Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described 2021 as a “turning point.”

In his New Year message President Chamisa called for unity of purpose in fighting for freedom:

2021 A TURNING POINT!

Through the huddles,attacks and downs of 2020. We remain standing and marching towards a free and New Great Zimbabwe.Fighting for freedom is a national duty and patriotic act.No oppressor is more powerful than the Oppressed who are United.

2021 must be incredible and full of surprises! Let’s make history. Secure Victory this 2021.

Save and serve your great country. Wishing you an action-packed, happy and blessed new year! #Godisinit

Be Excellent, Be Brilliant, Be Different !!!

Commissioner General of Police Mr Tandabantu Godwin Matanga
Zimbabwe Republic Police General Headquarters
Cnr 7th Street and J. Chinamano Avenue
HARARE
Zimbabwe

Dear Sir,

Ref: Safety and security of journalists during the COVID-19 National Lockdown

MISA Zimbabwe takes note of the recent statement by the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, pertaining to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe and thus necessitating a national lockdown for purposes of preventing and containing the virus.

In that regard, MISA Zimbabwe is humbly reaching out and appealing to your esteemed offices to ensure the safety and security of journalists, who in terms of the regulations are providers of essential services.

Our appeal and concern on the safety and security of journalists is informed by the media freedom violations that ensued when the country implemented the first national lockdown measures in March 2020.

Several journalists were either assaulted or harassed by law enforcement officers for reportedly violating the COVID-19 regulations and undertaking their lawful professional duties using the then expired Zimbabwe Media Commission-issued accreditation cards.

It is against that background that MISA Zimbabwe obtained a High Court order barring the police and other law enforcement agencies charged with the enforcement of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations not to arrest, detain or interfere “in any unnecessary way” with the work of journalists.

In light of the current national lockdown, MISA Zimbabwe is therefore appealing to your esteemed office, to ensure that journalists as providers of essential services conduct their professional responsibilities of disseminating and facilitating access to information on the pandemic and government’s measures and efforts to contain the virus, without any hindrance.

It is our very well-considered view that the obtaining situation requires urgent professional co-operation and constant communication between the police, the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the media players.

This is critical given that the 2021 accreditation fees are still to be gazetted while the accreditation cards for this year have not yet been issued. The ZMC should therefore consider decentralizing its accreditation processes for the convenience of journalists in line with the new lockdown measures.

We are therefore appealing to your esteemed offices for this information to be relayed to all police stations in the country for purposes of ensuring that journalists will not be arrested or harassed for using the accreditation cards issued last year.

MISA Zimbabwe, therefore, urges critical stakeholders to co-operate in protecting and promoting media freedom to ensure timely, accurate and verifiable information on COVID-19 and the measures that can be taken to prevent contamination and spreading of the virus.

In turn, the media should be professional in conducting its lawful duties and ethical responsibilities in line with the profession’s codes and ethics while also being mindful of the profession’s safety and security measures.

Yours Sincerely,

Golden Maunganidze
MISA Zimbabwe National Chairperson

Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission Professor Ruby Magosvongwe
The Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services
Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Adv. Jacob Mudenda

“Today as I reflect the years of my life I am truly grateful to God for the immeasurable love, mercy and blessings he has poured unto me. It is a privilege and an honour to live in his light and do his work. I pray that He continues to give me strength so I can continue taking his gospel to His people and be a blessing unto all with the works he has assigned and equipped me to do. “

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa is deeply concerned about the high incidence of COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe.

President Chamisa urged Zimbabweans to stick to stipulated precautions to avert the spread of the deadly pandemic.

Doctors have revealed that hospitals battling to contain the rising Coronavirus cases.

Below is President Chamisa’s statement:

Extremely concerned at the level at which Covid-19 is now killing our citizens.

Doctors informed me that all Covid-19 hospital units are full.Citizens are now dying without getting access to hospitalization. Be vigilant follow Covid-19 precautions at all times:mask up, wash hands!

We are losing relatives, friends and members of our communities to this deadly pandemic. We cannot afford to be as complacent as we have been in recent months. Our communities are paying the price. We must change our conduct if we are to beat this pandemic.

I call upon responsible offices to apply & encourage precautions.

The virus does not select,therefore selective application of rules is self-defeating.I extend my prayers to all those who are unwell & salute our healthcare warriors for taking the frontline role in this deadly war.

Posted Thabani Titi Lovemore on facebook: Help me to comfort the Mahendere Family for such a great loss.Today we have lost Great soul,A man who was filled with lots n lots of wisdom, teachings, encouragement, happiness, jokes,humbleness and last but not least a Man who could manage to put a smile unto your face even when you least expected it.. Why has 2021 started with our Guardian Angel.Heaven has once again received a Great Angel .Rest In Eternal Peace Sekuru Mahendere

By A Correspondent- A 56 year old prominent Chiredzi medical doctor allegedly ran amok on Sunday and knifed his two children to death in Mkwasine Estates before seriously injuring two others following a quarrel with his wife.

Dr William Phiri then tried to commit suicide by torching his house after locking himself and his four children inside.

He was however pulled out of his burning house unconscious but stark naked by neighbours and relatives.

They also retrieved Phiri’s four children two of whom had already died after being allegedly knifed and repeatedly crashed to the ground.

Phiri later regained consciousness and fled while armed with a firearm and hid in a nearby cane field.

He tried to shoot himself but the firearm reportedly jammed.

Phiri tried suicide once more by stabbing himself with a knife on the chest several times.

Phiri and his two other injured children, a girl aged six and a boy aged four are reportedly in a critical condition at Chiredzi District Hospital.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development saying police are still investigating full circumstances behind the incident

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has suspended four senior police officers from police duties for failing to stop the Mbare New Year’s Eve music concert hosted by DJ Fantan.

The four are Superintendent Innocent Makumbe, Inspector Garikai Jiyane [Officer in Charge, Matapi], Inspector Peace Nyarai Gunhe [Duty Officer] and Assistant Inspector Vengai Mupamhanga [Duty Member].

In a statement on Monday, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the four have been suspended from duty by the Commissioner-General of Police Godwin Matanga pending disciplinary action. The statement read:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Superintendent Innocent Makumbe, Inspector Garikai Jiyane [Officer in Charge, Matapi], Inspector Peace Nyarai Gunhe [Duty Officer] and Assistant Inspector Vengai Mupamhanga [Duty Member] have been suspended from Police duties by Commissioner General of Police pending disciplinary action.

Investigations conducted have revealed that the senior officer and junior members did not perform their duties according to Police set standards and Government’s Covid-19 regulations in handling the illegal Mbare musical bash held by DJ Fantan and his associates on 31st December 2020.

On Saturday, Nyathi said police were keen on interviewing DJ Fantan over the gig which was held in violation of the curfew order and coronavirus regulations. It has not yet been confirmed if Fantan, who was reportedly on the run, has surrendered himself to police

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has slammed the decision by the Zanu PF administration to impose tight lockdown restrictions without proper planning.

Constantino Chiwenga announced at weekend government was enforcing strict lockdown measures to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

However, President Chamisa has called for wide consultations with stakeholders to enable the nation to combat the pandemic.

Below is President Chamisa’s statement:

COVID-19 FIGHT REQUIRES A UNITY OF PURPOSE AND A PROPER PLAN !!

1. Sound public policy requires broad consultation of stakeholders. It must be scientific and for this reason it ought to be evidence-based. The latest lockdown measures lack scientific rigour, rationality and consistency. We would have preferred more inclusive consultation of business, labour, church and political leadership.
2. The application of rules must be fair and non-selective because the virus does not select on the basis of status, class or political affiliation. Rules are effective not only when they apply to others, but when applied to those who make them
3. The latest rules do not deal with the complementary measures that are necessary to support communities during lockdown. If people must stay at home, they need support because they cannot fend for themselves. Commanding the closure of the economy without the necessary supporting economic reliefs, medical and social measures is suicidal.
4. They forget that 80% of our economy is informal which means a lockdown without complementary support system will lose traction. Faced with starvation, people will be forced to breach lockdown rules, posing more risk to themselves and others.
5. For this reason, there ought to be an economic and social safety net to support people during lockdown. Simply announcing rules to keep people at home without more is a command style rulership which shows total disregard to people’s interests.
6. Another critical omission from the new measures is the failure to address the plight of healthcare staff on the frontline. Healthcare workers without PPE is like sending soldiers to the front without guns and ammunition. It’s cruel and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
7. There is a clear pattern emerging in the way rules are crafted and enforced. The principal target are the poor people while the wealthy are allowed a free pass. Breaches committed in Borrowdale by elites must be met with the same force as breaches in Mbare by ghetto youths.
8. What, for example, is the rationale for closing landports while keeping open airports? It appears elitist as air travel is limited to a few with means while the majority who use road transport are locked in.
9. The closure of borders also locks in hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who work and support families and the country in neighbouring countries. Their remittances are a major source of income but they are now locked in.
10. We don’t just have a health crisis here but a governance and leadership crisis. We have provinces even districts and we have hotspots and epicenters.Why don’t we have isolation and isolated lockdowns for hot spots,where we identify red zones than to lock the whole nation.

Mask up, Sanitize, Wash hands and Maintain Social Distancing!!

And don’t forget to Fight Covid-19 prayerfully!!

Excellence, Brilliance and Difference.

Godisinit

President Nelson Chamisa

The late ZANU PF EU-UK District Chairperson Masimba Tawengwa’s mother has died.

Masimba’s mother died some few days after the burial of her son who succumbed to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

More details to follow….

By Stephen Chuma| As the country is battling Covid-19 crisis and trying to come to terms with an imposed lockdown albeit without consultation, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime continues on its dictatorial path persecuting innocent MDC Alliance members.

This time around the state repressive machinery through it’s Gweru ZRP bunch is targeting Mkoba MDC Alliance Youth Assembly members.

Hiding under the veil of Covid-19 lockdown, the ZRP in Gweru are indiscriminately targeting every known MDC Alliance youth activists in Gweru’s Mkoba suburb for what the police refer to as “questioning”.

This so-called questioning is in reality a subtle act where our youth activists are being moved from one office to another as the police dig up for a preferred political charge.

So far those called up by Gweru’s Law and Order Police unit include our Mkoba Constituency Coordinating Committee Chairman, John Kuka and Branch Chairs, Tonderai Chadoka and Portia Tambalika.

This is not the first time that the state repressive machinery in Midlands province has unjustifiably stepped on our toes.

Only a month ago, the police disrupted and arrested our members during a #One Million Campaign launch in Kwekwe.

It is clear that Mnangagwa is rattled at the prospect of facing one million youth voices demanding answers to the economic rot and corruption unfolding under his watch.

While we condemn the recent new low by the police, the Assembly is not going to stand in akimbo as its members are facing senseless persecution from the state.

We are ready to fight both Covid-19 and dictatorship!

#OneMillionCampaign
YouthVoices4Change

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma_
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson_

By Correspondent- A Zimbabwean man is languishing in a Botswana remand prison following his arrest for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Lovemore Chivaka (22) is said to have bedded the juvenile in Semotswane village on an unknown date between October and December 4 last year.

Tonota Police Station commander Oteng Ngada revealed that the child’s parents reported the matter after their daughter returned home late from church.

“When the parents interviewed the girl, they found out that she was in a relationship with the suspect and they reported the matter to the police. That is when the suspect was arrested,” Ngada said.

He pleaded with men “to respect the rights” of children.

Chivaka appeared at Francistown Magistrate Court charged with the girl’s defilement.

The court denied him bail saying he was an illegal immigrant and a flight risk. He was remanded in custody to February 8.

This was after prosecutor Kenneth Edward told the court that investigations were at the initial stage.

He said they were yet to record statements from witnesses and exhibits taken from the complainant were yet to be taken for forensic analysis.

“The accused is an illegal immigrant without a permanent place of abode,” he said.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said employers of essential services providers should ensure their workers have exemption letters which they produce at checkpoints to avoid inconveniences.

This comes after Vice President Constantino who doubles as the minister of Health and Child Care recently reimposed a stricter national lockdown at the backdrop of a spike in coronavirus cases.

Under the new lockdown regulations, movement will be a preserve for essential services providers whom the police say need some identification.

Speaking on Sunday ahead of the lockdown which is scheduled to come into effect this Tuesday, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said police are ready to enforce the tightened lockdown regulations.

He said:

Remember last time on issues to do with essential services, companies were supposed to issue exemption letters and these letters were verified at checkpoints. If what is said by the Government is taken into consideration, officers on checkpoints will have to verify if one is an essential service worker or not.

It means companies or institutions that fall under essential services must also assist by providing the letters so that their workers can produce them at checkpoints to avoid inconveniences.

I want to warn them that they will be arrested if they try to bribe their way when they are not in the essential service sectors.

People should just stick to what has been said by the Government. There is no compromise, there is no going back on what has been said by the Government.

What it entails is that only those providing essential services will be reporting for work and the rest should stay at home and only travel when it’s really necessary.

He said police have started implementing some of the new regulations which came into effect on Saturday adding that over 4000 people have since been arrested for flouting the regulations.

As DMTL we are sorry about all that happened between the 27th December 2020 and the time that DMTL was formed about two years ago.

We would like to admit that as an organization we made a big mistake and miscalculation in thinking that you acted wrongly when you saved the party from extinction.

It has now come to our realisation that while you could have not followed the correct procedures to effect the replacement of Dr. Tsvangirai you now stand exonerated from all your actions since the time the SC directed the MDC to hold it’s EOC which eventually was held on the 27th December 2020. It came out to be a shame election worse that your Gweru Congress of 2019.

The most discouraging thing is that the long awaited EOC came out to be worse than all that you did because it was marred by violence and vote rigging .

As DMTL, we take full responsibility of our wrong action(s) and would like to apologise to you in person, the generality of MDC members and all democracy loving Zimbabweans.

DMTL kindly asks for forgiveness.

As DMTL we acknowledge that MDCA is a darling if the masses and it would be foolhardy and undemocratic for us to continue going against the majority of Zimbabweans who are desperately waiting for change in the country.

From the DMTL Information Desk

Warship Dumba Information and Publicity Secretary

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo vendors have appealed to the government to consider their plight during the newly introduced lockdown measures which they say will subject them to further poverty.

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday reviewed the country’s COVID-19 lockdown measures that will see formal and non-formal businesses being suspended from Tuesday for a period of month.

Essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will remain open with only essential staff allowed to go to work while businesses will be operating from 8am to 3pm.

But Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association director Michael Ndiweni told Southern Eye yesterday that they were aggrieved that marketplaces were closed.

“We are, however, aggrieved that market places were placed under outright closure,” he said.

“It was going to be better if licensed traders were allowed to operate with strict COVID-19 protocols compliance, since organisations like ours had made significant strides in providing materials like hand washing sanitisers, masks and hand washing water dispensers in over 22 markets in Bulawayo.”

He added that they hoped the government would immediately announce measures to cater for social protection for vendors and informal traders since their livelihoods would be curtailed for 30 days.

“Our view still stands that some shops can be designated across the borders and be strictly monitored for COVID-19 compliance,” he said.

An outright ban on Informal Cross Border Traders would mean that some people will risk their lives through illegal points, including the crocodile-infested Limpopo River, he added.

Dumisani Nkomo, chief executive of Habakkuk Trust, a human-rights lobby group, said while it was necessary to take action, government  should have come up with mitigatory measures than completely ban cross-border trading.

“It is necessary to take action but have other migratory measures other than just closing businesses,” he said.

Nkomo said government should come up with measures to protect vulnerable members of the society.

-newsday

A 25-year-old Chitungwiza man appeared in court yesterday facing charges of reckless discharging of a firearm and possession of dangerous drugs.

Tanfany Chadomunhu appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga who remanded him in custody to January 15.

It is alleged that on December 31, 2020, Chadomunhu, who is employed by the President’s Office as a Central Intelligence Officer (CIO) was deployed at number 5 Radnk Clause in Emerald Hill as a night security operative.

Chadomunhu was armed with an AK47 riffle with 14 rounds.

It is alleged that on January 1, 2021, Chadomunhu fired the riffle and Lazarus Mungate, a security operative at the President’s Office deployed on the same premises contacted Last Ngwenya, who is superior to Chadomunhu, advising him of the incident.

The court heard that Ngwenya proceeded to the offices in a bid to ascertain what had transpired and upon arrival at the scene, he realised that the accused had indeed fired 11 rounds.

Ngwenya ordered Bothwell Mutonzi, an immediate superior of the accused person, to search Chadomunhu. He found him in possession of one sachet of dagga and two spent cartridges.

The court heard that Mutonzi inspected the AK47 and discovered that there were only two rounds left in the magazine and one round in the chamber of the fire arm.

A report was made leading to the arrest of the accused.

Lancelot Mutsokoti represented the State.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- New MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora says the continuing active participation of elements of G40 in the affairs of MDC Alliance is jeopardizing prospects of a united opposition in the country ahead of the 2023 elections.

He particularly singled out Jonathan Moyo whom he said was telling people not to vote for him ahead of congress and is still trying to influence the decision-making within MDC Alliance.

Mwonzora added he was keen to talk to Nelson Chamisa and leaders of other opposition parties. He however wants that relationship to be predicated upon certain values – constitutionalism, rule of law, mutual respect, and non-violence.

Mwonzora says he was bringing a new brand of opposition politics and that members of MDC Alliance had already approached him to rejoin the party.

The World Health Organisation (W.H.O) has applauded government for announcing new lockdown restrictions in the wake of a spike in covid-19 cases in the country.

The covid-19 curve is pointing northwards, with the country recording its highest figure of 490 infections this Saturday, which is almost double the number of 262 cases confirmed the previous day on Friday.

The situation seems to be getting worse by each day, with over 1300 cases and 19 deaths having been recorded since the start of the festive season.

These statistics should give Zimbabweans every reason to worry, considering that gone are the days when the country would average 7 cases a day in around May last year.

Authorities are not taking anything to chance and the World Health Organisation is impressed by the new lockdown regulations announced by government this Saturday.

“The government intervention has come at the right moment. We have witnessed complacency within the people of Zimbabwe with the recent developments during the just ended festive season. This is worrisome indeed. Fighting Covid-19 requires complementary measure from across sectors including individuals who need to play their part in adhering to Covid-19 regulations,” says Dr. Alex Gasasira, W.H.O country representative.

Commenting on the new covid-19 variant that has already been confirmed in neighbouring South Africa, Dr. Gasasira said they are closely monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe.

“It is too early to confirm the existence of the new variant in Zimbabwe until test results confirm. It is however difficult to tell at the moment but the figures themselves may proves the existence of the variant,” he commented.

Government this Saturday tightened lockdown regulations that will see an all-night curfew being enforced, while churches, bars, bottle stores and restaurants will be shut for the next 30 days.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa has with immediate effect scaled down operations following the tightening of COVID-19 lockdown by the neighbouring country.

The Embassy announced it had suspended all consulate appointments stretching from today to March 26 while also slashing by half the number of clients assisted daily from 600 to 300.

Read the statement:

The consulate undertakes to review this position through a similar communication once circumstances change.

The consulate reassured the public that other emergency services such as burial orders, repatriation of human remains and cancellation of passports remained available.

Please note that clients seeking other services such as temporary travel documents, cancellation of passports and authentication of documents do not require prior booking in order to access service.

Further, clearances for the repatriation of human remains for burial in Zimbabwe will continue to be strictly processed via the existing electronic platforms.

This came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 28 moved the country from level one lockdown to level three, after a surge in COVID-19 cases.

South Africa had also detected a new aggressive variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in the United Kingdom.

By A Correspondent- A 25 year old Chitungwiza man appeared in court yesterday facing charges of reckless discharging of a firearm and possession of dangerous drugs.

Tanfany Chadomunhu appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga who remanded him in custody to January 15.

It is alleged that on December 31, 2020, Chadomunhu, who is employed by the President’s Office as a Central Intelligence Officer (CIO) was deployed at number 5 Radnk Clause in Emerald Hill as a night security operative.

Chadomunhu was armed with an AK47 riffle with 14 rounds.

It is alleged that on January 1, 2021, Chadomunhu fired the riffle and Lazarus Mungate, a security operative at the President’s Office deployed on the same premises contacted Last Ngwenya, who is superior to Chadomunhu, advising him of the incident.

The court heard that Ngwenya proceeded to the offices in a bid to ascertain what had transpired and upon arrival at the scene, he realised that the accused had indeed fired 11 rounds.

Ngwenya ordered Bothwell Mutonzi, an immediate superior of the accused person, to search Chadomunhu. He found him in possession of one sachet of dagga and two spent cartridges.

The court heard that Mutonzi inspected the AK47 and discovered that there were only two rounds left in the magazine and one round in the chamber of the fire arm.

A report was made leading to the arrest of the accused.

Lancelot Mutsokoti represented the State.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe recorded 774 new Covid infections and three deaths on Sunday as the country began a 30-day strict lockdown, shutting down businesses and gatherings and ordering people to stay home.

The country has seen a marked spike in both deaths and cases lately.

POLICE have said employers of essential services should ensure their workers have exemption letters which they produce at checkpoints to avoid inconveniences.

The Government on Saturday imposed stricter lockdown regulations as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Most of the new regulations come into effect tomorrow and for the next 30 days only workers providing esential services are allowed to report for work.

Members of the public are expected to stay at home and only move out when they are going to buy medicines and groceries.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said police are ready to enforce the tightened lockdown regulations.

He said finer details on implementation of the strict lockdown measures will be announced today but employers should also play their part to ensure critical services employees are not prevented from reporting for duty.

“Remember last time on issues to do with essential services, companies were supposed to issue exemption letters and these letters were verified at checkpoints. If what is said by the Government is taken into consideration, officers on checkpoints will have to verify if one is an essential service worker or not.

It means companies or institutions that fall under essential services must also assist by providing the letters so that their workers can produce them at checkpoints to avoid inconveniences,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He warned members of the public against bribing their way at roadblocks.

“I want to warn them that they will be arrested if they try to bribe their way when they are not in the essential service sectors,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police will implement lockdown measures without fear or favour as this is in the public interest.

“People should just stick to what has been said by the Government. There is no compromise, there is no going back on what has been said by the Government.

“What it entails is that only those providing essential services will be reporting for work and the rest should stay at home and only travel when it’s really necessary,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said police have already started enforcing the new regulations which came into effect on Saturday night soon afer announcement by Government

“The country has been on lockdown since March and police have been arresting people for flouting the regulations. If you check arrests for flouting regulations have been ongoing.

“On New Year’s Day we arrested more than 2 300 people and on Saturday we arrested more than 2 000. The arrests will continue as long as people are not complying with the regulations.”

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Zim dancehall producer DJ Fantan and music promoter Dammer have been arrested for organising a Covid-19 super spreader New Year’s Eve party in Mbare.

Fantan – real name Arnold Kamudyariwa and Dammer (Simbarashe Chanachimwe) were picked up yesterday after a huge public outcry over the gathering.

Pictures of the event dominated social media over the weekend.

The two are being held at Matapi Police Station and are set to appear in court today.

-dailynews

Below is a part transcript of the interview of MDC-T ‘President’ Senator, Douglas Mwonzora on the 1st January 2021.

MWONZORA: I’m going to take Dr Khupe once she recovers, Eng Mudzuri as the deputy president, and myself we go to the speaker, and we make an announcement after we have seen the Speaker, we can’t preempt it.

QUESTION: So basically you’re in control of the party, it is not like you’re getting instructions from George Charamba or Emerson Mnangagwa ?

MWONZORA: I don’t get instructions from anyone I’m the President of the Movement for Democratic Change Tsvangirai. I don’t get instructions from the president, Mr Mnangagwa, I don’t get instructions from George Charamba.

I am the president of the MDCT and I will act as one.

QUESTION: When are we likely to see a govt of National Unity in which you will be prime minister as per some of the conversations you’re having here?

MWONZORA: No we haven’t discussed that Simba. Nobody has approached me with that proposition.

QUESTION: But in some of the discussions I see here you did mention that you’re going to be Prime Minister, and you will create jobs.

MWONZORA: that’s not correct I never talked to that person.

QUESTION: So this WhatsApp message is fake then? That’s what you’re saying?

MWONZORA: Aaah, it’s incorrect. Yeah its incorrect, I never talked to anybody. Remember there’s no way that I can say I will be prime minister, when I am not a Prime Minister and when nobody has talked to me about it. So I am the leader of the opposition, I am the president of the movement for democratic change. Just like that, I am not the prime minister of Zimbabwe.

QUESTION: Sir, so you didn’t send 10gb data to Nyamasvisva?

MWONZORA: No I did not.

QUESTION: I have got a record here, an Ecocash record,

MWONZORA: No I did not.

QUESTION: In which you said we can do without Chamisa, are going to have a GNU set up.

MWONZORA: Chamisa is not an issue here,

And if Chamisa wants to talk to me he can talk to me, I never talked to Chamisa. Vhamisa is not an issue at all, in this issue, and I’ve not talked to… So I don’t think your record is correct.

QUESTION: But your party will be….

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa is deeply concerned about the high incidence of COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe.

President Chamisa urged Zimbabweans to stick to stipulated precautions to avert the spread of the deadly pandemic.

Doctors have revealed that hospitals battling to contain the rising Coronavirus cases.

Below is President Chamisa’s statement:

Extremely concerned at the level at which Covid-19 is now killing our citizens.

Doctors informed me that all Covid-19 hospital units are full.Citizens are now dying without getting access to hospitalization. Be vigilant follow Covid-19 precautions at all times:mask up, wash hands!

We are losing relatives, friends and members of our communities to this deadly pandemic. We cannot afford to be as complacent as we have been in recent months. Our communities are paying the price. We must change our conduct if we are to beat this pandemic.

I call upon responsible offices to apply & encourage precautions.

The virus does not select,therefore selective application of rules is self-defeating.I extend my prayers to all those who are unwell & salute our healthcare warriors for taking the frontline role in this deadly war.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has been plunged into mourning following the death of National Secretary for Security and Defence, Emmanuel Chimwanda.

Chimwanda, a former top cop, was fired by Zanu PF for refusing to persecute opposition members.

“The MDC Alliance mourns the passing on of the National Secretary for Security & Defense Emmanuel Chimwanda who was a former ZRP Ass Comm stationed in Masvingo and former Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission during the GNU era. The struggle is poorer.

May his soul rest in peace,” the party said in a statement.

COVID-19 FIGHT REQUIRES A UNITY OF PURPOSE AND A PROPER PLAN !!

1. Sound public policy requires broad consultation of stakeholders. It must be scientific and for this reason it ought to be evidence-based. The latest lockdown measures lack scientific rigour, rationality and consistency. We would have preferred more inclusive consultation of business, labour, church and political leadership.
2. The application of rules must be fair and non-selective because the virus does not select on the basis of status, class or political affiliation. Rules are effective not only when they apply to others, but when applied to those who make them
3. The latest rules do not deal with the complementary measures that are necessary to support communities during lockdown. If people must stay at home, they need support because they cannot fend for themselves. Commanding the closure of the economy without the necessary supporting economic reliefs, medical and social measures is suicidal.
4. They forget that 80% of our economy is informal which means a lockdown without complementary support system will lose traction. Faced with starvation, people will be forced to breach lockdown rules, posing more risk to themselves and others.
5. For this reason, there ought to be an economic and social safety net to support people during lockdown. Simply announcing rules to keep people at home without more is a command style rulership which shows total disregard to people’s interests.
6. Another critical omission from the new measures is the failure to address the plight of healthcare staff on the frontline. Healthcare workers without PPE is like sending soldiers to the front without guns and ammunition. It’s cruel and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
7. There is a clear pattern emerging in the way rules are crafted and enforced. The principal target are the poor people while the wealthy are allowed a free pass. Breaches committed in Borrowdale by elites must be met with the same force as breaches in Mbare by ghetto youths.
8. What, for example, is the rationale for closing landports while keeping open airports? It appears elitist as air travel is limited to a few with means while the majority who use road transport are locked in.
9. The closure of borders also locks in hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who work and support families and the country in neighbouring countries. Their remittances are a major source of income but they are now locked in.
10. We don’t just have a health crisis here but a governance and leadership crisis. We have provinces even districts and we have hotspots and epicenters.Why don’t we have isolation and isolated lockdowns for hot spots,where we identify red zones than to lock the whole nation.

Mask up, Sanitize, Wash hands and Maintain Social Distancing!!

And don’t forget to Fight Covid-19 prayerfully!!

Excellence, Brilliance and Difference.

Godisinit

President Nelson Chamisa

COVID-19 FIGHT REQUIRES A UNITY OF PURPOSE AND A PROPER PLAN !!

1. Sound public policy requires broad consultation of stakeholders. It must be scientific and for this reason it ought to be evidence-based. The latest lockdown measures lack scientific rigour, rationality and consistency. We would have preferred more inclusive consultation of business, labour, church and political leadership.
2. The application of rules must be fair and non-selective because the virus does not select on the basis of status, class or political affiliation. Rules are effective not only when they apply to others, but when applied to those who make them
3. The latest rules do not deal with the complementary measures that are necessary to support communities during lockdown. If people must stay at home, they need support because they cannot fend for themselves. Commanding the closure of the economy without the necessary supporting economic reliefs, medical and social measures is suicidal.
4. They forget that 80% of our economy is informal which means a lockdown without complementary support system will lose traction. Faced with starvation, people will be forced to breach lockdown rules, posing more risk to themselves and others.
5. For this reason, there ought to be an economic and social safety net to support people during lockdown. Simply announcing rules to keep people at home without more is a command style rulership which shows total disregard to people’s interests.
6. Another critical omission from the new measures is the failure to address the plight of healthcare staff on the frontline. Healthcare workers without PPE is like sending soldiers to the front without guns and ammunition. It’s cruel and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
7. There is a clear pattern emerging in the way rules are crafted and enforced. The principal target are the poor people while the wealthy are allowed a free pass. Breaches committed in Borrowdale by elites must be met with the same force as breaches in Mbare by ghetto youths.
8. What, for example, is the rationale for closing landports while keeping open airports? It appears elitist as air travel is limited to a few with means while the majority who use road transport are locked in.
9. The closure of borders also locks in hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who work and support families and the country in neighbouring countries. Their remittances are a major source of income but they are now locked in.
10. We don’t just have a health crisis here but a governance and leadership crisis. We have provinces even districts and we have hotspots and epicenters.Why don’t we have isolation and isolated lockdowns for hot spots,where we identify red zones than to lock the whole nation.

Mask up, Sanitize, Wash hands and Maintain Social Distancing!!

And don’t forget to Fight Covid-19 prayerfully!!

Excellence, Brilliance and Difference.

Godisinit

President Nelson Chamisa

POLICE have confirmed the arrest 2 321 people on New Year’s Day for allegedly violating Covid-19 containment restrictions during the holiday as authorities continue to crackdown on reckless behaviour that promotes the spread of coronavirus infections.

Law enforcement agents are eager to question popular Harare music producer Arnold Kamudyariwa, also known as DJ Fantan, after he organised an unsanctioned musical concert in Mbare on New Year’s Eve, in breach of the regulations.

Yesterday, police arrested 200 teenagers who were having a party in Westgate in open contravention of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations. Upon arrest, some of the teenagers were heavily intoxicated.

A Mutare businessman was arrested after hosting a show headlined by sungura musician Alick Macheso at Watsomba business centre.

In Mbare, 52 people have been arrested after videos and pictures of the event went viral.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police officers deployed to patrol in Mbare were in soup for allowing DJ Fantan’s event to take place.

“We are also aware of the incident of an alleged unsanctioned gathering in Mbare on New Year’s Eve and investigations have been instituted,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“So far, 52 people have been arrested and we are looking for DJ Fantan, who operates a recording studio at Block 14 Matapi Flats and David House Entertainment operators for openly defying the Government’s Covid-19 measures on health, safety and security.

“The police officers who were allegedly on the ground on the day have been directed to shed more light on what transpired.

“In Watsomba, Mutare police have arrested a local businessman who hired musician, Alick Macheso, to perform at a family event at the Growth Point in violation of the national lockdown measures.”

He warned that police would come down hard on members of the public who do not abide by the Covid-19 containment regulations.

Asst Comm Nyathi said on New Year’s Eve, police recorded a number of disturbing murder cases linked to beer-drinking binges.

“On December 31, 2020, at Tshelela Nyoni’s shop, Silalatshani, Filabusi, a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed with an okapi knife following a misunderstanding.

“Again, on December 31, 2020, a 41-year-old man was stabbed on the chest with a knife after a misunderstanding over a girlfriend at Drummond Shops, Makhado, Beitbridge.-The Sunday Mail

POLICE have confirmed the arrest 2 321 people on New Year’s Day for allegedly violating Covid-19 containment restrictions during the holiday as authorities continue to crackdown on reckless behaviour that promotes the spread of coronavirus infections.

Law enforcement agents are eager to question popular Harare music producer Arnold Kamudyariwa, also known as DJ Fantan, after he organised an unsanctioned musical concert in Mbare on New Year’s Eve, in breach of the regulations.

Yesterday, police arrested 200 teenagers who were having a party in Westgate in open contravention of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations. Upon arrest, some of the teenagers were heavily intoxicated.

A Mutare businessman was arrested after hosting a show headlined by sungura musician Alick Macheso at Watsomba business centre.

In Mbare, 52 people have been arrested after videos and pictures of the event went viral.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police officers deployed to patrol in Mbare were in soup for allowing DJ Fantan’s event to take place.

“We are also aware of the incident of an alleged unsanctioned gathering in Mbare on New Year’s Eve and investigations have been instituted,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“So far, 52 people have been arrested and we are looking for DJ Fantan, who operates a recording studio at Block 14 Matapi Flats and David House Entertainment operators for openly defying the Government’s Covid-19 measures on health, safety and security.

“The police officers who were allegedly on the ground on the day have been directed to shed more light on what transpired.

“In Watsomba, Mutare police have arrested a local businessman who hired musician, Alick Macheso, to perform at a family event at the Growth Point in violation of the national lockdown measures.”

He warned that police would come down hard on members of the public who do not abide by the Covid-19 containment regulations.

Asst Comm Nyathi said on New Year’s Eve, police recorded a number of disturbing murder cases linked to beer-drinking binges.

“On December 31, 2020, at Tshelela Nyoni’s shop, Silalatshani, Filabusi, a 25-year-old man was fatally stabbed with an okapi knife following a misunderstanding.

“Again, on December 31, 2020, a 41-year-old man was stabbed on the chest with a knife after a misunderstanding over a girlfriend at Drummond Shops, Makhado, Beitbridge.-The Sunday Mail

Below is Constantino Chiwenga’s statement:

Fellow Zimbabweans we have seen a surge in Covid 19 cases during this festive season with 1,342 Covid 19 cases and 29 deaths being recorded in a week representing the highest number recorded so far. We have seen the number of Covid 19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 November to 14084 to date.

The cumulative number of Covid 19 cases in Zimbabwe as of 1 January 2021 is now 14084 cases and 369 deaths.

In view of the surge in covid 19 cases the Government has intensified testing and patient care throughout all the provinces.

In light of the recent surge in Covid 19 cases the following stiff lockdown measures are being put in place with immediate effect:

1. Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all funerals. All other gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums, restaurants etc etc are banned for 30 days.
2. The existing covid 19 preventive health measures will be strictly enforced that is to say correct wearing of face masks, social distancing, hand sanitization and temperature checks will be strictly enforced and offenders will be prosecuted.
3. Only essential services are to remain open such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only essential staff allowed to come to work. These services can only open at 8 am and must close at 3pm and will be subject to curfew that will start at 6pm and end at 6am.
4. Of the other commercial services only Part 4 lockdown order services such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture will operate as before. Other commercial services specified on Part 5 of the lockdown order that is to say all formal businesses and registered informal traders are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2021 for 30 days.
5. Inter provincial and inter City transport services are restricted only to essential services and Part 4 commercial services.
6. People must stay at home save for buying food and medicines or transporting sick relatives. Other exceptions are as specified in the lockdown order.
7. As for schooling only examination classes are to open now.
8. Cross border traders are stopped forthwith save for commercial and transit cargo related to essential and critical services.
9. Air transportation remains unhindered and will continue as before with arrivals and returning residents being required to present Covid 19 free certificates. As for land access only returning residents and essential service drivers will be admitted subject to presentation of Covid 19 free certificates. These certificates must have been issued at least 48 hours before departure.
10. Just to be clear, restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents. Also, tourist facilities and national parks will operate as before subject to the usual health precautions.

Below is Constantino Chiwenga’s statement:

Fellow Zimbabweans we have seen a surge in Covid 19 cases during this festive season with 1,342 Covid 19 cases and 29 deaths being recorded in a week representing the highest number recorded so far. We have seen the number of Covid 19 cases and deaths almost double in 2 months from 8374 on 1 November to 14084 to date.

The cumulative number of Covid 19 cases in Zimbabwe as of 1 January 2021 is now 14084 cases and 369 deaths.

In view of the surge in covid 19 cases the Government has intensified testing and patient care throughout all the provinces.

In light of the recent surge in Covid 19 cases the following stiff lockdown measures are being put in place with immediate effect:

1. Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all funerals. All other gatherings at weddings, churches, bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums, restaurants etc etc are banned for 30 days.
2. The existing covid 19 preventive health measures will be strictly enforced that is to say correct wearing of face masks, social distancing, hand sanitization and temperature checks will be strictly enforced and offenders will be prosecuted.
3. Only essential services are to remain open such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only essential staff allowed to come to work. These services can only open at 8 am and must close at 3pm and will be subject to curfew that will start at 6pm and end at 6am.
4. Of the other commercial services only Part 4 lockdown order services such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture will operate as before. Other commercial services specified on Part 5 of the lockdown order that is to say all formal businesses and registered informal traders are suspended from Tuesday 5 January 2021 for 30 days.
5. Inter provincial and inter City transport services are restricted only to essential services and Part 4 commercial services.
6. People must stay at home save for buying food and medicines or transporting sick relatives. Other exceptions are as specified in the lockdown order.
7. As for schooling only examination classes are to open now.
8. Cross border traders are stopped forthwith save for commercial and transit cargo related to essential and critical services.
9. Air transportation remains unhindered and will continue as before with arrivals and returning residents being required to present Covid 19 free certificates. As for land access only returning residents and essential service drivers will be admitted subject to presentation of Covid 19 free certificates. These certificates must have been issued at least 48 hours before departure.
10. Just to be clear, restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents. Also, tourist facilities and national parks will operate as before subject to the usual health precautions.

In yet another intriguing murder case that has stunned the Mwenezi community, a 32- year-old woman from Neshuro allegedly axed her husband and daughter to death before committing suicide following a row over the upkeep of her in-laws.

Florence Nhotito of Paringira Village in the Makurirofa area of Neshuro on Saturday allegedly killed her husband Simbarashe Butete and daughter Leander (3), in cold blood before hanging herself on a tree, about 3km from her matrimonial homestead.

Stunned villagers found Simbarashe and his daughter Leander’s bodies lying in a pool of blood in their bedroom hut with two axes stuck in their heads.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed murder and suicide cases saying bodies of the trio were taken to Neshuro District Hospital.

Inspector Dhewa said investigations were ongoing to establish the actual circumstances leading to the grisly murders and suicide.

“Police managed to recover both axes that were stuck in the first deceased (Simbarashe) and the second deceased (Leander)’s bodies. The suspect, who is now deceased, was found hanging in a tree about 3km from her home and the bodies of the trio are awaiting postmortem,” said Inspector Dhewa.

According to facts gleaned by the police on Saturday morning, Simbarashe allegedly had a heated dispute with his wife over the upkeep of the former’s parents who stayed about 100 metres from their matrimonial home.

Its is not clear what precipitated the dispute but it erupted in the presence of their eight year-old son.

Florence allegedly then asked the son to go and fetch some firewood while she remained behind with the other two deceased.

After a while, Florence allegedly left her home and passed through a neighbour’s house where she told a juvenile girl that she had murdered her hubby and daughter and that she was going to kill herself.

The girl alerted other villagers about what Florence had told her before going to the latter’s mother-in-law’s house to also inform her.

Villagers ganged up and tried to apprehend Florence but she outpaced them and vanished into the bush.

They then went to Simbarashe’s homestead and found his lifeless body and that of his daughter lying in pools of blood on the bed and sofa respectively.

Two axes were stuck on the pair’s heads which also had deep axe cuts and the back and on the left and right side.

A further search by villagers led to the discovery of Florence’s body hanging on a tree branch on the outsksirts of the village.

A report was made to the police who came and took the bodies to the mortuary.-The Herald

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has been plunged into mourning following the death of National Secretary for Security and Defence, Emmanuel Chimwanda.

Chimwanda, a former top cop, was fired by Zanu PF for refusing to persecute opposition members.

“The MDC Alliance mourns the passing on of the National Secretary for Security & Defense Emmanuel Chimwanda who was a former ZRP Ass Comm stationed in Masvingo and former Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission during the GNU era. The struggle is poorer.

May his soul rest in peace,” the party said in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has been plunged into mourning following the death of National Secretary for Security and Defence, Emmanuel Chimwanda.

Chimwanda, a former top cop, was fired by Zanu PF for refusing to persecute opposition members.

“The MDC Alliance mourns the passing on of the National Secretary for Security & Defense Emmanuel Chimwanda who was a former ZRP Ass Comm stationed in Masvingo and former Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission during the GNU era. The struggle is poorer.

May his soul rest in peace,” the party said in a statement.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said two hundred teenagers were arrested in Westgate Harare over New Year parties.

The police tweeted recently:

Breaking news The ZRP has arrested 200 teenagers who were having a party at number 344 Mukwa Drive, Westgate, Harare, in open contravention of the Government’s COVID-19 regulations. Some of the teenagers are dead drunk. More details to follow.

The tweet triggered varying responses with some pointing out the police’s double standards after it emerged that there was a New Year eve party in Mbare that was attended by thousands of revellers.

Some said authorities should have prevented it since the event had been advertised through flyers.

Meanwhile, police say about 52 people have been arrested in connection with the event while some of the organisers are reportedly on the run.

Some said authorities should not “pack prisons with people in places without any water or sanitizers. You’ll expose yourself to the virus”, adding that they should work with the Ministry of Health and Child Care for community testing and get people to isolate.

There has been complacency in Zimbabwe despite the surge in coronavirus cases in the Southern African country lately.

By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC’s Senator for Buhera, Christine Rambanepasi, who was also the mother to US-based Zimbabwean preacher Passion Java, has died.

Passion Java’s brother, Artwell, recently confirmed to the media that Senator Rambanepasi-Java had been terminally ill and had been discharged from hospital for home-based care.

Senator Rambanepasi-Java was reportedly suffering from an undisclosed type of cancer which was believed to be at an advanced stage.

Reports suggest that the 65-year-old Senator Christine Java nee Rambanepasi died just after 2 am Sunday morning at the Avenues Clinic.

3 January 2021

By Charlton Hwende| I have noted a misleading report carried by the State Media on the alleged firing of the MDC Alliance workers.

The correct position as confirmed by our Communication Department is that our Workers are all on yearly contracts that expire on the 31st of December.

We are already in the process of preparing New Contracts for 2021 to regularize their employment.

Our official Party programs will resume on the 9th of January with Branches countrywide meeting to plan on programs of action for their respective Branch and also discussing and resolving on the National Programs that they want the Party to implement in 2021.

MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Constantino Chiwenga has issued Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 [CAP. 15:17], the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 9).

We present the SI below:

IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Health has, in terms of section 8(1) of the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations, 2020 (published in Statutory Instrument 77 of 2020) made the following order—

1. This order may be cited as the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 9).

2. The Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) Order, 2020, published in Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020 (hereinafter called “the principal order”), is amended in section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1) by the deletion of “no gathering of more than one hundred individuals in any public place” and the substitution of “no gathering of more than two individuals in any public place”.

3. Section 25 (“Curfew, limitation of business hours and other measures affecting businesses”) of the principal order is amended by the repeal of subsections (2) and (3) and the substitution of—
“(2) There shall be in force a curfew beginning at 1800 hours and ending at 0600 hours on the following day”.

4. The principal order is amended by the insertion after section 27 of the following sections—

“Partial Reversion to Level IV national lockdown

27A. (1) In this section—

“Level IV national lockdown” means the application of the national lockdown as if (subject to this section) Parts IV and V of the Order, together with section 19C (“Special provisions for liquor licensees”) are not in effect.

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Order, for a period of thirty days with effect from the 3rd January, 2021, a Level IV national lockdown is in force subject to the following modifications —

(a) for the purpose of section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1)(b), the maximum number of individuals who may be gathered at a funeral is thirty (30);

(b) section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1)(i) (referring to individuals gathered pursuant to Part V) is suspended for the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(c) section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1)(j) (referring to individuals gathered for the purpose of worship) is suspended for the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(d) section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1)(j) (referring to individuals gathered for the purpose of public hearings) is suspended for the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(e) section 5 (“Prohibition of gatherings”) (1)(k) (referring to individuals gathered at restaurants and hotels) is suspended for the period of the Level IV national lockdown, unless the individuals in question are hotel residents;

(f) Part IV (“Phased Relaxation of National Lockdown”) shall continue to be in force for the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(g) Part V (“Level 2 Phased Relaxation of National Lockdown”) is suspended with effect from the 5th January, 2021, which suspension shall continue until the end of the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(h) for the avoidance of doubt, section 19C (“Special provisions for liquor licensees”) is suspended for the period of the Level IV national lockdown;

(i) business hours for supermarkets and other essential and Part IV services supplying goods and services to customers shall be from 0800 hours to 1500 hours.”.

Supplement to the Zimbabwean Government Gazette Extraordinary dated the 2nd January, 2021. Printed by the Government Printer, Harare.

By A Correspondent- The remains of the tourist who fell into the 108-meter-deep Victoria Falls chasm who was identified as Roy George Tinashe Dikinya, have been found trapped 100m down the cliff – 8m above water – but are yet to be retrieved.

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management (Zimparks) spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said rescue teams were now working to retrieve the body. 

Said Farawo:

Meanwhile, Star FM journalist Tilda Moyo posted a picture on social media which is alleged to be of Dikinya before he slipped into the Victoria Falls Danger Zone and disappeared.

Tilda captioned the photo as follows:

This was the last picture of the Tourist who slipped and fell into the Victoria Falls Danger Zone.

See the picture below:

By A Correspondent- Exiled former minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Professor Jonathan Moyo has written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging him to cut short his annual leave to address the spike in coronavirus cases.

Moyo made the call at a time when COVID-19 is reportedly pushing local hospitals to the brink. He posted on Twitter:

Dear President Mnangagwa, Sir, you need to scrap your holiday and return to work urgently to save lives and livelihoods. The #coronavirus is sweeping across the country, leaving people helpless; as they see loved ones dying or failing to get treatment, as #Covid-19 cases spike!

Meanwhile, the rate of response from authorities has been painfully slow.

Only yesterday, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Constantino Chiwenga, announced strict measures to stop the spread of the novel virus that has already killed over 370 people in the country.

The reimposition of strict national lockdown regulations came after stakeholders had complained about the government’s decision to reopen the Beitbridge Border to allow returnees from South Africa where it is reported that an aggressive coronavirus variant was detected.

COVID-19 FIGHT REQUIRES A UNITY OF PURPOSE AND A PROPER PLAN !!

1. Sound public policy requires broad consultation of stakeholders. It must be scientific and for this reason it ought to be evidence-based. The latest lockdown measures lack scientific rigour, rationality and consistency. We would have preferred more inclusive consultation of business, labour, church and political leadership.
2. The application of rules must be fair and non-selective because the virus does not select on the basis of status, class or political affiliation. Rules are effective not only when they apply to others, but when applied to those who make them
3. The latest rules do not deal with the complementary measures that are necessary to support communities during lockdown. If people must stay at home, they need support because they cannot fend for themselves. Commanding the closure of the economy without the necessary supporting economic reliefs, medical and social measures is suicidal.
4. They forget that 80% of our economy is informal which means a lockdown without complementary support system will lose traction. Faced with starvation, people will be forced to breach lockdown rules, posing more risk to themselves and others.
5. For this reason, there ought to be an economic and social safety net to support people during lockdown. Simply announcing rules to keep people at home without more is a command style rulership which shows total disregard to people’s interests.
6. Another critical omission from the new measures is the failure to address the plight of healthcare staff on the frontline. Healthcare workers without PPE is like sending soldiers to the front without guns and ammunition. It’s cruel and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
7. There is a clear pattern emerging in the way rules are crafted and enforced. The principal target are the poor people while the wealthy are allowed a free pass. Breaches committed in Borrowdale by elites must be met with the same force as breaches in Mbare by ghetto youths.
8. What, for example, is the rationale for closing landports while keeping open airports? It appears elitist as air travel is limited to a few with means while the majority who use road transport are locked in.
9. The closure of borders also locks in hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who work and support families and the country in neighbouring countries. Their remittances are a major source of income but they are now locked in.
10. We don’t just have a health crisis here but a governance and leadership crisis. We have provinces even districts and we have hotspots and epicenters.Why don’t we have isolation and isolated lockdowns for hot spots,where we identify red zones than to lock the whole nation.

Mask up, Sanitize, Wash hands and Maintain Social Distancing!!

And don’t forget to Fight Covid-19 prayerfully!!

Excellence, Brilliance and Difference.

Godisinit

President Nelson Chamisa

1.Sound public policy requires broad consultation of citizens. It must be scientific and for this reason it ought to be evidence-based.The latest lockdown measures lack scientific rigour,rationality &consistency.We suggest consultation with business, labour &Church #MaskUpZim

The application of rules must be fair and non-selective because the virus does not select on the basis of status, class or political affiliation. Rules are effective not only when they apply to others, but when applied to those who make them. #MaskUpZim

3.The latest rules do not deal with the supporting measures to citizens and communities during lockdown.If people must stay at home,support is key.Commanding the closure of the economy without the necessary support,economic reliefs,medical &social measures is suicidal. #MaskUpZim

4. They forget that 80% of our economy is informal which means a lockdown without complementary support system will lose traction. Faced with starvation, people will be forced to breach lockdown rules, posing more risk to themselves and others. #MaskUpZim

5. For this reason, there ought to be an economic and social safety net to support people during lockdown. Simply announcing rules to keep people at home without more is a command style rulership which shows total disregard to people’s interests. #MaskUpZim

6.Another critical omission from the new measures is the failure to address the plight of healthcare staff on the frontline. Healthcare workers without PPE is like sending soldiers to the front without guns and ammunition. It’s cruel and must be addressed as a matter of urgency

7. There is a clear pattern emerging in the way rules are crafted and enforced. The principal target are the poor people while the wealthy are allowed a free pass. Breaches committed in Borrowdale by elites must be met with the same force as breaches in Mbare by ghetto youths.

8. What, for example, is the rationale for closing landports while keeping open airports? It appears elitist as air travel is limited to a few with means while the majority who use road transport are locked in. #MaskUpZim

9. The closure of borders also locks in hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans who work and support families and the country in neighbouring countries. Their remittances are a major source of income but they are now locked in. #MaskUpZim

10.We don’t just have a health crisis here but a governance and leadership crisis.We have provinces even districts and we have hotspots and epicenters.Why not have isolation and targeted lockdowns for hot spots,where we identify red zones than to lock the whole nation. #MaskUpZim

By A Correspondent- A Mwenezi woman allegedly axed her husband and daughter to death before hanging herself following a dispute over the upkeep of her in-laws.

Florence Nhotito (32) of Paringira Village in the Makurirofa area of Neshuro on Saturday allegedly killed her husband Simbarashe Butete and daughter Leander (3) before taking her own life.

Simbarashe and his daughter Leander’s bodies were found by villagers lying in a pool of blood in their bedroom hut with two axes stuck in their heads while Florence’s body was found hanging from a tree about 3km from her matrimonial homestead.

Reports suggest that on Saturday morning, Simbarashe quarrelled with Florence over the upkeep of his parents who stayed about 100 metres from their matrimonial home.

Following the heated exchange, Florence allegedly asked the couple’s eight-year-old son to go and fetch some firewood while she remained behind with the now deceased.

After a while, Florence allegedly left her home and passed through a neighbour’s house where she told a juvenile girl that she had killed her husband and daughter and was on her way to kill herself.

The girl alerted other villagers about what Florence had told her and they tried to apprehend the latter who outpaced them and disappeared into the bush.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed murder and suicide cases.

He added that the bodies of the trio were taken to Neshuro District Hospital while investigations were ongoing to establish the actual circumstances surrounding the murders and suicide. Inspector Dhewa said:

Police managed to recover both axes that were stuck in the first deceased (Simbarashe) and the second deceased (Leander)’s bodies.

The suspect, who is now deceased, was found hanging in a tree about 3km from her home and the bodies of the trio are awaiting postmortem.-statemedia

ByA Correspondent- The 2020 November Ordinary Level examinations will resume on Tuesday and will be completed on 5 February.

The government said it will use the final O’ Level examinations to assess the safety of schoolchildren from the coronavirus, before announcing the dates for reopening of schools for all Forms and Grades.

Last week the government indefinitely postponed reopening of schools for the First Term, which was due to start on 4 January 2021 (tomorrow).

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Communications and Advocacy Director, Taungana Ndoro, revealed that the government moved away from the initial calendar to ensure more measures were put in place for preparation of schools opening. He said:

The whole logic behind the deferment of schools opening was to decongest classrooms and to give school heads time to come up with alternative infrastructure.

It was impossible to have two classes of the same form but different years at the same school at the same time, for instance, it was impossible to have this year’s Form Fours together with last year’s Form Fours at the same time.

When we opened under Phase one, these were the examination classes, we managed to contain the situation. However, the problem started when the other phases started coming back to school.

And most of the affected were boarding schools so we want to ensure that there is decongestion in schools.

Ndoro added that school heads have been instructed to identify and rehabilitate alternative spaces which can be used as classrooms or dormitories. Ndoro said:

We need to decongest the classes and have additional infrastructure so schools have been instructed to use every space available, be it basketball or tennis courts and be turned into classrooms and halls can be used as dormitories wherever possible.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The beleaguered MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa says President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not “bury” him politically and has threatened a “vicious” 2021 comeback despite alleged attempts by his nemesis at decimating his party.

Chamisa conceded that 2020 was a difficult year for the MDC Alliance which he said had to contend with a vindictive Mnangagwa who was bitter with the 2018 presidential election results, hence his determination to destroy the opposition party at all costs.

Mnangagwa has since appeared to warm up to the controversial winner of the MDC-T extraordinary congress, Douglas Mwonzora, whom he has pledged to work with in the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad).

“ED (Mnangagwa), you have been working so hard, 24/7, to try and bury Nelson Chamisa. Note this: when you try to bury him, you are only planting him and he will only germinate even more viciously,” Chamisa said in an interview with The Standard yesterday.

“ED will never forgive us for drubbing him in 2018. The people’s crime is that they showed him a red card in 2018 only to get relief and extra time through the ConCourt.”

Describing the year 2021 as a “turning point”, Chamisa said: “Through the hurdles, attacks and downs of 2020, we remain standing and marching towards a free and new great Zimbabwe. Fighting for freedom is a national duty and a patriotic act. 2021 will be incredible and full of surprises.”

On Zanu-PF’s apparent interest and “excitement” over Mwonzora’s victory, Chamisa said: “A ruling or ruining party must never be allowed to organise, patronise, sponsor, define and determine its alternative. Never!”

Mnangagwa and his party have been congratulating Mwonzora on his election victory, a move the MDC Alliance has viewed as a way to accommodate a weaker opposition while pursuing the bigger picture of decimating Chamisa.

The MDC Alliance suffered several huge setbacks last year including the recalling of over 30 Members of Parliament by the then Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T.

Over 80 councillors were also recalled by Khupe working with Mwonzora, and the MDC Alliance has accused them of being in cahoots with the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Mnangagwa has tried to bring Chamisa into the Polad dialogue platform, but the main opposition leader has snubbed the invitations saying the Polad forum did not present genuine dialogue.

In his congratulatory message to Mwonzora, Mnangagwa said: “A few days ago, the opposition MDC-T party held its elective congress in full compliance with and fulfilment of court judgements. Let me take this opportunity to formally and personally congratulate Mwonzora for prevailing at that congress.

“We took particular note of his declared wish to guide and reshape the politics of opposition towards constructive engagement with the government of the day. This is a very welcome move for our nation which is likely to put politics of rancour behind us thus triggering collaboration, development and the harmony we sorely need for national progress,” Mnangagwa added.

“Both as the ruling Zanu-PF party and as the government, we assure Senator Mwonzora and the MDC-T leadership our collaboration towards the growth and prosperity of our nation.

“We appeal to all those still stuck to yesterday’s politics of destruction and obstruction to learn from this salutary gesture by the MDC-T. To be in opposition need not mean being unduly negative, confrontational, divisive and disloyal to one’s nation and people.”

Last week, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba took to microblogging site Twitter to suggest working together with Mwonzora in Polad.

“Last but not least significant, Mwonzora made mention by name of only two political organisations in Zimbabwe, his MDC-T and Zanu-PF, both of which he placed on even, co-operating plenitude.

“Read together with the notion of responsible opposition, that seems to suggest engagement (with) the ruling party, something Khupe had started. Much rests on how he relates to Polad, although he hinted he believed in unity of opposition,” Charamba said.-standard

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