By A Correspondent- A pack of six hyenas killed Mr Tendai Maseka (46) in his hut on Monday night and ate his torso.

Only his arms, legs and head were found the next day in Bangure Village in the Holy Cross area under Chief Chirumanzu.

The remains were buried yesterday. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is now hunting down the pack, which has also killed more than a dozen goats and calves.

Chirumanzu District Development Coordinator Mr Vafias Hlabati, who confirmed the attack, said Mr Maseka’s remains were found by a passer-by the following morning.

“Fellow villagers say the now late Mr Tendai Maseko was last seen on Monday night leaving a business centre at Holy Cross where he was drinking beer,” said Mr Hlabati. “He left alone and is said to have walked home and went into his bedroom before falling asleep and being attacked by the hyenas.”

Police and ZimParks officers visited the homestead and found tracks indicating that Mr Maseka battled the hyenas in his bedroom before they dragged him outside.

“There is a belief that there is a pack of six hyenas and so far, they have claimed killed one person and over a dozen of livestock which include goats and some calves,” he said.

Headman Bangure said the community of Chirumanzu was still shocked by the incident.

“We have just buried the remains of the late Maseka, but this is the first time we have witnessed such an incident in the area,” he said.

“Everyone is in shock and wondering how the pack of hyenas managed to get into the bedroom,” he said.

PARLIAMENTARIANS yesterday accused government of rashly reopening schools when it was ill-prepared to deal with COVID-19 outbreaks at institutions of learning after a number of students tested positive for the contagion virus at several schools across the country.

Schools opened for the final phase a fortnight ago with all pupils now set to attend classes after teachers called off their strike following a 41% pay hike.

However, rising COVID-19 cases appear to be the new threat to learning, a few weeks before some pupils sit for examinations.

John Tallach Secondary School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North province, recorded 100 cases and Herentals College is reported to have recorded four cases, among other schools across the country.

At Chinhoyi University of Technology, seven students reportedly tested positive yesterday.

Unimpressed MPs yesterday questioned government’s preparedness to handle the pandemic in schools and why it decided to reopen the schools when it was ill-prepared to manage the outbreaks.

“The chairperson of the COVID-19 taskforce, Oppah Muchinguri, said there are enough resources to deal with the pandemic, but it is my submission that we cannot continue, and government cannot risk people’s lives because after school, those children will go and play with other kids,” Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) said.

“Why have you gone on to open schools when we do not have enough resources? Why risk when we do not have enough resources?”

But Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is leader of government business in Parliament, responded: “Resources cannot be enough and that is a fact, but government has channelled resources to the Ministry of Health and designated NatPharm to produce COVID-19 materials.

“We cannot then say that we cannot open schools because we do not know when the pandemic will stop. So we put in place procedures so that we continue learning in the new normal. We had to adapt and whatever resources we have, we have channelled them to this pandemic.”

Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya (MDC Alliance) then asked Ziyambi to explain if schools had COVID-19 testing facilities.

This was after Ziyambi had told the House that government would not insist on schoolchildren sitting for examination where there was a danger of loss of life due to the pandemic.

“Where schools do not have testing facilities, then they must close because I do not know which school in particular has testing facilities for COVID-19,” Chikwinya said.

“Today (yesterday), Herentals College had four students that tested positive for the coronavirus and they were turned back and told to come back to school if they got COVID-19 certificates.”

Chikwinya asked: “With the failure by government to equip schools with COVID-19 testing kits, is it not prudent that government should just declare that all schools should be closed? Does government have the capacity to equip all schools with testing kits?”

Ziyambi, however, responded: “We have rapid response teams across COVID-19 centres. Where schools can make the necessary arrangements, then PCR [polymerase chain reaction] tests can be done for that particular school and the learners that test negative can continue and those positive can be isolated.

“Where it is impractical to do so, then the school should close so that we contain the pandemic and so that the virus does not spread to other learners.”

He said when government ordered the opening of schools, protocols had been put in place by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to ensure the COVID-19 regulations were complied with.

“But where there is an outbreak like the school in Bulawayo, measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of learners,” Ziyambi said.

MPs pressed the minister to reveal at whose expense the tests would be done in schools considering the high cost of conducting the tests, but Ziyambi said schools were working in collaboration with the Health ministry, with government footing the bill.

“The schools are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to take care of the costs, which are being assumed by the government through the Ministry of Health.”

Government on Tuesday announced that it would move swiftly to close any school that recorded COVID-19 cases as part of measures to curb the spread of the virulent pandemic amid reports that the country was under a second wave of the highly infectious disease.

This came as John Tallach, a Presbyterian Church-run boarding school in Matabeleland North province, recorded 100 COVID-19 cases, forcing authorities to shut down the institution.

Other schools dotted around the country have come up with timetables for different grades as part of measures to decongest schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

MPs expressed concern that there were teachers that were now charging students United States dollars for extra lessons.

Ziyambi responded: “I am not aware that there are teachers charging in US dollars because government policy is that we should use our own currency for transactions. MPs should know that teachers doing that should be reported to the Ministry of Labour which is the employer of civil servants so that they were investigated.”

Paul Nyathi

Lawyers representing jailed journalist Hopewell Chinono have raised concerns at conditions at Chikurubi Prison where their client is incarcerated after a msss breakout of diseases was reported from the centre.

Lawyer Doug Coltart revealed on his social media platform that there was an out-break of diseases at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and was worried about his client’s health.

Coltart said he was informed of the out-break of bronchitis, hepatitis B and TB at Chikurubi, while his client was moved to a cell with over 46 inmates.

Wrote Coltart:

“We are concerned about Hopewell Chin’ono’s health. We’re informed there is an outbreak of bronchitis, hepatitis B and TB at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and he has also been moved to a more overcrowded cell (46 inmates in a cell with capacity for 16).

“The conditions in our prisons is unacceptable & needs to be urgently dealt with holistically by Government – not just for Hopewell but for ALL prisoners who are affected. Even convicted criminals have rights. At law, prisoners are punished by depriving liberty, NOT their dignity.”

Correspondent

FINANCE and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, is expected to present the 2021 national budget statement on Thursday next week.

The budget would lay out the inaugural 12 months long implementation tool of the Government’s newly announced five-year economic policy, the National Development Strategy (NDS1 2021-2025).

During NDS1, the economy is expected to grow by an average five percent annually to achieve the goal of transforming the economy to an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

President Mnangagwa launched the blueprint on Monday.

Prof Ncube said that NDS1 will consolidate and build on gains achieved under the short-term blueprint, Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP 2018-2020), which concludes next month, after which NDS1 takes over for the next half decade. The Treasury chief said the 2021 national budget becomes the very first year long implementation framework for NDS1 and will be presented this coming Thursday, on the 26th of November.

“Naturally, I cannot reveal what is in the budget, all I can say is that the budget will be anchored on the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and builds on the successes of the TSP,” he said.

Minister Mthuli said the 2021 budget was the first fiscal plan supporting the execution of the Government’s new economic blueprint hence serves as the policy’s first implementation tool. Earlier in the interview with ZTN TV, Minister Mthuli said TSP had been a resounding success and Government managed to tick all the boxes of targeted policy objectives under the plan.

Minister Ncube said having a local currency was a major achievement, as it meant Government had control of both legs for macro-economic stability in the form of fiscal and monetary policies. During the tenure of the TSP, the Government also made massive investments in key enabling infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, power, water and sanitation among others.

POLICE in Bulawayo have issued an apology to members of the public after they erected a sign post at Magwegwe Police Station with a wrong spelling.

Though the mistake has since been corrected it has left many people still shell shocked on how the “mistake” went on undetected until the sign post was erected and error discovered by members of the public some days later.

Members of the public went amok on Wednesday morning after the picture of the post showing Magwegwe written as Magwegewe circulated on social media.

Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the wrong spelling was a “genuine mistake” and a correction has been made.

“Police in Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that the spelling error which resulted in the name of Magwegwe Police Station being misspelt has since been rectified. This was a genuine error by one of our trusted local businessmen who willingly volunteered to print a banner for the police,” she said.

Asst Insp Msebele said the banner was immediately pulled down after the mistake was discovered.

“The error was discovered during the erection of the banner and immediately removed and corrected. Some members of the public had already taken some pictures and circulated them. We sincerely apologise for an inconvenience caused and we would like to appreciate our local business people for the continuous support,” she said.

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 18 November October 2020:

• New cases: 36
• Locals: 36
• Returnees: 0
• Deaths: 1
• Recoveries: 20
• PCR Tests Done: 1 246
• National Recovery Rate: 91.3%
• Active Cases: 536
• Total Cumulative Cases: 8 981
• Total Recoveries: 8 184
• Total Deaths: 261

Police are looking for four drivers who were involved in hit-and-run accidents, including the one in which a police officer on traffic enforcement duties near Simon Muzenda Street bus terminus (formerly Fourth Street) was killed on Monday.

If arrested, the drivers are likely to face culpable homicide charges.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi appealed for information that might assist in their investigations.

“The ZRP is still appealing for information, which can lead to the location and arrest of the driver and owner of a Mitsubishi Canter truck which was pirating near Simon Muzenda Street on November 16, 2020 at around 3:30pm,” he said.

“The motorist was picking up passengers in the middle of the road when the police officer approached.

“He ran over him and he died on the spot. The driver sped off after the incident. Anyone with information pertaining to this matter should report at any nearest police station.”

A pedestrian was also knocked down by a Toyota Granvia that was travelling along the Harare-Bulawayo Road around 6pm on Thursday last week.

The driver took the pedestrian to Shangani Hospital and dumped him at the entrance.

The pedestrian was admitted, but his condition deteriorated and he died the following day after being transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

In a similar case, a 28-year-old man was struck and killed by a car as he was crossing Greystone Way in Morningside, Bulawayo, around 6:25pm on Thursday last week.

“The motorist who was driving a greenish blue truck, AAC 9290, did not stop after the accident,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. “Police are looking for the drivers in all the incidents.”

The other hit-and-run incident occurred in Eastlea, Harare.

A pack of six hyenas killed Mr Tendai Maseka (46) in his hut on Monday night and ate his torso.

Only his arms, legs and head were found the next day in Bangure Village in the Holy Cross area under Chief Chirumanzu.

The remains were buried yesterday. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is now hunting down the pack, which has also killed more than a dozen goats and calves.

Chirumanzu District Development Coordinator Mr Vafias Hlabati, who confirmed the attack, said Mr Maseka’s remains were found by a passer-by the following morning.

“Fellow villagers say the now late Mr Tendai Maseko was last seen on Monday night leaving a business centre at Holy Cross where he was drinking beer,” said Mr Hlabati. “He left alone and is said to have walked home and went into his bedroom before falling asleep and being attacked by the hyenas.”

Police and ZimParks officers visited the homestead and found tracks indicating that Mr Maseka battled the hyenas in his bedroom before they dragged him outside.

“There is a belief that there is a pack of six hyenas and so far, they have claimed killed one person and over a dozen of livestock which include goats and some calves,” he said.

Headman Bangure said the community of Chirumanzu was still shocked by the incident.

“We have just buried the remains of the late Maseka, but this is the first time we have witnessed such an incident in the area,” he said.

“Everyone is in shock and wondering how the pack of hyenas managed to get into the bedroom,” he said.

Some residents of Chirundu Court in Belvedere, which is owned by Harare City Council, lost all their property in a fire that was ignited by a gas tank explosion in one of the apartments yesterday morning.

The owner of the apartment, in which the fire started sustained serious burns and was taken to hospital.

The fire destroyed the entire second floor of the two-storey building.

One of residents said the situation could have been saved had emergency services responded in time.

“The response from the emergency service was not so good,” said the resident who requested anonymity.

“I lost everything, I tried to go in when the fire started but it was too late. Everything in my apartment was destroyed.”

Mr Joshua Juru, who had visited his brother at the building also narrated how it all started.

“I had come here to visit my brother who stays in the building. As soon as I parked my vehicle, I heard a loud explosion from inside the building. I rushed to the front and there were two ladies who were screaming from the second floor.

“Another woman who was on the balcony was also screaming and I asked her to jump since I was ready to break her fall, but she was scared.

“She told me there were two ladies trapped in another apartment and I then rushed up the stairs, broke the door and managed to assist both women.

“There were two vehicles which were parked outside and we had to break their windows to push them to safety. However, my brother’s property was burnt to ashes.”

Assistant Divisional Officer Fire Brigade Mr Phillip Marufu said they responded in time, but the roof had already collapsed.

“It took about four minutes for us to get here and when we arrived the fire was spreading in two directions.

“We heard it started from a gas tank explosion.

“When we arrived, the whole roof was ablaze and we started fighting the fire from one end.

“When the other fire tenders arrived, we then started fighting on the other side, but the roof had already collapsed. I am told there is one woman who was injured when the fire started and was taken to hospital.”

State Media

THE trial of MDC-Alliance vice presidents — Tendai Biti and Lynette Karenyi — who are accused of violating Covid-19 regulations during the lockdown period after staging an illegal demonstrations at their party headquarters in Harare, will start on January 20.

Harare regional magistrate Mrs Esthere Chivasa announced the date yesterday. The trio’s lawyer, Mr Alec Muchadehama was furnished with State papers for him to prepare for trial.

Biti and Karenyi are appearing jointly with their deputy secretary general David Chimhini, secretary for mobilisation women assembly, Vimbai Tome, deputy secretary for, corporate affairs Lovemore Chinoputsa and Gladys Hlatywayo, who is the secretary for international affairs.

The State led by Farirai Undenge had it that on June 5 police received information that MDC-Alliance members were gathered at Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare in contravention of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, which prohibited the gathering of more than 50 people,.

It was alleged that they were planning to stage an unsanctioned demonstration.

The State alleges that police reacted swiftly and went to the corner of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Angwa Street where a number of the opposition party’s supporters were already gathered.

Upon seeing the police, the MDC-Allliance members allegedly started to cause mayhem, leading to the arrest of some of the participants.

In the afternoon of the same day, while monitoring the situation at the intersection, the six MDC-Alliance leadership members reportedly arrived at the scene in the company of more than 50 people.

It is alleged that they burst into a song “Kana ndafa nehondo” and allegedly blocked the roads.

Mrs Chivasa was told that the Biti and his co-accused conduct interfered with public comfort, peace and convenience.

They were then arrested before being taken to court.

State Media

A three-member tribunal led by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako was sworn in yesterday by President Mnangagwa to inquire into the fitness of suspended High Court judge, Justice Erica Ndewere, to hold office.

The other members are lawyers Mr Charles Warara and Ms Yvonne Masvora.

Justice Ndewere was automatically suspended two weeks ago following President Mnangagwa’s appointment of the three-member team on the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The commission reportedly alleges slipshod work and a large batch of overdue judgments.

The proclamation setting up the tribunal was issued two weeks ago.

The Constitution provides that a judge may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity, or gross incompetence, or gross misconduct. Otherwise judges serve until retirement or resignation.

The process is deliberately designed to ensure judges have practical independence since ruling against the Government of the day in a judgment cannot lead to a tribunal hearing.

The Constitution further stipulates that if the Judicial Service Commission advises the President that the question of removing any judge, including the Chief Justice, from office ought to be investigated, the President must appoint a tribunal to inquire into the matter. He does not have much discretion in the matter.

Addressing journalists after the swearing-in of the tribunal, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said once the President has been informed by the JSC and given the detailed reasons for their recommendation, then the due process of the law should be followed.

“This is exactly what the President has done and I believe it is very good for the judicial system,” he said.

Minister Ziyambi scoffed at claims by Justice Ndewere that the Judiciary was “captured” and that she was being persecuted for refusing to obey unlawful orders.

“The whole reason why a tribunal is being set up is for the judge to subject herself to it and explain herself. But obviously she chose to play to the gallery and go to the media when the due process is very clear,” he said.

The setting up of the tribunal, he said, did not mean Justice Ndewere had been removed from the bench but that it had been set up to inquire into the question of her suitability to remain on the bench and to explain herself.

He said at the end, the tribunal would consider all facts and come up with appropriate recommendations.

“It was not right for the judge to grandstand, but to subject herself to the due process and allow that process to be completed,” said Minister Ziyambi.

Justice Ndewere had, after the recommendation of the JSC to set up a tribunal, filed an urgent application seeking an interim interdict to stop the tribunal being appointed, pending the determination of the legality of the process charted.

So far two judges — Justices Davison Foroma and Benjamin Chikowero — have recused themselves from hearing her application, saying that they both sit with her in the same section and it would be wrong for them to be asked to rule for or against her.

If the tribunal clears Justice Ndewere, she returns to the bench; if the tribunal makes other findings and recommendations she could well lose her job.

The tribunal is not a criminal court, but can report that certain conduct is not consistent with holding judicial office.

In this case, the JSC formally advised President Mnangagwa to set up a tribunal to look into the question of whether or not Justice Ndewere was fit to hold office, reportedly for slipshod work and delayed judgments.

But she denied the allegations claiming the misconduct allegations levelled against her were victimisation for refusing to comply with “unlawful orders”.

However, such a charge is not part of the tribunal’s brief, rather it has to investigate a growing pile of judgments delayed beyond the time limits set, and at least one review judgment that implied she had not read the file.

The tribunal will also seek to establish whether Justice Ndewere interfered with the course of deliberations of the JSC concerning allegations that were being levelled against her and to consider all information submitted by the JSC to arrive at an appropriate recommendation to the President.

After a full inquiry, the tribunal will make its recommendation on what it finds out about the judge’s performance in light of the allegations against her and has to report to the President these findings within a month from the date of conclusion of the inquiry.

Justice Ndewere becomes the second judge this year to be probed for conduct that constitutes judicial misconduct, and which calls for a tribunal hearing.

State Media

POLICE yesterday fired three shots in the air to disperse rowdy residents throwing stones at moving vehicles after a failed search for the slain Murehwa boy’s head at his uncle’s house in Damofalls, Ruwa.

Scores of people, mainly Damofalls residents, thronged the street at the house owned by Thanks Makore to witness the search, after three informants told the police that the head was buried at the house.

But police confirmed last night that they had not found the skull or any other body parts during the search, despite rumours on social media.

Police have already recovered the torso, legs and arms of seven-year-old Tapiwa Makore, murdered in a suspected ritual killing in Murehwa last month.

The majority of the body parts were recovered in the Murehwa area.

Police cordoned off Thanks Makore’s house near Cream Shopping Centre in Ruwa to enable the uninterrupted search.

Thanks Makore, an uncle to the late Tapiwa Makore (Junior), is jointly charged with his twin Tapiwa (Senior) for their nephew’s murder. The pair, together with three other suspects are in remand prison pending the murder trial.

Acting on the information received, detectives yesterday took Thanks Makore from prison for indications at his house.

After a day’s search, scores of people who demanded to see the suspect, protested the police’s decision to “smuggle” him out of the house. When the Nissan Navara ferrying the suspect drove off, some people threw stones, while others attempted to scale the pre-cast wall into the Makore family house, resulting in the police firing warning shots. The residents throwing stones had running battles with the police.

When The Herald left Damofalls, police officers were still protecting the house from the rowdy residents.

The search started around 9am with the police digging in the yard without success.

Journalists were barred from entering the yard, but glimpses through gaps saw the police team digging up a concrete pavement.

While the investigators were busy searching inside, people mainly women were dancing and singing while holding placards.

Some of the placards read “Justice for Tapiwa now”, “Enough is Enough, we want Tapiwa’s head now”.

The rains that poured down in the afternoon could not deter the demonstrators and they continued singing and dancing under umbrellas, while some just braved the rains.

The numbers ballooned late afternoon, calling for the intervention of riot police.

Around 5pm, police brought sniffer dogs to the scene to assist in the search, but without success. The two dogs spent an hour in the yard, but gave no sign that they could smell human remains.

Interviews conducted by The Herald revealed that Thanks Makore and his family threw a party at their Damofalls house on October 21, which coincided with the disappearance of the boy in Murehwa.

“We were surprised because we knew about Tapiwa’s murder and we knew he was the family’s close relative,” said a neighbour.“How could someone celebrate at a time there was family bereavement.

“A big cake was delivered on the day and there were celebrations. We don’t know what the celebration was all about, whether it was a birthday party or just a party.”

Thanks Makore is married with five children. He stayed at the house with his wife, who goes to United Methodist Church and last born son who is at a boarding school doing Advanced Level. There is also a tenant at the house.

Thanks Makore and his wife are reportedly investing in Murehwa and had built a shop which is yet to open.

“They were now spending considerable time in Murehwa where they built the shop,” said another neighbour.

There was drama at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) provincial complex here on Tuesday afternoon when one of the officials who had been cornered by undercover detectives reportedly swallowed US$60 he had received as a bribe to facilitate the issuance of a certificate of competency (driver’s licence).

Bekimpilo Sithole (46) of Rhodene allegedly received US$100 in US$20 and US$10 denominations and was arrested by undercover police detectives before he could swallow all the money.

The detectives managed to recover US$40 after wrestling him as he allegedly tried to destroy all the evidence.

The arrest resulted in a near stampede outside Masvingo Provincial Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters as driving school instructors and their bosses sought to negotiate Sithole’s release.

The arrest comes in the wake of incessant reports of corruption by VID officers who were reportedly demanding “facilitation fees” ranging from US$100 to US$150 to issue driver’s licences.

Allegations are that the officials were part of a well-knit syndicate involving driving schools, with instructors acting as the facilitators.

Most VID officers across Masvingo lead flashy lifestyles and own several properties whose value is inconsistent with their earnings.

Masvingo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula yesterday confirmed Sithole’s arrest.

She said investigations were continuing with Sithole expected to appear in court soon.-The Herald

Deputy Health and Child Care Minister Dr John Mangwiro was formally questioned by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on Tuesday on allegations of applying pressure that was inappropriate, although ultimately unsuccessful, on NatPharm to buy medical supplies from a company in which the Deputy Minister had a personal interest.

The company in the end lost out in a competitive tender to other companies that quoted lower prices, although the process had started with a possible intention for direct purchase without seeking other bids before a competitive tender was floated and adjudicated.

Recently Dr Mangwiro issued a statement denying interfering in the process for the supply of the materials by Young Health Care to NatPharm, saying he only convened a meeting at night in August this year to establish what was causing delays at a time when infections were surging.

Dr Mangwiro was quoted describing the allegations that he abused office by interfering in NatPharm’s dealings with Young Health Care Limited for the procurement of Covid-19 supplies as malicious, mischievous and calculated to cause alarm, despondency and sensationalise the public.

But Zacc questioned him over the matter on Tuesday when he visited its offices in the company of his two lawyers.

Zacc spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the questioning yesterday. “We have called him in for a warned and cautioned statement. The docket is not yet complete and we are still waiting for more vital information,” he said.

Although the details were still sketchy, The Herald understands Dr Mangwiro was questioned following a report recently compiled by Zacc that he allegedly applied what was seen by some as pressure during the tender bidding process for the supply of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables for Covid-19 to NatPharm.

The initial investigation carried out by Zacc between August 31 and September 4, was triggered by an anonymous letter dated

August 18 to Zacc alleging that NatPharm and the Ministry may not have followed procedures during the procurement.  Zacc interviewed Natpharm officials including the acting managing director and officers from National Microbiology Reference Laboratories in connection with the allegations.

“Given the extent to which the deputy minister was involved in the said tender process, indications are that he was acting on his own capacity and not on behalf of the ministry. The actions of the deputy minister signal a personal interest in the tender and this should have prompted him to declare his interest,” said the memo.

The memo recommended further investigations into the possibility that there had been criminal abuse of office and possible violation of the Public Finance Management Act through giving ministerial directives having financial implications when he allegedly demanded prepayment of undelivered goods to Young Health Care.

The memo states that initially Young Health Care was to supply the required goods under direct procurement, where there is no competitive bidding. Young Health Care quoted $5,6 million, which was coincidentally the same amount that was in the ministry coffers, suggesting that the company might have had inside information.

“When NatPharm insisted on a competitive bidding process, Young Health Care subsequently submitted a bid price of US$3,6 million for the same items. This saw a reduction of 36 percent in the price,” ZACC said.-The Herald

Seven students at Chinhoyi University of Technology have tested positive for coronavirus following tests conducted by the rapid response team in Makonde District.

The seven students, five females and two male, four of are symptomatic.

The development was confirmed by Chinhoyi Director of Health Services, Dr William Mayabo, who added that the seven students will be taken to Mzari clinic for isolation.

This comes after 100 learners at Jones Tallach in Matebeleland North contracted the novel virus prompting the authorities to close the school.

Kwekwe Polytechnic and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo polytechnic also suspended lectures after some of their students tested positive for the virus.

The coronavirus curve in Zimbabwe has been flattening in recent months but is starting to rise again triggering fears of a second wave.

There has been complacency around the country with the majority of the citizenry flouting coronavirus regulations including the wearing of masks and maintenance of social distancing.

As a result of new cases that are being recorded, some government officials have hinted that the government might consider reimposing the lockdown to curb the spread and transmission of the virus.

Another lockdown will likely deteriorate further the economy that is already on a downward trend for the past 24 months.-ZBC

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described the dearth of democracy in Africa as unfortunate and catastrophic.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, President Chamisa denounced dictatorship, election rigging and persecution of opposition activists.

Commenting on electoral processes in Uganda, President Chamisa said:

I’ve been following election campaigns in Uganda.

Alternative Presidential candidate and Brother Bobi wine is being terrorized, blocked from campaigning and access to the media.Dictatorship must go.Young people must save and serve Africa.Real change is unstoppable.

No turning back.

Godisinit

peoplepower

mayibuyeafrica

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described the dearth of democracy in Africa as unfortunate and catastrophic.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, President Chamisa denounced dictatorship, election rigging and persecution of opposition activists.

Commenting on electoral processes in Uganda, President Chamisa said:

I’ve been following election campaigns in Uganda.

Alternative Presidential candidate and Brother Bobi Wine is being terrorized, blocked from campaigning and access to the media.Dictatorship must go.Young people must save and serve Africa.Real change is unstoppable.

No turning back.

Godisinit

peoplepower

mayibuyeafrica

Tinashe Sambiri|All dictators in Africa -including Emmerson Mnangagwa and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are cowards and liars, social media analyst, Peter Mupondi has postulated.

Mupondi notes that dictators cannot suppress the will of the people forever.

Read his argument below:

By Peter Mupondi

About All Dictators

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa included. ..

●They dont take lessons from other fallen dictators

●They know that a revolution is coming but they are not so sure when and how.

So they invest a lot in protecting themselves and scare every grain of threat around
●They capture all the institutions and weaponize them against descending voices

●They have enablers and supporters too
●They are cowards
●They lie
●They are corrupt and they surround themselves with corrupt officials!

But they finally fall in a similar fashion!

Ousted MDC-T 2014 Organising Secretary, Abednico Bhebhe, has rubbished his dismissal from the party saying the move was not constitutionally enforceable.

The opposition party’s National Council resolved to expel Bhebhe over allegations of gross violation of the MDC-T’s constitution by supporting another political party other than the MDC T.

His expulsion came after he had attacked party bigwigs, interim leader Thokozani Khupe, acting secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, acting chairperson Morgen Komichi and former Energy minister Elias Mudzuri during provincial nominations held in Bulawayo recently.

Speaking to NewsDay,  Bhebhe said that his expulsion was not enforceable at law. He said:

I am not aware of any constitutional and legally enforceable expulsion except what I read in the Press.

Bhebhe was expelled ahead of the party’s Supreme Court-sanctioned Extraordinary Congress scheduled for December.

Meanwhile, Mwonzora has since defended Bhebhe’s expulsion saying the National Council acted above board in accordance with the law.
-NewsDay

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Mostly to promote , advance and protect the needs of teachers, and as such we will not stand by and watch as some vulnerable teachers lose their jobs, or salaries, or livelihood, due to some undue pressure from unrecognized, unorganized social media groups who continue to urge you to break the LAW.

Please be warned, these groups will be nowhere to be found in your time of need.

Move with the professionals, move with US.

Rising gospel artiste Fortunate Siziba has released a tribute song to the murdered for Murewa murdered boy Tapiwa Makore featuring Trevor Dongo.

Simply titled Zvipo, the inspirational song was recorded at Eternity Records, a Macdonald Macdee Chidavaenzi stable in partnership with Dongo and various artistes.

In an interview, Siziba said the song is dedicated to child abuse victims and ritual killings of minors in Zimbabwe and beyond.

“We have seen a number of kids losing their lives and this song talks about this.

“The message has to go out and sink in people’s minds that children are indeed a gift from God, so there is a need to take good care of them than harm them.

“The ritual murder of Tapiwa Makore is something which could have been avoided if people really appreciate how precious these kids are.

“There are a lot of people out there trying to have children but they cannot.-State media

Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s poverty datum line (PDL) for a family of five jumped 4.4 percent to $18 750 in October as the cost of living continues to go up on the back of inflationary pressures, latest data released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) shows.

The PDL is the minimum amount of money that a family requires for food and other essential requirements for them not to be deemed poor.

“This means that an average household required that much to purchase both food and non-food items for them not to be deemed poor,” Zimbabwe’s official data provider said.

“This represents an increase of 4.4 percent when compared to the September 2020 figure of $17 956.87.”

Zimstat said one person required $1 521 for food alone and $3 750 for food and other essential needs.

Month-on-month inflation in October stood at 4.37 percent, after jumping from 3.83 percent the previous month, while annual inflation was 471.25 percent, down from 659.40 percent in September.

The slowdown in inflation has been largely attributed to stability in the country’s exchange rate since the introduction of the foreign currency auction system in June.

The continued rise in the cost of living comes against low wages and salaries especially at a time companies continue to battle for survival after the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s drive to lure investment has attracted the attention of Saudi Arabia, which has revealed plans to set up an embassy in Harare as well as incorporating the country into the Saudi Development Fund.

This was said by the Kingdom’s Minister of State for African Countries Affairs, Mr Ahmed Kattan, after meeting President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday.

Posting on micro-blogging site Twitter yesterday, President Mnangagwa said he was looking forward to cooperating with one of the world’s economic giants.

“It was my privilege to welcome to Zimbabwe Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Africa, Ahmed Kattan. The potential for trade between our two nations cannot be understated. I look forward to growing our cooperation and investment in the coming years,” tweeted President Mnangagwa.

The kingdom dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Minister Kattan to scout for opportunities in mining, agriculture, tourism and infrastructural development as well as strengthen diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries.

Speaking after his meeting with President Mnangagwa, Mr Kattan said his country was keen on scaling up diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe, beginning by setting up a local embassy, as well as helping the country address its humanitarian needs through the Saudi Development Fund.

The Saudi Fund finances close to 4 000 projects in more than 70 countries, and access to the fund will help Zimbabwe navigate the effects of Covid-19.

Mr Kattan said he had conveyed the greetings of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and their warm wishes for prosperity to “the friendly people of the Republic of Zimbabwe”.

“I reconfirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in strengthening its relations with the Republic of Zimbabwe in light of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, including in the areas of trade and investment.

“I assured His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) that we are ready to present to His Excellency King Salman the humanitarian and aid relief sent to Zimbabwe’s urgent humanitarian needs for assessment and to continue our cooperation through supporting development projects by the Saudi Fund for Development which included the area of communication.”

The two countries have decided to sign an agreement soon to establish diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Sibusiso Moyo, said the visit by the Saudi delegation was a major milestone.

Dr Moyo said the two countries wish to enhance the level of cooperation and bilateral relations particularly trade and investment cooperation.

He noted that Zimbabwe is endowed with resources while Saudi Arabia was a great market.

Potential investments are also available in sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and infrastructure development.

“There is, for example, the Saudi Development Fund, whose function is to consider the viability of such kind of projects which Zimbabwe would consider as a priority,” said Dr Moyo.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya was recently arrested at the RGM Airport while trying to smuggle six 6kgs of gold to the Reserve Bank.

‌According to police reports, Rushwaya was arrested when the airport scanners indicated that her hand luggage contained suspicious objects.

Further reports from independent sources indicate that Henrietta Rushwaya was headed for Dubai in the UAE at the time of her arrest.

Paul Nyathi

It was a dramatic day at Doves Funeral Parlour in Harare on Wednesday as Moana`s funeral service could not happen after her paternal and maternal families were locked in a stalemate.

Her maternal side wanted her buried at Zororo Memorial Park while the father`s family insisted on Domboshava

Her father, Mr Ishamel Amuli wants her buried in a Muslim way as he is a Muslim himself while his estranged wife says Ishamel must not be anywhere near Moana’s funeral since he had a sower relationship with the deceased.

Some family members say Moana’s biological mother abandoned her at 18 months and she was raised by her father and stepmother whom she was very close to until about two years ago when her father slapped her for venturing into the socialite lifestyle.

Moana died in a road accident with friends while coming from celebrating her 26th birthday.

Genius Ginimbi Kadungure’s Rolls Royce Wraith in which Moana and two others were passengers was involved in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit along Borrowdale road before veering off the road, hitting a tree and catching fire.

After a long meeting, it appears the families finally reached a compromise. According to Moana`s uncle (maternal) she will be buried at Zororo Memorial Park on Thursday. Her paternal side still insists it will be a Muslim burial and it seems preparations have been adjusted accordingly.

Meanwhile, there was commotion at Doves Morgans funeral parlour chapel, as Passion Java arrived for Moanas funeral service. Java’s S Class Benz suffered a cracked windscreen during the chaos. The prophet had to escape from the excited crowd abandoning the event.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sworn in a three-member tribunal to investigate High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere’s fitness to hold office.

The tribunal will be chaired by retired Judge Justice Simbi Mubako and comprises Yvonne Masora and Charles Warara.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed the tribunal following recommendations made by Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The JSC accuses Justice Ndewere of failure to clear her workload in reasonable time and failure to properly study the file on a thief’s conviction and sentence when she set aside a jail term.

AllAfrica

THE ZIMBABWE Congress of Trade Unions’ leaders who were arrested for protesting against the high costs of living in Zimbabwe and the government’s imposition of the 2% transaction tax have been acquitted after the magistrate in Mutare found them not guilty.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in a report Tuesday revealed that Mutare Magistrate Sekai Chiundura acquitted 19 ZCTU activists who had been on trial since 2018 for allegedly protesting against the high cost of living in Zimbabwe and the imposition of a 2% transactions tax by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

The 19 ZCTU leaders, who were represented by Passmore Nyakureba were arrested on October 11 2018 by the police and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During the trial, the state alleged that the ZCTU leaders had contravened the law by taking part in a demonstration organised by the country’s largest labour union to protest against the government’s disastrous economic policies.

However, Chiundura found them not guilty and acquitted them at the close of the state case indicating that the state had failed to prove a prima facie case against them.

Own Correspondent

One person was seriously injured while property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was destroyed in a fire that broke out at Chirundu Court near Divaris Shopping Centre in Belvedere, Harare this morning.

The fire, which completely destroyed the entire second floor of the City of Harare owned-double storey building, is reported to have started after a gas tank exploded in one of the apartments.

Tenants on the building said officers from the emergency services failed to respond in time and the first truck to arrive did not have enough water to put out the fire.

They said the second truck arrived when half of the floor was already burnt down.

“If the trucks had come in time and with enough water, some of the apartments could have been saved,” said an anonymous tenant.

The injured, only identified as Jenny is the owner of the apartment where the fire started.

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Two other residents were trapped but later rescued by a visitor to the building.

Paul Nyathi

At least seven Chinhoyi University of Technology students have tested positive for Covid-19.

Mashonaland West Provincial Medical Director Dr Gift Masoja said those who have tested positive include five females and two males.

Tests were conducted today on 31 people in Chinhoyi using the Gene Xpert machine and seven samples came out positive.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described the dearth of democracy in Africa as unfortunate and catastrophic.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, President Chamisa denounced dictatorship, election rigging and persecution of opposition activists.

Commenting on electoral processes in Uganda, President Chamisa said:

I’ve been following election campaigns in Uganda.

Alternative Presidential candidate and Brother Bobi Wine is being terrorized, blocked from campaigning and access to the media.Dictatorship must go.Young people must save and serve Africa.Real change is unstoppable.

No turning back.

Godisinit

peoplepower

mayibuyeafrica

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa, has described the dearth of democracy in Africa as unfortunate and catastrophic.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, President Chamisa denounced dictatorship, election rigging and persecution of opposition activists.

Commenting on electoral processes in Uganda, President Chamisa said:

I’ve been following election campaigns in Uganda.

Alternative Presidential candidate and Brother Bobi wine is being terrorized, blocked from campaigning and access to the media.Dictatorship must go.Young people must save and serve Africa.Real change is unstoppable.

No turning back.

Godisinit

peoplepower

mayibuyeafrica

By A Correspondent- Rescue operations for the six miners trapped in a mineshaft at Matshetshe Mine in Esigodini last week are yet to commence because such an undertaking would be dangerous, police have said.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Tuesday said police were working with the local authority and the Department of Civil Protection to try and rescue the miners.

Said Nyathi:

We are working with various stakeholders including the Umzingwane Rural District Council, the district development co-ordinator and the Ministry of Mines to try and retrieve the trapped miners.

So far, the Ministry of Mines has highlighted that the mine is flooded and the ground is wet. This risks the further collapse of the mine.

So the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) will issue a report on the rescue, but as it stands, there are no rescue operations which have been conducted.

The trapped mineworkers have been identified as Nkosilathi Ndlovu (29), Blessed Ncube (24), Christopher Dube (23), Ndumiso Dube (age not known), Ndumiso Ntini from Lupane and one only identified as Mlilo from Gwanda.

This Wednesday marks the eighth day since the miners were trapped in a mineshaft collapse.

newsday

Gweru – A jealous man from Mberengwa has been jailed for 10 years after he chopped off his lover’s ring finger in a bid to ensure that she will not wear any other suitor’s ring.

Promise Moyo (27) swore to Linnet Chihora (25) that she was not going to put on any man’s ring after the latter announced her intention to quit the relationship. He took a machete and chopped off Chihora’s finger to make sure there will be no place to put a wedding ring.

Moyo was charged with attempted murder and he appeared before Regional Magistrate Phathekile Msipa. It also emerged in court that after chopping off the finger, Moyo attempted to chop off the palm of the hand.

Prosecutor Talent Tadenyika said on February 10, 2020 Moyo, Chihora and a neighbour Sibusisiwe Nyoni went to see the village head to discuss issues concerning the strained relationship.

They came back from the village head’s place and arrived at the complainant’s home at around midnight. On arrival the complainant went to her room but Moyo followed and pulled her out.

He then took a machete from his waist and struck the complainant several times on the hands, head and face with it.
Nyoni managed to stop Moyo from further assaulting the complainant and took her to the hospital.
A report was made leading to Moyo’s arrest.

Msipa suspended three years of the sentence on condition of good behavior.

-Masvingo Mirror

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

“The danger about voice notes are that they leave footprints (I.e the phone number they are sent from)…

“if she denies the voice then she has to explain who was using her phone at that particular instance…” – legal expert on torture crimes, Kennedy Masiye.

AUDIO LOADING BELOW….

By Showbiz Reporter | The Comedian Mai Titi (Felistas Murata) who was on Monday arrested yesterday at Marlborough Police station over hiring assailants to assault an events businesswoman, had a temporary moment of relief which she took to shoot a live video smiling while outside the Harare Magistrates Court.

The case was referred back to the police for further forensics after the three men she was arrested with changed statements at the last minute. Yesterday one of the men was filmed confessing that he was truly hired on the 5th November with two others by the comedian, but early Monday morning he changed statements.

Forensics will now determine which direction the case goes.

The first of the self confessed hirings, is Mr Desire Hendeni, who is together with two others only identified as Joshua, and Brincely.

Soon after the denials, Mai Titi whose Facebook account was somewhat taken down soon after the arrest yesterday, quickly went on camera from her Instagram account, where she appeared totally unconcerned about the case.

Meanwhile, the case relates mainly to audio recordings of a voice sounds alike Mai Titi instructing the men to go “electrocute” the Harare woman.

In the recorded audios, a voice fitting Mai Titi’s communication is heard plotting her attack for Mapalo Gardens, which is at 22 Lower Hampden Road, Marlborough, Harare.

The conversation with the alleged assassin is as follows:

Agent: there is no way that they will see me, it won’t happen, they will never see me. Don’t fear a thing, rely on me, don’t fear anything.

Mai Titi: Alright, if you can do it in the morning, it’s bho zvekuti, you can then come to the airport to meet me, and I will sort you out, because this person is getting too inflated too much. They are now too inflated.

Mai Titi: But I don’t want them to see you, if they see you they will become alert.

Agent: Are you now doubting me these days? We are literally there right now where … Isn’t it the place is called Mapalo Gardens? This is where I m standing right now. But this person will be electrocuted tomorrow morning. Wait, let me do my logistics. let me do my logistics, but this person is being electrocuted in the morning. For now we are just doing negotiations. for now we shall just be negotiating, but when we get to the morning, that is when we will finish this person. But you must rely on me, you must trust me.

Mai Titi: But if there is nothing you’ve done, it helps nothing. At the offices, they just do their thing, they don’t have offices. They are at their house where they do their events. So now, how will they be caught? Will you be able to do the catch? Is there any more hope? Is there any hope? I don’t think there’s any hope? Because if there is an excuse maybe by now they are now aware. You see? I will give you fuel money no problem, because I was always landing tomorrow, I am landing but I don’t know if this hit job will work.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has slammed other unions representing teachers, saying they have no idea of what transpires during the meetings with government officials because they are “forever” absent.

ZIMTA has recently come under fire particularly from the Raymond Majongwe-led Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) led by Obert Masaraure.

The two unions have accused ZIMTA officials of hobnobbing with the government and abandoning teachers.

But in a statement this Wednesday, ZIMTA defended its actions and urged teachers to remain focused.

The statement read:

ZIMTA is the most professional teachers’ union in Zimbabwe, with a mandate to advocate for better salaries for teachers, to ensure that teachers keep their professional jobs and to continuously lobby for better conditions of service.

It is regrettable that a cautionary word urging teachers to act within the confines of the regulations is mistaken for threats by the enemies of this union.

We really are doing our best in ensuring that teachers’ conditions of service improve. However, it is sad that some teachers choose to be negative and side with rival unions who only speak on WhatsApp groups but are forever absent in the negotiating meetings.

It is such a sad scenario and really it is up to us teachers to choose between genuine representation and fake propaganda.

ZIMTA attends meetings, advocates, and negotiates in good faith.

Others wait for ZIMTA to return from Meetings, then wait for their circulars, because they have no idea of what transpires during the meetings.

When they copy ZIMTA’s feedback and distribute it on WhatsApp groups and critique it others believe them, BUT we all know, this is not representation, all that they do is mislead.

They have no clue of how the systems work, yet they want to Teachers to lose focus and believe in them. This is SAD.

We urge you to remain focused, ZIMTA is behind you all the WAY. We are here to Represent TEACHERS every day.

The struggle Continues.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA)

The suspended Harare City Council Human Capital Director Dr Cainos Chingombe who is reportedly poised to return to work is now facing a litany of sexual abuse allegations, this publication can reveal.

The revelations of Dr Chingombe’s sexual abuses are in a letter written by a former student attaché to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission(ZACC) to institute investigations against her former boss.

“In 2010 through a relative, Mrs Priscilla Charumbira who was a senior employee at Cleveland House, I got the opportunity to do my attachment at the council’s finance department housed at Rowan Martin building.

“It was not long before I was mysteriously transferred to Town House were Mr Chingombe turned me into his sex slave,” she narrated.

“I travelled with him to almost all workshops ,while many saw it as a favour so I earn extra income through allowances and make ends meet, Chingombe saw it as an opportunity to violate me, and violate me he did ,using intimidating tactics that came with job, as he portrayed himself as someone who could hire or fire at will,(sic),”added the former attaché.

She says after hearing of Dr Chingombe ’s sexual escapades with other female employees , she reported him to the police but could not pursue the matter because her relatives were against it .

“After learning that his office was the bedroom of many female employees, both students and the seniors I gathered enough nerve and reported him to Harare Central Police station as I was nearing the end of my attachment.

“He caused a public fight with his secretary and another Harare employee by the name Dorothy Hombarume as he was sleeping with both of them, both are still at council and can verify when contacted as they later realised they are both victims.

“My relatives were highly critical of this move which led me to abandon my Finance degree and relocate to South Africa,” she cites.

The former Chingombe subordinate believes that her boss did possess ‘political and financial power’ which made her case be swept under the carpet hence seeking ZACC to intervene.

“Having knowledge of his political and financial power, and being neglected by relatives because of the report I made ,I had no choice but to flee. As a lady I feel I was humiliated and abused through the help of South African women’s organisation I wrote several complaints to Harare Council, Police General Headquarters, former First Lady Grace among many other institutions and persons highlighting Chingombe’s abuses.

“It is against this background that as a private citizen entitled to all the rights enshrined in the constitution and having faith in your institution that I call upon the anti-corruption commission urgently Chingombe and his associates,”.

The victim claims that what prompted her to open up on these sexual abuses after hearing of the imminent return of Chingombe.

-BUSTOP TV

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe records 70 000 illegal abortions per year and a third of girls get married before they reach the age of 18.

This was said by Senator Morgan Femayi, the chairperson of the HIV and Aids thematic committee in the Senate during a public meeting held at Mkoba Hall in Mkoba Village Two suburb in Gweru recently.

The HIV and Aids thematic committee and other committees wanted to get the views of members of the public on the issue of allowing children aged 12 years and above access to contraceptives.

Senator Femayi said:

One in every three girls marries before the age of 18. We have 70 000 illegal abortions per year in the country and high school drop out. Girls below the age of 19 account for 15 per cent of the maternal mortality rate.

Therefore, the petitioner’s plea to Parliament is that there should be no restrictions in accessing health care by persons from the age of 12 or those below the age of 18 and that includes access to contraceptives and other health care matters.

Munyaradzi Chingwara, a counsellor, said parents or guardians should not bury their heads in the sand and pretend that children from the age of 12 were not having sex, because they are.

Chingwara said in 2016 alone, 4 500 girls failed to proceed to secondary education after falling pregnant.

He implored authorities to remove age restrictions to accessing health care services, saying reproductive health shouldn’t have restrictions so that there is universal access to health care services for all including children.-statemedia

Block of flats near Belvedere shops has been razed down by fire which is believed to have started at another block nearby.

Below are pictures of the fire shot by citizen journalists from Belvedere.

By A Correspondent- Government yesterday called on teachers and civil servants to be realistic in their salary demands, saying any unreasonable demands would push them into printing money to fund employment costs, which would, in turn, trigger a new wave of inflation.

This was revealed by Labour minister Paul Mavima during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, where he said teachers must also consider the economic fundamentals in the country instead of making irrational demands.

Mavima’s statement comes as three teachers’ unions the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta), the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) refused to accept the 41% salary hike offered by government, insisting the deadlock be taken for arbitration.

They were, however, outvoted by other civil servants unions who accepted the 41% salary hike which government offered after the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) sat on Tuesday.

The offer, effective from November 1, will see the lowest paid teacher getting $19 000 and the lowest paid civil servant getting $14 000.

While Zimta ordered its members to go back to school, other teachers’ unions have vowed that their members would not go back to work until the employer has acceded to their demand for a US$520 salary.

“The alternative is to make demands that are unrealistic and then force government to print money and then bring back inflation and take us back to the yesteryear of 2008 which is not productive to anybody,” Mavima said.

“We have achieved stability. Let’s be realistic in our demands, let’s move our economy upwards together so that we can have decent salaries.”

He continued: “The Apex Council represents all civil service associations, including the teachers unions and, therefore, when the NJNC, which is the formal platform for negotiations, agrees on salary negations, individual unions cannot, therefore, come back and say we don’t agree, when their leadership has agreed and signed onto the salary negotiations.”

Mavima said government had been genuine in engaging with civil servants and was slowly moving them from the equivalent of US$30, to where they are now earning more than US$200.

“They have asked for a plough back to 2018 levels, that’s the US$520 they have been talking about, but we have already moved almost halfway to there and we are saying we are going to be realistic, we need to look at our fiscal space. We need to look at our economic conditions and realistically demand things that leave us as a country with the stability that we have achieved,” he said.

Mavima said hopefully with a good 2021 agricultural season, the economy would grow to the extent that government would be able to pay decent salaries.

However, Artuz president Obert Masaraure insisted that: “Teachers are not going back to school. Those who signed the document are sellouts. They are not teachers. Just signing a document does not capacitate teachers.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- The trial of two Beitbridge policemen Carrotnos Wafawanaka and Hardlife Shoko, who are accused of brutally assaulting a resident for allegedly breaking COVID-19 regulations, kicked off yesterday.

Wafawanaka and Shoko’s lawyer Tatenda Razemba challenged the State’s production of the complainant Tafadzwa Mukutiri’s medical affidavit saying the document was not properly prepared.

Razemba further argued that it had two similar stamps, but with two different doctor’s signatures.

But prosecutor Ronald Mugwagwa said the document was authentic.

Beitbridge magistrate Toyindepi Zhou ruled that there was need for a qualified medical doctor to do a medical examination on the complainant.

Mukutiri told the court how he was handcuffed and assaulted by Wafawanaka while Shoko held his deadlocked hair.

He said he was repeatedly hit by a thick switch at a bushy area in Dulivhadzimo.

Mukutiri said he did not resist arrest because police blocked his car.

In their defence, Wafawanaka and Shoko claimed that Mukutiri was injured when he tried to resist arrest and hit his head on the edge of a police van.

Mukutiri said he did not know Wafawanaka and Shoko prior to the incident, but admitted having heard about “a notorious policeman called Wafawanaka”.

“The whole of Beitbridge knows his name and that he is notorious for taking bribes and harassing people,” claimed Mukutiri.

It is alleged that Mukutiri sustained injuries which required nine stitches. The images of the injuries were exhibited in court.

The two are denying the charges and the trial continues today.-Newsday

A 33-YEAR-OLD Murewa man, Japhet Shamba, who is an uncle of confessed ritual murderer Tafadzwa Shamba who was nabbed for allegedly killing seven-year-old Tapiwa Makore, committed suicide yesterday morning.

The deceased’s body was found hanging on a tree a few metres from his homestead in Chinyani village under Chief Mangwende.

According to police sources, the late Shamba went missing from the homestead since last Thursday.

The deceased is said to have left a suicidal note stating that he regretted exhausting all the maize and peanut seeds from his grandmother’s granary.

He used to stay with his mother and wife at the same homestead.

The death of Shamba left villagers in Murewa concluding that the late Tapiwa’s spirit was now avenging after Tafadzwa confessed to the gruesome murder of the boy.

Tapiwa is yet to be buried as his head and hands are still missing.