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.

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:

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.

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.”

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 13 December 2020:

New cases: 27
Locals: 27
Returnees: 0
Deaths: 0
Recoveries: 92
PCR Tests Done:1187
National Recovery Rate: 84%
Active Cases: 1 488
Total Cumulative Cases: 11 246
Total Recoveries: 9 451
Total Deaths: 307

State Media

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has reported a prisoner who escaped from Harare Remand Prison on Saturday evening.

Peter Muchenga, who was arrested for aggravated indecent assault, escaped in full view of prison warders and his whereabouts are still unknown.

Muchenga escaped at around 6.30pm

“When inmates were locked up and the number in the yard could not tally with the one on the board, two recounts were done but there was no change. Officers and B Class inmates carried out a search within the prison,” reads a ZPCS communique.

“At around 20:00hrs, officers who were at the D Class section saw the inmate on the top of the prison roof where there are water tanks.

“The officers looked for a ladder in order to access the place where the inmate was lodged but he bolted to the other end of the building where he used an electricity cord to climb down the wall,” said ZPCS.

The inmate is said to have landed on the ground before climbing over the security wall which separates Harare Remand Prison from Harare Central Prison.

“When officers arrived from the top of the building, they found the inmate already on the pre-cast concrete wall and moving towards the workshops. Three warning shots were fired but could not stop the inmate who jumped from the wall into the workshop yards. A search was carried out in the workshop but the inmate could not be located. The matter was reported to the police under case number IR 121480.”

State Media

Some relatives of the late national hero Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri have requested DNA tests for some of his children despite them having birth certificates.

According to some children, this is meant to deny them their share of the estate and pave way for the grabbing of assets by some greedy relatives, friends and business partners of the former liberation war fighter, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander and Cabinet Minister.

Sources close to the estate wrangle said the relatives only managed to find a 1995 will, which shows that the Air Chief Marshal Shiri had a house in Borrowdale and two children.

The same will appointed the now late General Solomon Mujuru and Mr Sobusa Gula-Ndebele as executors of the estate.

Gen Mujuru died first and the Master of High Court appointed Mr Gula-Ndebele as executor.

When he died some 25 years after signing the will, he had acquired more assets which were not part of the initial testament.

The will in question has since been accepted by the Master of High Court, who then appointed an executor.

“We hereby inform you that the deceased’s will has been accepted for administration purposes,” reads a letter to the executor.

“From our reading of the will, it would appear same nominates you (Mr Gula-Ndebele) as testament executor.

“In order that we may issue you with letters of administration, kindly complete the enclosed acceptance of the trust form and the bond of security.”

After signing the 1995 will, Cde Shiri rose through the ranks in the Air Force of Zimbabwe to become Air Chief Marshal.

At the time of his death in July, he was a Cabinet minister and had acquired more properties and purchased shares in a number of companies.

Although the assets register is still being compiled, fighting has already started on the distribution of the estate.

After his death, several children approached the family and the executor claiming to be the hero’s children, some with birth certificates.

Of the several children, only three had birth certificates bearing the national hero’s name. One of the children, Rufaro Stephanie Shiri, who registered the estate at the Master of High Court claimed some “greedy” relatives were out to deprive legitimate children of their father’s estate.

Through her lawyer, Mr Caleb Mucheche of Caleb Mucheche & Partners Law Chambers, Rufaro has written to the executor questioning the legality of DNA tests when the national hero accepted her as his daughter through an uncontested official birth certificate.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our client unequivocally and categorically rejects some wild, baseless, misguided and legally misplaced insinuations and suggestions by some third parties or persons that she must undergo any DNA tests post the death of her late father who freely and voluntarily recorded his name as her father and maintained that legal status without any qualm or query up to the time of his death,” reads part of the letter.

The lawyers requested to be part of the administration of the estate and to be invited to any meeting related to the estate.

“We hereby advise that we represent Rufaro S. Shiri in this estate, who is one of the potential beneficiaries to the estate, who has a birth certificate bearing the name of the deceased as the father and a national identity card bearing the deceased’s surname,” reads the letter.

“It is against this background that our client instructs us to request your esteemed good offices to notify us about any stages and meetings involved in the administration of this estate.”

Meanwhile, the national hero’s brother, Vincent Chikerema, who worked for the late freedom fighter supervising the sale of his farm produce at Mbare and Chikwanha vegetable markets, has since filed a claim of US$4 000 in salary arrears.

In a letter to the executor, Mr Chikerema stated that he was a supervisor in his brother’s farming business getting US$800 per month.

State Media

A school teacher in Mwenezi East allegedly stabbed and killed a Zanu PF official on Friday for being loud and disturbing his rest while discussing ballot papers in the just-ended Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee (DCCs) elections.

Kennias Dzingirai (35), the Zanu PF ward 13 chairman in Chingwizi, Mwenezi East, died after he was stabbed in the chest and stomach, allegedly by Paulosi Mangoma (40), a teacher at Batanai Primary School in the area.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said Mangoma had since been arrested and would appear in court soon.

“The suspect, a teacher at Batanai Primary School in the Chingwizi area, is assisting police with investigations and will appear in court soon charged with murder,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

According to preliminary police investigations, Dzingirai and some associates were at a tuckshop in the Chingwizi area discussing the delivery of ballot papers to the party’s elections command centre in the constituency.

It is alleged that Mangoma interrupted the discussion between Dzingirai and his colleagues whom he accused of disturbing his peace and then that a fist-fight broke out between Dzingirai and Mangoma.

This was stopped by others who managed to restrain the two. Mangoma went home, but allegedly returned armed with a kitchen knife, charged at Dzingirai and stabbed him in the chest and stomach.

Dzingirai collapsed and died on the spot and a report was made to police leading to Mangoma’s arrest.

The body was taken to a mortuary and is awaiting a post-mortem.

Paul Nyathi

More than 1 000 nurses who wete removed from the monthly pay sheets for refusing to work standard hours on the instruction of Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga last month are being reinstated after being coerced by government to apologise for their act.

The Health Services Board (HSB) removed 1 032 nurses from its pay sheets after they insisted on working flexible hours which were agreed on during a collective bargaining exercise defying Chiwenga’s instruction which had ordered all nurses back at work in full hours.

The nurses were later dragged into disciplinary hearings where the Nurses Union indicate that the Nurses were ordered to submit written apologies for their actions if they wanted their jobs back.

In the “comman apology letters, the Nurses were told to vowed to comply with the prescribed shifts and never defy given instructions.

Authorities agreed to forgive the “repentant ones” and HSB chair Dr Paulinas Sikhosana confirmed that the process of returning nurses to the payroll had started with some having been already reinstated.

“We have started the process and some are now on the pay sheets,” he said. “I am not sure about the numbers as yet, but those who apologised earlier like the ones at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital have been reinstated.”

A total of 504 Sally Mugabe Central Hospital nurses, 258 at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and 229 at United Bulawayo Hospitals have formally apologised.

Of the 1 032 struck off the pay sheets by the HSB, only 41 are yet to formally express regret for defying a legal directive for them to resume normal shifts.

Of the 41 who are yet to officially ask for pardon, a few are union leaders.

Acting Health and Child Care Minister Professor Amon Murwira confirmed the resumption of normal rosters by nurses.

“We are taking their issue further and what I can say is that they can expect positive feedback,” he said in an interview. “The nurses who were initially not reporting for duty wrote letters to us apologising.

“The nurses who wrote the letters say they do not have anything to do with the conflict that has been going on. I am happy that they are working and what we want is to improve the country’s health system.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Recalled MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 7, Masvingo Urban, Richard Musekiwa has vowed to stand with the MDC Alliance and President Nelson Chamisa.

Musekiwa has described his recall as a non-event.

“I will never betray the people’s struggle .

Not even gold and silver can influence me.

Moving solidly behind the people President Advocate Nelson Chamisa -victory is certain.

I would like to thank the residents of Rujeko, ward 7 who gave me the opportunity to represent them in council.

I was recalled by Douglas Mwonzora and Zanu PF.

I will continue to assist local residents,” Musekiwa said in as statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|Recalled MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 7, Masvingo Urban, Richard Musekiwa has vowed to stand with the MDC Alliance and President Nelson Chamisa.

Musekiwa has described his recall as a non-event.

“I will never betray the people’s struggle .

Not even gold and silver can influence me.

Moving solidly behind the people President Advocate Nelson Chamisa -victory is certain.

I would like to thank the residents of Rujeko, ward 7 who gave me the opportunity to represent them in council.

I was recalled by Douglas Mwonzora and Zanu PF.

I will continue to assist local residents,” Musekiwa said in as statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|Embattled MDC -T leader Thokozani Khupe’s attempt to seize the people’s project hit a snag in Chinhoyi.

In a statement, MDC Alliance said Khupe would not stop the people’s victory despite being backed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Read full statement below :

Chinhoyi has denied Khupe a chance to steal the people’s victory.

We are elated to inform you that a plot to steal the people’s victory by the MDC-T cabal was thwarted when Cllr Garikai Dendera was voted into office and Cllr Mada deputised -handing back the Chinhoyi Mayorship to the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

The illegal recalls of 6 other MDC Alliance Councillors this week to armtwist the remaining Councillors to give in to the ZANU friendly MDC-T and force them to vote for khupes candidate flopped as the remaining Councillors chose to stand with the people and the MDC Alliance.

Not even the presence of Gift Matshoba Konjana could change the complexion of the mayoral election.

It is no doubt that the khupe cabal are operating full throttle on social media but completely divorced from the grassroots,no wonder why they rely on virtual meetings than physically ones.

Their plan to fire members to get an edge over the MDC Alliance is no longer effective as they continue to be trounced hands down.

Bring on the By-elections we have sellouts and terrorists fighting the people to fry.

Tinashe Sambiri|Embattled MDC -T leader Thokozani Khupe’s attempt to seize the people’s project hit a snag in Chinhoyi.

In a statement, MDC Alliance said Khupe would not stop the people’s victory despite being backed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Read full statement below :

Chinhoyi has denied Khupe a chance to steal the people’s victory.

We are elated to inform you that a plot to steal the people’s victory by the MDC-T cabal was thwarted when Cllr Garikai Dendera was voted into office and Cllr Mada deputised -handing back the Chinhoyi Mayorship to the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

The illegal recalls of 6 other MDC Alliance Councillors this week to armtwist the remaining Councillors to give in to the ZANU friendly MDC-T and force them to vote for khupes candidate flopped as the remaining Councillors chose to stand with the people and the MDC Alliance.

Not even the presence of Gift Matshoba Konjana could change the complexion of the mayoral election.

It is no doubt that the khupe cabal are operating full throttle on social media but completely divorced from the grassroots,no wonder why they rely on virtual meetings than physically ones.

Their plan to fire members to get an edge over the MDC Alliance is no longer effective as they continue to be trounced hands down.

Bring on the By-elections we have sellouts and terrorists fighting the people to fry.

Below is a memo narrating how a soldier arrested a police officer over possession of minerals:

MEMORANDUM

TO                 :           CHIEF STAFF OFFICER [OPERATIONS]

INFOR :     COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF POLICE

                      :           DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL [OPERATIONS]

:           CHIEF STAFF OFFICER [HUMAN RESOURCES]

FROM           :           OFFICER COMMANDING POLICE [SUPPORT UNIT]

SU MEMO    :          1910/20

DATED          :           12 DECEMBER 2020

SUBJECT    : ARREST OF A MEMBER OF THE POLICE SERVICE FOR CRIMINAL ABUSE OF OFFICE AS A PUBLIC OFFICER AND TRANSPORTING GOLD ORE WITHOUT A LICENCE: NUMBER 049466R CHIEF INSPECTOR NCUBE B.: SUPPORT UNIT CHIKURUBI URBAN DISTRICT YANKEE TROOP.

1. On 12 December 2020 at around 0600 hours, Number 049466R Chief Inspector NCUBE B. of Yankee Troop who is deployed on Operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere/ Isitsheketsha Kasiphele and No to Machete Wielding Gangs in Jumbo Mine, Mazowe was arrested for Criminal abuse of office as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act Chapter 9:23 and Transporting gold ore without a licence.

• Circumstances are that, Chief Inspector NCUBE B. who was in civilian attire and armed with a Tokarev Pistol serial number ZRP 190 with a magazine of 7 rounds was travelling along Bindura – Harare Road in a Honda Fit vehicle registration number AFG 0053 being driven by Plan RANGISI National Registration Number 15-102429-H-15, a male aged 46 years of Jumbo Mine, Mazowe. Trust CHIPATARONGO National Registration Number 34-097149 S-34, a male aged 33 years of House Number 9009 Manyame Park, Chitungwiza was also aboard the same vehicle.

• On approaching Eskbank Tollgate, the Honda Fit vehicle was following behind a Toyota Fortuner vehicle registration number ADY 1780 being driven by Private Lameck KATIKITI, a male aged 29 years of Zimbabwe National Army [ZNA].  Aboard the Toyota Fortuner was a Zimbabwe National Army Security Patrol Team under the command of Sergeant George MUSONA of State House Barracks.

• At the tollgate, the Toyota Fortuner bypassed the tollgate and the Honda Fit vehicle followed and this prompted Sergeant George MUSONA to disembark from the vehicle and inquired from the driver of the Honda Fit vehicle why he was bypassing the tollgate. The 3 suspects’ responses could not satisfy the security patrol team. This led the ZNA members searching the Honda Fit Vehicle and recovered 2 sacks of suspected gold ore and subsequently arrested the 3 occupants; Chief Inspector NCUBE B. included.

• Sergeant MUSONA then advised Brigadier General MHONDA who instructed him to take the accused persons and exhibits to Marlborough Police Station. Plan RANJISI, the driver of the Honda fit alleged that he was hired by Chief Inspector NCUBE and Trust CHAPATARONGO to transport them with their gold ore from Jumbo to Harare.

• The accused persons were taken to Marlborough Police Station by ZNA patrol team; RRB Number 4605985 refers.

• The accused persons, exhibits, ZRP Pistol and a magazine of 7 rounds were taken to CID MFFU Harare; DR 18/12/20 refers.  The accused persons are detained at CID MFFU Harare.

• Disciplinary action is being taken against the Junior Officer.

ZRP SUPPORT UNIT

Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted 515 senior and junior police officers stationed in Bulawayo and Matabeleland South provinces.

The promotion comes after the president had recently promoted over 1000 police officers. The officers were promoted as follows in Bulawayo:

479 officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Protection Unit (PPU) and the Daily Uniformed Branch (DUB) were elevated.Of those, 52 were Inspectors who were promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector.123 were promoted from Sergeant to Assistant Inspector282 Constables were elevated to Sergeants.22 were elevated from Sergeants to Sergeant Majors.

A similar event took place in Gwanda, the provincial capital of Matabeleland South Province.

36 police officers stationed in the province were conferred with new ranks of Inspectors and Chief Inspectors.1 officer was promoted from Sergeant Major to Assistant Inspector,27 were promoted from Assistant Inspector to Inspector8 were promoted from Inspector to Chief Inspector.

In a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner John Simon during the conferment ceremony, Comm-Gen Godwin Matanga said:

While your promotion today reflects due recognition and incentive for your individual hard work, its main thrust is that it is an investment vehicle in which the organisation is planting seeds of hope in your career.

As such you are expected to remain forthright, exemplary, visionary, firm, fair and professional among other attributes and expectations synonymous with the ranks you now occupy.

Above all the need for you to become role models to your peers and subordinates as well as paragons of professionalism in the communities you serve cannot be overemphasised.

He also urged police officers to shun corruption, uphold morality and good ethical conduct.-State media

FIVE poachers were gunned down by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers in 10 incidents of armed confrontation in national parks this year amid an intensifying crackdown on poaching by authorities.

Poaching activities declined significantly this year, thanks to the introduction of new anti-poaching strategies that include deployment of high-tech drones to monitor conservancies, retraining of rangers and the introduction of a shoot-to-kill policy.

According to statistics from Zimparks, 20 elephants were killed by poachers this year, down from 30 killings recorded last year. Only eight rhinos were killed this year, down from 29 in 2019. Four lions were poached this year matching the same number of predators that were killed last year.

Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo told The Sunday Mail that introduction of the shoot-to-kill policy has deterred illegal incursions into conservancy areas.

“Twenty elephants were poached this year, marking a significant decrease from the 30 that were killed in 2019,” said Mr Farawo.

“We have had 10 armed contacts with poachers this year, with five of them leading to fatalities. If you look at it, five years ago we would have about 500 elephants poached in a year but with the introduction of new strategies by management, we are bringing the numbers down.

He said rangers had intensified patrols after Zimparks acquired more vehicles.

“We are also working with the International Fund for Animal Welfare to help with protecting elephants especially in the Hwange National Park and also other partners to fight poaching.

“Before the new management came in there were a lot of constraints especially in terms of vehicles but now we have managed to procure over 100 vehicles for patrolling and tracking and this has helped us become more visible around the protected areas. We are now also harnessing technology by deploying drones and this helps us in monitoring wildlife and the protected areas. We are now able to detect intruders early and this has really helped to curb poaching.”-The Sunday Mail

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened investigations against judges, magistrates and church leaders over a slew of graft allegations.

Zacc chair Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo last week said members of the judiciary were under scrutiny but emphasised there was no interference on the independence of the third arm of the State.

She also hinted that there were several church leaders under probe for corruption allegations among whom is a prominent bishop who received a US$100 000 tithe from his church congregant.

“The investigation against members of the Judiciary Services Commission (JSC) is underway but we want to ensure that there will be no outcry of interference on the judiciary,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.

On the church bishop, Justice Matanda-Moyo said: “The commission is tracing the source of funds which shows that the church member who paid a US$100 000 tithe had made US$1 million.”

Justice Matanda-Moyo was not at liberty to disclose the names of the church leaders under probe saying it could jeopardise investigations.

She said corruption was deep-rooted even in law enforcement agencies such as Zacc, police, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Our institutions are not free from corruption; we have arrested some police officers while some members of Zacc have been dismissed on corruption charges,” said the Zacc boss.-The Sunday News

BULAWAYO businessman and Stingrays Swimming Academy founder, Edmore Cyprianos is suspected to have committed suicide, according to the police.

Cyprianos (49) was reportedly found hanging in a tree in a bushy area at Lucydale Farm in Matobo on Tuesday.

He was the managing director of Cypriano Electrical, ran Donnington Meat Supplies and also had a thriving farming and livestock venture.

The 2016 Zimbabwe National Chambers of Commerce Matabeleland chapter businessman of the year left his home on Tuesday without notifying his wife and was later found dead.

According to the police, the incident happened between 4.30 am and 4pm at Matopo Research Station.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said they were investigating a case of suicide.

“The deceased, Edmore Cyprianos (49) of 7 Bishop Gaule Avenue, Kumalo was found hanging from a tree in a bushy area by a passerby on 8 December 2020.

“He had left his house in the morning without notifying his wife where he was going.

“The body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals and is awaiting post-mortem results,” she said.-The Sunday News

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By A Correspondent | SEN DOUGLAS MWONZORA has confirmed that his acclaimed funder has been arrested by police at his (the financier’s) in law’s house in Hwange at 8pm Sunday night, ZimEye can reveal.

The Thokozani Khupe aligned Harare deputy mayor who was on the run for several weeks, Luckson Mukunguma, has been arrested in Hwange.

He was found hiding in a round hut at his in-laws rural residence at around 8pm.

Mukunguma is facing 7 counts of corruption charges.

Mukunguma who Mwonzora refers to as his world bank, is expected to appear in court in Bulawayo within the next 48hrs.

Efforts to get a comment from Sen Mwonzora had a brief snag as his phone phone was continuously engaged; But Sen Mwonzora later confirmed the development saying that he was currently driving Bulawayo to see him. He spoke to ZimEye.com in the below interview….

By A Correspondent- Some primary and high schools in Bulawayo are forcing parents and guardians of students to fork out payments for masks and sanitizers, a move the government has declared illegal.

In September, the government began a phased re-opening of schools after a six months forced closure to curb the spread of the virulent Corona pestilence.

In turn, some schools demanded that parents should part with money in order to secure masks and sanitizers for their children.

The government went on to unveil ZWL$600 million to cater for masks and other necessities for students, but teachers argue that such money was not availed by the authorities.

Bulawayo is a Covid-19 hotspot in the country, recording deaths and double digit new infections almost daily.

An investigation by this publication revealed that schools such as Petra High, Christian Brothers College, Coughlan Primary and Mshede Primary demanded that parents pay between 100 rand to 200 rand for masks and sanitizers.

The monies are not receipted but are paid directly to the class teacher who in turn allegedly sources the masks and sanitisers from unnamed markets, investigations revealed.

At Mafela primary school, guardians were asked to part with 100 rand each while schools such as Pumula High and Maswazi Primary asked parents to come and clean schools without providing protective clothing.

In September, a symposium was organized by the Women of Zimbabwe Arise to discuss the re-opening of schools.

Among the participants were guardians, school children, and the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.

One of the contentious issues was the demand of varying monies for masks and sanitizers by schools.

“They asked us to come and clean the school and we were told that we need to bring 100 Rand each for masks and sanitizers,” said one grade seven pupil from Mafela.

Outspoken and combative Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary general, Raymond Majongwe, told this publication in an interview that schools were spot on in charging mask fees as the government had failed to provide them.

“As far we are concerned schools are following what has to be done and we can’t blame the schools because they have to make sure that kids are safe, but at the same time we can’t pass the buck to parents because government had told us that it had provided ZWL$600 million to cover for these,” said Majongwe.

The PTUZ boss further said that the government lied about availing ZWL$600 million for masks and sanitizers for students.

Said Majongwe: “It goes back to the argument that the government was telling the nation that it has ZWL$600 million and the question is; where is the ZWL$600 million? Will they point, indicate a paper trail of what they are talking about, sanitizers, masks and provisions of water and any other provisions stipulated by WHO.

“As far as we are concerned the WHO guidelines have not been adhered to, class sizes remain huge and testing never happened. At the end of the day we need to find out who took the ZWL$600 million and where it was placed and those who took it must be arrested. If ZWL$600 million was provided we can’t be told that certain schools say they don’t have sanitizers to go to exams and it’s unacceptable and unforgiven. The people on the wrong side should be arrested.”

But, Taungana Ndoro, Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson expressly declared that it was illegal for schools to charge money for masks.

“The government has provided sanitizers and masks and parents can only supplement, but schools cannot force parents to buy them. It is unlawful,” Ndoro told CITE via a telephone interview.

An analysis of official COVID-19 data shows that new cases have been rising since November and are now averaging 100 cases daily, compared to the previous two months when infections stood at about 25 a day.

Almost 300 students have tested positive for Covid-19 since the resumption of classes on November 9.

By A Correspondent | DOUGLAS MWONZORA’S acclaimed “funder’ has been arrested by police at his in law’s house in Hwange at 8pm Sunday night, ZimEye can reveal.

The Thokozani Khupe aligned Harare deputy mayor who was on the run for several weeks, Luckson Mukunguma, has been arrested in Hwange.

He was found hiding in a round hut at his in-laws rural residence at around 8pm.

Mukunguma is facing 7 counts of corruption charges.

Mukunguma who Mwonzora refers to as his world bank, is expected to appear in court in Bulawayo within the next 48hrs.

Efforts to get a comment from Sen Mwonzora had a brief snag as his phone phone was continuously engaged; But Sen Mwonzora later confirmed the development saying that he was currently driving Bulawayo to see him. He spoke to ZimEye.com in the below interview….

By A Correspondent- A Harare woman is claiming $700 000 in damages from the government after losing her unborn child at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on June.6

Valerie Chibaya is suing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga in his capacity as Health minister after accusing health officials at the hospital of neglecting to treat her as a medical emergency.

In her High Court papers, Chibaya named the vice president as the defendant in the suit as he is responsible for the actions of health officials. According to her summons, Chibaya went to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in June when she was 23 weeks pregnant after experiencing unusual abdominal pains.

Upon arrival, the doctors and nurses did not take her temperature, blood pressure or sugar levels nor did they do a routine check-up on her.

Instead, they insisted that she gets a scan first before they could treat her, despite her obvious pain and discomfort. Chibaya claims that she began to bleed, without any treatment or even a wheelchair being provided.

The woman eventually went into premature labour and lost her baby without receiving any emergency medical care from staff at the hospital.

“It is reasonably foreseeable that a pregnant woman presenting herself at night in severe abdominal pain, if not medically assisted diligently and as a matter of urgency would develop complications threatening her life, causing pain and suffering, loss of and amenities of life.

“The traumatic experience by plaintiff occurred in a public place where people watched her in such a vulnerable position. Plaintiff as a result was humiliated, demeaned and embarrassed,” reads Chibaya’s summons.

Chiwenga and the Health ministry are yet to file their responses to Chibaya’s suit.-dailynews

Tinashe Sambiri|Recalled MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 7, Masvingo Urban, Richard Musekiwa has vowed to stand with the MDC Alliance and President Nelson Chamisa.

Musekiwa has described his recall as a non-event.

“I will never betray the people’s struggle .

Not even gold and silver can influence me.

Moving solidly behind the people President Advocate Nelson Chamisa -victory is certain.

I would like to thank the residents of Rujeko, ward 7 who gave me the opportunity to represent them in council.

I was recalled by Douglas Mwonzora and Zanu PF.

I will continue to assist local residents,” Musekiwa said in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|Embattled MDC -T leader Thokozani Khupe’s attempt to seize the people’s project hit a snag in Chinhoyi.

In a statement, MDC Alliance said Khupe would not stop the people’s victory despite being backed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Read full statement below :

Chinhoyi has denied Khupe a chance to steal the people’s victory.

We are elated to inform you that a plot to steal the people’s victory by the MDC-T cabal was thwarted when Cllr Garikai Dendera was voted into office and Cllr Mada deputised -handing back the Chinhoyi Mayorship to the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

The illegal recalls of 6 other MDC Alliance Councillors this week to armtwist the remaining Councillors to give in to the ZANU friendly MDC-T and force them to vote for khupes candidate flopped as the remaining Councillors chose to stand with the people and the MDC Alliance.

Not even the presence of Gift Matshoba Konjana could change the complexion of the mayoral election.

It is no doubt that the khupe cabal are operating full throttle on social media but completely divorced from the grassroots,no wonder why they rely on virtual meetings than physically ones.

Their plan to fire members to get an edge over the MDC Alliance is no longer effective as they continue to be trounced hands down.

Bring on the By-elections we have sellouts and terrorists fighting the people to fry.

Tinashe Sambiri|Embattled MDC -T leader Thokozani Khupe’s attempt to seize the people’s project hit a snag in Chinhoyi.

In a statement, MDC Alliance said Khupe would not stop the people’s victory despite being backed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Read full statement below :

Chinhoyi has denied Khupe a chance to steal the people’s victory.

We are elated to inform you that a plot to steal the people’s victory by the MDC-T cabal was thwarted when Cllr Garikai Dendera was voted into office and Cllr Mada deputised -handing back the Chinhoyi Mayorship to the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

The illegal recalls of 6 other MDC Alliance Councillors this week to armtwist the remaining Councillors to give in to the ZANU friendly MDC-T and force them to vote for khupes candidate flopped as the remaining Councillors chose to stand with the people and the MDC Alliance.

Not even the presence of Gift Matshoba Konjana could change the complexion of the mayoral election.

It is no doubt that the khupe cabal are operating full throttle on social media but completely divorced from the grassroots,no wonder why they rely on virtual meetings than physically ones.

Their plan to fire members to get an edge over the MDC Alliance is no longer effective as they continue to be trounced hands down.

Bring on the By-elections we have sellouts and terrorists fighting the people to fry.

Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted 515 senior and junior police officers stationed in Bulawayo and Matabeleland South provinces.

The promotion comes after the president had recently promoted over 1000 police officers. The officers were promoted as follows in Bulawayo:

479 officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Protection Unit (PPU) and the Daily Uniformed Branch (DUB) were elevated.Of those, 52 were Inspectors who were promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector.123 were promoted from Sergeant to Assistant Inspector282 Constables were elevated to Sergeants.22 were elevated from Sergeants to Sergeant Majors.

A similar event took place in Gwanda, the provincial capital of Matabeleland South Province.

36 police officers stationed in the province were conferred with new ranks of Inspectors and Chief Inspectors.1 officer was promoted from Sergeant Major to Assistant Inspector,27 were promoted from Assistant Inspector to Inspector8 were promoted from Inspector to Chief Inspector.

In a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner John Simon during the conferment ceremony, Comm-Gen Godwin Matanga said:

While your promotion today reflects due recognition and incentive for your individual hard work, its main thrust is that it is an investment vehicle in which the organisation is planting seeds of hope in your career.

As such you are expected to remain forthright, exemplary, visionary, firm, fair and professional among other attributes and expectations synonymous with the ranks you now occupy.

Above all the need for you to become role models to your peers and subordinates as well as paragons of professionalism in the communities you serve cannot be overemphasised.

He also urged police officers to shun corruption, uphold morality and good ethical conduct.-State media