Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz Presudent) | Gvt seem to have adopted a wait and see attitude allowing schools to swim into Covid 19 pandemic first before intervening to close affected institutions for non exam classes. Such half- hearted measures are not a panacea to combating covid 19 but mere reflective of gvt’s arrogance and hardline stance impermeable to reason and facts. Gvt has not also provided clear guidelines on how to invigilate covid 19 positive candidates, neither has it distributed full kits for such a dangerous feat thereby leaving invigilators susceptible to infection.
Cases -over 200 cases of covid 19 at John Tallach in Mat North, school closed for non exam classes, and candidate students quarantined at the school. -more than 88 cases at Chinhoyi High, Mash West. School closed to non exam classes and affected students quarantined. -more than 20 cases at All Souls Mission, Mutoko -19 cases at Anderson Adventist High, Gweru, Midlands. Students quarantined at the school.
Reported cases, Heretal College -11 students and two teachers tested positive at Mtshabezi High, Mat South.
more than 19 cases at Matopo High, Mat South and school closed. -reported cases at Emakhadeni Primary, Bulawayo -reported cases at Girls College. -reported cases at Khumalo Primary School -2 cases reported at George Silundika, Mat North -3 reported cases Rujeko Primary, Masvingo -Reported cases, Prince Edward, Harare -Reported case, David Livingstone, Harare -Boarding kids have tested positive, Selbourne Routledge Primary, Harare. -reported case, Avocar Primary, Bindura -confirmed cases of ten teachers, 23 pupils, Bindura Urban Schools -reported cases, plumtree schools, Mat South. -70 learners and 2 teachers have reportedly tested positive to covid 19 at Wadilove High. Non exam classes closed. -25 learners reportedly tested positive to covid 19, Goromonzi High, school closed for non exam classes. -One confirmed case at Ruya High, Mashonaland Central.
9 confirmed cases at Sanyati Baptist High, Mash West. Condition reportedly stable. -3 confirmed cases, Rupert’s Sec School, Makonde District, Mash Central -Many other teachers and students are positive but have not yet been tested or are waiting for confirmation of results.
It is dangerous for gvt to gamble with lives of teachers and learners.
Schools are ill- prepared to invigilate covid 19 positive candidates as invigilators fear to be infected by the pandemic. Invigilators are withdrawing their service fearful of covid 19 running riot in schools as well as Zimsec failure to pay invigilators. The best way forward is closing schools before the situation in schools totally gets out control and compiling students’ marks from coursework over two years.
The Warriors technical team has named 34 players in the provisional squad for the CHAN finals to be played in Cameroon from the 16th of January next year.
The players are expected to be in the camp between the 6th and 20th of December, break camp for the festive period between the 21st and the 27th December, and then regroup on 28 December until 15 January.
Zimbabwe will play against Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali in the group stage of the tournament.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has promoted over 5 000 officers to various ranks, in what is considered to be one of the biggest changes in the force in recent history.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development to the Daily News, saying promotion is part of the job system just like in any organisation to fill vacancies that arise due to various reasons.
Over 1 511 police officers have been elevated to the rank of assistant inspector, while 173 became sergeant majors and 3 945 being promoted to the rank of sergeant.
A radio communication dispatched on November 30 which revealed the latest flurry of promotions was confirmed by Nyathi. It read:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only the top three per each rank per district shall attend the conferment parade, taking cognisance of female representation on a ratio one female to two males.
The rest of the promoted members shall remain at their stations. Police General Headquarters departments shall submit names of members who shall attend the conferment parade to CSO admin using the same ratio per province.
All promoted members shall not put on the new badges of rank until after conferment. Staff officer ordinance shall start issuing out new badges of rank on 01/12/20 guided by this signal.
The commissioner-general of police congratulates you on the attainment of your new ranks.-Daily News
ZANU PF Acting Spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa yesterday likened his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa to Rhodesia’s first tax rebel, Nehanda Nyakasikana, saying he is the new Mbuya Nehanda. (Video)
He said this as he announced that ZANU PF is demanding the return of heads of the country’s heroes and heroines who were beheaded during the First Chimurenga for decent burials from Britain.
This comes as the country is presently erecting a statue for First Chimurenga war heroine Mbuya Nehanda in Harare’s central business district (CBD) as part of the Second Republic’s thrust to honour and immortalise the memory of its national heroes and heroines.
Addressing a Press conference yesterday, Chinamasa said the “continuing retention in British museums of the heads of heroes and heroines of the First Chimurenga remains for Zimbabwe an act of shame and indignation and humiliation which can only be mitigated through immediate repatriation of the heads to Zimbabwe so that they are properly laid to rest and are united in spirit with their kith and kin”.
“Zanu PF is therefore demanding the immediate repatriation of the human heads to Zimbabwe. We call upon the British people to do one decent thing in their long colonial history by heeding this call for repatriation,” said Chinamasa.
During the First Chimurenga, the British colonialist beheaded some of the country’s foremost freedom fighters who had challenged colonialism through an armed uprising.
The heads of the likes of Mbuya Nehanda, Sekuru Kaguvi, Chief Mashayamombe Chinengundu, Chief Makoni Chingaira, Mapondera, Mashonaganyika, Mutekedza Chiwashira and 25 others were taken to Britain as war trophies.
Chinamasa added that illegal sanctions that have been imposed on the country by Britain and her allies as well as the continued maligning of the President and the First Family on social media platforms are the equivalent of the beheading of the First Chimurenga heroes as the country’s erstwhile colonisers still aspire to loot the country’s resources.
“The enemy goes after the scalp of our leader first and they hope that once he has fallen and is discredited, the country’s resources will be ready for the picking and neo-colonial exploitation.
“Sanctions against Zimbabwe and the orchestrated social media onslaught against our President and the First Family are the modern equivalents of public beheading and lynching in colonial times,” he said.
Chinamasa urged Zimbabweans to remain steadfast and continue marching solidly behind his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa towards the attainment of Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle class economy.
The unresolved issue of the heads of the country’s heroes and heroines, said Chinamasa, should be an eye opener to so-called human rights activists and those in the opposition who view the West as doyens of democracy and human rights as those countries have blood of innocent people on their hands.
“Zimbabweans should never have short memories and permit a situation where cap in hand they go to imperialists, colonialists and neo-colonialists for lessons on human rights. As do any black persons who live in their countries. They will tell you frankly that they are not accorded any basic human rights nor are they given any respect as human beings. As Zimbabweans, as Africans, as human beings we should not be too forgiving, readily forgetful of the wrongs and evils perpetrated against us as a people”
Gweru – A self-styled spiritual healer was charged with indecent assault after he shaved off hair from a 17-year-old girl’s private parts and the armpits in order to deliver her from spiritual husbands.
On the second day the accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth, spread lotion in her armpits before inserting his fingers into her private parts.
Lingani Ncube (42) was convicted by Zvishavane Magistrate Charity Tonongera on two counts of indecent assault for the act. He was sentenced to three months in jail or $2 000 fine, eight months were wholly suspended for five years.
Prosecutor Tinashe Maponde said on September 23, 2020 the complainant and her mother went to Ncube’s house for spiritual deliverance.
While at Ncube’s place the mother was delivered first.
After delivering the complainant’s mother Ncube called the complainant to his bedroom for deliverance.
The court heard that while in the bedroom Ncube pushed the complainant to the floor, removed her pant and started shaving her.
When the complainant tried to stop Ncube, he told her that it was his way of delivering people and the same had just been done to the teen’s mother.
After shaving the complainant was ordered to take a bath and she later left with her mother.
The following day the complainant and her mother came back again and she went straight to Ncube’s bedroom.
The accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth and spread lotion on her armpit while inserting his fingers into her private part.
The complainant screamed for help and went to report the incident to her mother. A Police report was filed leading to Ncube’s arrest. -Masvingo Mirror
Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance deputy national chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa of personalizing State resources.
Hon Sikhala said Zimbabweans should not be cowed into submission by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Fighting for justice and happiness requires tenacity and never to accept to be cowed by anyone.
This country belongs to Zimbabweans. The fight against poverty and political cannibalism is a calling to some of us. It’s in the blood. This country does not belong to ED and his cabal,” Hon Sikhala wrote on Twitter.
A male ‘relative’ of the 1896 tax rebel, Nehanda Nyakasikana is set to stop the erection of her statue as he says government has bypassed traditional rites by not engaging her family.
a notice of set down – unopposed roll demanding to stop the erection of the Nehanda statue, meaning the Respondents will lose by default.
Mr Felix Elijah Shamuyarira, who says he is a maternal relative of Mbuya Charwe, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, said in court papers the government was making a grave mistake by going ahead with the statue before a cleansing ceremony is conducted in the “dirty” city of Harare.
The Nehanda statue to be erected in the Harare CBD
He said the city had to be cleansed of the spirits of a lot of innocent lives that have been lost in recent years.
Work on erecting the statue started in Harare this month and is expected to be completed in two months.
Shamuyarira cites Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, his Local Government counterpart July Moyo, National Archives of Zimbabwe director Ivan Murambiwa, National Museums and Monuments director Godfrey Mahachi and National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda as respondents in the court case.
Shamuyarira wants Kazembe, Moyo, Murambiwa and Mahachi interdicted from erecting the statue of Mbuya Charwe, also known as Nyakasikana, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue.
He said the project must be declared unlawful in the absence of a consent document signed by her four “blood” family members, two representatives of the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, chiefs Chiweshe and Hwata and two other individuals.
Shamuyarira questioned why chiefs Hwata and Chiweshe were not engaged or informed about the statue yet they were responsible for preserving the traditions of the areas they govern where Charwe originated from.
He said since independence in 1980, the government did not bother to meet with or appreciate Charwe’s family for the work she had done as a spirit medium during the liberation struggle.
Shamuyarira said a meeting was called on July 3 in Mazowe where representatives of Charwe’s maternal and paternal families agreed that the government had made a mistake by not engaging them, adding “it adds more injury to a broken heart”.
“The family members and Chief Hwata, together with their spirit mediums maintain that the government of Zimbabwe and its leadership made a grave mistake in announcing their mission to the world without first engaging them on such important, national and historical matters that directly affect them,” Shamuyarira said.
“The erection of the statue is of great importance as it is clearly apparent that Charwe did not die a natural death as she was murdered by the colonial regime of the settler British colonialists.
“As a matter of fact, the Hwata people have since independence remained secretive as the execution of Charwe traumatises them to this present day, hence the need of a healing process for them at national level. According a special day in our calendar to be declared a national holiday and in her name as already directed and pleaded to our authorities with due respect, remains necessary,” Shamuyarira added.
He also said sacred mountains where spirit mediums were buried have been vandalised by illegal miners.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has dismissed claims that he called for unity talks with Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Hon Sikhala says he does not have a grain of respect for Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
A daily paper has claimed Hon Sikhala is pushing for dialogue with Mr Mnangagwa.
Below is part of Hon Sikhala’s statement:
In desperate, attempts to bid for whoever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!
This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Tweet calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought my Tweet meant unity with Mnangagwa.
Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow…
For clarity the unity that I was referring to in my Tweet was the unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as portrayed by the Daily News.
I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to the press but he insisted on a comment on my Tweet.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye…
Two suspected armed robbers, believed to be part of a Harare gang that has been offering lifts to people before robbing them of their cash and valuables have been arrested.
Blessing Kamushanga (26) and Oscar Mhozha (26) were allegedly targeting women in and around the Southerton area were arrested following reports made to the police.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the two were suspected of offering lifts to women in their Honda Fit vehicle around Southerton area and would later rob the victims of handbags, cash and other valuables.“A cellphone and bank cards were recovered. They are expected to appear in court soon. Members of the public who may have fallen victim are urged to come forward,” he said.
During the past few months, police have been warning commuters against boarding unregistered private vehicles at undesignated points as some of these were driven by robbers. The criminals were using Toyota Raum, Spacio, Ipsum and Honda Fit vehicles.
The criminals usually go to undesignated places to pick-up unsuspecting commuters and there will be three to seven occupants in the vehicle who pretend to be in a hurry or to be running away from traffic police officers.
Meanwhile, a white Mazda Demio which was stolen in an armed robbery where US$6 000 cash was also taken in Msasa, Harare on Wednesday has been recovered after being dumped in Chishawasha.
Police have been intensified investigations to identify the six suspects involved in the armed robbery. – Herald
A Bulawayo man is living a “hellish” life at the hands of his abusive wife who is said to be a shebeen queen and allegedly takes pleasure in beating him up.
Raphael Dube from Mzilikazi claimed his alcoholic wife Tapiwa Mhlanga challenges his authority when drunk by frequently beating him up.
Dube, who was seeking a protection order at the Bulawayo Civil Court said whenever he tried to reprimand his wife over her drinking habits and conduct of entertaining a lot of men at home, she turned violent.
Narrating his ordeal, he cited frequent battery and threat to his life as reasons for his prayers for a protection order.
“I am applying for a protection order against my wife Tapiwa Mhlanga and we got married in 2016. She physically abuses me. She also consumes alcohol and unlawfully sells it at our house.
“Whenever I reprimand her about her drinking habits and her conduct of entertaining a lot of men at our house, she becomes violent and insults me. She also tears off my clothes. This happened on several occasions and I have made several reports at Barbourfields Police Station to no avail,” complained Dube.
Dube, who was seemingly sick of living in an abusive marriage, said his wife was also economically abusing him.
“She is also economically abusive as she has been with my bank card for over three years and she doesn’t buy food in the house. I no longer feel safe at home,” he grumbled.
Mhlanga, who was not opposed to her husband’s application instead submitted that he was the one who was the source of their marital disputes because of his infidelity.
“I am not opposed to his application for a protection order but he is the one who is behind the source of our problems. The other time he was working at Turk Mine, he was in the habit of going out with his friends and would switch off his phones. I later discovered that he was having an affair with a neighbour and I saw their pictures in the phone.
“As if that is not enough, I also caught him red-handed naked at Siphiwe Moyo’s house. When I tried to make a report at the police station, they made a counter-one that I had stolen their money amounting to $30. After busting him he approached my parents and asked for forgiveness. I however, forgave him in a bid to save my marriage,” said Mhlanga.
In the interest of peace and order the presiding magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu granted a reciprocal order which compels the couple to keep peace by not verbally and physically abusing each other.
The magistrate also ordered Mhlanga to return her husband’s bank card. – B Metro
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has dismissed claims that he called for unity talks with Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Hon Sikhala says he does not have a grain of respect for Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
A daily paper has claimed Hon Sikhala is pushing for dialogue with Mr Mnangagwa.
Below is part of Hon Sikhala’s statement:
In desperate, attempts to bid for whoever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!
This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Tweet calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought my Tweet meant unity with Mnangagwa.
Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow…
For clarity the unity that I was referring to in my Tweet was the unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as portrayed by the Daily News.
I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to the press but he insisted on comment on my Tweet.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye…
Another 15 000 to 20 000 qualified but unemployed teachers are being recruited by the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry in line with a directive from President Mnangagwa, with 5 300 already in place, enabling schools to run smaller classes and minimise the risk of a spike in Covid-19 infections.
The newly employed join more than 80 percent active personnel that are reporting for duty normally following the recent salary agreement between civil service unions and the Government.
This was confirmed by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema who also gave an update on the management of public examinations which started this week.
“President Mnangagwa directed that we should employ all qualified teachers and we have started that process with our ministry, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development,” said Minister Mathema.
“WHO (World Health Organisation) and the Ministry of Health requires us to reduce the number of learners in a classroom to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. We have recruited more teachers so that we break our classes into smaller numbers and we are working on recruiting more.
“The Ministry of Health has done very well in this regard. If you look at doctors and nurses most of the qualified staff are employed and we want a model that will also see all our professionals being employed as well.”
Minister Mathema said his ministry, with the technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, had done well in response to the pandemic but said those not observing public health protocols were a worry.
“We are adhering to preventative protocols and we have systems in place to respond to any cases. For example, like what happened at John Tallach we quickly activated our systems to contain the spread and make sure learners are safe.
“However, there are people in our communities who are not adhering to guidelines. These people are guardians and parents, they are risking everyone, and we continue to implore the proper wearing of face masks.
“Of course at the moment we do not have that evidence but we are suspecting that infections are coming from home, with parents and guardians who are not properly wearing their masks,” he said.
Minister Mathema reiterated the Government’s readiness to administer public examinations expected to start today after putting in place adequate measures informed by WHO guidelines, to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Zimbabwe is one of the few countries that held public examinations in June, recording a 17.91 percent pass rate for Ordinary Level and 67.06 percent for Advanced Level, a slight fall from last year but better than other years like 2016.
Minister Mathema said the June examinations were held successfully without any incident and is expecting a similar outcome this time around.
DEMYSTIFYING THE MYTHS PEDDLED BY DETRACTORS: MASVINGO YOUTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS
By: Nyahunda SD
The detractors have gone rampant to the extent of creating malicious stories against a people and several institutions in a bid to soil the images of organisations and other people. The reasons and and intentions are best known by themselves and those peddling falsehoods. It is very unfortunate finding the shock of our lives to wake up Sunday morning reading malicious stories from the state apparatus and media pundits attempting to soil the smooth process of MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS which was conducted on the 28th of November at the provincial party offices.
We read the disturbing news that the Congress was funded by Non Governmental Organizations amongst them MACRAD ( MASVINGO CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND DEMOCRACY) and COTRAD which is not only a creation but manouvres by the enemies of change to regard MDC ALLIANCE as a donor funded party. The two mentioned organizations are not in any way associated with the MDC ALLIANCE party , what we might only share is selflessly working for the communities and a vision to see a better Zimbabwe where everyone who calls it home living in harmony and peacefully. MDC ALLIANCE is an independent entity and it’s funding comes from it’s millions of supporters and well-wishers. We have subscriptions and individual leaders within the party who contribute towards any Noble cause and thus attempting to link or regard our YTH ASSEMBLY as an extension of Civic organizations is the latest onslaught on the image of the party especially by implicating the members who are helping the communities with all their will and bridging the Gap that our government is failing to fill.
The Masvingo MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS was funded by the party. Members hired their transport and had to converge for that noble cause which was outstanding for nearly two years. The Congress saw Masvingo uniting and coming up with it’s substantive leadership which we all know the regime was happy seeing a disunited Assembly as they tried to divide and rule the people.
It is from this point of departure that I enequivocally avd strongly denounce the attempt to soil the Civic organisations for the best reasons known to those peddling such falsehoods.
As much as I understand, there was an attempt to bar COTRAD from operating in MASVINGO district sometime last year through the regime hands and the latest attempt to link up MDC ALLIANCE programs with COTRAD is the latest attempt to push selfish agenda which only exists in the myopic minds of few fools and mendacity coming from unholy alliance of baboon and monkey kingdoms.
It was difficult bringing our Yths together to the Congress and our lorries were at times impounded. The regime was trying by all means to make sure our youths do not reach the venue of the convergence. Teargas smoke replaced the air space and gunshots were heard in an attempt to silence the voice of reason. These manouvres were only aimed to make sure the Masvingo Youth Decide Agenda does not come to fruition. It was however an exercise in futility as the substantive executive was put in place on the day against all evil alliances.
Therefore, the creation of such falsehoods trying to implicate Civic organizations is a desperate attempt by the cabal which failed to prop up its agenda and what is happening now is diversionary tactics of a regime heading metaphysical abyss.
Together stronger
Towards magnanimity and unanimity
Nothing will stop and idea whose time has come.
Towards an egalitarian society which is possible during our lifetime
Inserted By:
Nyahunda Struggle Desire (Director Of Elections~MASVINGO MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY)
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that two people were killed in separate accidents that happened in Bulawayo on Monday.
Police provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said in the first accident, a conductor who is from Budiriro suburb in Harare was killed by a reversing Harare-bound bus.
Ncube said:
The first incident occurred around 8:15 AM along Bulawayo-Harare road near corner Simon Parirenyatwa and First Avenue. A learner driver who was driving a Harare- bound Rimbi Zhong Tong Bus killed the bus conductor on the spot while reversing. The conductor was standing behind the bus.
Insp Ncube said the conductor suffered head injuries and fractures and his body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem.
He added that the accident could have been avoided had the bus crew loaded passengers at designated points.
Insp Ncube indicated that the second accident occurred at around 9 PM along Matopos Road when a pedestrian was knocked down by a speeding driver in a Nissan NP300. He said:
The pedestrian is a male aged around 37 years, who was wearing blue jeans and a yellow T-shirt.
The pedestrian was trying to cross the road when he was hit by the car and fell by the side of the road. He sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. His body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem.
He said the driver failed to exercise caution in the wet conditions while the deceased also did not take a proper look before crossing the road.
Insp Ncube urged both drivers and pedestrians to be very cautious and practice great care, especially during the festive seasons to avoid loss of life.
There is usually a surge in the number of road accidents during the festive season with some attributed to overspeeding and or the sorry state of the roads.
A Grade 7 pupil at Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge was stabbed to death with a knife by his classmate on their way from school.
The boy was confirmed dead upon admission at the Chipinge District Hospital this Tuesday.
The pupil from Macheta community under Chief Musikavanhu reportedly is said to have died due to excessive bleeding after he was stabbed once on the heart.
The tragedy was confirmed by Chipinge District Schools Inspector, Mr Richard Gabaza, who said details that led to the incident are still sketchy.
Mr Gabaza also indicated that the police had picked up suspects for questioning.
The incident comes amid reports of wayward behaviour among learners particularly since the reopening of schools on the 28th of September.
Some observers attribute the behaviour to teachers’ absence in school saying there is no one to monitor and control learners.
Teachers embarked on industrial action when schools reopened demanding the restoration of their 2018 salaries which were around USD500.- ZBC News
PICTURE- Mbuya Nehanda Statue set to be erected in Harare. RETWEET if you are of the opinion that the statue is not an image of the late revolutionary or LIKE if you think the statue is a true image of Mbuya Nehanda #MbuyaNehanda statue pic.twitter.com/1aPRiJ5Pnk
By Hon Job Wiwa | The Daily News today the 3rd of December 2020, really shocked me by leading their paper with lies intending to blackmail my person by a lying headline that I suggested on my Twit which I called the people of Zimbabwe to unite to confront our mirage of governance challenges on the problems authored by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In desperate, attempts to bid for whomever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa.
My foot!!. This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Twit calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought for the sake of bidding my Twit meant unity with Mnangagwa. Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow for me to suggest any form of talk with him.
For clarity the unity by my Twit was unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as spoken by the Daily News. I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to any press at the moment but he insisted on comment on my Twit which I politely and intelligently avoided.
For engagement in the future, the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye.
A Harare woman on Monday made sensational claims that her nephew has flaunted his manhood in her face several times.
Miriam Chisvo made the revelation at the magistrate’s court where she narrated the harassment perpetrated by her late sister’s son Michael Chinamano.
Chisvo was seeking protection from the courts.
She told the court that Chinamano was also forcing her out of a property left behind by her late parents.
“He is my late sister’s son and he is making me suffer for inheriting my parents’ property.
“Whenever he gets drunk he pulls down his pants and flaunts his manhood in my face, I don’t know his intentions anymore,” Chisvo claimed.
She added that;
“He has been threatening to burn me in the house and sometimes locks the house as early as 5 am when he lives for work.
“I no longer feel safe in my home, sometimes he tempers with electric cables so that I get electric shocks.
“He buys a special beer that he drinks with friends every day after work, when he gets drunk he insults me and calls me all sorts of names,” she said.
Chisvo claimed her nephew forcibly occupied their kitchen which he has turned into a bedroom and always locks every day at 5am.
Chinamano counter claimed that his aunt was making up stories because of an existing rift between them.
“All she is saying is made up, there is no truth in it except that we both sometimes insult each other.
“We have been having problems ever since my mother’s death, she no longer wants me at the house and she is doing everything to achieve that.
“She has already caused a rift between me and my sisters and restricted a grown man like me and my belongings in a small kitchen,” said Chinamano.
However, Chinamano later consented to the granting of a protection against him.
Presiding over the matter, magistrate Meenal Narotum granted the application by consent refraining Chinamano from verbally, physically or threatening to harass his aunt.-H-Metro
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA | A month after the elections in the United States of America time we still don’t know the final outcome of the U.S. presidential election. We may not know for some time. But it is likely true that Joe Biden might have won and Trump is indeed on his way out. The result ultimately depended on a small number of states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
The uncertain outcome precludes a full reckoning with what the election results tell us about politics, public policy and broader trends in American society. But it doesn’t mean that we can’t start to draw some preliminary insights based on what we know thus far — including, of course, the unexpected tightness of the race between President Donald Trump and former vice-president Joe Biden. Nobody expected that America will bring to the world such confused results and a fierce tug of war. It was never expected that American President will refuse to lose gracefully.
It might be true that once again the world underestimated President Trump’s level of support with the American electorate. The situation surrounding the 2020 USA elections and their disputed outcomes is not a unique one at all. Sincere people have always known that democracy is not an exact science and that indeed elections are an ineviably emotive affair.
What makes the events in America astonishing is the clear sign of confusion exhibited by a nation which has appointed itself a master of efficiency and democracy.
What is new, however, in the USA’s election contestation, is that President Trump, to his supreme credit, has blown up in smoke the myth and the universal hypocrisy that Westerners in general and Americans in particular are infallible human beings; that their processes and systems are impeccable; that their democracy is saintly and that their politics is frictionless. The standard America tries to place on other countries has obviously escaped the American System.
Many governments around the world do right to adopt a stance of non-interference in the USA post -election situstion. We refrain not because the USA is a superpower but we do so because non- interference with the internal affairs of sovereign state is the right thing to do. We do so because we not only do we respect the democratic right of Americans to choose but also their right to resolve an election aftermath issues.
We invite ambassador…… ( USA ambassador to Zimbabwe) who has a perchance for meddling, to reflect on the stance we take and learn therefrom.
The controversy surrounding the USA 2020 elections are really not the issue. The controversy is a symptoms of underlying issues in the USA society at all levels, including societal divisions, poverty, race issues , inequality etc. Americans are deeply and viciously divided. We now have known that the oft,-repeated prayer ‘God bless America” which presumtously assumes a special blessing for Americans, cannot mask the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. Everyone has their trials and tribulations.
America has been divided since the days of the slave trade, which phenomenon is an indeliable ugly scar on the face of humankind. This has continued to the 1960s, the era of the fight for civil rights. Now we have the agonised cry of “Black Lives Matter”.
Zimbabwe does not aim to show that the USA is a bad country. Far from it. There are wonderful things happening in that country. Just to name a few, the USA is an extraordinarily rich country whose resources support millions of people around the world either through direct assistance or via the United Nations’s multiple organs such as Unicef, Save the Children and WHO. The USA is a leader in technology and innovation. The point, however, is that it is not an infalliable nation. Therefore it is important that the USA uses towards itself, the very measures and standards that it imposes on other nations. ( How many nations have summoned the USA representatives in their capitals to come and explain what is happening ? None. Can you imagine what the USA government would be doing if the boot was in the other foot! The Western media would be going on and on portraying thst country as a banana republic.
Perhaps what is happening right now in the USA lead some in that country to re-think the counter productive doctrine of American exceptionalism. Donald Trump was continually ridiculed for referring to himself as the greatest USA president after President George W.Washington. While the latter left the Americans to victory over imperialism, President Trump has triumphed liberating many Americans from the dehumanising and self-induced doctrine that they are a perct nation always looking down to “inferior nations’. Brovo President Trump on this one achievement.
While Americans spent a lot of time being the world’s police In the actual sense they had become turned off by Trump’s erratic handling of the pandemic, his norm-breaking leadership and the persistent drama that has followed him and his administration. The world is again hoodwinked by Biden’s implicit message of a “return to normalcy” means that all the years America was insulting Zimbabwe the behaviour was not normal.
Even if Biden ultimately pulls out a narrow victory, it’s now clear that there are some fundamental lessons to be drawn from Trump’s political fecundity.
The first is that Trump has shown that the way we think about modern campaigning, including how politicians mobilize voters, is basically wrong. The conventional view is that voters are motivated mostly by appeals to their narrow economic self-interest.
There’s something bigger happening in the world of politics and in Western societies more generally. A political realignment is occurring. The clear lack of democracy in the USA is a sign that we cannot ignore it.
As Africa we have learnt that America is not the big deal. Our Zimbabwean Democracy is the best fo Zimbabwe. The American Ambassador to Zimbabwe must be asked to eat a very humble pie.
The minister of foreign Affairs must call American Ambassador and register our disquiet.
A BULAWAYO-based member of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) has been arrested for allegedly pointing an AK47 assault rifle at his boss and threatening to shoot him following an argument over the firearm.
Earnest Muleya (38), who is assigned to the President’s Office security branch and stationed at Magnet House in Bulawayo, was deployed to guard CIO deputy director-general, Dr Gatsha Mazithulela’s property, a plot in Norwood, Umguza District, when he allegedly committed the crime.
According to the State, Dr Mazithulela demanded the gun from Muleya whom he suspected to have been drunk and thereby unable to properly handle the firearm.
However, instead of handing over the gun to his superior, Muleya allegedly cocked it and pointed it at Dr Mazithulela, who managed to escape unhurt.
Dr Mazithulela hid behind his car and escaped into the darkness before finding his way into the house. He later returned to the scene with backup from Magnet House.
Muleya appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Mjanja facing charges of pointing a firearm as defined in Section 27(B) of the Firearms Act. He was remanded in custody to today for bail application.
It is the State’s case as led by Mr Terrence Chakabuda that on November 28 around 7PM, the complainant, Dr Mazithulela, was about to leave his home when he saw the accused person.
“The complainant was about to leave his home when he spotted the accused person walking into the yard after abandoning his usual point of guard,” he said.
The court heard that Dr Mazithulela got suspicious when he noticed that accused person was staggering.
“The complainant suspected that the accused person could have been drunk and thus incapable of being in possession of the firearm. He then demanded the gun, an AK 47 assault rifle that Muleya was in possession of,” said Mr Chakabuda.
Instead of surrendering the rifle, Muleya allegedly cocked the gun and pointed it at Dr Mazithulela, threatening to shoot him.
Dr Mazithulela hid behind his car and managed to escape into his house and sought help from the President’s Office at Magnet House.
Security details from the Magnet House came and disarmed Muleya before they arrested him.-Chronicle
Two schools in eastern Zimbabwe have been closed after multiple coronavirus infections were reported among students, authorities said on Wednesday.
Schools in the southern African country were closed when a nationwide lockdown came into effect at the end of March and have reopened in phases starting September.
In the Mashonaland East Province, two boarding schools were forced to close after a total of 52 infections were confirmed among students.
At least 12 cases have been reported at the Goromonzi High School, according to the provincial medical director’s office for Mashonaland East.
At the Waddilove High School, 24 more cases were confirmed, raising the total infections at the institute to 40.
“Waddilove and Goromonzi [high schools] are now closed communities with no one allowed to get in or out,” read a statement.
“A total of 56 students have so far been infected in Mashonaland East since the opening of schools.”
Earlier this month, another boarding school in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South province was shut down after some 100 pupils tested positive for COVID-19.
Zimbabwe’s overall case count stood at 10,243, including 277 deaths and 8,671 recoveries, as of Wednesday.
The King Lobengula Royal Trust has welcomed the recent posthumous conferment of national hero status on General Mtshana Khumalo by President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying it was long overdue.
On Sunday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, visited the Khumalo family to announce the news of Gen Khumalo’s national hero status. Peter Zwide Khumalo of the King Lobengula’s Royal Trust said:
We have received it (news) positively though we believe that it is evidently a much-delayed action because we had independence in 1980 and it is about 40 years down the line now.
We think the government has made a positive move to recognise one of us’ hero status, particularly of historical times.
All along what they have considered as heroes are people that fought the war of independence and yet the war of independence did not start off with the recent guerrilla armies – ZANLA and ZIPRA and so on.
It started off with our forefathers – King Mzilikazi and their commanders and King Lobengula and his commanders.
According to CITE, Gen Khumalo was the commander of King Lobengula’s Imbizo Regiment which defeated the colonialist Allan Wilson Patrol at the Battle of Pupu on December 4 in 1893.
Gen Mtshana was also the overall commander of King Lobengula’s other regiments namely Ingubo, Insuka and Insizwa, Ihlathi, Isiziba, Amavene, Mazibalonkwe, Mcijo and Ingwana.
THE ruling Zanu PF party says all its all systems go for the District Coordinating Committee elections slated for this weekend in its eight provinces across the country.
This was revealed by Zanu PF Acting Spokesperson, Cde Patrick Chinamasa in a media briefing at the party headquarters this Thursday.
“Preparations are on course for the DCC elections to be held on sat the 5th and 6th in the 8 provinces, supervisors have been deployed. We will be using party registers voting will take place at polling stations results and will be displayed at each polling station, the results will be collated at the HQ and Announcement will be done on Monday 7 December at the National Headquarters. Printing of the ballot has been done,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors began their COSAFA U20 Championship with a 2-2 draw against Amajita of South Africa on Thursday afternoon.
Zimbabwe drew first blood through Panashe Mutimbanyoka who opened the scoring after just eight minutes into the first stanza.
South Africa were unable to find a reply in the opening 45 minutes, but they were back on level terms shortly after the halftime break through SuperSport United attacker Oswin Appollis’ finish.
It was Zimbabwe who got the next goal eight minutes later courtesy of a strike from Lexington Mujokoro.
Amajita, however, got an equaliser in second-half stoppage time, with Mohlala Makola getting the important goal.
A teacher from Chipinge is appealing for US$20 000 to undergo open-heart surgery in India after suffering a heart problem.
Gladys Pisirai (37), was diagnosed with chronic rheumatic valve injury with Mitral valve disease and Atrial Aortic Regurgitation consequent in February this year.
If the operation is done, her mitral valve will be replaced with a mechanical one.
The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve or left atrioventricular valve, is a valve with two flaps in the heart that lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
According to Chipinge Times, Pisirai initially transferred to a school close to an urban area but has now stopped going to work altogether.
She can neither do house chores anymore nor look after her three children.
Pisirai’s husband Lovemore Pisirai who is a pastor at Full Gospel Assemblies International Church confirmed the condition.
To date, US$5 000 has been raised towards the operation.
Well-wishers can contact the husband on 0772 225 274 and the eco cash number: 0773 731 750.
Bank details: CBZ -10124317530010 (RTGS Account) and the Nostro Account:10124317530020.
Mthuli Ncube, the Finance and Economic Development Minister, has lambasted former Treasury boss Tendai Biti saying the latter is completely misinformed and is out of touch since he is no longer in the job.
Ncube claimed that Zimbabwe’s banking sector currently holds US$1.5 billion in hard cash whereas, during Biti’s time as Finance Minister during the GNU era, banks held only US$40 million.
Ncube said he has done the exact opposite of what Biti did and there is evidence to show that what is being done now is exactly what the doctor has ordered as there are more locally manufactured goods.
WARRIORS coach Zdravko Logarusic has named a provisional Squad of 34 players ahead of African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals set for Cameroon early next year. Goalkeepers Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Petros Mhari (FC Platinum) Defenders Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Partson Jaure (Dynamos), Valentine Musarurwa (Harare City), Ian Nekati (Chicken Inn), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Frank Makarati (Ngezi Platinum), Raphael Muduviwa (FC Platinum), Pawell Govere (Golden Eagles), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders) Midfielders Juan Mutudza (Dynamos), Valentine Kadonzvo (Chicken inn, Ralph Kawondera (FC Platinum), Trevor Mavunga (Triangle), Phenias Bamusi (Caps United), Wellington Taderera (Ngezi Platinum), Devon Chafa (Ngezi Platinum), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Silas Songani (FC Platinum), Collins Duwa (Triangle United), Tichaona Chipunza (Chicken Inn), Ishmael Wadi (Caps United), Leeroy Mavunga (Caps United), Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City), King Nadolo (Dynamos) Strikers Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn), Stanley Ngala (FC Platinum), Thomas Chideu (Harare City), William Manondo (Harare City) The preparations get underway on the 6th of this month before taking a breaking for the festive holidays on 20th. Camp will then resume on the 28 and continues until the games begin on 16th of January in Cameroon.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has promoted over 5 000 officers to various ranks, in what is considered to be one of the biggest changes in the force in recent history.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development to the Daily News, saying promotion is part of the job system just like in any organisation to fill vacancies that arise due to various reasons.
Over 1 511 police officers have been elevated to the rank of assistant inspector, while 173 became sergeant majors and 3 945 being promoted to the rank of sergeant.
A radio communication dispatched on November 30 which revealed the latest flurry of promotions was confirmed by Nyathi. It read:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only the top three per each rank per district shall attend the conferment parade, taking cognisance of female representation on a ratio one female to two males.
The rest of the promoted members shall remain at their stations. Police General Headquarters departments shall submit names of members who shall attend the conferment parade to CSO admin using the same ratio per province.
All promoted members shall not put on the new badges of rank until after conferment. Staff officer ordinance shall start issuing out new badges of rank on 01/12/20 guided by this signal.
The commissioner-general of police congratulates you on the attainment of your new ranks.
THE trial of former NetOne chief executive officer, Lazarus Muchenje, yesterday failed to kick-off after lawyers representing him and three others told the court that they were not furnished with all papers to prepare their defence.
Muchenje is jointly appearing with Darlington Gutu, Spencer Manguwa and Sharmaine Kadende, on criminal abuse of office.
They are alleged to have entered into a number-range provision agreement with a Mauritanian firm, Bankai International (Pvt) Limited, which saw NetOne Cellular supplying 2 000 virtual lines, which were configured on NetOne Nokia Mobile Switching Centre without Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) and subscriber details without board approval.
They were also alleged to have by-passed the Home Location Centre, violating the Postal and Telecommunication regulations.
Deputy chief magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande set the matter for January 18 to 21 for trial on a continuous roll.
Muchenje has other counts where he is jointly charged with other employees – Darlington Gutu, Spencer Manguwa, Sharmaine Kadende, Tawanda Sibanda, Tinashe Severa, Paradza Mutandwa Chakona and Tanyaradzwa Chingombe.
Sibanda was NetOne interconnection and roaming manager, Severa was the acting chief finance officer, Gutu was chief technology officer, Manguwa was the chief operating officer, Chingombe was acting head of legal and Chakona, a former board member.
On the first set of charges, Muchenje is appearing on his own answering to three counts of criminal abuse of office with an alternative fraud charge.
Muchenje is alleged to have instructed NetOne head administration Mr Innocent Mukandatsama to buy him household furniture worth over US$620 000 without board approval.
He is also alleged to have ordered the company to hire three Toyota Fortuner vehicles for his personal use between January 2019 and February 2020.
The cars were hired on separate occasions for US$32 869, US$133 080 and US$59 976 respectively.
Muchenje is also alleged to have ordered NetOne to pay more than US$50 000 for his personal security services offered by a local security company.
Muchenje is also being jointly charged with Tawanda Chakona in a case where they allegedly resolved to extend housing allowance to him and rented him a house in one of Harare’s affluent suburbs for US$364 000 without NetOne board resolution during the time of his tenure in office.
He is also jointly charged with Sibanda, Severa and Kadende after they allegedly connived to allow NetOne to enter into a Unilateral Buy Agreement with Bankai International for supply of nine million minutes for voice calls for US$1 million.
As part of the agreement, the quartet is said to have authorised the connection of a Telco Bridge at NetOne Data Centre and that it be configured to allow Bankai International.
Muchenje will also be appearing in court along with Gutu and Chingombe on allegations of having signed an International Top-Up Agreement with Bankai International and Bridgevo International where they were to supply airtime for resale outside the country at a 20 percent discount.
They are expected in court on December 8 for trial.
A Mutoko High School Advanced level female student was on Wednesday struck by a lightning bolt and died on the spot while she was on her way home after sitting for her Zimbabwe School Examinations Council examinations.
Constance Machemedze (20) was at Chinzanga Primary School sports ground when a thunderstorm reportedly began and she was struck while running.
Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and said the deceased had burns on her right side of the body.
“The public must always take precautionary measures as stated by the Metrological Services Department to avoid such disasters from happening,” he said.
It is said that on Wednesday at around 1.20pm, Machemedze was at Chinzanga Primary School sports ground on her way home from Mutoko Central High school where she had sat for her A level examination.
A thunderstorm began and she was struck by a lightning bolt while running home.
FC Platinum have confirmed the details for their Champions League, preliminary round – second leg encounter against Costa do Sol on Saturday.
The Platinum Boys carry a 2-1 lead from the first leg played in Maputo, Mozambique last weekend.
The return fixture is set for National Sports Stadium in Harare. The team will not use their home ground Mandava in Zvishavane or the alternative venue, Barbourfields, in Bulawayo due to CAF restrictions on both stadiums.
Kick-off is at 3 pm Zimbabwean time. No TV details have been confirmed so far.
Should they come out with a positive result in this coming fixture, the Zimbabwe champions will advance to the second preliminary round, where they will face the winner in the match between Plateau United of Nigeria and Tanzanian side Simba SC.-Soccer 24
Galatasaray have reportedly intensified their interest to sign Marvelous Nakamba in the January transfer window.
The Turkish giants have been linked with the Aston Villa midfielder for some time now and wanted to make a move in the summer transfer window but failed to take him on board.
According to Turkish news website, Dirilis Postasi, Nakamba, 26, is among the nine players coach Fatih Terim wants to sign next month. The switch to the Super Lig will be a loan deal.
It is also said Galatasaray will pay the Zimbabwean an 850,000 euro annual salary, almost half of what he is currently earning at Villa.
With lack of game time and too much competition at the EPL side, Nakamba will be forced to consider the loan deal in search for more minutes on the field.
He has only played a total of thirteen minutes in the league this season.-Soccer 24
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been hit with a fine after he was booked for taking off his shirt to pay tribute to the late Diego Maradona in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Osasuna.
Messi paid the homage during a goal celebration, revealing a Newell’s Old Boys shirt belonging to his late compatriot.
Maradona, 60, died last week of a heart attack at his home in Tigre, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
Despite the gesture being hailed around the world, the 33-year old was fined €600 by the Spanish soccer federation’s competition committee for removing his shirt as per article 93 of the disciplinary code which prohibits such actions, irrespective of the motive.
Barca will also pay €180 for a combined €780 fine.
The committee confirmed their ruling in a statement on Wednesday and added that Messi could only have had the sanction waived if he had been given the booking in error.-Soccer 24
Tinashe Sambiri|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance deputy national chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa of personalizing State resources.
Hon Sikhala said Zimbabweans should not be cowed into submission by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Fighting for justice and happiness requires tenacity and never to accept to be cowed by anyone.
This country belongs to Zimbabweans. The fight against poverty and political cannibalism is a calling to some of us. It’s in the blood. This country does not belong to ED and his cabal,” Hon Sikhala wrote on Twitter.
Norton Member of Parliament Honorable Temba Mliswa has blasted the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), accusing the country’s football governing body of being “a bunch of thieves” and calling for their dismissal.
The legislator’s scathing attack comes in the wake of the cat and mouse relationship between the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), who insist football in the country is not being run in a legit manner.
Posting on microblogging site Twitter, the outspoken politician said: “I’m glad SRC is beginning to show its teeth & is biting. However, please extend your attention to the entire ZIFA Board as the CEO reports to the Board. They’re a bunch of thieves. Hon. Moyo was very clear & most Parliamentarians support this action.”
“The only ones who support the corruption at ZIFA are the ones that benefit from it; the entire ZIFA Board must go!! They’re a bunch of criminals! The SRC has the support of the people. This is one such decision that will do a lot to restore faith in the SRC.”
Continued Mliswa: “As a country, we currently achieve nothing from football, neither do we eat football. It’s contributed to destroying the image of this country. I was wondering what the SRC were doing and now it’s time for them to bite the bullet once and for all. The entire ZIFA Board must go!”-Soccer 24
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries and global health partners to step up the fight against malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
A better targeting of interventions, new tools and increased funding are needed to change the global trajectory of the disease and reach internationally-agreed targets.
According to WHO‘s latest World malaria report, progress against malaria continues to plateau, particularly in high burden countries in Africa. Gaps in access to life-saving tools are undermining global efforts to curb the disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back the fight even further.
“It is time for leaders across Africa – and the world – to rise once again to the challenge of malaria, just as they did when they laid the foundation for the progress made since the beginning of this century,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Through joint action, and a commitment to leaving no one behind, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free of malaria.”
In 2000, African leaders signed the landmark Abuja Declaration pledging to reduce malaria deaths on the continent by 50% over a 10-year period. Robust political commitment, together with innovations in new tools and a steep increase in funding, catalyzed an unprecedented period of success in global malaria control. According to the report, 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000.
A plateau in progress
In 2019, the global tally of malaria cases was 229 million, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the last 4 years. The disease claimed some 409 000 lives in 2019 compared to 411 000 in 2018.
As in past years, the African Region shouldered more than 90% of the overall disease burden. Since 2000, the region has reduced its malaria death toll by 44%, from an estimated 680 000 to 384 000 annually. However, progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease.
A funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels poses a significant threat to future gains. In 2019, total funding reached US $3 billion against a global target of $5.6 billion. Funding shortages have led to critical gaps in access to proven malaria control tools.
COVID-19 an added challenge
In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as an additional challenge to the provision of essential health services worldwide.
According to the report, most malaria prevention campaigns were able to move forward this year without major delays. Ensuring access to malaria prevention – such as insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines for children – has supported the COVID-19 response strategy by reducing the number of malaria infections and, in turn, easing the strain on health systems. WHO worked swiftly to provide countries with guidance to adapt their responses and ensure the safe delivery of malaria services during the pandemic.
However, WHO is concerned that even moderate disruptions in access to treatment could lead to a considerable loss of life. The report finds, for example, that a 10% disruption in access to effective antimalarial treatment in sub-Saharan Africa could lead to 19 000 additional deaths. Disruptions of 25% and 50% in the region could result in an additional 46 000 and 100 000 deaths, respectively.
“While Africa has shown the world what can be achieved if we stand together to end malaria as a public health threat, progress has stalled,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “COVID-19 threatens to further derail our efforts to overcome malaria, particularly treating people with the disease. Despite the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on African economies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure that the resources are there to expand malaria programmes which are making such a difference in people’s lives.”
WHO response
A key strategy to reignite progress is the “High burden to high impact” (HBHI) response, catalyzed in 2018 by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.
The response is led by 11 countries – including 10 in sub-Saharan Africa – that account for approximately 70% of the world’s malaria burden.
Over the last 2 years, HBHI countries have been moving away from a “one-size-fits all” approach to malaria control – opting, instead, for tailored responses based on local data and intelligence. A recent analysis from Nigeria, for example, found that through an optimized mix of interventions, the country could avert tens of millions of additional cases and thousands of additional deaths by the year 2023, compared to a business-as-usual approach.
While it is too early to measure the impact of the HBHI approach, the report finds that deaths in the 11 countries were reduced from 263 000 to 226 000 between 2018 and 2019. India continued to make impressive gains, with reductions in cases and deaths of 18% and 20%, respectively, over the last 2 years. There was, however, a slight increase in the total number of cases among HBHI countries, from an estimated 155 million in 2018 to 156 million in 2019.
Meeting global malaria targets
This year’s report highlights key milestones and events that helped shape the global response to the disease in recent decades.
Beginning in the 1990s, leaders of malaria-affected countries, scientists and other partners laid the groundwork for a renewed malaria response that contributed to one of the biggest returns on investment in global health.
According to the report, 21 countries eliminated malaria over the last 2 decades; of these, 10 countries were officially certified as malaria-free by WHO. In the face of the ongoing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, the 6 countries of the Greater Mekong subregion continue to make major gains towards their goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
But many countries with a high burden of malaria have been losing ground.
According to WHO global projections, the 2020 target for reductions in malaria case incidence will be missed by 37% and the mortality reduction target will be missed by 22%.
Source :WHO
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Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has dismissed claims that he called for unity talks with Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Hon Sikhala says he does not have a grain of respect for Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
A daily paper has claimed Hon Sikhala is pushing for dialogue with Mr Mnangagwa.
Below is part of Hon Sikhala’s statement:
In desperate, attempts to bid for whoever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!
This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Tweet calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought my Tweet meant unity with Mnangagwa.
Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow…
For clarity the unity that I was referring to in my Tweet was the unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as portrayed by the Daily News.
I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to the press but he insisted on comment on my Tweet.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye…
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala, has dismissed claims that he called for unity talks with Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Hon Sikhala says he does not have a grain of respect for Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
A daily paper has claimed Hon Sikhala is pushing for dialogue with Mr Mnangagwa.
Below is part of Hon Sikhala’s statement:
In desperate, attempts to bid for whoever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!
This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Tweet calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought my Tweet meant unity with Mnangagwa.
Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow…
For clarity the unity that I was referring to in my Tweet was the unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as portrayed by the Daily News.
I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to the press but he insisted on comment on my Tweet.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye…
The director of Beitbridge Transit Shed (for imported vehicles), Chiromo Business Enterprises which has under it a chain of bottle stores, butcheries and an abattoir, Oscar Chiromo, survived an assassination attempt on Wednesday after two gunmen opened fire at him and a bullet grazed his arm.
bullet hole at businessman’s car
Chiromo said he was travelling from Lutumba Growth point to Beitbridge town in a Honda Fit with a colleague around 9 am when a grey Nissan Xtrail in front of them slowed down and its occupants opened fire in his direction.
He said:”We had initially spotted the car near the abattoir but suspected nothing. I was seated on the passenger’s seat of the Honda Fit.
“As we were completing the overtaking process one the two men in the Nissan Xtrail shot at me twice, but fortunately, one bullet missed, and the other grazed on my arm,” he was quoted by the Chronicle
The businessman added that after shooting at him, the two assailants slowed down and made a U-turn, and sped off along the Beitbridge-Masvingo road.
Chiromo said his colleague stopped the vehicle before they called the police who rushed to the scene.
Meanwhile, police officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident and said the matter was still under investigation.- Chronicle
Gweru – A self-styled spiritual healer was charged with indecent assault after he shaved off hair from a 17-year-old girl’s private parts and the armpits in order to deliver her from spiritual husbands.
On the second day the accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth, spread lotion in her armpits before inserting his fingers into her private parts.
Lingani Ncube (42) was convicted by Zvishavane Magistrate Charity Tonongera on two counts of indecent assault for the act. He was sentenced to three months in jail or $2 000 fine, eight months were wholly suspended for five years.
Prosecutor Tinashe Maponde said on September 23, 2020 the complainant and her mother went to Ncube’s house for spiritual deliverance.
While at Ncube’s place the mother was delivered first.
After delivering the complainant’s mother Ncube called the complainant to his bedroom for deliverance.
The court heard that while in the bedroom Ncube pushed the complainant to the floor, removed her pant and started shaving her.
When the complainant tried to stop Ncube, he told her that it was his way of delivering people and the same had just been done to the teen’s mother.
After shaving the complainant was ordered to take a bath and she later left with her mother.
The following day the complainant and her mother came back again and she went straight to Ncube’s bedroom.
The accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth and spread lotion on her armpit while inserting his fingers into her private part.
The complainant screamed for help and went to report the incident to her mother. A Police report was filed leading to Ncube’s arrest. -Masvingo Mirror
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries and global health partners to step up the fight against malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
A better targeting of interventions, new tools and increased funding are needed to change the global trajectory of the disease and reach internationally-agreed targets.
According to WHO‘s latest World malaria report, progress against malaria continues to plateau, particularly in high burden countries in Africa. Gaps in access to life-saving tools are undermining global efforts to curb the disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back the fight even further.
“It is time for leaders across Africa – and the world – to rise once again to the challenge of malaria, just as they did when they laid the foundation for the progress made since the beginning of this century,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Through joint action, and a commitment to leaving no one behind, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free of malaria.”
In 2000, African leaders signed the landmark Abuja Declaration pledging to reduce malaria deaths on the continent by 50% over a 10-year period. Robust political commitment, together with innovations in new tools and a steep increase in funding, catalyzed an unprecedented period of success in global malaria control. According to the report, 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000.
A plateau in progress
In 2019, the global tally of malaria cases was 229 million, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the last 4 years. The disease claimed some 409 000 lives in 2019 compared to 411 000 in 2018.
As in past years, the African Region shouldered more than 90% of the overall disease burden. Since 2000, the region has reduced its malaria death toll by 44%, from an estimated 680 000 to 384 000 annually. However, progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease.
A funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels poses a significant threat to future gains. In 2019, total funding reached US $3 billion against a global target of $5.6 billion. Funding shortages have led to critical gaps in access to proven malaria control tools.
COVID-19 an added challenge
In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as an additional challenge to the provision of essential health services worldwide.
According to the report, most malaria prevention campaigns were able to move forward this year without major delays. Ensuring access to malaria prevention – such as insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines for children – has supported the COVID-19 response strategy by reducing the number of malaria infections and, in turn, easing the strain on health systems. WHO worked swiftly to provide countries with guidance to adapt their responses and ensure the safe delivery of malaria services during the pandemic.
However, WHO is concerned that even moderate disruptions in access to treatment could lead to a considerable loss of life. The report finds, for example, that a 10% disruption in access to effective antimalarial treatment in sub-Saharan Africa could lead to 19 000 additional deaths. Disruptions of 25% and 50% in the region could result in an additional 46 000 and 100 000 deaths, respectively.
“While Africa has shown the world what can be achieved if we stand together to end malaria as a public health threat, progress has stalled,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “COVID-19 threatens to further derail our efforts to overcome malaria, particularly treating people with the disease. Despite the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on African economies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure that the resources are there to expand malaria programmes which are making such a difference in people’s lives.”
WHO response
A key strategy to reignite progress is the “High burden to high impact” (HBHI) response, catalyzed in 2018 by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.
The response is led by 11 countries – including 10 in sub-Saharan Africa – that account for approximately 70% of the world’s malaria burden.
Over the last 2 years, HBHI countries have been moving away from a “one-size-fits all” approach to malaria control – opting, instead, for tailored responses based on local data and intelligence. A recent analysis from Nigeria, for example, found that through an optimized mix of interventions, the country could avert tens of millions of additional cases and thousands of additional deaths by the year 2023, compared to a business-as-usual approach.
While it is too early to measure the impact of the HBHI approach, the report finds that deaths in the 11 countries were reduced from 263 000 to 226 000 between 2018 and 2019. India continued to make impressive gains, with reductions in cases and deaths of 18% and 20%, respectively, over the last 2 years. There was, however, a slight increase in the total number of cases among HBHI countries, from an estimated 155 million in 2018 to 156 million in 2019.
Meeting global malaria targets
This year’s report highlights key milestones and events that helped shape the global response to the disease in recent decades.
Beginning in the 1990s, leaders of malaria-affected countries, scientists and other partners laid the groundwork for a renewed malaria response that contributed to one of the biggest returns on investment in global health.
According to the report, 21 countries eliminated malaria over the last 2 decades; of these, 10 countries were officially certified as malaria-free by WHO. In the face of the ongoing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, the 6 countries of the Greater Mekong subregion continue to make major gains towards their goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
But many countries with a high burden of malaria have been losing ground.
According to WHO global projections, the 2020 target for reductions in malaria case incidence will be missed by 37% and the mortality reduction target will be missed by 22%.
Source :WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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By Own Correspondent| There are reports that Zanu PF Mashonaland Central chairperson Kazembe Kazembe was left with an egg on his face after several councilors snubbed his meeting ahead of a scheduled visit by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Mazowe on Saturday.
Mnangagwa will be in Mazowe this Saturday where he is expected to officiate the commemorations of the National Tree planting day.
However, the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central boss Kazembe who has the task to mobilise supporters to attend the event is reportedly struggling to meet with the party councilors in the area to finalize preparations for the big day.
“The Mashonaland Central Chairman Kazembe Kazembe today(Wednesday) called a meeting to prepare for President Mnangagwa’s visit but only 7 out of 35 councillors attended the meeting with most of them snubbing him,” said a source close to the developments.
Speaking to this publication, Chidochashe Mudzingwa of the Mazowe Agenda for Development said they were eagerly waiting for ED’s scheduled visit but were now pessimistic that the event will be poorly attended.
“The constituency is ready to give the President a rousing welcome in Mazowe but the poor attendance at the mobilization meeting reflects people here in Mazowe nolonger have faith in John Mudzonga and Kazembe Kazembe.
“For instance ,John Mudzonga is the Mazowe Rural District Council chairman and if his councillors failed to attend this preparatory meeting, will they be able to attend this important national event?,” queried Mudzingwa.
This was reiterated by one councilor who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
“There are fears that this could be another poorly attended event in Mash Central, though the provincial chairman is likely to hide behind Covid-19 regulations which limit the number of people who can attend gatherings,” said the councilor.
The Mazowe Central MP Sydney Chidamba is alleged to have also snubbed the meeting in what confirms the existing rivalry between him and Kazembe Kazembe for the Mashonaland Central provincial chairmanship post.
Mudslinging has already started with the Kazembe Camp accusing its rivals of being G40 acolytes.
DEMYSTIFYING THE MYTHS PEDDLED BY DETRACTORS: MASVINGO YOUTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS
By: Nyahunda SD
The detractors have gone rampant to the extent of creating malicious stories against a people and several institutions in a bid to soil the images of organisations and other people. The reasons and and intentions are best known by themselves and those peddling falsehoods. It is very unfortunate finding the shock of our lives to wake up Sunday morning reading malicious stories from the state apparatus and media pundits attempting to soil the smooth process of MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS which was conducted on the 28th of November at the provincial party offices.
We read the disturbing news that the Congress was funded by Non Governmental Organizations amongst them MACRAD ( MASVINGO CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND DEMOCRACY) and COTRAD which is not only a creation but manouvres by the enemies of change to regard MDC ALLIANCE as a donor funded party. The two mentioned organizations are not in any way associated with the MDC ALLIANCE party , what we might only share is selflessly working for the communities and a vision to see a better Zimbabwe where everyone who calls it home living in harmony and peacefully. MDC ALLIANCE is an independent entity and it’s funding comes from it’s millions of supporters and well-wishers. We have subscriptions and individual leaders within the party who contribute towards any Noble cause and thus attempting to link or regard our YTH ASSEMBLY as an extension of Civic organizations is the latest onslaught on the image of the party especially by implicating the members who are helping the communities with all their will and bridging the Gap that our government is failing to fill.
The Masvingo MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY CONGRESS was funded by the party. Members hired their transport and had to converge for that noble cause which was outstanding for nearly two years. The Congress saw Masvingo uniting and coming up with it’s substantive leadership which we all know the regime was happy seeing a disunited Assembly as they tried to divide and rule the people.
It is from this point of departure that I enequivocally avd strongly denounce the attempt to soil the Civic organisations for the best reasons known to those peddling such falsehoods.
As much as I understand, there was an attempt to bar COTRAD from operating in MASVINGO district sometime last year through the regime hands and the latest attempt to link up MDC ALLIANCE programs with COTRAD is the latest attempt to push selfish agenda which only exists in the myopic minds of few fools and mendacity coming from unholy alliance of baboon and monkey kingdoms.
It was difficult bringing our Yths together to the Congress and our lorries were at times impounded. The regime was trying by all means to make sure our youths do not reach the venue of the convergence. Teargas smoke replaced the air space and gunshots were heard in an attempt to silence the voice of reason. These manouvres were only aimed to make sure the Masvingo Youth Decide Agenda does not come to fruition. It was however an exercise in futility as the substantive executive was put in place on the day against all evil alliances.
Therefore, the creation of such falsehoods trying to implicate Civic organizations is a desperate attempt by the cabal which failed to prop up its agenda and what is happening now is diversionary tactics of a regime heading metaphysical abyss.
Together stronger
Towards magnanimity and unanimity
Nothing will stop and idea whose time has come.
Towards an egalitarian society which is possible during our lifetime
Inserted By:
Nyahunda Struggle Desire (Director Of Elections~MASVINGO MDC ALLIANCE YTH ASSEMBLY)
The Daily News today the 3rd of December 2020 really shocked me by leading their paper with lies intending to blackmail my person through a misleading headline claiming I suggested on my Twitter that the people of Zimbabwe should unite to confront our mirage of governance challenges authored by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In desperate, attempts to bid for whomever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!
This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Twit calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought for the sake of bidding my Twit meant unit with Mnangagwa.
Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow for me to suggest any form of talk with him.
For clarity the unity by my Twit was unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as spoken by the Daily News.
I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to any press at the moment but he insisted on comment on my Twit which I politely and intelligently avoided.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye.
A Grade 7 pupil at Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge was stabbed to death with a knife by his classmate on their way from school.
The boy was confirmed dead upon admission at the Chipinge District Hospital this Tuesday.
The pupil from Macheta community under Chief Musikavanhu reportedly is said to have died due to excessive bleeding after he was stabbed once on the heart.
The tragedy was confirmed by Chipinge District Schools Inspector, Mr Richard Gabaza, who said details that led to the incident are still sketchy.
Mr Gabaza also indicated that the police had picked up suspects for questioning.
The incident comes amid reports of wayward behaviour among learners particularly since the reopening of schools on the 28th of September.
Some observers attribute the behaviour to teachers’ absence in school saying there is no one to monitor and control learners.
Teachers embarked on industrial action when schools reopened demanding the restoration of their 2018 salaries which were around USD500.- ZBC News
A Grade 7 pupil at Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge was stabbed to death with a knife by his classmate on their way from school.
The boy was confirmed dead upon admission at the Chipinge District Hospital this Tuesday.
The pupil from Macheta community under Chief Musikavanhu reportedly is said to have died due to excessive bleeding after he was stabbed once on the heart.
The tragedy was confirmed by Chipinge District Schools Inspector, Mr Richard Gabaza, who said details that led to the incident are still sketchy.
Mr Gabaza also indicated that the police had picked up suspects for questioning.
Some observers attribute the behaviour to teachers’ absence in school saying there is no one to monitor and control learners.
Teachers embarked on industrial action when schools reopened demanding the restoration of their 2018 salaries which were around USD500.
By A Correspondent- Part time lecturers at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) said they had gone for over nine months without receiving their allowances and had also not been paid for services rendered in marking this year’s examinations.
The lecturers accused their employer of “modern-day slavery” and insincerity in addressing their plight.
“It is the responsibility of the university to source funds to pay its staff rates that are sustainable especially considering the harsh economic environment,” one of the lecturers said.
“They simply do not care about our welfare yet they quickly act when it comes to permanent employees.”
“What the authorities are doing is akin to modern-day slavery. We negotiated in good faith and agreed in principle that we will proceed to mark assignments in April/May and examinations in August on the basis that, like all other State universities, they would review our allowances. We fulfilled our end of the bargain, suddenly they are changing goal posts,” the lecturer said.
Others said the bulk of academic work was being done by part-time staffers who were being unfairly treated.
“Imagine we also have responsibilities, we don’t have any medical cover or transport allowances, but still the entire administration would agreed to pay rates of $5 for each assignment marked,” a parttime lecturer from the Faculty of Commerce said.
ZOU acting director of information and public relations Stewart Mandiwanza, however, said: “The issue of paying part-time tutors using last year’s rates is an administrative one.
“The rates are determined-based on fees payable by students to the university when a semester begins as per fees ordinance which is approved by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
“If tuition fees were increased during the course of the semester, it is most likely that the payment rates for part-time tutors for work done were also going to be reviewed upwards.”
He added: “However, tuition fees were not increased during the first semester as 2019 fees prevailed.”
He said the university had approved revised part-time rates effective September 1, 2020 and part-time tutors had requested to be paid using these new rates, a position still under consideration by management.
By A Correspondent- Magistrate Ngoni Nduna yesterday dismissed an application by suspended Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya and Pakistani businessman Ali Muhammad to have their seized phones released by the police.
Rushwaya and Muhammad, who were arrested in October, were accused of attempting to smuggle 6kg of gold worth US$333 000 to Dubai.
They are being jointly charged with Central Intelligence Organisation operatives Stephen Tserayi and Raphios Mufandauya and Rushwaya’s ZMF colleague Gift Karanda on smuggling charges, illegal possession of gold, criminal abuse of office and defeating the course of justice.
Rushwaya, Tserayi, Mufandauya and Karanda are in custody after being denied bail at the Harare Magistrates Court.
Rushwaya was arrested on October 26 2020 at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport intending to fly to Dubai with the gold and her cellphone was seized by the police.
Muhammad was arrested on October 30 and his cellphone was also taken away by the police for investigations purposes.
On Friday last week, Rushwaya and Muhammad, through their lawyers Tapson Dzvetero and Tinashe Robin Tanyanyiwa, submitted an application before Nduna to have their phones back, arguing that the police seized their gadgets unlawfully, since they did not have warrants which permitted them to do so. But Nduna said although 21 days had lapsed since the police had taken the phones, which made it liable for the seized gadgets to be released, the State had clearly showed its intention to prosecute the accused by placing them on remand as prescribed by the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
They had also submitted an application seeking an order for the release of a transcribed record on their case to expedite their appeal on bail application at the High Court.
Nduna said the transcribed record was ready and the delay was an administrative issue which was not brought before the court.
They had also submitted before the court that the State had failed to provide the court with a report on their complaints against the police.
They argued that the police had violated their rights by seizing and searching their homes without warrants.
But Nduna reminded them that they had indicated to the court that their complaints against the police should be put on record and did not state that they wanted the case to be investigated.
The five accused were remanded to December 11, 2020 for routine remand.
By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has called for the primary and secondary Education ministry to close schools to protect learners and educators from rising COVID-19 infections.
A number of schools are recording COVID-19 cases, sending panic among parents, teachers and learners at a time when there has been an increase in confirmed cases across the country.
Government however shot down calls to shut down schools, insisting that all pre-requisite measures to protect learners and teachers are in place.
“It is dangerous for the government to claim that the cases are minimal when it has no capacity to test all teachers, students and ancillary staff in schools,” PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said.
“Many teachers and students are positive but have not yet been tested or are waiting for confirmation of results. COVID-19 cases continue to rise in schools and unless a robust approach is adopted to abate its effects, there will be a disaster in schools.”
A survey by NewsDay revealed that the government was failing to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) to learners and educators. The majority of schools in Bulawayo are now asking parents to purchase PPE’s to protect teachers and learners.
“Our preparedness to efficiently, effectively and transparently use resources to combat COVID-19 in schools is uppermost now. Without this, the best would be to urgently close schools before the majority of teachers and pupils become victims,” Zhou added.
Reports show that as many as 400 learners and teachers have tested positive for COVID-19 after the last batch of learners returned to class following the government’s phased approach to the reopening of schools.
Students have been quarantined in other boarding schools, with parents not allowed to visit them.
Meanwhile, National Association of Schools Development and Committees acting president Maxwell Mkandla said schools should tighten regulations to combat the spread of COVID-19.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a hand over of sanitisers and thermometers donated by parents to Sobukazi High School in Mzilikazi in Bulawayo.
Mkandla, who is also the School Development Committee chairperson of Sobukazi High School, said stringent laws to curb the spread of COVID-19 must be adopted.
“There should be strict measures that should be put in place first and foremost when the child is coming from home.
We must make sure that at the gate of the school, the moment they enter the school yard definitely they must be tested,” he said.
By A Correspondent- The trial of former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko on charges of criminal abuse of office continued yesterday in camera at the Harare Magistrates Court.
Mphoko was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission last year for allegedly instructing officers at Avondale Police Station in Harare to release two Zimbabwe National Roads Administration officials from holding cells without following procedure while he was Acting President on July 14, 2016.
The two Zinara officials had been arrested for fraud and criminal abuse of office.
Mphoko appeared before magistrate Trynos Wutawashe yesterday after his application to have his trial transferred from Harare to Bulawayo was dismissed by the court last year.
Earlier this year, the court granted an application by the State to have Mphoko’s trial heard in camera.
The State, led by prosecutor Lovett Masuku argued that Mphoko’s defence outline had information which could be detrimental to state security.
Mphoko attended the court proceedings with his lawyers and immediate family members.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday challenged judges and magistrates to defend human rights and ensure good governance.
He made the call while launching the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) five-year strategic plan in Harare.
Mnangagwa, whose government has come under fire for rising cases of human rights abuses and corruption, urged the Judiciary to step up in the delivery of justice.
“The Judiciary is vital towards the attainment of both vision 2030 as well as aspiration number three of the African Union Agenda 2063 which calls for ‘an Africa of good governance, respect for human rights, justice and rule of law’,” Mnangagwa said.
Since coming into office in 2017, Mnangagwa has pledged reforms, especially around respect for human rights, political freedoms and respect of the Constitution, but critics say abuses have worsened under his watch.
“The second republic is determined to enhance national cohesion, economic growth and prosperity and to build an environment where our people can rise to their full potential.
“There is no going back on the development course we have charted.
“To this end, the JSC is a critical State institution in our ongoing reform agenda with regards entrenching constitutionalism and the rule of law as building blocks in our national development agenda,” Mnangagwa said.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba, in delivering his address, appeared to be responding to concerns that the Judiciary was captured and now pandering to the whims of political elites.
He said the strategic plan sought to reinforce the independence of the Judiciary so that it remains accountable to the public.
“Through this strategic plan, the commission seeks to enhance the independence and financial autonomy of the Judiciary in order to continue modernising it and making it more accountable to the public from whom the judicial authority derives,” Justice Malaba said.
He said his colleagues play a very important role in keeping the Constitution alive.
“The courts are the custodians of the Constitution and the bulwark against the erosion of human rights and freedoms. In that regard, the requirement for an independent and accountable Judiciary cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
The Chief Justice has been sued by Justice Erica Ndewere who alleges that he has actively sought to undermine Judiciary independence by issuing directives on who to give or deny bail on political grounds.
Justice Malaba said the JSC was fighting to eradicate corruption within its ranks and in society.
“It is in this context that the fight against corruption and incompetency at every level of JSC has been identified as one of the key strategic focus areas under the accountability matrix of the plan,” he said.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is investigating cases of alleged abuse of office involving Harare deputy mayor Luckson Mukunguma, who has since gone into hiding.
Zacc spokesperson John Makamure confirmed the matter was under investigation but would not give details.
“We have a case involving the deputy mayor but it is still under investigation,” Makamure said.
Sources said Mukunguma allegedly abused his office by forcing council to create and allocate four residential stands to his relatives namely Juliet Tipedze, Melody Magorimbo, Edith Chiota and Kerrington Ndimba in Highfield ward 5.
Mukunguma yesterday said he was aware of the Zacc probe but denied that he was in hiding. He said he had done nothing wrong.
This comes after council sources claimed the Zacc officers have been frequenting his offices and residence to arrest him on the matter without success.
The deputy mayor told NewsDay that his hands were clean but was being targeted by some elements at town house who were not happy with his stance against the return of former human resources director Cainos Chingombe.
Mukunguma is supposed to be the acting mayor following the arrest of Jacob Mafume last week and his subsequent denial of bail by a Harare magistrates court.
Mafume was arrested for alleged abuse of office by allegedly advancing favours to his sister and a colleague after causing council officials to give them two residential stands while they were not on the city’s waiting list. Mukunguma and Mafume became deputy mayor and mayor respectively after the recall of Enock Mupamaonde and Herbert Gomba by the MDC-T party.
“The issue is coming up after my objection and statement during a full council meeting that I was not happy with a decision to have Chingombe back at work. That is where the war is coming from,” Mukunguma said.
Mukunguma said he had objections over Chingombe’s return given his record of allegedly defrauding the council of huge amounts of money. The matter is also under investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Unit, according to sources.-newsday
United Nations commission has voted to remove cannabis from a list that categorized it as one of the most dangerous drugs a move that recognizes the plant as having medicinal value.
The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs approved a recommendation from the World Health Organization on Wednesday to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from its Schedule IV classification under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. That designation put cannabis and one of its derivatives in a category alongside heroin and other opioids.
Substances classified as Schedule IV are a subset of Schedule I drugs. That means not only are they considered to be “highly addictive and highly liable for abuse,” they’re also labelled as “particularly harmful and of extremely limited medical or therapeutic value.”
“This is welcome news for the millions of people who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes and reflects the reality of the growing market for cannabis-based medicinal products,” a group of drug policy advocacy organizations said in a news release.
Wednesday’s vote means that cannabis and cannabis resin are no longer classified as among the most harmful substances and are acknowledged as having medical benefits. But they’ll still be subject to restrictions under the Schedule I category.
“We welcome the long overdue recognition that cannabis is a medicine,” Ann Fordham, executive director of the International Drug Policy Consortium, said in a statement. “However, this reform alone is far from adequate given that cannabis remains incorrectly scheduled at the international level.”
The move is largely symbolic, and may not have an immediate impact on how governments control scheduled substances. But it could give a boost to medical cannabis legalization efforts in countries that look to the United Nations for guidance.
The commission voted 27-25 to reschedule cannabis and cannabis resin. The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and South Africa were among those who voted in favour, while countries including Brazil, China, Russia and Pakistan voted against.
Members also rejected other four other recommendations from WHO about cannabis and its derivatives, which included removing extracts and tinctures of cannabis from Schedule I status and classifying a psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Alfredo Pascual, an analyst for the trade publication Marijuana Business Daily, said in a news release that “the message that the removal from Schedule IV sends cannot be overstated.”
He added, “It’s an implicit acknowledgement of its therapeutical utility and that marijuana is not as dangerous as believed about 60 years ago.”
By Hon Job Wiwa| The Daily News today the 3rd of December 2020,really shocked me by leading their paper with lies intending to blackmail my person by a lying headline that I suggested on my Twit which I called the people of Zimbabwe to unite to confront our mirage of governance challenges on the problems authored by Emmerson Mnangagwa. In desperate, attempts to bid for whomever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!. This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Twit calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought for the sake of bidding my Twit meant unit with Mnangagwa. Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow for me to suggest any form of talk with him.
For clarity the unity by my Twit was unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as spoken by the Daily News. I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to any press at the moment but he insisted on comment on my Twit which I politely and intelligently avoided.
For engagement in the future the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye.
By Hon Job Wiwa | The Daily News today the 3rd of December 2020, really shocked me by leading their paper with lies intending to blackmail my person by a lying headline that I suggested on my Twit which I called the people of Zimbabwe to unite to confront our mirage of governance challenges on the problems authored by Emmerson Mnangagwa. In desperate, attempts to bid for whomever they work for, they claim that I am now of changed heart that I urge people to engage with Emmerson Mnangagwa. My foot!!. This is the rubbish of the century. I have got no grain of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa for their record and will never wish a right thinking person to even talk to him.
Blessing Mushava met me at Parliament and asked me about my Twit calling upon Zimbabweans to unite. In his mind he thought for the sake of bidding my Twit meant unity with Mnangagwa. Shame. I have no aota of respect for Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday, today and tomorrow for me to suggest any form of talk with him.
For clarity the unity by my Twit was unity to confront Mnangagwa and not the self serving wishes as spoken by the Daily News. I told Blessing Mushava that I was not interested to talk to any press at the moment but he insisted on comment on my Twit which I politely and intelligently avoided.
For engagement in the future, the Daily News should retract its leading story about me which has enraged myself and has far reaching consequences on my beliefs, reputation and standing in the public eye.
The Meteorological Services Department has warned citizens that the country will record heavy rains across the country from today Thursday 03 December to the 11th.
The Met Department warned citizens to avoid crossing flooded rivers and where possible stay indoors.
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF has cleared Bornface Mutize who was disqualified for allegedly being a G40 member ahead of the looming district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections to be held this weekend.
Mutize, who is eyeing the Goromonzi district chairmanship, was officially notified of his appeal success on Monday, days before the election.
NewsDay is reliably informed that, Mutize, also a successful farmer was cleared in time, but his results were withheld by his rivals in the province as the political atmosphere got tense.
In a statement, Zanu-PF Mashonaland East on Monday confirmed that Mutize was cleared and that results of other candidates who appealed will be announced as they trickle in.
“Please be advised that Cde Bornface Mutize’s appeal has sailed through and he is now a bona fide candidate for the position of DCC chairman in Goromonzi. We will post other results of appeals as they trickle in,” read the statement.
Mutize, who has since refuted claims that he is linked to the G40 was barred from contesting alongside other bigwigs like Lawrence Katsiru and Beata Nyamupinga.
Both Nyamupinga and Katsiru have appealed against the disqualification.
Recently, provincial political commissar Hebert Shumbamhini clashed with Mutize accusing him of campaigning before he was cleared in Harare.
In a letter addressed to Mutize dated November 19 and signed by Shumbamhini, the former is accused of indiscipline.
“Please note that the Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial leadership has noted with concern your continued interference with party structures in your bid to be the DCC chairman for Goromonzi district yet we are still waiting for your clearance from Zanu-PF headquarters, Harare since you submitted an appeal letter after your disqualification on the list of candidates.
“Your continued unsanctioned campaigning shows a high degree of indiscipline and the party will not hesitate to recommend your disqualification even if the appeal comes in your favour,” read the letter.
According to sources, Mutize reportedly knew about his victory which was shelved by political rivals.
By A Correspondent- Five Zanu-PF members, among them a Zimunya-Marange district political commissar candidate in the party’s district coordinating committee elections to be held at the weekend, have been arrested for kidnapping an Agriculture ministry official and forcing him to address a gathering of 300 villagers.
The five members are, Enock Chikwama (41), who is Zanu-PF Mutanda west district chairperson, James Tungana (50), the youth chairperson, Yutiko Malovero (51), vice chairperson, Panganayi Inzwanayi (51), vice secretary and Thomas Gore (40), the secretary.
They are all from Mutanda West in Odzi. They appeared before Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe who remanded them to December 16 on free bail.
They are denying the charges.
Chikwama is contesting against Joseph Murwira for the ZANU-PF political commissar post in Zimunya-Marange district.
Zimunya-Marange district consists of three constituencies, Mutare South, North and West respectively.
The State alleges that, the complainant, Jackson Usvisvo 34, an official in the Agriculture ministry and an Agritex extension officer at Chinota office was at a local shopping centre when he was approached by Seji Wemba telling him to attend a meeting in connection with distribution of-PFumvudza inputs.
According to Prosecutor Brian Goto, Usvisvo refused to attend the meeting stating the organisers of the meeting did not follow proper procedures.
After about an hour, the five accused persons arrived and bundled him into their car.
It is alleged that they drove him to Chinota, almost five kilometres where the meeting was being conducted.
He was forced to address a gathering of 300 villagers who harassed and insulted him.
The complainant made a police report leading to the arrest of the five.
The accused persons are all A1 farmers in Odzi.-newsday
By A Correspondent- A Harare based soldier has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for bashing his pregnant girlfriend.
Reuters Makwanise (32) appeared before Mutare magistrate Nyasha Kuture yesterday who suspended three months of the sentence on condition of good behaviour.
He will save an effective nine months.
It is the State’s case that on November 10, 2020 the accused arrived at the complainant Portia Mangandaire’s residence in Sakubva.
Mangandaire was in the company of a friend, Nyasha Mapeza, who asked if the accused was in the habit of assaulting the complainant.
A disagreement ensued resulting in the accused picking a wooden plank from the yard and repeatedly assaulted Mangandaire.
The complainant was five months pregnant at the time. She had a miscarriage on the same day. The foetus was taken to Victoria Chitepo Hospital where it was incinerated.-newsday
By A Correspondent- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya has ordered banks to settle transactions outside the public glare as he cracks the whip on the sector amid revelations some banks were refusing clients to withdraw cash from their foreign currency accounts (FCAs).
Over the past months, banks have been telling customers that they can only withdraw money if a cash deposit has been made into their accounts.
This has forced customers to liquidate their FCA balances into local currency as the money would have been stuck in their accounts.
“Financial integrity means that banks settle transactions outside the public glare. Don’t contaminate banking with politics,” Mangudya told a post-budget meeting this week.
“You do not need to settle offshore. It is settled domestically but given value as a back office transaction. Settlement is not a negotiating tactic where a customer of a bank is told that there is no money. That is not banking.”
Mangudya said the cash is there in the bank, the “money is in the nostro”.
Statistics from RBZ showed banks were holding FCA balances of nearly US$1bn as at October 31, made up of cash at bank (US$393,265,049) and nostro balances of US$573,101,628.
In the same period last year total FCA balances were US$725,645,136 made up of cash at the bank (US$155,247,214) and nostro balances of US$570,397,922.
Bankers who spoke to Business Times said there has been a divide in the banking in which the international banks would prefer to do settlement among themselves.
Company executives said they have been struggling to use money in their FCAs as banks gave all sorts of excuses.
The settlement gridlock has seen some buying the money in the FCAs for a 10% fee.
It also comes as ethanol producer GreenFuel has told customers to make physical cash deposits into its account or a transfer accompanied by a letter that value transferred to its accounts would be honoured.
In a letter to customers, GreenFuel said its bankers were refusing to honour “our payments as they are insisting that we should get value first from your respective banks that would have processed transfers” to its accounts at Ecobank, CBZ and BancABC.
“Going forward, please note that we will not release product unless a cash deposit is done to our accounts in physical cash or the transfer is accompanied by a letter from your bankers that value has been transferred to our bank and they can honour the payments,” wrote GreenFuel’s Percy Daka in a letter dated August 14.
Bankers who spoke to Business Times said the central bank “didn’t think properly on the domestic nostro. It was complicated by civil servants and this is why they wanted their money,” the banker said.
The banker said RBZ needs to scrap the “domestic FCA” and the banking sector remains with a nostro funded by US$.
The banker said there was rigidity within the sector to the extent that plans to have a civil servants’ card collapsed as some institutions did not buy into the idea despite having a large branch network and having a huge chunk of the civil servants as customers.
“International banks appear to have been told by their head office not to do domestic settlement. The market is not homogenous.
There are local banks sitting on one side and international banks sitting on the other side. The solution is to go back to the old system where nostro was nostro,” the banker said.
Repeated efforts to get comment from the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe were fruitless. Questions sent a month ago have not been responded to by the time of going to print. BusinessTimes
To Acting President MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (MDC) NUMBER 44 NELSON MANDELA AVENUE HARARE
24 November 2020
From Berias Brian Trust Mari Secretary for Welfare South Africa [email protected] O834480396 Re : Article 6.2.6 Notice of Convening of Extra Ordinary Congress
1) I hope I find you well and in high spirit. 2) I hereby confirm that I am a member of MDC from its inception. 3) I was elected MDC SOUTH AFRICA PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE member at Bethelehem Provincial Assembly of South Africa in 2014 and again re elected Provincial Executive member with the portfolio of Secretary for Welfare on the Provincial Assembly of South Africa as held in Bloemfontein in 2019. These assemblies were held in terms of article 6.9.1.3 of MDC constitution. Which read as follows: “6.9.1.3 The Provincial Executive Committee shall be elected at a Provincial Assembly meeting held once every five years provided that elections shall take place at least two months prior to each Congress” For both Assemblies I was elected at a constitutional meeting which is held every 5years.
4) South Africa assembly is a Provincial organ of MDC which exist in terms of article 6.8.1 and it has equal rights as any other provinces of MDC. 5) In terms of article 6.2.1(d) all members of Provincial assemblies are members of Congress. This means I BERIAS BRIAN TUST MARI the Secretary for Welfare as elected at a provincial Assembly, am a delegate of Congress or Extra Ordinary Congress should any occurs. 6) I am fully aware of the existence of a Supreme Court ruling SC56/2020 which I take notice of the following from the said ruling: (i) The SC ruling gave an order on paragraph 2 which read as follows “2.The judgment of the court a quo be and is hereby confirmed, save for the deletion of paragraphs 4 and 5 of the operative order” . Effectively this order confirms the other operative orders of the High Court save for deletion of directing MDC as a person to hold an Extra ordinary Congress or convening Extra Ordinary Congress. This removes the duty of any organ of the party to seat and deliberate or come up with any form of resolution on the convening of the Extra Ordinary Congress as MDC. (ii) The SC ruling further gave an order on paragraph 3 which is directed you acting only in the capacity of Acting President who is exercising functions of president stated in article 9.1.2.1. That is to convene an Extra Ordinary Congress of MDC in order to elect a president of MDC in terms of article 9.21.1 of MDC. Effectively this order directed a single person who is acting as President of the party to individually convene an Extra Ordinary Congress. The said article 9.1.2.1 gives powers only to President and those powers are not shared or abrogated to any person or organ of the party. 7) I am also aware of an application to extend the time frames that were initially given by the Supreme Court on 30 March. I know you were granted an extension of time to convene an Extra Ordinary Congress. 8) From the Court ruling that extended the time frame and news circulating, I am told you intend to hold the Extra Ordinary Congress on 20 December 2020. This prompted me to approach your office with the following concerns. A) The MDC constitution makes an article 6.2.2 congress different to an Extra ordinary Congress of article 9.21.1 on the following things that you or any one cannot change. a) Congress of 6.2.2 is held once every five years and by 6.2.3(g) that time frame cannot be changed by any organ of the party or anyone. Where as b) Extra Ordinary Congress can be held at any time , in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and in this case the Extra Ordinary congress was called in terms of article 9.21.1 . That is to elect a replacement of deceased president. c) The 6.2.2 Congress has functions listed in article 6.2.3 where as an Extra Ordinary Congress is convened with functions raised on the notice of convening. In this case it is to elect a president after the demise of Dr MR Tsvangirai. d) The 6.2.2 Congress is convened by way of notice written by Secretary General to Provinces and Districts two Months before date of Congress as per article 6.2.4.1 and a further notice is given to the public through a newspaper notice as per article 6.2.4.2 where as e) Notice of convening an Extra Ordinary Congress is given direct to each individual person who is a delegate of Congress as per article 6.2.6 “A notice convening an Extra-Ordinary Congress shall be sent to all members entitled to attend and to each branch by the National Council at least one month befo)re the date of the meeting.” It is clear from this that a notice of convening an Extra Ordinary Congress is send to individuals who attend Extra Ordinary congress as listed by article 6.2.1 and only the branch is the only organ given notice of Extra Ordinary Congress yet no member of Branch executive is part of Congress delegates. B) Based on this I have noticed that today is 24 November 2020 and from information circulating in media I am informed that the said Extra Ordinary Congress is to be held on 20 December 2020. If that information is correct, which I am persuaded to believe since the Supreme Court extended the time frame to 31 December, it means notices of convening Extra Ordinary Congress should have been issued by now. The mandatory 30 days notice required have already lapsed and I Berias Brian Trust Mari who is Secretary for Welfare South Africa Province has not received my individual notice of invitation to attend the Extra Ordinary Congress. C) As far as I know I am a paid up member and I have not done anything against the party constitution. However I have not received the notice to attend the Extra ordinary Congress. D) There are issues that have come through social and main media about nominations or purported National Councils or Standing Committee resolutions on the convening of Extra Ordinary Congress. I am also aware of antagonisms at National level and Parliament. I feel the matter of Extra Ordinary Congress was clearly stated by Supreme Court and only one person who act as President was mandated with the duty to convene Extra Ordinary Congress and the same Supreme Court as I have explained above clearly relieved MDC and its organs from convening of Extra Ordinary Congress. No kind of National resolutions or Provincial nominations or National Council directive can be legal. E) The Notice of convening an Extra Ordinary Congress requirements put everything to rest. No province or National Council is mandated or invited as organs to this Extra Ordinary Congress. Only one individual was mandated to write notices to individuals who are delegates. That individual was given as a person Acting as president not as an organ or share the powers in 9.1.2.1 with anyone. F) The Supreme Court has already identified the delegates of party as those that were led by Mr Nelson Chamisa. Without those same delegates going to convene an Extra Ordinary Congress then the whole Supreme Court ruling has no value. I refer you to comments by the judge in last paragraph of page 34 that extend to page 35 of judgement. It reads “The evidence on record, as elaborated by submissions from counsel, suggests that the third respondent may have moved on to other political pastures. However, there is no clear evidence to the effect that she has unequivocally relinquished her political rights and interests in the Party. On the other hand, it seems relatively clear that the second appellant has become “the chosen leader” of the Party. The Court cannot but take judicial notice of the following political realities. Firstly, as appears from the voting results of the last general election held in July 2018, the second appellant was the only viable opposition contender for the presidency. He actually garnered 44.39% of the total valid votes cast in the presidential election, as compared with the winning candidate, the incumbent President of the country, who obtained 50.67% of the votes cast. In contrast, the next highest ranking candidate, being the third respondent, only secured a paltry 0.94% of the valid votes cast. Secondly, and equally significantly, he was unanimously elected as the President of the Party, i.e. The one that is presently before this Court, at its Congress convened in June 2019. These are the inescapable facts that loom large on the country’s political landscape.” The Acting president must take note that it was decided already as to which party that is before SC56/2020. Two indicators that the judge referred to as inescapable are that the said party convened their Congress in June 2019 and that there is evidence before it that you have moved on to other political pastures. You cannot then call members of your party to the Congress of a party that the court positively identified or exclude any of the members that were in June 2019 Congress and pretend to have convened EOC of MDC. 9) The Acting president should note that the SC took notice of 6.2.2 congress time frame and exercised fully the provisions of article 6.2.3(g). This provision state it clearly that any other time frame in the constitution can be extended but the time frame of 6.2.2 Congress cannot be extended. That is clearly shown in the Judgement where the Court take notice that article 9.21.1 state clearly that a deceased president can only be replaced by way of EOC which must be held at least 12 months from date of his death. This became a constitutional time frame which had two effects. The first is that the deputy becomes acting President for that period of 12 months and only an Extra ordinary Congress can remove such acting president. The fact remains this is a time frame outside a 6.2.2 Congress and can be extended. The Court did exactly that. The court gave judgement in March 2020 which is over 5 years from 2014. No one could extend this time frame. Any person who was holding post as per 2014 election has no more constitutional mandate. The second effect is to extend date of EOC. This is a time frame outside Congress of 6.2.2 and it can be extended.
10) I also want the Acting President to realise that article 9.21 only direct that only a president can be replaced by way of EOC should he die or resign, where as all other office bearers are replaced at 6.2.2 Congress which happen once every 5 years. Realise that Provincial Assemblies are held every five years. District assemblies happen once every 5 years. No person or organ can change such time frames. Provincial assembly is not elected as a dependent of National members or who is the president or who acts as president of the party. The issue of who was to be president has since been resolved but has nothing to do with my membership to MDC or the lapse of 5 year term of South African Provincial Executive or any other Organ. As such a 6.2.2 Congress notice was issued by the then SG Douglas T Mwonzora in terms of article 6.4.1 to provinces and districts and a further notice of 6.2.4.2 was put in newspaper. As the judgement shows in page 35, MDC held its 6.2.2 Congress in June 2019. The court emphasises that it is an inescapable fact. 11) The Acting president should realise that the two constitutional provision of article 9.1.2.1 and 9.21.1 which the Court used to direct you to convene an EOC thereby directing you to provisions of 6.2.6. This provision direct that notices of EOC be given direct to individuals 30 days before date of EOC. It removes any form of nominations before the EOC because delegates are invited personally and are invited by Acting president who also exercise that power individually. That alone means no delegate goes to EOC standing for someone or carrying a resolution of anyone. The proceedings of EOC start at the venue. No organ of the party is invited to congress or directed to do any function of this EOC. This is both by Constitution and Court Order. 12) It must be noted by the Acting president that your period of Acting is based on article 9.21.1 which is a time frame of constitution that can be extended by article 6.2.3(g) and that time frame is only given to the Acting President only. Article 9.21 is very clear that all other office bearers cannot act beyond article 6.2.2 Congress. Again I repeat the events of 2019 Congress were by operation of Constitution and not individuals. An executive was elected by Congress and no SC order ever changed that. The Court removed one person from the executive and noted that only an Extra ordinary Congress could remove an Acting President and not a 6.2.2 congress. However 2019 elected Deputy presidents and an entire Standing Committee. This is clearly an above board exercise. 13) The Acting President must realise that the court did not direct anyone to form alternative structures outside those that were led by Mr Nelson Chamisa at time of ruling. It is not within your choice to choose people you want to be in structures because the court ruled when structures are there. You cannot wish anyone away in the structures. Should you wish to contest the post of president of MDC you seek those people’s mandate. 14) Of importance is for you to explain why you did not give me an invitation to EOC. My post as Secretary of Welfare in South African province is not at the pleasure of president or any other person but mandate given by those who elected me. No one can wish me out of the EOC 15) Should you not respond in 7 days I will have to seek legal action against you and challenge the legitimacy of the EOC should it go ahead. I also would have interest in knowing those delegates who shall attend the EOC because it was already known you had your own party in 2018 election by the name MDC T. Whether that MDC T means MDC Tsvangirai or Thokozani it does not matter the point is SC ruled on MDC party and not MDC T. We have seen many Court cases of MDC T which must not be conflated with MDC which is a body Corporate. Should any other delegate reveal to me that he or she was also not invited to the congress, I may team up with such delegates to stand as one for the same cause. Should we also discover after counting the number of delegates who did not receive invitations as per article 6.2.6 that we constitute a huge number we shall approach the court to stop that EOC. It will be illegal
Looking forward to your response on my e mail address beriasmari@ yahoo.com which all party correspondences go to all the time.
By A Correspondent- A Beitbridge businessman and Zanu-PF official Oscar Chiromo escaped death yesterday morning when gunmen shot at his car twice, injuring his hand while he was driving to work from his rural home.
Chiromo, who owns Beitbridge Transit Shed, had his hand grazed and was treated and discharged from a Beitbridge private hospital after the incident.
Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Inspector Loveless Mangena could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Chiromo, however, said he had reported the shooting to the police soon after he was discharged from hospital.
He said his attackers were travelling in an unregistered Honda CVR vehicle which made an Uturn after the shooting.
“The car tracked us from Lutumba, and then drove in front of us before slowing down to allow us passage. We were shot at as we were overtaking. I was hit on the hand and soon after, our attackers drove in the (opposite) direction,” he said.
Chiromo opened the Beitbridge Transit Shed, a pre-owned vehicle warehouse, after a bitter split with Vice-President Kembo Mohadi who runs a similar business trading as Malindi Transit Shed.
The other vehicle warehouse at Beitbridge is run by Manica Freight, an international clearing house with branches throughout the country.
Mohadi and Chiromo have been in and out of the courts in connection with about US$50 000 Mohadi claims from his former partner. Chiromo is also a senior Zanu-PF party official in Matabeleland South, a province that is largely controlled by Mohadi.-newsday
Police are continuing investigations into the assault case involving MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti, who allegedly manhandled a woman at Harare Magistrates Court during a heated exchange.
Biti allegedly assaulted 54-year-old Ms Tatiana Aleshina, who is involved in a property wrangle with one of his clients.
He has denied any wrongdoing through a legal spokesman.
The alleged assault occurred on Monday and was reported at Harare Central Police Station under case number IR111874.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the matter was now being handled by detectives from the CID Law and Order Section as investigations into the matter continue.
Police yesterday said they were forced to walk on stage and stop proceedings during the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAAs) last Saturday after organisers failed to stick to agreed timelines for the event.
The statement by the police comes after false claims by some quarters that the police deliberately sought to frustrate the holding of the awards.
During the RoilBAAs held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, police details were seen going on stage apparently calling on organisers to immediately wrap up their event.
As internet sensation Sikhosana Band was saying out his acceptance speech for winning Outstanding Newcomer, four officers of the law, burst on stage and whispered something to United Refineries CEO Mr Busisa Moyo.
Mr Moyo was presenting the public votes categories when the police came on stage and after announcing the Song of the Year won by Ngoma Ingoma, the stage was cleared and in no time the police started herding people out of the venue telling them to go home.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Abednego Ncube said organisers had applied for the awards to be held between 3PM and 8PM.
“On the day in question, the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards organisers had applied to the police to start at 3PM ending at 8PM. And we gave them permission to do that. Instead they started at 6PM, which was not the problem of the police.
At 8PM they were not yet through. So, officers on duty led by a commissioned officer, an inspector, approached one of the organisers (Nkululeko Nkala) and agreed that he should round off his programme.
“The police allowed the event to continue up until 9PM. They engaged again the organisers who agreed amicably to round up and close. The event went on well according to the police and organisers,” said Insp Ncube.
In the aftermath of the event, some residents not privy to the agreed timelines, started attacking police accusing them of heavy handedness.
Bulawayo mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni issued a statement saying he was disappointed with the conduct of the police as it affected the marketing of the city.
“The police action affected the marketing of the city internationally. We are not happy with what the police did on the night of Saturday November 28 in the full glare of the international audience at the RoilBAA. We invest lots of time and resources to market Bulawayo as a cultural hub,” he said.
“I personally have been to China, America, Hong Kong, Kenya, Germany and Abu Dhabi to market the arts and cultural domination of this city. I had lots of colleagues viewing the event on Facebook Live. They were equally disappointed about the law enforcement agent’s conduct. No prior warning. That heavy handedness was not called for.”
However, Insp Ncube said everything was above board and the police were patient with the organisers and called on the mayor not to drive a wedge between them and Bulawayo residents.
“We appreciate the co-operation of the organisers who in turn is appreciative of the police. We are now worried about some comments from people who were not involved in the organisation of the RoilBAAs.
“They issue statements that are aimed to create hatred between the police and the people of Bulawayo, whom we are serving diligently. We wish to work with the people of Bulawayo and we are calling upon the general members of public to co-operate as we strive to make Bulawayo a law-abiding city, peace loving and crime free,” said Insp Ncube. RoilBAA spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala, thanked police for their sterling work during the night.
“For the record, we cleared the event so that people can beat curfew time,” he said. “We ran late and we want to thank the police for their patience and understanding.”
By A Correspondent| Zanu PF Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi has warned top comedienne Madam Boss against ‘berating’ Mbuya Nehanda saying she will regret.
Madam Boss posted pictures dressed in Mbuya Nehanda like robes and went on to shoot a skit in which she depicted a possessed Mbuya Nehanda.
It appears Madam Boss’ jokes did not go down well with Zanu PF which has since warned her to stop berating the country’s spirit medium.
“I hope someone tells this comedian that there is a limit on everything Those who have berated the mythical immortal spirit of Mbuya NeHanda have had to regret. You all know what happened to one talkative politician’s mother when he attacked the commencement of the statue,” said Mugwadi.
The micro-blogging website, Twitter, has suspended the account of Newsday Zimbabwe for reason not yet known.
Followers of the account were mystified when the profile page for Newsday Zimbabwe’s Twitter read ‘Account suspended and all the tweets had disappeared.
This led to a number of conspiracy theories about why the account had been suspended.
However, Newsday Zimbabwe said their account had not been hacked or deliberately suspended.
No further details have been disclosed.
According to Twitter, common reasons for suspension may include spam, account security at risk and abusive tweets or behaviour.
Under Twitter’s abusive tweets or behaviour position, under reasons why accounts get suspended, it states: “We may suspend an account if it has been reported to us as violating our Rules surrounding abuse. When an account engages in abusive behaviour, like sending threats to others or impersonating other accounts, we may suspend it temporarily or, in some cases, permanently.”
The suspension came to light when Newsday’s sister paper The Standard sent an SOS to @Wamagaisa @usembassyharare. The Standard portrayed the suspension as an act of suppressing freedom of the press.
Said The Standard, “NewsDay is a critical watchdog in Zimbabwe in its role as a press in a democratic society. By suspending its Twitter account, @TwitterSupport is suppressing freedom of the press. Is @Twitter silencing democratic voices?”
Hand washing is still a challenge in most schools.
"Disaster is knocking hard in schools, Government fire fighting methods and denials seem to be backfiring." Teachers call for closure of schools while govt remains defiant. What do you think should be done?
A seventeen-year-old Grade 7 pupil at Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge was confirmed dead upon admission at the Chipinge District Hospital this Tuesday after he was allegedly stabbed with a knife by a fellow classmate on their way home from school.
The pupil from Macheta community under Chief Musikavanhu reportedly died due to excessive bleeding after he was stabbed once on the heart.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, Chipinge District Schools Inspector Mr Richard Gabaza said details that led to the incident are still sketchy.
He however confirmed that police have picked up suspects for questioning.
A Gazette.co.uk article of 21 January 2009, updated on 14 May 2013 suggests that Impala Car Rental Director Thompson Kanganwirai Dondo could be a wanted man in the United Kingdom.
The publication does not specify the crime which Dondo and his co-accused, Sharon McCartney, Stuart Smith, and John Alan Wilkinson, committed but political analyst Majaira Jairosi claims they were up for human trafficking.
The publication claims Kanganwirai Dondo, 36 then, failed to attend Teesside Crown Court on November 19, 2007. It further reports:
His (Dondo) last known address was in the Ingleby Barwick area.
Sharon McCartney, 44. She failed to attend Teesside Magistrates Court on May 23, 2007. Her last known address was in Stockton but she is also believed to have connections in the Darlington area.
Stuart Smith, 28. He had a warrant issued against him by Guisborough Magistrates Court on August 23, 2007. His last known address was in the Billingham area.
John Alan Wilkinson, 42. He failed to attend Teesside Magistrates Court on July 15, 2008. His last known address was in the Stillington area.
Inspector Tony Rock, from Cleveland Police, said: “If persons are bailed to court and fail to attend, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
“Stockton Police endeavour to arrest any wanted person the day they receive notification from a court.
“In the New Year, Stockton had 19 warrants outstanding which is the lowest total for some time.
“We would like to reduce the number of outstanding court warrants even further. We are therefore asking for the public’s help to trace the four persons whose photographs are shown.”
If anyone has any information as to the current whereabouts of the four, they should contact Stockton Police on 01642 302226 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police are continuing investigations into the assault case involving MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti, who allegedly manhandled a woman at Harare Magistrates Court during a heated exchange.
Biti allegedly assaulted 54-year-old Ms Tatiana Aleshina, who is involved in a property wrangle with one of his clients.
He has denied any wrongdoing through a legal spokesman.
The alleged assault occurred on Monday and was reported at Harare Central Police Station under case number IR111874.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the matter was now being handled by detectives from the CID Law and Order Section as investigations into the matter continue.
By A Correspondent| Authorities at Bulawayo Polytechnic have reversed their decision in which they had expelled a motor mechanics student for alleged misconduct.
Lawson Machida, a mechanical student at Bulawayo Polytechnic was expelled on 4 November 2020 by Gilbert Mabasa, the Principal at the institution and suspended for a period of two years and advised that he may seek readmission at Bulawayo Polytechnic not earlier than 2023 on allegations that he had behaved in a manner that is unbefitting of a student enrolled at the college.
The unwarranted suspension and expulsion compelled Machida to engage Jabulani Mhlanga of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who protested against the institution’s decision.
In a letter addressed to Mabasa, Mhlanga argued that Machida had only been summoned to testify as a witness on 12 October 2020 in a case in which a student at Bulawayo Polytechnic had been dragged before a disciplinary hearing for allegedly assaulting the institution’s Matron.
Mhlanga charged that even though he was a witness and not subjected to disciplinary proceedings, the disciplinary committee digressed from its mandate and made an adverse finding against Machida based on his testimony as a witness during the disciplinary hearing and held that he behaved in a manner unbefitting a student.
In addition, Mhlanga protested that the student was not subjected to any disciplinary hearing in terms of the law and was never given any notice or advised that he was under any investigation or disciplinary process for committing acts of misconduct.
The human rights lawyer stated that the expulsion of Machida by Mabasa without following due processes was a clear violation of his constitutional rights in particular the right to education guaranteed in section 75 of the Constitution and the right to administrative justice provided in section 68 of the Constitution.
In response to Mhlanga’s letter, Mabasa conceded that his institution had erred in expelling and suspending Machida and advised that the institution had annulled its decision on the motor mechanics student and reinstated him to continue pursuing his studies at Bulawayo Polytechnic.
Pretoria entrepreneur and owner of Advance Cash and Carry a South African wholesale popular with Zimbabweans has been kidnapped with a R180 million ransom demanded for his safe return.
The kidnapping of Sikander Kalla of Advance Cash n Carry Pretoria, the gruesome killing of his staff member, Imtiaz “DK” Suleman, and the R180m ransom demand yesterday sent shock waves through the business community, and Laudium, in Pretoria, where they both are from.
Suleman was said to have been shot four times on Tuesday afternoon on Rebecca Street in Pretoria West.
The pair were travelling in a silver grey vehicle when they were accosted by unknown suspects, who shot the driver, Suleman, and left his body slumped behind the wheel as they fled with Kalla.
“A ransom demand of R180 million has since been made for his safe return,” said a member of the Laudium business community, asking for anonymity for fear of being victimised.
While the police were unable to confirm either the kidnapping allegations or the ransom demand, the news broke on social media on Tuesday night, with a tweet from @Furak on Tuesday night reading: “My beloved brethren in humanity. It is with great sadness I inform you’ll that the FATHER of Madressah Hifzul Quran, Uncle Sikander Kalla, was kidnapped earlier today.”
It went on to say that “Imtiaz DK, who was driving Sikander home, was shot and is unfortunately no longer with us.’’
Police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters said yesterday that she was unaware of the incident.
However, residents said they were aware that the pair were confronted by armed suspects on their way home.
Crime-fighter and activist Yusuf Amramjee said that as far as he knew a murder and kidnapping case was being investigated.
Referring questions to the police, he confirmed that the family was not ready to discuss the incident yet.
Suleman was buried in Laudium yesterday with entry to the cemetery restricted to 100 people as per Covid-19 government regulations. He is survived by his widow and three children.
In 2018, 65-year-old Layaqat Allie Parker, founder of the Foodprop Group, which owns the Foodworld supermarket chain, was kidnapped and returned after two months of being held captive.
In July 2017, the owner of Zhauns Business Opportunity Machines, Sadeck Zhaun Ahmed, was kidnapped outside his business in Victoria Road, Salt River.
He was returned to his family after two months, and although there were reports that a ransom of R20m was paid for his release, his family denied this.
In August 2017, local businessman Omar Carrim, then 76, was allegedly kidnapped, and was only released four months later, after appeals were made to those holding him to at least allow him to collect his heart medication as he had a chronic illness from which he could have died.
HARARE regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna has indicated that the transcribed record of proceedings that Henrietta Rushwaya, Stephen Tserai, Raphios Mufandauya and Gift Karanda wanted to use to appeal for bail at the High Court was ready.
Mr Nduna said this while making a ruling on applications made by the five over the complaints they raised emanating from their arrest.
Rushwaya, Muhammad, Tserai, Mufandauya and Karanda are expected back in court on December 11 for their routine remand.
Nduna also dismissed an application by Rushwaya and Muhammad to have their seized phones released by the police.
Rushwaya and Muhammad, who were arrested in October, were accused of attempting to smuggle 6kg of gold worth US$333 000 to Dubai.
They are being jointly charged with Central Intelligence Organisation operatives Stephen Tserayi and Raphios Mufandauya and Rushwaya’s ZMF colleague Gift Karanda on smuggling charges, illegal possession of gold, criminal abuse of office and defeating the course of justice.
Rushwaya, Tserayi, Mufandauya and Karanda are in custody after being denied bail at the Harare Magistrates Court.
Rushwaya was arrested on October 26 2020 at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport intending to fly to Dubai with the gold and her cellphone was seized by the police.
Muhammad was arrested on October 30 and his cellphone was also taken away by the police for investigations purposes.
On Friday last week, Rushwaya and Muhammad, through their lawyers Tapson Dzvetero and Tinashe Robin Tanyanyiwa, submitted an application before Nduna to have their phones back, arguing that the police seized their gadgets unlawfully, since they did not have warrants which permitted them to do so.
But Nduna said although 21 days had lapsed since the police had taken the phones, which made it liable for the seized gadgets to be released, the State had clearly showed its intention to prosecute the accused by placing them on remand as prescribed by the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
They had also submitted an application seeking an order for the release of a transcribed record on their case to expedite their appeal on bail application at the High Court.
Nduna said the transcribed record was ready and the delay was an administrative issue which was not brought before the court.
They had also submitted before the court that the State had failed to provide the court with a report on their complaints against the police.
They argued that the police had violated their rights by seizing and searching their homes without warrants.
But Nduna reminded them that they had indicated to the court that their complaints against the police should be put on record and did not state that they wanted the case to be investigated.
The five accused were remanded to December 11, 2020 for routine remand.
The Russian woman, MsTatiana Aleshina who MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti is Alledged to have assaulted has very close links with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his right hand man July Moyo in messy land dealings.
Mnangagwa is entangled in a messy secret agreement that gives millionaire Ken Sharpe’s Augur Investments unusual immunity from litigation on disputed vast tracks of land he acquired through the Airport Road construction project in which Tatiana Aleshina is a signatory as a witness.
Biti allegedly assaulted Aleshina, who is involved in a property wrangle with one of his clients.
He has denied any wrongdoing through a legal spokesman.
The alleged assault occurred on Monday and was reported at Harare Central Police Station under case number IR111874.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the matter was now being handled by detectives from the CID Law and Order Section as investigations into the matter continue.
Tatiana Aleshia signed a dubios deed of settlement with July Moyo on 28 May 2019 on behalf of millionaire businessman Augur. Lawyers are questioning its legality.
The agreement for the construction of the 20-kilometre Airport Road, also known as the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Expressway, which was not completed, was signed in 2008 between Harare City Council and Augur, although the project was later taken over by the government.
The land in dispute – stand 654 Pomona township (273,29 hectares) – has opened a Pandora’s Box, showing Mnangagwa and Moyo are deeply involved. The title deed for the land was held in escrow by Coghlan, Welsh and Guest Legal Practitioners at the time of the secret agreement.
A company subcontracted by Augur for civil works on road project — Trucking and Construction (T&C) Pvt Ltd — is claiming the land in a bid to recover its US$4.8 million for services and equipment provided.
Before the dodgy agreement, signed on 2 8May 2019, the City of Harare was also involved in legal battles with Augur to get back land it had given the company as payment. The city wanted the land back, saying Augur failed to complete the project as agreed.
Augur in a July 2019 filed an urgent court application for stay of execution on a court ruling in favour of T&C. It claimed the land could not be seized by T&C as it was registered in Mnangagwa’s name.
“The writ of execution itself was not served on the correct domicilium citandi executandi of Augur. Instead the writ was simply dropped at the gate to immovable property which T&C seeks to attach, which property to date of this application remains in the name of the President of Zimbabwe,” the application reads.
“Further, the immovable property that T&C wishes to attach in execution is registered in the name of the President of Zimbabwe and no consent has been sought from the President for the attachment of such property.”
Stand 654 Pomona was Augur’s security as well as for payment for future work and equipment hired for the contract between T&C and Augur for the project.
T&C, represented by Mutumbwa, Mugabe & Partners legal practitioners, went to court for the release of the piece of land and payment after Augur had reneged.
The court ruled in favour of T&C in several legal battles that ensued.
T&C director Grant Russell, in an August 2019 application at the High Court, described Augur as a “peregrine company” (outslandish), which has spent the last several years avoiding execution of orders of the court.
Russell, seemingly not aware of Mnangagwa’s secret immunity deal, said he did not believe Augur’s claim the land was registered in the President’s name.
“Further, it is disputed that the title deed for the Pomona property is in the name of the President. I attach hereto as ‘Annexure M’, a copy of the deed of grant, which is held in the name of the Ministry of Local Government Public Works and National Housing,” Russell said.
“In all this, the applicant does not mention that apart from the writ of execution in HC3931/19, the Pomona stand was already property held in escrow and the sheriff was not at liberty to transfer it to applicant (Augur).
“Further, applicant does not mention that since June 2019, it, in cahoots with officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works working outside the scope of their duties, has attempted to coerce Coghlan Welsh and Guest Legal Practitioners to release the tittle deeds for the Pomona property.”
Documents show that it was.
In the secret deed of settlement, attached as an annexure to T&C’s court documents, Moyo, representing himself and Mnangagwa, gave Sharpe assurances that he would not face litigation from government, Harare municipality or third parties regarding the land.
Aleshina — a Russian —is the twin sister of Ken Sharpe’s wife.
Suspended Harare town clerk Hosiah Chisango and former mayor Herbert Gomba, who are on bail facing charges of illegal land deals and abuse of office respectively, signed as witnesses.
Sharpe got vast land in Harare, including the Pomona stand, a 400-hectare piece of land where he planned to construct the Mall of Zimbabwe in Borrowdale, and at least 197 hectares dotted around the city. Some of the land was allegedly transferred into shelf and subsidiary companies, according to the audit report.
In one of the legal correspondences in June 2019, Augur and Sharpe’s lawyers Chinawa Law Chambers distanced Augur from the other pieces of land the company gained through the airport deal.
However, in the secret deed agreement with Moyo, government promised Augur that the company and the Harare municipality would “expedite the issuance of all and any necessary licences and permits to Augur and its related companies for any of its developments which it is carrying out in Harare”.
Augur’s related companies include Pokugara Properties Pvt Ltd (stand 19828 Harare Township), Electro Properties Pvt Ltd (stand 19673 Harare Township), Express Properties Pvt Ltd (stand 19674 Harare Township), Volin Property Company Pvt Ltd (stand 144 Northwood), Yellow Seat Properties Pvt Ltd (stand 19345 Harare Township), and Seatrite Properties Pvt Ltd (stand 1989 Harare Township).
Other related projects which will receive favours under the agreement are the Mbudzi People’s Market, Warren Hills Residential and Commercial Development and Mukuvisi Development.
“Augur, Moyo and the City of Harare (hereinafter referred to as ‘the parties’) were involved in numerous litigation against each other including and not limited to the arbitration ruling from Justice N T Mtshiya on 26 2017, HC7445/17, SC878/18, HC 598/17 and other matters currently before the Supreme Court, the High Court and the Magistrates Court,” the agreement says.
“Upon signature of the Deed of Settlement, the minister, City of Harare and Augur undertake to withdraw all and any legal actions and proceedings, both civil and criminal pending against each other before the courts, and each party is to bear its own costs.
“The minister acting on behalf of the state, undertakes to immediately withdraw all and any criminal matters against Augur, its associated companies, representatives and its directors.”
The agreement also states that within 24 hours of signature, Moyo was to issue an instruction for the release of the title deed of 654 Pomona from escrow.
“Immediately thereafter, the minister and/or the President shall sign all and any documents necessary to facilitate and effect the transfer of the stand to Augur or its nominee Doorex Properties Private Limited within 14 calendar days,” the agreement reads.
“In the event of the minister failing to provide the signed aforesaid documents necessary to transfer stand 654 Pomona to Augur, the deputy sheriff is hereby authorised by the minister to sign on its behalf all and any documents required for the transfer of stand 654 Pomona Township to Augur.
“The ministry has claimed US$3, 974116.39 (US$3,9 million) as expenditure for civil works done on stand 654 Pomona Township.”
The secrecy clause in the agreement reads: “The parties hereby agree that the subject matter of this deed of settlement are of an utmost confidential nature and constitute confidential information. No party to this deed of settlement shall disclose or divulge, directly or indirectly, the contents of this deed of settlement to any third party, save in accordance with either of the parties ordinary day to day business activities and requirement thereof.”
The deed of settlement repeatedly mentions that Mnangagwa and Moyo have indemnified Augur against prosecution.
“The minister warrants that there are no encumbrances on stand 654 Pomona Township and further agree that within a reasonable time and in any case no later than 30 days of date of signature of this deed of settlement the ministry and CoH will hand over to Augur all existing statutory approvals relating to zoning, town planning, development, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) certificate or approval, sub-division permit and any other licences, permits or documents for stand 654 Pomona Township,” it says.
A City of Harare special investigations committee audit report of 2010 found that no tenders were floated for Airport Road. The project was initially valued at US$60 million, but was then increased to US$87 million.
“Stand 812 was hurriedly transferred as payment to Augur before being brought to council for consideration,” the report states.
“Ninety-three comma zero nine (93,0993) hectares of land were transferred to shelf companies which had no evidence of legal links with Augur as payment for the preliminary work done on the road.”
However, in June 2019 Chinawa Law Chambers (Augur’s lawyers) wrote to Mutumbwa, Mugabe & Partners denying Augur had links with the companies the land was transferred to.
“We wish to advise however that you are embarking on a wild goose chase, in the spirit of good faith we wish to highlight to you and be upfront of the fact that you are mistaken on the ownership of the various entities as they are not owned by Augur as alleged in your aforementioned summons. It would in the best interest of your client to first and foremost ascertain the ownership of said companies before continuing on this disastrous road which you seek to sojourn,” the letter says.
The then town clerk, Tendai Mahachi, was caught in a conflict of interest after failing to declare his links with Sharpe as he was a project manager for Augur.
The project was supposed to provide a direct link from Dieppe roundabout through Braeside suburb, over the National Railways of Zimbabwe marshalling yard and Robert Mugabe Way leading into Enterprise Road with a continuous flyover estimated to be almost half-a-kilometre long.
The Augur board through the company’s lawyer, Douglass Chinawa, said the settlement agreement was arrived at after a considered assessment of the rights and obligations between all parties and that T&C had been paid according to law.
“Your conclusion that Augur International OU did not complete the project is a clear misunderstanding of all the facts of the matter and calculated to defame it,” the board said.
“Itself was approved by both the High Court and the Supreme Court. The settlement agreement did not take away any 3rd party rights which you seem to allude to as ‘escrow’ rights. For your information, the 3rd party in question has since been paid what is due to them in accordance with the law. Augur investments OU can only enforce rights creted as between the parties to the settlement agreement.”
The NewsHawks had sent questions to the signatory of the deed of settlement Aleshina.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said he would need to verify the details of the deed of settlement with Local Government minister July Moyo before commenting. He was however later unavailable.
Jestina Mukoko was abducted by some unidentified armed men from her home in Norton on 3 December 2008, exactly 12 years to date, her abductors are still roaming the streets without arrest.
The abduction is a harrowing experience that still haunts her 12 years on. Like a horror movie, it plays back each time Jestina Mukoko hears of another abduction case.
The wounds never heal, she once said.
She is overly conscious about her surroundings and is always uncomfortable in unfamiliar environs.
These are the effects of the traumatic ordeal that the journalist-turned-human rights activist suffered at the hands of former president Robert Mugabe’s henchmen.
Mukoko still lives in fear, more than a decade after she was abducted and tortured together with two ZPP employees Broderick Takawira and Pascal Gonzo, who were also abducted later in December 2008 remained unknown until December 24, 2008, when they first appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court, after weeks of being held incommunicado and being tortured.
In court, Jestina and her colleagues and dozens of other pro-democracy campaigners were accused by government of plotting to topple Robert Mugabe’s administration through recruiting people to undergo military training in neighbouring Botswana.
In her Tweet this morning Mukoko expresses her concerns on lack of action against her perpetrators.
Woke up to a nasty dream on this day 12 years ago. The perpetrators still scot free#ZimbabweanLivesMatter
A seventeen-year-old Grade 7 pupil at Mwacheta Primary School in Chipinge was confirmed dead upon admission at the Chipinge District Hospital this Tuesday after he was allegedly stabbed with a knife by a fellow classmate on their way home from school.
The pupil from Macheta community under Chief Musikavanhu reportedly died due to excessive bleeding after he was stabbed once on the heart.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, Chipinge District Schools Inspector Mr Richard Gabaza said details that led to the incident are still sketchy but confirmed that police have picked up suspects for questioning.
THE mother of a minor, who was allegedly raped by suspended MDC-T spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni on Monday denied claims that she wanted to “politically soil” his image after he was nominated for Senate.
Phugeni appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze for continuation of trial for the crime he allegedly committed between June and November 2018 in Emhlangeni and Magwegwe suburbs in Bulawayo.
He denies the charges as defined under section 65 of the Criminal Law, (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The complainant’s mother said she informed politicians such as Lovemore Moyo, the United Movement for Devolution leader, and ousted MDC-T organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe, as she wanted to resolve the matter politically.
“(Lovemore) Moyo is my party president and I wanted Moyo to engage Phugeni on this matter at a political level,” the complainant’s mother said when she was being cross-examined by Phugeni’s lawyer Kholwani Ngwenya.
“(Abednico) Bhebhe is my cousin and I did not want him to hear about the matter through the Press or rumours.”
Ngwenya had asked why she took a political route to solve a criminal matter, adding that this fuelled suspicion that she sought to soil Phugeni’s image after he was nominated for Senate.
“I am only after justice for my daughter.
“It is just coincidence as it is also the same time my daughter opened up for the first time.
Phugeni snubbed family meetings to discuss the matter,” the complainant’s mother added.
The woman cannot be named for ethical reasons to protect the identity of the minor.
According to the mother, her daughter suffered depression after the rape ordeal resulting in her turning to intoxicating substances to numb the pain.
“Her behaviour changed — sleeping out and getting drunk. She would refuse to disclose what was going on except to say ‘my problems are piling up’.
“She disclosed the rape ordeal after I threatened to beat her up for untoward behaviour,” the mother said.
The magistrate remanded Phugeni to December 7.
Phugeni has been removed from the position of spokesperson for the MDC-T following the rape charges.
Disaster Knocking Hard in Schools: As over 500 Pupils and Teachers test positive to covid 19 pandemic
2 December 2020
Disaster is knocking hard in schools with over 70 cases of covid 19 pandemic reported at Wadilove High over the past two days. Government fire fighting methods and denials seem to be backfiring.
Cases -more than 184 cases of covid 19 at John Tallach in Mat North -more than 88 cases at Chinhoyi High, Mash West -more than 20 cases at All Souls Mission, Mutoko -19 cases at Anderson Adventist High, Gweru, Midlands
Reported cases, Heretal College -11 students and two teachers tested positive at Mtshabezi High, Mat South.
more than 10 cases at Matopo High, Mat South and school closed. -reported cases at Emakhadeni Primary, Bulawayo -reported cases at Girls College. -3 reported cases Rujeko Primary, Masvingo -Reported cases, Prince Edward, Harare -Reported case, David Livingstone, Harare -Boarding kids have tested positive, Selbourne Routledge Primary, Harare. -reported case, Avocar Primary, Bindura -confirmed cases of ten teachers, 23 pupils, Bindura Urban Schools -reported cases, plumtree schools, Mat South. -70 learners and 2 teachers have tested positive to covid 19 at Wadilove High. Non exam classes closing today. -One confirmed case at Ruya High -Many other teachers and students are positive but have not yet been tested or are waiting for confirmation of results.
It is dangerous for gvt to claim that the cases are minimal when it has no capacity to test all teachers, students and ancillary staff in schools.
Our preparedness to efficiently, effectively and transparently use resources to combat covid 19 in schools is uppermost now. Without this, the best would be to urgently close all schools before the majority of teachers and pupils become victims.
Players in the local motor industry have welcomed Government’s ban on importation of second hand cars which are more than 10 years old including the directive for line ministries to acquire locally assembled vehicles including buses.
Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, announced the measures in his 2021 budget which he presented to Parliament last week as part of efforts to revive the local motor industry in line with targets in the recently launched National Development Strategy 1.
Willowvale Body Engineering managing director, Mr Sylvester Matambo, expressed gratitude to Government for measures aimed at supporting local players in the sector.
“We are grateful for the support that Government has given us because as you can see all these buses are being made by our company but more can be done to support us in terms of further scrapping duty on other selected components like the chassis we import from South Africa,” Mr Matambo said.
He added that Government should also consider contracting them to build buses for Zupco, which will go a long way in empowering them and the downstream industries.
“If we are considered to build buses for Zupco, the country will also save foreign currency and also create employment as envisaged in the NDS1.”
Willowvale Motor industries chairperson Mr Ben Khumalo, welcomed Government’s proposals.
“Government is right in bringing the policy framework but there are issues which need to be sorted out which include the cost aspect because we need to create a market that can easily have access to the local models by allowing financial institutions to play a role in the whole value chain,” he said.
In the Budget, Prof Ncube noted that Zimbabweans had spent about US$1,3 billion on the imports of buses, light commercial and passenger motor vehicles from 2015 to September 2020.
“This is despite the existence of capacity by the local motor industry to assemble the above-mentioned range of motor vehicles,” he said.
“Furthermore, due to lack of effective standards and regulation, unroadworthy vehicles, which, in some instances fail to meet environmental and safety standards, find their way onto the market. In line with the National Development Strategy 1, which underscores value addition, I propose to remove second-hand motor vehicles aged 10 years and above, from the date of manufacture at the time of importation, from the Open General Import Licence.”
File picture of Zimbabweans at Beitbridge Border in South Africa
Hundreds of Zimbabweans are stranded at the country’s borders and neighboring South Africa and Botswana due to lack of credible COVID-19 test certificates and various documents.
The stranded people include two footballers on their way to join a Palapye-based soccer outfit, informal traders and others returning home after almost nine months living outside the country following the shutting down of the borders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Triange United Football Club player, Agrippa Murimba, and Harare City Football Club’s Raymond Uchena, who are planning to join Morupule Wanderers, told VOA Zimbabwe Service that they have been struck at Botswana’s Ramokgwebana border post for almost two days.
Immigration officials are questioning the validity of their COVID-19 test certificates. Other stuck at the same place are Gertrude Maravanzira, who is intending to visit her husband in Botswana, Walter Mukanga and several others.
Immigration officials declined to comment, referring all questions to the the country’s Minister of Health, Edwin Dikoloti, who stressed that they won’t allow any person to visit Botswana without proper COVID-19 tests.
According to Denis Juru, president of the International Cross Border Traders Association of Zimbabwe, hundreds of people have been turned away at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry with authorities citing lack of authentic COVID-19 tests, improper travel documents and other issues.
Juru said on Tuesday alone, about 622 of the 6,338 Zimbabweans intending to cross the Beitbridge border post were turned away due to lack of proper documentation, including COVID-19 test certificates. At least 230 people faced the same problem at Plumtree border post where 2,148 locals wanted to return home or visit Botswana. At Forbes border post, 531 people failed to produce proper documentation while 314 Zimbabweans were also left stranded at Chirundu border post. There were 38 and 41 such cases at Nyamapanda and Victoria Falls border posts respectively.
Juru told VOA Zimbabwe Service’s Livetalk show that “some of the people were just coming (home) without COVID-19 test certificates or a certificate that had expired. A COVID-19 test certificate is only valid for 72 hours, which is three days. So, we advise all travelers to have proper documentation. What they need is very simple as they only need to add a COVID-19 test certificate to the documentation they normally carry when crossing borders.”
Immigration officials in Harare declined to comment.
Zimbabweans made a huge social media boycott of ‘bloody’ Impala car rental cars after one of their cars was allegedly used to abduct and torture a civilian on 30 July.
A car with a registration number AES 2433 was used to abduct 22 year old political activist Tawanda Muchehiwa in Bulawayo. The car was hired out from Impala car rental.
Since the call, the company has lost most of their big customers that included several Non Governmental Organisations and development agents.
An Dutch development agency, HIVOS was one of the big organisations that openly dumped Impala Car Rental following the spirited campaign by citizens for corporates and non-governmental organisations to boycott the entity.
HIVOS took to Twitter to confirm that it had asked Impala Car Rental to remove its name from the list of references.
This followed a question from one Twitter user who disclosed that HIVOS and UNICEF were cited as Impala Car Rental references.
“These are Impala Car Rental references!
1. @hivosrosa @hivos a development aid organisation2.@UNICEFZIMBABWE a humanitarian aid organisation for children Call them Tag them Ask why a NGO still uses a Car Rental company involved in the abduction & assault of youths in Zimbabwe”
The company has since been involved in a huge bid to try and claim back its customers.
Below is one of the letters the company has written to one of its customers begging for return of business.
An artist’s impression of the proposed expansion and upgrade of Beitbridge Border Post
The Zimborders Consortium has secured nearly US$300 million for the upgrade and modernisation of Beitbridge border post, the country’s busiest inland port of entry and one of the region’s key transit points, the company has revealed.
The Zimborders Consortium is made up of a group of Zimbabweans, South Africans, international entrepreneurs and financial institutions and experts.
The project, to be implemented under a Public Private Partnership with the Government, will be privately funded with a 17 and half years’ operating concession period following the completion of the construction works expected within two years.
“We are pleased to have received the support of such a wide range of financial institutions on this critical infrastructure project for the entire region,” Mr Francois Diedrechsen, chief executive of the Zimborders Consortium said.
“Beitbridge is one of busiest border posts in Africa, which not only connects Zimbabwe and South Africa but also serves as the transit point for the majority of north-south trade in Southern Africa. We have the ideal team to ensure the successful construction and long-term management of the concession and are ready to start construction.”
The project will include a major upgrade of the entire border post including roads, ICT infrastructure as well as the construction of a number of social projects to improve the town of Beitbridge’s critical infrastructure including a fire station, residential buildings, a sewerage dam, civil services and new water reservoirs.
“As a Zimbabwean native, this part of the world is especially close to my heart.
“The Beitbridge project is a fantastic development for the trade that supports the region’s economies,” said Mr Glynn Cohen, executive chairman of the Zimborders Consortium.
“The significant waiting times being experienced currently due to ageing infrastructure will be significantly reduced following the completion of the project, thereby facilitating an easier flow of goods and people across southern Africa, be it for tourism, private or business purposes.”
Research has shown that Southern Africa has witnessed an increase in the volume of commercial and private cross-border traffic.
This has put pressure on inland ports of entry as well as sea ports with the Beitbridge border post handling the largest volume of traffic in Southern Africa.
However, there had been no significant infrastructure development in the past decade. Incidences of smuggling and other illegal activities have increased. The existing infrastructure fails to contain the volume of traffic, enabling travellers to evade duty payment.
The project’s debt funding has been provided by various South African commercial banks and international development finance institutions, demonstrating their commitment to regional growth, with equity also provided by several investors.
The concession contract was initially awarded in 2018 following a competitive tender process, which was run according to international best practice.
These developments for Beitbridge come as South Africa is looking to Zimbabwe for resources for its proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and this might include transfer of water from dams such as Zhove Dam and Tugwi-Mukosi.
The Musina-Makhado SEZ (MMSEZ) is located in the vicinity of the Beitbridge Border Post, which is one of the busiest ports of entry to South Africa and a gateway to the South African Development Community (SADC) countries.
Mr Lehlogonolo Masoga, CEO of Musina-Makhado, recently was quoted by the Global Africa Network saying the MMSEZ has the potential to become an inland inter-modal terminal, facilitated by its anchoring position along the North-South Corridor, and directly connecting to the country’s major ports through both N1 road and the Johannesburg-Musina railway line, for the trans-shipment of sea cargo and manufactured goods.
In the interview back in August this year, Mr Masoga said the MMSEZ will have an energy and metallurgical complex that will include the following plants: coal power, coke, ferrochrome, ferromanganese, pig iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, lime, silicon-manganese, metal silicon and calcium carbide.
This will be complemented by the logistics hub, agro-processing centre, light-to-medium manufacturing industries, SMME incubation centre, retail centres, hotels and residential amenities.
South Africa, however, does not have adequate resources for the MMSEZ and will look to neighbouring countries including Zimbabwe.
Responding to questions in the South African Parliament back in June 2020, Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, said current and potential source mines for input raw materials for the MMSEZ “have been identified in various Provinces of South Africa, and neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana”.
“Other countries like Zimbabwe are also potential supply areas for coal and ferro chrome at which the stricter environmental standards across the two countries shall be applied as per standard adopted international practice,” said Minister Sisulu.
A Harare woman on Monday made sensational claims that her nephew has flaunted his manhood in her face several times.
Miriam Chisvo made the revelation at the magistrate’s court where she narrated the harassment perpetrated by her late sister’s son Michael Chinamano.
Chisvo was seeking protection from the courts.
She told the court that Chinamano was also forcing her out of a property left behind by her late parents.
“He is my late sister’s son and he is making me suffer for inheriting my parents’ property.
“Whenever he gets drunk he pulls down his pants and flaunts his manhood in my face, I don’t know his intentions anymore,” Chisvo claimed.
She added that;
“He has been threatening to burn me in the house and sometimes locks the house as early as 5 am when he lives for work.
“I no longer feel safe in my home, sometimes he tempers with electric cables so that I get electric shocks.
“He buys a special beer that he drinks with friends every day after work, when he gets drunk he insults me and calls me all sorts of names,” she said.
Chisvo claimed her nephew forcibly occupied their kitchen which he has turned into a bedroom and always locks every day at 5am.
Chinamano counter claimed that his aunt was making up stories because of an existing rift between them.
“All she is saying is made up, there is no truth in it except that we both sometimes insult each other.
“We have been having problems ever since my mother’s death, she no longer wants me at the house and she is doing everything to achieve that.
“She has already caused a rift between me and my sisters and restricted a grown man like me and my belongings in a small kitchen,” said Chinamano.
However, Chinamano later consented to the granting of a protection against him.
Presiding over the matter, magistrate Meenal Narotum granted the application by consent refraining Chinamano from verbally, physically or threatening to harass his aunt.-H-Metro
A BULAWAYO-based member of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) has been arrested for allegedly pointing an AK47 assault rifle at his boss and threatening to shoot him following an argument over the firearm.
Earnest Muleya (38), who is assigned to the President’s Office security branch and stationed at Magnet House in Bulawayo, was deployed to guard CIO deputy director-general, Dr Gatsha Mazithulela’s property, a plot in Norwood, Umguza District, when he allegedly committed the crime.
According to the State, Dr Mazithulela demanded the gun from Muleya whom he suspected to have been drunk and thereby unable to properly handle the firearm.
However, instead of handing over the gun to his superior, Muleya allegedly cocked it and pointed it at Dr Mazithulela, who managed to escape unhurt.
Dr Mazithulela hid behind his car and escaped into the darkness before finding his way into the house. He later returned to the scene with backup from Magnet House.
Muleya appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Mjanja facing charges of pointing a firearm as defined in Section 27(B) of the Firearms Act. He was remanded in custody to today for bail application.
It is the State’s case as led by Mr Terrence Chakabuda that on November 28 around 7PM, the complainant, Dr Mazithulela, was about to leave his home when he saw the accused person.
“The complainant was about to leave his home when he spotted the accused person walking into the yard after abandoning his usual point of guard,” he said.
The court heard that Dr Mazithulela got suspicious when he noticed that accused person was staggering.
“The complainant suspected that the accused person could have been drunk and thus incapable of being in possession of the firearm. He then demanded the gun, an AK 47 assault rifle that Muleya was in possession of,” said Mr Chakabuda.
Instead of surrendering the rifle, Muleya allegedly cocked the gun and pointed it at Dr Mazithulela, threatening to shoot him.
Dr Mazithulela hid behind his car and managed to escape into his house and sought help from the President’s Office at Magnet House.
Security details from the Magnet House came and disarmed Muleya before they arrested him.-Chronicle
THE Confederation of African Football (Caf) has named Zambian match officials to handle Saturday’s Champions League preliminary round second-leg tie between FC Platinum and Costa Do Sol of Mozambique at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The man in the middle will be Kasokota Kafuli Derrick, assisted by Romeo Kasengele and Chiwoyu Kapembwa Sinyangwe, with Janny Sikazwe standing in as the fourth official.
The match commissioner is Inacio Manuel Candido from Angola.
FC Platinum carry a 2-1 lead from the first-leg played at Zimpeto Stadium in Maputo last Saturday and the Zimbabwe champions set up base in Harare after arriving from Mozambique on a chartered flight last weekend to prepare for the second-leg tie.
Ralph Kawondera and Elias Magura’s away goals handed the Zvishavane-based side a huge advantage going into Saturday’s game.
Costa do Sol have to beat FC Platinum by two clear goals for them to cause an upset and advance to the next round of the preliminaries.
If FC Platinum avoid defeat by two goals, they will set up a date with Plateau United of Nigeria or Simba SC of Tanzania in the final round of the preliminary phase before the group stages.
Simba made a fine start to their Caf Champions League campaign by securing a 1-0 victory over Plateau United in the first-leg in Nigeria last Sunday.
Clatous Chama scored the only goal of the game for the visitors 10 minutes into the second half.
The two sides meet at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. –Chronicle
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an armed robbery case which occurred at N. Richards, Chivi on 30 November 2020 at about 0934 hours when five (5) unknown suspects armed with pistols ambushed a Safe-Guard cash- in – transit vehicle delivering cash at Mukuru.com and attacked them.
The robbers pointed firearms at the security guards as they were disembarking from the vehicle and disarmed them before stealing a cash box containing USD$35 000.00, ZAR 350 000.00 and zw$2000.00 from the vault.
They jumped into an unregistered blue Toyota Revo twin cab which was used as a getaway car and sped off towards Mandamabwe Business Centre. The suspects also robbed three Star pistols from the guards.
The Police are disturbed by robbery incidents which are targeting cash – in – transit vehicles.
We implore security companies to strengthen their security measures in consultation with clients.
This robbery comes hardly a few weeks after the Bulawayo one where ZUPCO lost over zw$2 million.
Meanwhile, Police are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of these suspects.
Anyone with information should report to the nearest police station or call the following numbers: – Harare Operations 0242 748836, National Complaints Desk 0242 703631 or Whatsapp 0712800197.
(NYATHI.P) Assistant Commissioner
Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and International Relations]
To the Commissioner-General of Police
Police General Headquarters
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
A Grade One pupil at Helen McGhee Primary School was apprehended by alert staff at OK Supermarket on Monday after he stole a packet of condoms that he had mistaken for sweets.
According to Masvingo Mirror, the boy’s mother noticed that her son was holding something in his hand as she got to the security checkpoint at the point of exit.
Security guards who searched the boy found more condom packets in his pockets and when asked, the boy said he mistook the condoms for sweets.
The boy and his mother were taken to the back of the supermarket where he was cautioned and let go. Masvingo Mirror quoted a source as having said:
A boy who was accompanied by his mother took packets of Durex condoms and put some in his pockets. The mother realised after she had paid for her goods at the till that her child was holding something.-Masvingo Mirror
Tinashe Sambiri|The legitimacy crisis in the country remains the major impediment to economic transform, MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said.
According to President Chamisa, the construction of spaghetti roads is possible but that can only happen when the legitimacy crisis has been resolved.
President Chamisa has also pointed out that winning Zimbabwe for total transformation is possible.
“Spaghetti roads and Bullet train in our lifetime…
I have just bumped into a video clip…
We can do much more for our even more beautiful Zimbabwe..Winning Zimbabwe for the total transformation..#SmartZimbabwe,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.
Police yesterday said they were forced to walk on stage and stop proceedings during the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAAs) last Saturday after organisers failed to stick to agreed timelines for the event.
During the RoilBAAs held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, police details were seen going on stage apparently calling on organisers to immediately wrap up their event.
As internet sensation Sikhosana Band was saying out his acceptance speech for winning Outstanding Newcomer, four officers of the law, burst on stage and whispered something to United Refineries CEO Mr Busisa Moyo.
Mr Moyo was presenting the public votes categories when the police came on stage and after announcing the Song of the Year won by Ngoma Ingoma, the stage was cleared and in no time the police started herding people out of the venue telling them to go home.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Abednego Ncube said organisers had applied for the awards to be held between 3PM and 8PM.
“On the day in question, the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards organisers had applied to the police to start at 3PM ending at 8PM. And we gave them permission to do that. Instead they started at 6PM, which was not the problem of the police.
At 8PM they were not yet through. So, officers on duty led by a commissioned officer, an inspector, approached one of the organisers (Nkululeko Nkala) and agreed that he should round off his programme.
“The police allowed the event to continue up until 9PM. They engaged again the organisers who agreed amicably to round up and close. The event went on well according to the police and organisers,” said Insp Ncube.
In the aftermath of the event, some residents not privy to the agreed timelines, started attacking police accusing them of heavy handedness.
Bulawayo mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni issued a statement saying he was disappointed with the conduct of the police as it affected the marketing of the city.
“The police action affected the marketing of the city internationally. We are not happy with what the police did on the night of Saturday November 28 in the full glare of the international audience at the RoilBAA. We invest lots of time and resources to market Bulawayo as a cultural hub,” he said.
“I personally have been to China, America, Hong Kong, Kenya, Germany and Abu Dhabi to market the arts and cultural domination of this city. I had lots of colleagues viewing the event on Facebook Live. They were equally disappointed about the law enforcement agent’s conduct. No prior warning. That heavy handedness was not called for.”
However, Insp Ncube said everything was above board and the police were patient with the organisers and called on the mayor not to drive a wedge between them and Bulawayo residents.
“We appreciate the co-operation of the organisers who in turn is appreciative of the police. We are now worried about some comments from people who were not involved in the organisation of the RoilBAAs.
“They issue statements that are aimed to create hatred between the police and the people of Bulawayo, whom we are serving diligently. We wish to work with the people of Bulawayo and we are calling upon the general members of public to co-operate as we strive to make Bulawayo a law-abiding city, peace loving and crime free,” said Insp Ncube.
RoilBAA spokesperson Nkululeko Nkala, thanked police for their sterling work during the night.
“For the record, we cleared the event so that people can beat curfew time,” he said. “We ran late and we want to thank the police for their patience and understanding.” – Chronicle
Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna has indicated that the transcribed record of proceedings that Henrietta Rushwaya, Stephen Tserai, Raphios Mufandauya and Gift Karanda wanted to use to appeal for bail at the High Court was ready.
Mr Nduna said this while making a ruling on applications made by the five over the complaints they raised emanating from their arrest.
Rushwaya, Muhammad, Tserai, Mufandauya and Karanda are expected back in court on December 11 for their routine remand.
Muhammad was, however, picked by police at the Harare Magistrates Court moments after appearing in court.
Although police could not by last night confirm the arrest, sources said Muhammad was picked in connection with visa applications done on his behalf by former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo’s personal assistant, Gideon Mapokotera, on the pretext that he was coming into the country to partner the Ministry of Health.
Mapokotera has since appeared in court for allegedly applying for visas on behalf of Ali Muhammad and his family from the Immigration Department. -Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|Although Mberengwa District is traditionally regarded as a no-go area for the opposition, the winds of change are blowing across the region.
Villagers who spoke to ZimEye.com at Ngungumbane Business Centre in Mberengwa on Sunday said they were fed up with Zanu PF’s empty promises.
According to the villagers, Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, has nothing to offer to the suffering Zimbabweans.
“We are tired of being used by Zanu PF, this time we will not be cowed into submission,” said a villager who identified himself as Hove.
“Mr Mnangagwa is useless, actually he has nothing to offer to the people of Zimbabwe. He gave us regalia but we mind you we do not eat t-shirts,” said a villager called Chuma.
Another villager added: “Mr Mnangagwa is insensitive to the plight of the suffering people of Zimbabwe.He wants our support yet he is not concerned about our welfare – this time we will not be hoodwinked by his party.”
