By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu announced that district coordinating committee (DCC) elections will be held on December 5 and 6.

He also said the party’s voters roll would be used for the elections.

The party has come up with a raft of measures to ensure that the DCC polls will not descend into chaos.

The national elections command centre will be located at the party headquarters in Harare and will be presided over by the national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Lovemore Matuke, the national security secretary and Victor Matemadanda, the national political commissar.

The electoral college will consist of district executive committee members. The deployment of supervisory teams to provinces will be on December 3.

By A Correspondent- Eureka gold mine supervisor Ruben Mangure (50) was bashed by an employee Benedict Manyika (45) who failed to stomach the termination of his employment contract.

The matter came to light at Guruve magistrates courts on Friday where Manyika was fined $500 by Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

Prosecutor Carson Kundiona told the court that on November 24 Manyika was told by his supervisor that his contract had been terminated and he could not accept that.

Manyika grabbed the supervisor by the collar and assaulted him with open hands.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is also now going after the assets of the deceased criminals whose source of wealth cannot be explained.

This comes as the anti-graft body is intensifying its campaign to combat sleaze in the country, which has seen it arresting many people on corruption charges, including Cabinet ministers over the past few months.

More to follow…..

By A Correspondent- Mysterious bones and traditional regalia were this weekend retrieved from murder accused Tapiwa Makore senior’s kitchen in Murehwa.

The bones and traditional regalia were retrieved by the police on Saturday and they were buried in Tapiwa’s kitchen which was mysteriously razed down by fire the following morning.

The latest development was revealed by Gogo Beaulah in an inteview with Tildah Moyo.

Said Gogo Beaulah:

“The police came and they retrieved the mysterious bones which were buried in his (Tapiwa Makore senior)’s kitchen.

We were shocked the following morning when we woke up and found out that the same kitchen which the items had been retrieved from had been burnt. We do not even know who burnt it or why. We only woke up to a burnt kitchen. There is no-one at the homestead as we speak so we are clueless regards what really happened.”

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

By A Correspondent- Mysterious bones and traditional regalia were this weekend retrieved from murder accused Tapiwa Makore senior’s kitchen in Murehwa.

The bones and traditional regalia were retrieved by the police on Saturday and they were buried in Tapiwa’s kitchen which was mysteriously razed down the following morning.

The latest development was revealed by Gogo Beaulah in an inteview with Tildah Moyo.

Said Gogo Beaulah:

“The police came and they retrieved the mysterious bones which were buried in his (Tapiwa Makore senior)’s kitchen.

We were shocked the following morning when we woke up and found out that the same kitchen which the items had been retrieved from had been burnt. We do not even know who burnt it or why. We only woke up to a burnt kitchen. There is no-one at the homestead as we speak so we are clueless regards what really happened.”

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

A DIARRHOEA outbreak has hit Harare Central Prison, which houses an estimated 100 inmates at a time holding cells have no running water.

Clean water has reportedly been scarce at the prison, a development that is believed to have caused the outbreak.

The prison was designed to hold 1 470 inmates but now it is overcrowded and often holds up to 2 000 inmates.

The diarrhoea outbreak reportedly hit the correctional facility last week.

Efforts are being made to contain its spread with doctors and nurses having been placed on high alert.

Insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, yesterday claimed that the diarrhoea outbreak that affected prisoners was put under wraps due to a court application by an inmate at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison who recently called for an inquest into the country’s prison conditions which he said were a death trap.

“A number of inmates contracted the disease at the Harare Central Prison. The issue has been put under wraps since the court application by one of the inmates from Chikurubi who sued after an outbreak of diarrhoea. It’s true that inmates suffered from diarrhoea. Maybe what they (Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services) can dispute is the number of inmates affected, not the diarrhoea cases.

“It is really a time bomb. One of these days we will wake up counting dead bodies. It is unfortunate that the authorities tend to hide facts.

“You remember there was a time when inmates died of pellagra countrywide with Khami Prison being the epicentre where a number of inmates died and some had to be released and dumped onto the streets gravely ill. They shouldn’t hide such information so that they get help from well-wishers since the government budget can’t cater for all the needs of inmates and working conditions of prison officials,” the source said.

ZPCS spokesperson Meya Khanyezi yesterday denied reports of the diarrhoea outbreak.

“That is a lie. Who told you such? I was there at Harare Central Prison on another programme. There is nothing like that.

“Do not listen to people who are telling you that. We have prison doctors and nurses who are on high alert to prevent such outbreaks and we have not received such a report.” Khanyezi said.

She also said an outbreak of diarrhoea could not affect inmates alone, without affecting prison officers when they are always at the same stations with prisoners.

“We work together with prisoners as part of our rehabilitation process. In that vein, how can inmates alone contract the disease leaving prison officers outside?

“I think next time you should come and see for yourself, do not listen to people they tend to lie,” she said.

Last week an inmate at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Taurai Dodzo represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum filed a lawsuit against ZPCS following his unfortunate experience after an outbreak of diarrhoea at the prison.

Dodzo said the prison was hit by a diarrhoea, hepatitis B and tuberculosis outbreaks.

His application is now before the High Court and lawyers that went to tour Chikurubi last week said the prison was overcrowded.

By Leonard Koni- This regime that looked democratic in appearance but grounded in authoritarian rule is a time bomb and waiting for the right time to explode.

The country also looked like a civilian regime where everything was run by civilians in which democratic institutions exist in form but not in substance, because the electoral, legislative, judicial, media, and other institutions are so heavily skewed in favor of current military power holders. To be precise we have what we call a captured state.

The country’s political, social and economic stature is burning and in a catastrophic inferno.
The operation restore legacy was a masquarade and a farce. It was a power struggle within the two warring camps called G40 and Team Lacoste.

Zanu PF government is a power monger. The Operation Restore Legacy was all about satisfying their self ego and consolidating their appetite for power not national development as expected.

Since President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa took over from the late Robert Mugabe through a coup, things started getting worse and even Zanu PF supporters have admitted that Mugabe the dictator was far much better than what they are experiencing right now.

People are struggling to survive with an inflation rate of 746.75%/year. Life has become so unbearable in Zimbabwe. The ruling party tried the introduction of #POLAD in order to lure the international community to appear as if there is unity between the ruling party and the opposition but all went up in the smoke. Something is missing within this leadership.

The November 2017 was aptly designed to shift political power from one factional group to the other and it was not meant to restore legacy as expoused by Zanu PF led government.
It was a factional war between Team Lacoste and G40 and had nothing to do with the welfare of ordinary suffering Zimbabweans who are living in abject poverty.

It is so sad to learn that the army through Constantino Guvheya Chiwengwa was used to fight the other faction which has gained ground and traction to take over from the aging octagenarian Robert Mugabe. 

There were no contigent plans designed or put in place soon after the taking over hence this government is struggling to connect the dots.

To show that there was nothing like restoration of legacy , Zimbabweans continue to wallow in poverty and with a number of young people braving the crocodile infested Limpopo river jumping the borders to seek for greener pastures as hunger and unemployment strike in the country. 

Things have only got worse and it looks like the current so called new republic does not have any clue on how to fix this country’s ailing economy. All hope has been lost and the same applies to the foreign investors who celebrated thinking that time was now ripe to do business with Zimbabwe under the new leadership but alas that was a false start.

In this operation restore legacy Zimbabweans were sold a dummy or in other street lingo the people kicked a flat ball without pressure and did not go anywhere. 

The Zanu PF leadership resembles of an engine which has worn out rings and needs a complete overhaul. The country is sinking deep into economic quagmire.

What kind of legacy was restored by this new republic when members of the opposition continue to be harassed,  arrested and jailed for demonstrating against poor governance, looting and corruption?

There is no restoration of legacy when the whole government awards licenses to six national free-to air commercial television without even awarding a single television license to the opposition. Such face powder media reforms are just an embarrassment to the nation.

During Mugabe’ era we did not see the army shooting civilians like what the people noticed in 2018 and 2019. Then what legacy was restored?
Zimbabweans must unite and put to task and interrogate this government for selling them a dummy.

Facebook – Leonard Koni

Twitter – @Leokoni

WhatsApp- +27616868508

Email  – [email protected]

By A Correspondent- Interim MDC secretary general Douglas Mwonzora says he is willing to work with both President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his former ally-turned rival, Nelson Chamisa, to help end Zimbabwe’s myriad and decades long challenges.

Launching his presidential bid for the country’s main opposition party last week, Mwonzora also said if he wins the elections in the next month’s extra-ordinary congress, he would work hard to end Zimbabwe’s deep-seated polarisation.

Below is the full speech by Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora at launch of his campaign for Presidency of the MDC-T.

MY loving spouse and long time friend Muchaneta Mwonzora, Members of the National Executive Committee and National Council of the Party.

Members of the Provincial and district Executive Committees here present.
The Chairman of the Harare Provincial Executive, Hon. Hove and your leadership.
Members of the Mwonzora Campaign Team, the Donkeys.

All democracy loving Zimbabweans within and outside Zimbabwe.

On the 11th of September, 1999 our forbearers heeded the national call and founded this great Movement. Its leadership was drawn from the Labour, Constitution and Student Movements and its mandate was to deliver Zimbabwe from the political, social and economic morass and quagmire that it had been consigned following long periods of national irresponsibility.

The long cherished ideals of the liberation struggle, for which thousands of our gallant brothers and sisters paid the ultimate price had long been forgotten. In place thereof totalitarianism, tyranny, pestilent corruption, inequality, deprivation, paternalism, clientism, regionalism, tribalism and sexism had taken root in our national body politic.

The projected economic development was substituted by mass poverty and want. Instead of long cherished peace was great strife and violence pitting kith against kin.

We therefore, state it without equivocation that the Movement for Democratic Change was formed to complete the unfinished business of the Liberation Struggle.

The great Movement was predicated upon timeless and indelible values of freedom, justice, equality, constitutionalism and the respect for the rule of law. The leadership of this movement was conferred on merit and not on the basis of rank favouritism and friendship. It was not attained for personal glory or self-aggrandisement but on the basis of the need for service and sacrifice. To our founding fathers and mothers, it was the attainment of the common good that was paramount.

Germaine to our struggle was the best interests of the Zimbabwean masses and not individual leaders.

The initial stages of the democratic struggle saw us posting impressive and historic victories against our opponents. These include the historic NO vote in the 2000 referendum, the great parliamentary election campaign of 2000, the great presidential campaign of 2002 and the total electoral annihilation of Zanu-PF in the historic 2008 Harmonised Elections. In that 2008 election we won the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.

Out of the love of the Zimbabwean masses above himself, our iconic leader, Morgan Tsvangirai signed the Global Political Agreement that ushered in the Government of National Unity. That development saw the lives of the common Zimbabwean change for the better. This selflessness on the part of our leaders spoke of the centrality of our timeless founding values.

Unfortunately, as the people of Zimbabwe were beginning to warm up to the possibility of a future MDC government disaster struck. Greed, avarice, impatience and political corruption saw our party needlessly split in 2014. In February, 2018 our founding president Morgan Tsvangirai breathed his last.

The party was immediately treated to an embarrassing power grab and violence. Democracy and constitutionalism were sacrificed on the altar of convenience and opportunism. Once again favouritism, avarice, hate, propaganda and criminalisation of competition took centre stage thus consigned our great movement to a new low.

However, through the legal victory by Elias Mashavira in the Supreme Court our party was given a chance to retrace its steps and go back to constitutionalism and our founding values.

We cannot afford to squander this historic opportunity. We now have another chance of positing the Party as a credible change agent once more. For that reason, immediately our party must go back to the practice where all leaders at all levels are democratically elected by the people.

It is the membership of the party and not the leadership who must rank supreme in our party. Secondly, at all times the party must always exercise collective leadership and democratic decision making. In other words, decision making power must lie in the organs of the party and not with individual leaders.

Any major decision must be made after consultation with the grassroots. It is these who must instruct the leadership and not the other way round.

Third, candidates must be selected following a democratic process. This means credible free and fair primary elections must be a new way of life for the MDC. Regarding all party candidates to be chosen under proportional representation, these must be chosen using an objective and fair process.

We should practice the 50:50 gender representation principle as contained in both our party constitution and the national constitution without fail. We need more women in decision making positions.

It is wrong to say that the youth are leaders of tomorrow. No! They are leaders of today. We therefore have to make sure that we implement the agreed Youth Quota without fail.

In line with our principle of Zero Tolerance to corruption we will deal decisively with any of our officials who are involved in corruption.

Violence as a means of resolving both external and internal disputes can never be tolerated and those who practice this barbarism have no place in our great Movement.

Sexism, regionalism, tribalism, favouritism have no place in our movement. They are anathema to our founding values.
Our party must be prepared to play its part in the economic, social and political development of Zimbabwe.

We will play our part in ensuring that there is love, peace and harmony in our great nation. To that end we will work hard to change the politics of Zimbabwe. We have to throw away the politics of intolerance, hate, rancour, acrimony and violence and substitute it with the politics of rational disputation and tolerance.

Zimbabweans must be free to make political choice without fear of any form of reprisals.
Our belief and commitment to dialogue is total. We believe that all dialogue should be genuine, inclusive and unconditional. We will therefore pursue dialogue as a principal means of resolving the national question

Further, we will play our role in trying to end Zimbabwe’s international isolation. The present state of affairs is hurting the common man and woman. We will play our part in fighting corruption at all levels.

Our party will continue to fight for equality and equal access to national resources on the party of all Zimbabweans. We will press for full compensation of all victims of political violence including the victims of Gukurahukndi and the 2008 violence.

Most importantly our party will work hard to achieve the unity of the opposition following periods of acrimony within the opposition. This unity should be predicated upon clear values and principles.

I believe that we are operating in a period where the party is faced with many challenges which include the growing scepticism from the Zimbabwean people following long periods of unproductive bickering within the opposition. For that reason, we need a new leadership.

The new leader must have proven knowledge of the politics of Zimbabwe and the world. He or she must have proven strategic thinking skills. He or she must have proven skills in negotiating and dialogue with political opponents.

Our party is on the rise. This is the time to reclaim our party and win Zimbabwe. Victory is certain.

-DailyNews

Chivhu – A man from Chikomba District nearly succeeded in raping a neighbour’s wife (21) had the woman not felt the heavy weight of the intruder compared to her husband.

Taurai Tambidzai (37) of Mukandatsama Village in Hokonya in Chikomba sneaked into his neighbour’s bedroom at around 3am. He undressed, got into bed and caressed the complainant who co-operated believing that the man was her husband.

Bouncing ball
It was only after he went on top of the complainant to start the act that the woman realised that the man weighed far more than her husband and pushed him away.

The incident happened on October 30, 2020 at Magamba Village 8.

Tambudzai was sentenced to 10 years in jail by Chivhu regional magistrate Fadzai Mutombeni on Friday for attempted rape and four years were suspended for five years.

The State said Tambudzai made sure the husband was away after buying him some beers and leaving him behind at a local business centre before rushing to his neighbour’s house.

He entered the bedroom and undressed while the complainant lay in bed naked believing that it was her husband. Tambudzai sneaked into the blankets and caressed the neighbour’s wife who responded.

However, the cat came out of the bag when Tambidzai went on top of the woman.

There was a scuffle as Tambudzai tried to continue to force himself on the complainant. The complainant escaped and ran outside naked while calling out for help. Tambudzai ran away with his shoes in his hands.

Mutombeni said the rape case was premeditated considering that Tambudzai planned the husband’s absence from home. She also noted that the accused was violent as he tried to rape the complainant and he even throttled her neck.

Tambudzai’s wife caused a scene outside the courtroom when she wailed out loudly soon after her husband’s heavy sentence.

The Mirror

NewsDay

OUSTED MDC presidential hopeful Abednico Bhebhe has described acting party leader Thokozani Khupe as “a failed politician who has divorced herself from the people’s project”.

He said this last Saturday during a ward meeting in Nkayi South, Matabeleland North province, where he dismissed his expulsion as null and void.

Bhebhe was expelled from the opposition party on a charge that he was an MDC Alliance proxy. He denies the allegation.

The former MDC organising secretary under the 2014 structures was expelled from the party after he trounced Khupe and other presidential hopefuls such as secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, national chairperson Morgen Komichi and Elias Mudzuri in nominations for the presidency in Bulawayo structures. Bhebhe recently filed a court application seeking the reversal of his suspension.

“One cardinal rule of a leader of a people’s project is to consult with structures, with the people you lead before making any decision. You cannot run away from that. You must not be selfish and dare think that the decisions you make resonate with what people want without consulting them,” Bhebhe said.

“In all our engagements with the people and party structures, the message is very clear. People want unity.

“They are pleading with us to unite. However, we have some among us, such as Khupe, who have decided to go the opposite direction and try to wish away the people’s calls for unity. A leader, who refuses to unite people in the party, is not only bogus, but a failed selfish person. It won’t work as the people will simply divorce you from the party as is the case.”

Khupe faces allegations of being a Zanu PF protégé, which she denies.

The MDC is holding provincial nominations to select candidates to replace the late Morgan Tsvangirai at an extra-ordinary congress set for December.

Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri are eyeing the party presidency.

Paul Nyathi

At least 13 Beitbridge Border Post officials have tested positive to COVID-19.

Of the 13 cases, eight are said to be from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and three from the Customs and Excise Department.

Beitbridge district medical officer Linos Samhere could neither deny nor confirm the development. “Those statistics should be given by Harare. I am not allowed to speak to the Press,” Samhere said.

The Beitbridge Border Post was closed on March 1 and will reopen on December 1.

The COVID-19 scare at the border post also comes at a time scores of people are reportedly using undesignated crossing points which might worsen the spread of the virus.

Paul Nyathi

The number of pupils testing Covid-19 positive at Chinhoyi High School has shot up after THIRTY-ONE more pupils tested positive.

Mashonaland West provincial medical director Gift Masoja confirmed that the number of learners that tested positive to the virus increased from 57 to 88 in the last three days.

He said the Health ministry would continue to test learners, but was equally worried about complacency of citizens in observing COVID-19 regulations.

“Let’s maintain social distancing, let’s sanitise and put on our masks because people have now relaxed. We are appealing to the business community to encourage their customers to put on masks” Masoja said.

He said the police should tighten the COVID-19 enforcement measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Preparations have been made for private motorists and pedestrians to safely use the land border posts from tomorrow with the deployment of more staff and equipment and strict health safety measures in place.

Zimbabwe has five major border posts at Beitbridge, Plumtree, Chirundu, Victoria Falls and Forbes.

Officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been testing officials at the border posts for Covid-19 to ensure all workers are fit for duty and a new standard operating procedure has been drawn up to guide the handling of travellers under the new normal.

The preparations comes after Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe met his South African counterpart, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in Beitbridge on Friday last week to ensure procedures on both sides of Zimbabwe’s busiest border post were harmonised before the re-opening of the post tomorrow to pedestrian passenger traffic and private cars.

Buses follow in the first quarter of next year after assessments and in light of required Covid-19 preventative measures.

Beitbridge used to clear seven million travellers a year before the Covid-19 restrictions.

When The Herald visited the border post yesterday, workmen were busy placing signs to direct visitors on how they are supposed to move around the border post and hand basins for sanitisation had also been placed at strategic places around the immigration halls.

Cabinet recently approved the re-opening of the land borders to people traffic starting with private motorists and pedestrians and with public transport at some stage in the first quarter of next year.

Department of Immigration’s spokesperson Mrs Memory Mugwagwa said the department was hard at work to ensure a seamless passage of travellers at Beitbridge.

“We have recalled to work all those immigration officers who had been exempted from duty to curb the spread of Covid-19,” she said.

“Team building and re-orientation to Covid-19 preventative measures recommended by the World Health Organisation is being effected.”

Adequate protective clothing and equipment for immigration officers to cover the anticipated traffic had been acquired. All immigration officers will be on duty from Tuesday and all leave days and off days have been cancelled until the peak period is over.

“In addition, the Immigration (computerised) system has been serviced in preparation for the re-opening of the border. Compliance teams who will be executing enforcement duties involving close contact with travellers have been adequately oriented on social distancing and case handling,” said Mrs Mugwagwa.

The installation of multiple test sites to decongest the single Covid-19 checkpoint on the bridge and construction of wheel baths, she said, is pending.

Mrs Mugwagwa said port’s health teams were implementing separate screening points for ease of doing business at the border.

It is also understood that those in security services have since been deployed to prevent touts, bogus agents and vendors from entering the border arena.

Zimra spokesperson Mr Francis Chimanda said the authority had pitched a tent in the holding bay and addressed network connectivity to allow processing of ETIPs. More receipting points for payments and the provision of additional computers, and the deployment of relief staff, had been done.

A holding area to clear private vehicles through an established and dedicated route for ease of movement has been created.

“The continuous disinfections at serving points in the yard for travelling clients and Zimra staff is very critical,” he said. “Currently we are implementing a regulated model for the movement of cross-border buses as agreed between transporters and the Zimbabwe Consular-General in South Africa.

“Further, there are new scales of fines imposed on errant bus operators, clearing agents and transporters to deter would-be offenders.

Elsewhere, the Head of Immigration at Plumtree, Mr Blessing Marwa, said they had mobilised more manpower to boost their staff and procured the requisite Covid-19 protective wear.

“We are being pro-active and tying all loose ends to ensure that we are not found wanting. The deployment of a standby ambulance, setting up of a holding bay, allocation of escort vehicles is pending,” said Mr Marwa.

He said they were finalising the procedure to escort and quarantine those who will present Covid-19-related symptoms upon arrival at the border post.

In Chirundu, regional immigration officer Mr Joshua Chibundu said they were ready to open the border.

“We are ready in terms of Government’s position that borders open on December 1 for vehicular and pedestrian traffic,” said Mr Chibundu.

“We can safely say that in the absence of some unforeseen circumstances we are ready to handle traffic.”

– Herald

Zimbabwe Mineral Development Corporation (ZMDC) acting general manager Luke Akino was yesterday jailed for effective two years for corruptly awarding a $168 000 consultancy services contract to his acquaintance

Harare regional magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya initially sentenced Akino to three years’ imprisonment before suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.

In mitigation Akino’s defence Mr Muyengwa Motsi told the court that his client was a first offender and a family man.

Mr Motsi pleaded for a non-custodial sentence. During aggravation prosecutor Mr Michael Reza called for a custodial sentence arguing that a non-custodial one would trivialise the matter.

He said the accused was facing a serious offence and that cases of criminal abuse of office were on the increase.

“The court must send a clear message that corruption does not pay. The State prays for a seven-year jail term of which two years should be suspended on condition of good behaviour and the accused serve five years effective in prison, “said Mr Reza.

In passing sentence Mr Mujaya concurred that the accused person was a first offender and a family man but he was quick to point out that Akino was facing a serious offence, which calls for a custodial sentence.

The State led by Mr Reza told the court that sometime in July 2017, ZMDC received $7 million from Fidelity Printers through its then acting general manager Mr Garikai Chimhina for the resuscitation of Jena Mine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZMDC, which was facing operational challenges.

He said sometime in August 2017, the ZMDC board chaired by the late David Murangari appointed Akino as acting general manager and he influenced ZMDC to engage Thomas Mushungupa’s company called Mushungupa and Muhita Engineering Projects (Pvt) Ltd to resuscitate Jena Mine.

The court heard that his actions favoured his acquaintance and former Bindura Nickel Corporation workmate Mushungupa.

On September 28 the same year, Akino, acting on instructions from Murangari, invited Mushungupa to discuss the scope of work that was to be undertaken at Jena Mine.

The court heard that a meeting was convened on October 19 by the legal, audit and risk committee where Akino indicated that he was considering enlisting the services of an independent mining contractor to address the mining challenges at Jena Mine through an informal tender.

The court had that sometime in October of the same year, Akino and Murangari engaged the service of Mushungupa and Muhita Engineering Projects to carry out the project at a cost of $168 126 without following tender procedures as stipulated in the Procurement Act.

On November 20, Murangari ordered Jena Mine to pay Mushungupa and Muhita Engineering $25 252 before signing the project management agreement contract and on the next day, the company started work without a contract.

The court heard that on March 22 last year, Akino signed a contract on behalf of Jena Mine when Mushungupa had already begun work four months prior to the signing date.

Investigations revealed that Mushungupa had worked with Akino at Bindura Nickel Mine in 1995 and with Murangari at the same mine from 2007 2016.

Akino and Murangari’s engagement of Mushungupa’s company, in the absence of competition and evidence of due diligence on costs contrary to sections of Procurement Act, violated tender procedures.

ZANU-PF Midlands provincial youth executive member, Tapiwa Muto was on Thursday arrested in connection with violence that rocked the party’s primary elections early last month.

Muto (36) who is secretary for education in the provincial youth league, is accused of orchestrating the violence that caused the abrupt suspension of the primary elections pitying Cdes Energy “Dhala” Ncube and Kandros Mugabe.

Muto has since been arraigned before Kwekwe Magistrate Mrs Samukelisiwe Gumbo facing charges of public violence, one count of murder and two counts of assault.

Mrs Gumbo granted Muto $2 000 bail on assault charges to 11 December and urged him to approach the High Court for the bail on other cases.

The High Court granted him $2 000 bail on murder and public violence cases and remanded him to the same date.

Magistrate, Mrs Florence Nago delivered the bail ruling and ordered Muto to report once every fortnight at Mbizo Police Station and continue residing at his given address among other bail conditions.

The State led by Ms Ethel Bhumure has it that on 4 October this year, at around 1pm, Muto in company of others who have since been arrested and some who are still at large, hit people with stones, slapped and punched them as well as damaged vehicles.

The accused also allegedly deflated four vehicles by removing stick valves and further damaged windscreens of other vehicles during the melee.

The accused also reportedly stole property from and manhandled police officers in the process.

In the second offence of murder, on 11 December 2019, around 4PM, Muto together with Tafadzwa Rodgers, Wiseman Ngwenya, Raymond Chinouya and one Petros and others who are still at large, took Andrew Moyo to the Zanu-PF Kwekwe Headquarters where they took turns to assault whim with switches, slaps and a log.

Moyo later died from the wounds.

On assault charges, on June 2018, around 6:30PM, Muto was with others who are still at large at Mbizo 4 shopping Centre.

Muto and company had a misunderstanding with Kennedy Tumwe over political issues.

Tumwe was allegedly assaulted punched and slapped several times on the face.

On the second count, the complainant is not mentioned in court papers but is an alleged MDC-T supporter.

The unknown male had a misunderstanding over political issues and they again assaulted him.

The two made police reports.

Charles Chigomere of Mutatu and Associates Legal Practioners represented the accused.

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 29 November 2020:

New cases: 128
Locals: 128
Returnees: 0
Deaths: 1 Matebeleland South
Recoveries: 10
PCR Tests Done: 965
National Recovery Rate: 85.2%
Active Cases: 1192
Total Cumulative Cases: 9 950
Total Recoveries: 8 482
Total Deaths: 276

State Media

A volunteer in the rescue mission at Ran Mine in Bindura died after he was hit by a boulder and fell into a waterlogged tunnel.

The body of Wellington House (34) was retrieved yesterday in the afternoon and was taken to Bindura Hospital mortuary.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fidelis Dhewu confirmed the incident, which happened on Saturday at around 6pm.

House’s friend, Adrime Kapfidzaruva (35) said they were assisting in the rescue operation when the incident occurred.

“Two employees of a Chinese company that provided machinery for the rescue mission asked for assistance in moving a water pump closer to the water to aid the de-watering process,” said Kapfidzaruva.

“The pump is heavy and a number of us volunteered to assist. Only four of us went down to the entrance of the tunnel. The other two went back to adjust the light. Wellington and I remained close to the tunnel entrance.

“Suddenly, a boulder fell from above and I moved out of its way. Wellington, who was holding the pump panicked and ran to the other side and the rock fell on him. It pushed him under water.

“The rescue process is taking long and we offered to help to expedite the process. We are appealing for more machinery and security at the scene so that there are no casualties.”

Wellington’s brother Admire said they were still in disbelief that his young brother was dead.

“We spent the day together talking and it is sad that he died while offering a helping hand,” he said.

“Family members are still gathering and we don’t know where to start due to lack of resources. When the incident happened, we had hope that he will be found alive. We heard that a rock fell on his back and pushed him under water. We were awake all night hoping for a miracle, but nothing came up. We are appealing for assistance to give him a decent burial.”

Wellington was divorced and is survived by two children aged six and four.

Meanwhile, de-watering of the tunnel is going on in a bid to reach the trapped miners.

The Provincial Development Coordinator Mr Timothy Maregere said there was progress and the water level was going down.

On Wednesday, a number of artisanal miners were trapped inside the tunnel after a pillar collapsed.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Bindura Nickel Corporation, Teamsite Milling Mine and Chinese mining companies are among the rescue team.

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has posthumously conferred National Hero status on revered military tactician, General Mtshana Khumalo ahead of the unveiling of a monument at the site where the commander won his most famous battle.

The unveiling of Pupu National Monument in Lupane in Matabeleland North is set for this week but the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

Gen Khumalo was the commander of King Lobengula’s Imbizo Regiment that defeated the colonialist Allan Wilson Patrol at the Battle of Pupu on December 4 in 1893 as the first shots of resistance against colonialism were fired.

Wilson, the loser, was honoured by the settler regime and the legacy is there for all to see but, Gen Khumalo, the victor had not. Now, the Government has honoured Gen Khumalo for his role in fighting colonialism.

During this year’s Heroes Day virtual address, President Mnangagwa announced that Gen Khumalo would be honoured alongside Queen Lozikeyi, Mgandani Dlodlo and Mbuya Nehanda whose statue is being erected in Harare.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday visited the Khumalo family to officially notify them of the conferment, which the President did in terms of Section 3 of the National Heroes Act.

In a letter dated November 20, 2020, President Mnangagwa directed Minister Kazembe to make the necessary arrangements for the conferment of National Hero status on Gen Khumalo ahead of the unveiling of Pupu National Monument.

“In his speech during the Heroes Day commemorations on August 10, 2020, President Mnangagwa indicated that General Mtshana Khumalo would be declared a National Hero. Pursuant to this statement by His Excellency, the President, I am privileged to advise you Honourable Senator Mtshana Khumalo, that His Excellency, the President Cde ED Mnangagwa, has in terms of Section 3 of the National Heroes Act, conferred a National Hero status on the revered military leader General Mtshana Khumalo,” Minister Kazembe said in a letter to the Khumalo family.

“It is indeed an honour that His Excellency the President has entrusted me with this important task of conveying this message.”

President Mnangagwa stated in his own letter to the Khumalos that the granting of honours and awards to commemorate particular campaigns or battles is an internationally acclaimed practice.

“Accordingly, during my 40th Independence and Defence Forces Day and indeed in the 2nd edition of the Honours and Awards Booklet, I undertook to embark on a programme to grant special recognition to the legacy of the heroic luminaries of Zimbabwe’s first liberation struggle (The First Chimurenga/Umvukela liberation struggle),” he said.

“It is in that vein that I undertook to award the National Hero status and erect appropriate commemorative statue in honour of the revered military leader General Mtshana Khumalo, who was the commander of the Imbizo Regiment that led the onslaught to defeat and eliminate the Allan Wilson Patrol at the famous battle of Pupu on the banks of Shangani River where there was no settler survivor.”

In 1893, Cecil John Rhodes decided to quicken the subjugation of the land by destroying the Ndebele Kingdom and leader, King Lobengula.

The Anglo-Ndebele War of 1893 triggered by Rhodes specifically targeted King Lobengula who was seen as a stumbling block in the total colonialism of western Zimbabwe. Having noted that the whites had superior firepower especially in the Maxim machine gun, King Lobengula opted to move away from his capital, Bulawayo for some place in the north as the settlers wanted to capture and humiliate him.

Gen Khumalo, the commander of the elite group of fighters was tasked to protect King Lobengula’s life and dignity as he trekked north. The Wilson patrol that had crossed the Shangani River was wiped out at what has now come to be remembered as Pupu.

Khumalo family spokesperson Mr David Siwela thanked President Mnangagwa for the recognition to Gen Khumalo as a National Hero.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo said: “Matabeleland North is an important flame that ignited the liberation struggle. We feel greatly honoured as a province to play host to such a history.”

Government is also seized with the erection of Mbuya Nehanda`s statue in Harare at the intersection of Samora Machel and Julius Nyerere, where it is believed, she occasionally stopped to rest and drink water from a river that flowed through the site.

President Mnangagwa said in the USA they have statues for Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. In France they have statues of their heroes while in the UK they have those of Winston Churchill and Oliver Cromwell who are their heroes.

President Mnangagwa said a road leading to King Mzilikazi’s grave would be constructed. At Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, there is a tarred road but there is no tarred road leading to King Mzilikazi’s grave.

The ruling on the bail application by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, who allegedly corruptly allocated Westlea stands to his sister and his law firm’s secretary, is likely to be given today by deputy chief magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande.

Mafume is being charged with criminal abuse of office.

Mrs Makwande was set to deliver the ruling on Saturday but a fellow magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro deferred the matter to today after she failed to attend court for the ruling because of other commitments.

The State led by Mr Panganayi Chiutsi opposed granting of bail to Mafume saying he was likely to interfere with witnesses, who are council employees.

Mr Chiutsi also argued that since the State had a strong case, Mafume was likely to evade trial once freed on bail.

To support the argument for refusal of bail, the State called the investigating officer, Superintendent Joseph Sirimhindi, to testify.

The senior police officer told the court that Mafume “holds the highest office at City of Harare and he is likely to interfere with witnesses there”.

“We have four witnesses whose statements are yet to be recorded including those of Edgar Dzehonye, Admore Nhekairo and Ms Koke. Since he has influence he is likely to interfere with witnesses.

“There is also overwhelming evidence against him which may cause him to abscond,” said Supt Sirimhindi.

Mafume, who was being represented by Mr Tonderai Batasara in his bail application, told the court that he had no access with the witnesses as most of them were suspended and in any case none reported to him.

“Some of the people whom he is saying will be interfered with have been suspended from council and are appearing in court,” said Mr Batasara.

“Those people have been barred from visiting their offices and there is no way they could be interfered with.

“The accused is a ceremonial mayor who does not work from Town House on a daily basis. He is actually a councillor and those people do not report to him.”

In March this year Mafume allegedly called housing director Admore Nhekairo asking him to allocate residential stands to his sister Rotina Mafume and to a secretary at his law firm, Rutendo Muvuti.

Mafume allegedly told Nhekairo that his sister had not benefited from any council stand but the court heard that when Mafume approached Nhekairo, council had closed interviews for prospective homeseekers.

Further allegations are that Mafume used his influence as a councillor to push other employees to allocate the stands.

According to the State, it was later discovered that Rotina and Muvuti were not on the waiting list despite each having been allocated stands with intrinsic value of an $219 938 and that the numbers on the waiting list used for them belonged to other people.

State Media

The Ministry of Health and Child Care, which ordered the closure of Chinhoyi High School to non-examination day scholars, has started contact tracing after 57 students tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday last week.

A resolution was also passed for Covid-19 positive and negative examination candidates to sit for their papers from separate rooms.

Examination candidates will be allowed to enter the school’s premises, but under strict and rigorous monitoring from health officials.

Of the total number that tested positive, only one is a day scholar, while majority of the remaining are boarding students doing Form Four.

A female student was taken to Mzari Clinic for isolation at the weekend where four Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) students, who recently tested positive, are being housed.

The 57 students who are asymptomatic are being isolated at the school.

Mashonaland West acting provincial medical director, Dr Gift Masoja, said effective contact tracing was being carried out.

“Contact tracings are continuing until we are sure that the children and the community are safe,” he said. “I don’t have the figures of those that were traced and tested, but our team is working hard.

“On Wednesday, we resolved to cut off the school from day scholars, although examination candidates will be allowed. This, however, meant that we had to intensify our response. More nurses and environmental health officials have since been deployed at the school to effect response and monitoring.

“We have 57 students who tested positive and they are being isolated at the school’s dormitories.”

Dr Masoja said positive students were going to write examinations in separate rooms from Covid-19 negative students.

“We have noticed that the school is facing serious water challenges, especially in first floor dormitories,” he said. “A team has been assigned to engage the municipality of Chinhoyi to address the problem.

Mashonaland West provincial education director, Mr Gabriel Mhumha, said although it was worrisome that Chinhoyi High School had recorded positive cases, government and the private sector had earlier provided schools with infrared thermometers, while production of sanitisers and face masks at most schools, including Chinhoyi and Chikangwe High Schools, had provided cushioning strategies to the education sector.

Tinashe Sambiri|In a powerful and precise speech, President Nelson Chamisa roasted Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF for misleading the nation.

President Chamisa taunted Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF bigwigs over the so called Vision 2020.

President Chamisa revealed how Zanu PF lied to the nation.

“Instead of giving us health for all you are giving us deaths for all.

You say in 2030 you will be in power, that’s not relevant.

We want jobs and sound health, not your mere presence in office, hatinei nekuvako kwako muoffice,” said President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|In a powerful and precise speech, President Nelson Chamisa roasted Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF for misleading the nation.

President Chamisa taunted Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF bigwigs over the so called Vision 2020.

President Chamisa revealed how Zanu PF lied to the nation.

“Instead of giving us health for all you are giving us deaths for all.

You say in 2030 you will be in power, that’s not relevant.

We want jobs and sound health, not your mere presence in office, hatinei nekuvako kwako muoffice,” said President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|Popular contemporary musician Tocky Vibes, whose real name is Obey Makamure is now 27.

See below a congratulatory message posted by Legendary Family :

Happy Birthday Shout To Tocky Vibes

Tocky Vibes was born Obey Makamure on 29 November 1993 in Rugare Suburb, Harare.

He began singing at a very young age where it all seemed like a joke until he released a single called “Tirikumhanya”.

He was moved to rural Masvingo where he had to make a living, as things were difficult for him.

He returned to Harare in December 2012 and picked up where he left off, only to find that things were not so easy.

Tocky Vibes then moved to Rusape where he found a job as a herd boy, and would later find that the amount of signing gigs increased for him in Harare and he’d travel frequently.

TREASURY has set aside $123 million for the provision of psycho-social support for pupils who fall pregnant, in a move that reaffirms Government’s position on the observance of their non-exclusion from school.

This was after it was noted that the previous provision that allowed school authorities to expel pregnant pupils was discriminatory to the girl child.

Presenting the National Budget last Thursday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the allocation was to ensure the implementation of the new provision.

“Government allows non-exclusion of pregnant girls in schools and to ensure observance of this provision, psycho–social support will be enhanced at schools and an allocation of ZWL$123 million has been set aside,” said the Minister.

Prior to the amendments of the Education Act, school authorities could expel a girl for falling pregnant but spare the boy responsible for the pregnancy, which was seen as discriminatory against the girl child. The budget allocation follows the approval in August by President Mnangagwa of the amendment of the Education Act.

Under the amendments, “No pupil shall be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees or on the basis of pregnancy.”

The Act also outlaws corporal punishment and school authorities are now required to draw up a disciplinary policy in accordance with standards set out in regulations prescribed by the minister. In terms of the Act, the regulations and any disciplinary policy shall not permit any treatment which does not respect the human dignity of a pupil.

Prof Ncube also said that the Government would up efforts of monitoring schools so as to continuously improve the quality of education provision. He said vehicles would be issued to schools’ inspectors to help ease their duties.

“Monitoring and evaluation of schools will be strengthened to ensure quality education outcomes in all institutions and this will be complemented by the provision of supervision vehicles at a total allocation of $220 million.

Government will also prioritise the teacher on the job re-training in order to meet the requirements of the new competence-based curriculum and introduction of teaching and learning of all 16 languages at schools,” said the Finance Minister.-The Sunday News

A Ntabazinduna farmer was left counting her losses when her 1 000 chickens that were due to be delivered to the market, were struck by a bolt of lightning last week.

This comes amid warnings of more violent storms in the Matabeleland region starting tomorrow by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD). Ms Sidumisile Mathe of Mahaja village in Ntabazinduna last Tuesday saw the world crumble in front of her when a lightning bolt struck her fowl run, killing all her 1 000 chickens. The chickens were due to be delivered to the market last Friday, as she had already got a potential buyer for the entire lot.

“It all happened on Tuesday around 4pm, it began to rain heavily and I was with one of my helpers trying to secure the fowl run. We then left for the main house and that is when a bolt of lightning struck the fowl run, it was like a huge ball of fire. It was scary. I immediately rushed back to the fowl run screaming for help, neighbours came through as they initially thought that maybe the lightning had struck while we were inside the fowl run because we would spend most of our time in the fowl run,” said Ms Mathe.

She also lost all her chicken feeding equipment and chicken feed that were stored in the fowl run.

“I invested US$2 500 for the construction of the fowl run and to date had used about US$1 000 for the feed, as I had purchased 70 bags of chicken feed. What pains me is that I lost these chickens when I had already got a market for them, actually they were now three days from reaching the required six weeks maturity, I was supposed to be delivering them on (last) Friday,” said Ms Mathe.

The area’s councillor, Alexander Mkandla said it was unfortunate that Ms Mathe now had to go back to the drawing board at a time when she was one of the chicken projects success stories in Ntabazinduna.

“Most people were looking up to her, as she was very passionate about this project. For her sweat to be rewarded like this is very painful to say the least. While we really appreciate the rains, our community was hard hit by their violent nature, I was made aware of another family that lost 150 chickens but theirs was because their fowl run was destroyed by the heavy rain which resulted in the roof collapsing on the chickens,” said Clr Mkandla.

Meanwhile, the Met Department has warned that the country will, as from tomorrow, experience heavy rains and in some cases violent storms in the Matabeleland region.

MSD head of forecasting, Mr Tich Zinyemba said the violent storms would be characterised by damaging winds and lightning, warning the public to be vigilant.

“We are expecting heavy rains on Monday (tomorrow), starting in the Matabeleland region and parts of the Midlands and Masvingo provinces, before spreading to the rest of the country. There is a possibility of flash flooding due to these rains and further we expect that there will be damaging winds and lots of lightning. We therefore call on the public not to shelter under trees, avoid the use of cellphones and electrical gadgets, during these storms,” said Mr Zinyemba.-The Sunday News

THE Bulawayo Swimming Championships have been moved to next weekend after a swimmer tested positive for Covid-19.

The championships had already gotten off to a rocky start as the greater part of the 1500m freestyle races that had been scheduled for Monday were postponed due to lightning.

Bulawayo Amateur Swimming Association chairperson, Nokuthula Cyprianos said the championships will now be held next week.

“We have been forced to postpone the championships after one of the swimmers returned a positive result to Covid-19.

“We are taking all the necessary measures to ensure all swimmers are safe from the pandemic hence we had to postpone the championship.

“Unfortunately, she had contact with swimmers from the club hence all swimmers have to isolate for 14 days,” she said.

A swimmer from one of the province’s clubs tested positive during the week.

The swimmer is reportedly linked to the cases that erupted at Girls College during the week.

Meanwhile, Stingrays Swimming Academy is basking in glory after 25 of their swimmers made new records during the BASA short course event that was held a fortnight ago.

A total of 30 records were made during the event.

Among the new record holders were Tichatonga Makaya who set a new record in the 14-year-olds 50m butterfly race among others, completing the race in 27.49 to eclipse Peter Wetzler’s 29.58 seconds.-The Sunday News

She was like a sister to me. We grew up together and played church youth hood together. She is Miriam Bere. When she went to become a nurse in the UK, she always supported me throughout. Today God called her after she got Covid 19. Rest in peace Miri. I will miss you pic.twitter.com/Qp3QinJwns

— HON Job Wiwa Sikhala (@JobSikhala1) November 29, 2020

Two MDC Alliance activists who lost livestock to Zanu-PF supporters in the violent run-up to the 2008 presidential election re-run were recently left disappointed after the court dismissed their case for lacking evidence.

Tongai Mashingire and Alwis Mashiri did not have legal representation for the better part of the case which spanned more than a year and got closed on November 23, 2020.

However, the alleged perpetrators; Zvirevo Majoni, Sunamisai Chivamba, Cosmas Mapfumo and Stephen Harudzibwi, who is now a Zanu-PF Councillor for Ward 15, were fully represented by James Makiya of Makiya and Partners.

The complaints had pursued criminal charges against their alleged tormentors and they had sought to be compensated for their lost property but their case was thrown away by magistrates Florence Nago and Vimbai Mutukwa.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Humans Rights (ZLHR), which normally represents victims of political violence and persecution, did nothing to help this time around.

ZLHR, however, recently helped the widow of slain Kelvin Tinashe Choto, win a $4.3 million suit against the government after her husband was gunned down by a police officer during the January 2019 protests against fuel increase.

Of late, ZLHR has been accused of pursuing an elitist agenda; giving priority and prominence only to high-profile cases that attract a lot of limelight while relegating genuine cases of legal need to mediocre representation or ignoring them altogether.Mashingire and Mashiri said they were disappointed with the judgement which they want to be reviewed by a higher court.

The two who were at some point represented by local lawyer Derrick Charamba, who later withdrew his services midway as the villagers could not supply him with the fuel that he had requested for him to be able to drive from Masvingo city to Jerera where the court sat.

Speaking to TellZim News, Mashingire said although his case was rubbished, he had evidence to pin down the perpetrators and would like to see them face the full wrath of the law.

“The magistrate agreed with the defense counsel that my evidence of a document which Headman Sunamisai Chivamba signed when he agreed to give me back my beast was not authentic and threw away my case. I have enough evidence and I want to take this case forward but I lack support,” said Mashingire.

Mashiri also echoed the same sentiments saying the basis which was used to dismiss their case was not satisfactory.

“I am not happy with the way the case was determined because I was denied entry into the courtroom when the judgement was being delivered only to be later told that my case had been dismissed. I am truly disappointed and I don’t even know who to approach or what I should do next because I am not satisfied,” said Mashiri.

Both Mashingire and Mashiri who are MDC Alliance supporters in Ward 15, Zaka district, said felt they were being persecuted for their support of the opposition in a largely rural and Zanu-PF-dominated district.

Mashingire lost a beast, six 50kg bags of maize, two bags of groundnuts, one bucket bambara ground nuts, five chickens while Mashiri lost a beast. They claim their property was seized by marauding Zanu-PF activists as punishment for their support for then MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai who had just defeated then president and now late Robert Mugabe in the first round of the election of March 2008.

THE MDC Alliance Women’s Assembly National Acting Chair and former MDC Alliance proportional representation Member of Parliament (MP) Machirairwa Mugidho was involved in an accident as she was travelling from a party meeting.

Mugidho was reportedly travelling with her husband Misheck Marava who was once a Zanu-PF senator for Zaka.

This was revealed by the party which posted the update on social media and shared the photos in a post that stated that:

Said the MDC,

“MDC Alliance Women’s Assembly National Chair, Hon Mugidho, her husband & Sen Marava have been involved in a horrific accident after attending a Management Committee meeting which was at Party offices.”

By A Correspondent- The councillor for Ward 36 in Chizungu, Mberengwa Alderman Nephat Shumba (78) has died.

Shumba’s bicycle fell off a bridge on November 9, 2020 as he was coming from Fonex Shops along Mberengwa-Dolo Road.

He sustained serious head injuries and was pronounced dead the next day at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. He was buried on November 12, 2020 in his home area in Chizungu.

He is survived by six children and grandchildren. He was councilor from March 29, 2008 until he died.

Mberengwa Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Maeresa described the late as a hardworking man.

“I have known Alderman Shumba as a hardworking councillor. Ihad been in the same meeting two days before his tragic death. The ward has been robbed of a wonderful man,” said Maeresera.

District Development Coordinator Nyede Ndeya described the death as a blow to the district.

He thanked MP Joram Gumbo assisting at the funeral.-MasvingoMirror

About 224 families, who lost their homes during Cyclone Idai in March last year, are still living in tents as government struggles to fulfil its promises to build houses for them.

Edgar Seenza, the Manicaland provincial development coordinator, said government was still mobilising funds to provide shelter for the homeless families in Chimanimani.

Seenza said the government was let down by partners that failed to fulfil their pledges to build houses for the victims.

Civil Protection Unit director Nathan Nkomo in July told Parliament that Econet pulled out of the multi-million dollar project meant to construct 500 houses for Cyclone Idai victims at the last minute citing clumsy planning by government officials.

Seenza said Econet’s abandoning of the project and failure by China to also fulfil its commitment to construct 200 units had put government off rail.

“As you are aware, Econet promised to build 500 houses for the affected families, but they later pulled out from the deal through our head office, which is the Ministry of Local Government in Harare,” he told The Standard.

“China had also promised to build 200 houses, but the Covid-19 pandemic affected all this.

“So our plans were put into disarray as government.

“We have no option as we had to start to mobilise funds to build the houses.”

Seenza added: “Government took the most expensive programme of rebuilding the roads. Rebuilding the roads is the most expensive exercise, which we had to do as government.

“You can see what the government has been doing on the roads and President Emmerson Mnangagwa came to commission the roads, but work is still going on.”

Seenza said they stopped building houses in Nedziwa and opted for Westend where the government believes there is enough land for the affected families to do farming.

“We decided that the families should have a source of livelihood, that is why we abandoned Nedziwa and opted for Westend where there is enough adjacent land where there are houses being built,” he added.

“As government, we want the families to have a source of livelihood.”

He said two programmes were underway in Westend with transitional accommodation (pre-fabricated houses) and permanent houses being built.

Seenza said the construction of the pre-fabricated houses would be completed by mid-December so that the families could be accommodated during the rainy season.

Construction of permanent houses is being done in phases where an initial 20 houses are complete, while another 30 houses under phase three are almost complete.

The tropical storm affected parts of Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East and left a trail of destruction leaving hundreds dead and thousands without shelter.

By A Correspondent- 224 families who lost their homes in the devastating Cyclone Idai are reportedly still living in tents because the government is yet to build homes for them since March 2019 when the disaster struck parts of Chimanimani and Chipinge.

This was because Econet pulled out of its promise to build 500 houses for those affected by Cyclone Idai according to CPU. This was revealed by Edgar Seenza, the Manicaland provincial development coordinator when he was speaking to the publication when he said:

As you are aware, Econet promised to build 500 houses for the affected families, but they later pulled out from the deal through our head office, which is the Ministry of Local Government in Harare.

China had also promised to build 200 houses, but the Covid-19 pandemic affected all this. So our plans were put into disarray as government.We have no option as we had to start to mobilise funds to build the houses.

Government took the most expensive programme of rebuilding the roads. Rebuilding the roads is the most expensive exercise, which we had to do as government.

You can see what the government has been doing on the roads and President Emmerson Mnangagwa came to commission the roads, but work is still going on.

We decided that the families should have a source of livelihood, that is why we abandoned Nedziwa and opted for Westend where there is enough adjacent land where there are houses being built,” he added.

As government, we want the families to have a source of livelihood.

According to Seenza permanent houses are being done in phases and an initial 20 houses are complete, while another 30 houses are almost complete.

The government promised the people affected by Cyclone Idai that they will have homes by year-end which is highly unlikely given the progress at hand.

Paul Nyathi

Iranian media reports say Zimbabwean Vice President Kembo Mohadi called on the war mongering state to assist Zimbabwe fight off terrorism aimed against the ZANU PF government.

Mohadi is reported to have asked for promotion of political and economic relations with Iran and expansion of international cooperation to keep the ZANU PF government in power.

Mohadi made the remarks in a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Harare Abbas Navazani last week.

In the meeting, the Iranian ambassador is reported to have stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the economic fields.

Navazani also appreciated Zimbabwe for its support against anti-Iran human rights resolutions.

Further, the two sides stressed the need to boost economic cooperation despite the US sanctions.

The areas of economic cooperation include industry, mining, agriculture and health.

Ambassador Navazani, who said he had a fruitful meeting with VP Mohadi also expressed Iran’s interest in exploring mining opportunities in Zimbabwe.

“We reviewed our cooperation,” he said.

“We have a cordial relationship which dates back to the days of the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe. We have a strong relationship in different aspects; politically, economically and internationally, and we are trying to expand our cooperation in economic and trade areas.

“I have a different mechanism this time to enhance our relations. Our political and international relations are very close and high, but our economic (relationship) because of the imposition of oppressive sanctions by the Americans, is worsened.

“It’s (economic relationship) not expanding, but we are trying. We are trying and hopefully we will enhance our economic cooperation. We hope and appreciate the Zimbabwean Government’s support to Iran and we support Zimbabwe on the international arena.”

Source: https://en.irna.ir/news/84128424/Zimbabwe-calls-for-Iranian-contribution-to-fight-terrorism

TWO serving civil servants in Mwenezi are campaigning for positions in the Zanu-PF district coordinating committee (DCC) elections to be held early December in violation of the law, it has emerged.

According to section 200 of the constitution, no member of the civil service is allowed to further the interests of any political party or cause or act in a partisan manner.

Master Makope, the headmaster for Dhiziri Secondary School, and Marvelous Chifumuro, a teacher at Sangwari Secondary School, are seeking the positions of political commissar and secretary for finance, respectively.

Makope admitted that he was contesting for a position in the ruling party polls, and said he saw nothing wrong with it.

“Yes, it’s true I am campaigning,” Makope said.

“Maybe we are basing on a different law. the law says I should resign if I win; if I don’t I will retain my post.

“You want me to resign, what if I lose?”

Chifumuro could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone was switched off.

Mwenezi district schools inspector Philip Gumbo refused to comment on the matter.

“I am not in a position to comment on that issue, talk to my seniors,” he said when called for comment.

Masvingo provincial education director Zedius Chitiga also refused to comment on the matter.

“Refer to the constitution and you will see what it says,” Chitiga said.

Zanu-PF secretary for legal affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana is on record saying no government employee should contest for political office or assume any position in a political party before resigning from the civil service.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima could not be reached for comment.

The Judicial Service Commission said it is investigating Harare-based magistrate Milton Serima, who is standing in the Zanu-PF DCC elections in Mt Darwin.

A prosecutor in Gweru, Namatirai Chipere, was forced to resign after it was revealed that she wanted to stand in the Zanu-PF internal polls.

Source – the standard

A prominent Plumtree-based Zanu PF businessman was shot dead in cold blood by a Zimbabwean based in South Africa while resisting a robbery at his shop at Ntoli business centre in Bulilima East.

The suspect in Butho Zidlaphi Nkomo’s murder is said to be on the police wanted list for several robbery cases in the area.

The injiva, whose name could not be verified, but uses Tshobolo as his father’s name and is from the area, was said to be on the run following a shootout with the police previously.

He is still at large.

According to sources, Nkomo, popularly known as Kabila, was renting the business premises from another businessman, who had closed shop after constant harassment and looting of stock by the suspect reportedly for debt he got while in South Africa.

The fugitive had come back to raid stock again, but Nkomo resisted, leading to him being shot at close range and he died on the spot last Thursday night.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena on Friday confirmed the shooting.

“It’s true we are investigating the matter of a businessman who was shot in Plumtree in Bulilima district, but for the full circumstances you can get in touch with our headquarters in Harare,” Mangena said.

Bulilima East legislator Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu expressed sadness over Nkomo’s death.

“It’s very sad, my brother, he was shot in cold blood,” said Ndlovu, who is also Tourism minister.

“His killer is a well-known thug who has previous cases of being involved in shootouts with police, but surprisingly was roaming freely in the communities.

“Now he has robbed the community and the country of a young life.

“Butho was a hard worker and it’s a huge loss.”

A source close to the matter said Nkomo died resisting the robbery.

“The suspect had a tendency of raiding this shop in front of its owner,” the source said.

“It’s said they owed each other some money for some deals they did in South Africa.

“Previously he looted stock from the shop and the owner closed it until Nkomo came to rent it. It’s a new shop which was built recently.”

Three months ago, a prominent elderly couple from Mangwe district in Plumtree was gruesomely murdered by robbers, who raided their homestead during the night before burning their bodies in one of the houses.

Eighty three-year-old Nicholas Nleya and his wife Margaret, who was 78, were burnt beyond recognition at their home in Mzaza village in Empandeni and police are still to arrest the suspects.

Paul Nyathi

Zanu PF MP Perseverance Zhou has dismissed reports contained in an article that was written by The Standard alleging that she was listed among the beneficiaries of a $600 million Covid-19 fund for vulnerable people in Kwekwe.

Zhou released the following statement denying allegation made by the publication:

“I want to register my utter disgust at the following articles which were published by widely read, The Standard, written by one Brenna Matendere on October 11 entitled “First lady’s business partners listed on multi-million dollar fund for the poor” and “Govt cleans up corrupted Covid-19 beneficiary lists following outcry” on November 22.

“The above articles have a lot of false statements.

“Firstly, Brenna alleges that PPAC runs Kwekwe Recreational Park.

“The correct position is that the park belongs to Kwekwe City Council and is run by a group of women, who put their money together and rehabilitated Prince Park, which had become an eyesore.

“He further alleges that we opened an account with ZB Bank under the PPAC, which is false. That account does not exist.

“Thirdly, we are not cronies of the first lady.

The first lady has nothing to do with the lists for Covid-19 funds neither does her name appear on the said list.

Why then is her name brought up where it does not fit in? What was the motive?

We, the alleged business partners, are not wealthy and we do not run any thriving businesses with the first lady; neither do we carry out business deals with the first lady in the Midlands Province.

Other false statements are that:

• I am a senator. I am in the Lower House, so I am addressed as Honourable Zhou, not Senator Zhou.

• My Identity Number is not 58-045574 L 48 as listed in the article.
• I never provided a NetOne line to receive Covid-19 funds.
• I was never involved in the compiling of lists of beneficiaries neither did I visit the Social Welfare department in Kwekwe to drop in my name.
• I own no car neither do I have a luxurious vehicle from Parliament as yet.
• I do not own a gold mine as alleged by this reporter.

In his articles Brenna attacks women only as he struggles to explain that we intended to benefit from Covid-19 funds.

He sees women as thieves and just wants to report bad things and not the good that women do in Kwekwe.

This is a serious gender issue whereby a newspaper perpetually lashes out to scandalise the first lady’s name and some women in her area

The publication apologized to Zhou and noted that Zhou in her statement did not deny that her name was listed as one of the beneficiaries of COVID-19 relief funds first published before it was audited after the revelation by the publication.

Tinashe Sambiri|In a powerful and precise speech, President Nelson Chamisa roasted Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF for misleading the nation.

President Chamisa taunted Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF bigwigs over the so called Vision 2020.

President Chamisa revealed how Zanu PF lied to the nation.

“Instead of giving us health for all you are giving us deaths for all.

You say in 2030 you will be in power, that’s not relevant.

We want jobs and sound health, not your mere presence in office, hatinei nekuvako kwako muoffice,” said President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|Popular contemporary musician Tocky Vibes, whose real name is Obey Makamure is now 27.

See below a congratulatory message posted by Legendary Family :

Happy Birthday Shout To Tocky Vibes

Tocky Vibes was born Obey Makamure on 29 November 1993 in Rugare Suburb, Harare.

He began singing at a very young age where it all seemed like a joke until he released a single called “Tirikumhanya”.

He was moved to rural Masvingo where he had to make a living, as things were difficult for him.

He returned to Harare in December 2012 and picked up where he left off, only to find that things were not so easy.

Tocky Vibes then moved to Rusape where he found a job as a herd boy, and would later find that the amount of signing gigs increased for him in Harare and he’d travel frequently.

Tinashe Sambiri|In a powerful and precise speech, President Nelson Chamisa roasted Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF for misleading the nation.

President Chamisa taunted Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF bigwigs over the so called Vision 2020.

President Chamisa revealed how Zanu PF lied to the nation.

“Instead of giving us health for all you are giving us deaths for all.

You say in 2030 you will be in power, that’s not relevant.

We want jobs and sound health, not your mere presence in office, hatinei nekuvako kwako muoffice,” said President Chamisa

By A Correspondent| The Bindura mine disaster that collapsed and trapped over 20 people yesterday claimed another victim who fell into the chasm and disappeared during a rescue operation.

This was confirmed by Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana today.

According to Mangwana, the latest victim who was among volunteers working to rescue the trapped illegal miners fell into the chasm around 6pm and had not been found around 10 pm

“BINDURA MINE DISASTER UPDATE
The collapsed tunnel at Ran Mine in Bindura claimed another victim yesterday evening at around 6pm when one of the volunteer rescuers slipped and fell into the chasm. He immediately disappeared into the depths and by 10pm he had yet not been found.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority ZESA has reduced electricity tariffs for domestic consumers after consumers complained that their latest tariff hike was too steep for the general public, The Sunday News reports.

ZESA also introduced a new band for domestic consumers for 301 to 400 units which will be charged at $8.39 per kWh. Units above 400 will be charged at $9.80 per kWh according to the publication.

The publication stated that these will be the new cost of electricity with immediate effect: The first 50 units will cost ZWL$1.63 per kwh,

51 to 100 units will cost ZWL$3.27 per kwh

101 to 200 units will cost ZWL$5.72 per kWh.

201-300 Units is now ZWL$ 8.17 per kWh

301-400 Units is ZWL$ 8.39 per kWh

401 units and above will be charged ZWL$9.80 per kWh.

Before ZESA reduced the tariffs, here is what consumers were paying:

Pre-paid consumers were paying ZWL$1,67 per kWh for the first 50 units, ZWL$3,65 for 51-200 and ZWL$9,92 each for 201-300 units.. ZWL$15,57 per unit if they intend to buy more than 300 units per month.

Commenting on the development ZERA CEO Eddington Mazambani said they came to the decision after wide consultations with stakeholders mainly consumers: What happened is that we had to cap the maximum domestic tariff to an equivalent of US$0.12/kWh. The tariffs were agreed upon after wide consultation.

Power imports are a function of available internal generation capacity versus demand. Our internal power generation averages 1200MW against a demand profile of 1400Mw. Our imports therefore ranges between 150 -200mw. This is also dependent on availability.

There are times when exporters are not producing enough hence not sending to the power pool. We are servicing the debts that are current with Eskom

ZESA has increased tariffs by over 50% in the last 2 months as they said the ZWL has been eroded by inflation and they were not able to pay for their services anymore.

By A Correspondent- The permanent secretary in the ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has updated the nation on the Bindura Mine disaster saying the mine has claimed another victim.

Mangwana said one of the volunteer rescuers slipped into the tunnel and had not been found by 2200 hours on Saturday. He tweeted:

The collapsed tunnel at Ran Mine in Bindura claimed another victim yesterday evening at around 6 pm when one of the volunteer rescuers slipped and fell into the chasm. He immediately disappeared into the depths and by 10 pm he had yet not been found.

The Ran Mine collapsed on the 25th of this month burying alive at least 30 artisanal miners.

After visiting the site,  Mines and Minerals Minister, Winston Chitando, said the rescuers do not have a timeframe of when they will be able to reach the miners because they first have to assess the site to establish how best they can carry out the rescue mission.

He encouraged miners to undertake all mining activities in accordance with the law in a safe manner.

 By A Correspondent- A self-proclaimed Guruve apostolic prophet Madzibaba Biggie Murere was nabbed last week after he had allegedly brought a live a tortoise at a house in Mahuwe in the name of cleansing the home.

The matter came to light at Guruve magistrates courts where he appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

The state-led by Carson Kundiona alleged on October 23 Murere was invited by Kudakwashe Nyirenda for a cleansing ceremony at his house.

Upon the prophet’s arrival, he told Nyirenda that some enemies had assigned a spiritual tortoise to torment and monitor his family.

Marere said God had sent him to remove it, hence he demanded three beasts after telling Nyirenda’s family that the tortoise was life-threatening.

They discovered a wrapped tortoise in a black and white cloth.

In his defense Marere told the magistrate that the tortoise does not belong to him.

“Your Worship, the tortoise does not belong to me at all. It was not found on my person,” he said.

Trial continues on December 3.

-standard

Ministers openly covidizing at Mutsvangwa's party as Police attack @Bulawayo Arts Awards https://t.co/mdvHbLUe7m pic.twitter.com/LmVWnK4AnQ

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 29, 2020

As ministers hold latenight birthday party for Mutsvangwa, @PoliceZimbabwe disrupt the Bulawayo Arts Awards ceremony @nickmangwana @InfoMinZW https://t.co/LnPqmCk3Yb pic.twitter.com/dx39gcxcIV

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 29, 2020

By Own Correspondent| A prominent Plumtree-based Zanu-PF businessman was shot dead in cold blood by a Zimbabwean based in South Africa while resisting a robbery at his shop at Ntoli business centre in Bulilima East.

The suspect in Butho Zidlaphi Nkomo’s murder is said to be on the police wanted list for several robbery cases in the area.

The injiva, whose name could not be verified, but uses Tshobolo as his father’s name and is from the area, was said to be on the run following a shootout with the police previously.

He is still at large.

According to sources, Nkomo, popularly known as Kabila, was renting the business premises from another businessman, who had closed shop after constant harassment and looting of stock by the suspect reportedly for debt he got while in South Africa.

The fugitive had come back to raid stock again, but Nkomo resisted, leading to him being shot at close range and he died on the spot last Thursday night.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena on Friday confirmed the shooting.

“It’s true we are investigating the matter of a businessman who was shot in Plumtree in Bulilima district, but for the full circumstances you can get in touch with our headquarters in Harare,” Mangena said.

Bulilima East legislator Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu expressed sadness over Nkomo’s death.

https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?guci=2.2.0.0.2.2.0.0&client=ca-pub-1808990247913755&output=html&h=280&slotname=7632241627&adk=2580078309&adf=1513479931&pi=t.ma~as.7632241627&w=728&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1606635000&rafmt=1&psa=1&format=728×280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-news-sc-national-byo-195413.html&flash=0&fwr=0&fwrattr=true&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&tt_state=W3siaXNzdWVyT3JpZ2luIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hZHNlcnZpY2UuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSIsInN0YXRlIjowfSx7Imlzc3Vlck9yaWdpbiI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXR0ZXN0YXRpb24uYW5kcm9pZC5jb20iLCJzdGF0ZSI6MH1d&dt=1606634999963&bpp=5&bdt=194&idt=502&shv=r20201112&cbv=r20190131&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dc7a2d6fb8046bba9-2288e10849a60029%3AT%3D1602666670%3ART%3D1602666670%3AS%3DALNI_MYDl2l0R_5shKEao2jtHjZOudA–g&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1083x280%2C160x600%2C728x280&nras=1&correlator=5870572536688&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=911282896.1565193427&ga_sid=1606634676&ga_hid=346525990&ga_fc=1&iag=0&icsg=563674369010239&dssz=48&mdo=0&mso=0&u_tz=120&u_his=4&u_java=0&u_h=720&u_w=1280&u_ah=680&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_nplug=3&u_nmime=4&adx=165&ady=1634&biw=1263&bih=578&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=42530671%2C21066706&oid=3&pvsid=1502768655747088&pem=474&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fbulawayo24.com%2Findex-id-news-sc-national-byo-195395.html&rx=0&eae=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1280%2C0%2C1280%2C680%2C1280%2C578&vis=1&rsz=o%7Co%7CeEbr%7C&abl=NS&pfx=0&fu=8320&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=Budr1Dn57i&p=https%3A//bulawayo24.com&dtd=513“It’s very sad, my brother, he was shot in cold blood,” said Ndlovu, who is also Tourism minister.

“His killer is a well-known thug who has previous cases of being involved in shootouts with police, but surprisingly was roaming freely in the communities.

“Now he has robbed the community and the country of a young life.

“Butho was a hard worker and it’s a huge loss.”

A source close to the matter said Nkomo died resisting the robbery.

“The suspect had a tendency of raiding this shop in front of its owner,” the source said.

“It’s said they owed each other some money for some deals they did in South Africa.

“Previously he looted stock from the shop and the owner closed it until Nkomo came to rent it. It’s a new shop which was built recently.”

Three months ago, a prominent elderly couple from Mangwe district in Plumtree was gruesomely murdered by robbers, who raided their homestead during the night before burning their bodies in one of the houses.

Eighty three-year-old Nicholas Nleya and his wife Margaret, who was 78, were burnt beyond recognition at their home in Mzaza village in Empandeni and police are still to arrest the suspects

By A Correspondent- Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Victor Matemadanda, was yesterday forced to abort a scheduled address at a meeting of former liberation war fighters in Marondera after a rival group organised a parallel event.

Matemadanda who is also the ZANU PF Political Commissar was scheduled to address the war veterans gathered at Mbuya Nehanda Hall for a meeting organised by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA).

The Standard reports that Matemadanda had to deploy a political commissar, whose identity could not be immediately established, to address the former fighters led by Peter Sigauke after the chaos became apparent.

Disgruntled war veterans led by one Samunda were having their own meeting at the Zanu PF provincial party headquarters.

Cde Matemadanda was supposed to go to the hall, but at the party provincial headquarters, there was another meeting.

He was forced to abort the meeting and deployed a political commissar, who comes from Manicaland, in his place.

Meanwhile, Matemadanda said he was not aware of the meeting.

I was at school, I am not aware of the meetings you are talking about.

The Standard reports that its reporter witnessed war veterans being bussed from the province’s nine districts to Mbuya Nehanda Hall where they waited to be addressed by the deputy minister, who was in a no-show.

The publication further reports that some war veterans were overhead urging their colleagues to snub the meeting of the rival faction at the party provincial headquarters.

The war veterans are reportedly divided with some accusing their leaders of neglecting their welfare, an issue that made the ex-combatants to revolt against the late former president, Robert Mugabe leading to his ouster in November 2017.

By A Correspondent| Government has assured the nation that this year’s public examinations will proceed this week with more than 600 000 candidates expected to sit for the exams despite the spiking Covid-19 cases in some schools.

Primary and Secondary Education Director for Communications Mr Taungana Ndoro said examinations would go forward unabated despite the spiking cases in schools, adding that they have prepared adequately. He said pupils who have contracted Covid-19 will write in isolation while the examination rooms will continuously be disinfected to curb the possible spread of the pandemic in schools.

He said more than 300 Covid-19 cases have been recorded among school pupils since the schools opening nationally against a population of more than 4.5 million pupils countrywide. More than 600 000 have registered for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examinations. However, those writing practical examinations started two weeks ago.

Mr Ndoro said Zimbabwe was the only country in Africa that had managed to hold the examinations successfully in June at the peak of the pandemic due to robust standard operation procedures implemented by the ministry. As of last week Friday, there were 184 cases at John Tallach in Ntabazinduna, 57 cases at Chinhoyi High, more than 20 cases at All Souls Mission, 19 cases at Anderson Adventist High, more than 10 cases at Matopo High, three cases at Rujeko Primary, among others. Mr Ndoro said Covid-19 cases recorded in schools was a minor setback.

“We are aware that there may be cases in schools and among school pupils. This is just a minor setback. We are going ahead with the Zimsec examinations despite the pandemic. We are the only country that managed to hold the examinations at the peak of the pandemic. So, we have very efficient standard operation procedures that we have put in place to ensure early detection of cases in schools. So, the pandemic is there as a distraction but as a ministry we will not be defeated by the pandemic. The focus is on the country’s socio-economic development which is driven by the education sector.

The pandemic maybe with us for the unforeseeable future but that does not mean that the learning should stop. We have more than 600 000 candidates that have registered for the November examinations. In total we have a student population of about 4.5 million,” he said.

Mr Ndoro said there were more than 80 percent teachers in schools that have been preparing pupils for the examinations and the pupils have also shown enthusiasm to write the exams.

“There has been commitment shown by teachers in schools. More than 80 percent of teachers are in schools teaching and preparing the learners for the examinations. The students themselves are enthusiastic about writing the examinations. So, we will proceed with them while following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Those that have contracted Covid-19 will write in isolation,” he said.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent| Two Bindura women were dragged to Bindura Magistrates Courts yesterday for allegedly assaulting a 14-year old girl after suspecting that she was having an affair with one their husband.

Vimbai Goronga (19), together with her friend Sarah Muguse (20) appeared before magistrate Ethel Chichera.

Representing the State, Edward Katsvairo told the court that Vimbai’s husband owed Eneresi’s sister some money.

On 24 November 2020 at around 1700hrs at Pasango farm, Eneresi, in the company of Vimbai’s husband proceeded to Vimbai’s homestead intending to collect the money. On her return, Eneresi was ambushed by Vimbai and Sarah who took turns to slap the young girl.

The matter continues on December 11.

Correspondent

A 39-year-old man allegedly bought a mentally challenged woman some corn snacks, commonly known as ‘jiggies’, undressed her before molesting her.

Clemence Phikani of Village 9A Kanyaga, Kenzamba was this week arraigned in court charged with indecent assault.

Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki indefinitely remanded Phikani to allow the 21-year-old complainant (name withheld) to be examined by a psychiatrist to ascertain her mental state.

The State case is that on 1 October 2020 at around 3pm, the woman was watching football at a local soccer pitch.

Court heard that Phikani approached and offered to buy her some ‘jiggies’ at a nearby tuckshop.

The woman accepted the offer and proceeded to accompany Phikani to the tuckshop where they bought some ‘jiggies’.

Phikani then lured his unsuspecting victim to a disused kitchen hut.

Court heard the pair sat on a bench with Phikani proceeding to remove the woman’s blouse and sucking her breast in an attempt to seduce her.

After noticing the unusually lengthy time the two had taken to return, the woman’s relative Christine Murehwa decided to follow them.

Murehwa allegedly caught Phikani red-handed while molesting her.

With the help of other villagers, Murehwa effected a citizen’s arrest and took him to the police station.

Prosecutor Review Nikisi represented the State.

When 36-year-old businessman Genius Kadungure breathed his last a few weeks ago, there were unanswered questions on who was likely to inherit his business empire and multimillion-dollar assets since he neither had a wife nor child.

His family vehemently made it clear that he had not sired any children during his lifetime.

“As far as I know, Genius did not leave behind any children. I heard through rumours that he had children everywhere, but I was never introduced to any of them,” Mr Anderson Kadungure, father to Genius, recently said.

However, The Sunday Mail can exclusively reveal that the showy entrepreneur actually had a son in 2011 with a Gutu-based businesswoman, Miyedzo “Miye” Madondo – daughter to a once-successful Masvingo businessman, Elias Madondo, who is late.

The two lovebirds met in 2006 when she returned from New Zealand.

“They (Genius and Miyedzo) were madly in love. They enjoyed their romance and we all adored it. They both tattooed each other’s names on their arms. That shows the level of affection they had for each other,” said Madondo family members, who elected to remain anonymous.

But, the Romeo-and Juliet fairy-tale unravelled when the baby was born.

It seemed Ginimbi’s head had been turned.

Not interested

Miyedzo refused to open up during an interview at her farm in Masvingo last week, saying the timing – especially when Genius’ estate was being distributed — would likely result in negative connotations about the motive.

“I hope this visit is personal and not about Genius because that is a closed chapter,” said a teary Miyedzo, who was choking with emotions.

“Maybe someday I will tell you all about it, but not now, I just can’t.

“I was born in a family with everything that I needed, so we are OK. We don’t need anything, so please just leave us alone.”

She then referred all questions to her aunt, who lives in Madondo Village in Gutu.

“It is not a secret – everyone knows. Even if you ask people around the village and at the (Gutu) Growth Point. It’s known that Ginimbi is the father of our boy,” said the aunt.

“I was introduced to Genius right here, on this compound, in this hut. He was here all the time. After dumping Miyedzo for another woman, he later tried to be involved in his son’s life.

“We wanted to attend the funeral but the Genius he had become was different from the Genius we knew. We feared his relatives could be hostile as some were likely to think we were after his money.”

Other relatives and family friends in Gutu corroborated the story.

“You are talking about someone you read in the media and I am telling you about someone I knew personally. I drank beer with him and we used to party in some of Gutu’s humble night clubs,” said one Dhunzi, who claimed to be Miyedzo’s niece.

“Everyone here knew that Ginimbi and Miyedzo were inseparable; they were madly in love.”

The Sunday Mail was taken to Madondo Hotel — owned by Miyedzo’s family — where Ginimbi reportedly used to camp for days on end.

“During those days, the guy was broke. He drove Miyedzo’s cars (BMW X5 and Dodge Nitro) and used her money to buy expensive clothes,” added Dhunzi.

“But we loved him because he was kind and generous. From whatever he got from Miyedzo, he would find something to give us. Ginimbi always had exciting ideas.

“The only thing that saddens us is that he milked our sister dry and ran away. It is more painful to think that he went on to enjoy that money with other women.”

A former driver at Kadungure’s Pioneer Gases, who only wanted to be identified as Mike, claimed that Miyedzo also invested in the gas company.

“Miyedzo thought the investment was registered in both their names but she didn’t know that Ginimbi had taken everything.

“At the time, she thought the relationship was growing into something, but the guy left her. She was heartbroken.”

Mike said Ginimbi appeared to have already been involved with the mysterious woman even before the unexpected break-up.

“I vividly remember when I drove her to Greystone Park in Harare where Genius was now staying, only to find people getting down at an all-white party.

“That was the very first all-white party that Ginimbi held. Miyedzo was hurt because she did not know about it and that older woman was there.”

Support

With time, Genius warmed up to his son.

Mike added: “He loved the boy and he did everything for him, from buying expensive cellphones and other gadgets.

“As we speak, he had bought him a drone as a birthday present and it will be delivered anytime soon.

“We drove several times to Harare where he would meet his son and catch-up.”

Several other Madondo family members said Ginimbi used to be one of their own.

In August 2014, the flamboyant businessman posted a photo of himself and the child and captioned it “my son”.

The account was later closed in 2016.

But for the Kadungure family, this seems to be an unknown chapter in Genius’ life.

“I didn’t see any child. As his brothers, we were always moving around together and I never saw any.

“If there were any, then they should come forward because our doors are open. We said no one was going to be chased away,” said Clemence Kadungure.

Last week, Ginimbi’s relatives and other beneficiaries of his estate unanimously accepted an unsigned will recently filed at the Master of High Court, which gives “Kit Kat”, a friend to the deceased, the newly acquired Lamborghini.

All other assets were placed in a Trust, under which will be the bulk of the assets, including the Domboshava mansion, cars and companies.

The mansion will be converted into a hotel.

Ginimbi’s father, according to the will, is entitled to 10 percent of funds generated by the Trust, while Ginimbi’s sisters – Nelia and Juliet — will get 60 percent and 30 percent respectively.

HARARE Mayor Jacob Mafume (44), who is facing abuse of office charges, will spend the weekend behind bars after his bail ruling was rolled over to tomorrow.

Mafume was arrested by the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) last week for allegedly forcing city council officials to parcel out housing stands in Harare’s Westlea suburb to his sister and colleague.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande had initially set the bail ruling for yesterday when Mafume appeared in court on Friday but postponed the case to tomorrow as she was away attending to an urgent work-related matter.

The State alleges that on an unknown date between March 1 and March 31, 2020, Mafume called Harare City Council Housing Director Mr Addmore Nhekairo and asked him to allocate residential stands to his sister Rotina Mafume and colleague Rutendo Muvuti.

At the time that Mafume allegedly approached Mr Nhekairo, the Harare City Council had already closed interviews for prospective beneficiaries of the land in Westlea.

The State alleged that as a direct consequence of Mafume’s insistence to circumvent council procedures, Mr Nhekairo then instructed his junior officers to ensure that the two were allocated stands.

“Rotina Mafume was allocated a stand under waiting list number 1317/03/10 with a provisional deposit for intrinsic land price $219 938,” reads the charge sheet.

“The said housing waiting list number does not appear on the Harare City Council Housing waiting list database.

“Rutendo Muvuti was allocated stand number 11565 in Westlea under waiting list number 903/11/16 measuring 600 square meters with a provisional deposit for intrinsic land price of $219 938”.

The said waiting list numberbelonged to Winnie Mandishona NR 59-165352P12 not Rutendo Muvuti.

State Media

Unmonitored airstrips will be closed, while a new radar control system to monitor aircraft flying in the country’s airspace will soon be installed amid concerns some aeroplanes have become conduits to smuggle minerals.

Government is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to overhaul the radar system and bring it up to date with international standards.

Zimbabwe is reportedly losing up to US$100 million every month in leakages through sophisticated syndicates.

Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said President Mnangagwa had directed that the country’s radar system should be modernised.

“In this era, people use modern technology for all sorts of illegal activities and the President has said we should mechanise and upgrade our systems; hence the introduction of a new radar system.

“There are too many airstrips and we know that there are some small aircrafts which fly very low and are difficult to identify. This is due to the old radar system that urgently needs replacement.”

The new high-tech radar system, she said, will be installed in partnership with CAAZ.

“We are working with CAAZ to close the gaps used by these small aircraft to smuggle minerals, especially gold.

“So we are addressing the issue, and in due course you are going to see the changes. We are on top of the situation.”

CAAZ public relations and corporate communications manager Ms Anna-Julia Hungwe confirmed the ongoing exercise.

“It is our duty to advise Government on issues pertaining to our radar system. It is work in progress.

“Government is our shareholder, so we will continue to work together with them. We will advise on the progress that we will be making,” she said.

Presenting the 2021 National Budget last week, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the economy was losing potential revenue due to infrastructure deficiencies and operational arrangements that promote inefficiencies at some border posts and through the airspace.

Treasury accordingly allocated $3,8 billion to refurbish Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, while $200 million was allocated for construction of the tower at the J. M. Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo.

Further, $550 million was disbursed towards rehabilitation and upgrading of Kariba, Buffalo Range and Grand Reef airports.

“The funds are expected to enhance airspace management in line with global standards.

“The priority in the aviation sector is to ensure that the country complies with the minimum requirements of the International Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Air Safety Committee.

“Compliance with the above will ensure that our aviation sub-sector moves from category 2 to category 1 that will result in increased access to the international markets.

“This would entail rehabilitation and upgrading of civil aviation facilities, with the ongoing works at the R.G. Mugabe International Airport being the most significant.

“Airspace management and air safety require immediate intervention through procurement and installation of the requisite equipment and leveraging on CAAZ’s cash flows,” he said.

The Deputy Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Victor Matemadanda, was yesterday forced to abort a scheduled address at a meeting of former liberation war fighters in Marondera after a rival group organised a parallel event.

Matemadanda who is also the ZANU PF Political Commissar was scheduled to address the war veterans gathered at Mbuya Nehanda Hall for a meeting organised by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA).

The Standard reports that Matemadanda had to deploy a political commissar, whose identity could not be immediately established, to address the former fighters led by Peter Sigauke after the chaos became apparent.

Speaking to the publication, an anonymous war veteran said:

Disgruntled war veterans led by one Samunda were having their own meeting at the Zanu PF provincial party headquarters.

Cde Matemadanda was supposed to go to the hall, but at the party provincial headquarters, there was another meeting.

He was forced to abort the meeting and deployed a political commissar, who comes from Manicaland, in his place.

Meanwhile, Matemadanda said he was not aware of the meeting.

I was at school, I am not aware of the meetings you are talking about.

The Standard reports that its reporter witnessed war veterans being bussed from the province’s nine districts to Mbuya Nehanda Hall where they waited to be addressed by the deputy minister, who was in a no-show.https://0da38fb1b88b12dfdaf3a3a4bda02dd9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

The publication further reports that some war veterans were overhead urging their colleagues to snub the meeting of the rival faction at the party provincial headquarters.

The war veterans are reportedly divided with some accusing their leaders of neglecting their welfare, an issue that made the ex-combatants to revolt against the late former president, Robert Mugabe leading to his ouster in November 2017.

More: The Standard

The late fitness bunny and video vixen Michelle “Moana” Amuli may have lived her last days on earth in the fast lane with easy access to the finest things in life, but none of it followed her to the grave.

Moana died in a horrific car accident that also claimed the lives of socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, Malawian businessman Limumba Karim and Mozambican model Alicha Adams, on November 8.

As scores of people gathered in the high-density suburb of Highfield to follow burial proceedings that were led by the Muslim community — as wished by the father, Ishmael — celebrities and artistes she hung around in her lifetime were conspicuous by their absence.

Comedian Madam Boss and businessman Tinashe Mutarisi were the only notable faces that came to pay tribute.

There was no fancy casket or entourage of top-of-the-range cars as her “decomposing” remains, that were burnt beyond recognition in the crash, took a last ride to Warren Hills Cemetery in an ordinary ambulance.

Apart from the humble gathering not reflective of the hedonistic life she is said to have led, one could still feel the tense atmosphere that prevailed between her family members from both the paternal and maternal sides.

The families had been at loggerheads for close to three weeks about when, how and where to bury her. Moana’s parents were separated when she was a little baby and they would not see eye to eye all the way to the grave.

They may have agreed, with the assistance of a High Court decision, to finally lay her to rest, but one could sense that there were still subtle squabbles between the paternal and maternal sides of the family.

Despite the rifts that largely turned into murmurs, the situation did not turn violent.

It is uncertain whether there still will be other publicised episodes of misunderstandings between the two sides that had become a media staple of late.

But, there are certainly bones of contention like the sharing of the late’s property that included cars, furniture and clothes.

Since she had reportedly moved to South Africa recently, where she engaged a secret lover, the fitness trainer is said to have left her daughter and belongings under her mother Yolanda Kuvaoga’s custody.

Over the weeks, Yolanda has come out in defence of her automatic ownership of the property left with her revealing that she had no intention of sharing it with the father, whom she accused of asking about the cars in particular despite not being on talking terms with his daughter in the recent past.

“It’s the cars that he wants. He tells us he wants the cars and I told them she had sold all her cars,” said Yolanda in one of the many interviews with the media.

Efforts to get comment in relation to the issue did not yield results from the maternal side, but Amuli said he did not care about what would happen to the possessions.

“Let them have the property, they thought we wanted some of it, but they can have it. We do not want any of it seeing that this is part of the reasons why they had brought us to court, but we are not interested in that,” he said.

Meanwhile, the public may have to keep on guessing when it comes to other questions about who Moana was beyond social media posts.

Although she had posted a snippet showing an engagement ring on her finger, it is unclear who her other half was and no one has stepped up to confirm involvement with the late beauty.

Could it have been Kadungure or Karim? Even her mother could not determine.

“What I know is she had engaged. She sent me a message saying he proposed and I said yes, but I had never even seen her fiancé’s face. She offered to bring him to me, but I refused because I was angry over the fact that she was relocating to South Africa,” her mother revealed recently.

Adding to the mystery is a video showing Moana in a cozy situation with local prophet Edd Branson as well as other flirty videos that have made way to different social media platforms.

Standard

State Media

AIRFORCE of Zimbabwe Officer Cadet Silungile Sweswe, who passed away when a SF 260 Genet trainer aircraft crashed on Tuesday afternoon last week, received an emotional farewell as family, friends and colleagues came together to mourn an aspiring pilot whose life was taken as she was on the cusp of fulfilling the abundant promise she showed.

Silungile (23), a resident of Pumula South in Bulawayo, was buried at Umvutshwa Private Cemetery on Friday.

Silungile died on the spot alongside flying instructor, Squadron Leader Mkhululi Dube after their plane, which was making a U-turn according to witnesses, crashed just outside Gweru in Somabhula.

The two were on routine training from Josiah Tungamirai Airbase.

Speaking after the burial, Silungile’s uncle Mr Kholisani Sweswe described her as a prayerful child who was intelligent and self driven.

“She was just someone that was naturally intelligent and academically no one would ever fault. She went to Dumezweni Primary School here in Pumula South and then proceeded to Pumula High School that is where she was until she finished her A Level. From there she went to work for World Vision for a while before joining the Airforce.

One thing that I can say about her is that she was someone dedicated to our whole family. It did not matter if you were an uncle, an aunt or any other relative, she respected and cared for you equally,” he said.

Mr Sweswe described the tragic circumstances that the family had received news of Silungile’s passing on, saying they first became aware of her death after pictures of the mangled a SF 260 Genet trainer aircraft started making the rounds on social media.

“We did not know because we were yet to get an official report and that came on Wednesday morning. But social media had already delivered the news to us because we had already started seeing pictures of the plane. From there onwards we were really treated very well by the Airforce and they helped the family throughout the whole grieving process. We never saw the plane that took her life because it had been moved by the time we got there,” he said.

Mr Sweswe said the death of Silungile was a bitter pill to swallow for the family, as she was someone, they had pinned their hopes on for the future given her intelligence.

“She was supposed to go for her Pass-out and graduation parade this November but that had been pushed to April because this has been a difficult year. She had asked the family to slaughter a bull specifically for that day. It is really hard to take because when you raise a child and educate her, you’re hoping that she will help elevate the family. Unfortunately, no one can ever know when the Lord will take what is his,” he said.

Mr Sweswe said Silungile had always harboured thoughts of taking her whole family into the sky.

“She always said that she would one day make sure that all of us in the family had a ride on an airplane. That was what she kept saying. From the time when she was young, she looked up to her grandfather who is also a pilot,” he said.

Another uncle, Mr Mengezi Sweswe Mpofu, told Sunday News that Silungile was an ardent Seventh Day Adventist who was a shining example to other girls in the community.

“She was the president of the Junior Cadets and she was about to achieve her ambition of becoming a pilot. She was a Seventh Day Adventist through and through and over the years she had been to all church groups. We saw her grow from being a young pathfinder into a young woman that continued to live by the word of God,” he said.

One of Silungile’s peers from Pumula South, Ms Melissa Dube said the late trainee pilot had been a consistent source of inspiration for young women in their community.

“She was someone that was so driven and dedicated and it is so painful to see that she has been taken away when she still had a lot more to offer. For young women in this community she was a beacon of hope,” she said.

At her funeral, many young women from both the Airforce and the community in Pumula South wore t-shirts emblazoned with her face, with the hashtag #FlyGirl accompanying the image. The third born in a family of six girls, Silungile always believed she should break new ground for women in aviation.

“…You just had to go in such a horrifying manner…I don’t know whether to say it’s awesome or it’s sad that you died doing what you loved the most but its super sad that you’re gone…This is not how you were supposed to make news, you always wanted to break bounds in Aviation and be the first female something great…” a friend, Tshepiso Ndebele, wrote on Facebook in a farewell.

State Media

THE Government has assured the nation that this year’s public examinations will proceed this week with more than 600 000 candidates expected to sit for the exams despite the spiking Covid-19 cases in some schools.

Primary and Secondary Education Director for Communications Mr Taungana Ndoro said examinations would go forward unabated despite the spiking cases in schools, adding that they have prepared adequately. He said pupils who have contracted Covid-19 will write in isolation while the examination rooms will continuously be disinfected to curb the possible spread of the pandemic in schools.

He said more than 300 Covid-19 cases have been recorded among school pupils since the schools opening nationally against a population of more than 4.5 million pupils countrywide. More than 600 000 have registered for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examinations. However, those writing practical examinations started two weeks ago.

Mr Ndoro said Zimbabwe was the only country in Africa that had managed to hold the examinations successfully in June at the peak of the pandemic due to robust standard operation procedures implemented by the ministry.

As of last week Friday, there were 184 cases at John Tallach in Ntabazinduna, 57 cases at Chinhoyi High, more than 20 cases at All Souls Mission, 19 cases at Anderson Adventist High, more than 10 cases at Matopo High, three cases at Rujeko Primary, among others. Mr Ndoro said Covid-19 cases recorded in schools was a minor setback.

“We are aware that there may be cases in schools and among school pupils. This is just a minor setback. We are going ahead with the Zimsec examinations despite the pandemic. We are the only country that managed to hold the examinations at the peak of the pandemic. So, we have very efficient standard operation procedures that we have put in place to ensure early detection of cases in schools. So, the pandemic is there as a distraction but as a ministry we will not be defeated by the pandemic. The focus is on the country’s socio-economic development which is driven by the education sector.

The pandemic maybe with us for the unforeseeable future but that does not mean that the learning should stop. We have more than 600 000 candidates that have registered for the November examinations. In total we have a student population of about 4.5 million,” he said.

Mr Ndoro said there were more than 80 percent teachers in schools that have been preparing pupils for the examinations and the pupils have also shown enthusiasm to write the exams.

“There has been commitment shown by teachers in schools. More than 80 percent of teachers are in schools teaching and preparing the learners for the examinations. The students themselves are enthusiastic about writing the examinations. So, we will proceed with them while following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Those that have contracted Covid-19 will write in isolation,” he said.

Police yesterday disrupted the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly meeting held in Masvingo to mobilize support under its #MillionVoters campaign.

MDC Alliance Secretary General Charlton Hwende said as a party, they will defy the police and defend their democratic right.

“All organs of the State are now actively and openly participating in the Munangagwa’s plot to dismember and decapitate the MDC Alliance. Our ground Forces however will continue to defy and defend our Democratic Right to organise our Party,” said Hwende.

Below are pictures of the fracas

As ministers hold latenight birthday party for Mutsvangwa, @PoliceZimbabwe disrupt the Bulawayo Arts Awards ceremony @nickmangwana @InfoMinZW https://t.co/LnPqmCk3Yb pic.twitter.com/dx39gcxcIV

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 29, 2020

Ministers openly covidizing at Mutsvangwa's party as Police attack @Bulawayo Arts Awards https://t.co/mdvHbLUe7m pic.twitter.com/LmVWnK4AnQ

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 29, 2020