By Patrick Guramatunhu- “Mdc Alliance Namibia greatly appreciates and admires the historic innovation since the inception of the political behemoth to invade rural constituencies in preparation of the harmonised elections in 2023,” said MDC A Namibia District statement in support of party youths to target one million new rural voters in the #OneMillionCompaign. 

“As a district, we are committed and dedicated to meaningfully contribute towards this noble cause since our Youths are the most vulnerable victims of Zanupf’s gross misgovernance.

We applaud our Youth Assembly led by Chairperson commander Obey Tererai Sithole and his vibrant team for the initiative to fight vote apathy especially from our youths who treat themselves as second class citizens.” 

The rural people are the poorest of the poor in Zimbabwe and, given Zanu PF is responsible for the country’s economic meltdown, one would expect the opposition to have no problems getting support from the rural voters. The exact opposition is in fact the case. 

Zanu PF coercive tactics of using state assistance to buy votes backed by the use of brute force has reduced the rural voters into nothing but medieval serfs beholden to the overbearing landlords. 

Before the 2018 elections Mnangagwa bought each and everyone of the country’s traditional chiefs a twin cab truck; at a time when many district hospitals did not have a working ambulance service, for example. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Chief’s Council, publicly proclaimed that all the chiefs will be campaigning for Zanu PF in the coming elections. 

The Chiefs together with the Zanu PF operatives have harassed the rural voters forcing them to attend Zanu PF rallies and to vote for the party. This is normal practice in Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF’s 2/3 majority in parliament is from rural votes from the medieval serfs! 

The prospect of holding the 2023 elections with no meaningful democratic reforms implemented is nauseating. The country must implement the democratic reforms to ensure Chief Charumbira and his fellow chiefs are forced to honour their constitutional obligations to be apolitical. The practice of politicising state aid must be stamped out. 

It is not that the MDC leaders and their supporters do not know that of Zanu PF’s use of Chiefs and other blatant vote rigging political shenanigans; they do. They also know that Zanu PF vote rigging juggernaut is more ruthless in the rural areas than in the urban areas hence the reason the urban centres have remain opposition strongholds. 

To give the impression Zimbabwean elections are a free, fair and credible multi-party elections Zanu PF has allowed the opposition to win a few gravy train seats, bait to entice them to participate in the flawed elections. What is worth noting here, that the opposition politicians were well aware this is a honey pot trap; one they found irresistible! 

In his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe, David Coltart, MDC A Senator and Treasurer General, former MDC – Ncube Senator and Minister of Education in the 2008 GNU, gave details of how Zanu PF was flouting the electoral rules in the upcoming 2013 elections. It was clear the elections would not be free, fair and credible and yet MDC leaders participated in the elections.

“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 elections,” wrote Senator Coltart.

“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.”

Participating in the flawed elections not only gave the process credibility but also gave the vote rigging, per se, illegitimate Zanu PF regime some modicum of legitimacy. 

After the 2013 elections, MDC-T resolved at its next party congress not to participate in future elections until reform are implemented. “No reform! No elections!” All the other MDC factions endorsed the resolution. 

As the 2018 elections draw near, the smell of honey was in the air, the “No reform! No election!” resolution was abandoned without even by your leave. A number of the MDC factions did form the MDC Alliance coalition to better their chance of winning the bait seats; boycotting elections was the last thing on their minds. 

After the 2018 elections, MDC A has complained of Zanu PF stealing the elections, at least the presidential race, and has once again called for “implementation of comprehensive democratic reforms” BEFORE the 2023 elections. 

As the 2023 elections approach, the smell of the honey will once again become irresistible, MDC A will participate in the elections with not even token reforms implemented. The campaign to recruit one million rural party supporters will just be one excuse for participating with no reforms implemented. 

Without implementing the democratic reforms the rural voters will remain a medieval serfs beholden to the overbearing traditional Chiefs and other Zanu PF operatives. The 2023 elections must be free, fair and credible in which everyone, including rural voters, exercise their right to a meaningful vote fear or coercion. 

“MDC A #OneMillionCompaign will fight rural voter apathy and treat themselves as second class citizens!” It is down right foolish to expect the rural voters who have been reduced into medieval serfs to vote freely especially it is none other than the MDC A that has repeatedly failed to implement the democratic reforms to end their bondage!

MDC A is gearing to participate in the 2023 with no reforms implemented; all talk of implementing reforms is the usual hot air. Whilst we cannot stop them, we can see to it no one is left in any doubt MDC A are doing this out of greed. Mnangagwa will never implement any reforms because he knows MDC will participate regardless, they opposition cannot resist the few gravy train seats bait, the honey pot trap. 

During the 2008 to 2013 Zanu PF leaders learnt that the party will not have to implement any democratic reforms as long as it can bribe the MDC leaders to participate in flawed and illegal elections. Ever since, MDC has been running with povo hare, paying lip service to reforms, whilst hunting with the Zanu PF hounds, giving legitimacy to rigged elections.  

The whole world must know that MDC A and all the opposition parties who participate in Zimbabwe’s flawed and illegal elections have no politically credibility. None! 

A discredited opposition cannot give credibility to the flawed and illegal election process. A discredited election process cannot give the vote rigging per se illegitimate Zanu PF regime even token legitimacy! Without reforms the 2023 elections will be null and void and, this time, Zanu PF’s illegitimacy will be beyond dispute! 

What Zimbabwe needs to reset its failed political system is to implement the reforms and hold free, fair and credible elections. Ever since the 2008 GNU the greatest impediment to implementing the reforms is not Zanu PF thugs but MDC sell-outs. Stop MDC conniving with Zanu PF and the latter will have nowhere to hide and the nation will finally have the reforms implemented.

By Josiah Mucharowana in Pretoria- Annus horribilis is a Latin term that translates to ‘ horrible year’ in simple English grammar. This year, 2020 is thus.

So many things happened, a little good and more bad, terrible tragedies beyond human understanding.

I lost a brother, an in-law, Kizito Marume. Him and I married into the same family. We married sisters, look-alikes. Mine younger and a lot more daring and adventurous.

He was a Rusape boy based in Harare working for one big trucking company. I learnt a lot about shipping, freight and forwarding from him. 

We would sit around his lounge sipping on beverages around family and telly. Kids mattered to him, the future he would say. Or still, we would drive out for a family braai at one of the pleasure joints around the capital. 

Even more, we would visit in-laws at the plaas after Norton, almost Chegutu our women and kids in tow of course. Always, they enjoyed our companionship there, vakwasha dearly loved. 

We would have live chickens, sour milk, peanut butter, green mealies and grain for pap. The trips usually were a trek down memory lane, reminiscing about childhoods in the rural areas, ‘ reserves’ rather.  

The custom of running after a live chicken to slaughter for visitors was always an event for our kids- an activity always looked forward to on every next trip. Chickens would scatter on rooftops, in the field and amusing  talk afterwards would sound like a Peter Drury English League football commentary. It was always a pleasure being there to witness it all. I am glad I still can tell it to the world.

Marume’s death at home in the capital from respiratory concerns, was sudden and unforseen leaving a family bewildered. An autopsy dismissed coronavirus even though it was midway through the lockdown.

I have never been gutted in my life.  My spirit failed me. I cried in Pretoria, hundreds of kilometers away. But why? I recoiled. He was a good man. He loved his two daughters and twin boys.

Fate! We all die.I contended.

Marume’s mother mother followed in less than two months. Another tragedy! Elsewhere on the planet, 2020 dished out setbacks and challenges. 

From the vortex of Chinese City of Wuhan came coronavirus. Whence it originated is a mystery. Some say from snakes. Others allege a human hand in the laboratory. Whichever, the world was dealt a massive blow below the belt.

People died and are still dying across the universe. Italy became ghostly. The deaths of thousands  so surreal and bad that authorities struggled to keep up with the pace of decently burying the dead. 

America in denial at first was buffeted with thousands dead. Coronavirus even sneaked up on former boisterous and unbelieving President Trump. In hospital, then he knew the world faced a catastrophe. 

Coronavirus even described by incoming UN Special Advisor On Africa Cristina Duarte as both an ’emergency’ and a ‘tradgedy’ wrought irreparable damage on economies such that many will take decades if not lifetimes to recover. 

Inevitably, there were retrenchments everywhere you look. Industries shut shop and many are on shoestring budgets.

In the thick of it all came ‘tenderprenures’ cashing in on the world demise. In most African governments, millions were looted in the name of Covid- 19 relief.  

The politically connected are pushing bulging pot- bellies grown forth from looted funds.
Former health Minister Obediah Moyo and the President’s son Collins were heavily fingered in a US$ 60 million tender scandal involving Drax International, a United Arab Emirates registered briefcase company that was meant to facilitate PPEs to the government.
I am just sick to the stomach that greed and heartlessness is ruining innocent lives and a beautiful country’ s future.

Not even the devil with horns can be as corrupt as Zanu-PF functionaries.

Churches were conspicuous by their silence. During lockdown, some pastors truly revealed their true nature as wolves in sheepskins by flighting in the press bank details for their followers to deposit tithes. It’s the ‘Gospel’ of money to most. 

Those that could heal the sick in Jesus- like miracles previously retreated and cowered into their backyards as coronavirus took its toll. Followers are having Damascene moments realising most men of God are in it for money.

2020 even shook the church with RSA-based, Malawian born Pastor Bushiri even admiting ‘ twenty twenty not a glet year’. It was the Malawian tonne over English that catapulted him to infamy this year. 

More so together with his wife and an aide are facing a raft of charges in the courts of RSA including money laundering over 100 million rand- a whopping figure drawing the ire of authorities also considering the church does not pay tax. We saw a muzzling of the press in the country with the repeated arrest of firebrand and anti-graft campaigner Journalist Hopewell Chin’ ono and opposition figure Jacob Ngarivhume. 

There was the abduction of female opposition figures Netsai Marova, Celia Chimbiri and Joanna Mamombe with tales of torture too grotesque for womenfolk. Allegedly, they were forced by state goons to eat their human waste, drink urine  as well as having gun barrels shoved up their behinds before being dumped out of town in the middle of the night. The case is pending before the courts.

Noted too have been deaths of several opposition figures. The health sector has degenerated to unbelievable lows with deaths amongst women giving birth a daily occurrence. 

Schools despite physically having open gates, have no meaningful teaching business happening as teacher’s strike for better salaries run into weeks. 

And parents still have to fork out fees in the melee. There was the infamous ANC- Zanu- PF meeting in Harare meant to address the country’s challenges especially in the wake of human rights abuses by government. 

Days beforehand , there was promises of fireworks by the ANC- delegation prior to coming to Harare. Underfire ANC- Secretary General Ace Magashule and a coterie of other political men from the South were expected to shoot from the hip telling their counterparts Zimbabwe had gone bananas.

It was not to be, the people’s adreline rush was a waste. Instead politicians came out taking selfies, lovey- doveying, patting one another on the back in camaraderie.

Another chance to rejuvenate hopes for Zimbabweans came to naught. A sad year.
In addition, we saw Thokozani Khupe formerly an MDC-T supping with the devil. She is back in Parliament through the backdoor at the expense of genuine opposition supporters sick and tired of the maladministration and corruption happening in the country. It is just horrible! 

Nonetheless came the suspension of High Court Judge Erica Ndewere from the bench on grounds she was unfit to hold office. Apparently she had excercised her autonomy in dealing with court cases to the chagrin of Chief Justice Luke Malaba. 

A three-year member tribunal is to cosmetically look into her work and track record yet the conclusion is foregone. She is a goner for shrugging off political directives from her bosess. The whole affair is sordid and sad for the justice system in the country.

Not to be outdone was Mining Federation boss Henrietta Rushwaya, the Cinderella of alibis and criminal defense. She was caught with hands in the cookie jar at R.G.Mugabe International airport ready to whisk away to Dubai 6kgs of gold loot covered in lingerie in her travelling bag.

She claims she took the wrong bag upon leaving home and was unaware she had gold bars.
Worryingly, it is apparent that if Zanu-PF continues surviving elections in 2023, Zimbabwe won’t.

There won’t be anything left to resuscitate going forward. The level of corruption is so blatantly obscene and the corruption net is even wider with lots of blessings from top government hawks.

In the 80’s, Malawian dictator Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda once said Africa is doomed because it’s leaders are corrupt. Very true. Contemporary leaders trip over each other literally to prove him a prophet. Everyhwere one looks reeks of corruption, a stench stinking to the high heavens.

Even South Africa has witnessed its fair share. The Vreda dairy farm scandal, Gupta family shenanigans thenceforth known as State Capture, Steinhoff, VBS amongst other human malfeaseances.

It is sad and horrible for peasants who cannot access corruption feeding troughs. 
As the final weeks of 2020 drips in, I can only hope for good fortunes ahead. Marume happened giving me pain so monumental. Death has a sting so excoriating. I feel cheated. 

Josiah Mucharowana is a media graduate living in Pretoria.

Feedback; [email protected]

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Presidential and National Scholarship Office has disowned an advertisement for educational scholarships circulating on social media.

Last week, a fake advert was circulated on social media inviting prospective applicants to apply for the presidential scholarship scheme. It had a cellphone number through which applications were required to send mobile money as processing fees.

Also attached was an email address allegedly from the fake presidential scholarship scheme. “The Zimbabwe Presidential and National Scholarship Office wishes to disown these adverts and advise the public that all genuine government scholarships are always placed in the public print media and public broadcaster and never on social media,” said Chris

Mushowe, the executive director for the Zimbabwe Presidential and National Scholarship Office in a statement yesterday. Mushowe also advised the public that the scheme does not require prospective applicants to pay.

“Furthermore, the government of Zimbabwe does not charge prospective applicants processing fees and no funds are sent through individual… lines or individual bank accounts,” he said, adding that the genuine government programme is done once at the beginning of the year soon after the release of Advanced Level results. Submissions of applications are done in person and not through the email being circulated online.

By A Correspondent- The trial of two ex-senior police officers at Chitungwiza Police Station accused of receiving a US$110 bribe failed to kick off yesterday after their lawyer failed to turn up.

The two former cops are accused of demanding a bribe to cover up investigations on junior officers.

Charles Mutabvuka, who was the officer-in-charge, and Smackmail Chikowore, a former sergeant, were caught after receiving US$110 bribe money, which they demanded from junior police officers.

Their trial, however, could not kick-off yesterday because Mutabvuka’s lawyer did not show up.

It is the State case that sometime in February 2020, Mutabvuka and Chikowore were investigating Nyasha Mupandira, Obey Muchesa and Learnmore Maburuse, who are all junior police officers over a case of criminal abuse of office.

The accused then demanded US$110 from the trio to cover up the allegations.

But the trio reported their bosses to the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) internal investigations.

A team of police officers from PGHQ set up a trap and Chikowore was caught receiving bribe money, leading to their arrest.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande postponed trial to December 3, 2020. Tafara Chirambira appeared for the State.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- South Africa has issued an arrest warrant for controversial millionaire pastor Shepard Bushiri, who skipped bail and returned home to Malawi.

On Saturday he told his social media followers that he had left South Africa because he had received death threats.

The preacher, who was on bail and awaiting trial for money laundering and fraud, had previously said he wanted to clear his name.

It is not clear how or when Mr Bushiri left South Africa.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Bushiri refused to reveal how he escaped.

But the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, reports that one possibility being considered is that he and his wife Mary were smuggled out by a sophisticated syndicate which specialises in taking stolen cars from South Africa to Malawi.

There have also been suggestions in the South African press that he was smuggled out in Malawi’s presidential jet – something which has been denied by the authorities in both countries.

How has Shepherd Bushiri caused a diplomatic row?

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera was in South Africa on a state visit last week, and there has been speculation in South Africa that a member of his entourage had aided Mr Bushiri’s escape.

This has been denied by officials in both Malawi and South Africa, but a diplomatic row is brewing.

Malawi’s foreign minister told the BBC that he thought the South African authorities suspected the Malawians were trying to smuggle out the controversial preacher.

“When we were coming to Malawi leaving South Africa, we were exposed to stringent checks. It is just now that we are beginning to realise that maybe there was a suspicion that we were trying to smuggle Bushiri out of South Africa,” Malawi’s foreign minister Eisenhower Mkaka told the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko on Saturday.

On Monday morning he then complained, very publicly, on Twitter about the seven-hour delay to the president’s journey, which included “vague security reasons” for thorough checks of the presidential plane.

He noted that the South African authorities had categorically stated that Mr Bushiri had not escaped on the presidential plane.

But he described South Africa’s treatment of President Chakwera as “improper”.

-bbc

By A Correspondent- A security guard at a farm in Gwanda has been arrested for allegedly beating up a man to death for stealing potatoes from the farm.

Mr Trymore Dambani (32)’s body was found three days later with legs and hands missing and it is suspected that they were devoured by wild animals.

Matabeleland provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said Torevesai Zhou (42) fatally assaulted Mr Dambani on Wednesday at Drummond Farm and the body was found three days later in an advanced state of decomposition.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred at Drummond Farm. The now deceased Trymore Dambani was spotted in a field at the farm with his friends at night in the possession of potatoes which they are suspected to have stolen.

Torevesai Zhou who is employed as a security guard at the farm pursued them and he caught up with Dambani and struck him with an unknown object,” he said.

“Dambani’s friends checked on him and upon seeing that he was badly hurt left him in the bush and remained quiet about the incident. Three days later Dambani’s family filed a missing person’s report and they launched a search party for him.”

Chief Insp Ndebele said Dambani’s body was later found in an advanced state of decomposition with his hands and legs missing and it is suspected that they were devoured by wild animals.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A major row has erupted among relatives of the late national hero and Cabinet minister, Perrance Shiri, as they fight to benefit from his significant estate.

This comes as it has emerged that the former Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement minister left behind several children – with many of them who were not previously known, and whose filial links to Shiri are disputed, now coming forward to be part of the would-be beneficiaries.

Shiri, a former military commander and distinguished liberation struggle fighter, was born Bigboy Samson Chikerema before changing his name when he joined Zimbabwe’s war for independence in the 1970s. He died at the end of July after contracting the lethal coronavirus, which also killed one of his aides.

Members of his family confirmed to the Daily News at the weekend that a nasty fight had erupted among his relatives and political associates over how his estate should be administered – with some of the family members claiming that certain relatives wanted to elbow out some of Shiri’s children from the inheritance.

One of the aggrieved family members said Shiri had left behind a sizeable estate which included a host of properties – including a house in Borrowdale and a farm in Bindura that had chalets – as well as a fleet of top-of-the range vehicles, several buses and a trucking company.

Another family member also said he had interests in a thriving local tile manufacturing firm. The fight for Shiri’s wealth, the insiders said, was pitting – in the main – the late minister’s siblings against his “many children”, whose exact number could not be ascertained.

They added that the ugly battle was raging despite the fact that Shiri, who was not married, had left a will bequeathing a large chunk of his wealth to his children and a few close family members.

So serious has the family feud become that his maternal uncle – a retired lieutenant colonel only identified as Chigwedu, and who stays at the late former Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) commander’s farm in Chegutu’s Pickstone area – is said to have now been roped in to try to mediate the differences.

Approached by the Daily News to shed more light on the matter, one of the late Shiri’s relatives, Benjamin Chikerema – who acted as family spokesperson when he died – was tight-lipped.

“Whoever is telling you that probably has more information. There are people who are looking into the matter of his estate and those are better placed to give you information.

“The same also goes with his memorial. There are people organising it,” was all he would say. Shiri’s brother, Peter Zimondi – who is not related to former prisons boss Paradzai – also refused to comment on the matter.

“I am only the guardian and not the family spokesperson. You can talk to uncle Chikaka regarding those issues,” Zimondi said.

Efforts by the Daily News to locate the said Chikaka were unsuccessful.

But the insiders who spoke to the Daily News also said at the weekend that some of the late Shiri’s friends and political associates had allegedly joined the fight on the side of his sisters – who were allegedly disputing the paternity of some of the late national hero’s children.

Shiri’s sisters are said to be demanding that DNA tests be done to ascertain if the children are indeed his.

“He left a will which articulated how his estate should be distributed. He allocated the majority of his wealth to his children.

“Some family members not included in the will feel they are entitled to benefit, resulting in a clash. There are also some family members calling for the dead hero’s wishes to give his children what he sweated for.

“Others are, however, disputing the contents of the will,” one of the family members told the Daily News. Another family member, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Daily News that some relatives were allegedly refusing to surrender some properties that were left in their custody in a bid to freeze out the late hero’s children.

“There are eight trucks and 12 other vehicles which some are trying to conceal. We know all about it. “These things are for the children and they should benefit. Some are allocating themselves shares of the things he left behind,” this other family member said.

At the time of his death, Shiri was engaged in significant efforts to try and revamp the country’s agriculture sector to boost production through various projects and programmes – including the John Deere mechanisation programme.

Shiri died at the end of July, a few days after his driver succumbed to the lethal coronavirus that has killed millions of people around the world. The late liberation stalwart is said to have endured a difficult and lonely death in his car, as he tried in vain to drive himself to a hospital for treatment.

-dailynews

By A Correspondent- A teenager from a Bindura farm is on the run after he fatally struck his stepfather with an iron bar on the head.

The 15-year-old boy attacked his 37-year-old stepfather while trying to protect his mother during a domestic dispute over claims of infidelity.

According to Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fidelis Dhewu, the stepfather went to buy some airtime and took long to come back home, prompting the wife to follow him. Said Dhewu:

She found him at the house of another woman, resulting in an altercation following accusations of infidelity.

The woman at the house where the man was, ran away. The couple went back to their home and the quarrel degenerated into a scuffle resulting in the boy striking his stepfather on the right side of the head.

The stepfather was taken to Bindura Hospital where he died the following day and a report was made to police.-statemedia

TIMES LIVE: The government says fugitives from justice Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary did not leave SA aboard a flight carrying Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera and his delegation.

It also said SA has initiated a process to secure the extradition of the self-proclaimed prophet and his wife from Malawi.

The government made the statement on Sunday after reports that the couple had fled the country while they were expected to stand trial on allegations of fraud, theft, and money laundering involving R102m.

Bushiri and his wife did not report to the police station on Friday, as required in terms of their bail conditions.

There was speculation that Bushiri and his wife had left with the Malawian president on Friday. Chakwera was on an official visit to SA on Thursday and left the country on Friday.

Malawian presidency spokesperson Brian Banda dismissed suggestions that Chakwera had anything to do with the Bushiris fleeing SA.

Government communications and information systems director-general Phumla Williams said on Sunday that Chakwera and his delegation departed from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.

She said the delegation stopped over at OR Tambo International Airport to collect additional officials who had travelled to SA earlier to prepare for the working visit.

“Department of home affairs immigration officials verified the identities of all passengers and Mr and Ms Bushiri were not on the flight,” Williams said.

She said when travellers are processed for departure, they are required to present themselves to an immigration officer who, among other checks, verifies that the passport belongs to the traveller.

“To ensure that the two fugitives face justice, SA has initiated a process to secure their extradition from Malawi in terms of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Protocol on Extradition and other legal instruments, to which Malawi is a signatory.

“While this process is under way, law-enforcement agencies will continue investigations into this matter,” Williams said.

-Times Live

By A Correspondent- A motorist who was among mourners at Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure’s mansion hit the late socialite’s brick wall and sped off from the scene.

The unidentified motorist hit another mourner’s parked vehicle before smashing into the mansion wall.

One of the eye witnesses told H-Metro that the unidentified motorist destroyed the precast wall while reversing to avoid security guards who were manning the place.

“It is sad that the motorist destroyed the mansion precast security wall together with another parked vehicle belonging to one of the mourners and sped off,” said the eye witness.

“I am not sure if that motorist deliberately targeted the walls but from the look of things he was reversing at a fast speed to avoid security guards after he hit one of the parked vehicles.

“A number of people who failed to find their way into the mansion because of the limited number returned to their homes refusing to follow proceedings from the tents.

“I am still wandering why the motorist decided to disappear from the scene following that mishap considering the damage he had caused,” said the eye witness.

A security guard armed with a dog was quickly deployed to the destroyed area as people were about to use the way to get inside the mansion.-H-Metro

HARARE – The MDC Alliance says it has found no “conclusive evidence” that one of its leaders was an informer for the Central Intelligence Organisation whose agents abducted and tortured university student Tawanda Muchehiwa in July.

Tendai Masotsha, the chairperson of the MDC women’s wing in Bulawayo province faced questions after the 22-year-old Muchehiwa – a nephew of ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu – was seized from a parked car as they sat together on July 30, the eve of planned anti-government protests.

Masotsha and two other nephews of the journalist, who were inside a hardware shop at the time of the raid, were taken to the main police station but she was released after several hours of questioning. One of Mathuthu’s nephews, Advent Mathuthu, was charged with incitement of violence over Masotsha’s ’31 July Strategy’ protest flyers found in the BMW he was driving, but prosecutors surprisingly dropped the charges.

Muchehiwa was driven out of town and tortured for three days and was only released after a court gave police 72 hours to produce him, with a judge accepting that police knew who was holding him. Doctors said Muchehiwa’s kidneys were failing when he was taken to hospital.

Jameson Timba, a senior MDC Alliance official who was part of a committee probing Masotsha, said they were satisfied “on the balance of probabilities” that she had not collaborated with the state agents.

“After considering the evidence before it, the committee concludes that there is no conclusive evidence to link Tendai Masotsha to the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa. There is no smoking gun,” Timba told a news conference in Harare on Monday.

Timba said they “examined all documents relevant to the case including media reports in print, audio and video.”

“In addition, the committee engaged and interviewed all stakeholders including the family and legal representatives of Tawanda Muchehiwa, Tendai Masotsha and other members of the party,” he added.

Neither Muchehiwa nor his cousins Advent Mathuthu and Amandlenkosi Mathuthu who spent some time with Masotsha at the police station were interviewed, ZimLive reported Monday.

Masotsha told the committee that police officers at Bulawayo Central Police Station purported to release her just after 8PM, but she was abducted by state security agents shortly after stepping out of the station. She claimed she was driven into the bush and tortured until about 1AM when her abductors dumped her near her home.

Timba said he did not know if Masotsha filed a police report about the incident.

Kukurigo understands Masotsha had previously told party officials that she did not report her alleged abduction and torture to the police or the party because she was in shock.

Despite her being cleared of conspiring with state agents, Masotsha came under renewed scrutiny immediately after as it emerged Monday that she had also circulated her ’31 July Strategy’ flyer in party WhatsApp groups, appearing to incite the public to attack the homes of Zanu PF officials and police officers.

Party insiders said there are fears Masotsha was working to entrap opposition activists in an intelligence operation designed to create a pretext for clamping down on the July 31 protests, but the party was hesitant to admit to such high-level infiltration.

“Just look how uncomfortable Mahere was when Timba was saying those things; everyone knows this is a mistake, but the leaders insisted she be cleared,” a party official speaking on condition of anonymity said.

Own Correspondent

Midlands Chiefs Council chairperson Chief Nkwananzi Zama Ngungumbane has blamed parents for the immoral activities that some pupils are engaging in within schools in the absence of teachers who are on strike over salary reviews.

Chief Ngungumbane castigated parents for failing to support teachers in shaping the characters of their children saying the guardians had relegated their responsibilities to educators.

He said parents should be responsible for the social and societal upkeep of their children and should desist from blaming teachers for all the negative social behaviours of school children.

“It is a collective responsibility of the community at large not of teachers alone to mould the behaviour of children, to give them the Ubuntu for them to be morally upright because we have a current set up where teachers are mostly absent from schools so if parents neglect their children who then will be their keeper,” he asked.

“It is not an excuse to say teachers’ absence is the result of what children are doing. We have child headed families where some parents are in the Diaspora while the children are left home without an elderly person to give them proper guidance. These children are even exposed to explicit content such as pornographic material and then become experimental.

“As society we also have to understand that every child in your community is your child hence it becomes a collective responsibility to create the future leaders that we want,” he said.

Teachers have been on strike since September when schools opened for examination classes and there have been reports that pupils were engaging in deplorable activities in their absence such as taking illegal substances and doing and recording elicit dances like the dirty ‘John Vulighedi’ dance.

ZIMBABWE recorded 21 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours which brings the total number of cases in the country to 8 786.

According to Ministry of Health and Health Care, no deaths were reported during the same period and the death toll remains at 257.

Of the new cases recorded yesterday, 12 were reported in Bulawayo province, two in Midlands and other two in Masvingo.

The remainder of the cases were recorded in Manicaland and Mashonaland Central provinces.

“We conducted 580 PCR tests yesterday and 21 people tested positive. As at 14 November 2020, Zimbabwe had 8 786 confirmed cases, including 8 096 recoveries and 257 deaths,” read the report.

A GANG of four machete-wielding gold panners allegedly disarmed a security guard of his service rifle, which was loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition before they fatally struck him and robbed him of cellphones, clothes and a pair of shoes.

The incident occurred at Arda Balu Estate in Umguza District in Matabeleland North.

This emerged when one of the suspects, Tobias Dube (26) of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial for murder.

Tobias connived with Dumisani Ngulube (34) of Pelandaba suburb, Nkosilathi Ncube (22) of Nkayi and Givemore Ngwenya (24) of Lupane to fatally attack and rob Ernest Dube (54) after disarming him of his 303 rifle.

Tobias, who is now facing a murder charge in connection with Ernest’s death, filed an application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

He sought an order for release on bail pending trial. Justice Nokuthula Moyo yesterday dismissed the application, saying there was no guarantee that if released on bail, Tobias would not abscond due to the gravity of the offence.

“It is ordered that the application be and hereby accordingly dismissed,” ruled the judge.

In papers before the court, Tobias through his lawyers Nyawo Ruzive Practice had offered to pay $5 000 bail and to report once a week at Cowdray Park Police Station as part of the bail conditions.

He had also offered to continue residing at his given address and not interfere with State witnesses until the finalisation of the matter.

In his bail statement, Tobias is denying the charge, arguing he was tortured by police to admit the charge.

He further argued that there was no evidence linking him to the offence.

“I don’t know anything about the murder of the deceased as I was not in the company of my co-accused on the night in question. There is no evidence linking me to the commission of the offence and the averment that I was found in possession of the deceased’s belongings is misleading because I am actually the one who took the police to the co-accused persons,” argued Tobias.

“After the torture we were taken to the crime scene and forced to make indications by the police.”

He also dismissed the State’s assertion that he was likely to abscond if released on bail, arguing that the State’s case was weak.

The State, which was represented by Mr Bruce Maphosa, opposed the application, arguing that there were compelling reasons warranting the accused person’s continued detention.

“The sentence that the applicant is likely to get upon conviction is a lengthy one and that on its own can tempt him to escape justice by absconding,” he said.

According to court papers, it was stated that on August 20 this year, Tobias together with his three accomplices who are also in custody, armed themselves with machetes and axes and went to Arda Balu Estate in Umguza. They found the deceased manning the premises together with his colleague Ashley Manyemba.

They allegedly confronted the two security guards and indiscriminately attacked them using machetes. They also managed to disarm Ernest of his rifle before they continued to attack him leading to his death. The deceased’s colleague lost consciousness after sustaining a serious head injury.

The gang went away with a loaded 303 rifle. Manyemba gained consciousness after a while and staggered to his colleague whom he found lifeless in a pool of blood and reported the matter to the police.

Tobias was the first to be arrested after a tip-off and upon investigations he implicated the other three.

Investigations led police to the other three suspects and they recovered the rifle which had four rounds of ammunition missing and they are yet to establish where these were used.

The ZRP is 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 (4th) on 16/11/20 at around 1530 hours.

The motorist was picking up passengers in the middle of the road and when approached by a police officer, he ran over the police officer who died on the spot.

The driver sped off after the incident and anyone with information pertaining to this matter to report at any nearest police station. The law will take its course on this reckless driver.

State Media

IN celebrating life, people are actually losing it, as events of the past two weeks have shown.

Tragedy is striking in the euphoria of celebrating birthdays and a week after businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure died in a car crash, four people died in similar circumstances when a Mercedes Benz collided head-on with a BMW near Kariba Airport.

Police identified the deceased as Fortunate Dandajene (47), Jeremiah Matimbe (50), Charcels Mandebvu (50) and Corporal Patience Ganni (31) of the Zimbabwe National Army.

It emerged yesterday that occupants of the Merc were celebrating the birthday of a female colleague.

They are said to have bought some beers at Nyamhunga Shopping Centre before heading for Airport Bar, about four kilometres away.

According to sources close to the happenings, prior to the tragic accident in which three people were burnt beyond recognition, the birthday girl, only identified as Irene, did not join her colleagues after indicating that she wanted to attend to something else before joining them.

The other three then decided to go to the Airport Bar intending to pick up Irene later for the celebrations.

Tragedy struck along the way as the driver of the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve near the 62km peg along the Kariba-Makuti Road.

T-shirts for the birthday girl had been made to brand the event.

The driver drove for about 75 metres on the right side of the road, at least 30 metres of which were on the road verges, before being involved in a head-on collision with the oncoming BMW vehicle.

Vehicle parts were scattered at the scene, with some of them falling about 30 metres from the point of impact.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations into the accident were ongoing.

“We are still conducting investigations into what could have caused the accident, but preliminary findings point to speeding as the driver failed to negotiate a curve,” he said.

The injured three are reportedly in a stable condition and are admitted at Kariba District Hospital.

Paul Nyathi

Civil servants yesterday accepted the 41 percent salary increase by Government, including allowances.

The latest increase will see the least- paid civil servant earning about $14 500.

In an interview yesterday after a meeting of the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC), Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander confirmed the deal. She said Government had increased the basic salary only, but they finally settled for increments which include allowances.

“We have agreed to a cost of living adjustment to be paid as follows: an average salary increase of 41 percent of the total package that is the basic salary, transport and housing allowances plus special civil service allowance. It is going to be effective from November 1, 2020,” she said.

Mrs Alexander said the bonus for 2020, which is paid over two months, was going to be based on the basic salary plus transport and housing allowances.

While the civil servants had accepted the offer, Mrs Alexander said they trusted the Government would continue prioritising their welfare in the coming year. The Government has already made it clear that while it will not borrow or print money to pay civil servants, and so scupper the hard-won economic stability, it will continue as it has been doing this year to improve pay and benefits as tax revenues rise.

Mrs Alexander said a well defined roadmap for civil servants would be crafted in January next year.

“We have settled for the offer because we are now getting at the end of the year and Government is also going to be paying us bonuses for two months. What it means is that if we had refused the offer, civil servants were going to lose bonuses or get paid using calculations of the previous salary structure,” she said.

Mrs Alexander said while the civil servants’ proposal to be paid according to the value of salaries in October 2018 was not met, they settled for the increase in good faith hoping that next year would bring better fortunes.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association secretary-general Mr Enock Dongo, who heads the nursing union that has held out the longest, said nurses welcomed the increment awarded by the Government but still wanted a further improvement.

“It is a welcome development by Government and we really appreciate the increment they have offered. It is however, not yet enough to cater for the cost of living. We expect more. But like I said, this is a positive step and we really appreciate it,” said Mr Dongo.

However, the vast majority of nurses in the public sector had already resumed full-time duties, with hospital chief executives playing a major role in both getting staff to end industrial action while themselves pressing for improvements in conditions of service. Only a little over 1 000, around 3 percent of the total, were still holding out for limited duties.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has repeatedly assured the nation that measures put in place to insulate the local currency against erosion, are sustainable with the auction system working very well to create a stable base, so inflation recedes as a serious problem. But he has also stressed that while he wants to see civil servants properly rewarded he needs to maintain the fiscal discipline that has created the basis for the new stability and the launchpad for sustained and viable economic growth.

Paul Nyathi

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association, ZIMTA, yesterday accepted the 41 percent salary increase by Government, including allowances plus an additional 10 percent risk allowance, setting itself for a collision with other teachers unions that have rejected the offer.

The latest increase will see the least- paid teacher earn a little over $18 000.

Zimta the largest and oldest teachers union, yesterday advised all its members to return to work while the association continues to press for improvements in conditions of service.

In a statement, Zimta national secretary-general Mr Tapson Nganunu Sibanda said they expected teachers who live at or near their schools, or at least in the same town or city, to be back in their classrooms this week while the association expected those that have a long way to travel to report as soon as they had received November salaries and so had the money for transport.

Teachers should contact their schools and tell them when they will be reporting for duty and why there might be a delay. The education authorities already knew about those who needed to get their salary before travelling long distances.

In its statement last night Zimta made it clear that it expected the authorities to back-peddle on disciplinary action as teachers who considered themselves to be incapacitated to work reported to their schools and that there would be no “overzealous” action. Zimta, like other unions, said it would continue to press for more improvements in pay and conditions of service.

“ZIMTA remains actively engaged in the search of improved conditions of service, salaries and allowances and is now putting together 2021 strategies, taking into cognisance 2020 setbacks,” said Mr Sibanda.

A motorist who was among mourners at Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure’s mansion hit the late socialite’s brick wall and sped off from the scene.

The unidentified motorist hit another mourner’s parked vehicle before smashing into the mansion wall.

One of the eye witnesses told H-Metro that the unidentified motorist destroyed the precast wall while reversing to avoid security guards who were manning the place.

“It is sad that the motorist destroyed the mansion precast security wall together with another parked vehicle belonging to one of the mourners and sped off,” said the eye witness.

“I am not sure if that motorist deliberately targeted the walls but from the look of things he was reversing at a fast speed to avoid security guards after he hit one of the parked vehicles.

“A number of people who failed to find their way into the mansion because of the limited number returned to their homes refusing to follow proceedings from the tents.

“I am still wandering why the motorist decided to disappear from the scene following that mishap considering the damage he had caused,” said the eye witness.

A security guard armed with a dog was quickly deployed to the destroyed area as people were about to use the way to get inside the mansion.-H-Metro

A GANG of four machete-wielding gold panners allegedly disarmed a security guard of his service rifle, which was loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition before they fatally struck him and robbed him of cellphones, clothes and a pair of shoes.

The incident occurred at Arda Balu Estate in Umguza District in Matabeleland North.

This emerged when one of the suspects, Tobias Dube (26) of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial for murder.

Tobias connived with Dumisani Ngulube (34) of Pelandaba suburb, Nkosilathi Ncube (22) of Nkayi and Givemore Ngwenya (24) of Lupane to fatally attack and rob Ernest Dube (54) after disarming him of his 303 rifle.

Tobias, who is now facing a murder charge in connection with Ernest’s death, filed an application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

He sought an order for release on bail pending trial. Justice Nokuthula Moyo yesterday dismissed the application, saying there was no guarantee that if released on bail, Tobias would not abscond due to the gravity of the offence.

“It is ordered that the application be and hereby accordingly dismissed,” ruled the judge.

In papers before the court, Tobias through his lawyers Nyawo Ruzive Practice had offered to pay $5 000 bail and to report once a week at Cowdray Park Police Station as part of the bail conditions.

He had also offered to continue residing at his given address and not interfere with State witnesses until the finalisation of the matter.

In his bail statement, Tobias is denying the charge, arguing he was tortured by police to admit the charge.

He further argued that there was no evidence linking him to the offence.

“I don’t know anything about the murder of the deceased as I was not in the company of my co-accused on the night in question. There is no evidence linking me to the commission of the offence and the averment that I was found in possession of the deceased’s belongings is misleading because I am actually the one who took the police to the co-accused persons,” argued Tobias.

“After the torture we were taken to the crime scene and forced to make indications by the police.”

He also dismissed the State’s assertion that he was likely to abscond if released on bail, arguing that the State’s case was weak.

The State, which was represented by Mr Bruce Maphosa, opposed the application, arguing that there were compelling reasons warranting the accused person’s continued detention.

“The sentence that the applicant is likely to get upon conviction is a lengthy one and that on its own can tempt him to escape justice by absconding,” he said.

According to court papers, it was stated that on August 20 this year, Tobias together with his three accomplices who are also in custody, armed themselves with machetes and axes and went to Arda Balu Estate in Umguza. They found the deceased manning the premises together with his colleague Ashley Manyemba.

They allegedly confronted the two security guards and indiscriminately attacked them using machetes. They also managed to disarm Ernest of his rifle before they continued to attack him leading to his death. The deceased’s colleague lost consciousness after sustaining a serious head injury.

The gang went away with a loaded 303 rifle. Manyemba gained consciousness after a while and staggered to his colleague whom he found lifeless in a pool of blood and reported the matter to the police.

Tobias was the first to be arrested after a tip-off and upon investigations he implicated the other three.-Chronicle

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia has described the #OneMillionCampaign initiative launched by the party’s Youth Assembly as a noble move set to drum up support for the vibrant movement in the rural areas.

Below is the MDC Alliance Namibia statement on the #OneMillionCampaign:

16 NOVEMBER 2020

MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA PLEDGES TO GIVE SOLIDARITY TO THE ORGANIC YOUTH ASSEMBLY’S INITIATIVE TO LAUNCH #OneMillionCompaign.

Mdc Alliance Namibia greatly appreciates and admires the historic innovation since the inception of the political behemoth to invade rural constituencies in preparation of the harmonised elections in 2023.

As a district, we are committed and dedicated to meaningfully contribute towards this noble cause since our Youths are the most vulnerable victims of Zanupf’s gross misgovernance. We applaud our Youth Assembly led by Chairperson commander Obey Tererai Sithole and his vibrant team for the intiative to fight vote apathy especially from our youths who treat themselves as second class citizens.

The resolute initiative from the backbone of the party (Youths) needs a serious financial and moral back up therefore as an external assembly , we shall offer our support to the fullest for a resounding victory of the People’s Party come 2023. It is quite clear that the old is already dead and the new must be born. A million youthful revolutionary voices for the change that delivers demanding freedom ,justice ,equality ,constitutionalism and solidarity should be embraced by all social democrats across the globe.

As we gear up to our fight for a People’s Government, it becomes imperative to sponsor our Youths so that they invade all villages one by one recruiting and organising towards One (1) Million New First Time voters and Card-carrying Members.

Moreover, it is quite magnificent to see our youths’ keenness to confront Zanupf regime in its purported strongholds. We are very cognisant of the need to be organised after casting our votes, Mdc Alliance Namibia would like to remind the Youths their responsibility to defend their vote. It is their obligation to defend victory in the face of perennial election fraudsters who manipulate Zec through contaminated results. As the future of the country, the youths must determine their fate and destiny by choosing a democratic alternative that guarantees employment and better livelihoods in the motherland. So far, our pragmatic Youth Assembly is in Masvingo Province spreading the doctrine of complete socio-economic transformation.

Furthermore, as an objective democratic project, we anticipate a novel face, new transformation advocates and resolute drivers of the national democratic revolution. A better Zimbabwe is the ideal home for our Youths who are compelled by shoddy social services to desert the country into the diaspora. Brick by brick , we shall construct a million votes of change. The campaign shall jealously guard against the exploitation of our suffering youths to unleash violence on social democrats. Our youths are prepared to educate, mobilise and re-energise the base for resistance against Zanupf shenanigans. No youth shall give in to be used to defend thieves and smugglers who usually manipulate hungry youths for beer or three pieces of silver.

To wind it up, Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely clear that it will support this project morally and financially since we are committed to the establishment of a People’s Government.

We are sick and exhausted on the incessant incarceration of the audible voices of dissent, abductions, corruption and daylight smuggling with impunity. I salute our vibrant Youths for deciding to amplify the voices of the intimidated Youths in Zimbabwe especially in those marginalised rural communities where traditional leaders are abused for political appointees from the satanic regime.

OneMillionCampaign

ZanupfMustGo

Zimbabweanlivesmatter

FreeHopewell

FreeTunga

FreeLast

HandsoffJusticeNdewere

releaseallpoliticalprisoners

LootersMustGo

ZanupfSurrogatesMustGo

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance has assured the nation that change is inevitable.

The opposition party is impressed by the overwhelming support it is getting in areas traditionally regarded as Zanu PF strongholds.

Read statement below:

Yesterday was a busy day in Mashonaland West Province once again.

In Kariba rural, we met with the people for the ongoing Rural Woman’s Day commemoration

The people came! They spoke, they danced and ululated! They are unequivocally behind their leader baba Nelson Chamisa!

Their msg was clear! We want change! We are not thieves! Why are our leaders getting arrested daily!

Change is coming! Change is inevitable! Chamisa woyeeee- MDC Alliance Mashonaland West

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance has assured the nation that change is inevitable.

The opposition party is impressed by the overwhelming support it is getting in areas traditionally regarded as Zanu PF strongholds.

Read statement below:

Yesterday was a busy day in Mashonaland West Province once again.

In Kariba rural, we met with the people for the ongoing Rural Woman’s Day commemoration

The people came! They spoke, they danced and ululated! They are unequivocally behind their leader baba Nelson Chamisa!

Their msg was clear! We want change! We are not thieves! Why are our leaders getting arrested daily!

Change is coming! Change is inevitable! Chamisa woyeeee- MDC Alliance Mashonaland West

Fuel mogul Philip Mapfumo who runs Doczine Fuels in Masvingo is lucky to be alive after more than five armed robbers stormed his two story house in the leafy suburb of Rhodene and got away with US$5 300 and R300 at around 7pm tonight.

Mapfumo told The Mirror that the incident took about 15mins as the armed robbers got entry after gunning down part of the perimeter wall and gained entry.

“The robbers who were heavily armed gained entry after gunning down my durawall and asked my children my whereabouts as well as my wife, fortunately I was around and I was seeing all the drama from my bedroom.

I threw the money I had in the bedroom and hid in the toilet after firing a shot using my Star pistol, I quickly surrendered and they hit me on the forehead and I was injured slightly on my hip,” Mapfumo told The Mirror.

The armed robbers shot the CCTV screen but failed to gun down the recording video.

Mapfumo told The Mirror that several shots were fired until he surrendered fearing the safety of his family.

He said he called a number of neighbours including his wife who was in Harare but later surrendered his cellphone to the vicious armed robbers.

When The Mirror crew arrived at the residence which is along Cary Street there were more than 30 armed Police details.

Mapfumo said the armed robbers debated on whether to tie him up or not but as they were doing so a CID seagent Thulani Sibanda arrived and fired warning shots, sensing danger they left him and bolted away through the gunned down entrance.-The Mirror

Watch the MDC Alliance media briefing below :

A POLICE officer was shot and injured while 59 other passengers aboard a Smart Express bus lost money and other valuables after a raid by six armed robbers in Beitbridge yesterday.

The incident occurred 20km before Beitbridge town around 3am.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while the injured cop, Sargent Desire Hombarume, is admitted at Beitbridge District Hospital where he is reported to be in a stable condition.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying the bus was travelling from Mutare to Beitbridge.

He said the six suspected armed robbers and the injured police officer had all boarded the bus in Masvingo.

“We are investigating a case where 60 people including a police officer on board a Smart Express bus were robbed at gunpoint of their valuables by six yet to be known men.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects boarded the bus in Masvingo along with the police officer.

“When the bus was getting closer to Lutumba Business Centre, the driver inquired if anyone was disembarking at the point.

“He did not get any response, and suddenly four men stood up from the back and walked towards the door, where the police officer was seated”.

He said one of the suspects who had heard the policeman identifying himself to the bus crew in Masvingo shot him in the left buttock once.

Ass Comm Nyathi said the suspects then fired more warning shot and ordered everyone to lie down, forcing the driver to stop the bus.

“They took US$108 from the injured police officer. During the fracas, some passengers managed to escape through the windows. The total amount of stolen property is yet to be established.-The Sunday Mail

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa has described Jairos Jiri as a great philanthropist and selfless man.

He said Jairos Jiri was a hardworking man who spent his life fighting for the empowerment of the socially disadvantaged.

“Greatness of nations is born out of the womb of active selfless citizenry and visionary leadership driven by passion to give to others anchored upon twin pillars of service and sacrifice.

Fellow Countrymen, Join me as we remember, salute and celebrate the late Jairos Jiri, a philanthropist who died on the 12th of November 1982 after building the largest and most successful indigenous charitable institution.

In a New Zimbabwe and Under our SMART GOVERNMENT, such men and great works shall receive government support, amplified national honour and special recognition.

One does not a position to positively impact nations and generations.

Jairos Jiri represents great leadership,” said President Chamisa in a statement.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has dismissed as a joke, a message purporting that he announced another lockdown.

Mangwana posted on Twitter saying:

If you see this message circulating on WhatsApp, please ignore. It’s someone’s poor idea of a joke. It’s not true.

He attached a photo of the alleged message which read:

Secretary for Information Nick Mangwana has announced that ordinary Zimbabweans will not be allowed to enter the Central business District with immediate effect.

Mangwana said in an effort to mitigate the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, only essential workers will be allowed to access the CBD.

“Yesterday, 133 positive cases were registered. There are some cases of deaths which are awaiting test results on whether Covid-19 was the cause. Security is being tightened to ensure only essential services can be allowed through to CBDs. We apologise for any inconveniences.” Mangwana said

This comes as coronavirus cases in the country have been going up recently triggering fears about the second wave of the virus.

Some stakeholders have spoken in support of reimposing the lockdown on the country following an increase in the number of new cases.

Paul Nyathi

Mosha Gaolaolwe scored the solo goal as Botswana beat Zambia by a solitary goal to pick their first win of the qualifiers and move to third in Group H. Gaolaolwe scored in the sixth minute, a lead that The Zebras jealously guarded to revive their hopes of qualification.

The three points picked at home after one draw and two losses sees them go to four points, one behind second placed Zimbabwe with two rounds of matches left.

They will welcome Zimbabwe at home before flying out to Algeria for their final two qualifiers and the result against Zimbabwe is now billed as a final.

Zambia have dropped bottom with three points and their final two matches at home against Algeria and away to Botswana will determine their fate.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa unveiled a new five-year economic plan on Monday that he said is expected to deliver expansion of more than 5% through 2025.

The so-called “National Development Strategy 1,” replaces the Transitional Stabilisation Program, which Mnangagwa said had delivered “notable and critical successes.” While annual inflation is at 471%, it’s tapered off for three straight months and the Zimbabwean dollar has stabilized at around $82 per U.S dollar.

The new economic blueprint will also serve as a precursor to the national budget statement that Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube will present to lawmakers later this month.

The new plan, known as NDS 1, will focus on “accelerated growth,” driven by agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism, Mnangagwa said.

The southern African nation, which owes more than $8 billion to international financial institutions, still hopes to pursue an arrears-clearance program with the multilaterals including the World Bank, Ncube told reporters.

Other highlights:

• Fiscal deficits to be kept below 3% of GDP in line with targets set by the Southern African Development Community
• Annual inflation targeted at 3% to 7% by 2025
• Increasing international reserves to at least six months import cover by 2025
• The creation of at least 760,000 formal jobs over the five-year period

“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 yesterday 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.

It was an epoch – a way of life that will never happen again!

The late flamboyant businessman Genius ‘Ginimbi’ Kadungure’s burial on Saturday proved that only Jesus can feed a multitude, as he did when he broke five loaves and two fish as stated in John 6:1-14.

Thousands thronged Ginimbi’s burial at his mansion in Nyamande village in Domboshava such that the catering crew failed to meet the demand of food for mourners.

Visibly hunger stricken mourners could be seen sitting on the lawn and a certain lady dressed in green rudely told bouncers to ‘evacuate’ mourners outside of the mansion grounds.

Some of Ginimbi’s close friends, notably Denford Jiro and Rolen ‘Uncle Rolen’ Muchegwa, were denied access into the mansion resulting in pandemonium from mourners who ordered security to grant access to the duo.

With the lifestyle he lived and the wealth he worked for versus the way his friends and family were treated at his burial, Ginimbi must be turning in his grave!

It was not clear whether it was scarcity of food or disorganised catering services, but what was clear is that mourners were starving.

To add salt insult to injury, cellphone thieves came to party and several mourners lost their phones.

This writer established that cellphone thieves were working in cahoots with rogue security personnel manning the entrance to the mansion.

At least five journalists lost their phones, with several other mourners also falling victim to the same modus operandi.

Meanwhile, Ginimbi was buried on the grounds of his mansion on the far left corner of the spacious yard.

The funeral cortege left Harare in the afternoon and arrived in Nyamande village at 18.45hr and welcomed by a slight downpour, compelling the superstitious to assert that it was a signal of a hero’s send off.

The Mercedes Benz Pilato hearse that carried Ginimbi’s lifeless body was side swiped near Mungate shopping centre in Domboshava and the incident sent tongues wagging.

Despite of the hunger, loss of phones and minor accident, Ginimbi was peacefully laid to rest.

Many remain curious on the distribution and value of his estate.

– Zim Morning Post

TWO MDC Alliance Activists, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are likely to be tried separately from their compatriot Joana Mamombe.

The trio appeared in court this Monday where the State represented by Michael Reza filed an application seeking permission to separate Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova’s trial from that of Joana Mamombe.

The State told the court that the trio which is facing charges of publishing false statements and faking abduction should be tried separately to allow Mamombe who is not mentally fit to continue receiving treatment while the other two stand trial.

Regional Magistrate Bianca Makwande postponed the ruling of the state’s application to this Thursday and ordered the defense to produce Mamombe’s medical report for her ongoing treatment.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia has described the #OneMillionCampaign initiative launched by the party’s Youth Assembly as a noble move set to drum up support for the vibrant movement in the rural areas.

Below is the MDC Alliance Namibia statement on the #OneMillionCampaign:

16 NOVEMBER 2020

MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA PLEDGES TO GIVE SOLIDARITY TO THE ORGANIC YOUTH ASSEMBLY’S INITIATIVE TO LAUNCH #OneMillionCompaign.

Mdc Alliance Namibia greatly appreciates and admires the historic innovation since the inception of the political behemoth to invade rural constituencies in preparation of the harmonised elections in 2023.

As a district, we are committed and dedicated to meaningfully contribute towards this noble cause since our Youths are the most vulnerable victims of Zanupf’s gross misgovernance. We applaud our Youth Assembly led by Chairperson commander Obey Tererai Sithole and his vibrant team for the intiative to fight vote apathy especially from our youths who treat themselves as second class citizens.

The resolute initiative from the backbone of the party (Youths) needs a serious financial and moral back up therefore as an external assembly , we shall offer our support to the fullest for a resounding victory of the People’s Party come 2023. It is quite clear that the old is already dead and the new must be born. A million youthful revolutionary voices for the change that delivers demanding freedom ,justice ,equality ,constitutionalism and solidarity should be embraced by all social democrats across the globe.

As we gear up to our fight for a People’s Government, it becomes imperative to sponsor our Youths so that they invade all villages one by one recruiting and organising towards One (1) Million New First Time voters and Card-carrying Members.

Moreover, it is quite magnificent to see our youths’ keenness to confront Zanupf regime in its purported strongholds. We are very cognisant of the need to be organised after casting our votes, Mdc Alliance Namibia would like to remind the Youths their responsibility to defend their vote. It is their obligation to defend victory in the face of perennial election fraudsters who manipulate Zec through contaminated results. As the future of the country, the youths must determine their fate and destiny by choosing a democratic alternative that guarantees employment and better livelihoods in the motherland. So far, our pragmatic Youth Assembly is in Masvingo Province spreading the doctrine of complete socio-economic transformation.

Furthermore, as an objective democratic project, we anticipate a novel face, new transformation advocates and resolute drivers of the national democratic revolution. A better Zimbabwe is the ideal home for our Youths who are compelled by shoddy social services to desert the country into the diaspora. Brick by brick , we shall construct a million votes of change. The campaign shall jealously guard against the exploitation of our suffering youths to unleash violence on social democrats. Our youths are prepared to educate, mobilise and re-energise the base for resistance against Zanupf shenanigans. No youth shall give in to be used to defend thieves and smugglers who usually manipulate hungry youths for beer or three pieces of silver.

To wind it up, Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely clear that it will support this project morally and financially since we are committed to the establishment of a People’s Government.

We are sick and exhausted on the incessant incarceration of the audible voices of dissent, abductions, corruption and daylight smuggling with impunity. I salute our vibrant Youths for deciding to amplify the voices of the intimidated Youths in Zimbabwe especially in those marginalised rural communities where traditional leaders are abused for political appointees from the satanic regime.

OneMillionCampaign

ZanupfMustGo

Zimbabweanlivesmatter

FreeHopewell

FreeTunga

FreeLast

HandsoffJusticeNdewere

releaseallpoliticalprisoners

LootersMustGo

ZanupfSurrogatesMustGo

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has taken its #OneMillionCampaign to the rural areas.

The party is determined to fortify its support base in the rural areas.

Below is MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba’s statement on the #OneMillionCampaign

We shall keep mobilizing…

we shall not tire on engaging the critical mass and facets of society as we seek to construct and reconstruct our beloved nation that has been razed by Zanu PF …

Machinja ose anerudo, our struggle will remain a vehicle of total inclusion and extension of love, service and sacrifice.

Have a great week ahead!
A luta continua!

1MillionCampaign

MDC-T interim spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni has temporarily relinquished his role to focus on allegations of raping an unnamed woman in Bulawayo.

Phugeni allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the woman who could not be named for ethical reasons,without her consent during the period extending from June to November 2018, at Emhlangeni and in Magwegwe West, Bulawayo.

The 44-year-old last week appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate, Sibongile Marondedze, facing charges of contravening section 65 of the Criminal Law, Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).

Phugeni, who doubles as MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe’s spokesperson, has denied the charges saying they are politically-motivated. He said:

As you know that I am defending myself in court against malicious, politically motivated charges; I am therefore requesting a leave of absence from November 13, 2020, to the conclusion of the aforementioned court process, I will be back at my desk with my full attention to the information and publicity department as always.

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said Hatfield MP, Tapiwa Mashakada, who is Phugeni’s deputy, will take over as spokesperson of the party.

More: Daily News

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo has recorded an increase in diarrhoea cases, which have claimed 13 lives, and remains on high alert for a typhoid outbreak as the city continues to face water problems.

The water problems in Bulawayo worsened following the decommissioning of three supply dams due to low levels early this year.

This has resulted in people resorting to unsafe water sources and thousands of residents are now reportedly suffering from waterborne diseases.

Ageing water and sewage reticulation infrastructure coupled with the problem of incessant sewer bursts, has resulted in contamination of potable water.

The latest council report of the health, housing and education committee shows that the city fathers are concerned over the failure to tame diarrhoea while expressing fear of a typhoid outbreak.

The minutes also revealed that there is an increase in cases of people being bitten by dogs in the city, exposing residents to rabies.

“Diarrhoea cases (473) were on the increase in the month of September 2020, exceeding the action threshold for some clinics in Emakhandeni district. This is a major public health concern,” the council report read in part.

“The rise in diarrhoea and dog bite cases has created the urgent need for health promotion messages to emphasise improved WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) activities, contact tracing, active case finding as well as health education, intensified shop inspections and dog patrol activities.

“The city ensured that it was effective, relevant, tailor made. Context specific epidemic response mechanisms (ERMs) had been deployed and promoted timeously. Bulawayo
remained on high alert for typhoid as it was endemic in some neighbouring cities.”

Typhoid, which is caused by a bacteria called salmonella typhi that is spread through contaminated food, water and poor sanitation is also endemic in Harare.

In 2019, Zimbabwe became the first country in Africa to benefit from the World Health Organisation (WHO) funded mass typbar-typhoid conjugate vaccination programme.

WHO recommended that the introduction of the typbar-typhoid conjugate vaccine be prioritised in countries with the highest burden of the typhoid disease or a high burden of antimicrobial-resistant strain.

Zimbabwe meets the two criteria. In addition to the seasonal outbreak, the country has been experiencing a high level of resistance to the standard first line antibiotic treatment.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Labour unions representing civil servants were yesterday divided over the 40% pay offer by government following a prolonged salary dispute with their employer.

Some said negotiations had failed to yield results and preferred to declare a deadlock and refer the matter for arbitration, while others said talks must be given a chance.

The divisions are set to further cripple the education sector which is currently mired in chaos with most schools operated without teachers after their unions stuck to their US$520 salary demand during the last round of negotiations last week.

This also comes at a time government, in a desperate attempt to get teachers back to work last Friday offered a pay rise which will see the lowest paid teacher earning over $19 975.But the educators turned it down. The lowest paid civil servant will earn $14 528 as per latest government offer.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou told NewsDay that the best option for teachers was to declare a deadlock in order to push for arbitration.

Zhou said there were discrepancies between teachers and other government workers like the uniformed forces who allegedly got better pay than other civil servants.

“Nothing was done to discuss discrepancies between teachers and other government workers. It is unpalatable to pay teachers $18 000 and then pay other government workers $28 000 to $50 000,” Zhou said.

“If, therefore, the Apex Council (civil service negotiating body) leaders hope to get some semblance of respectability from teachers, they must push for a declaration of a deadlock so that the issue of teachers’ starvation wages is referred for arbitration. Of course, we cannot harvest apples from a thorn tree. There may be a need for teachers across the unions’ divide to push Apex Council to pursue the deadlock and arbitration route.”

Zhou also said there was no struggle without casualties, urging the teachers’ unions to budget for protracted legal battles.

“The current submission of names of incapacitated teachers must never be used for punitive measures against teachers as in essence, it is the government that incapacitated teachers. Above all, we have taken all the necessary procedures of communicating the plight of our members to the Public Service Commission (PSC), line ministries, and even President Emmerson Mnangagwa as PTUZ and as a united front.”

Zimta chief executive Sifiso Ndlovu said his organisation was consulting its members, but castigated the government for intimidating teachers.

“Government simply came with a position which it is forcing us to take. This is no longer negotiation,” he said.

Teachers have not been reporting for work for the past two months pleading incapacitation.

But Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga said the PTUZ and other likeminded unions should stop mudslinging, but follow legal negotiating channels that do not politicise the issue of workers.

“To start with, we are the bona fide negotiator at law. PTUZ and whoever wants to negotiate, who thinks that they can negotiate better, are free to negotiate. As unions, bad-mouthing is wrong and this is a bad idea — calling others sellouts. For your own information, the PTUZ president (Zhou) is the Midlands provincial spokesperson for MDC Alliance and he contested in Mberengwa several times without success.

“We don’t want to talk about these things. When a politician comes and talks about union issues, we don’t know whose brief he is talking about. They must stop mudslinging. We are trying our best to negotiate,” Dzatsunga said.

“We don’t want people who just talk. NJNC (National Joint Negotiating Council) is not the best platform for negotiating; we don’t have collective bargaining that gives us other rights as employees. NJNC is set to give advantage to the government.”

PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said government should take into cognisance that the poverty datum line (PDL) was now pegged at over ZW$20 000.

“We are disappointed that the government is telling us that it can’t increase our salaries anymore. In actual fact the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and ZimStats have proved that the PDL is now above $20 000, yet they are saying our salaries should be $19 000,” he said.

Majongwe said the Zanu-PF government’s ambition to achieve a middleclass economy by 2030 would never come to fruition if workers in the country remained incapacitated.

“For the record, teachers are not on strike. All we are saying is pay us a living wage, we are not regime change agents, we are rendering a service to the nation,” he said.
Majongwe accused the Apex Council of selling out the struggle and siding with the government instead of workers.

-newsday

By A Correspondent- A police officer and a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) warden have been arrested for robbing an Odzi woman of US$2 000 she had received as lobola payment.

Stanford Hokonya (40), who is stationed at a police station in Rusape, Leonard Chimusoro, a prison guard also stationed in Rusape and their accomplice

Tinashe Mutare, last week appeared before Mutare magistrate Nyasha Kuture facing theft charges.

They were remanded out of custody to November 27 after their lawyers claimed that they had not been served with State papers in order for the case to kick off.

The trio is on $4 000 bail each.

State prosecutor Brian Goto said on November 2, the trio arrived at Grace Mwandiyambira’s homestead just after midnight and demanded that she hands over the money or be arrested.

Mwandiyambira told them that she was only in possession of US$2 000 which she was given as lobola and handed the money over to them.

The trio was arrested after a tip-off.

-Newsday

Three Gweru City Council (GCC) employees died on the spot when a vehicle they were travelling in burst its right front tyre, veered off the road, overturned and hit some trees.

The trio has been identified as brothers Hosiah and Lewis Rufasha and Sydney Mbewe who were municipal police officers under the clamping department.

Council yesterday held a procession in their honour. From Nyaradzo the procession passed through Main Street before proceeding to the Boggie tower clock and to the Town House where a moment of silence was observed.

National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the accident occurred on Friday around 1PM at the 98km peg along the Harare-Masvingo road.

“I can confirm that there was a fatal road accident which occurred at the 98km peg along Harare- Masvingo road. A vehicle with three occupants on approaching the kilometre peg veered off the road and hit a tree after one of its tyres burst. The driver lost control of the vehicle. The driver and the two other occupants died on the spot,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said investigations were underway.

He urged drivers to take extra caution when they are on the road to avoid accidents which lead to the destruction of property and loss of life.

“Drivers can avoid speeding for example and exercise extreme caution on the road,” he said.

The trio had been sent by council to repossess a Toyota D4D Double Cab vehicle that was in the possession of former director of engineering services Engineer Robson Manatsa.
Eng Manatsa resigned in July and allegedly went with the vehicle he was using as a condition of service.

However, council is said to have been against the move — a decision that saw the trio being tasked to repossess the vehicle.

-State Media

State Media

Four people died on the spot and three others were seriously injured when a Mercedes Benz C200 and a BMW X5 collided head-on near Kariba Airport yesterday afternoon with the Benz bursting into flames after the impact in the BMW’s lane.

The driver and two passengers in the Mercedes Benz died on the spot as a result of the collision and subsequent fire in the car. The driver of the BMW X5 also died. The three passengers in the BMW were seriously injured and taken to Kariba District Hospital.

The Benz caught fire after the impact and the three in the car were trapped and their bodies burnt beyond recognition. All seven people in the two cars were Kariba residents.

Eyewitness accounts and tyre tracks suggest the driver of the Mercedes Benz C200 lost control as he was driving back from the Airport Bar, perhaps due to a mechanical fault. This resulted in the driver encroaching into the lane of the oncoming BMW X5 on its way to Harare.

Before the collision the visible tyre marks on the tarmac suggest the Mercedes Benz, with the driver braking hard and battling for control, was veering out of its lane and towards the right-hand verge for about 50 metres and then drove for about 30 metres off the tarmac, before the driver manoeuvred the vehicle back onto the road.

The tyre marks are visible in the oncoming lane for about 20 metres before the point of impact.

The loud bang as the two vehicles collided attracted residents from Kariba’s adjacent Nyamhunga Township, while vehicles lined the Kariba-Makuti Road as passers-by stopped to help or tried to catch a glimpse of the wreckage.

National police spokeserson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident last night and said there would be more details today.

A security guard who was walking along the Kariba-Makuti Road said he saw the Mercedes Benz veering from its lane onto the oncoming lane before travelling for some metres off the tarmac.

“The Mercedes Benz was coming from the Kariba Airport direction and started behaving strangely. I saw it approaching before it moved to the opposite lane. In a moment, the car was off the road going at high speed.

“The driver then managed to drive back on the road as brakes were screeching but at the same time, another white vehicle approached driving towards Harare and the two cars collided,” said the security guard who preferred anonymity.

As the vehicles collided, the Mercedes Benz caught fire and the people inside could not be rescued, he said.

A few people who were nearby rescued the three passengers in the BMW X5, but the driver had already died.

The horrific accident comes a week after another head-on crash in Harare that claimed the life of socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure with the three passengers in his Rolls Royce burnt beyond recognition when the car caught fire.

GOVERNMENT is monitoring the situation on the ground before reopening of the country’s borders for human traffic in two weeks as saving lives remains top of its agenda in view of Covid-19 threats, Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Government set December 1 for the reopening of the country’s borders for members of the public travelling in private cars and pedestrians.

The country’s borders were closed at the end of March for human traffic as Government implemented measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The borders remained opened for cargo as Government balanced between saving lives and running the economy. While the country is working towards opening borders, Matabeleland region has started recording a rise in Covid-19 cases, some of them imported.

South Africa is also recording a rise in Covid-19 cases and authorities have warned of a second wave of infections.

Developments in South Africa usually have a huge bearing on the situation in Zimbabwe especially noting that most of the country’s initial Covid-19 cases were imported from across the Limpopo.

In the past week, the country recorded 53 Covid-19 cases that were imported from South Africa.

Globally Covid-19 cases are on the increase with America and some European countries already grappling with the second wave of the Covid-19 infections.

European countries such as Britain and France have again imposed national lockdowns to contain the second wave of Covid-19 infections. With rising Covid-19 cases locally, Bulawayo is likely to go into another lockdown as authorities are assessing the pandemic’s hotspot areas before coming up with a decision.

In view of the threat posed by the second wave of infections and planned reopening of borders, Dr Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care said Government was monitoring the Covid-19 situation.

He was responding to questions from journalists in Bulawayo on Friday during the launch of Covid-19 cycling campaign in Makokoba suburb. He was asked if it will be safe to reopen borders in view of rising Covid-19 cases.

He said President Mnangagwa, guided by experts will make a pronouncement to ensure public health is prioritised when borders reopen.

“We will be monitoring and we will be looking at the issue (rising Covid-19). One thing that you must be aware of is that even when we locked down and closed the borders, we never closed them for commerce. There was transportation but it was only for economies to run. We will be looking at that (opening of borders) very carefully and the public would be advised.

“His Excellency, as he is in charge, after having been given the correct briefings, will be taking appropriate measures as is necessary to save lives of people of Zimbabwe,” said Dr Chiwenga.

The Vice-President warned of a possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 infections in the country as most citizens are no longer adhering to prevention and mitigation measures.

He said ignorance, denial and wishful thinking could be the downfall for some citizens.

Government is set to announce how borders will operate but Cabinet last Tuesday outlined Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to guide those travelling using the Beitbridge Border Post using repatriation buses.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said buses repatriating Zimbabweans from South Africa should present Covid-19 clearance certificates obtained within 48 hours before travelling.

“All bus operators involved in the repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa are required to obtain clearance from the respective Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town and Johannesburg two days before departure.

“The bus operators should provide full names of all passengers; passport or temporary travel document numbers of the passengers; vehicle and trailer registration details; final destination in Zimbabwe and the identification details of the drivers,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“Both passengers and bus crews should have Covid-19 negative certificates from a registered laboratory and obtained within 48 hours from departure. Bus operators must ensure that passengers have requisite travel documents before purchasing tickets.”

Teachers have rejected the latest pay rise of at least $19 975 (US$250) offered by the government last Friday saying it is still below the poverty datum line (PDL) which was now pegged at over ZW$20 000.

Unions representing teachers stuck to their US$520 salary demand during the last round of negotiations last week.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou told NewsDay on Sunday that there were a huge salary gap teachers and other government workers like the uniformed forces who allegedly got better pay than other civil servants. He said:

Nothing was done to discuss discrepancies between teachers and other government workers. It is unpalatable to pay teachers $18 000 and then pay other government workers $28 000 to $50 000.

Zhou said the Apex Council (civil service negotiating body) leaders should push for a declaration of a deadlock so that the issue of teachers’ wages is referred for arbitration.

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) chief executive Sifiso Ndlovu said they were consulting members on the government’s latest salary offer.

Ndlovu however, criticised the government for trying to force its position on teachers’ welfare rather than negotiating with unions in good faith.

More: NewsDay

NOVEMBER 16, 2020
Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 15 November October 2020:

New cases: 43
Locals: 43
Returnees: 0
Deaths: 0
Recoveries: 0
PCR Tests Done: 960
National Recovery Rate: 91.7%
Active Cases: 476
Total Cumulative Cases: 8 829
Total Recoveries: 8 096
Total Deaths: 257

Sowetan Live

Zimbabwean socialite and multimillionaire Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure’s funeral was full of drama, bling, dollars and expensive whiskey.

Kadungure, who died in a horrific car accident last week, was laid to rest on Saturday in his home village of Domboshava outside Harare.

He got a send-off fit for a king, with his friends saying about 3,000 mourners had attended the funeral.

There was drama on Friday when one of Kadungure’s luxury cars that was part of a convoy of luxury cars that was driving from the mortuary to his home experienced mechanical problems, his friend Serge Cabonge said.

He said one of the cars had a water pipe burst and began smoking badly.

Cabonge said there were also issues with another car that was donated by a funeral parlour for the funeral service.

In a video Sowetan has seen, Cabonge is seen sitting on top of a convertible Mercedes-Benz G-Class and throwing dollars at scores of people lining the side of the road as the convoy drives through.

“There was a guy who was driving Ginimbi’s new car and we don’t know what he did. It just had a burst the pipe and had to be towed home,” said Cabonge.

Cabonge said the convoy took five hours because everyone demanded a chance to honour the man they regarded as their hero.

“The cars were blocked along the way because they were no police to control the crowd. People wanted to celebrate Ginimbi and we had to stop and I ended up giving them dollars so that we could pass.”

“I’m speechless. What I saw on Friday is something that I have never seen before. People loved and worshipped Ginimbi because he was changing their lives. In his hometown he had started a development project by building access roads,” he said.

After the drama with the cars there was an all-white party that was attended by politicians, famous people and his friends to honour him.

He was buried in a gold casket with Versace logos. Cabonge said the coffin cost R70,000.

Shelly Pilate Hearse, who worked for Kadungure, described her former boss as a selfless person who respected everyone.

“We never thought that we would have about 3,000 people coming to the funeral. I’m glad that it went well without any issues because we had a strong contingent of security personnel who made sure everything was in order,” she said.

“The activities to bid him farewell began on Friday with an all-white party the way he would have wanted. On Saturday the proceedings started with a church service led by the Salvation Army, which is their family church. The service took three hours before he was laid to rest. It has not sunk in yet that he is gone and he is now a former boss.”

Wearing black, the mourners then held an after-tears celebration where expensive booze flowed and Cabonge dished out more money.

Kadungure rose to prominence at the age of 26 as a supplier of liquefied petroleum ( gas and has had many run-ins with the law, according to Zimbabwean newspapers.

He was arrested in February for undervaluing his Rolls-Royce Ghost luxury vehicle which he claimed he had bought for R3m but the state said the actual cost had been R5m.

Previously he was arrested on tax evasion charges for importing liquefied petroleum gas worth millions of dollars without paying duty.

MDC-T interim spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni has temporarily relinquished his role to focus on allegations of raping an unnamed woman in Bulawayo.

Phugeni allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the woman who could not be named for ethical reasons,without her consent during the period extending from June to November 2018, at Emhlangeni and in Magwegwe West, Bulawayo.

The 44-year-old last week appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate, Sibongile Marondedze, facing charges of contravening section 65 of the Criminal Law, Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).

Phugeni, who doubles as MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe’s spokesperson, has denied the charges saying they are politically-motivated. He said:

As you know that I am defending myself in court against malicious, politically motivated charges; I am therefore requesting a leave of absence from November 13, 2020, to the conclusion of the aforementioned court process, I will be back at my desk with my full attention to the information and publicity department as always.

MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said Hatfield MP, Tapiwa Mashakada, who is Phugeni’s deputy, will take over as spokesperson of the party.

More: Daily News

State Media

All council debtors will soon have a portion of the money they owe local authorities being deducted by Zesa each time they purchase prepaid electricity, a Government official has said.

The proposal comes against a backdrop of council operations being crippled by the ballooning bills, with Harare City Council being owed almost $1,9 billion and Chitungwiza $150 million.

Addressing a meeting with Chitungwiza management recently, Harare Provincial District Coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Muguti said there was need for innovation in terms of resource mobilisation.

“Think outside the box,” he said. “I will be engaging Zesa, in particular ZETDC, because we now want to make bills which are owed by residents to be put on electricity bills.

“That is the only way councils will be able to collect their money. When one tops up electricity, they will then pay for what is owed to local authorities. I think this will start to help address a lot of backlogs of the money that councils are owed.”

Mr Muguti said the model proved to be effective for Zesa, which introduced prepaid metering and is recovering what it is owed through deducting a certain percentage each time one tops up their electricity.

He said the partnership may be a faster and effective way of recovering debts than engaging debt collectors that take forever to get residents pay up.

“I know you have debt collectors, very ineffective that they end up doing very unscrupulous things to get that money,” said Mr Muguti. “So, instead of wasting money even going to the courts, engage in smart partnerships.”

Chitungwiza Progressive Residents Association secretary general Mr Gift Kupurati said the Zesa route would help councils recover their money.

But Chitungwiza and Manyame Rural Residents Association acting director, Mr Brighton Kanyama, said councils should address reasons why residents were not paying bills.

“For example, residents are buying water at up to $10 per bucket, but the council has continued to bill residents for unavailable water,” he said.

“Some residents last received water more than three years ago, but the council continues to send water bills. So it will be unfair to get money for services not offered using Zesa as a conduit.”

State Media

The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) is set to be reconstituted following the expiry of the tenure of the Justice Selo Nare-led commission.

Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders has published an advertisement calling on the public to nominate persons to be considered for appointment as members of the Commission.

In terms of the Constitution, Parliament submits 12 successful candidates after holding public interviews and the President will appoint eight from the list given to him.

But the current process does not affect the chairperson, Justice Nare, as his term of office still subsists.

Nare was appointed by President Emmerson as the convenor of the hopeless Political Actors Dialogue, POLAD in his capacity as NPRC chairman.

He has since been reporting that POLAD was scoring successes for the country.

“The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) of the Parliament of Zimbabwe is mandated, in terms of sections 237 and 251 of the Constitution, to nominate candidates for appointment by His Excellency, the President, to serve as Commissioners on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as provided for in Chapter 12, Part 6, of the Constitution,” reads a notice published by Parliament last week.

“Vacancies will arise in the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission on the 23rd February 2021, on the expiry of the five-year term of the current Commissioners.

“Accordingly, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders is hereby calling on the public to nominate persons to be considered for appointment to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

“Members of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission must be chosen for their integrity and their knowledge and understanding of, and experience in, mediation, conciliation, conflict prevention and management, post-conflict reconciliation or peace building.”

In terms of Section 252 of the Constitution, some of the functions of the NPRC is to ensure post-conflict justice, healing and reconciliation, develop and implement programmes to promote national healing, unity and cohesion in Zimbabwe and the peaceful resolution of disputes, bring about national reconciliation by encouraging people to tell the truth about the past and facilitating the making of amends and the provision of justice.

Other functions include developing procedures and institutions at a national level to facilitate dialogue among political parties, communities, organisations and other groups, in order to prevent conflicts and disputes arising in the future, develop programmes to ensure that persons subjected to persecution, torture and other forms of abuse receive rehabilitative treatment and support, receive and consider complaints from the public and to take such action in regard to the complaints as the Commission considers appropriate, among others.

Parliament has set December 4, 2020 as the deadline to receive submission of the names.

Section 320 of the Constitution precludes the following persons from appointment; Members of Parliament, councillors, members of provincial or metropolitan councils, members of local authorities and members of Government controlled entities.

Commissioners must not, in the exercise of their functions, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause, prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause, or violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.

Paul Nyathi

The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), a new economic blue print crafted by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is expected to be launched today by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

NDS1 will succeed the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which ran from October 2018 to this year.

The third step will be National Development Strategy 2 to be implemented from 2026 to 2030.

On Tuesday last week, Cabinet approved NDS1.

The blueprint will run under the theme “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030”.

Some of the 14 priority areas are: economic growth and stability; food security and nutrition; governance; moving the economy up the value chain and structural transformation; human capital development; environmental protection, climate resilience and natural resource management; housing delivery; ICT and the digital economy; health and well-being; transport, infrastructure among others.

Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe president Dr Israel Murefu said there was need for NDS1 to provide comprehensive measures to support industry given the shocks suffered by the measures required to contain Covid-19.

“We expect any measures to be taken to be comprehensive enough to enable economic turnaround and consequently business recovery so that we mitigate the damage caused by Covid-19,” he said.

“We also expect policy consistency to enable business planning and management of costs which, if not contained, could threaten its survival.”

Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development executive director, Janet Zhou, praised the NDS1, but wanted Government to push hard on public-sector led growth.

“We need to focus on public-sector reforms and public-sector led growth where previously and history tells us that our public sector used to contribute up to 40 percent of gross domestic product,” he said.

“Most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe rely on these public institutions. We need to see the intention of NDS1 in terms of reviving the public institutions, poverty issues, food security, housing, shelter and all the constitutional rights.”