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

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

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

CABS Gwanda Branch was reportedly closed after 3 employees tested positive for COVID-19.

This was revealed by CABS Managing Director Mr. Mehluli Mpofu who revealed the branch will be closed until 7 December:

We regret to advise that three of our staff at Gwanda branch tested positive for Covid-19 following PCR tests. Please note that the branch has been temporarily closed until 7 December 2020 to allow for disinfection of the branch and self-isolation of our staff.

We encourage you to make use of our digital channels, internet and mobile banking platforms to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of Covid-19 during this period. We will continue to monitor the situation and implement changes to ensure a high level of safety for all our stakeholders.

Apart from the reports that CABS Gwanda is closed, Gwanda made headlines for running out of isolation space this week. Reports of companies closing down due to COVID-19 have drastically reduced since positive cases have drastically reduced over the last few months.

Zimbabwe has so far recorded close to 10 000 cases and close to 280 deaths since the first case was recorded in Zimbabwe on 20 March 2020.-Chronicle

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has said Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s National Budget Presentation is empty and meaningless as it does not address issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe.

According to President Chamisa, the only solution to the economic crisis is a return to legitimacy.

“The biggest fundamental in any economy and budget is the politics.

No meaningful budget is possible until this fundamental is fixed. A glorious Sabbath to you saints of the God-kind,” said President Chamisa in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has said Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s National Budget Presentation is empty and meaningless as it does not address issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe.

According to President Chamisa, the only solution to the economic crisis is a return to legitimacy.

“The biggest fundamental in any economy and budget is the politics.

No meaningful budget is possible until this fundamental is fixed. A glorious Sabbath to you saints of the God-kind,” said President Chamisa in a statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of being insensitive to the health of teachers and pupils.

Shocking details of how teachers and pupils are using below standard sanitizers in schools have emerged.

“Dishwashers and Multipurpose Cleaners are being used as sanitizers in schools around the country.

Are teachers really safe?

We strongly condemn Mr Mnangagwa’s carefree attitude towards the health of teachers and pupils,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.

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

Tinashe Sambiri|City of Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, has been remanded in custody to Monday November 30.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande who was supposed to preside over Mafume’s bail matter did not appear in court.

“Magistrate Makwande who is handling the bail matter for Mayor
@JMafume
did not appear in court today.

He was remanded to Monday 30 November for his bail ruling,” MDC Alliance wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|City of Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, has been remanded in custody to Monday November 30.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande who was supposed to preside over Mafume’s bail matter did not appear in court.

“Magistrate Makwande who is handling the bail matter for Mayor
@JMafume
did not appear in court today.

He was remanded to Monday 30 November for his bail ruling,” MDC Alliance wrote on Twitter.

BENEFICIARIES of Pfumvudza and drought relief programmes should not be coerced into covering transport costs as it is Government’s responsibility to deliver grain and inputs to them, Manicaland Provincial Development Coordinator, Mr Edgars Seenza, has said.

He said those being asked to make such payments must report the cases to the police.

Mr Seenza’s comments come amid revelations that some unscrupulous Government workers in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts were conniving with transporters and village heads to demand US$1 or R20 from beneficiaries of the two programmes, yet that responsibility was being shouldered by the Government.

At least $118 million is being mobilised to transport inputs under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Inputs Programme, commonly known as Pfumvudza, from Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots.

Information gathered by The Manica Post showed that Agritex and Department of Social Welfare officials, truck drivers and village heads were charging unsuspecting beneficiaries in foreign currency for them to be included on the list of beneficiaries.

Proceeds are shared amongst members of the syndicates.-Manica Post

Four armed robbers were caught loitering in a yard at a house in the leafy suburb of Selborne Park in Bulawayo after they entered a “fenced” house.

The robbers scaled over the precast wall but failed to get into the house despite being armed with an iron bar, axe and machete.

The owner of the house, who requested not to be named as she feared being attacked, said she heard footsteps inside the yard and peeped through the window to see four armed men.

“Last week on Wednesday at around 2.30am I heard footsteps in the yard and when I peeped through the window, I saw four men who were armed with an iron bar, axe and a machete,” said the owner of the house, who is a gold miner and a farmer.

She revealed that the thieves loitered around the yard and did not make an effort to break into her house as she had “fenced” her house through the help of Prophet Black Elisha.

The businesswoman said after losing US$35 000 and R21 000 to armed robbers in September this year, she was living in fear and had sought the services of Black Elisha.

“A friend advised me to engage Prophet Black Elisha and I approached him for his services to spiritually lock my yard. I sought his help but I had doubt in my mind that the “fencing” thing would work but to my surprise it worked,” she said.

She said in the latest incident, she had called the police who however, indicated they did not have transport and she ended up calling a neighbour who alerted other neighbours who then came and apprehended the four robbers.

The businesswoman said the neighbours were shocked to find robbers loitering in the yard.

“They could not believe it when they saw four robbers, who seemed clueless about where they were, loitering in my yard.

“My neighbours beat them up and asked them what they were up to but they only wailed and appealed for forgiveness,” said the businesswoman.

She said the neighbours had to keep close watch of the robbers for about two hours.

“Police officers came at around 5.30am and took them,” she said.

Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said: “We have not yet received such a report.”

Prophet Black Elisha said: “The businesswoman approached me after robbers had robbed her of her substantial savings. I had to spiritually lock her yard. I’m happy because the thieves were caught and they didn’t steal anything.”

Black Elisha is also famed for spiritually locking unfaithful men or women.

bmetro

One of the most talked about mysteries in Gwanda Town is of a mysterious creature which reportedly lies hidden in Mtshabezi River near Mtshabezi Bridge that is said to have claimed the lives of a number of men.

This mysterious being is blamed for a number of drowning accidents.

According to residents from Gwanda Town the target of this creature has of late become men that go to the river to bath.

Some think that the creature could be a mermaid while others think otherwise saying its mannerisms do not fit those of a mermaid. Some residents from the town working with some churches have decided to engage the services of a prophet to unravel the mystery.

Efforts are underway to engage a Gwanda based prophet from the Zion Apostolic Church in Central Africa, Prophet Mehluli Moyo who is known for solving a number of mysteries in Matabeleland South Province, mostly in Gwanda District.

Gogo Meltah Banda who is the Gwanda Zinatha treasurer said the problem which was being experienced at Mtshabezi River started in the 1970s with school pupils that were mysteriously drowning in the river.

“This problem has been ongoing for a long time now but it has never been investigated. It started in the 1970s with male learners that were mysteriously drowning in the river. At that time pupils from Mount Cazalet Primary School which is close to Mtshabezi River used to go there to collect water as the school didn’t have water. While there, learners would claim to have seen a fish in the water and then they will drown. We used to get these reports from other learners who would survive the ordeal and then go back to school to inform their teachers,” she said.

“Now it’s suspected that this creature is now targeting men that will be bathing at the river. Each time someone drowns in the river there are usually a series of funerals which follow which are recorded in the town. It’s like that drowning incident would have sparked or ignited some evil spirit which hovers around the town.”

Gogo Banda said what made the drowning cases suspicious was that all victims were men. She said the river was not too deep which made it difficult to understand how a grown-up man could drown while bathing close to the edge of the river.

She said bodies of all the victims were later retrieved which ruled out chances that the creature was a mermaid. She said there was need to investigate the matter so that it could be resolved once and for all as it was bothering residents.

“The way this creature operates is beyond my knowledge. What we are used to are incidents where a person disappears in a river because of an ancestral calling but a person doesn’t die. A ritual is conducted by the family of the missing person and the person comes back to them alive. In this particular case where people die mysteriously, I also don’t know what kind of ancestral spirit operates in this way,” she said.

A Gwanda pastor from the Zion Apostolic Church in Central Africa Michael Ndlovu said when he arrived in Gwanda in the 1980s, he found residents complaining about mysterious deaths along the river. He said this year about three people had mysteriously drowned in the river. Pastor Ndlovu said they had resolved to invite a renowned prophet from his church to look into the matter.

“There are men who are mostly gold panners from nearby mines who go to take a bath along Mtshabezi River just close to Mtshabezi Bridge. Other people go to the river to collect water or to wash their vehicles. A number of them have fallen victim to this creature.

“We have therefore seen it best to engage someone to look into the matter and see how best it can be resolved. We are working on modalities to invite a prophet from my church who has helped a number of communities to deal with their spiritual problems. We have to go through the correct procedures and inform the relevant authorities,” he said.

Prophet Moyo said he would visit the area and pray so that the Holy Spirit would reveal whether it was an ancestral matter or an act of witchcraft. He said from there he would be informed on how to proceed with the matter.

Prophet Moyo said if it was an act of witchcraft then he could remove the creature and if it was an ancestral issue then appropriate people will be engaged to conduct a ritual to appease the ancestors. He said from there a ritual will be expected to be conducted once a year with the knowledge of the town’s leadership.

“What is puzzling is that even though people are aware that place is dangerous and has claimed a number of lives they still go back knowing the danger which may befall them. Whatever is in the water could be luring people there in order to take lives. If it’s an act of witchcraft it could be the doing of an evil person who planted something in the water in order to gain wealth in exchange for human lives,” he said.

“This mystery has never been investigated thoroughly. Every time someone drowns people call for the matter to be investigated but after a short time they relax. If given an opportunity I can get to the bottom of this matter.” Prophet Moyo said he once intervened in Halale Primary School in Nathisa area in Kezi where goblins were terrorising teachers and since he removed them, he had not received any complaints from the school.

He said he also assisted the community of Garanyemba where he removed a big snake from a dam where people were mysteriously drowning. Prophet Moyo said he recently assisted at Mtandawenema Primary School in Gwanda where a baboon was terrorising teachers and learners.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- Tongogara Rural District Council CEO, Brian Rufasha who was fired last week has refused to surrender a council Toyota Hilux that he was using as his official vehicle.

Rufasha was fired on November 16, 2020 after a tribunal found him guilty on three charges of misconduct.
Bouncing ball

Rufasha insists that the vehicle registration number AAE 7902 is his after allegedly serving a five year term. Council insists that the vehicle remains council property unless officially given to him.

Rufasha told The Mirror that he was not going to surrender the vehicle.

“I don’t know why I should hand over this car to council because the car is now mine after serving my first term of five years. It’s in the council resolutions that after serving the first term, CEOs are entitled to their vehicles. I also haven’t received a letter that instructs me to surrender the vehicle,” said Rufasha.

Council chair Tamiswa Njovana said Rufasha was violating council rules by not handing over the vehicle.

“He is misrepresenting the said council resolution. The resolution says that if a CEO saves council for five years with a good name then he or she would get a vehicle.

“Rufasha does not have that good name; he was involved in an accident with the same car while carrying passengers in 2019 and we agreed for evaluators to come and assess the damage so he pays part of the cost. “He has not paid that cost. He is supposed to handover the car and start from there. Why can’t he follow the procedure?” asked Njovana.

-MasvingoMirror

Acting Netone Chief Executive Officer Chipo Jaisson reportedly stepped down from leading one of the country’s Mobile Network Operators, Newsday reports.

In a memo that was seen by the publication, Jaisson in her letter announcing her departure said she was stepping down due to family constraints:

I am stepping down due to family commitments. Thank you very much for the tremendous support you gave me during my nine months tenure.

The MNO has for the time being appointed Raphael Mushanawani, who was the acting chief technology officer acting Chief Executive Officer.

NetOne over the past 24 months, has been going back and forth with its former CEO Lazarus Muchenje who was the MNO’s CEO for a short time before he was fired, Muchenje was rehired later on only to be fired again.

newsday

Riot Police today disrupted and dismissed an MDC Alliance Youth Congress in Masvingo as they are seen in the following photos with water cannons and riot gear as they are disrupting the small gathering of people.

It is still not clear if the youths sought clearance to gather and the number of the people in attendance was not established.

This was shared by the MDC Alliance on Twitter in a post that reads:

#BREAKING @PoliceZimbabwe have violently disrupted the MDC Alliance Youth Congress in Masvingo.

By A Correspondent- Matabeleland secessionist group Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has petitioned Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe and Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga over harassment of commuter omnibus operators and malicious damage of vehicles by the law enforcement agents in Bulawayo.

MRP president Mqondisi Moyo handed the petition to Bulawayo Metropolitan Affairs minister Judith Ncube and Police Traffic Section at the Drill Hall in Bulawayo.

The petition was directed to Kazembe, Matanga, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Transport minister Joel Biggy Matiza, officer-in-charge of Bulawayo province, Minister Ncube, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) and Bulawayo Transport Operators Associations.

The secessionist party complained over acts of barbarisms and terrorism by police officers on private taxis and kombi operators.

“This is my second letter to you Kazembe and Matanga.

“On August 25, I wrote the first letter complaining about the conduct of your police officers at roadblocks,” the petition read.

“I advised you to come down to Bulawayo and rein in on the police officers. I would applaud you for coming down on my insistence, to discuss the issues of concern so that you restore sanity on the roads by immediately stop-ping the harassment of citizens at road blocks.”

Moyo said that he wrote this second petition because another wave of madness by irresponsible police officers has emerged.

“On several occasions, I have witnessed your police officers smash windows of emergency taxis in the city and in other places in Bulawayo,” the petition read.

“Public safety is now greatly compromised by the very conduct of security members. The attack on the kombis results in motorists disregarding road rules leading to pedestrians being run over as drivers try to save their vehicles from destruction by police officers,” Moyo wrote.

“Just a week ago, an old lady was knocked down by a kombi as the driver was trying to escape the brutality of your officers.

“We understand that their (police) authority is limited to arresting offending drivers, recording vehicle registration numbers, and even advising on the right conduct without necessarily causing all this damage?”

Moyo said he wondered where the police were getting fuel to race after transport operators, when they are failing to respond to genuine reports of theft and murder reported to them by the public claiming they do not have resources. Moyo asked why the police and the Zanu-PF government were blocking private trans-port operators from operating.

“We strongly call upon your ministry to treat this as a matter of urgency, as we are slowly losing our patience and faith in your compromised police force,” he wrote.

“We are heading towards effecting citizens’ arrest against your dubious officers.

“We are aware that in many instances they make life difficult for transport operators so that they make them to pay bribes. I put it to you that there is no law that was gazetted to stop the private kombis to get into town and that there is no proper gazetted law that prohibits the private kombi operators from ferrying passengers, but the move is politically, rather than COVID-I9-motivated.”

In September, Moyo and his party petitioned the officer-in-charge of Mzilikazi Police Station, Defence ministry, Home Affairs ministry, Police Commissioner-General, Justice ministry, Judiciary Services, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament of Zimbabwe.

Two senior officials from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) accused of transferring their juniors for cooperating with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) officers, who were investigating corrupt activities at the firm, have been granted $10 000 bail each.

Zinara finance director Adam Zvandasara is jointly charged with administration and human resources director Gilfern Moyo on four counts of violating the Prevention of Corruption Act by allegedly trying to sabotage an investigation.

The two through their lawyer Oscar Gasva successfully applied for bail after their application challenging their placement on remand had been declined.

The State had opposed bail on the basis that the two would interfere with witnesses, who are their subordinates.

Regional magistrate Ngoni Nduna ordered the two not to interfere with witnesses and to report once a month at Highlands police station. The two will be back in court on December 17.-Statemedia

A Bulawayo man was left shocked and upset after spotting “flirty” messages and indecent pictures in his wife’s phone that she was exchanging with another man while making an appointment supposedly for a date.

After stumbling on the lewd pictures and messages Thamsanqa Dale failed to control his temper when he allegedly pummelled his wife Grace Dale accusing her of being promiscuous.

So severe were Thamsanqa’s repeated acts of violence on his wife that subsequently she was prompted to approach the Bulawayo Civil Court to seek a protection order against him.

In her papers Grace told the court how her husband’s constant acts of violence and verbal abuse left her distressed and fearful.

“Thamsanqa Dale is my husband of seven years and we have three children together. I am making this application for a protection order because of the physical and emotional abuse I’m subjected to. The abuse has become so unbearable and untenable. I am living in constant fear for my life. He recently seriously assaulted me and I fled and sought refuge at one of our relatives’ house.

“His violent behaviour is spiralling out of control and he is also constantly falsely accusing me of infidelity and continues to insult me while calling me a prostitute in front of our minor children. He is also causing so much pain, discomfort and distress as he continues to threaten and harass me. I pray that this honourable court intervenes and grants me a protection order,” pleaded Grace.

She also begged the court to bar her husband from visiting her workplace.

In response Thamsanqa justified his violent actions saying when he assaulted his wife, he was angered by her alleged flirtatious behaviour.

“I assaulted her because I saw messages, in which she was making an appointment with someone else and she had sent him nude pictures,” protested Thamsanqa.

Bulawayo magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu who presided over the case ordered Thamsanqa not to physically and verbally abuse his wife as well as not to send her threatening messages. The magistrate also ordered Thamsanqa not to visit her workplace without her permission.

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

https://fb.watch/21ZaUhfKsj/

By A Correspondent- The late socialite Michelle ‘Moana’ Amuli’s paternal and maternal families Saturday put their differences aside to give the fitness enthusiast a send-off at Warren Hills Cemetery, Harare.

Since her death in a fatal car accident almost three weeks ago, both families had a protracted dispute over how she was going to be buried.

The feud spilled into the courts where her father, Ishmael Amuli, a Muslim, was later granted burial rights.

Despite the two families finally coming together, her mother, Yolanda Kuvaonga and father, Ishmael kept their distance during the entire funeral procession. The two are separated.

Moana’s father snubbed proceedings at the Kuvaonga residence in Highfields while her mother, Yolanda came to the Old Highfields mosque and but elected to stay away from the Muslim procession.

At Warren Hills Cemetery, Moana’s maternal relatives could be heard mimicking Muslim chants during the burial procession.

While addressing hundreds of mourners at a mosque in Old Highfields, Moana’s maternal uncle said the two families had already made peace before the High Court judgement was handed down.

“Whatever the outcome was going to be at the court, we had decided that we were still going to consider everyone’s interests as we did today.

“We also have learnt something in terms of the Muslim culture. There are people standing outside because of fear of the unknown. We tend to think Arabs are terrorists but that is not true,” he said.

ZANU-PF youths Friday brought Kwekwe CBD to a standstill when they were marching in solidarity with the party’s youth leader Tapiwa Muto who faces charges of assault, public violence and murder.

On Friday released on bail by Kwekwe Magistrate courts following his arrest.

Muto (36) was arrested Tuesday in an afternoon raid by some police and military intelligence officers while coming from the party’s Kwekwe District offices.

Muto and some party youths are being accused of causing public violence during a Zanu-PF primary election last month.

The election was aimed at finding a party candidate for the Kwekwe Central parliamentary by-election.

The primary election pitted bitter rivals in Energy (Dhala) Ncube and Zanu-PF’s 2018 losing parliamentary candidate Kandross Mugabe.
WATCH: Arrested Zanu-PF Kwekwe youth leader Tapiwa Muto gets bail | midlands news
Ncube is nephew to state security minister Owen Mudha Ncube.

The internal poll was abandoned after fierce clashes between rival camps.

This led to the arrest of Moyo and a handful party youths linked to the skirmishes.

These include Kwekwe councillor Maclean Nyamucherera.

The State is also accusing Muto and his accomplices of causing the murder of Andrew Moyo following the latter’s assault.

It is the State’s Case that, “On December 11, 2020, and around 1600hrs, the accused person, acting in concert with his accomplices namely Tafadzwa Rodgers, Wiseman Ngwenya, Raymond Chiriga, Petros and other two who are still on the run, intentionally caused the death of Andrew Moyo, by taking turns to beat him with switches and open hands all over the body.”

Moyo had to be rushed to Kwekwe General Hospital after the assault and was pronounced dead upon admission.

The State further accused Muto of assault.

It is said that on the 6th of June 2018 and around 1820hrs,”accused person in company of others who are still at large approached the complainant Kennedy Tumwe at Mvuda’s Corner Sports Bar Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre, Kwekwe. An argument over political issues ensued. Accused then assaulted complainant with fists and open hands several times in the face.”

Tumwe reported the matter to the police.

Muto is also accused of assaulting Terrence Jabangwe.

Meanwhile, following his release and addressing party supporters at Kwekwe Zanu-PF District Offices, Muto said he was unmoved by his arrest on allegations he described as fabricated.

“I want to express gratitude to all of you who have come in support of me, it is evident that G40 is still within our midst. However, my resolve is unshaken. I want to urge you to remain united.

“They will come up with spurious charges but that will all count to nothing if we are united. Let us remain united and we will prevail,” Muto said in his brief address before breaking into a song.