By A Correspondent- Two Bulawayo ex-convicts, who robbed an elderly man of his cellphone and clothes before they killed and dumped his naked body in a bushy area, were on Wednesday sentenced to life in jail.
Perfect Sibanda (30) of Four Winds suburb and Vusumuzi Ndebele (35) of Siphambaniso Flats robbed and killed Joseph Godfrey Mataviri (65) only months after they were released from prison under the Presidential Amnesty in March 2018.
Sibanda was previously convicted for unlawful entry while Ndebele had served three years for robbery.
Mataviri’s naked body was found in the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) premises in Mpopoma suburb.
Police officers received a tip-off from members of the public that the two had committed the crime leading to their arrest.
When officers investigating the case raided Sibanda, they found him in possession of the deceased’s jeans, belt and jacket.
He implicated Ndebele.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa convicted the two of murder with actual intent.
Mabhikwa condemned the two accused persons’ to life in jail, saying their actions warranted their permanent removal from society.
“You committed an offence of murder in the course of robbery, which is a very serious offence. “You killed an innocent, poor man who had done nothing to you, and under normal circumstances you deserved a death sentence,” Mabhikwa said.
“However, due to your ages, as youthful offenders at the time of commission of the offence, I will spare you from capital punishment.
“Accordingly, you are sentenced to undergo life imprisonment.”
Prosecuting, Kudakwashe Jaravaza said on June 5, 2018 at around 8 am, Mataviri left his home and proceeded to his garden at Steeldale industrial area near NRZ, but never returned.
When he left his home, he was wearing a pair of blue jeans, brown t-shirt, a pair of brown safety shoes, a black and white jacket and a Samsung cell phone.
The court was told that when the deceased’s son discovered that his father had not returned home, he went out to look for him in his garden.
“The following morning, Mataviri’s son set out at 6 am to look for his father in the garden.
“When he got to the dust road within the National Railways of Zimbabwe, Mpopoma station yard, his attention was drawn to a group of people among them, police officers,” Jaravaza said.
“He drew closer to the crowd and saw a male adult who was lying naked on the ground in his underwear and upon closer examination he discovered that it was his father.”
According to a post-mortem report, it was concluded that the cause of death was extensive subarachnoid haemorrhage, blunt force trauma and head assault.
Investigations led to the arrest of the two accused persons and subsequent recovery of some of the deceased’s stolen clothes.
In their defence, both accused persons through their lawyers from R Ndlovu and Company and VJ Mpofu and Associates, denied the charges, arguing that they were forced into admitting the charges after police tortured them and severely assaulted them with batons and subjected them to electrocution.
By A Correspondent- Customs clearing agents and commercial transporters have criticised the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) for introducing the automated e-road cargo manifest system when it was ill prepared.
A number of customs agents have been failing to access the new online system to process import/export documents for the last three days.
As a results cargo is piling at the Beitbridge Border Post, which is the country’s busiest port of entry that handles at least 1 500 commercial trucks daily. Under the new system, everything is now done online through the use of the Automated System for Customs Data Asycuda World. But Zimra clients are failing to log into the system to initiate the clearance of goods.
According to one custom clearing agent, Mr Leni Chemaz, the state of affairs is creating an unnecessary backlog for most transporters and clearing agents. He said the revenue collector should have done a test run or introduced the new idea during the off-peak period.
“This is a good idea, but it must be implemented when people have been adequately schools and the system has been upgraded to carry all those seeking to do business with Zimra,” said Mr Chemaz.
Beitbridge chairman of commercial transporters, Mr Osbert Shumba, said Zimra had waylaid transporters and importers/exporters resulting in chaos.
“Zimra is overwhelmed by the applications and to date, some transporters have not yet received their log-in credentials,” he said.
“You will note that most transporters are not well versed with the new system even though we are told by Zimra that training was done online. Also, most transporters are not aware of this move.
“In addition, l think, there is something wrong with the Zimra’s timing, considering with opening of the border to passenger traffic and the fact that we are now in the festive season. This is a time whereby naturally everybody will be busy and pushing high volumes of cargo”.
He said they had engaged the revenue collector over the chaos resulting in a temporary waiver for customs agents to process some of the documents manually.
Commercial truck drivers complain that they were now spending more than two days at the border and that previously they will complete the border process in less than 12 hours.
“I have been in the customs yard for two days and this is frustrating. Our customs clearing agents are saying the delays are emanating from the overwhelmed Zimra system,” said Maxie Ngwenya, who is headed for Malawi.
Another driver, Mr Trust Munatsire, said the long delays were being made that without a commercial cargo scanner, Zimra was referring most trucks to the Container Depot (Condep) for physical examinations.
“If you go to Condep you are assured of spending two or three days there to complete all the processes. This is bad for business,” he said.
In a statement Thursday, Zimra said manual road manifests were now being accepted and processed only for transporters who have evidence of submission of an application for e-road Cargo Manifest profiles.
“We wish to advise our valued clients that due to the late influx of applications by transporters for profiles to capture e-road cargo manifests, processing of these applications may be delayed due to the large numbers received.
“In order to facilitate trade and ensure that traffic does not build up at the Ports of Entry, manual road manifests are going to be accepted and processed only for transporters who have evidence of submission of an application for e-road Cargo Manifest profiles,” said the revenue collector.
Zimra said they required evidence in the form of an email proving submission of the application to Zimra Customs Automation Team for them to process documents manually.
A special team to look into the queries relating to the new system has also been created to expedite the movement of cargo across the country’s borders.
By A Correspondent- A police officer based at Kwekwe Central Police Station has landed herself in trouble after a video of her allegedly slapping a Kwekwe High School pupil for not wearing a mask, went viral on social media.
The cops had visited the school at the behest of school authorities, to educate learners on the importance of wearing masks properly.
A video was, however, captured, presumably by one of the pupils, of the police officer seemingly slapping one of the learners for allegedly not wearing a mask properly. The video went viral on social media drawing mixed feelings from netizens.
Authorities in Kwekwe maintain that the matter was blown out of context adding it was under investigation. Officer Commanding Kwekwe police, Chief Superintendent Denford Maingire said further details would be availed after investigations were completed.
“As police we are carrying out campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of wearing masks properly. So, our officers had been invited there to educate the learners and conscientise them on the importance of wearing masks.
We are not sure what happened there but we are carrying out investigations and we will unveil further details after the investigations,” said Chief Supt Maingire.
Acting Kwekwe District Education Officer, Mr Herbert Maziriri said they were also carrying out investigations.
“The matter is under investigations, that is all I can say for now,” he said before referring further questions to the provincial superiors.
Kwekwe High School Development Committee chairperson, Mr Takaedza Ntuli said they had already engaged relevant authorities over the issue, adding the cop was not supposed to have hit the learner.
“We have approached the district police office and they are investigating the matter. We also as parents are also carrying out our own investigations on whether there was malice in what the cop is alleged to have done. We cannot jump into conclusions before investigations have been completed,” he said.
He had no kind words for some on social media who were politicising the matter.
“There are some social media abusers who are bent on politicising the issue. This is not a political issue whatsoever. We cannot allow people like Hopewell Chin’ono to go around saying rubbish about our state of affairs and politicising the issue, we cannot accept that,” he said.
Said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police does not condone such conduct during awareness campaigns and investigations are underway to verify the facts with the Kwekwe District Command and Midlands Province. If confirmed, appropriate action will be taken against the member. The police applaud the public for bringing the matter to our attention.”-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Tsholotsho youthful businessman, Owen Sibanda has been cleared to contest in the Tsholotsho district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections to be held today.
Sibanda is contesting for the Tsholotsho DCC chairperson position.
He was earlier disqualified by Zanu-PF on allegations of flouting party regulations governing the holding of DCC elections. Sibanda was cleared of the allegations by Matabeleland North provincial co-ordinating committee at a PCC meeting held a fortnight ago at the party’s Lupane offices.
The PCC meeting was also attended by politburo members Angeline Masuku and principal of Chitepo School of Ideology Munyaradzi Machacha.
The businessman confirmed that he was cleared to contest in the DCC elections and vowed to win.
Sibanda claimed that he has the support of the district.
“Since I returned from South Africa after heeding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for diasporans to come back home and invest, I have never stopped working for the party and the country,” Sibanda said.
“I have invested millions of United States dollars in setting up business projects in my district which have created employment for our people.
“This is one of the reasons why party cadres asked me to stand in the DCC elections. I am confident of winning the post for the betterment of my party and the district. I have the people’s support from the grassroots.”
He said he was unmoved by the mudslinging which characterized the nominations process leading to his disqualification until his reinstatement after Tsholotsho district stood by him.
“That shows that the party has democracy. Every person is free to say out what they want, but we should do so without dividing the people and the party. I have since been cleared by the provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) to stand as a DCC chairperson candidate for Tsholotsho.
“The task ahead of me is to see that we unite the party so that we would have a resounding victory in 2023. This is not the time for mudslinging or sideshows, but to focus on building the part,” he said.
The ruling party disbanded the DCCs in 2012 at the height of factional wars in Zanu-PF accusing them of fanning factionalism.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A Beitbridge man is on the run for allegedly beating his three-year-old stepdaughter to death because she was crying when he wanted to catch some sleep on Wednesday morning.
Mulaleli Sibanda sneaked out of the house and disappeared just after his stepdaughter, Charmaine Moyo, was pronounced dead on arrival at Beitbridge District Hospital.
He has been on the run since Thursday, when the incident occurred at dawn.
Acting Matabeleland South police spokesman Inspector Loveless Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred in Makhavhane Village under Beitbridge Rural Police.
She said the incident occurred at around 4am when Charmaine started crying while sharing the same room with her mother Phathisiwe Dube and stepfather Sibanda.
The latter got irritated and started beating the child.
“He beat her with clenched fists and kicked the child who started bleeding from the nose, ears and mouth.
“He continued assaulting the toddler, but agreed to take the child to hospital. Sibanda sneaked away when the child was a pronounced dead on arrival,” Mangena said.
“We are waiting for a post-mortem. The body currently stored at Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary,” she said.
In an unrelated incident, seven people were robbed at gunpoint by two unidentified men who drove away in their victims’ Honda Fit car with groceries worth R4 760 and cash amounting to US$3 300.
Mangena said the men placed a boulder forcing the car to stop on a road leading from an undesignated point along the Limpopo River near National Parks and Wildlife cottages.
“When the driver got out to remove the stone the armed men pounced and ordered everyone out of the car which they drove away with its grocery contents and cash,” Mangena said.
“We advise people to desist from these illegal points because they risk arrest and losing their valuables like in this case.
“They can also be charged for smuggling.
“We are however appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.”-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Police in Beatrice, Mashonaland East province, have launched a manhunt for a 36-year-old man who allegedly killed his wife’s boyfriend who had visited his homestead in the middle of the night.
Admire Motsi (36) of Jefferstone Farm is on the run following the death of Stanley Chilima (36) who died during a fight after the latter had visited the former’s homestead to see his lover unbeknown to him that her husband was at home.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident and urged the public to desist from violence.
“Police in Beatrice are looking for a 36 year old man from Jefferstone Farm in Beatrice who allegedly assaulted the now-deceased to death after an altercation over a marital affair.
“The now-deceased Stanley Chilima was allegedly having an affair with the suspect’s wife, Arena Sale, aged 29.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might know the whereabouts of the suspect to report to any nearest police station.
“Violence is a menace in our societies and it must be nipped in the bud.
“Peaceful resolutions to differences must be the way to avoid such callous incidences,” he said.
According to police, on December 2, at around 2am, Chilima proceeded to the suspect’s homestead ostensibly to see his alleged girlfriend, who is the wife to the suspect unbeknown to him that her husband was inside the bedroom.
The deceased reportedly knocked at the door as usual and the suspect woke up and confronted Chilima, whom he was suspecting to having an affair with his wife.
It is reported that a fist-fight ensued before the suspect picked up a log and assaulted his rival suitor all over the body several times.
The suspect’s mother-in-law heard the noise and tried to refrain the two, but in vain.
The fight continued for about a kilometre from the homestead where the deceased fell down and became unconscious.
Chilima sustained a swollen face and bled profusely from the mouth, nose and ears.
At around 6am, the deceased’s body was discovered by villagers who reported the matter to the police.
The body was taken to Chitungwiza Central Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.-newsday
By A Correspondent- MDC-T interim leader Thokozani Khupe has ordered that there will be no gap filling to the party’s 2014 structures ahead of the party extraordinary congress to block his secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora from accommodating his backers.
Khupe and Mwonzora will battle for the party’s presidency next weekend alongside interim chairman Morgen Komichi and his deputy, Elias Mudzuri.
Mwonzora and Khupe seem to be the most popular and are set for a bruising fight as the congress dates draw near, but party insiders accused the secretary general of trying to manipulate the 2014 structures and rope in his loyalists to form the Electoral College and increase his votes.
The plot, which was thickening until Wednesday when it was put to a halt by a caucus meeting, had caused tensions within the party.
Mwonzora had reportedly ordered a gap filling to the 2014 structures in Chitungwiza, Harare, Mashonaland East Mashonaland Central and Manicaland where most of the chairman and organisers had openly showed him support.
“Mashonaland West was ordered last weekend by Mwonzora to conduct gap filling,” a party insider said.
“Some chairman and organisers loyal to Mwonzora who include Piniel Denga (Mashonaland East chairman), Rhino Mashaya (Organiser for Harare) among others, had remained adamant and wanted to do the gap filling.”
But sensing danger, Khupe reportedly ordered that there will be no gap filling and threatened to suspend provinces that conduct the exercise.
But Khupe has managed to block Mwonzora.
“This memo serves to advise all provinces that the national secretary for elections is now in the process of compiling the first Electoral College which is going to be validated by the relevant party structures and organs,” read part of a notice by Tapiwa Mashakada, the acting party spokesperson.
The memo was released after the caucus meeting.
“Linked to the process, please be advised that No GAP filling or replacements should be done. For the avoidance of doubt, those delegates who have left, died, resigned or joined other political parties shall not be replaced. Please be guided accordingly.”
Khupe was not picking calls yesterday, but Mwonzora denied he was plotting to ambush his opponents. He accused his opponents of being jittery after sensing defeat.
He said he had a successful launch of his presidential campaign which was oversubscribed with delegates from Harare and Chitungwiza showing who their choice was, adding “this was frightening to my opponents who have reported to spreading falsehoods and creating an explanation of their impending loss.”
“This is the work of people who are developing butterflies about this election,” Mwonzora said.
“They are afraid of losing because the members of the MDC-T have already shown their voting patterns. The Electoral College to be used by congress is going to be tabled before the national standing committee on Tuesday.
“It is at that point that the leaders will be able to analyse it. Further, after we have finalised the Electoral College on Tuesday, we will send it back to the districts for further verification. Thereafter, the Electoral College will be put in the hands of the independent electoral commission.”
He added:
“The allegations against me are part of the cheap smear campaign by opponents, I urge all my opponents to accept the democratic processes.
Mwonzora said the secretary general does not prepare the Electoral College, but keep records.
By A Correspondent- Mazowe Central Legislator Sydney Chidamba has been placed under disciplinary action for undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was scheduled to visit his constituency for National Tree planting day in Mazowe this Saturday .
Chidamba is reported to have walked out of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s preparatory meeting held on Wednesday in his constituency.
A highly placed source in Zanu PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) told this publication that Chidamba was grilled during the meeting over his actions and awaits disciplinary hearing.
“Chidamba is on a disciplinary course because We were planning about HE’s visit which was to be in his constituency. He walked out of the meeting and went to address three districts when the entire Mazowe and Provincial Leadership, PB member Cde Machacha, chiefs , headmen, war vetarans leadership, were in a crucial meeting to plan for HE’s visit showing clearly that he did not value the visit . Evidence show that he preferred to go and campaign for his preferred DCC candidate where he donated flour, balls and paint instead of planning for the visit,” said the source.
Meanwhile, Chidamba who is campaigning for Tafadzwa Musarara who is eying the Mazowe district coordinating committee chairman ahead of the election over the weekend is also fingered in a gold rush fiasco at Rosa.
Contacted for comment he said he was aware of the gold rush but is not involved since he does not own a claim there.
Two other provincial members Patience Tapomwa secretary for administration for women’s league and Patricia Zhurunawo who is a typist at the provincial offices and second wife to committee member Walter Gatsi were also disciplined for tempering with cell registers in favour of Musarara.
Reports say Mnangagwa cancelled his visit to Mazowe after indicating that he has a busy schedule.
By A Correspondent- The government has made a U-turn on its earlier decision to extend by six months the validity of provisional driver’s licences and defensive driver’s certificates which expired from March 30 onwards.
Following the Covid-19 outbreak, the government imposed a strict lockdown which banned all public gatherings, with only essential services allowed to operate.
The Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) was also closed during the lockdown, thereby disadvantaging those who had attained provisional driver’s licences and defensive driver’s certificates.
This prompted the government to issue a Statutory Instrument giving a reprieve to provisional licence holders.
The SI extended six more months on the one-year period of the validity of all provisional driver’s licences and defensive driving certificates.
However, it has since emerged that the government reneged on its promise, resulting in thousands of the licences expiring -a development that has seen long queues at VID centres around the country with aspiring drivers seeking to renew.
Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza yesterday explained the rationale in the decision to renege on the earlier decision to give a reprieve to learner drivers.
“Following the 32nd Cabinet approval on September 15, 2020, Cabinet lifted the restriction on VID and it now operates all sections . . learner’s licence, re-test and defensive diving certificates, among others.
“Following the lockdown, the provisions under SI 114 of 2020 were that whatever comes first between lifting of lockdown or 180 days extension supersedes the other.
“In this case, it was the lifting of the lockdown that came first and this implies the extension of the 180 days for learner’s licence no longer held.
“All those whose learner’s licences expired during the lockdown period should therefore re-apply,” Matiza told the Daily News.
further dismissed speculation that the VID intended to review upwards learner’s licence fee from the current $100 to $1 000.
By A Correspondent | Harare lawyer and barrister Tendai Biti has been granted bail.
Biti was arrested on charges of allegedly assaulting a woman who is his client’s opponent in a property wrangle.
Allegations were raised against the Harare lawyer with the Law Society of Zimbabwe and Gender Commission by the Russian national, Tatiana Aleshina who alleged saying she was manhandled during an altercation outside Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Ms Tatiana Aleshina and Mr Biti allegedly had a heated exchange during which Aleshina says she was manhandled. She filed an assault report with the police and has now lodged the two further complaints.
Mr Biti has denied any wrongdoing.
In her complaint lodged with the Law Society, Ms Aleshina wants Mr Biti investigated for alleged gross unprofessional conduct and alleges she and her workmates were verbally abused each time they came to court. Ms Aleshina is one of the witnesses in the Katsimberis criminal cases still pending.
“While attending to these matters at Harare Magistrates’ Court, I and my colleague at Pokugara Properties (Private) Limited have been victims of Mr Biti’s unsolicited verbal abuse and assaults which amount to gross professional misconduct,” said Ms Aleshina, the chief operating officer of Pokugara.
She claimed that on August 29 this year, as she was about to leave the court gallery after the court session and in the company of her workmate Mr Simbarashe Kadye the company’s chief finance officer, Biti confronted them and said: “I am going to take your house, clothes and panties and leave you with nothing. I am not joking!”
He then allegedly turned to Ms Aleshina reportedly shouting she was very stupid. “It was clear to all people who were in court gallery that Mr Biti took delight not only in verbally abusing me, but in trying to intimidate me and felt that, as a woman and foreigner of Russian origins, I was a nonentity to him and that he would use every extra judicial means to crush me or harm or destroy me for daring to be a witness in the criminal matter against his client,” she stated in her complaint.
“I strongly feel Mr Biti also violated my rights as a woman by trying to show his man power over me by swearing and shouting at me in a way which clearly made me less human thereby humiliating me. His conduct in pointing against my face was a clear act of verbal assault.”
Ms Aleshina also said she had no personal issue with Mr Biti before this incident.
“His conduct is a threat to womanhood and to the powerless and takes us back to the stone age where the perceived powerful will tremble on the rights of the poor without any censure,” she added.
Ms Aleshina filed a similar complaint with the Gender Commission.
Meanwhile, below was a thread she opened on the micro logging website, Twitter:
Today i want to share my story of humiliation and verbal abuse i received from @BitiTendai. Say no to assault (physical and verbal) say no to gender based violence! #GBVmustfall
@womensaidorg #16daysofActivism @Unwomen #generationequality #16Days #orangetheworld #UnitedNations@mentionsis supposedly a national leader as VP of MDCA, a Christian and lawyer but the way he behaved is NOT acceptable. He shouted at me, called me “stupid very stupid” several time’s and made me feel intimidated, belittled and publicly humiliated.@mentionsviolated my rights as a woman. He violently pointed his fingers at my face and threatened me. To put this into context neither me nor my company had any prior dealings with this man, we have never spoken to him and yet his behavior was irrational, hysterical…
…and not fitting for any man never mind one in his position. How can he be trusted if he does this to an innocent woman like me? I’m not saying all this for you to feel sorry for me, I’m doing it to create awareness and understanding that in our society in #zimbabwe#harareThere are men who put themselves above women. Such instances of sexism and chauvinism displayed by @BitiTendai as means of intimidation to reinforce the power base of men is shameful, he obviously wanted to remind me and women that they are weaker and inferior to him!This misogynistic behaviour MUST not be allowed to continue! Let us all stand together with #16DaysofActivism to prevent men like @BitiTendai treating women in this condescending way.@mentions#womenrights HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU ARE BEING VERBALLY ABUSED? -Display of anger in the way that frightens you -public humiliation -calling you insulting names ( such as “stupid”, “worthless”,) -threatens to hurt you or people you care about @BitiTendai@mentions
Emotional and verbal abuse includes insults and attempts to scare, isolate or control you. it also often a sign that physical abuse may follow. This may lead to short term and long lasting effects that are just as serious as physical abuse!
TWO Bulawayo ex-convicts, who robbed an elderly man of his cellphone and clothes before they killed and dumped his naked body in a bushy area, were on Wednesday sentenced to life in jail.
Perfect Sibanda (30) of Four Winds suburb and Vusumuzi Ndebele (35) of Siphambaniso Flats robbed and killed Joseph Godfrey Mataviri (65) only months after they were released from prison under the Presidential Amnesty in March 2018.
Sibanda was previously convicted for unlawful entry while Ndebele had served three years for robbery.
Mataviri’s naked body was found in the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) premises in Mpopoma suburb.
Police officers received a tip-off from members of the public that the two had committed the crime leading to their arrest.
When officers investigating the case raided Sibanda, they found him in possession of the deceased’s jeans, belt and jacket.
He implicated Ndebele.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa convicted the two of murder with actual intent.
Mabhikwa condemned the two accused persons’ to life in jail, saying their actions warranted their permanent removal from society.
“You committed an offence of murder in the course of robbery, which is a very serious offence. “You killed an innocent, poor man who had done nothing to you, and under normal circumstances you deserved a death sentence,” Mabhikwa said.
“However, due to your ages, as youthful offenders at the time of commission of the offence, I will spare you from capital punishment.
“Accordingly, you are sentenced to undergo life imprisonment.”
Prosecuting, Kudakwashe Jaravaza said on June 5, 2018 at around 8 am, Mataviri left his home and proceeded to his garden at Steeldale industrial area near NRZ, but never returned.
When he left his home, he was wearing a pair of blue jeans, brown t-shirt, a pair of brown safety shoes, a black and white jacket and a Samsung cell phone.
The court was told that when the deceased’s son discovered that his father had not returned home, he went out to look for him in his garden.
“The following morning, Mataviri’s son set out at 6 am to look for his father in the garden.
“When he got to the dust road within the National Railways of Zimbabwe, Mpopoma station yard, his attention was drawn to a group of people among them, police officers,” Jaravaza said.
“He drew closer to the crowd and saw a male adult who was lying naked on the ground in his underwear and upon closer examination he discovered that it was his father.”
According to a post-mortem report, it was concluded that the cause of death was extensive subarachnoid haemorrhage, blunt force trauma and head assault.
Investigations led to the arrest of the two accused persons and subsequent recovery of some of the deceased’s stolen clothes.
In their defence, both accused persons through their lawyers from R Ndlovu and Company and VJ Mpofu and Associates, denied the charges, arguing that they were forced into admitting the charges after police tortured them and severely assaulted them with batons and subjected them to electrocution. Source – newsday
Tendai Biti had been grated ZWL$10 000 on assault charges preferred against him by a Russian lady with links to Mnangagwa's suspicious land deals. He will appear agains on January 18. pic.twitter.com/AqbHQZhy3m
Cape Town – The Home Affairs Department is investigating close to a million “blocked” identity documents that were found to be suspicious, duplicate or fraudulently issued with falsified supporting documents.
This was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi when he was responding in writing to Parliamentary questions from EFF MP Lorato Tito.
Tito had enquired about the total number of cases of blocked identity documents in his department.
She also wanted to know how long it took his department to investigate and resolve the matter of blocked IDs.
In his written response, Motsoaledi said the department has 813 343 identified cases of blocked identity documents falling under different categories.
“The afore-mentioned total includes cases that have to remain blocked as these cases are already investigated and/or marked for deletion so that they should not be used again as such,” he said.
Motsoaledi stated that when the department delivered services to citizens and non-citizens, it came across cases of identity theft where an ID was acquired illegally, fraudulently, where supporting documents were falsified or inadvertently where identity numbers are duplicated.
“In all such cases markers are set on the National Population Register as a means of ensuring the integrity and credibility of the National Population Register.
“In addition, markers are set on identity numbers such as cases that are referred to as ‘under investigation’ for various reasons or causes.”
Motsoaledi also said there are 517 249 duplicate IDs for cases where individuals have multiple identity numbers and in other cases two persons sharing the same ID number.
There were 17 747 fraudulent cases of deaths, 222 cases of immigrants that did not qualify for automatic citizenship and 8214 South West Africa cases.
Others included 145 619 illegal immigrants, 70 323 cases under investigations for various reasons and 53 978 cases referred to identification to investigate fingerprints records.
Motsoaledi said when the department received cases of that nature, they first have to investigate these cases to establish if indeed the ID was acquired illegally and those Identity numbers are definitely blocked.
“Where there is sufficient evidence provided to the contrary, markers are lifted accordingly.”
He also said some of the reasons that mainly attribute to IDs being blocked and markers are set on the National Population Register included duplicated ID numbers and illegal immigrants who obtained SA documents fraudulently.
There were also false registrations of births, marriages and deaths as well as investigation purposes of suspicious ID obtained fraudulently with falsified supporting documents.
Motsoaledi said it takes the department approximately six to eight weeks to resolve and to finalise blocked IDs provided all required supporting documents to resolve these cases were obtained from the applicant.
“This includes the time when the client visits the front office and the receipt of all requested documentation to resolve the case in line with the standard operating procedures,” he said.
MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti is appearing in court now on assault charges. The offence would ordinarily allow for bail, but we wait to hear the outcome. pic.twitter.com/7ukJwk9OkH
Mt Darwin District Hospital senior nursing officer Forbes Makamba
A senior official at Mt Darwin District Hospital has confirmed the disappearance of a 25-year-old female patient who had been admitted at the institution since the 30th of September.
Wendy Chinomungu of Rushinga was suffering from melancholia (severe depression) and disappeared from her ward on October 20 and was found at Concession, some 136km away, two days later unconscious and with her hands tied.
Some farmworkers in Concession found the woman lying unconscious three days after she left the hospital and told the farm owner who immediately reported the case to Glendale Police Station.
Chinomungu was rushed to Concession Hospital and was immediately transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare where she later died.
A post-mortem report shows that death was due to “severe head trauma” and there are indications that she had been sexually abused.
Mt Darwin District Hospital senior nursing officer Forbes Makamba confirmed Chinomungu’s disappearance but said he was away when the incident took place. He said:
Yes, I know of the incident. When it happened, I was in Bindura attending a workshop. She was admitted here on September 30 after she was brought in by her relatives.
The relatives had a recommendation letter from a Roman Catholic priest called Father Simoko.
She had melancholia. She was easily irritable and withdrawn. She could hardly walk, talk, bath herself and even eat on her own. She could not do anything on her own.
Her aunt wanted to stay here but I refused because we wanted to examine her and try to establish what could have caused the depression.
We suspected the depression could be a result of some family problems, hence we advised the relatives to stay away a bit and allow her to recover.
After a few days, we noticed some improvements to her health. She was now able to walk and do her laundry.
She was also able to eat, but she still had challenges in walking.
I informed the relatives that they could now visit Wendy. The day they visited, that is when she had absconded from the hospital. I was away.
Meanwhile, Makamba’s narration of events contradicted other staff as he insisted that the patient disappeared on October 22, the day when the police report was made.
However, other Hospital staff said Chinomungu vanished two days before when Makamba was still away and the official post-mortem and police documents show that she went missing on October 20. Added Makamba:
I was told that the nurse on duty that night noticed the patient was missing and she informed the security department.
The security details were supposed to immediately report to the administration but they waited until the following morning.
That is when they informed the administrator who later went to the police
ABOUT 160 pupils who had been infected by the deadly Covid-19 at John Tallach High School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North, have recovered.
The more than 185 Covid-19 cases at John Tallach are the highest that a single school has recorded since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe.
By November 24, the cases had run into 185 which pushed up the total number of Covid-19 cases in Matabeleland North Province.
On Wednesday, 181 new cases and three deaths were reported in Zimbabwe, bringing the total number of active cases to 1 390.
Of the new cases, 178 are local cases and 3 are returnees from Algeria and the deaths were reported in Bulawayo and Manicaland provinces.
The country also recorded 83 new recoveries and the national recovery rate stands at 84.7 percent.
The John Tallach recoveries have been absorbed in daily statistics since the virus was reported at the school about two weeks ago.
As of December 3, Zimbabwe had recorded 10 424 cases, 8 754 recoveries and 280 deaths.
Since the outbreak, Bulawayo has recorded 2 466 cases, 1 820 recoveries and 82 deaths while Matabeleland North has recorded 366 cases, 333 recoveries and three deaths.
On the other hand, Matabeleland South has 1 059 cases, 888 recoveries and nine deaths.
Bulawayo has the highest number of active cases in Zimbabwe at 564 while Matabeleland North has 33.
Schools have become the latest institutions to be hit by the virus after their phased reopening which started on September 28.
Acting Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Munekayi Padingani said pupils were stable and the situation was under control.
“The situation at John Tallach is under control, we have since discharged 160 pupils who have tested negative after we conducted retests. After testing about 450 pupils at the school only one tested positive and we are just left with retesting another 60 pupils but they are all stable,” said Dr Padingani.
He said the provincial cases had gone down following the recoveries at John Tallach adding that the new cases were now emanating from truck drivers.
“Our cases have gone down and the latest ones are from Victoria Falls and Lupane especially truck drivers following the reopening of the borders. We continuously urge everyone to think about the next person and practice good hand hygiene and social distancing to stop the spread of Covid-19,” he added.
Dr Padingani said the Ministry will also look into testing people entering the border of Covid-19 as they could be infected after acquiring certificates.
Meanwhile, two pupils tested positive at Thekwane High School in Plumtree, Matabeleland South.
The latest cases are an addition to Matopo High School which was turned into a quarantine centre to prevent the further spreading of the virus after 10 cases were recorded.
Mtshabezi High School within the same province also recorded 17 Covid-19 cases this week including two teachers and two workers.
Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzore said they were working flat out to control the situation.
She said she was yet to get an update on Thekwane and urged community members to self-introspect as a way of stopping the spread of Covid-19.
“I believe that the new cases that we are continuously recording are a result of effective rapid response teams who have gone round and made follow ups on suspected infections. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that we save lives but this issue now depends on communities whose behaviours will greatly decide if we will have more new cases or a decline,” said Dr Chikodzore.
She said she is yet to establish the total number of pupils that have been affected in her province.
“We really need to reach out to communities and engage them on what can be done to stop the spread because it is clear that people are not adhering to the set measures. We however continue encouraging members of the public to wash their hands, wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid travelling unnecessarily.”
Dr Chikodzore said some of the new cases in her province were fuelled by the reopening of the borders in Matabeleland South which has seen an influx of travellers into the country.
Authorities in Kwekwe maintain that the video of a female police officer slapping a Kwekwe school girl for not wearing a mask was blown out of context adding it was under investigation.
Officer Commanding Kwekwe police, Chief Superintendent Denford Maingire said further details would be availed after investigations were completed.
“As police we are carrying out campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of wearing masks properly. So, our officers had been invited there to educate the learners and conscientise them on the importance of wearing masks.
“We are not sure what happened there but we are carrying out investigations and we will unveil further details after the investigations,” said Chief Supt Maingire.
“Acting Kwekwe District Education Officer, Mr Herbert Maziriri said they were also carrying out investigations.
“The matter is under investigations, that is all I can say for now,” he said before referring further questions to the provincial superiors.
Kwekwe High School Development Committee chairperson, Mr Takaedza Ntuli said they had already engaged relevant authorities over the issue, adding the cop was not supposed to have hit the learner.
“We have approached the district police office and they are investigating the matter. We also as parents are also carrying out our own investigations on whether there was malice in what the cop is alleged to have done. We cannot jump into conclusions before investigations have been completed,” he said.
He had no kind words for some on social media who were politicising the matter.
“There are some social media abusers who are bent on politicising the issue. This is not a political issue whatsoever.
We cannot allow people like Hopewell Chin’ono to go around saying rubbish about our state of affairs and politicising the issue, we cannot accept that,” he said.
Said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police does not condone such conduct during awareness campaigns and investigations are underway to verify the facts with the Kwekwe District Command and Midlands Province.
If confirmed, appropriate action will be taken against the member. The police applaud the public for bringing the matter to our attention.”
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced new fuel prices effective Saturday 5 December 2020.
The price of diesel is now ZWL$97.24 and US$1.19 per litre, while that for petrol is now ZWL$97.44 and US$1.19 per litre.
In a public notice on Friday evening, ZERA said operators may, however, sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages.
The new prices show that the price of diesel in Zimbabwe dollars has increased significantly from last month’s price of ZWL$82.05 and the USD price has been reviewed upwards from US$1.00.
As for petrol, the price has been increased marginally in Zimbabwe dollars from ZWL$97.11. to ZWL$97.44 while there had been no change in USD terms.
SA recorded nearly 5,000 new Covid-19 cases on Friday.
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the 4,932 new cases took the national total of confirmed cases to 805,804.
The new infections came from 33,415 tests, at a positivity rate of 14.75%.
Mkhize also reported 160 recorded deaths since the release of Thursday’s figures. Of these, the Eastern Cape accounted for 69, the Free State 26, Gauteng six, KwaZulu-Natal 10, Limpopo six, the Northern Cape 12 and the Western Cape 31.
This means there are now 21,963 confirmed deaths from the virus in SA.
PARIS – Global coronavirus infections passed 65 million on Friday and countries doubled down on restrictions, even as plans to roll out vaccines gathered pace.
Joe Biden said he would ask Americans to wear masks for 100 days when he takes over as president of the United States, the world’s worst-hit country from a pandemic that has now killed more than 1.5 million people across the planet.
The US is among the countries posting all-time highs in daily deaths this week along with Italy, which is undergoing a dramatic resurgence after it largely tamped down its earlier outbreak by enforcing a strict lockdown in the spring.
Biden also used the CNN interview to say he had asked the government’s top infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci to join his team and serve as a chief medical adviser.
The pandemic is showing little sign of slowing, with the daily global death toll in recent weeks reaching its highest rate since the virus emerged in China late last year.
However, the rapid development of several vaccines has provided respite from the dismal cycle of lockdowns and surging cases.
Britain on Wednesday became the first Western country to approve a vaccine for general use, piling pressure on other countries to swiftly follow suit.
But Fauci said Britain had rushed its approval process.
“In all fairness to so many of my UK friends, you know, they kind of ran around the corner of the marathon and joined it in the last mile,” he told CBS, although he later said he had not meant to imply “any sloppiness”.
Britain’s regulator hit back on Friday, saying: “No vaccine would be authorised for supply in the UK unless the expected standards of safety, quality and efficacy are met.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that even if vaccines were quickly approved, the world would still be fighting the pandemic’s aftershocks.
“Let’s not fool ourselves. A vaccine cannot undo damage that will stretch across years, even decades to come,” Guterres said while opening a special UN summit on the virus.
YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, was yesterday inducted into the African Union Sport Council Region 5’s Sports Hall of Fame.
She was among seven personalities bestowed with the honour, by the African Union Sport Council Region 5 Council of Ministers, during their virtual extraordinary meeting yesterday.
The meeting was attended by six of the 10-member countries.
Ministers from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho could not attend the meeting due to various unforeseen circumstances.
During their deliberations, the ministers committed to rebuild the sports industry, through stimulus response interventions, and calculated risk-weighted return to play strategies.
They further committed themselves to support efforts to commercialise sport and gradually move away from over-reliance on government dependency.
The ministers challenged each member country to account for their actions, in the implementation of approved regional programmes, and activities.
They made an emphatic statement on their commitment to transform sport into a viable economic industry that stimulates business investment and creates a corridor for accelerated youth empowerment and employment creation, social cohesion and social capital beneficiation.
Among the many significant decisions, made by the council during their meeting, was the ratification of the election of the new Secretariat elected during the AUSC Region 5 executive committee meeting on November 27, 2020.
The newly-elected members of the secretariat will now be led by Moreetsi Imon Bogosi of Botswana as chairperson.
He replaces Vetumbuavi Veii of Namibia.
Raphael Mulenga of Zambia assumes the position of vice-chairperson, replacing George Jana of Malawi.
Eugenia Chidhakwa of Zimbabwe was elected chairperson of the Sports Development Technical Commission, replacing Antonio Gomes of Angola.
Lawrence Buyani Mthethwa was re-elected in the position of chairperson finance and marketing commission.
All four members of the secretariat were elected unopposed.
The council also ratified members to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame which will be part of the Region 5 Museum being established in Zimbabwe.
These are Maria Mutola (Mozambique), Coventry (Zimbabwe), Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile (posthumously) (South Africa), Matilda Mwaba (Zambia), Robert Magagula (Eswatini), Joel Lubombo (Mozambique) and Boyce Sebetela (Botswana).
The ministers ratified the confederations assistance programme guidelines.
These guidelines provide a framework from which the region and member countries can support the functioning of Region 5 recognised regional sports confederations.
This is in line with the decision of the Council of Ministers made in November 2013 that regional sports confederations would be supported in order to function, including in the areas of provision of office space, development of strategic plans, event hosting and marketing management capacity building.
The meeting also received reports from the Deputy Principal Secretary of Lesotho, on behalf of the Minister, as well as from Msungama from Malawi, giving updates on their respective countries’ preparations for the hosting of the Lesotho 2021 and Malawi 2022 Region 5 Youth Games.
The reports were well received.
Coventry was also given an opportunity to share Zimbabwe’s Athletes Relief Fund initiative that saw athletes being cushioned from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
The Council of Ministers meet every two years in an ordinary meeting.
However, every Games year, the council takes advantage of the availability of members for the opening ceremony of the Games, to convene an extraordinary meeting.
The Council of Ministers ordinary meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2021 on the margins of the 9th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games, scheduled to be held from December 3 to 12, 2022.
Complaints have been laid against Harare lawyer Mr Tendai Biti with the Law Society of Zimbabwe and Gender Commission by the Russian national who alleges she was manhandled during an altercation outside Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Ms Tatiana Aleshina and Mr Biti allegedly had a heated exchange during which Aleshina says she was manhandled. She filed an assault report with the police and has now lodged the two further complaints.
Mr Biti has denied any wrongdoing.
In her complaint lodged with the Law Society, Ms Aleshina wants Mr Biti investigated for alleged gross unprofessional conduct and alleges she and her workmates were verbally abused each time they came to court. Ms Aleshina is one of the witnesses in the Katsimberis criminal cases still pending.
“While attending to these matters at Harare Magistrates’ Court, I and my colleague at Pokugara Properties (Private) Limited have been victims of Mr Biti’s unsolicited verbal abuse and assaults which amount to gross professional misconduct,” said Ms Aleshina, the chief operating officer of Pokugara.
She claimed that on August 29 this year, as she was about to leave the court gallery after the court session and in the company of her workmate Mr Simbarashe Kadye the company’s chief finance officer, Biti confronted them and said: “I am going to take your house, clothes and panties and leave you with nothing. I am not joking!”
He then allegedly turned to Ms Aleshina reportedly shouting she was very stupid. “It was clear to all people who were in court gallery that Mr Biti took delight not only in verbally abusing me, but in trying to intimidate me and felt that, as a woman and foreigner of Russian origins, I was a nonentity to him and that he would use every extra judicial means to crush me or harm or destroy me for daring to be a witness in the criminal matter against his client,” she stated in her complaint.
“I strongly feel Mr Biti also violated my rights as a woman by trying to show his man power over me by swearing and shouting at me in a way which clearly made me less human thereby humiliating me. His conduct in pointing against my face was a clear act of verbal assault.”
Ms Aleshina also said she had no personal issue with Mr Biti before this incident.
“His conduct is a threat to womanhood and to the powerless and takes us back to the stone age where the perceived powerful will tremble on the rights of the poor without any censure,” she added.
Ms Aleshina filed a similar complaint with the Gender Commission.
Meanwhile, below was a thread she opened on the micro logging website, Twitter:
Today i want to share my story of humiliation and verbal abuse i received from @BitiTendai. Say no to assault (physical and verbal) say no to gender based violence! #GBVmustfall
@womensaidorg #16daysofActivism @Unwomen #generationequality #16Days #orangetheworld #UnitedNations@mentionsis supposedly a national leader as VP of MDCA, a Christian and lawyer but the way he behaved is NOT acceptable. He shouted at me, called me “stupid very stupid” several time’s and made me feel intimidated, belittled and publicly humiliated.@mentionsviolated my rights as a woman. He violently pointed his fingers at my face and threatened me. To put this into context neither me nor my company had any prior dealings with this man, we have never spoken to him and yet his behavior was irrational, hysterical…https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?guci=1.2.0.0.2.2.0.0&client=ca-pub-3755072543989337&output=html&h=360&adk=3771441059&adf=2380962578&pi=t.aa~a.1635861574~rp.4&w=432&lmt=1607162121&rafmt=1&to=qs&pwprc=7152865607&psa=0&format=432×360&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthreadreaderapp.com%2Fthread%2F1334916650416660481.html&flash=0&fwr=1&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&sfro=1&wgl=1&adsid=ChEIgPys_gUQn5mtztqw4pP_ARI7ABerbi0geEd9662WhdmrcIAkfCSxgDbI1qafJW4hCl_zVWRVaGTH0HFT21Co9-Y3wbryKY9-EVPnCI0&tt_state=W3siaXNzdWVyT3JpZ2luIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hZHNlcnZpY2UuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSIsInN0YXRlIjowfSx7Imlzc3Vlck9yaWdpbiI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXR0ZXN0YXRpb24uYW5kcm9pZC5jb20iLCJzdGF0ZSI6MH1d&dt=1607162121301&bpp=4&bdt=1084&idt=4&shv=r20201201&cbv=r20190131&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D4f09f608b2e64b4d-220595cb82a600b7%3AT%3D1607162028%3ART%3D1607162028%3AS%3DALNI_MYPtDiin_gor_TPqEdyKTJw51GhsA&prev_fmts=0x0&nras=1&correlator=1318076571237&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1245565793.1607162121&ga_sid=1607162121&ga_hid=516997970&ga_fc=0&u_tz=0&u_his=1&u_java=0&u_h=951&u_w=432&u_ah=951&u_aw=432&u_cd=24&u_nplug=0&u_nmime=0&adx=0&ady=1181&biw=432&bih=797&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=21066973&oid=3&pvsid=3936571835965269&pem=579&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F&rx=0&eae=0&fc=1924&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C432%2C0%2C432%2C797%2C432%2C797&vis=1&rsz=o%7Co%7CeEbr%7C&abl=NS&pfx=0&fu=8320&bc=31&jar=2020-12-04-22&ifi=1&uci=a!1&btvi=1&fsb=1&xpc=uyqpb0T1za&p=https%3A//threadreaderapp.com&dtd=25…and not fitting for any man never mind one in his position. How can he be trusted if he does this to an innocent woman like me? I’m not saying all this for you to feel sorry for me, I’m doing it to create awareness and understanding that in our society in #zimbabwe#harareThere are men who put themselves above women. Such instances of sexism and chauvinism displayed by @BitiTendai as means of intimidation to reinforce the power base of men is shameful, he obviously wanted to remind me and women that they are weaker and inferior to him!This misogynistic behaviour MUST not be allowed to continue! Let us all stand together with #16DaysofActivism to prevent men like @BitiTendai treating women in this condescending way.@mentions#womenrights HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU ARE BEING VERBALLY ABUSED? -Display of anger in the way that frightens you -public humiliation -calling you insulting names ( such as “stupid”, “worthless”,) -threatens to hurt you or people you care about @BitiTendai@mentions
Emotional and verbal abuse includes insults and attempts to scare, isolate or control you. it also often a sign that physical abuse may follow. This may lead to short term and long lasting effects that are just as serious as physical abuse!
A 25-year-old woman suffering from severe depression and admitted to Mount Darwin District Hospital disappeared from her ward on October 20 and was found at Concession, some 136km away, two days later unconscious and with her hands tied.
The hospital did not report the patient was missing to relatives or the police until October 22; when the woman’s aunt heard the news she rushed to Mt Darwin Police Station to make the initial missing person’s report.
Wendy Chinomungu of Rushinga was found bruised while her hands were tied with a rope at a farm in Concession. Her face was swollen. She was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare where she later died. Preliminary checks showed the woman had been sexually assaulted.
Ms Chinomungu had a condition known as melancholia (severe depression) and was admitted on September 30 to Mt Darwin Hospital. Owing to the condition, she was initially unable to walk, bath and eat on her own. She would be carried to the toilet and was experiencing recurring mood swings.
Despite having the family members’ contact details, the hospital staff only informed the aunt two days after she vanished according to the records.
The aunt, Ms Fariya Musandirire was the first to report to the police while the hospital administrator followed up later.
Some farm workers in Concession found the woman lying unconscious three days after she left the hospital and told the farm owner who immediately reported the case to Glendale Police Station. She was rushed to Concession Hospital and was immediately transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital where she later died.
A post-mortem report shows that the death was due to “severe head trauma”. The pathologist said the death was not a result of natural causes.
VILLAGERS in Muchini area of Buhera South have been left in a state of shock following the gruesome murder of three senior citizens, with a 17-year old boy confessing to having committed the crime.
The senior citizens; one aged 86, his 74-year-old wife and her 80-year-old sister were allegedly murdered in cold blood at around midnight on Thursday by the teenager from the same village.
In his confession, the 17-year-old said: “I arrived at around 11pm from a bar intending to kill them because they killed my parents when I was still young.
“I only wanted to kill the man because his wife actually liked me a lot and I do not know why I killed her,” he said.
Buhera South legislator, Cde Joseph Chinotimba who is related to the deceased, said they are yet to come to terms with loss of three family members.
“We are shocked as a family because we can’t even begin to think of what could have gone wrong to this extent of killing three people, especially for a boy as young as 17,” he said.
Police officer commanding Chipinge District Chief Superintendent Kennedy Nyaumwe confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway.
By Prince Njagu- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC Alliance) has cried foul over the unlawful arrest and detention of its members which is being perpetrated by the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government.
This comes after the continued targeted arrest of its councillors and mayors by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
MDC Alliance expressed their discontent over the recent unlawful arrest of Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume as well as Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko.
“We continue to demand freedom for Mayor Jacob Mafume. Bail is a constitutional entitlement. Arresting to investigate is unlawful,” says MDC Alliance on their official Twitter page.
Eight days later and no bail has been set for Mafume. The MDC-A Harare major remains behind bars, regardless of the fact that the Zimbabwean constitution has a provision for bail to be set either pending an investigation or arrest.
Mafume is one of the many opposition members who has been arrested and put behind bars with no bail terms being set.
“Political persecution of opposition politicians and progressive citizens must end,” said MDC-Alliance on their Twitter page.
Prominent figures within the political spectrum, press and civil society have fallen victim to the ZANU PF administration, with renowned journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono also having been incarcerated this year for exposing corruption.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Mafume more than a week ago, but no bail has been set for the Harare Mayor and he remains in prison.
Mafume, is the MDC-A councillor for Ward 17, and was elected to the position of Harare Mayor in September 2020, following the recalling of Herbert Gomba by the MDC-T.
Several other MDC-A officials and councillors have been arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), with the latest incident involving the arrest of all Chitungwiza officials during a meeting.
Arrest of all Chitungwiza officials and councillors by ZRP is being viewed as the latest act to hamstring MDC-A led local authorities by ZANU PF through the use of the police.
In a statement issued on the MDC-A Twitter page, the party said, “In the latest act to hamstring local authorities, ZRP have just arrested all Chitungwiza councillors and officials who were attending the ordinary full council meeting in chambers,”
“All except 2, of the councillors and council staff who were unlawfully arrested in a dragnet operation today while conducting council business have been released without charge. Councillors Chamutsa and Nyagondo are currently at St Marys police station. No charges yet”.
There has been a crackdown on council officials on accusation of corruption, but it is mainly targeting opposition officials.
Last week MDC-A Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko was arrested and the party believes that all this is being done as a move to destabilise local councils after the failed move to recall the opposition mayors.
The MDC Alliance still maintains that all these moves are political and aimed at decimating the party.
Earlier last week MDC Alliance secretary for Local Government Sessel Zvidzai indicated that arrests of opposition mayors was a ZANU PF weapon to cripple local councils and his party.
“This is nothing new. It is weaponization of the courts and political persecution,” said Sessel Zvidzai the MDC Alliance secretary for Local Government.
@nickmangwana What abt Marry Chiwenga? what abt Jocelyn Chiwenga What abt Tambudzani Mohadi? What about Rudo Charamba? Rudo was butchered by @Jamwanda2 & Tambudzani had her home raided by Kembo carrying an axe & @PoliceZimbabwe closed the cases. As for Marry i shall not speak?♀️
So they should only be safe at court not anywhere else in Zimbabwe?@JoanaMamombe@ceechimbiri2 and Netsai were not safe in POLICE CUSTODY..@nickmangwana , please say no to GBV, not for political mileage as you are doing here.
@nickmangwana , is Johanna Mamombe safe in the courts? Charity begins at home boss. She was tortured, brutalised and still she not safe! Here you are talking about gender based violence. Any violence must be condemned. We should feel safe, not scared! pic.twitter.com/kwBJhS5hK4
A mugodhi Apostolic Church prophet in Marange was last week arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old epileptic patient before threatening to curse her with mental illness if she reported the matter.
Blessing Kukumidza (30) of Tsvarai Village was not asked to plead when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.
He was remanded in custody to December 9 and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Kukumidza had difficulties in walking when he appeared in court after he was allegedly assaulted by the young woman’s relatives and neighbours.
Mr Brian Goto prosecuted.
“The accused raped the complainant once.
“After the rape, the complainant reported the matter to some church members who went on to inform the young woman’s parents.
“The matter was reported to the police, thereby leading to Kukumidza’s arrest,” said Mr Goto.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Ms Margaret Sangarwe is on record saying twenty two women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, with one woman abused every 75 minutes.
One in three girls is raped or sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18.
Meanwhile, a Mutare man allegedly bashed his girlfriend as he accused her of infecting him with a sexually transmitted disease.
Tendai Muradzikwa (24) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Tamara Chibindi.
He was sentenced him to 15 days behind bars or alternatively to pay a fine of $1 500.
The court heard that on November 20, Tariro Mushamba was walking in Dangamvura when he met Muradzikwa.
Muradzikwa started shouting at Tariro, accusing her of infecting him with an STI.
Tariro denied the allegations, but Muradzikwa went on to assault her all over the body.
She sustained head injuries and bruises.
While there are various forms of violence against women, the most common is the violence perpetrated by their intimate partners.
A Bulawayo milling company, Best Blue millers Pvt Ltd was defrauded of US$98 000 in a botched maize deal by a Zimbabwean man based in South Africa, police have confirmed.
Bulawayo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abedinico Ncube said police are looking for Never Sithole (45) in connection with the case which happened in August this year.
Insp Ncube said Sithole’s last known address 2556 Dzivarasekwa 2, Harare. “Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of fraud that occurred in Bulawayo and South Africa. The accused is Never Sithole a man of no fixed aboard in Zimbabwe but stays at number 16 Anderson Road, Loius Trichard, South Africa.
The accused phoned the company and introduced himself as a farmer who owns a farmer in South Africa and that he and his business partner only known as Mr Marias were in a position to supply with maize,” said Insp Ncube.
Insp Ncube said Sithole told the complainant that they also owned a company called Lumar General Trading based in South Africa and he agreed to the deal.
He said the milling company owner arranged with his business partner based in South Africa to meet Mr Marias to discuss the deal after which they agreed to buy 1 632 tonnes of maize from the accused at US$225 000.
Said Insp Ncube: “Mr Marias told the complainant that for them to deliver the maize there was a need for a half down deposit payment and that was going to be done by handing over the cash to the accused person, Never Sithole.
The complainant then called Sithole on August 19 and gave him US$50 000. On the following day the complainant handed over US$8 000 to Sithole again and called his partner to make another payment in South Africa of R175 000 which was deposited to an FNB Bank. On the 27th of August 2020 the complainant handed over US$40 000 to the accused person.”
Insp Ncube says the complainant only discovered that he had been duped after failing to get hold of Mr Marias when he wanted to collect the maize as his phone was no longer reachable.
He said a report was made to police and the accused is still at large.
He appealed to anyone with information on the accused to report to their nearest police station.
FIVE of the 33 Chitungwiza Municipality councillors and officials picked up for questioning during a meeting, convened in contravention of the Urban Councils Act to replace the acting town clerk after she blocked 2000 offer letters and leases, have been formally arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office and breaching the Act.
The other 27 were released by police after being questioned. The three councillors and two officials formally arrested are: Peter Matiringe Cllr for Ward 10, Richard Chimutsa (Ward 5), Chengetai Nyagondo (Ward 14), David Duma (engineering manager) and Munyaradzi Chizanga (acting finance director).
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were still in progress. The five were “assisting police with investigations for criminal abuse of office and violating the Urban Councils Act”, he said. The meeting was called by a group of MDC-A councillors who have been selling residential stands using backdated offer letters for alleged personal gain.
Acting Town Clerk Mrs Evangelista Machona had on Monday rescinded more than 2 000 offer letters dating back to last year and blocked the issuing of leases, a move prompted by ongoing investigations into their validity.
That in turn caused the group to move swiftly to replace her as acting town clerk with Engineer David Duma. Since everyone was or would be acting, the group figured all that was required was a simple council resolution.
The alleged scam that Mrs Machona blocked was the sale of stands last year, or this year with backdated offer letters, for US dollars with the organising councillors then paying the council in local currency at roughly 1-1 and pocketing the huge difference generated by new exchange rates.
A 200-square-metre residential stand would be sold for US$4 000 but the councillors paid a miserly $4 611,50 in local currency for each stand to the local authority. Calculations show that council could have been prejudiced of over US$8 million in potential revenue.
A Form 4 pupil at a Bulawayo school committed suicide after discovering that she was pregnant, police said.
The 17-year-old Magwegwe Secondary School pupil named only as Nokuzola is believed to have killed herself by drinking an insecticide hours after her mother excoriated her for “playing with boys” and neglecting her schoolwork.
The mother did not know at the time that her daughter is pregnant.
“Police are investigating a case of sudden death which occurred in Magwegwe suburb. The mother of the late reprimanded her on Monday evening not to play with boys as she might get pregnant while urging her to concentrate on her school work,” Inspector Abednico Ncube of Bulawayo police said.
He said the mother left home in the morning on Tuesday for her vending business leaving her daughter with their 19-year-old housekeeper.
Inspector Ncube explained: “On the same day at around 10AM, the now deceased ordered the maid to go and bath. The maid went to bath leaving the now deceased in the bedroom alone. When the maid came back from bathing she found the now deceased lying on the floor in her mother’s bedroom vomiting. The maid informed a neighbour who summoned an ambulance.”
The ambulance crew pronounced her dead on arrival and police were called.
“The police found the deceased lying on the floor in the bedroom next to a bed with vomit on the floor. An empty 100ml bottle of Dichlorvos insecticide with a purple triangle was found on top of the wardrobe. We suspect the late pupil drank the contests of the bottle,” Inspector Ncube said.
A female friend of Nokuzola told police that “she tested herself for pregnancy and confirmed that she was pregnant.”
“She also told police that the deceased had made threats to commit suicide if anyone disclosed the pregnancy to her parents,” according to Inspector Ncube.
Her body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem.
Police urged members of the public to keep dangerous chemicals like pesticides away from the reach of children.
“We also appeal to our children and youths to take heed of their parents’ counsel and desist from engaging in early sexual experiments. Young lives are unnecessarily lost due to wayward behaviour of some youths and social ills,” he said.
The parliamentary portfolio committee on primary and secondary education his week heard that a number of school girls at Bulawayo schools had fallen pregnant during the lengthy school closure caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.
MDC Alliance supporters will today gather in Chiwara village, Gutu for the memorial service of party president Nelson Chamisa’s mother who died earlier this year.
Scores of MDC Alliance supporters said they were on their way to Gutu to be with their president in his hour of need.
Chamisa’s mother Alice Chamisa died earlier this year with the funeral attracting one of the biggest crowds during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
It is expected that an almost similar gathering will today attend the memorial service.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has promoted over 5 000 officers to various ranks, in what is considered to be one of the biggest changes in the force in recent history.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development to the Daily News, saying promotion is part of the job system just like in any organisation to fill vacancies that arise due to various reasons.
Over 1 511 police officers have been elevated to the rank of assistant inspector, while 173 became sergeant majors and 3 945 being promoted to the rank of sergeant.
A radio communication dispatched on November 30 which revealed the latest flurry of promotions was confirmed by Nyathi. It read:
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only the top three per each rank per district shall attend the conferment parade, taking cognisance of female representation on a ratio one female to two males.
The rest of the promoted members shall remain at their stations. Police General Headquarters departments shall submit names of members who shall attend the conferment parade to CSO admin using the same ratio per province.
All promoted members shall not put on the new badges of rank until after conferment. Staff officer ordinance shall start issuing out new badges of rank on 01/12/20 guided by this signal.
The commissioner-general of police congratulates you on the attainment of your new ranks.-Daily News
A BEER-INDUCED brawl in Headlands resulted in the death of a two month old baby who was strapped on her mother’s back after a stone thrown at one of the imbibers missed its target and struck the child.
The incident has landed Cloudius Muchenje at the High Court where he is appearing before senior Mutare High Court judge, Justice Hlekani Mwayera facing murder charges as defined in Section 47 (i) (a) or (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. Senior public prosecutor, Mr Malvern Musarurwa said Muchenje and the father of the late child, Talent Chirombo, were drinking beer at the Zvimba homestead in Chiendambuya when tragedy struck. “The late Anxious Chirombo was aged two months at the time of his death. On the fateful day, the deceased’s father was drinking beer with other patrons who included the accused person,” said Mr Musarurwa.
As the patrons partied, Muchenje slapped Lovemore Gondo on the face. He accused him of stepping on his foot.
“Chirombo restrained the accused person from further assaulting Gondo and pushed him out of the hut. The accused person bit Chirombo on the hand and went on to assault him with fists,” said Mr Musarurwa.
Muchenje picked up stones and threw them at Chirombo. One of the stones struck Anxious who was strapped on his mother’s back as she was trying to stop the fight.
The baby died instantly.
A post mortem conducted by Dr Tendai Nyafesa revealed that the baby died due to severe head injuries.
Muchenje is, however, denying the charges.
He is admitting that he had a fight with Chirombo, but says he did not throw the stones as alleged.
Instead, he told the court that it was Chirombo who was using all sorts of weapons to attack him.
Muchenje says he never saw Anxious’ mother at the beer binge and says something else might have happened to the baby.
I hope this letter finds you in good spirit and health. I want to tell you about our exciting adventure and invite you to join us on our fundraising walk from Nottingham, England to Freetown in Sierra Leone.
You can support us by:
• Walking on our behalf or just counting your daily steps and donating it to our course
• Doing the above and getting your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you.
• If you don’t fancy walking making a financial donation
What is the financial target and what will the money be used for?
We hope to raise £1,500 for books, a projector, screen, speakers and a computer
How many steps will we be walking?
There are 4,371 miles between Nottingham and Freetown. We are hoping that we could all work approximately 10,000 steps per day or as many as possible.
How do I collect and submit my steps?
To collect your steps or miles all you need is a pedometer, Fitbit or a health app on your mobile phone.
Please submit your steps or miles to your SoAYL contact on a daily basis.
You can follow our joint progress on our facebook page or Instagram please take loads of pictures whilst you are out and about whether its in a beautiful park, your garden or whilst you are just clocking up your steps in the supermarket or at work and tag us in your photos. Our handles are Instagram: @soayl_ Tiktok @soayl_, facebook page soa Youth Leadership, Twitter @soaleadership.
Where do I send my donations?
Whether you are making a personal donation or you are asking others to sponsor you,
Donations can be made
• Via direct bank transfer to SoA Youth Leadership CAF Bank Ltd,
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Thank you for your support for further information about SoAYL visit www.soaleadership.org
A MUGODHI Apostolic Church prophet in Marange was last week arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old epileptic patient before threatening to curse her with mental illness if she reported the matter.
Blessing Kukumidza (30) of Tsvarai Village was not asked to plead when he appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.
He was remanded in custody to December 9 and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Kukumidza had difficulties in walking when he appeared in court after he was allegedly assaulted by the young woman’s relatives and neighbours.
Mr Brian Goto prosecuted.
“The accused raped the complainant once.
“After the rape, the complainant reported the matter to some church members who went on to inform the young woman’s parents.
“The matter was reported to the police, thereby leading to Kukumidza’s arrest,” said Mr Goto.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson, Ms Margaret Sangarwe is on record saying twenty two women are raped daily in Zimbabwe, with one woman abused every 75 minutes.
One in three girls is raped or sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18.
Meanwhile, a Mutare man allegedly bashed his girlfriend as he accused her of infecting him with a sexually transmitted disease.
Tendai Muradzikwa (24) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Tamara Chibindi.
He was sentenced him to 15 days behind bars or alternatively to pay a fine of $1 500.
The court heard that on November 20, Tariro Mushamba was walking in Dangamvura when he met Muradzikwa.
Muradzikwa started shouting at Tariro, accusing her of infecting him with an STI.
Tariro denied the allegations, but Muradzikwa went on to assault her all over the body.
She sustained head injuries and bruises.
While there are various forms of violence against women, the most common is the violence perpetrated by their intimate partners.-B-Metro
A MAN from Masvingo allegedly stumbled on a used condom in his lover’s handbag, accused her of cheating on him before stabbing her with a kitchen knife causing her to die due to excessive bleeding.
According to a source last week on Thursday Tawedzerwa Bvumburai (38) visited his girlfriend Melody Chipumo (33) at her workplace at Manyama Business Centre. While he was there he searched his lover’s handbag and stumbled on a used condom and questioned her about it.
“She told him that her friend had used the bag so it was left by her and he understood. He then left for his home in village 37, Manyama area under Chief Charumbira,” said the source.
However, after a drinking spree on Tuesday this week he had a change of heart. He armed himself with a kitchen knife and walked from his home, to his girlfriend’s workplace.
The source revealed that he arrived there at around 1.30 am and knocked at the door.
“His unsuspecting girlfriend came out and he started to accuse her of being a woman of loose morals who sleeps around with men while they made a vow that they would marry each other,” said the source.
At the height of the argument, the source said, Bvumburai, who had put the kitchen knife in his pocket drew the knife before stabbing Melody once on the right side breast.
“She tried to flee but he stabbed her once on the back causing her to fall and bleed excessively,” said the source.
Bvumburai took to his heels leaving his lover wailing on the ground. According to a source close to investigations an identified man heard the wailing and rushed to the scene and found Melody half dead.
“He informed her boss Edweek Museve (28) who quickly ferried her to Masvingo Provincial Hospital but she died upon arrival,” said the source.
A police report was made.
Masvingo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dewa confirmed: “We are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Tawedzerwa Bvumburai (38) who stabbed his girlfriend Melody Chipumo, who later died on arrival at the hospital.
We urge community members to seek counselling from third parties whenever they are faced with a dispute rather than to take the law into their hands.”
He appealed to anyone who might have information that might lead to the arrest of Bvumburai to contact Masvingo rural police on 0392263729 or CID Masvingo on 0392262931 or send a WhatsApp message on 0775996945.-B-Metro
FEELINGS are never wrong but the stories behind them often are.
A man from Gokwe was left heartbroken when he discovered that his wife was still connected to her former high school sweetheart who is alleged to have deflowered her when he allegedly caught them red-handed having sex in their matrimonial bedroom.
According to reports, Special Matsika from Mavhura Village’s special world crashed when he walked in on his wife Sinikiwe Kasiya having sex with her ex-high school lover Green Zeve from Karigwe Village on their matrimonial bed. Kasiya was reportedly moaning like she never does with him.
Shockingly, after being busted an unapologetic Kasiya is reported to have boasted about her infidelity saying it was hard to forget a man who took her virginity.
Circumstances are that on the day in question, Matsika and his wife went to his in-laws where there was a traditional beer-drinking gathering. It is reported that when it was getting dark Kasiya left her husband drinking beer and went back home.
Thinking that her husband who was drinking beer excessively was not going to come back home, Kasiya is alleged to have invited her ex-high school lover Zeve for a sleepover at her house.
At around midnight, the two lovebirds who were enjoying each other were, however, interrupted when Matsika appeared on the doorway of the bedroom hut.
“What happened is that when Matsika realised that his wife had left him at her parents’ home without notifying him, at around midnight he became suspicious and decided to go home. His suspicions were confirmed when he found her and Zeve in bed,” said the source from the area who preferred anonymity.
The source said a bloody fight ensued between Matsika and a half-naked Zeve but the latter was overpowered and ran away.
“Before Zeve ran away sounds of their struggle with Matsika attracted the attention of neighbours who came and found him on the receiving end of the fight. Fearing that neighbours would join the fight on the side of Matsika, he ran away leaving behind his umbrella and clothes,” the source said.
Kasiya reportedly bolted out of the bedroom at the start of the melee, heading back to her parents’ home. It is reported that, Matsika, on the following day followed his wife to her parents’ home where he narrated what had happened.
When questioned by her parents, Kasiya who had initially lied to them later opened up on what had happened leading her husband to approach Chief Nemangwe’s traditional court demanding five beasts from Zeve as punishment for bedding his wife.
Chief Nemangwe whose jurisdiction the two men’s areas fall under, confirmed the incident. He said he ordered Zeve to pay three beasts to Matsika as damages for sleeping with his wife.
This was also after Zeve who had initially filed a complaint with the police had it dismissed after he and Kasiya gave conflicting statements.-B-Metro
A BULAWAYO man is living a “hellish” life at the hands of his abusive wife who is said to be a shebeen queen and allegedly takes pleasure in beating him up.
Raphael Dube from Mzilikazi claimed his alcoholic wife Tapiwa Mhlanga challenges his authority when drunk by frequently beating him up.
Dube, who was seeking a protection order at the Bulawayo Civil Court said whenever he tried to reprimand his wife over her drinking habits and conduct of entertaining a lot of men at home, she turned violent.
Narrating his ordeal, he cited frequent battery and threat to his life as reasons for his prayers for a protection order.
“I am applying for a protection order against my wife Tapiwa Mhlanga and we got married in 2016. She physically abuses me. She also consumes alcohol and unlawfully sells it at our house.
“Whenever I reprimand her about her drinking habits and her conduct of entertaining a lot of men at our house, she becomes violent and insults me. She also tears off my clothes. This happened on several occasions and I have made several reports at Barbourfields Police Station to no avail,” complained Dube.
Dube, who was seemingly sick of living in an abusive marriage, said his wife was also economically abusing him.
“She is also economically abusive as she has been with my bank card for over three years and she doesn’t buy food in the house. I no longer feel safe at home,” he grumbled.
Mhlanga, who was not opposed to her husband’s application instead submitted that he was the one who was the source of their marital disputes because of his infidelity.
“I am not opposed to his application for a protection order but he is the one who is behind the source of our problems. The other time he was working at Turk Mine, he was in the habit of going out with his friends and would switch off his phones. I later discovered that he was having an affair with a neighbour and I saw their pictures in the phone.
“As if that is not enough, I also caught him red-handed naked at Siphiwe Moyo’s house. When I tried to make a report at the police station, they made a counter-one that I had stolen their money amounting to $30. After busting him he approached my parents and asked for forgiveness. I however, forgave him in a bid to save my marriage,” said Mhlanga.
In the interest of peace and order the presiding magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu granted a reciprocal order which compels the couple to keep peace by not verbally and physically abusing each other.
The magistrate also ordered Mhlanga to return her husband’s bank card.B-Metro
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has stunned the entire nation after eqauting Mbuya Nehanda to Jesus Christ.
Church leaders across the country have described Mnangagwa’s remarks as blasphemous.
Mr Mnangagwa made the remarks after visiting Nyati Gallery near Snake Park, where the statue of Mbuya Nehanda is being made by sculptor David Mutasa.
“The bible instructs us to honour our parents and that is what we are doing.
Christ died for the sins of the world and Mbuya Nehanda sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country.
Christ died for the people and Mbuya Nehanda also died for the people.
Those who not respect her will not go to heaven.We are simply giving her the respect she deserves,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
However, an association of church leaders based in Masvingo described Mr Mnangagwa’s utterances as blasphemous.
“This is unacceptable, how can Mr Mnangagwa equate Mbuya Nehanda to the Saviour.Such comments are unfortunate.
This is why our nation is always grappling with endless problems.We urge Mr Mnangagwa to withdraw his remarks as soon as possible,” the association said in a statement seen by ZimEye.com.
A 25-year-old woman suffering from severe depression and admitted to Mount Darwin District Hospital disappeared from her ward on October 20 and was found at Concession, some 136km away, two days later unconscious and with her hands tied.
The hospital did not report the patient was missing to relatives or the police until October 22; when the woman’s aunt heard the news she rushed to Mt Darwin Police Station to make the initial missing person’s report.
Wendy Chinomungu of Rushinga was found bruised while her hands were tied with a rope at a farm in Concession. Her face was swollen. She was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare where she later died. Preliminary checks showed the woman had been sexually assaulted.
Ms Chinomungu had a condition known as melancholia (severe depression) and was admitted on September 30 to Mt Darwin Hospital. Owing to the condition, she was initially unable to walk, bath and eat on her own. She would be carried to the toilet and was experiencing recurring mood swings.
Despite having the family members’ contact details, the hospital staff only informed the aunt two days after she vanished according to the records.
The aunt, Ms Fariya Musandirire was the first to report to the police while the hospital administrator followed up later.
Some farm workers in Concession found the woman lying unconscious three days after she left the hospital and told the farm owner who immediately reported the case to Glendale Police Station. She was rushed to Concession Hospital and was immediately transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital where she later died.
A post-mortem report shows that the death was due to “severe head trauma”. The pathologist said the death was not a result of natural causes.
When The Herald visited Mt Darwin Hospital, it was clear that the security at the institution was lax. On arrival at the hospital’s main entrance, the security guard on duty did not bother to write down the visitors’ names and vehicle registration numbers. There were no temperature checks, neither were there sanitisation in line with Covid-19 regulations. Cars would get in and out without any searches.
The security fence is badly damaged and no longer serving the intended purpose. In an interview, the hospital’s senior nursing officer Mr Forbes Makamba confirmed the disappearance of Ms Chinomungu and also attributed the incident to laxity.
“Yes I know of the incident. When it happened, I was in Bindura attending a workshop,” he said. “She was admitted here on September 30 after she was brought in by her relatives. The relatives had a recommendation letter from a Roman Catholic priest called Father Simoko.
“She had melancholia. She was easily irritable and withdrawn. She could hardly walk, talk, bath herself and even eat on her own. She could not do anything on her own.
“Her aunt wanted to stay here but I refused because we wanted to examine her and try to establish what could have caused the depression. We suspected the depression could be a result of some family problems, hence we advised the relatives to stay away a bit and allow her to recover.
“After a few days, we noticed some improvements on her health. She was now able to walk and do her laundry. She was also able to eat, but she still had challenges in walking,” Mr Makamba said.
“I informed the relatives that they could now visit Wendy. The day they visited, that is when she had absconded from the hospital. I was away.”
However, Mr Makamba insisted that the patient disappeared on October 22, the day when the police report was made. But other staff said she vanished two days before, when Mr Makamba was still away and the official post-mortem and police documents show that she went missing on October 20.
Bureaucracy at the hospital also contributed to the delay in reporting the missing patient’s case to the police.
“I was told that the nurse on duty that night noticed the patient was missing and she informed the security department. The security details were supposed to immediately report to the administration but they waited until the following morning.
“That is when they informed the administrator who later went to the police,” Mr Makamba said.Mr Makamba said an independent board of inquiry had since been constituted to investigate the case.
Prior to the patient’s disappearance, some expensive juices and other food would be seen on her table daily but no one knew the source.
The Herald tracked down Wendy’s uncle Mr Chikuya Chikuya, who stays in Mudimu village under Chief Dotito, to get an account of what could have transpired to their niece.
Ms Chinomungu was staying with Mr Chikuya, who is married to Mrs Musandirire, prior to her hospitalisation. Mr Chikuya is a brother to Wendy’s late mother.
In an interview, Mrs Musandirire said her niece disappeared on October 20 and that the hospital officials were trying to cover-up for their delay in making a police report. She confirmed all relatives were barred from visiting Ms Chinomungu at the hospital.
“On October 15, we received a text message from Mr Makamba, the matron, telling us that our niece’s health was improving. We asked if we could visit her and he agreed. On that day, we failed to go due to transport challenges.
“On October 22, in the morning, we received a text message from the matron again, advising us to go to the hospital and see a nurse called Karasa. Coincidentally, we were planning to visit our niece on that same day,”’ she said.
Mrs Musandirire did not find her niece in the women’s ward. “At first I thought she had been moved to another bed. I then approached a nurse who was in the ward and she referred me to the sister-in-charge, Mrs Karasa. We sat down and she told me that my niece was missing from the hospital from October 20. It was so unbelievable and I was hurt,” she said.
The nurse reportedly asked the aunt to personally go and report the case to the police.
“She indicated to me that the hospital had not made a police report for a missing person, some two days after her disappearance. She asked me to go and report to the police that my niece was missing from hospital. Is this how Government hospitals handle issues of this nature?
“At first I refused to go to the police, but I later decided to comply. Police officers treated me well and asked me to bring my niece’s photos to assist in the search. Later in the day, we heard she had been found at Concession,” she said.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying Chinomungu’s aunt was the one who reported the case. -Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has stunned the entire nation after eqauting Mbuya Nehanda to Jesus Christ.
Church leaders across the country have described Mnangagwa’s remarks as blasphemous.
Mr Mnangagwa made the remarks after visiting Nyati Gallery near Snake Park, where the statue of Mbuya Nehanda is being made by sculptor David Mutasa.
“The bible instructs us to honour our parents and that is what we are doing.
Christ died for the sins of the world and Mbuya Nehanda sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country.
Christ died for the people and Mbuya Nehanda also died for the people.
Those who not respect her will not go to heaven.We are simply giving her the respect she deserves,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
However, an association of church leaders based in Masvingo described Mr Mnangagwa’s utterances as blasphemous.
“This is unacceptable, how can Mr Mnangagwa equate Mbuya Nehanda to the Saviour.Such comments are unfortunate.
This is why our nation is always grappling with endless problems.We urge Mr Mnangagwa to withdraw his remarks as soon as possible,” the association said in a statement seen by ZimEye.com.
As the fight against corruption continues, Harare City Council human capital director Cainos Chingombe spent less than 24 hours as a freeman after having been freed by the courts on Thursday before being re-arrested yesterday at Town House.
Special Anti-Corruption Unit head Mr Tabani Mpofu confirmed the arrest. A well-placed source at Town House said Chingombe was picked up in the afternoon at the council offices.
“He was picked while having a heads of department meeting. Information at hand is that Chingombe was arrested on similar charges that he appeared for before the courts,” said the source.
“The way the matter was handled seems to be questionable as the courts were alleged to have demanded documentary evidence at the initial stage of remand.”
Chingombe, who was jointly charged with suspended finance director Tendai Kwenda on criminal abuse of office charges, had been freed on Thursday after successfully challenging their placement on remand.
The duo was alleged to have awarded themselves allowances and retrenchment packages, a move deemed not in tandem with good corporate governance. But through their lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku, the duo challenged their placement on remand, saying the State’s allegations were incomplete. Prof Madhuku argued that the State, led by Mr Taddy Kamuriwo, had a defective charge sheet.
“They also made an error when charging the accused with fraud. There is no reasonable suspicion made by the State on the charges,” he said.
In his response, Mr Kamuriwo told the court that Chingombe and Kwenda allegedly committed the offence as they acted outside the dictates of their duties.
Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa, in her ruling, said the State failed to establish a nexus between Chingombe, Kwenda and fraud allegations, which she described as incomplete and meaningless. -Herald
By Patrick Guramatunhu | Tendai Biti, MDC A vice President, has been arrested and will spend Friday night in a Police Prison. He is charged with assault, after calling a Russian woman an idiot.
Biti has denied any wrong doing and claims the arrest is to stop him and the parliamentary committee he is heading investigating the illegal awarding of land during former Minister Ignatius Chombo’s days.
“The Harare Airport Road project was a total stink where thousands of hectares of land where illegally and fraudulently transferred to Augur Investments and its shelf companies. That land must be returned to the city and its citizens. They want to detain me overnight, so be it,” said Biti.
“Awaiting detention. In the absence of sanitizers, PPEs, running water, flushing toilets, repellents and decent food any detention in Zim prisons at the moment is cruel & degrading treatment. A crime against humanity
#ZimbabweanLivesMatter.”
Zimbabwe’s prison conditions are notoriously filthy and a real danger to life, especially these days with the added danger of getting the corona virus.
Still, one hopes that the night in the Police cell has forced Tendai Biti think about the 2008 to 2013 GNU golden opportunity Zimbabwe had to implement the democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections and thus end the de facto one-party dictatorship. It was none other than MP Tendai Biti and fellow MDC friends who wasted the golden opportunity and failed to get even one reform implemented in five years. Not even one!
President Robert Mugabe, Zanu PF leader and Zimbabwe’s dictator at the time, bribed the MDC leaders with the trappings of high office and the rest is history. Instead of implementing the reforms MDC leaders were falling over each other praising the dictator to the high heaven.
“President Mugabe is the unflappable father of the nation, fountain of wisdom,” sung Tendai Biti. He was the Minister of Finance in the GNU. Fancy that! A corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous tyrant; seen through the rose tinted glass of the ministerial limo, had metamorphosed into the unflappable fountain of wisdom!
If Tendai Biti and company had kept their eyes on the ball and implemented the democratic reforms; the 2013 and 2018 elections would have been free, fair and credible. Zimbabwe would be a totally different country, a healthy and functioning democracy well on its way to meaningful economic recovery!
No reforms were implemented and so the country is still stuck with the corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship. The country’s economy is still in ruins and sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss.
What is unforgivable is that Tendai Biti and his MDC friends have not only refused to admit they sold-out in failing implementing the reforms during the 2008 GNU but, worst of all, they have since then contrived to continue selling out on the fight for free, fair and credible elections!
The MDC leaders have known that with no democratic reforms in place Zanu PF will rig the elections and yet Biti and company have participated in the 2013 and then 2018 (all signs are they will do the same in 2023), regardless. Zanu PF has offered a few gravy train seats to entice the opposition to participate, bait MDC leaders found irresistible.
Of course, Tendai Biti and company knew the few gravy train seats were bait and that by participating they would give the flawed and illegal election process credibility; as David Coltart admitted in his book.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” wrote Senator Coltart in his book The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
Senator Coltart was himself one of the MDC Ministers during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. He is now the Treasurer General of the MDC A, the coalition of three main MDC factions formed just before the 2018 election.
By continuing to participate in these flawed and illegal elections, MDC and the rest in the opposition camp are giving these elections credibility and, with it, giving the vote rigging Zanu PF government legitimacy.
So MP Tendai Biti should not just think about his time in prison as “cruel & degrading treatment, a crime against humanity” but most important of all that millions of Zimbabweans, inside and outside prison, are suffering the same or worse conditions.
And, most important of all, that the nation would have been saved from all this suffering and deaths if he and his MDC friends have not been selling-out on reforms and free, fair and credible elections. Food for thought; assuming he is not punch drunk on powers and his brain is now totally impermeable to reason and logic. – SOURCE: zimbabwelight.blogspot.com
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA| Flags in Zimbabwe must fly at half mast, each giving a sorrowful wave in the winds and in remembrance of our fallen heroes. The rhythm of the wind sings to a sad tune which says long live the legend and heroine Mbuya Nehanda. She was and remains our hero.
In the midst of this thick mist a male ‘relative’ of the 1896 and today’s icon Mbuya, Nehanda Nyakasikana is set to stop the erection of her statue as he says government has bypassed traditional rites by not engaging her family.
A notice of set down which is an application to request a hearing date demanding to stop the erection of the Nehanda statue, was lodged in court. If the government does not respond it will mean that the state will lose by default.
Mr Felix Elijah Shamuyarira, who says he is a maternal relative of Mbuya Charwe, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, said in court papers the government was making a grave mistake by going ahead with the statue before a cleansing ceremony is conducted. in The Nehanda statue to be erected in the Harare CBD has raised eye brows. The statute looks more beautiful and fully packed that the scared skinny and bony one which the colonialist has sold to us. But Shamuyarira said the city had to be cleansed of the spirits of a lot of innocent lives that have been lost in recent years.
Work on erecting the statue started in Harare this month and is expected to be completed in two months.
Shamuyarira cites Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, his Local Government counterpart July Moyo, National Archives of Zimbabwe director Ivan Murambiwa, National Museums and Monuments director Godfrey Mahachi and National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda as respondents in the court case.
Shamuyarira wants Kazembe, Moyo, Murambiwa and Mahachi interdicted from erecting the statue of Mbuya Charwe, also known as Nyakasikana, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue.
A very dark cloud has enveloped the nation and yes we are all in confusion. The social media is awash with the news that Nehanda is not reflected correctly in the statue.
The Nehanda family conveyed their message to the government through courts disregarding the traditional channels. If there is any time when the family’s wishes would be disregarded it is when the hero of Nehanda’s nature comes to the stage. Nehanda is a national hero; her heroics suppress her faults. She was not only a member of her nucleus family members. She was Zimbabwe itself. Nehanda was larger than the party or the country. Love her or hate her she won the hearts of both friends and enemies alike.
Erecting her statue in Harare cannot be decided by her relatives. There is no person who is supposed to have her statue imposing authority in Zimbabwe more than Mbuya Nehanda.
Some political prostitutes who are quick to insult the icon in order to gain positions are idiots and shameless losers. While some family members who have scores to settle or those who have political reasons to offer dissenting voices try to make the event an issue, the reasons they are giving are that there are rituals to be done. These are seriously embarrassing. The honouring of Mbuya NeHanda is not a rally so there are no political gains to be won in officiating and honouring the heroine.
So the president does not need to publicly request authority for anything. He is the president.
People should understand the presidency.
The president, in government, is the officer in whom the chief executive power of a nation is vested. The president of a Republic is the chief of state, but his actual power varies from country to country; in Zimbabwe the presidential office is charged with great powers and responsibilities, but the office is relatively weak and largely ceremonial in Europe and in many countries where the prime minister, or premier functions as the chief executive officer.
Much of the time these chief executives function in a democratic tradition as duly elected public officials.
Zimbabwe endowed the office of president with immutable executive powers, including the power to dissolve the national legislature and call national referenda. So like the president our heroes becomes a national property.
This means the heroes among being human beings they are the property of the state. They are the face of the country and indeed their person is solely the person of the state.
When the president leaves At all times during their life time and after their life is over their welfare remains the responsibility of the state. The family can not decide their fate. Nehanda’s statue’s position is therefore decided by the country not by the family.
While Nehanda was believed to have led a faction no amount of rebelling would strip the honour bestowed on Her by the nation.
There are some people who have denigrated the person of Nehanda and her statue. Nehanda had taken decisions which made her unpopular with the colonialists but which put the nation in the path to independence.
Now coming to the message purportedly said by Mbuya Nehanda the nation must not lose sleep. There is no official message to President Mnangagwa it is entirely based on a rumour.
The government can not start reacting to rumours. Mbuya NeHanda is our hero and deserves better.
Nehanda was part of Zimbabwe and she should be buried at a place where her contributions to the state is recognised. The word Zimbabwe can never be in a paragraph without Mbuya Nehanda.
We must all remember that Mbuya Nehanda is now the property of Zimbabwe. Erecting her statue is the greatest honour we can bestow on our leader.
While we honour her we continue asking Zimbabwe to collect her bones from United Kingdom Museum. Its a shame on us. To take forty years without honouring your own spirit and heroin is unforgivable.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance, Secretary General, Hon Amos Chibaya, has said preparations for Gogo Alice Chamisa’s memorial service are at an advanced stage.
The memorial service is set for tomorrow in Gutu.
Hundreds of MDC Alliance members and Zimbabweans in general are expected to gather at President Nelson Chamisa’s rural home in Chiwara village, Gutu for the event tomorrow.
“You are all invited to attend Gogo Chamisa’s memorial service at the Chamisa Homestead in Chiwara Village , Gutu South.
This event will be held on Saturday the 5th of December.
The spirit of solidarity that binds us as a big family must be our guiding principle,” said Hon Chibaya
Tinashe Sambiri|A senior MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga, has said President Nelson Chamisa remains the nation’s hope despite relentless efforts by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF to bring him down.
He implored Zimbabweans to remain optimistic in spite of Mr Mnangagwa’s attempt to thwart the people’s struggle.
“I would like to thank Pres. Nelson Chamisa for standing strong in the wake of monumental electoral theft.
Not only the President but all Comrades who remained glued to the struggle even in the face of incessant challenges.
Following the 2018 elections, the going has been sadly torturous. We were robbed of everything including Parliamentary and council victories. Like i always say, let’s eye focus on 2023.
Prepare not only to vote but vote, win, secure and defend, at all costs, our victories.
Lawyers are advised to think about the name challenges that the party has faced.
While it is clear that the Judiciary is 100% captured, lawyers must close any loophole that might be exploited. MDC CHAMISA! The struggle continues,” Taruvinga posted on Facebook.
Tinashe Sambiri|A senior MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga, has said President Nelson Chamisa remains the nation’s hope despite relentless efforts by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF to bring him down.
He implored Zimbabweans to remain optimistic in spite of Mr Mnangagwa’s attempt to thwart the people’s struggle.
“I would like to thank Pres. Nelson Chamisa for standing strong in the wake of monumental electoral theft.
Not only the President but all Comrades who remained glued to the struggle even in the face of incessant challenges.
Following the 2018 elections, the going has been sadly torturous. We were robbed of everything including Parliamentary and council victories. Like i always say, let’s eye focus on 2023.
Prepare not only to vote but vote, win, secure and defend, at all costs, our victories.
Lawyers are advised to think about the name challenges that the party has faced.
While it is clear that the Judiciary is 100% captured, lawyers must close any loophole that might be exploited. MDC CHAMISA! The struggle continues,” Taruvinga posted on Facebook.
The Warriors technical team has named 34 players in the provisional squad for the CHAN finals to be played in Cameroon from the 16th of January next year.
The players are expected to be in the camp between the 6th and 20th of December, break camp for the festive period between the 21st and the 27th December, and then regroup on 28 December until 15 January.
Zimbabwe will play against Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali in the group stage of the tournament.
@nickmangwana What abt Marry Chiwenga? what abt Jocelyn Chiwenga What abt Tambudzani Mohadi? What about Rudo Charamba? Rudo was butchered by @Jamwanda2 & Tambudzani had her home raided by Kembo carrying an axe & @PoliceZimbabwe closed the cases. As for Marry i shall not speak?♀️
So they should only be safe at court not anywhere else in Zimbabwe?@JoanaMamombe@ceechimbiri2 and Netsai were not safe in POLICE CUSTODY..@nickmangwana , please say no to GBV, not for political mileage as you are doing here.
@nickmangwana , is Johanna Mamombe safe in the courts? Charity begins at home boss. She was tortured, brutalised and still she not safe! Here you are talking about gender based violence. Any violence must be condemned. We should feel safe, not scared! pic.twitter.com/kwBJhS5hK4
Zanu PF Acting Spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has taken the time to warn his party members that they risk being expelled from Zanu PF if they engage in any acts of indiscipline during the DCC polls which will be held at 1248 polling stations countrywide despite the ban on public gatherings, the Daily News reports.
Chinamasa was speaking during a Press conference in Harare yesterday when he said:
I want to warn any of our members … that we are watching any acts of indiscipline that bring the party into disrepute Acts of indiscipline will be reported to our national disciplinary committee which will descend with a sledge hammer on anyone convicted of perpetrating any acts of violence which disrupt the electoral process.
I want to say to our members if you commit any acts of indiscipline don’t be surprised to find yourself outside the membership of Zanu PF. Don’t blame anybody but yourself,” Chinamasa warned further.
To ensure fairness and minimise manipulation, members of the central committee from one district will supervise elections in another district.
All preparations for the DCC are on course. We are confident that we will successfully hold the elections. The supervisory team, including election commissioners and politburo members, have since been deployed to their respective work stations.
Chinamasa’s scathing warning comes amid reports of vote irregularities and in some cases violence in some parts of the country in the period leading to the DCC polls.
By Prince Njagu- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC Alliance) has cried foul over the unlawful arrest and detention of its members which is being perpetrated by the Emmerson Mnangagwa led government.
This comes after the continued targeted arrest of its councillors and mayors by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
MDC Alliance expressed their discontent over the recent unlawful arrest of Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume as well as Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko.
“We continue to demand freedom for Mayor Jacob Mafume. Bail is a constitutional entitlement. Arresting to investigate is unlawful,” says MDC Alliance on their official Twitter page.
Eight days later and no bail has been set for Mafume. The MDC-A Harare major remains behind bars, regardless of the fact that the Zimbabwean constitution has a provision for bail to be set either pending an investigation or arrest.
Mafume is one of the many opposition members who has been arrested and put behind bars with no bail terms being set.
“Political persecution of opposition politicians and progressive citizens must end,” said MDC-Alliance on their Twitter page.
Prominent figures within the political spectrum, press and civil society have fallen victim to the ZANU PF administration, with renowned journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono also having been incarcerated this year for exposing corruption.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Mafume more than a week ago, but no bail has been set for the Harare Mayor and he remains in prison.
Mafume, is the MDC-A councillor for Ward 17, and was elected to the position of Harare Mayor in September 2020, following the recalling of Herbert Gomba by the MDC-T.
Several other MDC-A officials and councillors have been arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), with the latest incident involving the arrest of all Chitungwiza officials during a meeting.
Arrest of all Chitungwiza officials and councillors by ZRP is being viewed as the latest act to hamstring MDC-A led local authorities by ZANU PF through the use of the police.
In a statement issued on the MDC-A Twitter page, the party said, “In the latest act to hamstring local authorities, ZRP have just arrested all Chitungwiza councillors and officials who were attending the ordinary full council meeting in chambers,”
“All except 2, of the councillors and council staff who were unlawfully arrested in a dragnet operation today while conducting council business have been released without charge. Councillors Chamutsa and Nyagondo are currently at St Marys police station. No charges yet”.
There has been a crackdown on council officials on accusation of corruption, but it is mainly targeting opposition officials.
Last week MDC-A Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko was arrested and the party believes that all this is being done as a move to destabilise local councils after the failed move to recall the opposition mayors.
The MDC Alliance still maintains that all these moves are political and aimed at decimating the party.
Earlier last week MDC Alliance secretary for Local Government Sessel Zvidzai indicated that arrests of opposition mayors was a ZANU PF weapon to cripple local councils and his party.
“This is nothing new. It is weaponization of the courts and political persecution,” said Sessel Zvidzai the MDC Alliance secretary for Local Government.
NINE gunmen stormed a house in Rusape belonging to South Africa-based Zimbabwean opposition politician Herbert Chamuka, beating up female tenets and threateing to rape them before making good their escape with household goods worth US$12 000.
The incident took place on Saturday night.
Chamuka confirmed the development in an interview from his South Africa base, saying he suspects the brutal attack was politically motivated.
“It looks like this is more than just a robbery case. This could be the work of my political rivals in or outside the party. It has been reported to police,” he said.
“My tenants called me to say nine people came and harassed then totting guns and locking them up in a room and threating to kill them if they shouted. They also took phones from the women that stay at my house. The men had the women’s hands tied and kept on kicking them, throwing threats that they would kill them,” Chamuka said.
“They sped off in a truck and the tenants fortunately managed to take the registration number which they took to police,” he added.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident and said investigations were currently underway.
“I can confirm that we received an armed robbery report in Rusape. The incident took place on Saturday night. Investigations are currently underway and we appeal to all those with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward,” he said.
The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, pictured, has been arrested as part of a fraud investigation and suspended from the Labour party.
Anderson, who has led Liverpool for a decade, was one of five men arrested across Merseyside on Friday in an investigation into building and development contracts in the city. He is being interviewed by police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation.
Merseyside police have not named any of the men arrested, but the Guardian has been told by several sources that the 62-year-old mayor is one of those being held.
A Liverpool city council spokeswoman said: “Liverpool city council is cooperating with Merseyside police in relation to its ongoing investigation. We do not comment on matters relating to individuals.”
The others arrested are: a 72-year-old man from Aigburth, on suspicion of witness intimidation; a 33-year-old man from West Derby, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation; a 46-year-old man from Ainsdale, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation; and a 25-year-old man from Ormskirk, on suspicion of witness intimidation.
Sources said Anderson had been suspended from the Labour party in light of his arrest. A former social worker and publican, he has led the city since 2010 and has been mayor since 2012. He has been a councillor in Liverpool for 22 years and leader of the Labour group since 2003.
He ran unsuccessfully to be the mayor of the Liverpool city region, a post won by the former Labour MP Steve Rotheram, and to be an MP for Liverpool Walton in 2017. Last year he secured the Labour party selection to run to be mayor of the city for a third term in May’s delayed elections.
Anderson’s eldest brother, Bill, died in October after contracting coronavirus. The mayor has spent most of 2020 shielding at home due to underlying health conditions.
Saudi ambassador to the UN Abdallah Al-Mouallimi and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, sign an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Media in Saudi Arabia indicates that Zimbabwe and the Persian Gulf State have signed a new diplomatic agreement though local media has remained quiet on the issue.
Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, signed the agreement on Friday to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The two ambassadors reportedly said, “The signing of the agreement is motivated by the keenness of the two countries’ governments to strengthen relations and expand the horizons of cooperation between them.”
The statement said the agreement was also signed in support of security and peace in the world, based on the provisions of the Agreement on Diplomatic Relations and Immunities signed in Vienna on April 18, 1961.
The two ambassadors also reaffirmed that the agreement aims to “consolidate fruitful cooperation and establish the best bilateral relations and friendly ties in various fields.
The African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa, that was approved last week, has since been requested by the ATM to be postponed. The postponement was eventually approved and agreed to by Speaker of the National Assembly Thandi Modise on Thursday 3 December 2020.
The ATM first submitted a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa back in February for continuous load shedding and economic decline. That was before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown arrived.
MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE POSTPONEMENT GRANTED Modise, in a letter dated 3 December, told President of the ATM Vuyolwethu Zungula that his request for a postponement of the motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa was “acceded to”.
“The motion is postponed pending consideration of the matter by the Programme Committee and will be rescheduled for debate and decision within a reasonable period of time given the programme of the Assembly in the new year,” said Modise.
“The Programme Committee will be requested to consider the implication of the postponement of the motion of no confidence, especially in light of Rule 90 (rule of anticipation) and a possible date in the new year for the consideration of the motion,” she added.
The ATM suggested a postponement while it awaits the outcome of their court application to ensure that voting is done via secret ballot.
“The basis of asking for postponement is that the ATM has launched proceedings before the Western Cape High Court, wherein the ATM seeks the court to review, and set aside the decision by the speaker to decline a vote by secret ballot,” Zungula said.
ANC HITS BACK AT ATM While the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it would abstain from voting in a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa, the African National Congress (ANC) said the ATM is “wasting” Parliament’s time with a motion it knows will not succeed.
“There is simply no basis for the motion and is quite frivolous,” it said.
“They are displaying their fear of their irrelevance. Whatever the court decides, the ANC stands ready to defeat the motion,” it added.
“Accordingly, we urge ATM to focus its attention on inputs that would strengthen the Economic Transformation and Recovery plan led by the president so that together we can set the country’s economy on an irreversible upward trajectory,” it added.
South Africa will impose additional restrictive measures in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in an effort to stem the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised address on Thursday.
Under the new rules, in addition to the existing Alert Level 1 regulations, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro will impose a curfew from midnight Thursday.
Also, the sale of alcohol from retail outlets will only be permitted between 10 a.m. (0800 GMT) and 6 p.m. (1600 GMT) from Monday to Thursday. Alcohol consumption in public spaces is strictly forbidden to prevent large social gatherings.
Ramaphosa said gatherings may not be attended by more than 100 people for indoor events and 250 for outdoor events. At all times, the total number of people in a venue may not exceed more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue. All post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.
South Africa has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks with hospital admissions escalating. As of Thursday, more than 800,000 confirmed cases have been reported nationwide with nearly 22,000 deaths.
Most of the new infections were recorded in Nelson Mandela Bay and the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.
“Hospital admissions in these districts are on the rise, in some instances comparable to those during the first wave of infections,” Ramaphosa said.
“To prevent this we are putting into motion the resurgence plan that we developed with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s surge team,” he said.
This plan, the president said, would include making more capacity available at hospitals and clinics, expanding public health interventions such as testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine as well as stepping up awareness campaigns around public health regulations.
He added that South Africa was taking part in the COVAX facility, the WHO-backed global initiative with an aim of accelerating the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines and ensuring equitable distribution of eventual vaccines.
“But let us remember that until a vaccine is developed and distributed, we remain our own best protection against COVID-19,” he said, calling on South Africans to wear masks in public, observe social distancing and avoid large gatherings.
Ramaphosa also extended the National State of Disaster to Jan. 15.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has included South African professors Salim Abdool Karim and his wife Quarraisha on his heroes list for their role in the fight against HIV/Aids and Covid-19.
“Drawing on their experiences from HIV and TB, they are helping guide the Covid-19 response in South Africa and around the world. It is a shame that they haven’t been able to focus on HIV/Aids, but on the other hand, it is a reminder of how fighting old diseases like HIV helps the world prepare for new ones like Covid-19,” said Gates in his blog.
The couple are internationally renowned for their work at the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa).
Gates said it was their “upbeat” attitude, even in the face of devastating viruses like the coronavirus and HIV, that struck him.
“Their motto at Caprisa is, ‘Each day that you come to work, you should be looking for how today is going to be better than yesterday.’ That is a lesson we can all take to heart,” said Gates.
Medical doctor Kopano Matlwa Mabaso is also on Gates’ list of heroes.
“To cope with the demands of medical school and the tragedy of what she was seeing all around her, Dr Matlwa Mabaso started writing her first novel,” Gates said.
Mabaso, according to Gates, leads the Grow Great campaign, a “sophisticated effort” to eliminate child stunting from SA over the next decade.
“Melinda and I have seen many stunted children in our travels. Sometimes we’re talking to a child who looks like one of our kids did at age three only to be told that the child is actually six or seven years old. It’s heartbreaking, and utterly preventable,” he said.
A Form 4 pupil at a Bulawayo school committed suicide after discovering that she was pregnant, police said.
The 17-year-old Magwegwe Secondary School pupil named only as Nokuzola is believed to have killed herself by drinking an insecticide hours after her mother excoriated her for “playing with boys” and neglecting her schoolwork.
The mother did not know at the time that her daughter is pregnant.
“Police are investigating a case of sudden death which occurred in Magwegwe suburb. The mother of the late reprimanded her on Monday evening not to play with boys as she might get pregnant while urging her to concentrate on her school work,” Inspector Abednico Ncube of Bulawayo police said.
He said the mother left home in the morning on Tuesday for her vending business leaving her daughter with their 19-year-old housekeeper.
Inspector Ncube explained: “On the same day at around 10AM, the now deceased ordered the maid to go and bath. The maid went to bath leaving the now deceased in the bedroom alone. When the maid came back from bathing she found the now deceased lying on the floor in her mother’s bedroom vomiting. The maid informed a neighbour who summoned an ambulance.”
The ambulance crew pronounced her dead on arrival and police were called.
“The police found the deceased lying on the floor in the bedroom next to a bed with vomit on the floor. An empty 100ml bottle of Dichlorvos insecticide with a purple triangle was found on top of the wardrobe. We suspect the late pupil drank the contests of the bottle,” Inspector Ncube said.
A female friend of Nokuzola told police that “she tested herself for pregnancy and confirmed that she was pregnant.”
“She also told police that the deceased had made threats to commit suicide if anyone disclosed the pregnancy to her parents,” according to Inspector Ncube.
Her body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem.
Police urged members of the public to keep dangerous chemicals like pesticides away from the reach of children.
“We also appeal to our children and youths to take heed of their parents’ counsel and desist from engaging in early sexual experiments. Young lives are unnecessarily lost due to wayward behaviour of some youths and social ills,” he said.
The parliamentary portfolio committee on primary and secondary education his week heard that a number of school girls at Bulawayo schools had fallen pregnant during the lengthy school closure caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.
ZANU PF’s Tionei Melody Dziva who was one of the youngest parliamentarians at 29, in the 2013 parliament has died.
She died on the day she was to graduate with a Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University Of Zimbabwe.
This could have been her third degree in remarkable succession.
Despite fierce heckling and sexist comments targeted at female legislators in the National Assembly, Melody Tionei Dziva managed to rise from a very timid young Member of Parliament (MP) to become one of the most powerful women in Parliament during her tenure.
The Zanu PF proportional representation MP ended up sitting in the Speaker’s panel and controlling debate whenever the Speaker Jacob Mudenda and his then deputy, Mabel Chinomona were away.
A Form 4 pupil at a Bulawayo school committed suicide after discovering that she was pregnant, police said.
The 17-year-old Magwegwe Secondary School pupil named only as Nokuzola is believed to have killed herself by drinking an insecticide hours after her mother excoriated her for “playing with boys” and neglecting her schoolwork.
The mother did not know at the time that her daughter is pregnant.
“Police are investigating a case of sudden death which occurred in Magwegwe suburb. The mother of the late reprimanded her on Monday evening not to play with boys as she might get pregnant while urging her to concentrate on her school work,” Inspector Abednico Ncube of Bulawayo police said.
He said the mother left home in the morning on Tuesday for her vending business leaving her daughter with their 19-year-old housekeeper.
Inspector Ncube explained: “On the same day at around 10AM, the now deceased ordered the maid to go and bath. The maid went to bath leaving the now deceased in the bedroom alone. When the maid came back from bathing she found the now deceased lying on the floor in her mother’s bedroom vomiting. The maid informed a neighbour who summoned an ambulance.”
The ambulance crew pronounced her dead on arrival and police were called.
“The police found the deceased lying on the floor in the bedroom next to a bed with vomit on the floor. An empty 100ml bottle of Dichlorvos insecticide with a purple triangle was found on top of the wardrobe. We suspect the late pupil drank the contests of the bottle,” Inspector Ncube said.
A female friend of Nokuzola told police that “she tested herself for pregnancy and confirmed that she was pregnant.”
“She also told police that the deceased had made threats to commit suicide if anyone disclosed the pregnancy to her parents,” according to Inspector Ncube.
Her body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem.
Police urged members of the public to keep dangerous chemicals like pesticides away from the reach of children.
“We also appeal to our children and youths to take heed of their parents’ counsel and desist from engaging in early sexual experiments. Young lives are unnecessarily lost due to wayward behaviour of some youths and social ills,” he said.
The parliamentary portfolio committee on primary and secondary education his week heard that a number of school girls at Bulawayo schools had fallen pregnant during the lengthy school closure caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.-ZimLive
Marry Chiwenga nee Mubaiwa has through her lawyers filed an urgent application at the high court seeking the release of her passport so that she can travel to South Africa to seek medical attention, the Daily News reports.
In court papers seen by the publication, Marry said her health has deteriorated she now moves around with a gadget that drains fluid from her body:
I am in extreme constant pain. I now have to carry a gadget which drains the liquids from the wounds. Without immediate specialist care, the wounds are becoming more and more septic and it is paramount that I receive immediate, urgent attention … in South Africa.
As my wounds are getting worse every day and the pain unbearable, I contend that this is a matter of life and death which should be treated with the urgency it deserves
To further make her case Marry said she could not travel to South Africa due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and now that travel restrictions are no longer in place, prosecutors handling her case have not responded to her requests:
Upon lifting of travel restrictions in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, my legal practitioners wrote to the first respondent seeking consent for the release of the passport so that I could travel to South Africa for the necessary treatment, “This letter was followed by many physical visits to Reza, Muchemwa and Mushayabasa, all of whom have asked for proof of my medical attention in South Africa, which has been provided.
Regrettably, it appears that no one wants to make a decision on this issue which could easily have been dealt with without the need for a formal application.
I have been religiously abiding by all my bail conditions since they were imposed and I have no reason not to come back to face trial, particularly as I consider the charges against me extremely weak. In any event, I cannot jeopardise my parents’ property which was used to fulfil one of the bail conditions
Marry who is facing, attempted murder, fraud, and money laundering charges came to court in a stretcher bed this week after magistrate Ngoni Nduna ordered that she appear before the court for her trial.
An explosion rocked South Africa’s second-largest crude oil refinery in Durban on Friday injuring seven people, local emergency services said.
Engen, which operates the plant and is majority owned by Malaysia’s Petronas, said a fire broke out at around 0510 GMT and was extinguished by 0645 GMT.
“I saw a massive fireball at the centre of the refinery with thick black smoke billowing from it. A few minutes later many vehicles passed by my home,” Durban resident Shane Lloyd Pretorius told Reuters.
The extent of damage or the impact on production at the 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery was not clear.
Those injured are in a stable condition, KwaZulu-Natal emergency medical services spokesman Robert McKenzie said.
Engen said in a statement that the cause of the fire was under investigation. It made no mention of injuries or output and said it would provide another update later.
A Reuters witness at the scene saw several fire engines spraying foam onto the affected part of the refinery, as well as ambulances, metropolitan police and national police standing by.
Africa’s most industrialised economy has six refineries, four using crude oil and two synthetic fuel as feedstock. It is a net importer of petroleum products.
The country’s third-biggest crude oil refinery, a 100,000 bpd facility operated by Astron Energy in Cape Town, also suffered an explosion earlier this year.
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Top refinery SAPREF, which is also located in Durban and is a joint venture between BP and Shell, said the incident at Engen’s facility had no impact on its operations.
The Engen Refinery and SAPREF form part of a major petrochemical hub on the east coast close to Durban’s port
By A Correspondent- Aisha Tsimba who was once a Sports and Recreation Commission board member has died, The Herald reports.
This was revealed in a statement by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union( ZRU) on the death of Tsimba who is the sister of Kennedy Tsimba who is a Zimbabwe rugby legend.
The ZRU said in a statement on Friday:
The president of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Mr Aaron Jani, the ZRU exco and board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the Tsimba family on the passing of the former Zimbabwe Rugby Union vice-president and former Sports and Recreation Commissioner Aisha Tsimba,’’ the ZRU said in a statement.
She was an astute and principled administrator who worked tirelessly to improve the image of rugby and sports in the country.
She worked tirelessly to set up structures and development of women’s rugby in the country and championed the girl child’s participation in sports.
She played for Old Hararians’ Women’s Rugby Club and also turned out for Cameo Women’s Basketball team before she took over the reins of being Women’s Rugby president in the country.
She was a champion of good corporate governance systems that ensured the viability of sports in the country and the development of sports as an industry to sustain livelihoods and as a vehicle for social justice and development.
She will be fondly remembered for her tireless work ethic and discipline.
Tsimba who was an athlete and an administrator died of an undisclosed illness. We will update this article if burial arrangements are announced.
Reports just received indicate that CBZ Bank has arbitrarily frozen estranged wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Chiwenga’s five bank accounts without a court order.
The move comes at a time when Marry is extremely ill and needing money desperately.
Marry Mubaiwa recently claimed she is living in fear as unknown people want to kill her.
Marry and Chiwenga are going through a nasty divorce which is playing out in public, with the Vice-President alleging that the former model tried to kill him in July last year when he was bedridden in a South African hospital.
A visibly sick Mubaiwa was on Monday forced to attend court from an ambulance stretcher to cancel two warrants of arrest that were issued after she had failed to attend court due to
ill-health to answer to allegations of money-laundering and attempting to kill Chiwenga.
Marry is battling lymphoedema, a chronic condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues.
CBZ, according to her lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, had no legal basis to freeze the accounts as there was no order from the court.
“Regrettably, this behaviour is not limited to your branch as all her attempts at transacting on all accounts she previously used with ease have met a similar fate. The only conclusion she has come to is that the decision not to process transactions is synchronised and has been taken by the bank. We advise that your conduct is unlawful and should cease forthwith as there has been no form of due legal process to bar our client from transacting on the account.”
Impala Car Rental CEO Mr. Thompson Dondo sat down and spoke about the storm that was brewed by the abduction of a young man Tawanda Muchehiwa who was abducted by suspected state agents using an Impala car rental vehicle, All Africa News reports.
Since the abduction storm, Impala car rental has become infamous as people associate it with abductors, and investigative journalists have revealed that the company is alegedly owned by law enforcement agents and the CEO is allegedly a wanted man in the UK.
Speaking about the issue of him possibly being a wanted fugitive and why Impala Car rental did not disloce the name of the people who hired the vehicle that was used to abduct Tawanda Muchehiwa, Dondo said:
Before I answer your question, let me tell you this – I am generally a very quiet person. I don’t like the limelight. I don’t want everyone to know that I am the owner of Impala Car Rental. And I don’t even want talking to the media, but the attacks on my person and on my business have left me with no choice but to speak out. I can’t let the nonsense go on and on as if I have something to hide or something to be afraid of.
Now back to your question. From the onset, I need you to know and understand that the majority of the people who are attacking me and my business are struggling political activists. One of our cars was hired by some individual and we have already supplied the name of this individual to police. After hiring our car, allegations are that this individual went and committed a crime. We were then challenged to provide details of this person because the vehicle that was used in committing this crime was hired from us. We didn’t try to hide anything. We accepted that indeed this was our vehicle but we couldn’t disclose the name of the person who had hired the vehicle to people on Twitter and Facebook.
Dondo said in not disclosing the name of their customers who hired the vehicle they were not hiding anything:
We don’t run our business like that and I don’t think there is any business out there that is run like that. These people wanted us to divulge the name of the person who had hired the car on Twitter and Facebook. Business law and ethics don’t allow us to do that. We are a professionally run business and we don’t dance to the tune of faceless people on social media platforms.
When we were asked to facilitate investigations into the matter, we handed all the required documents pertaining to this matter to police. I am not Paul Nyathi, the police spokesperson. I can’t speak on behalf of police. Anyone who wants any information regarding this issue should go to the police and not Impala Car Rental. We respect the country’s laws and we did what we were supposed to do according to the law.
Dondo said they did not delay to hand over the information to the authorities either:
Took long according to who? Twitter? Facebook? No, that’s not how we operate. Can you imagine you as a journalists you start revealing names of your sources to every Tom, Dick and Harry? Or a doctor who rushes to reveal names of his or her clients just because Twitter or Facebook has pushed him or her? Is that ethical? Who will take you serious?
For your own information, we didn’t take long to look into the matter. The story started circulating online on a Friday and the next Monday I went to police. I personally went to police and told them that I had not yet received any complain regarding the issue. I reported that there was this issue because I wanted to be in the clear as police is the one that has the mandate to investigate such issues. The police then came and took all the documents pertaining to the matter so as to investigate the issue.
Dondo took a jab at Mduduzi Mathuthu whose nephew is in the midst of the abduction storm and said he could have handled the issue differently:
I know Mathuthu from long back. When this incident happened he phoned me and I gave him the information of the person who had hired the car. I gave him the name and he has the information.
Mathuthu wanted me to say the person who did this is so and so. I couldn’t do that. That’s why he is angry with me. He thinks I know another person besides the name I gave him. He thinks I should have said something else
I have a 22 year old son and I do feel pity for the young lad but well what do you expect if you have an elder like Mathuthu? Mathuthu could have handled this issue in a sober way away from the social media. I really feel sorry for Muchehiwa and I hope this matter is dealt with in such a way that he continues with his normal life. He deserves better than being used and abused on Twitter and Facebook for selfish gains. It’s pathetic.
Muchehiwa’s lawyers brought summons here and we responded. When my lawyer went to court, he was then told by Muchehiwa’s lawyer that the young man was no longer in the country and so the matter has collapsed. I don’t know what that means as far as investigations are concerned by as for the case between Impala and Muchehiwa, hapasisina nyaya apa. Muchehiwa’s lawyer actually said let’s close this case.
Dondo said he chose to speak now because the negativity is too much:
The negativity is just too much. The nonsense against us is just too much. We are fed up. I am sure you saw the story about us that came out in The News Hawks. Utter rubbish! Lies upon lies by people with no shame at all.
They lied that this company is owned by CIO and so on yet its public record that this is a family business that has two directors – my wife and my sister. They went on the lie even about my national identity number. What for exactly? Why go to such lengths to cook stories, cook facts and cook figures? Kuti zviite sei?
I felt this bullshit has to stop. I can’t continue keeping quite as if ndiri kuvatya or as if I have anything to hide. I am an honest businessman trying to make a living, why fabricate stories against me?
What is even more sickening is that recently these political activists took aerial pictures of my company using a drone. The lengths at which they are doing all this shows shocking desperation. You never know what else such desperate people are capable of doing. This is now a threat to my life, family and my company.
They got into my premises without my consent. What is it that they will do next? We reported this matter to police and investigations are already underway.
Speaking about the story that was published by The News Hawks about Impala Car Rental being owned by the CIO, Dondo said the story was not true:
I know that the people behind The News Hawk – that is Dumisani Muleya and Malaba are close friends with Mathuthu. So it’s Mathuthu who is feeding them with all those lies. He has been overdoing it and this is just one of his several strategies. Just the tone of the story and the lies in the story can tell you it’s the same old story sold to this publication.
We have reported the matter to police because these journalists forged so many things in that story. Can you imagine they forged our CR14? It’s criminal what they did. We are also suing them. Impala is not a punch bag for disgruntled political activists hiding in newsrooms. We won’t allow that.
Lastly Dondo addressed the story of him possibly being a fugitive in the UK and said:
This isn’t news anymore and I haven’t hidden anything about this story. Way back, Malaba and others wrote this story and I wonder why some journalists still think this is the kind of story that can freak me out.
While in the UK, I had a business where I would employ Zimbabweans. Some of them later got arrested because they didn’t have proper documentation. It was discovered that they were illegal workers. These people went to court and agreed that indeed they were in the UK illegally.
As their employer I was blamed for employing illegal workers. The authorities thought I was bringing these people from Zimbabwe to the UK, yet I would employ them while they were in the UK already. The authorities didn’t understand how things work and they said this was human trafficking. It’s not like I facilitated these people’s departure from Zimbabwe – they went to the UK using whatever means and I only employed them while they were in the UK.
Of course, I knew some of these people didn’t have proper documents and it’s not a secret that quite a number of them don’t have proper documentation, but I thought I could help my brothers and sisters from home as they sorted their papers in the UK.
Mazowe Central Legislator Sydney Chidamba has been placed under disciplinary action for undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was scheduled to visit his constituency for National Tree planting day in Mazowe this Saturday . Chidamba is reported to have walked out of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s preparatory meeting held on Wednesday in his constituency.
A highly placed source in Zanu PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) told this publication that Chidamba was grilled during the meeting over his actions and awaits disciplinary hearing.
“Chidamba is on a disciplinary course because We were planning about HE’s visit which was to be in his constituency. He walked out of the meeting and went to address three districts when the entire Mazowe and Provincial Leadership, PB member Cde Machacha, chiefs , headmen, war vetarans leadership, were in a crucial meeting to plan for HE’s visit showing clearly that he did not value the visit . Evidence show that he preferred to go and campaign for his preferred DCC candidate where he donated flour, balls and paint instead of planning for the visit,” said the source.
Meanwhile, Chidamba who is campaigning for Tafadzwa Musarara who is eying the Mazowe district coordinating committee chairman ahead of the election over the weekend is also fingered in a gold rush fiasco at Rosa. Contacted for comment he said he was aware of the gold rush but is not involved since he does not own a claim there.
Two other provincial members Patience Tapomwa secretary for administration for women’s league and Patricia Zhurunawo who is a typist at the provincial offices and second wife to committee member Walter Gatsi were also disciplined for tempering with cell registers in favour of Musarara.
Reports say Mnangagwa cancelled his visit to Mazowe after indicating that he has a busy schedule
FORMER Sports and Recreation Commission board member, Aisha Tsimba, has died.
A decorated athlete, and administrator, she was the sister of Zimbabwe rugby legend, Kennedy, and his later brother, Richard.
Tsimba also rose through the ranks to become ZRU vice-president before leaving her role to become a Sports Commission board member.
‘’The president of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Mr Aaron Jani, the ZRU exco and board would like to extend their sincere condolences to the Tsimba family on the passing of the former Zimbabwe Rugby Union vice-president and former Sports and Recreation Commissioner Aisha Tsimba,’’ the ZRU said in a statement.
‘’She was an astute and principled administrator who worked tirelessly to improve the image of rugby and sports in the country.
‘’She worked tirelessly to set up structures and development of women’s rugby in the country and championed the girl child’s participation in sports.
‘’She played for Old Hararians’ Women’s Rugby Club and also turned out for Cameo Women’s Basketball team before she took over the reins of being Women’s Rugby president in the country.
‘’She was a champion of good corporate governance systems that ensured the viability of sports in the country and the development of sports as an industry to sustain livelihoods and as a vehicle for social justice and development.
‘’She will be fondly remembered for her tireless work ethic and discipline.”
Zimbabwe recorded three more Covid-19 deaths yesterday, while a staggering 181 new cases were reported.
Of the deaths, two were in Bulawayo and the other in Manicaland, taking the overall death toll to 280 since the pandemic broke out in Zimbabwe in March.
Yesterday, 1 294 PCR tests done, with 181 coming out positive.
Of the new cases, 178 were community transmissions while three were returnees from Algeria.
As of yesterday, Zimbabwe has 1 390 active cases.
Bulawayo has 564 active cases followed by Harare on 219, with eight other provinces contributing the remainder.
Since March, Zimbabwe has recorded 10 424 cases 8 754 recoveries
and 280 deaths.
Across the continent 2 230 391 cases have been recorded as at yesterday.
This represents about 3,4 percent of the global infections that are now over 65,5 million.
Over 1,51 million deaths have been reported with about 45,4 million recovered registered.
In Africa, South Africa is the hardest hit with over 800 000 infections and over 21 000 deaths.
Opposition Movement for Democratic Change vice president, Tendai Biti, has been arrested.
In a tweet, the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa said, “BitiTendai is detained at CID Law & Order on a spurious charge of assault. His crime is unearthing a corruption scandal concerning the Harare Airport land deal involving complainant, Russian Tatiana Aleshina & businessmen linked to @edmnangagwa. Biti didn’t assault her.”
Biti said in a tweet yesterday, the Harare Airport Road construction saga represents the biggest land heist in post colonial Zimbabwe.
“More than 200 hectares of prime Harare land were parceled to a notorious land baron .No amount of intimidation ,lies or abuse will stop justice & the return of this land to Harare”
Zimbabwe U20 men’s team coach Tonderai Ndiraya was happy with how his charges performed against South Africa on Thursday despite conceding late to settle for a draw.
The Young Warriors began their 2020 COSAFA U20 Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw. The team took the lead twice in the game with Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Lexington Mujokoro getting on target in either half.
“This was our first competitive match, with a team assembled, and which only trained for 10 days,’’ said Ndiraya, as cited by the Herald.
“So, I am happy about the way they went about their business.
“We couldn’t go pound-for-pound because of our fitness levels, so we sat back (to try and defend their lead).
“We conceded a soft goal, but I am glad for my boys, who were playing a strong team.”
Zimbabwe will face Mozambique on Sunday in their second Group A match before taking on Lesotho on December 8.
The group winners progress to the semi-finals while the best runners-up, from the three groups, will join them in the last four.-Soccer 24
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic says he will assemble a squad which will is capable of competing at the CHAN finals despite the players last playing football a long time ago.
The Croat will lead a team of locally-based players at the CHAN finals in Cameroon next month.
Football in the country has been placed on hold since March owing to the Covid-19 crisis, a setback which has seen the Castle Lager Premier Soccer hang in the balance for months.
Logarusic however insists they have to deal with whats there and be competitive at the finals.
“Its a tall order, but we are Warriors, we are not going to Cameroon to add numbers. We have to go there and compete,” he told The Herald.
“Obviously, we judged them using information of how they played last season,’’ the coach said.
“But, in terms of form, last year is not the same as this year. Worse still, it’s not the same situation for someone who has not been active for the past eight months,” he added.-Soccer 24
By Tendai Chirau | The ZANU PF Youth League has received with utter pain, shock and grief, news of the untimely demise of one of the revolutionary party’s most promising female cadres, Cde Tionei Melody Dziva, who succumbed to cancer. Cde Dziva was an inspiration to many, young and old alike; a high achieving go-getter who believed in the supremacy of principles. From the time she joined active ranks in ZANU PF politics while a student at the University of Zimbabwe, Cde Dziva never faltered in trailblazing her way through numerous odds and obstacles.
As a student activist, she held the post of Secretary for International Affairs for the Zimbabwe Congress of Student Unions (ZICOSU). In ZANU PF, she rose through the ranks from the District level up to national level, eventually becoming Deputy Secretary for Economic Affairs in the Youth League National Executive. At age 28 in 2013, she became part of Zimbabwe’s growing generation of young female parliamentarians under proportional representation. She endured cruel heckling and sexist verbal abuse in the August house, and undaunted, still managed to work her way to the top, making history by becoming the youngest member of the Speaker’s gallery, and at that tender age, would bravely chair parliamentary sessions in the Speaker’s absence. Such was her tenacity and determination that she earned due recognition from the Inter Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Economic and Social Council, high-profile entities which she served with distinction.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a cadre so productive, young and in the prime of her life. We have lost a colleague in the fight to ensure that our women and youth receive the highest priority in development planning. We have lost an unstinting proponent of constitutionalism in defence of our morality as a nation. We have lost a comrade who constantly reminded us that our collective dream for a prosperous future has its foundation in sound education. Today however, she has to graduate posthumously with a Bachelor of Laws Degree, what would have been her third degree in remarkable succession. Death has robbed us of even this chance to celebrate her life. William Shakespeare could not have been more prophetic when he said “the world is but a stage, where everyone plays a part, and mine a sad one…” Today our sad part in this painful drama is one of grief, as we join the family, relatives anf friends in solemn prayer that Cde Tionei Melody Dziva’s soul finds eternal rest in God’s peaceful arms.
On my own behalf and on behalf of the entirety of the revolutionary ZANU PF Youth League and its affiliates, I extend my utmost condolences to the Dziva family on the loss of such a young, vibrant life. Go well, Comrade. Go well, daughter of the revolution. We will forever cherish the legacy of hard work and determination that you gifted us. The void you left will be tough to fill, and the pain hard to bear. You have gone too soon.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has stunned the entire nation after eqauting Mbuya Nehanda to Jesus Christ.
Church leaders across the country have described Mnangagwa’s remarks as blasphemous.
Mr Mnangagwa made the remarks after visiting Nyati Gallery near Snake Park, where the statue of Mbuya Nehanda is being made by sculptor David Mutasa.
“The bible instructs us to honour our parents and that is what we are doing.
Christ died for the sins of the world and Mbuya Nehanda sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country.
Christ died for the people and Mbuya Nehanda also died for the people.
Those who not respect her will not go to heaven.We are simply giving her the respect she deserves,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
However, an association of church leaders based in Masvingo described Mr Mnangagwa’s utterances as blasphemous.
“This is unacceptable, how can Mr Mnangagwa equate Mbuya Nehanda to the Saviour.Such comments are unfortunate.
This is why our nation is always grappling with endless problems.We urge Mr Mnangagwa to withdraw his remarks as soon as possible,” the association said in a statement seen by ZimEye.com.
Edmore Sibanda has been nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year and the Peter Ndlovu Footballer of the Year awards at the 2020 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) – South Africa.
Sibanda, who plays for Golden Arrows in the DSTV Premiership, is battling for the Sports Personality of the Year accolade against SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo, rugby player Nyasha Tarusenga and mixed martial arts champion Themba Gorimbo.
In the Peter Ndlovu Footballer of the Year award, the Warriors goalkeeper is up against his team-mate Knox Mutizwa, Baroka skipper Elvis Chipezeze, Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Willard Katsande and SuperSport winger Kudakwashe Mahachi.
The awards ceremony will happen at The Venue Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on 5 December.
Sports Personality of the Year Nyasha Tarusenga Edmore Sibanda Kaitano Tembo Themba Gorimbo
By A Correspondent- Bindura communities have blasted government over failure to offer support to families of victims who perished in the Ran Mine disaster.
Families of the estimated 30 men who are feared dead when the mine collapsed last week have been camped at the site for over a week now.
Ran Mine
Ran gold mine, which is situated 70 kilometres north of Harare collapsed in Bindura last Wednesday, trapping an estimated 40 illegal gold panners.
It is reported that only six men emerged alive from the disaster while leaving an estimated 30 others trapped and unaccounted for, according to officials. Rescue efforts delayed to start off and only started 3 days later after the tragedy.
Ran Mine
The generator used to drain the 100-metre-deep mine shaft jammed and another one had to be sourced, a development that delayed the rescue effort.
Said a local villager only identified as Moyo:
“These women, men and children are traumatised. From day one when news filtered in that their relatives had been trapped underground, these people had hope that government would move in swiftly and rescue the trapped miners alive. That hope is now gone and we have a people in anguish.
Ran Mine
Nyaradzo Funeral Services donated a tent which is being used by families of the victims of the mine disaster.
Added another community member:
“Government officials who are supposed to be bringing good news of how government will rescue the trapped miners or retrieve their dead bodies come here in their lavish cars, wearing their expensive suits and holding tablets. They just walk around as if they are showing off to us. They come here to ask questions and nod their heads without offering any solution to the problem.”
Ran Mine
Farirai Dube, who resides near the abandoned Ren mine accused the government of neglecting families of the victims of the tragedy.
She said:
“As you can see, there are two tents here one for the police and one for the families of the victims. When the police officers are getting their food, these families will just be watching. Besides food supplies, these families need social workers for psychological support and counselling services but they are getting nothing. There is a crisis here and the communities are becoming agitated because of the poor co-ordination by government to retrieve these trapped miners.”
Families of victims of trapped miners
Last week, one man died while offering rescue services.
The victim Wellington House fell into the tunnel around 6pm on Saturday and he was buried with government assistance.
Information ministry permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana revealed that government provided a coffin as well as food items to the grieving family.
Nyaradzo Funeral services also donated tents and mobile toilets for use during the funeral.
Whenever Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic says that the only reason why Marvelous Nakamba is at Aston Villa is because he (Nakamba) is a quality player, I carefully listen to the Croat’s justification.
Not that I don’t believe Nakamba is a quality player, I do, but I’m just interested in hearing Logarusic’s side of the story and the reason(s) he gives for his point of view.
Naka, as the Aston Villa players fondly-refer to the soft spoken Warriors midfielder, is the only player from Southern Africa in the English Premier League.
The fact that he broke the nine-year wait for a Zimbabwean player to rub shoulders with the world’s best in the English top-flight is a remarkable achievement.
Unfortunately, his country-men use that as a reason to exert pressure on him. In fact, he was labelled as a “failure” in his debut season by some, despite statistics proving otherwise.
He was ranked in the top five of ball-winning midfielders in the 2019/20 Premier League season, an achievement which only those with objective football lenses can see and recognize.
Statistics, much like a woman’s bikini, may not reveal everything but those numbers are testament to the fact that Nakamba’s “failure” in England is somewhat exaggerated.
He might not be the best midfielder in the Premier League but he isn’t as bad as some believe either, which is why he should consider the Galatasarary loan offer to recharge his batteries.
I do not believe Nakamba has lost form, he was at some point in fine form; the 5-1 drubbing of Norwich at Carrow Road and the narrow 1-2 loss to Liverpool at Villa Park, among many examples.
What he has lost instead is confidence, something he can regain with a season long loan in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Galatasaray loan spell will offer him regular game time, something he was getting at Club Brugge before the switch to Villa.
What other confidence booster does a player need apart from game time?
Eden Hazard looks lost at Real Madrid, and is nowhere near the player he is capable of being, owing to recurring injuries. The bottom line is, he is not playing regularly, that is why he has low, if not no confidence at all.
What Nakamba simply needs is game time and he can get that at Galatasaray and later prove himself in the Premier League.
NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
Indoor Lightning Safety
Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
Never lie flat on the ground
Never shelter under an isolated tree
Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.) Source: National Weather Service
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|A senior MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga, has said President Nelson Chamisa remains the nation’s hope despite relentless efforts by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF to bring him down.
He implored Zimbabweans to remain optimistic in spite of Mr Mnangagwa’s attempt to thwart the people’s struggle.
“I would like to thank Pres. Nelson Chamisa for standing strong in the wake of monumental electoral theft.
Not only the President but all Comrades who remained glued to the struggle even in the face of incessant challenges.
Following the 2018 elections, the going has been sadly torturous. We were robbed of everything including Parliamentary and council victories. Like i always say, let’s eye focus on 2023.
Prepare not only to vote but vote, win, secure and defend, at all costs, our victories.
Lawyers are advised to think about the name challenges that the party has faced.
While it is clear that the Judiciary is 100% captured, lawyers must close any loophole that might be exploited. MDC CHAMISA! The struggle continues,” Taruvinga posted on Facebook.
A male ‘relative’ of the 1896 tax rebel, Nehanda Nyakasikana is set to stop the erection of her statue as he says Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has bypassed traditional rites by not engaging her family.
a notice of set down – unopposed roll demanding to stop the erection of the Nehanda statue, meaning the Respondents will lose by default.
Mr Felix Elijah Shamuyarira, who says he is a maternal relative of Mbuya Charwe, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, said in court papers the government was making a grave mistake by going ahead with the statue before a cleansing ceremony is conducted in the “dirty” city of Harare.
The Nehanda statue to be erected in the Harare CBD
He said the city had to be cleansed of the spirits of a lot of innocent lives that have been lost in recent years.
Work on erecting the statue started in Harare this month and is expected to be completed in two months.
Shamuyarira cites Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, his Local Government counterpart July Moyo, National Archives of Zimbabwe director Ivan Murambiwa, National Museums and Monuments director Godfrey Mahachi and National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda as respondents in the court case.
Shamuyarira wants Kazembe, Moyo, Murambiwa and Mahachi interdicted from erecting the statue of Mbuya Charwe, also known as Nyakasikana, the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue.
He said the project must be declared unlawful in the absence of a consent document signed by her four “blood” family members, two representatives of the spirit medium of Mbuya Nehanda, chiefs Chiweshe and Hwata and two other individuals.
Shamuyarira questioned why chiefs Hwata and Chiweshe were not engaged or informed about the statue yet they were responsible for preserving the traditions of the areas they govern where Charwe originated from.
He said since independence in 1980, the government did not bother to meet with or appreciate Charwe’s family for the work she had done as a spirit medium during the liberation struggle.
Shamuyarira said a meeting was called on July 3 in Mazowe where representatives of Charwe’s maternal and paternal families agreed that the government had made a mistake by not engaging them, adding “it adds more injury to a broken heart”.
“The family members and Chief Hwata, together with their spirit mediums maintain that the government of Zimbabwe and its leadership made a grave mistake in announcing their mission to the world without first engaging them on such important, national and historical matters that directly affect them,” Shamuyarira said.
“The erection of the statue is of great importance as it is clearly apparent that Charwe did not die a natural death as she was murdered by the colonial regime of the settler British colonialists.
“As a matter of fact, the Hwata people have since independence remained secretive as the execution of Charwe traumatises them to this present day, hence the need of a healing process for them at national level. According a special day in our calendar to be declared a national holiday and in her name as already directed and pleaded to our authorities with due respect, remains necessary,” Shamuyarira added.
He also said sacred mountains where spirit mediums were buried have been vandalised by illegal miners.
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has stunned the entire nation after eqauting Mbuya Nehanda to Jesus Christ.
Church leaders across the country have described Mnangagwa’s remarks as blasphemous.
Mr Mnangagwa made the remarks after visiting Nyati Gallery near Snake Park, where the statue of Mbuya Nehanda is being made by sculptor David Mutasa.
“The bible instructs us to honour our parents and that is what we are doing.
Christ died for the sins of the world and Mbuya Nehanda sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country.
Christ died for the people and Mbuya Nehanda also died for the people.
Those who not respect her will not go to heaven.We are simply giving her the respect she deserves,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
However, an association of church leaders based in Masvingo described Mr Mnangagwa’s utterances as blasphemous.
“This is unacceptable, how can Mr Mnangagwa equate Mbuya Nehanda to the Saviour.Such comments are unfortunate.
This is why our nation is always grappling with endless problems.We urge Mr Mnangagwa to withdraw his remarks as soon as possible,” the association said in a statement seen by ZimEye.com.
NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
Indoor Lightning Safety
Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
Never lie flat on the ground
Never shelter under an isolated tree
Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.) Source: National Weather Service
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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By A Correspondent- Churchill Boys High School headmaster Patson Mugwanda downplayed reports claiming that cyberbullying is rife at the school.
Police were called to the school for investigations after reports of a case of cyberbullying at the school on Tuesday and involving Form 4 and U6 pupils.
Mugwanda claimed that there was nothing in the allegations as it is normal for outgoing pupils to misbehave at the end of the year.
He said:
We received a report of a Form 3 student who had a misunderstanding with another student and one of the three students involved recorded one of the pupils saying he was after the other student’s blood.
The audio, upon reaching his parents, disturbed them and they took the matter to Rhodesville police station and two officers came and we discussed the matter. Upon thorough investigations, it turned out to be a hoax.
Mugwanda added that the rumour started when the alleged victim, a big-bodied Taekwondo player, was making fun of challenging his seniors.
He said:
One of the alleged victim’s friend was the one who recorded the audio following a challenging statement reported to have been uttered by the alleged cyberbullying victim to a Form 4 student.
The alleged victim is big-bodied and is a Taekwondo player so he was making fun of challenging his seniors and this is how it started.
We involved our school disciplinary members and the alleged victim apologised for breaking rule number seven of the school rules that guide our students
