Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operator, Econet Wireless, has revised its voice, data, and SMS bundle prices upwards by an average of 20 percent, in an effort to recover value reportedly eroded due to currency devaluation and other rising costs of key network inputs.

The mobile operator incurred exchange losses of $10,3 billion in the half-year to August 2020 as a result of the exposure in foreign currency-denominated obligations.

“The business continuously reviews its pricing in line with changes in the operating environment to ensure it remains viable while retaining a good quality of service and offering affordable products,” Econet said.

The listed telecommunications company earlier said it was transforming itself into a digital service provider, and remained “committed to innovative approaches to deliver these (digital) services and ensure our customers get the best quality voice, data and SMS-based products”.

Econet last adjusted its voice and data tariffs in September, but since that time, the price of many goods and services that constitute critical costs to the business, have sky-rocketed, putting pressure on the company’s bottom line. In particular, the price of electricity has doubled (gone up 100 percent) while diesel has gone up by 32 percent since September. Econet and other telecommunication companies rely on electricity and diesel-generated power to keep their network services up and running.

According to the latest schedule, Econet has reviewed its Bundle of Joy voice bundles from $4,04 to $4,25 per two minutes, while a 20 megabyte (MB) daily data bundle now costs $17, up from $13. A monthly 100MB data bundle has been reviewed upwards from $67 to $84, while the 8GB private wi-fi bundle has been adjusted from $960 to $1 500.

At the same time, subscribers are now required to pay $0,36 to send an SMS, up from $0,32.

Although Econet service delivery has been affected by electricity load shedding like many Zimbabwean companies, stemming its revenue generation capacity, the group has, however, devised methods of continuing to provide quality services to its subscribers.

“We maintained the quality of service despite the numerous challenges facing businesses in Zimbabwe. In particular, limited foreign currency and disruptions in power supply continue to put a significant strain on our ability to provide uninterrupted excellent service,” said the company Chairman James Myers in a statement accompanying Econet’s half-year results to August 2020.

“Our mitigation strategies, which include moving to remote monitoring and operation of our network, as well as reducing our reliance on power from the grid through DPA, were critical to our success,” he said, adding that the company expected at least an additional 18 MW of power to be availed by DPA (an Econet group Solar power company) by the end of the financial year.

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 08 December 2020:

• New cases: 73
• Locals: 73
• Returnees: 0
• Deaths: 9
• Recoveries: 90
• PCR Tests Done: 1 965
• National Recovery Rate: 83%
• Active Cases: 1 547
• Total Cumulative Cases: 10 912
• Total Recoveries: 9 062
• Total Deaths: 303

Paul Nyathi

Forex auction results for 08 December 2020 are in and the Zimbabwe dollar has made a rebound against the greenback.

The weighted average this week has made a small improvement from ZWL$81.8767 last week to ZWL$81.8572 this week.

US$30.27 million was allotted this week compared to US$33.34m last week, with the bulk of the allotment (US$13.09 million) going to raw materials.

202 bids were received on the Small to Medium enterprises forex auction, with 188 accepted and 14 disqualified. On the main forex auction, a total of 265 bids were received, 236 were accepted while 29 were disqualified.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said bids which were disqualified were not eligible in terms of the Priority List.

Bids with overdue CDIs, outstanding Bills of Entry (BOEs) and those with sufficient FCA balances were also disqualified.

Some bids were allotted on a pro-rata basis to conform with the Import Priority List, the RBZ said.

At least 190 illegal houses were demolished by Harare City Council in Budiriro 5 yesterday with police arresting Caleb Kadye on charges of parcelling out stands on Tembwe Housing Cooperative land about 2km from Budiriro 5 Current shopping centre.

Yesterday affected families were counting losses, while battling the rains, with women and children crying and men battling to find safe and secure places for their property.

Furniture was scattered in the mud, with only a few people having managed to ferry it to safer places.

A handful of defiant householders were seen trying to stand in front of a council bulldozer in an attempt to block it from demolishing their properties, but to no avail.

The alleged land baron Kadye who was at the back of the police truck during the demolitions, could be heard shouting trying to block the exercise.

Critics have repeatedly said the local authority should have stopped construction at foundation level, but for two decades the council has allowed unplanned settlements to mushroom, only moving in when buildings are up and occupied.

The land scams have led to the arrests of the city’s top officials including successive mayors Herbert Gomba, Jacob Mafume, town clerk Hosiah Chisango, housing director Addmore Nhekairo and principal housing officer Edgar Dzehonye.

A council official who declined to be named, said the teams had been tasked to demolish nearly 200 illegal houses.

“According to the instruction at hand we have been tasked to demolish between 180 to 190 houses built illegally here,” said the official.

In an interview, acting Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Innocent Ruwende said the houses were on stands illegally parcelled out.

An affected person, Mrs Erica Chikuse blamed the council for being insensitive.

“I bought the stand for US$2 500 sometime in 2010 from Tembwe Housing Cooperative although there were challenges with the council papers, but we were in the process to regularise this,” she said.

“Later there were tussles within the leadership resulting in one of the members forming a new cooperative by the name Events which ordered us to vacate the area.”

Mrs Chikuse said they were taken aback to see their houses demolished at a time the cooperative’s leadership was processing council papers for regularisation.

“Without any formal notice today we just received a phone call from council officials saying they were going to demolish our houses, but we thought it was their usual talk.

“I have nowhere to go and I was actually prepared to pay the fines, but I am heartbroken to see my house being demolished,” she said.

Another affected beneficiary, Mrs Netsai Jaketi, said she bought the stand in 2012.

“I paid a joining fee of US$250 to Tembwe Housing Cooperative and did not expect that it will end in such a tragic manner. This is actually a thorn in the flesh for me, imagine it is raining and I was actually beaten by security details while trying to remove my property inside the house,” she said.

Paul Nyathi

Former ZANU PF member Professor Jonathan Moyo has thrown into the public several documents and records showing that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife are smuggling gold out of the country and also involved in huge money laundering with some business people within and outside the country.

One of the people exposed in the scheme is Bulawayo top businessman Mohammed Zakariya Patel who owns popular outlet Toppers and Zaks Place Lodge.

Click the link below to follow WhatsApp messages showing Mnangagwa and Patel’s money laundering deals.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EoVGvW7S-imlc9p6zMfxj9RGAASmhuQn/view?usp=sharing

Rights campaigners in Zimbabwe have decried a police statement warning social media users against engaging in what it described as “cyberbullying” of government officials, calling it an attempt to muzzle freedom of expression in the country.

In its statement on Monday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said arrests were “imminent” for unnamed “suspects” who have been “issuing threats and harassing government officials” on social media.

“The ZRP warns individuals and groups from committing crime through cyberbullying of government officials who will be performing their constitutional and lawful obligations in terms of service delivery to Zimbabweans,” the statement said.

Zimbabweans are currently bearing the brunt of an economic crisis characterised by hyperinflation that has eroded the value of their earnings and unemployment that has reached an estimated 90 percent.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa blames Western sanctions, among others, for the country’s problems, saying the punitive measures have “crippled” the country’s development.

But Mnangagwa, who has Facebook and Twitter accounts, is often at the receiving end of uncomplimentary comments from dissatisfied Zimbabweans whenever he posts on the social networks.

Government officials have also not been spared from criticism over how the 78-year-old has run the country’s economy since taking over in a military coup in November 2017.

The police statements came a few days after Patrick Chinamasa, acting spokesperson of ZANU-PF, the party that has governed the country since independence from Britain in 1980, alleged Zimbabwe’s colonial masters were using social media to “discredit icons like Mnangagwa”.

“Sanctions against Zimbabwe and the orchestrated social media attacks against our president and first family are the modern-day equivalents of public beheading and lynching in colonial times,” Chinamasa said at a weekly news briefing.

He equated social media attacks on Mnangagwa and his family to attacks faced by heroes of anti-colonial wars,

Political analyst and commentator Rejoice Ngwenya criticised the statement by the police, saying the move trampled fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.

“This is part of the extension of the paranoia of this government. The plan to arrest what they are calling cyberbullying must be resisted. It’s totally illegal,” Ngwenya told Al Jazeera. “We are a constitutional democracy.”

Ngwenya argued the police warning was designed to silence Mnangagwa’s critics on social media such as award-winning documentary filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono, an anti-corruption campaigner who faces trial on charges of inciting violent anti-government protests, and pro-democracy activist Pedzisai Ruhanya.

“It’s subjective to say that when you comment and share your view about Collins Mnangagwa (Mnangagwa’s son) or Emmerson Mnangagwa … on social media, it amounts to trolling or harassment,” Ngwenya said. “Who judges that this is cyberbullying and what are the criteria?”

Human rights campaigners and rights groups in recent months have decried an “unprecedented” clampdown on dissent that has resulted in the arrests of dozens of activists and opposition officials. The government has denied stifling opposing voices.

Tabani Moyo, director at the Media Institute of Southern Africa Zimbabwe, also decried the police statement as an attack on freedom of expression.

“It’s very unfortunate that in this polarised environment that the police have taken the stand to protect the ruling elites. They must not be seen to be ringfencing public officials from scrutiny,” Moyo told Al Jazeera.

“They must understand that there is a difference between cyberbullying and free speech and holding public officials to account. As a people, we have a right to express ourselves freely.”

Additional reporting: Al Jazeera

NewsDay correspondent Kenneth Nyangani was on 8 December 2020 reportedly manhandled at the Zanu PF provincial headquarters in the eastern border town of Mutare while covering demonstrations by some disgruntled party supporters.

The Zanu PF supporters were reportedly demonstrating over the handling of the party’s district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections.

His phone was briefly confiscated and the battery removed. Nyangani, was, however, rescued by other party supporters, resulting in his phone being returned to him.

Nyangani confirmed the incident: “While I was covering the event, they took my phone and asked me to delete pictures. They then took away the phone saying they wanted to make sure the pictures are deleted. They removed the phone battery,” he said

MISA Zimbabwe Position

Journalists have a right to do their work as guaranteed by the constitution and without any unlawful hindrances. MISA Zimbabwe, therefore, urges political parties to educate their supporters on media rights as provided for in the Constitution.

Journalists should also exercise extreme caution when covering potentially hostile situations for their own safety and security.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa says he is humbled by the support he received from party members, friends and relatives before and during his mother’s memorial service.

The memorial service was held at the Chamisa homestead in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday.

“Friends and family…Thanking you all for your love and support during Gogo Chamisa’s memorial weekend.

I was so humbled by all your kindness and determination…even against all odds.

Not even the heavy rains and unkind roads could stop you!Forever grateful. God bless you all,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa says he is humbled by the support he received from party members, friends and relatives before and during his mother’s memorial service.

The memorial service was held at the Chamisa homestead in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday.

“Friends and family…Thanking you all for your love and support during Gogo Chamisa’s memorial weekend.

I was so humbled by all your kindness and determination…even against all odds.

Not even the heavy rains and unkind roads could stop you!Forever grateful. God bless you all,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|A school head in Mwenezi District has landed a top Zanu PF post, comprising the security of both teachers and pupils in the process.

Zanu PF insiders told ZimEye.com on Tuesday Master Makope, the head of Avhunga Secondary School won the Commissariat post during the DCC elections.

While civil servants have been terrorized by Zanu PF agents for “sympathizing with the opposition” it remains to be seen whether Makope, who is also a civil servant, will be persecuted for actively participating in politics.

Makope is yet to resign from his job.

“School head Master Makope won the Commissariat post in Mwenezi.

A schoolteacher, Mukondo, won the post of Sec for Science and Technology.
Makope is also an aspiring MP,” a source told ZimEye.com.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance councillor for ward 18, Chiredzi West, Gilbert Mutubuki is being persecuted for speaking on behalf of landless citizens.

Councillor Mutubuki appeared in court on Tuesday morning for allegedly inciting public violence.

However, it has emerged he is being persecuted for challenging the seizure of land by Zanu PF supporters and war veterans.

See statement below :

Court Update

Triangle Magistrate Court (Cncllr Mutubuki ‘s case)

08 nov 2020

Our MDCA Masvingo Youth Assembly Secretary and Councillor for Chiredzi Town Council Gilbert Mutubuki appeared before triangle magistrate this midmorning and his trial is set to continue on 17 December. Adv Mureri was representing Councillor Mutubuki as his lawyer. Its very unfortunate that the state is keeping the case hanged since last year. Justice delayed is justice denied , peace of mind and curiousity are matters of concern to the Councillor and the people he represents in the ward. Councillor Mutubuki is being charged with inciting violence in a case where he confronted the greedy war veterans over land grab at the hands of landless poor Zimbabweans.

Background
Some war veterans have gone on a grabbing spree of land in Chiredzi and Triangle . Councillor Mutubuki has on many occassions rebuked the land grabs and the politicization of state land distribution.

On another note
Recently councillor Mutubuki initiated a fair land destributuon among local people in his ward irregardless of diverse political homes.

The case caused a storm when the war veterans eager to grab the land violently attacked Mutubuki and threatened him with a gun. It is a matter of concern to the MDCA YA since our youth leaders are being persecuted for defending the poor. The Land grabs and politicization of state resource should be resisted forthwith across the province.

LandIsForThePeople

SimbaRevanhuMuchariona

Timoth Muswere
Masvingo YA information Dept

RE: Petition on teacher re-grading and COVID 19 allowance.

We the teachers of Zimbabwe, categorized as grade C by the employer and organizing under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ;

Aggrieved by the employers’ failure to re-grade the majority of us who have acquired higher qualifications including diplomas, undergraduate Degrees and Masters Degrees;

Angered by the move to exclude us from the 10% COVID 19 allowance meant for teachers;

Realising that we are exposed to the COVID19 risk like other teachers;

Noting that Section 56 of Zimbabwe’s constitution outlaws discrimination;

Do hereby petition your esteemed office to;

Re-grade all Grade C teachers who have attained higher qualifications;Disburse 10% COVID19 allowance to all teachers since they are confronted by the same risk.

We are giving your esteemed office 7 days to respond to our humble petition.

HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe has gone down in all provinces in the last four years owing to good programming and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, amid reports that the country records approximately 31 000 new cases annually.

The latest Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA) shows that compared to the last study conducted in 2016, all provinces have recorded a decline in HIV prevalence.

The ZIMPHIA study is a population household survey led by the Health and Child Care Ministry working in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), National Aids Council (NAC), and ICAP at the Columbia University.

Matabeleland South still accounts for the majority of HIV cases in Zimbabwe with 17,6 percent prevalence down from 21,7 percent in 2016.

According to the survey, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo still have the highest prevalence as well at 14,9 and 14 percent respectively. Both provinces had recorded 19,5 percent and 17,9 percent previously.

Midlands has a HIV prevalence of 13,4 down from 13,5, Masvingo has 13 percent down from 14,5 percent while Harare’s prevalence now stands at 12,6 from 13,7 in 2016. Manicaland still has the lowest prevalence rate in the country at 10,2 percent down from 11 while Mashonaland Central has maintained 13 percent in both surveys.

Mashonaland East on the other hand has a 12,4 percent prevalence down from 13,5 while Mashonaland West stands at 12,8 from 12,3 percent in 2016.

“Prevalence of HIV among adults in Zimbabwe was 12,9 percent, which corresponds to approximately 1 225 000 adults living with HIV. The HIV prevalence was 15,3 percent among women and 10,2 percent among men,” read the ZIMPHIA report.

“The annual incidence of HIV among adults aged 15 years and older in Zimbabwe was 0,38 percent, which corresponds to approximately 31 000 new cases of HIV per year among adults. HIV incidence was 0,54 percent among women and 0,20 percent among men.”

According to ZIMPHIA, the country had achieved milestones in meeting the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets with the aim that by 2020, 90 percent of all people living with HIV would know their HIV status; 90 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection would receive sustained ART; and 90 percent of all people receiving ART would have viral load suppression.

Just like other heavily burdened countries, Zimbabwe, which has the fifth highest HIV prevalence at 12,9 percent in Africa, is working towards reaching the 2020 goals.

“About 86,8 percent of all adults living with HIV aged 15 years and older are aware of their HIV status. Individuals are classified as aware if they reported their HIV-positive status or had a detectable antiretroviral (ARV) in their blood,” read the statement. Of the adults diagnosed with HIV in Zimbabwe 97 percent are on ART.

“Among adults who were on ART, 90,3 percent have suppressed viral loads.”

Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence and unprotected heterosexual sex continues to be the main transmission route for new infections.-Chronicle

The Zimbabwean government has through Statutory Instrument (SI) 287 of 2020 amended measures of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

We present the SI below.

IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Health and Child Care 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, 2020 (No. 7).
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 2 (“Interpretation”) in paragraph (b)(vi) of the definition of “public place” by the deletion of “do not exceed fifty (50) persons at a time” and the substitution of “do not exceed one hundred (100) persons at a time”.
3. Section 5 (“Public gatherings”) of the principal order is amended in subsection (1)—

(a) in paragraph (a) by the deletion of “not more than fifty (50) persons at a time” and the substitution of “not more than one hundred (100) persons at a time”;

(b) in paragraph (b) by the deletion of “not more than fifty (50) persons at a time” and the substitution of “not more than one hundred (100) persons at a time”;

(c) in paragraph (i) by the deletion of “not more than fifty (50) adult individuals” and the substitution of “not more than one hundred (100) adult individuals”;

(d) in paragraph (k) by the deletion of “not more than fifty (50) adult individuals” and the substitution of “not more than one hundred (100) adult individuals”.

4. Section 18 (“Additional Part V exempted persons: low-risk sportspersons”) (4)(b) of the principal order is amended by the deletion of “in excess of fifty (50) spectators” and the substitution of “in excess of one hundred (100) spectators”.
5. Section 25 (“Curfew: limitation of business hours and other measures affecting businesses”) of the principal order is amended in subsection (6) by the repeal of paragraph (a) and the substitution of the following paragraphs—

“(a) every supermarket, food retail store, fuel outlet, hunting safari operator, professional hunter and non-essential business shall open not earlier than 0800 and close no later than 1830 hours on every business day; and

(a1) every restaurant shall open not earlier than 0800 and close no later than 2000 hours on every business day; and”.

Correspondent

Two Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) a cop and their colleague allegedly assaulted mine workers, threw them in a shaft before robbing them their gold ore in Mazowe.

The matter came to light at Bindura magistrates courts yesterday where the soldiers Collen Mukozho (31) and Ngonidzashe Chinaganaga (27), the cop Douglas Ushe (36) and their accomplice Wellington Nerupiri (28) appeared before magistrate Memory Chifamba.

The quartet was granted $1500 each to December 17.

The state-led by prosecutor Edward Katsvairo alleges that on October 5 the suspects proceeded to El Shadayi mine, Mazowe with two cars a Toyota Wish registration number AFF 2894 and a Nissan Caravan registration number AFF 7099 which they parked in the bush and walked to the mine.

Upon arrival, they saw the mineworkers sleeping and assaulted them, those who tried to resist were pushed in a shaft.

The quartet demanded gold ore from the miners and was shown before packing bit in sacks.

The sacks were loaded in the Caravan.

After loading they ran away in their cars, mineworkers regrouped and gave a Chase.

The Caravan’s rear tire burst and the miners tried to approach the suspects who got out the caravan armed with unknown weapons.

The miners made a U-turn and filed a police report.

Police officers acted swiftly and arrested the suspects.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe has reported that a NewsDay reporter, Kenneth Nyangani was harassed by ZANU PF supporters this Tuesday, 8 December 2020 while covering demonstrations by disgruntled party supporters in Mutare. We present MISA Zimbabwe’s statement below.

NewsDay correspondent Kenneth Nyangani was on 8 December 2020 reportedly manhandled at the Zanu PF provincial headquarters in the eastern border town of Mutare while covering demonstrations by some disgruntled party supporters.

The Zanu PF supporters were reportedly demonstrating over the handling of the party’s district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections.

His phone was briefly confiscated and the battery removed. Nyangani, was, however, rescued by other party supporters, resulting in his phone being returned to him.

Nyangani confirmed the incident: “While I was covering the event, they took my phone and asked me to delete pictures. They then took away the phone saying they wanted to make sure the pictures are deleted. They removed the phone battery,” he said

MISA Zimbabwe Position
Journalists have a right to do their work as guaranteed by the constitution and without any unlawful hindrances. MISA Zimbabwe, therefore, urges political parties to educate their supporters on media rights as provided for in the Constitution.

Journalists should also exercise extreme caution when covering potentially hostile situations for their own safety and security.

The MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe has expelled MDC-A Chinhoyi Mayor, Councillor Dyke Makumbi (Ward 12), four Chinhoyi and three Chegutu councillors.

The party has so far expelled more than 160 councillors and more than 30 Members of Parliament whose positions are yet to be filled.

Makumbe who was on his way to Victoria Falls today for the annual councils meeting said he did not receive any letter of expulsion although high placed sources from MDC-T confirmed the dismissal.

“There is no official communication yet,” he said.

The other recalled councillors are Deputy Mayor and Ward 14 Cllr Chipo Mlotshwa, Ward 4 Cllr Brighton Mhizha, Ward 2 Cllr, Patricia Chibaya and Cllr Mukudzei Zambuko Chigumbura of Ward 8.

Three Chegutu Municipality MDC-A aligned Councillors including Chegutu Municipality (Ward 9), Cllr Edward Dzeka, Cllr Alice Kundhlane (Ward 11) and Cllr Rydes Machekera (Ward 2) were also expelled yesterday.

Cllr Dzeka confirmed receipt of the expulsion letter.

Official letters addressed to Chegutu and Chinhoyi town clerks written by Local Government and Public Works Minister, Honourable July Moyo declared the eight positions vacant in terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read by section 129 (1) (k).

The letters also directed the councils to inform Zimbabwe Electoral Commission about the vacancies.

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

https://youtu.be/u_pP3utn_t4

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa says he is humbled by the support he received from party members, friends and relatives before and during his mother’s memorial service.

The memorial service was held at the Chamisa homestead in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday.

“Friends and family…Thanking you all for your love and support during Gogo Chamisa’s memorial weekend.

I was so humbled by all your kindness and determination…even against all odds.

Not even the heavy rains and unkind roads could stop you!Forever grateful. God bless you all,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

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

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

video loading below…

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

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

https://youtu.be/u_pP3utn_t4

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa says he is humbled by the support he received from party members, friends and relatives before and during his mother’s memorial service.

The memorial service was held at the Chamisa homestead in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday.

“Friends and family…Thanking you all for your love and support during Gogo Chamisa’s memorial weekend.

I was so humbled by all your kindness and determination…even against all odds.

Not even the heavy rains and unkind roads could stop you!Forever grateful. God bless you all,” said President Chamisa in a brief statement.

The President of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Dr Takavafira Zhou has accused the government of taking failing to prioritise the safety of learners and teachers.

He said the government is waiting for schools to be severely affected by the virus before it decides to seal them off.

He said:

The government is adamant that in spite of an acute increase of COVID-19 cases among school-age children, schools will continue to operate. Over 30 schools and over 600 pupils and teachers have been affected, and the government seems to have adopted a one-size-fits-all approach in which it waits for COVID-19 to run riot in a school and then close the school.

His remarks come at the backdrop of a surge in the number of coronavirus cases in schools.

Some learning institutions including John Tallach and Matobo High Schools and Kwekwe Polytechnic have been closed after learners and teachers had tested positive for the coronnavirus.

Although calls for the closure of schools have increased recently, the government seems determined to see the current term through.

When schools were reopened on 28 September this year, some stakeholders claimed schools were not ready but the government insisted all mechanisms to curb the spread of the coronnavirus were in place.

-newsday

Tinashe Sambiri|A school head in Mwenezi District has landed a top Zanu PF post, comprising the security of both teachers and pupils in the process.

Zanu PF insiders told ZimEye.com on Tuesday Master Makope, the head of Avhunga Secondary School won the Commissariat post during the DCC elections.

While civil servants have been terrorized by Zanu PF agents for “sympathizing with the opposition” it remains to be seen whether Makope, who is also a civil servant, will be persecuted for actively participating in politics.

Makope is yet to resign from his job.

“School head Master Makope won the Commissariat post in Mwenezi.

A schoolteacher, Mukondo, won the post of Sec for Science and Technology.
Makope is also an aspiring MP,” a source told ZimEye.com.

FULL TEXT

Notice to Zimbabweans

If there is anyone intending to travel from Harare to Masvingo or vice versa using a small car such as Honda Fit, Wish etc please use Harare Gutu Masvingo road. If you use Mvuma road the chance of you getting stuck is almost 100%. The road is impassable unless you have high wheel vehicle.

What about it?

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) December 8, 2020

By A Correspondent- A few month after declaring that government was with immediate effect banning health tourism, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been flown to China for treatment.

ZimEye last night called the vice president’s mobile phone but it was not available and indicated that he was away and on roaming as the voicemail message responded in Chinese.

Watch the live video loading below…..

On Sunday it was crispy clear that Chiwenga is in China seeing THE CHINESE VOICEMAIL MESSAGE when I called him the 2nd time ….videohttps://t.co/EK66Crort8 pic.twitter.com/kujuHZ5DtR

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) December 8, 2020

Chiwenga, declared that government will no longer avail foreign currency to assist cabinet ministers and other senior officials to globe trot and seek medical treatment in state-of-the-art health facilities outside Zimbabwe.

Addressing journalists in his capacity as Health Minister, Chiwenga is onrecord saying the state had stopped footing the medical bills of all senior government officials in order to maintain the national medical bill..

He said:

“We will not export our patients. We will not make referrals to our patients. It is everybody, ministers. Those who have been going out it is you and me. Is it not it? Altogether but that export bill was too high and that is what we want to do away with.”

The 64-year-old former army general has not been seen publicly for over a week.

Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, pre-recorded speeches delivered during virtual World Aids Day commemorations on December 1.

On that day, he did not attend a cabinet meeting, and higher education minister Professor Aaron Murwira took questions as the acting health minister during a post-cabinet briefing.

A government source said:

“He was very unwell at the end of November, and he cut back on his public appearances. A decision was taken to fly him out to seek treatment.”

George Charamba, the spokesman for the presidency, confirmed Chiwenga was out of the country but insisted that he was on a “state assignment.” He declined to name the country.

Chiwenga has received treatment in India, South Africa and China over the last year after going down with an undisclosed illness which manifested in loss of skin pigmentation, weight loss and an apparent skin irritation which caused him to sit animatedly whilst sweating profusely.

His estranged wife, Marry, a former model, has also been unwell for more than a year. Last week, her lawyers told a court that she needed to fly to South Africa for urgent treatment after she developed deep wounds on both her forearms.

Her doctors say she has “severe lymphoedema and spontaneous formation of abscesses whose origins have not been determined.”

After almost six months being treated in China last year, Chiwenga returned home appearing in fairly good health. He has made at least two trips to China since for review, flying in hired private jets.

Chiwenga said Zimbabwean doctors would be barred from writing referral letters for patients to foreign hospitals, even as Zimbabwe’s health facilities remain incapacitated to carry out certain operations due to years of under-investment by the Zanu PF government.

By A Correspondent- Panic has gripped the ruling Zanu-PF party after two senior party officials on Sunday tested positive for COVID-19 with confirmed cases likely to go up as results of mass tests done recently continue to pour in.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and the party’s director for Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi are now in isolation at home together with affected members of their respective families.

The Zanu-PF COVID-19 scare comes as Zimbabwe has recorded 291 deaths with 10 of them having been recorded on Saturday only. Ministry of Health and Child Care COVID-19 statistics yesterday showed that there are 10 718 cases of the virus that have been recorded throughout the country.

However, the country has also recorded 8 880 recoveries.

The party’s secretary for Health David Parirenyatwa yesterday told NewsDay in an interview that the party was now on high alert, adding that all measures were being put in place to curb the further spread of the deadly virus at their headquarters situated in Harare, which also houses a number of party bigwigs and staff. The Zanu-PF headquarters also plays host to several party meetings.

“What we did last time was to screen people and the results are coming in batches and all those who have been found to be positive have been asked to go into sell-isolation and to come back af-ter the prescribed date,” Parirenyatwa said without confirming the actual number of those affected.

“When we started the COVID-19 tests as a party, the first batch had five cases but that was about two months ago. So we are now going symptomatically and we check on anyone who would have developed the symptoms. The first time, we did a mass test but now we are following the national policy and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Parirenyatwa said the party was putting on a lot of measures to reduce the spread of the virus that has already claimed millions of lives internationally.

“We are putting a lot of measures now; we screen people at the gate, we do temperature checks and all the normal routine. We are intensifying that and even in our lifts, we have put COVID-19 measures, and as people get into other offices we make sure prevention protocols are observed,” he said.

Mugwadi yesterday took to microblogging site Twitter to announce that he was self-isolating at home and is adhering to all medical tips to suppress the virus.

“I will adhere to every medical tip as I battle this pandemic with my family,” Mugwadi wrote on his social media account.

Acting Zanu-PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was not immediately available to comment on the matter. However, workers at the ruling party headquarters who spoke on condition of anonymity said there were fears that quite a number of people at the party offices could have contracted COVID-19.

Most of the officials work from the building and were feared to have been in close contact with the infected. To make matters worse, they were currently reportedly deployed across the country for the party district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections, whereas according to protocol, they should be in self-isolation.

Over the weekend, In-dependent Norton Mem-ber of Par-liament Tem-ba Mliswa also con-firmed that his sister, a Zanu-PF official and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, had been battling COV-ID-19 in self isolation. Mliswa said she was now well after receiving treatment in Ha-rare. “I can proudly declare she is a COVID-19 survivor,” he said. Government and the police re-cently warned Zimbabweans of complacency, and advised the na-tion to observe all COVID-19 reg-ulations, which include masking up and regular hand washing, as well as social distancing amid reports that there was a second wave of the pandemic that may hit the world and was deadlier.

Internationally, several countries have gone on a second lock-down period due to the second wave of COVID-19. Despite the warnings of the second deadly wave of the virus, last week, senior Zanu-PF officials set tongues wagging after pictures went viral of them feasting during Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s 60th birthday party without face-masks and with no social distancing be-ing observed.

But Mutsvangwa defended the stance saying that all COVID 19 protocols were observed at the party, including testing of the participants.

The senior officials that attended Mutsvangwa’s birthday bash included ministers and government bureaucrats. Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Zimbabwe, particularly Harare and Bulawayo.-Newsday

PANIC has gripped the ruling Zanu-PF party after two senior party officials on Sunday tested positive for COVID-19 with confirmed cases likely to go up as results of mass tests done recently continue to pour in.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and the party’s director for Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi are now in isolation at home together with affected members of their respective families.

The Zanu-PF COVID-19 scare comes as Zimbabwe has recorded 291 deaths with 10 of them having been recorded on Saturday only. Ministry of Health and Child Care COVID-19 statistics yesterday showed that there are 10 718 cases of the virus that have been recorded throughout the country.

However, the country has also recorded 8 880 recoveries.

The party’s secretary for Health David Parirenyatwa yesterday told NewsDay in an interview that the party was now on high alert, adding that all measures were being put in place to curb the further spread of the deadly virus at their headquarters situated in Harare, which also houses a number of party bigwigs and staff. The Zanu-PF headquarters also plays host to several party meetings.

“What we did last time was to screen people and the results are coming in batches and all those who have been found to be positive have been asked to go into sell-isolation and to come back af-ter the prescribed date,” Parirenyatwa said without confirming the actual number of those affected.

“When we started the COVID-19 tests as a party, the first batch had five cases but that was about two months ago. So we are now going symptomatically and we check on anyone who would have developed the symptoms. The first time, we did a mass test but now we are following the national policy and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Parirenyatwa said the party was putting on a lot of measures to reduce the spread of the virus that has already claimed millions of lives internationally.

“We are putting a lot of measures now; we screen people at the gate, we do temperature checks and all the normal routine. We are intensifying that and even in our lifts, we have put COVID-19 measures, and as people get into other offices we make sure prevention protocols are observed,” he said.

Mugwadi yesterday took to microblogging site Twitter to announce that he was self-isolating at home and is adhering to all medical tips to suppress the virus.

“I will adhere to every medical tip as I battle this pandemic with my family,” Mugwadi wrote on his social media account.

Acting Zanu-PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was not immediately available to comment on the matter. However, workers at the ruling party headquarters who spoke on condition of anonymity said there were fears that quite a number of people at the party offices could have contracted COVID-19.

Most of the officials work from the building and were feared to have been in close contact with the infected. To make matters worse, they were currently reportedly deployed across the country for the party district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections, whereas according to protocol, they should be in self-isolation.

Over the weekend, In-dependent Norton Mem-ber of Par-liament Tem-ba Mliswa also con-firmed that his sister, a Zanu-PF official and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, had been battling COV-ID-19 in self isolation. Mliswa said she was now well after receiving treatment in Ha-rare. “I can proudly declare she is a COVID-19 survivor,” he said. Government and the police re-cently warned Zimbabweans of complacency, and advised the na-tion to observe all COVID-19 reg-ulations, which include masking
up and regular hand washing, as well as social distancing amid reports that there was a second wave of the pandemic that may hit the world and was deadlier.

Internationally, several countries have gone on a second lock-down period due to the second wave of COVID-19. Despite the warnings of the second deadly wave of the virus, last week, senior Zanu-PF officials set tongues wagging after pictures went viral of them feasting during Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s 60th birthday party without face-masks and with no social distancing be-ing observed.

But Mutsvangwa defended the stance saying that all COVID 19 protocols were observed at the party, including testing of the participants.

The senior officials that attended Mutsvangwa’s birthday bash included ministers and government bureaucrats. Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Zimbabwe, particularly Harare and Bulawayo.

-NEWSDAY

By A Correspondent- A few month after declaring that government was with immediate effect banning health tourism, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been flown to China for treatment.

Chiwenga, declared that government will no longer avail foreign currency to assist cabinet ministers and other senior officials to globe trot and seek medical treatment in state-of-the-art health facilities outside Zimbabwe.

Addressing journalists in his capacity as Health Minister, Chiwenga is onrecord saying the state had stopped footing the medical bills of all senior government officials in order to maintain the national medical bill..

He said:

“We will not export our patients. We will not make referrals to our patients. It is everybody, ministers. Those who have been going out it is you and me. Is it not it? Altogether but that export bill was too high and that is what we want to do away with.”

The 64-year-old former army general has not been seen publicly for over a week.

Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, pre-recorded speeches delivered during virtual World Aids Day commemorations on December 1.

On that day, he did not attend a cabinet meeting, and higher education minister Professor Aaron Murwira took questions as the acting health minister during a post-cabinet briefing.

A government source said:

“He was very unwell at the end of November, and he cut back on his public appearances. A decision was taken to fly him out to seek treatment.”

George Charamba, the spokesman for the presidency, confirmed Chiwenga was out of the country but insisted that he was on a “state assignment.” He declined to name the country.

Chiwenga has received treatment in India, South Africa and China over the last year after going down with an undisclosed illness which manifested in loss of skin pigmentation, weight loss and an apparent skin irritation which caused him to sit animatedly whilst sweating profusely.

His estranged wife, Marry, a former model, has also been unwell for more than a year. Last week, her lawyers told a court that she needed to fly to South Africa for urgent treatment after she developed deep wounds on both her forearms.

Her doctors say she has “severe lymphoedema and spontaneous formation of abscesses whose origins have not been determined.”

After almost six months being treated in China last year, Chiwenga returned home appearing in fairly good health. He has made at least two trips to China since for review, flying in hired private jets.

Chiwenga said Zimbabwean doctors would be barred from writing referral letters for patients to foreign hospitals, even as Zimbabwe’s health facilities remain incapacitated to carry out certain operations due to years of under-investment by the Zanu PF government.

By A Correspondent- A few month after declaring that government was with immediate effect banning health tourism, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been flown to China for treatment.

Chiwenga, declared that government will no longer avail foreign currency to assist cabinet ministers and other senior officials to globe trot and seek medical treatment in state-of-the-art health facilities outside Zimbabwe.

Addressing journalists in his capacity as Health Minister, Chiwenga is onrecord saying the state had stopped footing the medical bills of all senior government officials in order to maintain the national medical bill..

He said:

“We will not export our patients. We will not make referrals to our patients. It is everybody, ministers. Those who have been going out it is you and me. Is it not it? Altogether but that export bill was too high and that is what we want to do away with.”

The 64-year-old former army general has not been seen publicly for over a week.

Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, pre-recorded speeches delivered during virtual World Aids Day commemorations on December 1.

On that day, he did not attend a cabinet meeting, and higher education minister Professor Aaron Murwira took questions as the acting health minister during a post-cabinet briefing.

A government source said:

“He was very unwell at the end of November, and he cut back on his public appearances. A decision was taken to fly him out to seek treatment.”

George Charamba, the spokesman for the presidency, confirmed Chiwenga was out of the country but insisted that he was on a “state assignment.” He declined to name the country.

Chiwenga has received treatment in India, South Africa and China over the last year after going down with an undisclosed illness which manifested in loss of skin pigmentation, weight loss and an apparent skin irritation which caused him to sit animatedly whilst sweating profusely.

His estranged wife, Marry, a former model, has also been unwell for more than a year. Last week, her lawyers told a court that she needed to fly to South Africa for urgent treatment after she developed deep wounds on both her forearms.

Her doctors say she has “severe lymphoedema and spontaneous formation of abscesses whose origins have not been determined.”

After almost six months being treated in China last year, Chiwenga returned home appearing in fairly good health. He has made at least two trips to China since for review, flying in hired private jets.

Chiwenga said Zimbabwean doctors would be barred from writing referral letters for patients to foreign hospitals, even as Zimbabwe’s health facilities remain incapacitated to carry out certain operations due to years of under-investment by the Zanu PF government.

Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network operator, Econet has announced that it will review its voice, data and sms bundles effective 10 December 2020.

Since the stabilisation of the Zimbabwean dollar against the US following the introduction of the forex auction system by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe early this year, mobile network operators have been gradually hiking their voice and data tariffs trying to catch up with prices charged during the multi-currency regime.

By A Correspondent- A few month after declaring that government was with immediate effect banning health tourism, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been flown to China for treatment.

Chiwenga, declared that government will no longer avail foreign currency to assist cabinet ministers and other senior officials to globe trot and seek medical treatment in state-of-the-art health facilities outside Zimbabwe.

Addressing journalists in his capacity as Health Minister, Chiwenga is onrecord saying the state had stopped footing the medical bills of all senior government officials in order to maintain the national medical bill..

He said:

“We will not export our patients. We will not make referrals to our patients. It is everybody, ministers. Those who have been going out it is you and me. Is it not it? Altogether but that export bill was too high and that is what we want to do away with.”

The 64-year-old former army general has not been seen publicly for over a week.

Chiwenga, who is also the health minister, pre-recorded speeches delivered during virtual World Aids Day commemorations on December 1.

On that day, he did not attend a cabinet meeting, and higher education minister Professor Aaron Murwira took questions as the acting health minister during a post-cabinet briefing.

A government source said:

“He was very unwell at the end of November, and he cut back on his public appearances. A decision was taken to fly him out to seek treatment.”

George Charamba, the spokesman for the presidency, confirmed Chiwenga was out of the country but insisted that he was on a “state assignment.” He declined to name the country.

Chiwenga has received treatment in India, South Africa and China over the last year after going down with an undisclosed illness which manifested in loss of skin pigmentation, weight loss and an apparent skin irritation which caused him to sit animatedly whilst sweating profusely.

His estranged wife, Marry, a former model, has also been unwell for more than a year. Last week, her lawyers told a court that she needed to fly to South Africa for urgent treatment after she developed deep wounds on both her forearms.

Her doctors say she has “severe lymphoedema and spontaneous formation of abscesses whose origins have not been determined.”

After almost six months being treated in China last year, Chiwenga returned home appearing in fairly good health. He has made at least two trips to China since for review, flying in hired private jets.

Chiwenga said Zimbabwean doctors would be barred from writing referral letters for patients to foreign hospitals, even as Zimbabwe’s health facilities remain incapacitated to carry out certain operations due to years of under-investment by the Zanu PF government.

By Jane Mlambo| Self exiled former cabinet minister and now fierce critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Professor Jonathan Moyo has promised to drop another bombshell against the first family.

Posting on Twitter, Professor Moyo said he will release damning report on the involvement of the first family in gold smuggling syndicates, the information he claims is unimpeachable.

“Today (8 December 2020) I will upload unimpeachable evidence that Mnangagwa, and his wife Auxillia, are the real barons of money laundering and gold smuggling in Zimbabwe. Don’t miss it,” said Moyo.

Since his escape from Zimbabwe in November 2017, Moyo has used his Twitter account to expose corruption and abuse of office by the Mnangagwa administration.

He has also published a book titled Excelgate which lays bare how the 2018 Presidential elections were allegedly stolen from MDC Alliance candidate Nelson Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- Former Vice President Joice Mujuru is not sick but has been on a diet and exercise weight loss programmes for some time, social media personality Wellence Mujuru has said.

In a post on Facebook, Wellence refuted claims that the former VP was very sick after images showing that Mai Mujuru has lost significant weight, surfaced on social media. He wrote:

I would like to clarify that Joice Mujuru ( Teurai Mujuru) is very well and keeping healthy.

In response to messages and posts that she is sick which is very very untrue after photos of Mhamha with her Grandkids circulating

She has been on a diet and exercise weight loss for some time now and has been very successful, her Doctor has not found anything wrong with her.

Why l have decided to attach those two pictures that reflect her wonderful progress in keeping healthy.

Thank You for those reaching out but she is well.

Since her sacking from the ruling ZANU PF party and government on 2 April 2015, Mai Mujuru’s political fortunes have waned.

Unlike her erstwhile colleagues such as Didymus Mutasa, Mai Mujuru has hitherto avoided rejoining the ruling party

By A Correspondent- MDC-T acting national spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, who doubles as interim party president Thokozani Khupe’s press secretary, has been acquitted of a rape charge.

Phugeni (44) appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Sibongile Marondedze who absolved him saying the case lacked compelling evidence.

Prosecutors said Phugeni unlawfully had sexual intercourse with a minor, who could not be named for ethical reasons, during the period extending from June to November 2018, at Emhlangeni and in Magwegwe West, Bulawayo.

Phugeni denied the charge, saying the accusations were politically-motivated and meant to “politically soil” his image after he was nominated for Senate.

In an interview after the acquittal of Phugeni, the minor’s mother said the acquittal pained her.

She said:

It’s very painful. Words alone cannot explain my hurt, anger and disappointment.

That was an unfair judgment. How can somebody rape a 14-year-old child and say it was consensual?

I will not rest till I find justice for my daughter.

People cannot abuse their positions of authority to violate our kids and women in general.

However, Phugeni’s lawyer Kholwani Ngwenya said the evidence by the complainant and her mother was unreliable and it was discredited.

He said:

The evidence by the complainant and her mother was manifestly unreliable as it was discredited and could not prove a prima facie offence on a charge of rape that the accused person was facing.

He was thus found not guilty and acquitted.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Harare mayor councillor Jacob Mafume, Tuesday approached the High Court for his bail application.

Mafume is being represented by Advocate Harrison Nkomo.

The development comes after Mafume was last week denied bail on the basis that his lawyer was not truthful in the bail application and that he was likely to interfere with investigations.

Rejecting the application for bail, Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande yesterday said:

“Although it was established that four witnesses had their statements recorded, it was also said there are other things that need to be verified from a witness, Plaxedes Koke. It will be in the best interest of justice to allow police to complete their investigations without interference.”

Prosecutor, Mr Panganayi Chiutsi, opposed the granting of bail to Mafume, saying he was likely to interfere with witnesses, who were council employees and that since the State had a strong case against him, he was likely to evade trial once freed.

This is a developing story. More to follow…..

THE Supreme Court has ended a long-standing ownership wrangle of Mashona Queen 3 Mine in Mkaradzi, Mt Darwin, after the apex court upheld the mining commissioner’s decision to cancel Royrama Mining Syndicate’s license.

Royrama Mining Syndicate had been refusing to vacate the mining area owned by Bindura South legislator Remigious Matangira (Zanu PF), resulting in several physical confrontations over the past decade.

The High Court had initially reversed the Mining Commissioner’s decision to cancel Royrama Mining Syndicate’s mining rights, which prompted Matangira to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba, sitting with judge of appeal Justice Tendai Uchena and acting judge of appeal Justice George Chiweshe, set aside the High Court’s decision and dismissed the declaratory order with costs.

Royrama Mining Syndicate and had been at loggerheads with Matangira for over a decade while claiming to be legitimate owners of the gold mining area. The wrangle started in September 2011 when the syndicate pegged two blocks of gold claims in Mkaradzi area known as Corotin B and Corotin C on State land.

On September 6, the two gold claims were registered under the Mines and Minerals Act in the name of the Royrama Mining Syndicate – a partnership involving Adonis Marere, Roy Makumbe and Rabson Gradge.

Matangira, who had mining claims at a nearby piece of land approached Marere, Makumbe and Gradge claiming that Crotin A and B belonged to him, having registered them in 1986.

Irked by Matangira’s claim, the syndicate approached the Mining Commissioner, who indicated that the blocks were not registered when they were allocated in 2011.

Matangira defied the Mining Commissioner’s assertions and started advancing into the mining area, marking the beginning of a protracted mining wrangle. On November 8, 2011, the syndicate approached the Mt Darwin Magistrates Court seeking a peace order and an interdict barring Matangira from disturbing their mining activities.

The court ruled in favour of the syndicate on December 29 after Matangira allegedly failed to produce his mining certificates in court.

Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova after the young legislator had been declared suffering mental ailment.

It is in the state’s case that the three activists were jointly charged with publishing or communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the state and trying to defeat the course of justice by faking their abductions allegedly by state security agents.

“The Applicants intend to apply to the High Court of Zimbabwe sitting in Harare for a review of the Provincial Magistrate’s Court’s decision handed on the 23rd of November 2020.

“Wherein the court granted an application for the separation of the applicants’ trials which had been made by the state,” Mamombe said in her application.

The opposition lawmaker also bases her reason of application on the basis that the magistrate had a wrong reading of her medical reports and that the separation of trials was prejudicial of them.

“The 1st respondent reason for separation of trial was based on a wrong reading of the medical reports,” Mamombe said in the application.

“Further, the separation of trials of the applicants is prejudicial of them.”

Mamombe’s struggles with the law was ignited by a 13 May incident in which they were arrested for staging an anti-government demonstration in Harare’s high density Warren Park suburb and according to the state, this was in violation of Covid-19 lockdown rules imposed by authorities.

The activists however claim they were initially kidnapped at a police roadblock along Samora Machel avenue on their way into the city centre following the protest.

They claim they were first taken to Harare Central police station where they were whisked away by suspected state security agents who went on to subject the activists to horrendous acts of physical torture and sexual abuse.

The ZRP warns individuals and groups from committing crime through cyber-bullying of Government officials who will be performing their Constitutional and lawful obligations in terms of service delivery to Zimbabweans.

The Police is aware that a certain group of suspects who know that their arrest is imminent is fingered and issuing threats and harassing some officials.

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 07 December 2020:

• New cases: 121
• Locals: 121
• Returnees: 0
• Deaths: 3
• Recoveries: 92
• PCR Tests Done: 1 270
• National Recovery Rate: 82.8%
• Active Cases: 1 573
• Total Cumulative Cases: 10 839
• Total Recoveries: 8 972
• Total Deaths: 294

Correspondent

POLICE in Beitbridge yesterday arrested two suspected armed robbers after a brief exchange of gunfire.

The suspects, Admire Songora popularly known as Pele Pele, and Brian Moto also popularly known as Bruda, were nabbed soon after they had robbed a female border jumper of R15 000 near the PaGomo Lodge.

“The two notorious robbers have been terrorising Beitbridge residents and have been robbing, assaulting and raping women, especially those illegally crossing the border,” the Beitbridge police posted on their social media Twitter page.

“They were arrested yesterday evening after robbing a woman at PaGomo Lodge of R15 000. She was on her way to South Africa,” they said.

The Beitbridge police posted the images of the robbery suspects on social media after they were nabbed.

They were later thrown into police cells.

PANIC has gripped the ruling Zanu PF party after two senior party officials on Sunday tested positive for COVID-19 with confirmed cases likely to go up as results of mass tests done recently continue to pour in.

Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu and the party’s director for Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi are now in isolation at home together with affected members of their respective families.

The Zanu PF COVID-19 scare comes as Zimbabwe has recorded 291 deaths with 10 of them having been recorded on Saturday only. Ministry of Health and Child Care COVID-19 statistics yesterday showed that there are 10 718 cases of the virus that have been recorded throughout the country.

However, the country has also recorded 8 880 recoveries.

The party’s secretary for Health David Parirenyatwa yesterday told NewsDay in an interview that the party was now on high alert, adding that all measures were being put in place to curb the further spread of the deadly virus at their headquarters situated in Harare, which also houses a number of party bigwigs and staff. The Zanu PF headquarters also plays host to several party meetings.

“What we did last time was to screen people and the results are coming in batches and all those who have been found to be positive have been asked to go into

self-isolation and to come back after the prescribed date,” Parirenyatwa said without confirming the actual number of those affected.

“When we started the COVID-19 tests as a party, the first batch had five cases but that was about two months ago. So we are now going symptomatically and we check on anyone who would have developed the symptoms. The first time, we did a mass test but now we are following the national policy and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Parirenyatwa said the party was putting on a lot of measures to reduce the spread of the virus that has already claimed millions of lives internationally.

“We are putting a lot of measures now; we screen people at the gate, we do temperature checks and all the normal routine. We are intensifying that and even in our lifts, we have put COVID-19 measures, and as people get into other offices we make sure prevention protocols are observed,” he said.

Mugwadi yesterday took to microblogging site Twitter to announce that he was self-isolating at home and is adhering to all medical tips to suppress the virus.

“I will adhere to every medical tip as I battle this pandemic with my family,” Mugwadi wrote on his social media account.

Acting Zanu PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was not immediately available to comment on the matter.

However, workers at the ruling party headquarters who spoke on condition of anonymity said there were fears that quite a number of people at the party offices could have contracted COVID-19.

Most of the officials work from the building and were feared to have been in close contact with the infected. To make matters worse, they were currently reportedly deployed across the country for the party district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections, whereas according to protocol, they should be in self-isolation.

Over the weekend, Independent Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa also confirmed that his sister, a Zanu PF official and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, had been battling COVID-19 in self isolation.

Mliswa said she was now well after receiving treatment in Harare.

“I can proudly declare she is a COVID-19 survivor,” he said.

Government and the police recently warned Zimbabweans of complacency, and advised the nation to observe all COVID-19 regulations, which include masking up and regular hand washing, as well as social distancing amid reports that there was a second wave of the pandemic that may hit the world and was deadlier.

Internationally, several countries have gone on a second lockdown period due to the second wave of COVID-19.

Despite the warnings of the second deadly wave of the virus, last week, senior Zanu PF officials set tongues wagging after pictures went viral of them feasting during Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s 60th birthday party without facemasks and with no social distancing being observed.

But Mutsvangwa defended the stance saying that all COVID 19 protocols were observed at the party, including testing of the participants.

The senior officials that attended Mutsvangwa’s birthday bash included ministers and government bureaucrats.

Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Zimbabwe, particularly Harare and Bulawayo.

KeYona TV chairperson, Cont Mhlanga is fuming and has threatened to sue all those who made claims on social media that their television station was awarded a licence because of his affiliation to Zanu-PF, saying they owe him 13 heifers each as these are false claims.

When the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) announced that KeYona TV was among six entities that were awarded free to air national television licences last month, there was jubilation in some quarters. However, social media was awash with reports and conspiracy theories with some claiming that those who had been given the green light to operate had links to the ruling party and Government.

Other stations that were given a licence are Zimpapers Television Network, Rusununguko Media (Pvt) Ltd trading as NRTV, Jester Media trading as 3K TV, Acacia Media Group trading as Kumba TV and Channel Dzimbahwe trading as Channel D.

Mhlanga is pained by such claims and wants those who made them to come forward within the next 30 days with evidence that they are true or face a lawsuit.

“The next 30 days (starting from Sunday 6th of December, 2020) are crucial, therefore those with proof that we’re linked with Zanu-PF should come forward and present it to me and the whole nation.

“If the 30 days lapse, all those who wrote and distributed the information will be served with court papers and they will have to incur all legal costs,” said Mhlanga in a statement he issued on Sunday.

“Because of the seriousness of these unfounded claims, as a Ndebele, I expect three heifers to clear my name, five to clear the Amakhosi name and another five heifers to clear KeYona TV.”

A disappointed Mhlanga said instead of being excited about realising his dream of building a reputable television station, he is faced with mudslinging. He said those claiming their TV station was favoured clearly have no idea of the amount of work he has put into this project over the years.

“We however, haven’t received any support in content creation input, supply or funding, but only mudslinging. I was deeply pained to learn that the work, dedication, sacrifices and content I created over the past 40 years of my life is not my intellectual property, but is attributed to Zanu-PF.

“I looked to the whole of Mthwakazi to celebrate and walk this journey with us, but it’s been marred with unfounded allegations that seek to undermine my hard work.”

Explaining why they had decided to go the legal route with this matter, Mhlanga said: “This (pending lawsuit) is a decision taken to ensure that KeYona TV is credited to its rightful owners as we fight to start airing in the near future.”

The television guru went on to ask people to help identify those who were claiming that KeYona TV was awarded because of his connections to Zanu-PF and Government.

“I appeal to you Mthwakazi to help identify the peddlers of all these allegations. It’s my hope that they have tangible proof that will stand in the court of law supporting the claims spewed on social media platforms about Amakhosi, KeYona TV and my persona,” said Mhlanga.

Meanwhile, KeYona TV is set to reveal their team next year at a cocktail that will be held in Bulawayo.

“Successful presenters, scriptwriters, independent producers and the channel’s content management team will be unveiled at a luncheon to be held at Amakhosi studios on the 30th of January, 2021 from midday to 3pm. This comes after the channel successfully hosted its inaugural auditions this past week drawing in a crowd of 475 hopefuls,” the TV station said a statement.

State Media

SIX female juveniles – three below the age of 15 – who were part of the Kwekwe Junior Council were reportedly impregnated or eloped with gold panners during the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

The shocking stats were revealed during a Zimbabwe National Council for Welfare of Children (ZNCWC) annual convention recently.

Kwekwe District has a total of 56 junior councillors from Kwekwe City, Zibagwe Rural District Council and Redcliff Municipality. Zibagwe RDC, which caters for the rural part was the worst affected.

Zibagwe RDC chief executive officer, Mr Farayi Machaya, said concerted effort was needed in addressing abuse of underage girls.

“We are in the process of replacing the councillors and our officials are taking necessary steps to ensure that they are replaced. It is worrying that they are supposed to be role models themselves but the worst then happens to them,” he said.

“It is a touching development that everyone should work in trying to address.”

Ward 13 junior councillor Precious Hove said it was worrying that early marriages were not sparing anyone including her colleagues.

She said relevant authorities including officials from council, victim friendly unit, district development coordinator’s office and Childline among others, made follow ups on the six junior councillors and ascertained the sad development.

Clr Hove said most of her juvenile colleagues fell victim to gold panners who lured them with money.

“We have a huge challenge here in the district due to illegal gold panners who lure young girls with money and they end up falling pregnant or even eloping with the men as they think they might earn a living with them,” she said.

ZNCWC board chair, Dr Lamiel Phiri said the development was worrying, adding that gold panners should be educated.

“Can you imagine losing six junior councillors, this is very bad. This goes on to show how early marriages have wreaked havoc in the country. We hear stories of gold panners ‘swiping’ young girls for a certain fee, I never thought it was serious. I suggest that relevant authorities engage these gold panners and educate them against swiping young girls,” said Dr Phiri.

ZNCWC director, Dr Taylor Nyanhete, said parents should play a leading role in educating their own children on sexual reproductive issues.

“Let us engage our children as a society and not wait for teachers to do that. Let us take responsibility for sexual reproductive education for our children as parents. The home environment is always the best for such education. It takes the whole society to raise a child,” said Dr Nyanhete.

Today (8 December 2020) I will upload unimpeachable evidence that Mnangagwa, and his wife Auxillia, are the real barons of money laundering and gold smuggling in Zimbabwe. Don't miss it!

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) December 7, 2020

Victoria Falls becomes the City of Victoria Falls tomorrow, with President Mnangagwa expected to formally confer the new status at a ceremony where he will also be granted the Freedom of the City, the highest civic honour in recognition of his contribution to the town’s growth.

It will be the first such honour to be given to anyone by the municipality in the history of the town and the first for President Mnangagwa as Head of State.

While city status grants no extra powers not already possessed by a municipality, it is an honour, establishes precedence, and recognises that a municipality has greater national importance than being a local authority in a particular area.

Victoria Falls becomes the first city in Matabeleland North, and only the second after Bulawayo in the three western provinces in Zimbabwe.

The new status recognises its national, and global, importance as the capital and hinge of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, as well as putting it on an equal footing with its older twin across the river, Livingstone.

The city status is a milestone and prestigious achievement for Victoria Falls, which becomes the first municipality to be upgraded by the Second Republic, gives it more name recognition for investors, and opens opportunities for twinning relationships with other cities around the world.

In line with the growing links as the whole area becomes a single international destination, the new city has invited guests from the city councils of Livingstone and Francistown in Botswana, as well as the municipal council of Kasana in Botswana, the town just up the Zambezi from the Falls.

Victoria Falls town clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube, said Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia’s second largest city, share similar backgrounds not only as part of former colonial Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, but also because people found on either side of the Zambezi River are from the same cultural backgrounds.

Victoria Falls has a twinning relationship with Botswana’s second largest city, Francistown, which dates back to about four years ago while Kasane is a key tourism town about 82km from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The city fathers and residents are excited about the development which they believe will help expand industry and create more jobs for the town, whose economy was solely dependent on tourism.

Said Mr Dube: “We have invited Livingstone, Kasane and Francistown municipalities. We have invited them as our neighbours while we have a twinning relationship with Francistown.”

Victoria Falls mayor, Somveli Dlamini, said preparations were at an advanced stage.

“We are ready for the function and a lot of preparatory work has been done including securing the venue. All logistics are being worked on and invitations have been sent out,” he said.

Two months ago, Parliament approved that Victoria Falls be granted city status after recommendation by a commission set by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, about three years ago.

This comes as Government has shown commitment to transform the province, particularly Victoria Falls, which was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with special focus on tourism.

Government wants to make Victoria Falls its conferencing capital and plans to build a multi-purpose convention centre with top-notch facilities such as five-star hotels, a medical centre, a university, a Zimbabwe Defence Forces camp and sporting facilities.

There are plans through the development plan, to improve infrastructure in the town to match world tourism destination standards as well as development the Victoria Falls-Hwange-Binga SEZ comprising Masue and Batoka satellite towns, Hwange, Mlibizi, Binga and Sijalila, along the Zambezi corridor.

Government recently launched the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), which is also expected to lure investors.

The 2012 census says Victoria Falls has 33 000 people, but it is widely thought that the population has grown to about 40 000.

State Media

Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana has acknowledged Government’s efforts to increase the ministry’s budget from the initial cap of $851 million to $1,4 billion, but told a Parliamentary committee yesterday that more was still needed to finalise the digitisation of all television and broadcasting services to reach every home.

Appearing before the Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services he said the budget was still below the $3,7 billion the Ministry wanted next year to fulfil its mandate to disseminate information to every corner of the country.

Entities like the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, Transmedia, ZBC, New Ziana and the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa fall under the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services.

Mr Mangwana said BAZ, which is leading the digitisation of television transmission, had been allocated $684 million from a bid of $1,6 billion, which would delay the digitisation of transmission so signals reach every homestead in the country.

The digitisation started in 2015 and BAZ has so far received US$49,2 million out of the initial US$175 budget for the project with only 18 transmitters out of 48 stations needed countrywide being digitised.

The six new televisions recently licensed would only be able to cover 38 percent of the country when they open.

On Transmedia he said the organisation had been allocated $90 million after making a bid of $542, million which would also affect its ability to capacitate the community radio stations that will be licensed soon. The company was not allocated money to construct a new headquarters despite engineers condemning the present building.

Mr Mangwana, however, thanked Government for allocating a grant to ZBC for the first time in 20 years.

“For nearly 20 years ZBC was never funded from the fiscus and for this year they got a grant and support from the fiscus,” he said.

Mr Mangwana told the committee that the public broadcaster has indicated that it would use the money to pay off its creditors that include content producers and statutory bodies like Zimra and NSSA.

Cross border traders have received a huge relief following an agreement between the Cross Border Traders Association and Kei Laboratories for them to access Covid-19 tests at a concessionary rate.

While other local laboratories charge up to US$60 for such a test, Kei Laboratories will charge US$15 for cross border traders, making it much easier for them to afford the service.

Cross border traders have been stranded since the major borders opened last week, as they could not afford the Covid-19 tests that will enable them to show border officials a positive result before they are allowed out.

The Cross Border Traders Association is working with more than 200 medical doctors across the country who will collect samples from the members and send them to Kei Laboratories in Bulawayo for testing.

Certificates will be issued before one embarks on the journey outside the country and upon return, they will be tested, and this time they will only pay US$10 since they will not get a certificate, but only their results.

Addressing the media in Harare yesterday, Cross Border Traders Association president Mr Killer Zivhu said the initiative came as a relief to cross border traders who had been struggling to raise funds for Covid-19 tests.

“The biggest challenge is that the PCR test is beyond the reach of an ordinary person, let alone a cross border trader,” he said. “To make matters worse, our people have been idle for the past nine months, they have not been operating, and most of them are bankrupt.

“Now, we have entered into an agreement with Kei Laboratories that they test every Cross Border Traders Association member at US$15 or R170 on going out of Zimbabwe, and US$10 on coming back. This comes as boost to our members.”

Mr Zivhu said the association was discouraging the setting up of laboratories at border posts, as people should only travel to the border when they know their status.

“The reason we discourage this is because one can travel from as far as Murehwa to Beitbridge not knowing that they are Covid-19 positive,” he said. “They will be spreading the virus all the way to the border.

“So we encourage that people must be tested at their places and only travel after knowing their status, and they can actually collect the certificates at the border, but having been informed of their status before travelling.”

RE: Petition on teacher re-grading and COVID 19 allowance.

We the teachers of Zimbabwe, categorized as grade C by the employer and organizing under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ;

Aggrieved by the employers’ failure to re-grade the majority of us who have acquired higher qualifications including diplomas, undergraduate Degrees and Masters Degrees;

Angered by the move to exclude us from the 10% COVID 19 allowance meant for teachers;

Realising that we are exposed to the COVID19 risk like other teachers;

Noting that Section 56 of Zimbabwe’s constitution outlaws discrimination;

Do hereby petition your esteemed office to;

Re-grade all Grade C teachers who have attained higher qualifications;Disburse 10% COVID19 allowance to all teachers since they are confronted by the same risk.

We are giving your esteemed office 7 days to respond to our humble petition.

By A Correspondent | For years, many Zimbabweans have continued alleging that the husband is bitter over their breakup which led to Gen Constantino Chiwenga taking over his wife, but a Facebook account named after Marry Chiwenga’s ex hubby, Shingi Kaondera on Monday evening posted a heartfelt message praising the woman.

It announced saying she is stronger than any disease or court case, the latter which is being used to abuse her.

The development comes after Marry Mubaiwa (nee)’s wounded hands were revealed in pictures late last week, her bank account was frozen by the government, at a time when on Sunday Constantino Chiwenga through his aide speaking to ZimEye.com bullied her saying unlike her, he will never go hungry because, “inini ndinogara nekatundu kangu kanenge kakakwana”- FULL INTERVIEW ON ZIMEYE.COM

I WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY, inini ndinogara nekatundu kangu kanenge kakakwana – VP Chiwenga's aide speaking on his cellphone answering to reports of ill treating his own wife, Marry. FULL INTERVIEW ON https://t.co/eY98GsdO0a pic.twitter.com/Q12WDdmp16

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 7, 2020

Marry Mubaiwa was injured in the White City bombing back in June 2018, an incident that got her hospitalised.

While her husband received high class medical treatment abroad in South Africa and thereafter in China, Marry neglected her own health chosing to spend time looking after her husband travelling with him and taking care of him in hospitals.

He would later after Bouncing Back having recovered begin to accuse her of trying to kill him inside a hospital in South Africa. Constantino Chiwenga opened a prosecution against Marry on baseless allegations saying the incident happened in a hospital in South Africa 4 months before in 2019.

While the case has remained hanging for more than a year to date without any admissible evidence whatsoever, her husband’s own relative, serving as a maid, has laid charges of allegedly assaulting her (the maid) at a school.

It is because of all these charges that Marry has been out on remand, only freed on bail, and her passport has been seized.

On Monday evening, Shingi Kaondera dispelled the rumour that he is bitter over the couple’s breakup which led to the military general taking over his wife.

He posted a picture of the couple while saying, ” May we all pray for Mary, may God revive her spirit, may she live to see, the wedding of our 1st dawta Destiny, I believe in u
Mai D u are stronger than any disease or any court case!! #they_cant_afford_u-Peace!!”

Meanwhile, below was the interview with vice president Constantino Chiwenga’s aide on Sunday….

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has revealed how his uncle was kicked out of the Airforce.

Speaking at his mother’s memorial service in Chiwara, Gutu on Saturday, President Chamisa said his uncle- identified as Rukweza- was fired from the Airforce following his visit to Manyame Airbase.

“You cannot believe what I am saying but it’s true.My uncle was dismissed from the Airforce simply because I had visited him.

He was kicked out of Manyame Airbase following my visit to the place with Learnmore Judah Jongwe long back.

The level of intolerance in the country is shocking,” said President Chamisa.

“I salute my uncle because he is a principled man.He has never compromised his affection for the family,” added President Chamisa.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has accused Zanu PF of denigrating traditional leaders.

Speaking at his mother’s memorial service in Gutu on Saturday, President Chamisa said traditional leaders should not be used by Zanu PF to harass opposition members.

“Traditional leaders are being abused by Zanu PF. Traditional leaders deserve respect and they should be apolitical.

It is sad to note that Zanu PF is using traditional leaders to victimize opposition members.

Traditional leaders are highly esteemed people,” said President Chamisa.

On the way forward he said:

“What we know is victory is certain, it’s only a matter of time.Every struggle has its own unique characteristics.We know exactly what we are doing – please do not panic.

Zanu PF has run out of ideas – that’s an undeniable fact.

I know some people are saying we are failing to deal with Zanu PF tyranny- that’s not true.

We are marching towards total freedom.It is everyone’s duty to fight for freedom – It’s not about Chamisa alone.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Villagers in Zimuto, Masvingo have been left speechless after a local man brutally killed his eight-year-old nephew and cooked his head.

The suspect has since been arrested and police are waiting for tests to determine his mental condition.

See full story below :

A MAN here reportedly killed his eight-year-old nephew, dismembered the head and cooked it.

The 22-year-old suspect from Matova Village near Gokomere Mission under Chief Zimuto ,was found by alert neighbours stewing the boy’s head in a pot after barricading himself inside his hut.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the juvenile’s torso was

found stashed in a nearby shallow pool.

“We will release the name of the suspect and the deceased tomorrow (today) but the suspect is in police custody and investigations are underway to determine his mental state,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“He was found cooking the boy’s head in a kitchen hut, while the remaining parts of the body were recovered in a shallow pool, wrapped in a mosquito net.

“Investigations are underway.”

According to sources, the incident occurred when the boy, who was in Grade 2 at Matova Primary School, sought shelter from the heavy rains at his uncle’s home on Friday.

The suspect is alleged to have killed the boy before cutting off his head.

A search for the boy yesterday morning led to the recovery of his head after a relative forced his

way into the suspect’s kitchen

where he had locked himself from inside.-State Media

Tinashe Sambiri|
A Mberengwa sex worker known as “Sisi Tsvigiri” has claimed she had sex with her blood brother after using love charms.

Sisi Tsvigiri, whose real name is Eugenia Chirevai Chiwara, was caught in bed with her own brother last week.

Family sources said she then drank poison in an attempt to take her own life following the incident.

Sisi Tsvigiri confessed that she was given love charms by controversial Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi.

“Because of poverty I went to Makomichi to seek the love charm and he gave me a substance to rub on my hands and said if I shake hands with someone then that person will automatically fall in love with me and do everything I want.

Sometimes I forget that I should not shake hands with my relatives.

I am regreting and I am willing to revisit Makomichi so that he can reverse the love charm,” said Eugenia.

Church leaders in Masvingo say Makomichi’s herb is evil because it is a tool that is being used to collect money through the back door.

A defiant Makomichi blamed Eugenia for the mistake she made.

Makomichi is under pressure to disclose the source of his love charm.

Tinashe Sambiri |Zanu PF spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa instructed the police to arrest and detain MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti, it has emerged.

According to MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, Hon Biti presented himself to be police after being informed that there was a plan to arrest him.

There are claims that Hon Biti threatened Russian national Tatiana Aleshina.

Advocate Mahere argued Chinamasa literally ordered the police to arrest Hon Biti.

“Zanu PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said the police should arrest Hon Biti.

This suggests that the police received instructions from the Zanu PF spokesperson.

Mr Nick Mangwana also ordered the police to arrest Hon Biti.

When Hon Biti was in police custody, he was denied food.He was also exposed to Coronavirus because the police officers were not wearing face masks.There were no sanitizers at the police station,” said Advocate Mahere.

Hon Biti was granted $ 10 000 bail.