

The decision follows the erection of a similar plaque by the Victoria Falls Municipality last week when it granted Emmerson Mnangagwa the Freedom of the City.

The local authority erected its plaque at the council offices last Wednesday in honour of President Mnangagwa’s contribution to the country’s liberation and development of the resort town to a city.

The plaque symbolises the Freedom of the City granted to the President by the council.

It is located at the council offices’ main gate and reads: “In remembrance of the sacrifices and sufferings endured by many cadres of our liberation struggle, Victoria Falls City Council celebrates the Freedom of the City to one luminary, Cde ED Mnangagwa, who was incarcerated by the white supremist regime of the Rhodesian government and notably, freed into Zambia in 1972 at the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Significantly, he is the first freeman of the city of Victoria Falls.” President Mnangagwa was handed a casket made of teak wood from Lupane with the city’s court of arms and a key, which symbolises the freedom.

Freedom of the City is a highest civic honour a council can bestow on some prominent man or woman for meritorious service either of a national or local character.

Renowned for its majestic Falls, the new city holds a special place for Mnangagwa who was condemned to death after bombing a locomotive at Fort Victoria Falls town railway station, now Masvingo.

Emmerson Mnangagwa had served 10 years in detention at Khami, Grey (Bulawayo) and Hwange prisons when he was released in 1972 before being deported into Zambia through Victoria Falls.

Now plans are underway to erect a similar plaque at the bridge’s “no man’s land” where President Mnangagwa visited last Wednesday as he relived his experiences when he was set free by the Rhodesian authorities.

Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo, said the Freedom of the City plaque, coupled with numerous developments around Victoria Falls was good for tourism.

“This has been a busy schedule for President Mnangagwa. He went to the new city council and signed the visitors’ book as the first visitor for the city.

He then went to unveil a remembrance plaque, which symbolises liberation fighters’ sacrifice before visiting the Victoria Falls Bridge where he relived his experiences when he was set free by the Rhodesian authorities before being deported to Zambia.

After that he went to officiate at the council meeting where he took over the Mayor’s chair,” said Minister Moyo.

“The City of Victoria Falls erected the plaque and the tourism industry has said it cannot be outdone by the council. They have said they will put a plaque at the ‘no man’s land’ on the bridge for all visitors into the country and those visiting the bridge to see the rich history and sacrifices. With or without Covid-19, Victoria Falls is now open.”

Mr Moyo was speaking during an interface between President Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe Local Government Association (Zilga) meeting of over 300 female councillors and local authorities’ executives who are members of the Women in Local Government Forum (WILGF in Victoria Falls).

The Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the tourism attractions in the resort town and a majority of visitors do not leave the resort without touring the bridge to enjoy a view of the majestic Falls and gorges while others go there for bungee jumping and gorge swing activities. – state media/additional reporting

Pindula

The High Court has blocked the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T from holding the Supreme Court-ordered extraordinary congress which was due on 19 December 2020 and also set aside the expulsion from the party of national organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe.

This followed an urgent chamber application by Bhebhe who was seeking the postponement of the extraordinary congress until his challenge against expulsion from the party is determined.

Acting party president Thokozani Khupe and national chairman Morgen Komichi were cited as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively. The High Court ruled:

The Applicant’s suspension and expulsion from the office of National Organising Secretary and membership of the 3rd respondent having been reviewed and set aside in HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20.

Applicant be and is hereby reinstated to his membership and office of National Organising Secretary of the 3rd Respondent.

Pending the determination of Applicant’s for review filed under cover of case numbers HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents be and are hereby interdicted from convening a Congress to elect the 3rd Respondent’s President.

As a consequence of the order in (1) above, the 3rd Respondent’s Congress to elect the 3rd Respondent’s President scheduled for the 19th of December 2020, be and is hereby held in abeyance, till applications for review filed under covers of case numbers HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20 are determined.

Bhebhe was expelled from the party last month on allegations of “grossly violating the constitution of the party by supporting another political party other than the MDC-T”.

The former Nkayi legislator was considered a threat by the other presidential aspirants after garnering 170 votes to acting president Khupe’s 39 votes and secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora’s 7 votes during the Bulawayo province nomination process.

TWO bribe demanding cops were arrested after allegedly conducting unauthorised traffic duties where they arrested and demanded money from a motorist on flimsy charges.

Osivinda Maphosa, 25, and Prisca Nyadongo, 43, were arrested on charges of criminal abuse of duty while another officer escaped.

They were not asked to plead to the allegations when they appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga.

They were remanded out of custody to January 26 on
$2 000 bail each.

Allegations are that on December 9 the officers were at the corner of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Leopold Takawira in Harare enforcing traffic laws on an unsanctioned deployment.

They arrested a motorist but did not explicitly reveal the offence he had committed.

The State alleges the motorist had not committed an offence when he was arrested by the three cops.

It is alleged that after the arrest, the officers allegedly demanded US$30 from the motorist.

However, their luck ran out in the middle of the alleged transaction as the trio was being monitored by a police anti-corruption team who then approached them and found that an offence was being committed, the court heard.

This led to the arrest of two of the officers while their accomplice fled and is still at large.

Several police officers have been arrested this year on corruption-related allegations and have appeared before the courts.

Source – dailynews

A 45-YEAR-OLD Guruve woman allegedly killed her husband after hitting him with an unknown object on the head.

After committing the offense she dragged the body and tied it on a tree to conceal the alleged crime.

The matter came to light at Guruve magistrates courts yesterday where Tabeth Mutungwa appeared before Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

She was not asked to plead to a murder charge and advised to apply for bail at high court.

The state led by prosecutor Carson Kundiona alleged on December 8 the accused had an altercation with her husband Webster Zhuwaka after accusing him of having an extra marital affair.

Mutungwa became violent and fatally assaulted the now deceased Zhuwaki with bricks.

To conceal her act she dragged Zhuwaki’s body and hang it on a tree.

The police investigated the matter and found blood stained clothes in the house and bricks used in commiting the offense.

Source – Byo24news

HENRIETA Rushwaya and her alleged accomplices, Ali Mohamad, Steven Tserayi, Raphios Mufandauya and Gift Karanda, accused of gold smuggling, have told the court they will challenge their continued stay on remand if a trial date is not set for them.

This followed an application by the State before regional magistrate Ngoni Nduna to have the matter postponed to January 8, saying investigations were still in progress.

State counsel Charles Muchemwa said it was hoped that by that date investigations would have been completed and that they would be able to furnish the five with a trial date.

Rushwaya, Tserayi, Mufandauya and Karanda are still in custody after they were denied bail by a Harare magistrate while Mohamad was freed.

They have since filed for bail appeal at the High Court. The court reserved ruling on Friday.

Lawyers Tinashe Tanyanyiwa and Dumisani Mthombeni appeared for the five, who also jointly face another charge of illegal possession of gold.

Tserayi and Mufandauya, who are Central Intelligence Organisation operatives, also face a charge of criminal abuse of duty.

Rushwaya is also facing a separate charge of bribery emanating from allegations of trying to bribe an officer at the airport.

Karanda is also facing a separate charge of obstruction of justice.

Source – dailynews

Paul Nyathi

Just four months after the Zanu-PF leadership in Masvingo expressed satisfaction with the government project to tar the 57 km Gutu-Buhera Road, the entire road has been swept away by heavy rains exposing huge incompetence by the engineers celebrated even by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In August, party provincial chair Ezra Chadzamira said the $26 million rehabilitation of Mhandamabwe-Chibi Turn-Off Road and the ongoing upgrading of Gutu-Buhera Road would drive economic growth in those areas.

He said a recent Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee (PCC) meeting expressed satisfaction with progress on the two road projects.

“We held a PCC meeting recently where members expressed gratitude to the Zanu -PF Government under President Mnangagwa’s stewardship for the good work that is taking place in the upgrading of the Chibi Turn-Off-Mhandamabwe Road and the Gutu-Buhera Road,” he said.

“We are very happy with the work currently taking place on the two road projects, which will no doubt improve the living standards of our people through faster movement of human traffic and land cargo.”

Before his words have dried on his lips, this week, the 5km stretch of the road that had been built has been badly damaged and washed away by heavy rains. Experts say the damage is so bad the work will need to be started all over again.

The project was started in July 2018 with Government promising to complete and commission the first 10km stretch of the road between Hamandishe Village and Soti Source River just after Chitepo Primary School in November of the same year.

The same project was started and abandoned more than 25 years ago when VP Simon Muzenda was still alive.

High Court Judge Justice Happias Zhou will on Tuesday preside over the hearing and determination of an application filed by human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa together with freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono seeking an order to set aside a ruling by Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna disqualifying her from representing the media practitioner.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Nduna attracted global outrage after he disqualified Mtetwa from representing Chin’ono and “accepted a request by prosecutors to bar the feisty human rights lawyer from the case on allegations that she was undermining the court by posting material on Facebook.”

Mtetwa told the court that she had no control over the Facebook page, which is run by an American filmmaker.

Nduna also recommend that the Law Society of Zimbabwe should disciplinary measures against Mtetwa.

In the application for review of Magistrate Nduna’s decision filed in September, Mtetwa and Chin’ono argued that the magistrate’s ruling is unconstitutional and effectively deprives the freelance journalist of his right to legal representation of his choice.

The ruling, Mtetwa and Chin’ono argued, is “unprecedented in our constitutional order”.

Chin’ono and Mtetwa are represented by Doug Coltart, a member of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Mtetwa and Chin’ono further argued that Nduna’s ruling has the effect of depriving Chin’ono of his chosen counsel.

The human rights lawyer also contended that the Constitution guarantees her the right to practice her profession without undue interference.

Chin’ono and Mtetwa want state prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi of the National Prosecuting Authority, who represented the state in the case before Nduna, to be barred from prosecuting the freelance journalist.

Victoria Falls Reporter
A 10-YEAR-OLD boy from Ndlovu outside Victoria Falls drowned while swimming with two other juveniles in a stream.

The incident happened on Friday and the boy was buried yesterday afternoon in Mpumelelo Village BH25, Ndlovu under Chief Mvuthu.

The now deceased boy Pardon Nkosikhona Nyoni reportedly left his grandparents’ homestead where he stayed with his grandmother Mrs Gladys Maphosa and went to swim at a nearby Malayitha stream about 600 metres from the homestead.

The boy was in the company of two juveniles younger than him who later rushed to inform elders after realising he was drowning.

Family spokesperson Mr Morgen Gazza Dube who is the boy’s uncle said the family was heartbroken.

“He left home in the company of two others to go and swim at the stream. It looks like he was the first to go into the deep pool while his friends waited for him to return and when they realised he was not returning, they rushed home to inform the elders,” said Mr Dube.

According to villagers, Pardon is the second boy to drown in the stream after another drowned a few years ago.

The stream is called Malayitha because some years back a man called Malayitha from the same community narrowly survived death after he was swept by the flooded stream but managed to escape with the help of other villagers. — Chronicle

Stunner, one of the pioneers of the Urban Grooves music revolution in Zimbabwe has been honoured as the Zim Hip Hop artiste of the decade by the Zim Hip Hop Awards organisers.

Real name Desmond Chideme, Stunner rose to fame during the early 2000s when urban grooves music was beginning to take dominance in the entertainment circles.

Years later, with his Tazoita Cash Records, he is dominating the Zim hip hop or popular music sphere. With several hits including Dhaf’khorera, Godo, Team Hombe, Panofa Munhu and most recently Ndakarosva Rufu, Stunner was well deserving of this honour.

Also honoured at the awards were Holy Ten who bagged three awards and R.

Peels and Asaph who walked away with two gongs each at the Pogues Zim Hip Hop awards that were held at the HICC on Saturday.-The Herald

The body of a missing 23-year-old National University of Science and Technology (NUST) student was found near Manada Dam in Solusi on Sunday.

Thembinkosi Sishoma from Pumula suburb who was reportedly studying for an Environmental Science degree at NUST had been missing since 1 December.

CITE reported a close relative saying the deceased who was driving a blue Honda Fit registration number AEE 4969, was hired by two men to ferry their goods to Roseburn near Solusi on the day he was last seen alive. The relative said:

He was hired on 1 December around 4 along Ntemba Road by some men. It is alleged that two men approached him and presented themselves as Omalayitsha who had had a breakdown and wanted him to ferry their goods to Roseburn along Solusi Road.

He never came back and we started looking for him around the areas along Tsholotsho. When we got in the areas around Chefunye, people said they had spotted the car fuelling.

The relative said they were called by police from Figtree who informed them to come to Manada dam where the body was discovered buried in a shallow grave and covered with some shrubs.-CITE

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance chairperson for Glen View South, Wilbert Mubonderi has died.

Mubonderi died in Harare on Sunday.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing on of MDC Alliance chairman for Glen View South district Wilbert Mubonderi in Harare today.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Mubonderi family.

The party has lost an indefatigable mobilizer and brave Leader. Go well cadre,”MDC Alliance said in a statement.

The search for missing Harare teenager Kudakwashe Soropa continues. ..
Watch video below :

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance #OneMillionCampaign brought Mamina Growth Point to a standstill as for the first time in history, the opposition party took control of the place regarded as a no go area.

Despite attempts by Zanu PF hooligans to disrupt the programme, hundreds of MDC Alliance members attended the rally on Sunday.

Below is MDC Alliance Youth Assembly spokesperson, Steven Sarkozy Chuma’s statement on the #OneMillionCampaign rally:

13-12-20

The trailblazing MDC Alliance Youth Assembly today(Sunday ) invaded Mamina Growth Point, Mashonaland West to launch the # 1Million Youth Voices for Change Campaign.

Hundreds of youths from this impoverished rural area which was turned into a hotbed of organized ZANU PF political violence since early 2000 attended the launch in a show of confidence in the able leadership of People’s President Nelson Chamisa.

Youth Assembly leadership led by National Chairman and guest speaker, Obey Tererai Sithole, Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chauya Chauya Chimbiri, SG Gift Ostallos Siziba, Spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, Deputy Organizer Netsai Marova, Deputy TG, Judith Tobaiwa and Students Council Chair Prince Gora graced the occasion.

Also in attendance was former Youth Commander, Happymore Bvondo Chidziva popularly referred to as the ‘Rural President’ – a moniker derived from his post, Rural Mobilization and Recruitment Secretary.

Youth Commander Cde Obey Sithole highlighted on the need to recruit new 1 million youth voices that is going to confront Emmerson Mnangagwa’s corrupt military dictatorship.

The Youth Commander also declared that time to put a halt on the legitimacy question that is manifesting through the current economic meltdown is now!

#OneMillionVoices4Change

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Tinashe Sambiri|Overzealous cops arrested 35 MDC Alliance Youth Assembly members in Kwekwe on Saturday for allegedly violating COVID-19 regulations.

The cops allegedly received instructions from Zanu PF officials.

MDC Alliance has described the level of police barbarism as shocking:

14 DECEMBER 2020

POLICE MUST DESIST FROM AIDING A POLITICALLY INEPT POLITICAL PARTY, THEY MUST BE APOLITICAL! MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA LAMBASTS SELECTIVE APPLICATION OF THE LAW.

Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely cobra-headed at the perpetual suffocation and heavy-handedness of the police and Zanupf militia on the voices of dissent from social democrats in the motherland.

Captured police in Kwekwe on Saturday arbitrarily arrested and detained 35 vibrant and organic youths activists at Amaveni Stadium.

They were arrested on spurious allegations of unlawful gathering and breaking the Covid-19 rules and regulations.

We would like to lambast the biased police whose evil intention was to dampen the revolutionary spirit of our youths who were launching our #OneMillionCampaign in Kwekwe. Zanupf has been frightened by the wholesale response from the youths who are paying heed to the clarion call for a million new voters in 2023.

Moreover, Mdc Alliance Namibia pledges to offer solidarity to the pragmatic and visionary Youth Assembly that is ready to reclaim our beautiful Zimbabwe from a group of Zanupf goons who have stolen too much for the owners to ignore. As long as the police continues to operate as Zanupf’s secret police and militia, our Youths shall continue to defy the biased police, demanding and defending their constitutional democratic right to choose and support the party of their choice. We are ready to give solidarity to our youths because Zimbabwe will never be a One-party state and it is for us all not Zanupf people only.

While we are tirelessly working for peaceful and tolerant communities , state-sponsored youths from Zanupf continue to be condomised as agents of violence and hate. During the weekend in Mhondoro Ngezi, they were bussed to disrupt another #OneMillionCampaign meeting launched by our youths as part of our mobilisation of new voters as we gear up for our impending victory in 2023.

Zanupf gangsters invaded the venue and threw away food that was meant for those who attended the gathering.

Frustrated Zanupf militia headed by the one Chimedza went on to harass innocent women who were preparing meals in a futile attempt to break their revolutionary zeal after realising that the meeting had succeeded. This was done with impunity simply because the police has become Zanupf enablers.

Furthermore, it is quite heartbreaking to social democrats in Namibia to witness this effort to shrink the much needed democratic space only to the Mdc Alliance when Zanupf and their surrogates are gathering without hindrance.

The captured nature of the police is exhibited by the cold shoulder given to Zanupf DCC elections that are marred by violence and blocking of candidates on the basis that they are suspected members of the G40. On the other hand, Zanupf-sponsored MdcT led by Khupe and Mwonzora is undertaking its pre-Congress meetings nationwide at the nod of their desperate , evil and uncouth sponsors in Mnangagwa’s office.

To conclude, Mdc Alliance Namibia demands equality before the law, freedom of association and assembling. The police must respect the constitution of the country not Zanupf political party. Our police must remove their political jackets and implement the law without fear or favour. We are dedicated and committed to exploit all our organs to fight state capture.

OneMilllionCampaign

HandsOffOurYouths

NooneButYouthsShallSaveZimbabwe

FreeAllanMoyo

FreeLast

FreeTunga

ZanupfMustGo

ZimbabweanLivesMatter

People’sGovernment

LootersMustGo

CompleteChange

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|Unruly Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza, attacked MDC Alliance Assembly of Women members who were preparing food for party officials at the #OneMillionCampaigm in Mhondoro on Sunday.

The Zanu PF hooligans overturned dishes containing meat and tomatoes and extinguished the fire the women were using to prepare the food.

The Zanu PF youths also pushed and shoved the hapless women.

“In Mhondoro Ngezi, our #OneMillionCampaign launch was successful.

However, Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza arrived at the venue and attacked women who where preparing food – in an attempt to disrupt the rally,” a party source told ZimEye.com

Tinashe Sambiri|Unruly Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza, attacked MDC Alliance Assembly of Women members who were preparing food for party officials at the #OneMillionCampaigm in Mhondoro on Sunday.

The Zanu PF hooligans overturned dishes containing meat and tomatoes and extinguished the fire the women were using to prepare the food.

The Zanu PF youths also pushed and shoved the hapless women.

“In Mhondoro Ngezi, our #OneMillionCampaign launch was successful.

However, Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza arrived at the venue and attacked women who where preparing food – in an attempt to disrupt the rally,” a party source told ZimEye.com

Zesa is owed about $5,6 billion in both local and foreign currency, with local authorities owing $1 billion, Government $400 million and parastatals $189 million, and with the debt still rising.

This has seen the utility struggling to service its debts, particularly with foreign utilities who supply the required imports.

In a report to Parliament on the 2021 budget allocation to the Ministry of Energy and Power Development by the Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, committee chairperson and Bikita West legislator Elias Musakwa last week said the committee was concerned that the debt was increasing.

“The Committee noted with concern that the amount owed to Zesa by various customers has been increasing and currently stands at $3,2 billion for customers paying in local currency and US$30 million (approximately $2,4 billion) for those billed in foreign currency,” he said.

Zesa’s situation was worsened by the fact that the utility owed its own suppliers about US$90 million and was having difficulties servicing the debt.

“The debt accrued due to delays in effecting tariff changes in line with macroeconomic developments in the country,” said Musakwa. “Zesa indicated to the Committee that an average tariff of US10 cents would enable the company to provide electricity whilst at the same time servicing its debt. The current tariff stands at US$7,73 cents.”

The ministry was allocated $1,64 billion for the 2021 financial year.

Musakwa said the committee was concerned that Treasury had not released the full allocations to the Ministry.

“This trend implies that the Ministry’s activities also suffer from the failure by Treasury to timeously release funds allocated in the budgets,” he said.

Source: State Media

Cyril Ramaphosa may have gathered South Africans for a family meeting just 11 days before Christmas – but he was in no mood to dish out the candy canes and stocking fillers. The head of state’s televised address was a solemn, often uncomfortable affair, as the president rolled out several new lockdown changes and ‘localised interventions’.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA REVEALS LOCKDOWN CHANGES FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s the second speech delivered to the nation in the past two weeks. During his last address, President Ramaphosa warned that more action could be taken in other COVID-19 hot-spots before the festive season kicked in – he wasn’t kidding, and Nelson Mandela Bay is no longer the only region of the country facing special measures.

More restrictions on alcohol were introduced nationwide, and Ramaphosa also announced that some beaches would be closing over Christmas. Large gatherings have been discouraged too after South Africa’s coronavirus cases reached their highest levels since August over the weekend. The second wave has arrived with a vengeance.

RAMAPHOSA RINGS DECEMBER ALARM BELLS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Frustratingly, the resurgence has come at a truly awful time. Many people will be travelling across the country throughout December, raising the possibility of the virus being transported from hot-spots and into areas where transmission is low. Ramaphosa also lashed out at the ‘super-spreader events’ which have accelerated the recent spread of this disease.

Moments ago, Cyril Ramaphosa revealed exactly what changes would be implemented over the Christmas period:

IN FULL: ALL LOCKDOWN CHANGES ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY 14 DECEMBER

• New hot-spots: The Garden Route and Sarah Baartman District will now be under the same additional restrictions as NMB.
• LOCAL alcohol & curfew restrictions: The three hot-spots mentioned above will only be able to sell booze for four days a week. Restaurants and bars will be asked to close at 21:00, ahead of a 22:00 – 4:00 curfew.
• NATIONAL alcohol & curfew restrictions: There are new countrywide curfew hours, lasting from 23:00 – 4:00 in non-hot-spot areas. That means hospitality venues will be asked to close at 22:00.
• Hours of alcohol sales changed: All across the country, liquor stores will only be able to open from 10:00 – 6:00, from Monday – Thursday. All public drinking – on beaches and in parks – is prohibited.
• Beaches closed: A differentiated approach has been implemented: Beaches in all of the Eastern Cape and Garden Route will be shut down. In KZN, their beaches will be closed on 16, 25, 26, and 31 December 2020, and 1-3 January 2021. All beaches in the Western Cape (bar the Garden Route) and Northern Cape are allowed to open. The measures will be reviewed on 3 January.
• Rules on gatherings changed: No more than 100 people can attend indoor events, and no more than 250 can congregate outdoors. No more than 50% of capacity is allowed in any venue.
• Public parks: All parks will only be open from 9:00 – 18:00 each day.
• Funerals: All ‘after tears’ parties are banned nationally.
• Stricter enforcement: Drivers of public transport must ensure ALL passengers are wearing a mask. All owners of buildings and blocks are obliged to make sure anyone entering is wearing a face-covering. Employers and managers are also responsible for implementing the same ‘zero-tolerance’ policy in workplaces.

State Media

A 24-year-old domestic worker from Chinamhora has appeared in court on allegations of sodomising his employer’s four-year-old toddler in a dog kennel.

Tadiwa Mangwende was facing aggravated indecent assault charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga.

He was remanded in custody to January 11 2021 and advised to apply bail at the High Court.

The court heard that between November and part of December, the toddler was left in the custody of Mangwende whilst his parents went to work.

It is alleged that Mangwende summoned the toddler to a dog kennel where he was and he complied.

It’s the State’s case that upon entering the kennel, Mangwende grabbed the minor and removed his clothes whilst covering his mouth with his hand and sodomised him.

The matter came to light when the minor began messing up himself which prompted his mother to question him and he revealed the incident to her.

The court heard that a report was made to the police leading to Mangwende’s arrest.

https://youtu.be/UkrpEaj-Nr0

Three exhumed bodies of liberation war heroes who were in a mass grave in Mt Darwin are still in a mortuary at Mt Darwin Hospital for close to a year now after being exhumed early this year, Mashonaland Central Zimbabawe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Cde Sam Parirenyatwa has revealed.

In a side interview at the burial of liberation hero Moses Shambakumanja on Saturday, Parirenyatwa said the liberation war heroes are yet to be given a proper burial due to resources constraints.

The bodies were exhumed with assistance from the Fallen Heroes Trust a ZANU PF aligned group.

Parirenyatwa said efforts were underway to give a proper burial before end of this year.

He said each of the eight district in the province has a mass grave and plans are underway to exhume bodies of fallen heroes for proper interment.

Paul Nyathi

POLICE in Nkayi in Matabeleland North have dealt the local community a major blow after they banned carrying of weapons in public over the next three months citing an increase in serious crimes such as murder, robbery and assault.

In a statement, officer commanding Nkayi police district Chief Superintendent Rashayi Munoda said the prohibition order will run from Tuesday December 15, 2020, to March 15, 2021.

He said unanticipated acts of violence resulting in murder, attempted murder, robberies and assault had resulted in police issuing the prohibition order in terms of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.

“Being the officer commanding police Nkayi District and therefore being the regulating authority of the area, believe in reasonable grounds that the carrying of machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, daggers, knives, catapults or any traditional weapon whatsoever capable of use as a weapon in a public place or public thoroughfare or public display has resulted in the commission of crimes of murder, assault, robberies and attempted murder.

“I therefore invoke the provisions of Section 04 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23 and hereby issue an order prohibiting carrying of the said weapons, causing public disorder and or breach of peace within my police district and do hereby prohibit the carrying of the aforementioned items for a period of three months beginning on 15 December 2020 to 15 March 2021 within Nkayi District,” said Chief Supt Munoda.

The police said any person who fails to comply with the prohibition order shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.

Nkayi police districts stretches from Kana River to the north, Shangani River to the east, Bulawayo-Gweru highway to the south-east, Koce River to the south, a grid at the 80km peg along Nkayi-Lupane road (Fighting Road) and back to Kana River.

The local community traditionally believes that a man is incomplete if he walks around without a weapon of a kind especially a knobkerrie or an axe.

Source: State Media

The family of the late Tapiwa Makore Junior besieged the High Court this Monday demanding justice for the young boy who was allegedly killed by his uncle in a suspected ritual murder in September this year.

However, the court once again deferred the bail ruling for the chief suspect in the murder case, Thanks Makore, to this Friday as Justice Tawanda Chitapi who is dealing with the matter was not available.

This did not go down well with family members who demanded answers on why the DNA test results have taken longer than anticipated.

As for Tapiwa’s parents, the good rains being received countrywide should have seen them spending more time in the fields but the delay in the case has brought everything to stand still.

“It is taking too long for us to find Tapiwa’s remaining body parts. Those who were arrested are not telling where they hid his head. We are now clueless, we do not know what to do,” said the mother.

Makore Village Head, Mr Michael Mavhura who accompanied the bereaved family all the way from Murehwa, said the whole village is still in grief, pleading for those with ideas to intervene.

He said: “We have been waiting for Tapiwa’s body parts for almost three months now. We cannot continue to have a funeral for such a long period. The family needs closure.”

To some, justice must prevail.

Tapiwa Makore was murdered in September this year with three other suspects Tafadzwa Shamba, Tapiwa Makore senior and Maud Hunidzarira in remand prison waiting for trial.

By A Correspondent- The High Court has blocked the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T from holding the Supreme Court-ordered extraordinary congress which was due on 19 December 2020 and also set aside the expulsion from the party of national organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe.

This followed an urgent chamber application by Bhebhe who was seeking the postponement of the extraordinary congress until his challenge against expulsion from the party is determined.

Acting party president Thokozani Khupe and national chairman Morgen Komichi were cited as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.

The High Court ruled:

The Applicant’s suspension and expulsion from the office of National Organising Secretary and membership of the 3rd respondent having been reviewed and set aside in HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20.

Applicant be and is hereby reinstated to his membership and office of National Organising Secretary of the 3rd Respondent.

Pending the determination of Applicant’s for review filed under cover of case numbers HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents be and are hereby interdicted from convening a Congress to elect the 3rd Respondent’s President.

As a consequence of the order in (1)   above, the 3rd Respondent’s Congress to elect the 3rd Respondent’s President scheduled for the 19th of December 2020, be and is hereby held in abeyance, till applications for review filed under covers of case numbers HC 1973/20 and HC 2119/20 are determined.

Bhebhe was expelled from the party last month on allegations of “grossly violating the constitution of the party by supporting another political party other than the MDC-T”.

The former Nkayi legislator was considered a threat by the other presidential aspirants after garnering 170 votes to acting president Khupe’s 39 votes and secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora’s 7 votes during the Bulawayo province nomination process.

A Bulawayo school is locked in a Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) scam after demanding that every parent fork out US$6 each for the purchase of sanitiser, a move the Government has deemed illegal.

Hillside Junior School, with a population of 1 500 pupils will raise US$9 000 which they say will be for the purchase of sanitiser for the pupils.

According to a price list from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), which manufactures and sells the sanitisers in bulk, a 25 litre drum of sanitiser goes for $6 600 or US$100, meaning the school, if sincere, can purchase 90 drums.

Investigations by this publication revealed that the school head, Mr Zwelitsha Mhlanga tabled the budget to parents during a Schools Development Committee (SDC) meeting, which the SDC in-turn endorsed much to the chagrin of a majority of parents who did not attend the meeting.

The first phase of schools opening was done on 28 September for examination classes which was then followed by the second phase of Grade 6, Form 3 and 5 (examination classes for 2021) on 26 October with the rest of the classes going back to school on 9 November.
Under current Covid-19 guidelines, not all pupils can be accommodated at one go, with some pupils having lessons twice a week.

The school’s SDC chairperson, Mr Mkhuhlwa Nyathi confirmed the development, claiming that the figure had been endorsed by parents.

“Yes, we had such a meeting where parents agreed to pay US$6 for each student to purchase sanitiser, this is not a school decision but one that was actually agreed to by parents hence I see nothing wrong,” said Mr Nyathi.

Questioned on whether this money would not be prone to any abuse by school authorities, Mr Nyathi claimed they had put in place an audit systems to monitor the use of the money collected.

Contacted for comment, director of communications in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro said it was illegal for school authorities to collect any money from parents for the purchase of PPE as the Government was already providing to every school.

“It is illegal for any school to collect money for the purchase of PPE, there is no provision in the Ministry for such a levy because how then is it monitored, it will obviously be prone to abuse by school authorities.

“Further, the Ministry is providing PPE to all the schools, in an instance where school authorities feel these are not adequate, they can request parents to supplement in the physical PPEs for their children not to demand money. If this is happening, we will surely be prosecuting the school heads because what they are doing is illegal,” said Mr Ndoro.

He called on parents that were faced with such a scenario to report the school officials to the Ministry’s district or provincial offices.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Mhlanga were fruitless as his mobile phone was not reachable.

Before the re-opening of schools, Treasury released $350 million to prepare learning institutions for safe re-opening, inclusive of the purchasing of PPE with Unicef also coming on board to avail these to schools.

A number of schools in Bulawayo have reportedly been asking parents to buy PPE such as masks and sanitiser against the Government directive.

Chief Inspector Busani Ncube, who was deployed at Jumbo Mine for operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere, appeared in court on allegations of illegally escorting 41kg gold ore from Mazowe gold mining area to Harare.

Ncube was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before magistrate Judith Taruvinga charged with criminal abuse of office.

Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa, prosecuting, had it that on December 12, Ncube was aboard a Honda Fit along with Plan Lanjisi and Trust Chiparatongo travelling from Jumbo Mine.

They then attempted to evade the tollgate, which raised the suspicion of soldiers who were manning there.

Ncube, Lanjisi and Chiparatongo failed to explain why they wanted to evade the tollgate ending with the soldiers asking to search the car.

It was when Ncube allegedly identified himself as a chief inspector and told the soldiers not to search the car, as it was taking him home.

The court heard that the soldiers insisted on searching the car where they found the gold ore and recovered a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition from Ncube.

Zimbabwe is among a host of southern African countries readying for military intervention to stop a deadly insurgency by Islamists in northern Mozambique, a top official said on Monday.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, said the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) was edging closer to sending troops to the troubled country.

Mr Charamba spoke as five Sadc leaders began a day-long summit in Maputo to tackle the conflict in the Cabo Delgado region.

“Sadc is fast moving towards a subregional response against Islamic insurgency, an initiative which started when President Emmerson Mnangagwa was chairman of the Sadc Organ on Defence, Politics and Security,” he said.

The Defence ministry said Zimbabwe will contribute troops and equipment to a Sadc brigade once the leaders sanctioned the intervention.

“Intervention in that conflict will be done within the framework of the Sadc brigade,” the Ministry said in response to reports claiming that plans by Zimbabwe’s military to deploy troops in Mozambique were at an advanced stage.

“The Sadc brigade was launched in August 2008 and is made up of military, police and civilian members from Sadc member countries…Zimbabwe as a member state contributed troops and equipment to the brigade that will be deployed to such missions.”

Speculation has been rife that Zimbabwe’s special forces are already operating in Mozambique to secure infrastructure such as railway lines.

Landlocked Zimbabwe relies on Mozambican ports to transport its imports and export goods to overseas markets.

The country also relies on a pipeline from Beira for its fuel imports and, in the 1990s, was forced to deploy troops during the Mozambican civil war to secure the infrastructure.

Authorities, however, say this time around any military intervention would be led by Sadc.

“Zimbabwe is a member state of Sadc and as such any decisions to assist another member state in conflict resolution will always be guided by relevant treaties and conventions,” the Defence Ministry said.

On Monday, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) said at least 400,000 people have fled militant attacks in Cabo Delgado.

UNHCR warned that the conflict could spill over into neighbouring countries if left unchecked.

https://youtu.be/QM9bQRltJZw

The search for missing Harare teenager Kudakwashe Soropa continues. ..
Watch video below :

The development was revealed by Information secretary Nick Mangwana who posted on twitter and said:

Harare Mayor, @JMafume has been arrested for trying to bribe the chief witness in the case for which he is on bail. pic.twitter.com/vcwIEOTiUu

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) December 14, 2020

Efforts to get a comment from the MDC Alliance was work in progress by the time of writing.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates……

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police In Nkayi has banned members of the public in the area from carrying dangerous weapons in public for the next 3 months following an increase in violent crimes in the area.

This was revealed in a statement that was released by the officer commanding Nkayi police district Chief Superintendent Rashayi Munoda who issued the prohibition order which will run from Tuesday, December 15, 2020, to March 15, 2021.

Being the officer commanding police Nkayi District and therefore being the regulating authority of the area, believe in reasonable grounds that the carrying of machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, daggers, knives, catapults or any traditional weapon whatsoever capable of use as a weapon in a public place or public thoroughfare or public display has resulted in the commission of crimes of murder, assault, robberies and attempted murder.I therefore invoke the provisions of Section 04 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23 and hereby issue an order prohibiting carrying of the said weapons, causing public disorder and or breach of peace within my police district and do hereby prohibit the carrying of the aforementioned items for a period of three months beginning on 15 December 2020 to 15 March 2021 within Nkayi District.

The Superintendent said any person within Nkayi District who fails to comply with the prohibition order shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.

Cases of armed robbery have increased in some parts of the country, a development that was attributed to criminals coming home from down south during the lockdown by a government official.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance chairperson for Glen View South, Wilbert Mubonderi has died.

Mubonderi died in Harare on Sunday.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing on of MDC Alliance chairman for Glen View South district Wilbert Mubonderi in Harare today.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Mubonderi family.

The party has lost an indefatigable mobilizer and brave Leader. Go well cadre,”MDC Alliance said in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|Unruly Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza, attacked MDC Alliance Assembly of Women members who were preparing food for party officials at the #OneMillionCampaigm in Mhondoro on Sunday.

The Zanu PF hooligans overturned dishes containing meat and tomatoes and extinguished the fire the women were using to prepare the food.

The Zanu PF youths also pushed and shoved the hapless women.

“In Mhondoro Ngezi, our #OneMillionCampaign launch was successful.

However, Zanu PF youths led by one Chimedza arrived at the venue and attacked women who where preparing food – in an attempt to disrupt the rally,” a party source told ZimEye.com

By A Correspondent- Matabeleland North provincial affairs minister Richard Moyo exposed President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Covid-19 after attending an official event when he should have been self-isolating pending the release of his virus test results.

Moyo joined Mnangagwa in Victoria Falls on Wednesday last week where the tourism hub was granted city status.

It has now emerged that Moyo was tested for Covid-19 on Monday, December 7. His positive test was confirmed last Friday, two days after the meeting with Mnangagwa.

Ministry of health guidelines say that once tested for Covid-19, one must not venture out before the results are known. What makes Moyo’s case worse is that he was tested as a contact of Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, who was confirmed to have caught the virus last week with over a dozen other Zanu-PF officials and their families.

Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Munekayi Padingani declined to take questions over the apparent breach of health protocols, instead referring all questions to Moyo.

Moyo, asked specifically if he had been advised to stay at home awaiting the test results, declined to comment.

President Mnangagwa and local government minister July Moyo are now among dozens of people due to be tested as Moyo’s contacts.

Moyo told The Chronicle on Monday that he was asymptomatic and self-isolating at home.

-ZimLive

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF warned its legislators last week that they would be dealt with ruthlessly if they do not fully support President Mnangagwa and his government.

Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi, who convened a caucus meeting last week, said the party had also told its legislators to take parliamentary business seriously by actively participating in debates.

This comes as whispers persist within Zanu-PF that some disgruntled MPs may team up with the opposition in Parliament to impeach Mnangagwa over the country’s economic troubles.

-dailynews

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (Zina) has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking leave to execute, pending appeal, an order granted in its favour over a dispute with the government over flexible working hours.

This comes after High Court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire on November 20, granted Zina an interim order barring the government from enforcing a directive for nurses to resume working a normal 40-hour week with immediate effect.  

The Health Service Board was cited as the first respondent, while Health and Child Care minister, Constantino Chiwenga and permanent secretary Jasper Chimedza were cited as the second and third respondents respectively. The government lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge Justice Mafusire’s judgement.

In High Court case number 6479/20, Zina, represented by its president Enock Dongo, is arguing for a continuation of the flexi-working arrangement allowing nurses to work 40 hours in three days. The respondents want the arrangement cancelled so that all nurses work 40 hours in seven days.  

The flexi-working hours were introduced in January 2019 following an agreement between nurses and the government, which emerged from the Health Service Bipartite Negotiating Panel. It was meant to improve nurses’ working conditions, but on 19 October 2020 the government made a U-turn on the agreement.

In papers filed at the High Court, Dongo stated that the health workers filed the urgent application upon realising that some of the members were already being punished for failing to comply with the government directive scrapping the flexi-hours, yet the matter had not been finalised in court.

More than 1 000 nurses have been struck off the government payroll for defying the directive to resume normal working hours, according to papers filed at the High Court.

On Monday this week, 458 nurses at Harare’s Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, who did not get their November salaries after defying the government directive, wrote letters of apology to Chiwenga pleading to be placed back on the payroll.

“Filing an appeal to the Supreme Court suspends the judgement appealed against,” stated Dongo in his founding affidavit. “This means that  whilst the appeal  is going through  the (hearing) processes, the respondents  are free to enforce  compliance with the unilateral  directive  of the  third respondent  and at the same time  resume disciplinary  processes against the applicant’s members.”

He said after Justice Mafusire barred the respondents from revoking the flexible working hours, Zina made several efforts to reach out to the respondents through writing letters calling for dialogue and an out-of-court settlement, but they ignored and opted for an appeal at the Supreme Court.

But in their notice of appeal against Justice Mafusire’s judgement, the Health Service Board, Chiwenga and Chimedza argued the judge wrongly dealt with the matter on an urgent basis yet the time for the applicant to act against the directive had long since passed. They also argued that the judge failed to consider that there was a review of nurses’ remuneration in August 2019, when he passed his ruling.  

“The learned judge erred in fact and law in finding that the alleged Collective Bargaining Agreement 2 of 28 August 2019 extended the system of flexible working hours for members of respondent (Zina) and consequently served to create a prima facie right for the respondent,” they stated.

Dongo submitted that there was urgency in filing the application  because  if the matter went  through the normal court-hearing  process  it would take long and the  Health Service Board would implement Chimedza’s  directive  before the court determination, which would inflict irreparable harm on the welfare  of more than 9 000 nurses countrywide.

He argued that the respondents had failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment to nurses and, instead of addressing their plight, they wanted hospitals to be congested with vulnerable nurses if they cancelled the flexi working hours, which exposed the health workers to the infectious coronavirus.

“Exposure to an unsafe working environment during a raging pandemic (Covid-19) might potentially lead to loss of life to applicant’s members,” he stated. “The respondents have never denied that they are not providing adequate personal protective equipment and yet they are pushing nurses to be working normally in an abnormal environment.”

Dongo went on to argue that the respondents had power over their employees and were using that power to ensure compliance of the directive for nurses to resume normal working hours hence the court was their only hope for reprieve.

The family of the late Tapiwa Makore Junior is at the High Court demanding justice for the young boy who was allegedly killed by his uncle in a suspected ritual murder in September this year.

Makore family spokesperson Mrs Beula Musupai told Zbc News this Monday that they are still in pain after Tapiwa’s gruesome murder.

She also expressed concern over the slow manner in which the matter is being handled.

This comes as the High Court has deferred the bail ruling for the chief suspect in the murder case, Thanks Makore, 56.

Thanks was arrested in connection with the ritual murder of his nephew, with allegations he was given the boy’s head and arms.

-State Media

The memorial service (Nyaradzo) of the late comedian Gringo (real name Lazarus Boora) was held at night after Gringo’s eldest son Taurai kept the family waiting as he said he will come to the memorial service after attending a wedding.

This was revealed by Gringo’s aunt Esther Manheya who said the memorial service could not start in Taurai the eldest child’s absence:

Taurai said he had a wedding to attend today, but he was going to pitch up later. So, we are waiting for him. We are a peaceful family and please just know that people talk a lot. We are surprised with the news that there is war among us.

I just want my grandchildren to benefit equally as you can see they are all here. Netsai should take the house in Rusape, as for the car in question, I only heard it belongs to Gringo’s former boss.

Today I think you can talk to other family members. The story is interesting by day, with new issues to be discussed. Let this be over so I can look after my children in peace.

Gringo ‘s belongings were distributed and his house was reportedly not given to a specific individual. The family has been fighting over some of the comedian’s belongings and some family members thought Taurai’s absence was a way of settling a score.

Meanwhile, ZRP officers were reportedly present at the memorial after they were called by the village head as they were anticipating trouble and violence since the family is reportedly fighting since Gringo’s death

By A Correspondent- There was chaos on Friday at the privately-owned Waterfalls Garden Junior School in Harare, as angry parents protested against a fee increase.

The fees at the school were increased from US$220 to US$550 per term from next year without the consent of parents who protested against the headmaster Brian Nenjerama and school directors.

Dozens of parents gathered at the school, demanding a meeting with the authorities who, however, did not avail themselves.

“The principal is ignoring the parents’ demands to meet them and now parents are forced to come to the school despite COVID-19 fears,” one of the parents said.

The parents bemoaned maladministration at the school and poor communication.

A school official, Paddington Nenjerama, who parents said was a brother to the owner of the school, refused to entertain questions from NewsDay.

In anger, Nenjerama manhandled NewsDay photojournalist Shepherd Tozvireva, who he violently threw out of the school yard.

“Get out, these are private premises,” Nenjerama shouted as he dragged Tozvireva.

The parents have since petitioned the school, demanding that the fee in-crease be stopped.

Parents also demanded that the school uniforms should be sold at market prices.

Other grievances included improvement of the school online teaching platform, as well as reduction of the too many school trips that are very expensive.

They said the school was also not registered as an examination centre.

A war of words has erupted in Gokwe South amid reports that the winners of last week’s chaotic District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections have vowed to stop the National Commissar Victor Matemadanda’s proposed re-run.

Zanu-PF insiders told the Zim Morning Post that Matemadanda’s team including his son lost the elections and this prompted him to declare a non-existent dispute at the national command centre.

“Our elections were properly held but his (Matemadanda) team was beaten hence he has coerced the national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri to call for a rerun,” an insider said.

Last week Muchinguri announced election results of other districts and said Gokwe South and other areas in Manicaland are likely to go for re-runs.

“We are wondering why our results were not confirmed when everything went well in Gokwe South,” the source said.

The source also said those who contested in Gokwe South including some losers were shocked to be informed the confirmation will only be done by the Zanu-PF First Secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Tawanda Karikoga, Gokwe Mapfungautsi legislator won the elections.

Below are the final results that were sent to the national command centre:

Gokwe South consolidated preliminary ZANU-PF 2020 DCC Election Results

CHAIRMAN
Karikoga Tawanda 4232
Chanda Gordon 2502
Magodhi Elliot 12

Vice Chairman
Amos Mapingire uncontested

Secretary for Administration
Masvisvi Davison 3937
Mhandu Robert 2125

Secretary for Finance
Dube Mafara 2909
Madzimure Marian 2355
Nyuke Mike 54

Secretary for Commissariat
Chidhakwa Davison 3247
Manyara Tongai 2250
Tsaura Rueben 643

Secretary for Security
Mutendi Charles 3738
Mbano Takesure 2400
Ponde Tichaona 85
Vumbukwa Tariro 73

Secretary for Transport & Welfare
Mubvumi Phillimon 3602
Chinyama Obert 2455

Secretary for Information & Publicity
Chipangura Kenneth 2782
Mpofu Phillip 2612

Secretary for Legal Affairs
Moyo Nokuthula 3216
Machirikiti Anna 1930

Secretary for Indigenization
Karikoga amon 2718
Moyo enock 2202
Mudanda Barbra 541

Secretary for Production & labour
Tsaura rueben 3284
Ndlovu Truewell 2466
Chigwerere Collin 291

Secretary for Health
Mapepa Gaudencia 3564
Gwatidzo Lawrence 2646

Secretary for Economic Affairs
Takawira Gertrude 3419
Moyo winnet 1997
Mabasa Matsina 217
Mbano Elisha 178
Velani Silas 76

Secretary for Education
Zijena Benofalus 3135
Tsatsai Tinei 2451
Hove Leonard 758

Secretary for Gender & culture
Madzivire Sarah 3910
Soraidema Sihlalejani 2217
Makayi Francis 232
Sithole Johnson 123

Secretary for Disabled & disability
Magama Faustina 3259
Chimwanda Hilda 2294
Maruza Shungu 632
Mpinda Erica 62

Secretary for Land Reform & Resettlement
Maruza Shungu 3503
Makwembere Cortilda 2380
Nyathi Levison 364

Secretary for Science & Technology
Moyo khulumani 3464
Gwatipedza Davison 2168
Zireva Musvibe 163

Secretary for Business development & liaison
Makombere Praise 3912
Lunga John 2680

Secretary for Environment & Tourism
Magura Loice 3857
Chirongoma Georgina 2742
Vhumbamira Phillip 182

Secretary for Youth Affairs
Mafuratidze Rickson 1225
Matemadanda Tanaka 1036

Secretary for Women’s Affairs
Ncube Beauty 1614
Moyo Theresa 1254
Pise Christine 45

-zimmorningpost

Notorious thieves stole Selmor Mtukudzi ‘s smartphone last week and reportedly deleted her social media fan page, the Chronicle reports. This was revealed by her husband Tendai Manatsa as he was appealing to anyone who might help restore his wife’s page which had thousands of followers.

The husband to the Impala car Rental ambassador Tendai Manatsa said:

Hey guys, my wife Selmor Mtukudzi lost her phone to thieves last week and they deleted her Facebook page. Does anyone know how we can recover the page? Been trying everything we know with no avail.

According to Get Assist.net, you have 14 days to recover a deleted Facebook and if your account is deleted here is how you can retrieve it: ‘

How Do I Get Back On My Facebook Page?, this question must be lingering on your mind from the time your Facebook page had been taken down. Once the page has been disabled, it becomes difficult to recover it, but still, there is something you can give a try to.

Go to the link https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/164405897002583 but you need to be logged in to your Facebook account to access this request form.

As you see the title. ‘Report an issue with Facebook pages’, you can explain the issue you have regarding the page and provide complete details vis-à-vis the same. Also, enter the URL of your page and add a screenshot if you want to. Press ‘Send’ when you are done filling the information.

You can fill this form if you think you have accidentally deleted your page or it has been mistakenly removed by Facebook. Deleting a Facebook page by accident is not of much concern as you can recover it later within a fixed time period. However, when Facebook takes this huge step it is rather difficult and there is no assurance that you will receive a reply from Facebook’s side.

Reports coming from the Kingdom of Eswatini indicate that The Prime Minister of Eswatini Ambrose Dlamini died today, a few weeks after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Times Live reports.

The news of Ambrose Mandvulo’s death was confirmed by the kingdom’s deputy Prime Minister Temba Masuku who released a statement that stated that:

Their Majesties have commanded that I inform the nation of the sad and untimely passing away of His Excellency the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. His Excellency passed on this afternoon while under medical care in a hospital in South Africa.

Masuku promised to keep the nation updated on the subsequent arrangements.  Masuku reportedly said Dlamini was moved to a South African hospital on 1 December and his condition was said to be stable when he died. Dlamini became the kingdom’s Prime Minister in 2018 a position he held till his death.

The following video tells a story of how alleged Zanu PF youths in Mhondoro disrupted an MDC Alliance meeting that was organized to launch the One Million Campaign.

The video was shared by members of the opposition and they even name the people who disrupted their gathering which according to them was sanctioned by the Police who were also present when it happened.

https://twitter.com/mdcmashwest/status/1338205919818215430?s=20

Woke up to no electricity and no water and yet it's opposite the Airforce base. We had been advised that you will not have power cuts there because of the sensitive nature of the location. Now we learn that a number of places have no electricity between 6-11am#NixTravelDiary

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) December 14, 2020

An Apostolic Faith Mission pastor, Edmore Sibanda has called upon President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to initiate dialogue with MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to end the suffering of Zimbabweans.

In an interview yesterday with the Southern Eye, Sibanda said the economic difficulties in the country were worsening hence the need for dialogue between the two political parties.

He said Mnangagwa’s government had failed to live up to expectation two years after the ouster of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

“The living standards of the people of this country have worsened. In my opinion, it is only dialogue between the ruling Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance that can get the economy working again,” Sibanda said.

“I believe that all the small parties that are in the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) will never be effective in terms of ending the economic and political problems in this country. I think they are a waste of time. It is only the two main political parties, Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance that can end the country’s problems,” he said.

The AFM pastor said politics was a game of power whereby if two elephants fight the grass suffers, adding that the ordinary people were struggling because of the political power struggles between Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance.

Sibanda blasted some church leaders in the country for taking a partisan stance.

“Some church leaders have taken a partisan stance, they either rally behind the ruling party or the opposition. As a result there is always conflict in the country. As Christians, we must be catalysts for positive change. Those in leadership positions must accept to be corrected.

“The church has found itself in two different camps where some churches work in cahoots with the government while others work with the opposition instead of working as one body of Christ,” he said.

-Newsday

Musician Selmor Mtukudzi has been dealt a major blow after thieves stole her phone last week and deleted her fan page.

Her husband, Tendai Manatsa shared news of the unfortunate incident on Sunday afternoon and pleaded with those with the know how of how to retrieve the page to assist.

“Hey guys, my wife Selmor Mtukudzi lost her phone to thieves last week and they deleted her Facebook page. Does anyone know how we can recover the page? Been trying everything we know with no avail,” wrote Manatsa on his Facebook page.

This is a major blow for Selmor as the page which had thousands of followers had a lot of content of her career which she likely had not saved anywhere else.

President Mnangagwa has left Harare International Airport for Mozambique to discuss the Islamist insurgency in the neigh bouring country.

He was seen off by Vice President Chiwenga, service chiefs and other Government officials.

President Mnangagwa is expected to join other SADC leaders for the Sadc Troika meeting, a continuation of the Gaborone 27 November summit.

Mozambique has been hit by an Islamist insurgency that has killed more than 2000 people and left thousands homeless.

The drama that followed the late Lazarus “Gringo” Boora during his acting days continues to haunt him even in death after sharp disagreements over his memorial service led to the event being held during the night on Saturday.

Gringo’s widow, Netsai Meki, had already stirred controversy by accusing family members of not respecting her as the last woman to have been with him.

The memorial service in Nyazura on Saturday was supposed to start in the afternoon, but Gringo’s eldest son Taurai kept telling the gathering that he was going to pitch up after attending a wedding.

The memorial service could not continue without his presence since he is the eldest son.

Then there were also members of Gringo’s apostolic sect who insisted that the function could only start at night in accordance with their beliefs.

The Herald Arts was present at the Boora homestead when the family started squabbling in an attempt to find a lasting solution to how the memorial service would be conducted. Work on Gringo’s grave for the memorial service was being carried out by members of the apostolic sect, who seemed to have assumed the leading role in the programme.

At the edge of the homestead was a parked commuter omnibus full of police officers whom village herd Mr Alec Zunidza had summoned to be on stand-by just in case their services would be required during the event.

It was clear that Mr Zunidza and other villagers were anticipating trouble at the memorial service, considering similar experiences that occurred during Gringo’s funeral.

“We had chaos during the funeral,” said Mr Zunidza. “There were a lot of people who caused chaos and it was difficult to control them. We were not prepared at that time, but now we have planned ahead.

“I am told that they are waiting for their son Taurai to start the event, but for now as per custom we managed prepare the grave at the graveyard. Gringo was a nice, happy fellow.”

A family source said Taurai wanted the memorial service to be conducted a week earlier on December 5, but disagreements arose over the date.

“My brother, I think the family should now go and see the chief because this is getting out of hand,” said a villager who refused to be named. “It seems Taurai wants to fix the family members, including Netsai.

“Imagine, the small boy had the audacity to attend a wedding while everyone is waiting for him here. His father was not like that, maybe there is someone who is telling him to do that, but it is wrong.”

Gringo’s aunt Esther Manheya, who was in the company of her sister Kroria Chaipa, confirmed the programme had been stalled by Taurai’s absence.

“Taurai said he had a wedding to attend today, but he was going to pitch up later,” she said. “So, we are waiting for him. We are a peaceful family and please just know that people talk a lot. We are surprised with the news that there is war among us.

“I just want my grandchildren to benefit equally as you can see they are all here. Netsai should take the house in Rusape, as for the car in question, I only heard it belongs to Gringo’s former boss.” Netsai said she was not at liberty to talk much, but was hurt.

“Today I think you can talk to other family members,” she said. “The story is interesting by day, with new issues to be discussed. Let this be over so I can look after my children in peace.”

Gringo’s children from his divorced three wives were present at the memorial service.

Effort to get a comment from Taurai were fruitless as his mobile phone was off up to yesterday.

After the memorial service on Saturday night, Gringo’s property, mainly his clothes were shared yesterday, with his children getting most of them. Netsai did not get the Rusape house as proposed by Manheya, which was left to be accessed by any member of the family.

The controversial Isuzu KB250, which Netsai claimed belonged to Gringo’s boss, was not discussed to enable the supposed owner to come forward and make his claim.

Government has allocated $420 million to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the 2021 national budget, which will translate to $2 million per constituency 10 times the $200 000 that was allocated this year.

The CDF is given to National Assembly members to carry out developmental projects in their constituencies as part of deliberate efforts by the Government to develop communities.

The allocation was made by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube when he presented the 2021 national budget a fortnight ago.

Parliamentarians have been complaining that the $200 000 was no longer adequate to carry out any meaningful development projects due to inflation.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, confirmed the figure yesterday.

“Yes, that is the figure but it has previously been managed by Parliament of Zimbabwe,” she said. “But we are trying to come up with a legal framework governing CDF to ensure accountability in its utilisation. So we will be coming with an Act of Parliament to that effect.”

This week, Members of Parliament expressed mixed views on the figure in the National Assembly, while contributing to a debate on the 2021 national budget.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development chairperson Cde Felex Mhona welcomed the funds.

“The Committee welcomes the allocation towards the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of ZWL$420 million which translates to $2 million per constituency,” he said. “The Committee, however, recommends timeous disbursements and a review of the allocation to an equivalent of US$50 000 per constituency if it is to make meaningful impact.”

Primary and Secondary Education portfolio committee chairperson, Ms Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, implored legislators to use their CDF money in furtherance of education given the challenges that affected the sector this year.

“On CDF, we want to persuade the Hon Members that have not taken CDF for next year; we are going to be coming to you and say do you not think that it is important to prioritise at least for next year the issues that are to do with education,” said Ms Misihairabwi-Mushonga.

Bikita South MP Cde Josiah Sithole (Zanu PF) urged the Government to continue providing money for CDF in order to develop communities.

He wanted the Constituency Development Fund to be taken seriously. “I think we need to make sure that we name the fund constituency development to mean exactly what we are doing because when we say we develop, we have to develop and that should be adequate.”

Mbizo MP Mr Settlement Chikwinya (MDC Alliance) said the CDF, if properly funded, will go a long way in developing communities.

“Members of Parliament are seen as practitioners of social development,” he said. “So, the boreholes, the soccer tournaments and dip tanks that you see are being developed by Members of Parliament. If you do not support the CDF, you are killing the whole community development initiative and the President is on record to say, you are supposed to serve your people. So that is a principle and agreed policy — Members of Parliament are supposed to serve their people.”