THE reopening of schools for the last batch of pupils next week might be chaotic, with Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Edgar Moyo yesterday admitting that they don’t have enough teachers to cater for such huge volumes.

Schools are expected to open on Monday for Forms 1 and 2, Grades 1 to 5 and Early Childhood Development, meaning they will be operating at full throttle after closing in March due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Teachers refused to return to work when schools reopened September for examination classes citing poor salaries.

However, despite teachers’ unions and other stakeholders advising government not to open schools yet, the ministry went on to announce a phased reopening of schools.

“The successful re-opening of phase three would require more teachers to attend classes because their numbers currently are insufficient to handle large volumes of students who will be coming in, which is about three million,” Moyo said.

He, however, said government would ensure teachers returned to work, adding that a solution might be found soon.

“Attendance by learners started at 95% and attendance by teachers was at 39% of total teachers. These figures have continued to decline,” he said.

He added: “The teachers, including the school administrators, have been able to keep classes going in schools with a few exceptions where heads appear to be failing in their responsibilities by being absent themselves.”

Moyo also said there was need to procure 10 million washable masks which are not readily available.

“The supply of masks is being closely monitored. NatPharm is supplying to the best of its ability. Phase three requires 10 million masks at three masks per learner and per teacher,” he said.

The deputy minister said the masks that government had procured were used by June examination candidates and invigilators.

“The schools have not had the capacity to produce masks owing to late payment for the masks produced,” he said.

In order to enforce social distancing, Moyo said there would be hot sitting at some schools.

“The 2020 and 2021 examination classes will attend school everyday. For phase three classes, the week will be split with some learners coming on a particular day and others on the other.

Another strategy is to split the day with some learners coming in the morning and others coming in the afternoon,” Moyo said.

Meanwhile, education authorities in Chinhoyi raised the red flag over the readiness of the country to fully open schools next week.

Newsday

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services will soon venture into vehicle number plates production, a move meant to further push the department to self-sustainability.

This emerged during a ceremony where outgoing ZPCS Commissioner General, Major General (Retired) Paradzayi Zimondi was handing over the reins to Commissioner General Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu after 23 years at the helm.

The ceremony was held last Saturday at the ZPCS Ntabazinduna training depot with President Mnangagwa as the Chief Witnessing Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Com-Gen Chihobvu paid gratitude to a number of projects that have been spearheaded by Maj Gen (Rtd) Zimondi inclusive of the vehicle number plates scheme.

“I am delighted to mention that in one of his (Maj Gen (Rtd) Zimondi) continental tours to Kenya he emulated a national bankrolled project on vehicle number plates that was awarded to Kenya Prison Services.

“Inspired by the undertaking, a project charter has already been penciled to partner one of the higher learning institutions for a similar project here in Zimbabwe,” said Com-Gen Chihobvu.

He revealed that through Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi’s apt leadership some of the prisons had now ventured into motorcycle production noting that this was all in efforts to uplift the face look of ZPCS.

“General Zimondi put in place a Farms Policy Document to standardize operations with the help of our valued stakeholders.

“Recently he ventured into an industrialised partnership dimension that is set to uplift the face look of the service where motor cycles are being assembled in some of our provinces, a process targeted to cover all our provinces in the long run,” said the new Commissioner General.

Comm-Gen Chihobvu had been Acting Commissioner-General since Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi went on three months pre-retirement leave in July.

THE six armed robbers who attacked two security guards delivering Zupco’s weekend cash collections to CBZ Eighth Avenue Branch in Bulawayo, got away with over $2,1 million, US$3 362 and R7 390, police confirmed yesterday.

Only $11 305 was recovered at a disused house at a plot in the Douglasdale area in Bulawayo where the getaway car, a Nissan Hardbody and trunks used by the security company to carry cash were recovered.

The robbers according to police, offered the $11 000 to a Bulawayo resident as they disposed of the trunks but the man refused the money. The robbers intercepted the Fawcett Security cash-in transit- van as it was about to deliver the cash at the bank.

They attacked the Fawcett driver, took away the firearm that was on the dashboard and then turned to the other officer who was guarding the trucks with cash and attacked him before driving off with the armoured van that had cash in trunks. The robbery happened at around 8am in full view of members of the public who were oblivious of the unfolding drama in the service lane along 8th Avenue between Jason Moyo and Joshua Mqabuko Street. After the Bulawayo robbery, the same gang proceeded to Kezi later at night with the hijacked Mercedes Benz where they robbed the Fidelity Printers agent of US$4 000 after masquerading as police officers.

The robbers first hijacked a Marcedes Benz in Selbourne Park at around 7AM and then drove to the CBZ branch where they attacked the two Fawcett security guards before driving away with the armoured cash-in transist van with the cash. They dumped the armoured van and hijacked a Nissan Hardbody in Ilanda suburb which they later abandoned in Douglasdale area with the empty trunks.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of the robbers.

– Chronicle

State Media

High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere yesterday locked herself in her office and refused to accept her letter of suspension after President Mnangagwa, following recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), set up a tribunal to inquire into her fitness to hold the esteemed office of a judge.

President Mnangagwa appointed a three-member tribunal chaired by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako. The other two members are veteran lawyer Mr Charles Warara and Ms Yvonne Masvora. Justice Ndewere is being accused of conduct inconsistent with a judicial officer, reportedly for slipshod work and a large batch of delayed judgments.

When officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs sought to serve her with her letter of suspension, an automatic move once a tribunal has been appointed, the judge locked herself in her chambers and could be heard shouting that papers should be served on her lawyer, Ms Beatrice Mtetwa.

The State officials then opted to shove the papers under her door.

Mr Tapiwa Godzi, a director in the ministry, confirmed the development.

“What happened is that following the setting up of the tribunal by the President, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, wrote a letter advising the judge of the appointment of a tribunal to probe her,” he said.

“When officers went to effect the service, the judge refused to accept the letter and locked herself in the office. While in the office she shouted that the letter must be served to her lawyers. The officers had no option, but to slip the document under the door.”

Mr Godzi said the refusal to accept the letter did not mean that she is not suspended. Her suspension from the bench becomes automatic under the law once the tribunal is put in place to pave way for investigations.

The proclamation setting up the tribunal was issued yesterday.

Justice Ndewere had, after the recommendation of the JSC, already filed an urgent application seeking an interim interdict to stop the setting up of a tribunal by President Mnangagwa to investigate her judicial conduct, pending the determination of the legality of the process charted.

On Wednesday Justice Davison Foroma recused himself from Justice Ndewere’s urgent application to interdict the President from setting up a tribunal to investigate her for alleged misconduct, citing professional reasons including the fact that he was in the same criminal division as the troubled judge.

In addition, Justice Foroma said that judges in the same division interact closely with each other in a number of collaborative respects. He felt there was need to maintain collegiality amongst judges to avoid perceptions in the public domain and that it would be in the best interests of justice.

Ndewere had sought the judge’s recusal arguing that sitting judges would not easily rule against their superiors Chief Justice Luke Malaba, the Judicial Service Commission and Judge President Justice George Chiweshe, all listed as respondents in the matter.

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

The tribunal is not a criminal court, but can report that certain conduct is not consistent with holding judicial office. The Constitution provides that a judge may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, due to mental or physical incapacity, or gross incompetence, or gross misconduct. Otherwise judges serve until retirement or resignation. The process is deliberately designed to ensure judges have practical independence since ruling against the Government of the day in a judgment cannot lead to a tribunal hearing.

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

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

But she denies the allegations claiming the misconduct allegations levied against her were victimisation for refusing to comply with “unlawful orders”. However, it is understood that such a charge is not part of the tribunal’s brief, rather it has to investigate a growing pile of judgments delayed beyond the time limits set, and at least one review judgment that implied she had not read the file.

Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Virginia Mabhiza will be the secretary to the tribunal.

At the end of the inquiry, the tribunal is expected to establish whether or not the judge’s conduct can be deemed to have been tantamount to gross incompetence.

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

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

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

The China-dependant, Vice President  Constantino Chiwenga, who is also Health and Child Care Minister has expressed concern over reliance on donors as the situation poses a security threat to the country.

VP Chiwenga said this while presenting a paper titled; “Public health and national security” at the Zimbabwe National Defence University.

“Resources and funding of public health is also a potential security risk area. Have you ever imagined what would happen if foreign investment dwarfs local investment in public health care delivery? This in itself, could be a security concern,” he said.

“The more a country’s health system is dependent on foreign support, the greater the risk of disruption, should such support be withdrawn suddenly, for whatever reason.”

VP Chiwenga added: “We do have a well configured health care system framework. We also now have the relevant policies and strategies in place. However, the delivery of quality and affordable services can be compromised by lack of support and capacitation, particularly from domestic resources, which are inherently more sustainable than donor support.”

Government has deliberately put the welfare and wellness of health care employees at the top of priorities. VP Chiwenga also shed more light on the temporary ban on elections in line with WHO guidelines.

“The development, which is clearly meant to prevent spread of the pandemic, was characteristically misconstrued by some opposition political actors in the country.

“Some members of a prominent opposition party in Zimbabwe took to the streets to demonstrate in Warren Park, Harare. The temporary ban on holding of elections was also misinterpreted as Government’s attempts to stifle the opposition,” he said.

Such misdemeanours had potential to escalate unnecessary political tension in the country and compromise political security.

“To counter such cheap propaganda, we have instituted the National Health Information System as a key strategy.

“Thus, although the Government is honestly concerned about the well-being of the people, some sections among the society allege that they lost their personal security in the process.”

VP Chiwenga said the ministry was aiming at rapidly expanding health care services especially in new settlements.

“Let me point out at this stage that the land redistribution exercise resulted in new settlements, which the Ministry must cater for. “Plans to further decentralise through the creation of a ward-based health post, will be rolled out in the next few months,” he said.

VP Chiwenga said the recently refurbished and re-equipped radiotherapy centres at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo would provide relief to cancer patients, but still remained inadequate to effectively cover the nation.

“Ideally, each province should have its own radiotherapy centre, a vision that the ministry is pursuing in its restructuring programme,” he said. -Herald

IF you’re a man in an abusive relationship, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.

A man from Matopo in Matabeleland South province is allegedly living in “hell” at the hands of his abusive wife whom he described as a “dangerous woman”.

Giveness Sikhosana who has since deserted his matrimonial home to stay with a friend in Bulawayo said he missed death by a whisker after his wife Sigezekile Ndlovu violently attacked his manhood with an iron rod causing excruciating pain.

He said he was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment following the brutal attack on his genitals.

Sikhosana opened up on the savage attack at the Bulawayo Civil Court where he was seeking a protection order against his wife.

He asserts that there was more to the abuse than being attacked with a metal rod on his crotch. He claims his wife also repeatedly threatened to kill him and was even sending her brothers to attack him.

“I reported a case of assault at ZRP Matopo against my wife Sigezekile Ndlovu. She used a metal object to hit me to an extent that I sought medical attention. She also hit my manhood with that metal object and I experienced serious pain. I survived after being attended at hospital. She is so dangerous.

“She is also sending her brothers to beat me up. She also uses vulgar language and is threatening to kill me. I have since moved away from our home and I’m now staying with a friend here in Bulawayo. I am no longer safe because of her violent behaviour and I’m therefore seeking a protection order against her,” said Sikhosana.

He begged the court to protect him by granting an order that bars his wife from assaulting and chasing him away from their homestead.

His wife, however, disputed the accusations. She said Sikhosana was the one who was economically abusing her and the children.

“I am opposed to his application. We had a misunderstanding because he was no longer maintaining the children.

After the misunderstanding he left home and I don’t even know where he is now staying. At the height of the misunderstanding he also assaulted me with a stick and axe handle and I retaliated.

“When he was asked by the elders what had happened, he lied that I tore his clothes. When he assaulted me, the elders advised me to report him to the police but I refused because he was going to be arrested. The elders later sat us down and reprimanded us,” stated Ndlovu.

Sikhosana dismissed his wife’s response saying she was disrespectful to him and his parents.

“I dispute the allegations of assault made against me. In fact, she is the one who assaulted me and I ended up going to the hospital. She doesn’t respect me as her husband. She doesn’t wash and cook for me. She is also not respecting my parents. She is always insulting them with obscenities indicating that she is not their daughter-in-law. It is also not true that I am not maintaining our children. I take care of them and I always send them groceries,” he said.

In her ruling presiding magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu ordered Ndlovu not to physically and verbally abuse her husband.-B-Metro

IMBIBERS were treated to a free drama when a 49-year-old from Nguboyenja suburb confronted his niece at a bar and pummelled her with fists all over the body as punishment for frequenting a bar.

The fuming Melusi Moyo (49) did not accept it when he heard that his niece Nosizi Sibanda (22) was at a bar taking wise waters.

A family source said that he left in a huff to a bar and upon getting there he shouted obscenities at her hapless niece.

“His niece was slightly tipsy. She retaliated with furious shouts, sparking a dramatic incident which resulted in her uncle hitting her with fists and she fell on the ground,” said the source who witnessed the dramatic incident.

He did not stop as he continued kicking her until she started bleeding.

After escaping from the scene Sibanda went and reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of her uncle.
Moyo was dragged to court and appeared before magistrate Amanda Moyo.

He pleaded guilty and attempts by his niece to withdraw the case before he was sentenced were in vain when the magistrate fined him $2 400 which he is supposed to pay before 6 November 2020 or spend two months in jail.

Sibanda tried to save her uncle saying they sat down as a family and agreed that she should forgive him.-B-Metro

A BULAWAYO man has been arrested for allegedly trying to undress a woman who was sleeping at his neighbour’s house.

Gift Mayibongwe Moyo (39) employed by Bernard Plumbers as an assistant plumber was arrested after the 20-year-old victim, whose name is being withheld for ethical reasons, told police that she woke up to find Moyo taking her clothes off.

According to court records the incident took place on 16 October 2020 and at Glamour Hair Salon Cottages situated along Fife Street and between 10th and 11th avenues.

It is reported that on the day in question and at around 10pm the victim was sleeping on the bed at her friend’s place when she felt that someone was sleeping next to her.

It is yet to be proven that in the process Moyo was removing her skirt and she quickly screamed for help.

While screaming for help that is when she reportedly discovered that it was Moyo who was trying to undress her. The seemingly terrified woman reportedly told him to stop, but he did not.

It is reported that a daring Moyo started proposing love to the victim who turned him down and in a fit of pique he brutally slapped her once on the face.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest. For the offence Moyo was dragged before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing two counts of assault and indecent assault.

He was, however, not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to 9 November on $1 000 bail.-B-Metro

Danisa Masuku
A MAN from Jotsholo who came home unexpectedly got the shock of his life after he caught his wife having sex with their herdboy on their matrimonial bed.

A source close to investigations said Thando Sibanda (36) from Jotsholo who is an artisanal miner based in Inyathi and who was not feeling well busted his 26-year-old wife when he unexpectedly returned home.

The source said: “He went there without phoning his wife Thelma Dliwayo. He arrived at around 11.30PM and caught his wife busy dishing out his sexual goodies to their herdboy on their matrimonial bed.”

The source said for a few minutes he froze and became weak.

However, he quickly summoned courage and confronted them.

“As he tried to hit the two, the herdboy violently pushed him against the wall and bolted out of the room. He fled and left to his parent’s home in Binga,” the source said.

Seething with anger, Sibanda reportedly stood up and battered his wife several times all over the body.

His wife tried to apologise but the fuming husband would take none of that and showed her a red card.

He then ordered her to vacate their homestead as he felt betrayed by her.

As if that was not enough, he went on to burn her clothes.

Dliwayo reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of her aggrieved husband.

Sibanda appeared before Lupane magistrate Ndumo Masuku charged with a crime of malicious damage to property.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded out of custody to Tuesday next week.-B-Metro

The Seventh Day Adventist church in Zimbabwe is investigating the alleged poisoning of one of its senior pastors Fortune Chipunza.

Chipunza who is a senior pastor at the church’s North Zimbabwe Conference (NZC) is currently receiving treatment.

The alleged poisoning has been linked to the church’s impending internal polls.  It is unclear whether the church has engaged the police or not.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church NZC spokesperson Pastor Ahmed Kahn told ZTN on Thursday that he is not aware of what really took place.

He added:

We are hoping that results provided by doctors who have worked on him can help us understand what happened and then we will take it from there.

We have asked (Pastor Chipunza) for the results, but he doesn’t want to show them to us. We have asked some people to go and talk to him because without the results, there is nothing we can do.

Pastor Chipunza said he was not in a position to speak to the Press at the moment adding that he was only “focusing on my recovery.”- ZTN News

Tinashe Sambiri|The facilitators of the July 31 Movement Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume have denounced the persecution of prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono by the panicky Zanu PF administration.

Sikhala also “confronted” Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa over violation of human rights.

“We will not allow the regime to kill us while we are silent -never.It’s better to die fighting for freedom than to be killed in silence.So we are not going back, very soon the regime will be out of power, whether they like it or not,” declared Sikhala.

According to Sikhala, the movement will not allow Mr Mnangagwa to torment citizens at will.

Ngarivhume also said:” We will not be silenced by Zanu PF’s threats.”

Watch video below:

Tinashe Sambiri|Engineer Elias Mudzuri’s hopes of landing the MDC-T presidency suffered a telling blow as he was literally rejected by his own relatives and friends in Zaka District.

Hundreds of villagers attended the MDC Alliance Youth Rally in Zaka North Constituency on Saturday, leaving Engineer Mudzuri’s followers quaking in their boots.

Engineer Mudzuri’s team was hoping the MDC Alliance Youth Rally would be a flop.

“Hundreds of MDC Alliance members attended the youth rally in Zaka, leaving Mudzuri’s followers stunned.

The attendance at the rally shows President Chamisa is adored even in Mudzuri’s home area.

Villagers in the area are firmly behind President Chamisa,” an MDC Alliance official told ZimEye.com.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance MP for Glen View North, Hon Kennedy Dinar has died.

Hon Dinar passed on at Chitungwiza General Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

“The MDC Alliance is saddened to announce the passing of Hon Kennedy Dinar, MP for Glen View North at Chitungwiza General Hospital today.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Dinar family on this untimely loss.

May his soul rest in peace,” MDC Alliance said in a brief statement.

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance MP for Glen View North, Hon Kennedy Dinar has died.

Hon Dinar passed on at Chitungwiza General Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

“The MDC Alliance is saddened to announce the passing of Hon Kennedy Dinar, MP for Glen View North at Chitungwiza General Hospital today.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Dinar family on this untimely loss.

May his soul rest in peace,” MDC Alliance said in a brief statement.

MASVINGO – Two suspected thieves recently broke into a pharmacy in the CBD in Masvingo and stole US$5 200, ZAR 430 and ZWL$2 000.

One of the suspects, Misheck Dzinavatonga Mudzimuwatonga (35) an ex-convict also understood to also use the name Peter Mututu was nabbed after he dropped personal documents on the scene and he appeared in court last week.

Mudzimuwatonga who comes from Mukobvu Village under Chief Mukanganwi in Bikita appeared before magistrate Patience Madondo facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.

The accomplice, Onismo Mavhungira also using the name Tendai Mazanhanga is still at large.

Marlven Mapako, representing the State said the accused together with the accomplice entered the pharmacy premises through the back after cutting a razor wire on the pre-cast wall and jumping over.

They broke the rear door locking systems and entered into the shop and took away US$5 200, ZAR430 and ZWL$2 000.

The security alarm triggered but the two escaped before Fawcett security arrived on the scene. Mudzimuwatonga dropped a satchel with his clothes, a prison hospital card with his name and a NetOne sim card.

He was arrested a day later on October 21, 2020 and US$2 614, R10 and ZWL$157 was recovered.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months with five months suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years. -Masvingo Mirror

MASVINGO – Two suspected thieves recently broke into a pharmacy in the CBD in Masvingo and stole US$5 200, ZAR 430 and ZWL$2 000.

One of the suspects, Misheck Dzinavatonga Mudzimuwatonga (35) an ex-convict also understood to also use the name Peter Mututu was nabbed after he dropped personal documents on the scene and he appeared in court last week.

Mudzimuwatonga who comes from Mukobvu Village under Chief Mukanganwi in Bikita appeared before magistrate Patience Madondo facing charges of unlawful entry and theft.

The accomplice, Onismo Mavhungira also using the name Tendai Mazanhanga is still at large.

Marlven Mapako, representing the State said the accused together with the accomplice entered the pharmacy premises through the back after cutting a razor wire on the pre-cast wall and jumping over.

They broke the rear door locking systems and entered into the shop and took away US$5 200, ZAR430 and ZWL$2 000.

The security alarm triggered but the two escaped before Fawcett security arrived on the scene. Mudzimuwatonga dropped a satchel with his clothes, a prison hospital card with his name and a NetOne sim card.

He was arrested a day later on October 21, 2020 and US$2 614, R10 and ZWL$157 was recovered.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months with five months suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years. -Masvingo Mirror

ZANU PF has axed and suspended some party officials for name-dropping, while investigations are underway to name and shame more such malcontents, the governing party’s acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has said.

This comes as President Mnangagwa has declared zero tolerance to corruption, saying any corrupt person, regardless of political status or connections, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the country.

The latest move by Zanu PF to crack the whip on wayward members also comes at a time when some unruly elements both within Government and the party have been abusing the names of the First Family to cover up their repugnant criminal activities.

Consequently, Chinamasa told the media yesterday that the revolutionary party will not hesitate to weed out people who abuse the names of the First Family, with action has already been taken against certain individuals.

“We have noted with concern that these name-droppers are abusing the names of senior leaders in the party, Government and the First Family. They allege that they are relatives of senior leaders and go about conning people in the name of our leadership.

“That should stop forthwith. Here at the party, we have fired some of these name-droppers, conmen and con-women who abuse the name of the party and leadership.

We challenge all media players to expose these fraudsters and extortionists whenever you come across them. In the next press conference after full investigations, we will name and shame them,” he said.-The Herald

BULAWAYO continues to record an upward trend in Covid-19 pandemic cases, with the city as of Wednesday recording the only two deaths in the country.

This comes as the city also accounted for 11 out of the recorded 17 new cases in the country.

According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the city recorded 17 new cases and two deaths with the seven-day rolling average for new cases rising to 15 from 13.

“854 PCR tests done today (Wednesday), with the positivity at 2 percent. All 17 are local cases

25 new recoveries reported: National Recovery rate stands at 94,5 percent and active cases go down to 212. As of 4 November 2020, Zimbabwe has now recorded 8427 Cases 7967 recoveries and 248 Deaths,” said the Ministry.

With the new deaths recorded the Ministry noted that the national case fatality rate now stands at

2,9 percent.

“Harare has the highest number of cases per capita followed by Bulawayo and Matabeleland

South. Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Bulawayo and Harare have case fatality ratios above the national average,” read part of the statistics.

NINE security guards of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in Kwekwe have been arrested after they allegedly tortured and killed a suspect who had sneaked into the church premises and stole zinc roofing sheets.

The incident occurred on Wednesday around 12 midnight when nine security guards, Farai Mauto (20), Felix Mapfumo (27), Takawira Dhururu (23), Artwell Muteya (20), Cosmas Mudzingwa (57), Stephen Jakata (23), Maxwell Mafuta (20), Suspicion Dzingirai (24) and Tatenda Zhou (22), who were manning the ZCC church premises in Kwekwe allegedly tortured a suspected thief only identified as Tafadzwa for 11 hours until he died after they allegedly caught him stealing zinc roofing sheets.

A police source said on the said date the now deceased connived with his friend Desire Musonza to go and steal roofing sheets from ZCC premise.

“On Wednesday at around 12 midnight, Tafadzwa who was in the company of Musonza entered the ZCC premises which is along Harare-Bulawayo road scaling the precast wall. The two allegedly stole three zinc sheets.

They were however spotted by the guards who were manning the premises. The two dropped the sheets and ran away. The guards chased after them and managed to apprehend Tafadzwa but Musonza managed to escape,” said the source.

The source added that the security guards tied Tafadzwa with an electric cable on both hands and legs and tortured him.

“The guards assaulted him with sjamboks, wooden sticks, a shovel all over the body whilst interrogating him. They assaulted him until the following morning. At around 11 am the guards noticed that Tafadzwa had died. A pastor at the church Mr David Moyo reported the matter to the police leading to the guards’ arrest,” said the source.
Tafadzwa was rushed to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi could neither deny nor confirm the incident.
“I am not aware of the incident. We will give you the details once we receive a report,” he said.

Zimlive

BULAWAYO – A woman who attended a graduation ceremony at which President Emmerson Mnangagwa was the guest of honour on October 30 has succumbed to Covid-19.

The 47-year-old resident of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo was at the National University of Science and Technology to witness a friend’s graduation.

The married mum-of-three was taken ill this week and was initially treated at Cowdray Park Clinic before she was transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where she died on Wednesday.

She was one of two deaths reported by the ministry of health on Wednesday, both of them in Bulawayo which also saw 11 new Covid-19 cases. The other is a 64-year-old woman.

The ministry said both women had pre-existing conditions which militated against their recovery from the lung disease.

Infection … A woman who died of Covid-19 is thought to have been infected at this graduation ceremony at NUST
Health workers on Thursday began trace procedures for contacts of the two victims, and focus will fall on the graduation ceremony which was attended by hundreds of people, including Mnangagwa and ministers.

Mnangagwa capped more than 200 graduands who were invited to the event which was scaled down in size due to Covid-19. A total of 2,528 students graduated, although many followed proceedings online from home.

Zimbabwe reported 17 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, taking national tally to 8,427, of which 248 have resulted in death. At least 7,967 people have recovered, leaving 212 active cases.

A 26-year-old man from Shurugwi, who had gone to visit his relatives in Mberengwa died after he was allegedly shot three times on the chest by police who were looking an armed robbery suspect.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Lordrick Mutsveru of Musara village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi was shot and killed by police who were looking for an armed robbery suspect Tichaona Mushanduri (21).

It is understood that eight police details who were armed with rifles raided a homestead in Mberengwa after getting a tip off that an armed robber was hiding at the homestead.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying it was unfortunate that Mutsveru was killed as police were looking for an armed robber.

“We are investigating the incident. We will fully investigate the matter and establish what really happened. We understand some of the relatives of the deceased had approached some sections of the media over the matter. We will not sweep anything under the carpet. We also advise the public to allow the police to conduct their investigations. If people are not happy we advise them to approach the Officer Commanding District Zvishavane,” he said.

A source said police were looking for the suspect who had allegedly robbed a haulage truck.

“The eight police officers were armed and when they got to the homestead, they knocked on the door where the suspect was said to be sleeping in the company of Lordrick Mutsveru. It is suspected that the suspect opened the door.

A police detail then fired some shots. Mutsveru allegedly staggered and fell back into the house. The suspect took advantage of the situation and fled the scene. Mutsveru was rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.

Correspondent

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will spend his third night in state custody this after a Harare magistrate was Thursday forced to postpone the scribe’s bail ruling when detectives brought him to court late.

Chin’ono is facing charges of defeating the course of justice.

The state, led by Audrey Chogumaira, said Chin’ono created a network with some National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officers who would often give him inside information on the operations of the judiciary.

Chin’ono is accused of having insinuated that detained Zimbabwe miners boss Henrietta Rushwaya would be corruptly granted bail when she faced serious charges of attempting to smuggle 6kgs gold to Dubai through the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Chin’ono’s lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa argued her client was unlawfully before the courts because the 48-hour period permitted by the law for suspects to be presented before court by police upon arrest had lapsed.

“The accused is unlawfully before this court because the accused is only being brought in after the 48-hour detention period allowed by the Constitution has lapsed. This court has no jurisdiction to hear this case and we demand that he be released immediately,” said Mtetwa.

But the magistrate said the point raised required her to hear arguments from both parties before making a ruling.

She ordered the matter to be rolled over to Friday.

Correspondent

About ten machete wielding thugs in Gwanda are reported to have brutally killed a fellow illegal miner early hours of Thursday morning after a dispute arose at the notorious Vhovha mining area some kilometres outside Gwanda town.

Reports indicate that the illegal miners armed with Machetes chased after the deceased person for over five kilometres into Gwanda town and brutally killed him when he got tired of running and tried to sneak into a house at the town’s Pakama High Density suburb.

Sources told ZimEye.com that the gang of about ten machete thugs descended on the fleeing man and brutally killed him using the highly lethal man made weapons before fleeing into the night.

The deceased, Prince Mkhululi Moyo who resided in Phakama township was br_tally murdered around 03.30hrs.

Benard Sibanda, the owner of the house where the incident took place narrated the ordeal

“It was around 03.30hrs when I heard someone screaming for help and pleading for forgiveness from his killers. After hearing the screams, I immediately woke up but i could not go out to investigate as i was not sure of what was happening outside.

“While he was being assaulted, he cried out, Mbongeni please don’t kill me,” Sibanda narrated.

He added that his last words were,”Ahaa wangigamula, selingibulele (you have axed me to death).”

The deceased had two deep cuts in the head and five cuts on the lower part of his right leg.

Matabeleland South Police Provincial Spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele referred all questions to the National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

More details on the murder are still coming through and these will be provided as they unfold.

MDC-Alliance legislator, Joana Mamombe, has been deemed not fit to stand trial after results from three doctors revealed that she is suffering from a mental disorder.

Mamombe is already receiving treatment with the court ordering that she goes for medical review every fortnight.

Deputy chief magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande accepted the medical results from tests run by three doctors.

Mrs Makwande also dismissed the State’s application to have her examined by another doctor under supervision of remand prison authorities.

She is being charged for faking her abduction along with other MDC-Alliance members Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri.

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza last week rejected a medical affidavit bearing results of tests obtained from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ Annex Department saying it was obtained against the initial court order.

Mr Reza said the court initially ordered that Mamombe be examined under the supervision of Harare Remand Prison authorities and not at Annex.

“Thereafter, the accused was granted bail by the High Court through an urgent chamber application and was released from remand, but at that time, she was seen by one doctor in compliance with an order.

“She must be seen by another doctor under the supervision of the remand prison authorities.

“We now have two medical affidavits, but not obtained under the conditions stipulated by the judge or this court. We apply that the accused be examined under the supervision of Harare Remand Prison,” said Mr Reza in his dismissed application.

In response, Mamombe’s lawyer, Mr Alec Muchadehama said he took Mamombe to Annex Department at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as per arrangements made by authorities at Remand Prison.

He argued that there were no medical doctors at the prison and authorities there took inmates to Parirenyatwa following prior arrangements.

Mamombe is expected to appear in court on November 16 along with Chimbiri and Marova.

Paul Nyathi

ZIMBABWEAN authorities on Thursday summoned dozens of nurses in Bulawayo to appear before a disciplinary tribunal to answer to charges of misconduct for allegedly failing to report for duty after government re-introduced longer working hours for the medical practitioners.

At United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH), the first group of 44 nurses
represented by Jabulani Mhlanga and Prisca Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights were called in to appear before the disciplinary tribunal on Thursday.

In a letter written to the nurses, UBH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga alleged that the nurses, who were suspended on Friday 30 October, committed acts of misconduct by failing to obey a lawful instruction by not reporting for duty after being notified to stop the flexible working hours and resume working for the normal 40 hours per week.

Dzvanga charged that through their alleged misconduct, the nurses had breached section 4 of the Labour (National Employment Code of Conduct) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006.

The nurses were suspended from duty without salaries and advised to stop reporting for work as doing so would enable them interfere with some unnamed witnesses.

Nurses have for several months been reporting for duty at short
working hours per week to compensate for their poor salaries. However, government recently discarded the flexible working regime and increased duty hours for the nurses to 40 per week.

Four police officers, including a woman attached to the crime prevention unit, who allegedly assaulted and robbed a motorist of US$70 a few metres from a roadblock, have appeared before Bindura Magistrate’s Court along with a civilian accomplice who pretended to be a police inspector.

The five also allegedly assaulted other police officers while they were resisting arrest.

The officers are Manager William (30), Brian Mzilikazi (33), Natasha Mupingo (32) and Tafuma Ruvuke (32) while their accomplice is Bigboy Mjenda (32). The five waylaid, assaulted and robbed at least one motorist along Mazowe-Centenary Road.

The four police officers are from Harare, while Mjenda is from Ruwa.

They appeared before Bindura provincial magistrate Mr Tinashe Ndokera facing robbery and assault charges and were remanded on bail to November 17 for trial.

Prosecutor Ms Sheilla Maribha said on September 16 at around 3pm, the five were travelling toward Mazowe along the Mazowe-Centenary Road in an unregistered Chevrolet Captiva when they stopped at a roadblock just before Mazowe.

Mjenda, who was driving, produced a fake police identity card and introduced himself as Inspector Mjenda from police general headquarters internal investigations.

He told Sergeant Major Shadreck Bako, who was in charge of the roadblock, that the team was conducting spot checks.

While Mjenda was talking to Sgt Major Bako, a Nissan Caravan that was being driven Mr Bothwell Murasikwa (26) passed through the roadblock.

The five allegedly chased the vehicle, blocked it from proceeding, then disembarked and switched off Mr Murasikwa’s engine.

They started punching him in the face and handcuffed him.

They then bundled him into their vehicle and started assaulting him while demanding US$70.

Mr Murasikwa allegedly gave the money to Mjenda.

The five drove to the roadblock, ordered the complainant to disembark and drove off towards Mazowe.

Sgt Major Bako immediately alerted Mazowe Traffic who arrested the five and impounded their vehicle.

They were searched and found in possession of US$152.

The court heard that Mjenda offered police officers a US$60 bribe and the money was recovered as an exhibit.

The five were allegedly visibly drunk and were taken to Mazowe police station where at around 4pm they started insulting police officers.

They violently resisted arrest and assaulted two officers, Thandolwenkosi Dube and Taurayi Kadzingwindi.

Police have reportedly advised Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s lawyers that they wanted to add more charges emanating from a tweet in which he claimed that Zimbabwe Federation of Miners President Henrietta Rushwaya was in an alleged relationship with the Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi.

This is according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Director, Roseline Hanzi who said Chin’ono will be charged with breaching Section 184(1)(c) of Criminal Code defeating or obstructing course of justice.

“Since 3 Nov Hopewell Chin’ono has been warned and cautioned on two charges. Lawyers advised that police want to add further allegations (another tweet to the charges) Expecting Hopewell to be taken to court anytime now.

“Additional tweet on alleged relationship of Rushwaya and Prosecutor General added to elaborate on charge of sec 184(1(c) of Criminal Code defeating or obstructing course of justice.

“The two tweets on charge of sec 184(1)(c) of Criminal Code are on: – Case of Rushwaya, when Chin’ono tweeted he had information from from NPA sourced that state would consent to Rushwaya’s bail – Alleged relationship of Rushwaya and PG,” said Hanzi.

Chin’ono has since arrived at the Harare Magistrates court for his initial remand.

Tinashe Sambiri|Engineer Elias Mudzuri’s hopes of landing the MDC-T presidency suffered a telling blow as he was literally rejected by his own relatives and friends in Zaka District.

Hundreds of villagers attended the MDC Alliance Youth Rally in Zaka North Constituency on Saturday, leaving Engineer Mudzuri’s followers quaking in their boots.

Engineer Mudzuri’s team was hoping the MDC Alliance Youth Rally would be a flop.

“Hundreds of MDC Alliance members attended the youth rally in Zaka, leaving Mudzuri’s followers stunned.

The attendance at the rally shows President Chamisa is adored even in Mudzuri’s home area.

Villagers in the area are firmly behind President Chamisa,” an MDC Alliance official told ZimEye.com.

By A Correspondent| Zimbabwean authorities on Thursday 5 November 2020 summoned dozens of nurses in Bulawayo to appear before a disciplinary tribunal to answer to charges of misconduct for allegedly failing to report for duty after government re-introduced longer working hours for the medical practitioners.

At United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH), the first group of 44 nurses represented by Jabulani Mhlanga and Prisca Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights will appear before the disciplinary tribunal on Thursday 5 November 2020.

In a letter written to the nurses, UBH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga alleged that the nurses, who were suspended on Friday 30 October 2020, committed acts of misconduct by failing to obey a lawful instruction by not reporting for duty after being notified to stop the flexible working hours and resume working for the normal 40 hours per week.

Dzvanga charged that through their alleged misconduct, the nurses had breached section 4 of the Labour (National Employment Code of Conduct) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006.

The nurses were suspended from duty without salaries and advised to stop reporting for work as doing so would enable them interfere with some unnamed witnesses.

Nurses have for several months been reporting for duty at short working hours per week to compensate for their poor salaries. However, government recently discarded the flexible working regime and increased duty hours for the nurses to 40 per week.

By A Correspondent | The latest details in the case of the self confessed killer of the slain MUREHWA 7 year old boy, Tapiwa Makore, on the 17th Sept 2020, Tafadzwa Shamba, were revealed on Thursday.

The matter was discussed in parliament on Tuesday where MPs called for a speeding up of investigations amid concern over the delay.

On Wednesday night Police descended on Murehwa and arrested more suspects.

Speaking Thursday morning, Gogo Beaulah Makore spoke over the latest development. She said, “so far what we know is that there are people who were arrested but we don’t know anything more; we are waiting on the police to explain what happened afterwards. “

“It is true that is what happened but what we don’t know is what happened later, ” she reiterated.

“We don’t have an update; we are waiting on the police and we are also waiting on the DNA results so this is what we have we are waiting on this, she said.

Earlier in the week, it was narrated that Shamba was seen carrying likely body parts wrapped inside a towel to Harare.

Those details link well with those of a n’anga who alleges Tapiwa’s head was taken to Harare’s Dzivarasekwa Surbub, near ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa’s main house since independence 1980.

Last week ZimEye.com carried a lengthy news analysis and investigation exploring this murder and many others that ever happened since 1983.

The latest grissly details concerning the state in which the toddler’s body was found severally dismembered on 17th of September, were narrated on Tete Tilda’s program Tuesday morning.

Another woman who was arrested by the police last week, called Maud Hunidzarira, has the latest trail of detail concerning what happened to the body remains, as alleged.

The Makore family spokesperson, one, Gogo Beaulah, speaking from Murehwa announced saying:

“This Maud Hunidzarira is a resident of the area, at the place where Tapiwa snr and the self confessed killer, Tafadzwa buy Kachasu (dangerous Afro-whisky)beer”

She continued saying, “this is the woman who was taken by police officers yesterday.

“Her relationship with Tapiwa Makore senior, is not known at present,” she added.

“Maud Hunidzarira was arrested in Budiriro, Harare after residents alerted the police when they witnessed her washing a carpet full of blood, that is what she was caught washing.

“Two, others are saying they witnessed the man Tafadzwa being given a towel which Tafadzwa has said he used to carry the slain child.”

This statement correlates well with Tafadzwa Shamba’s own witness statement in which he says he carried the slain toddler in a towel.

Gogo Beaulah continued saying, “so people were seeing these things, so they are the ones who informed the police alerting them that this woman might have something to do with the murder of Tapiwa, so of the police then arrested her.

The development likely means that the killers took the carpet all the way to Harare where they would wash it.

“This is what it means,” Gogo Beaulah said.

Maud brews Kachasu beer and is a Murehwa resident, she is the same also called Mai Katsande who the killer says travelled to to buy Kachasu from after feeding the lad, still alive at that time with sadza meal and fish.

“We continue to thank the police because they are continuing to do their work we know that the truth will come out in the end,” Gogo Beaulah said.

On the whereabouts of the remains, she continued saying,

“We will continue talking until all the body parts have been found.

“The hands are missing, the private parts and the head, are all missing. We are not going to rest until the child has rested,” said the source only identified as Gogo Beula.

On the delay in burial, Gogo Beaulah said: “What has delayed the burial at the results of DNA, at the same time the police are still conducting their investigations we are still waiting for the police to give word,” she said.

Tinashe Sambiri|Engineer Elias Mudzuri’s hopes of landing the MDC-T presidency suffered a telling blow as he was literally rejected by his own relatives and friends in Zaka District.

Hundreds of villagers attended the MDC Alliance Youth Rally in Zaka North Constituency on Saturday, leaving Engineer Mudzuri’s followers quaking in their boots.

Engineer Mudzuri’s team was hoping the MDC Alliance Youth Rally would be a flop.

“Hundreds of MDC Alliance members attended the youth rally in Zaka, leaving Mudzuri’s followers stunned.

The attendance at the rally shows President Chamisa is adored even in Mudzuri’s home area.

Villagers in the area are firmly behind President Chamisa,” an MDC Alliance official told ZimEye.com.

 A woman who attended a graduation ceremony at which President Emmerson Mnangagwa was the guest of honour on October 30 has succumbed to Covid-19.

The 47-year-old resident of Cowdray Park in Bulawayo was at the National University of Science and Technology to witness a friend’s graduation.

The married mum-of-three was taken ill this week and was initially treated at Cowdray Park Clinic before she was transferred to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where she died on Wednesday.

She was one of two deaths reported by the ministry of health on Wednesday, both of them in Bulawayo which also saw 11 new Covid-19 cases. The other is a 64-year-old woman.

The ministry said both women had pre-existing conditions which militated against their recovery from the lung disease.

Health workers on Thursday began trace procedures for contacts of the two victims, and focus will fall on the graduation ceremony which was attended by hundreds of people, including Mnangagwa and ministers.

Mnangagwa capped more than 200 graduands who were invited to the event which was scaled down in size due to Covid-19. A total of 2,528 students graduated, although many followed proceedings online from home.

Zimbabwe reported 17 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, taking national tally to 8,427, of which 248 have resulted in death. At least 7,967 people have recovered, leaving 212 active cases.-ZimLive

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo yesterday said they were still investigating a robbery case involving a Fawcett Security cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle which was hijacked by armed robbers on Monday while it was transporting money from the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company premises to a local bank.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were yet to establish the amount involved.

“On November 2, the complainant was on duty at Fawcett offices and was tasked to escort money for banking at CBZ from Zupco offices in the company of his other three workmates,” Nyathi said.

“Eight armed robbers with two pistols and a shotgun then ordered the Fawcett security guards to surrender the vehicle.”

He said Fawcett guards drove along Plumtree Road to a CBZ Bank branch along 8th Avenue, entered the premises after being allowed in by their workmates who were manning the gate.

“After the vehicle had entered the gate, the robbers then pushed the gate from outside and overpowered the guard. They bulldozed their way in, pointing guns and ordering the security guards to lie down before ordering them to surrender their guns,” Nyathi said.

The robbers fled from the scene after loading the trunks into a black Mercedes-Benz and a small silver car.

Nyathi said they also drove off with the Fawcett van before dumping it in Ilanda suburb.

The gang allegedly went on to rob another man of his Nissan Hardbody vehicle.

Nyathi said police later recovered the Nissan Hardbody and $11 305, adding that the total value that was stolen was yet to be ascertained.-newsday

The VP Chiwenga led ministry of health on Thursday 5th November 2020 summoned dozens of nurses in Bulawayo to appear before a disciplinary tribunal to answer to charges of misconduct for allegedly failing to report for duty after government re-introduced longer working hours for the medical practitioners.

At United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH), the first group of 44 nurses represented by Jabulani Mhlanga and Prisca Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights will appear before the disciplinary tribunal on Thursday 5 November 2020.

In a letter written to the nurses, UBH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga alleged that the nurses, who were suspended on Friday 30 October 2020, committed acts of misconduct by failing to obey a lawful instruction by not reporting for duty after being notified to stop the flexible working hours and resume working for the normal 40 hours per week.

Dzvanga charged that through their alleged misconduct, the nurses had breached section 4 of the Labour (National Employment Code of Conduct) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006.

The nurses were suspended from duty without salaries and advised to stop reporting for work as doing so would enable them interfere with some unnamed witnesses.

Nurses have for several months been reporting for duty at short working hours per week to compensate for their poor salaries. However, government recently discarded the flexible working regime and increased duty hours for the nurses to 40 per week.

ENDS

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance MP for Glen View North, Hon Kennedy Dinar has died.

Hon Dinar passed on at Chitungwiza General Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

“The MDC Alliance is saddened to announce the passing of Hon Kennedy Dinar, MP for Glen View North at Chitungwiza General Hospital today.

We extend our sincere condolences to the Dinar family on this untimely loss.

May his soul rest in peace,” MDC Alliance said in a brief statement.

By A Correspondent- The ruling ZANU PF party says it has fired several officials for name-dropping with more expected to be axed.

The party’s acting spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa, told the media on Wednesday that conmen and malcontents who abuse the name of the First Family and the party will be named and shamed.

He said:

We have noted with concern that these name-droppers are abusing the names of senior leaders in the party, Government and the First Family.

They allege that they are relatives of senior leaders and go about conning people in the name of our leadership.

That should stop forthwith. Here at the party, we have fired some of these name-droppers, conmen and con-women who abuse the name of the party and leadership.

We challenge all media players to expose these fraudsters and extortionists whenever you come across them.

In the next press conference after full investigations, we will name and shame them.

ZANU PF has reportedly fired four employees and suspended another four from various departments for abusing the names of the party leadership.

Recently, suspended Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president Henrietta Rushwaya claimed that members of the First Family were involved in her attempted 6kgs gold heist.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- The ruling Zanu-PF party yesterday announced that it will use its parliamentary majority to tighten screws on civic society organisations and the opposition, whom it accuses of calling for more sanctions against its administration.

The West, notably United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), have said they are considering more sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government.

The US is looking at restricting local exports because of worker suppression by the government, while the UK is unimpressed by the worsening human rights situation and corruption cases involving Mnangagwa’s family.

Zanu-PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa told journalists during a party Press conference in Harare that they would respond to the measures proposed by the UK by piling pressure on “surrogate” citizens.

“Their (UK) threats to tighten sanctions on us at a time our government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is spearheading the President’s re-engagement and engagement strategy is regrettable,” Chinamasa said.

“If the British and Americans continue on that regrettable path, we will, through our Legislature, mobilise tough measures on their surrogates and sycophants here,” he said.

Chinamasa said the party would target the opposition and civic society through legislation.

“Our Parliament is ready and our people are ready. We are tired of being punch bags of this Uncle Tom politics,” he said.

Government has already started amending the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act to make it a criminal offence for private citizens to negotiate with a foreign government.

Chinamasa said the law would be used as a weapon to punish alleged “surrogates and sycophants of the West”.

“I thought I had already mentioned that the government is putting in place and debating legislation to hit the surrogates and sycophants and agencies who are among us, who are citizens of Zimbabwe … we have power over our citizens, our citizens should not commit treasonous acts,” he said.

Mnangagwa also announced during his speech on the official opening of the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe that the Legislature will consider a Bill to regulate errant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that do not operate in sync with government programmes.

“The British Parliament, where the blatant lies were made, among them that (suspended Zimbabwe Miners Federation president Henrietta) Rushwaya … is a niece of President Mnangagwa. They also insinuate that Henrietta was doing so supposedly on behalf of the First Family. This is not only a ridiculous claim, but one that makes us question the mental faculties of the so-called House of Lords,” Chinamasa said.

Zanu-PF believes there is an attempt by the UK to smear the name of Mnangagwa by fingering him in acts of corruption, looting and plunder.

“That was below the bar attempt to smear the global standing of our nation and President,” he said.

MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende said they were not worried about Chinamasa’s utterances because already, the ruling party was repressive against the opposition and NGOs.

“As far as we are concerned, we know that Zanu-PF has suspended the Constitution and any legality in Zimbabwe. Our members continue to be victimised without adherence to the Constitution and many are facing various charges. Whether they tighten regulations, it does not make any difference because Zanu-PF is an autocratic regime,” he said.

“We are going to fight them in the streets. It is our democratic right to do so. We are not worried by their pronouncements because in any case they do not follow the Constitution.”-newsday

By A Correspondent| Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who was arrested on Tuesday and charged with contempt of court is still to appear in court, almost 48 hours after his arrest.

Zimbabwe lawyers for Human Rights Director, Roseline Hanzi said police had not provided them with concrete reasons for the delay.

“ZLHRLawyers representing @daddyhope not sure of what is happening now. Police have not provided concrete information on progress. Hopewell is still waiting to go to court. Lawyers have been waiting since 9am,” said Hanzi.

He was expected in court early morning today.

The New Government Complex in Gweru, Midlands, which houses all the provincial government department heads and 500 employees, was partially closed on Wednesday for disinfection after Provincial Affairs Minister, Senator Larry Mavima, tested positive for coronavirus.

All employees from the second floor, where the Minister, Provincial Development Coordinator and Provincial Public Service Inspector’s offices are located and all its wings, were working from home as the area was closed for fumigation.

Midlands Provincial Public Service Inspector, Andrew Chimanyiwa, said the fumigation of the provincial headquarters was being done in phases and will continue this Thursday.

He said:

We have temporarily closed the second floor and the rapid response team was fumigating the offices and everything there.

We are currently operating from outside, so tomorrow (today) the fumigation will continue on the ground floor.

Sen Mavima becomes the latest high profile official to contract the virus which causes COVID-19. He is in self-isolation at home and is asymptomatic.

By A Correspondent| Glen View North Member of Parliament Hon Kennedy Dinar has died, the MDC Alliance has announced.

“The MDC Alliance is saddened to announce the passing of Hon Kennedy Dinar, MP for Glen View South at Chitungwiza General Hospital today. We extend our sincere condolences to the Dinar family on this untimely loss. May his soul rest in peace,” the party said on Twitter.

More to follow….

National e-Recruitment of Registered General Nurse Training January 2021 Intake

Applications for the three-year Diploma in Registered General Nurse Training to be conducted by the Ministry of Health and Child Health Care (MoHCC) are invited from suitably qualified holders of the following qualifications;

• A minimum of 5 “O” Level subjects with passes in English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject and two others (that exclude practical subjects such as Fashion and Fabrics, Metal Work, Graphic Art, Art and Woodwork) at Grade C or better obtained from not more than two sittings with full certificates as Examination Result Slips are not accepted.
• Must be aged between the ages of seventeen (17) and thirty (30) years on the date of commencement of training which is 04/01/2021.

NB: Candidates should not be less than 17 years and not more than 30 years by 04 January 2021.

The portal for applications is open from 2nd November 2020 and applications must be submitted not later than 27th November 2020 using the following MoHCC Electronic Platform:www.mohcc.gov.zw and click on the e-nurse link which will take you to the registration page.”Register on the website in order to start your application. Please do not forget the ID number that you used to register as well as the password.”

For the shortlisted candidates, the following should be presented at interview: original and certified copies of Birth Certificate, National Identity Card, Ordinary Level Certificates, Marriage Certificate where applicable, Advanced Level Certificate if attained and 2 passport size pictures with the applicant`s name at the back.

Submission of two references of which one must be from the Headmaster of the school where the “O” Level Examinations were undertaken will be required from the selected candidates.

Manual verification of the academic and identification certificates will be done on the day of interviews.

The cost of accessing the Electronic Application Form is $100 ZWL and applicants should follow the instructions on the website for payment (No additional payments are required as this is the only fee to be paid).

The invitations for interviews which will be held at specified interview venues will be through the MoHCC e-Recruitment Platform.

Only candidates who meet the recruitment criteria will be shortlisted for interviews.  Successful candidates will be informed via the MoHCC Electronic Platform and are required to have a satisfactory Medical Examination conducted by a Government Medical Officer.

Accepted candidates will be deployed to where training posts exist throughout the country.

NB
• The application is made electronically and there are no application forms on sale;
• The Ministry does not advertise through any other media except the newspaper.
• The Public is hereby informed and warned that none of the Schools of Nursing will be recruited directly;
• Applicants who submit more than one application and get involved in Soliciting will be disqualified; and
• NO THIRD PARTIES HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO RECRUIT ON BEHALF OF MoHCC
• All enquiries should be emailed to [email protected],[email protected] or contact the MoHCC help desk on +263714734593/+263774112531/+263242730273

By A Correspondent- The trial of former Public Service minister Priscah Mupfumira, who is jointly charged for graft with former ministry secretary Ngoni Masoka, on two counts of criminal abuse of office continued yesterday with the duo applying for recusal of the chief magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi from the case.

The State alleges that Mupfumira and Masoka secured US$90 000 from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and purchased personal vehicles.

The State also alleges that on another account, Mupfumira used State funds for air tickets and upkeep of her personal aides to attend her daughter’s wedding in South Africa.

In their application to have Mutevedzi recused, Mupfumira and Masoka, through their lawyers Thembinkosi Magwaliba and Advocate Sylvester Hashiti argued that Mutevedzi had formulated a reasonable suspicion that the accused had indeed committed the offence on their initial remand hearing.

Mutevedzi also dismissed the duo’s application for postponement of trial yesterday since their lawyers had to attend to another case at the Supreme Court.

Mupfumira faces several charges of criminial abuse of office including a case involving US$94 million that went missing from a NSSA pension fund.

In another case of criminal abuse of office which is before the courts, Mupfumira and Barnabas Matongere, former NSSA contribution and collections officer, allegedly paid US$3,5 million to Drawcard Enterprises, a local land developing company towards the construction of low housing units in Gweru, in a project spearheaded by Mupfumira.

Jonathan Chingwinyiso and Tafara Chirambira appeared for the State.

By A Correspondent- A 30 year old Bindura man has been arraigned before the courts for allegedly trying to kidnap a girl who turned down his love proposal.

Augustine Chabwinja appeared before Bindura magistrate Moreblessing Makati on Monday facing criminal insult and attempted kidnapping charges.

Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo alleged that in May, the complainant was sent to buy eggs from Chabwinja.

Chabwinja asked for the complainant’s name and address, but was only given the name without the address.

He then followed the girl on her way back to see where she stayed.

A few days later, she returned to buy more eggs and Chabwinja then proposed love to her, but she refused. He then threatened to kidnap her if she continued to snub his proposal.

It is also alleged that during the same month, Chabwinja met the complainant walking on the road. He tried to force her to get into his car. The complainant, however, managed to escape.

She then told her mother about the incident, who accompanied her to the police station to make a report, which led to his arrest.

The matter was remanded to November 16.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The plight of the ailing popular actor and comedian Lazarus “Gringo” Boora has touched the hearts of members of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) who have decided to donate their services and medication to rescue the famed entertainer.

“We, as the association of private medical practitioners, MDPPZA, are touched by Gringo’s fate and we have joined hands as we are looking at all the avenues of assisting him,” MDPPZA president Johannes Marisa told NewsDay Life & Style.

The MDPPZA secretary-general Cletos Masiya said Gringo was now admitted at Westview Medical Centre in Ruwa and was being assessed for final diagnosis.

“As an association, we have an arm which specialises in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Right now, Mr Lazarus Boora is at Westview Medical Centre in Ruwa were he is receiving treatment. He is fairly ill, but stable. Unfortunately, he lost quite a bit of time when he was at home as he did not have access to medical care and that complicated his medical condition,” he said.

“A group of various medical personnel have been attending to him under the banner of the association and I can confirm that he is being attended. He has received some drips, antibiotics and some pain killers as we are still assessing him to see what the diagnosis will be which will inform the final or on-going management as this is an evolving condition.”

Marisa said from a medical point of view the association was trying to assist as there were several tests that needed to be carried out. He added that other well-wishers looking to help the celebrated actor could reach out to the family.

“We are also looking at having him (Gringo) get blood tests done and ultra scan including a chest X-ray, so we have called upon the team members within the association top provide some of these things,” he said.

“Where we don’t have the necessary skill set or the facilities as an association, members have also been contributing via EcoCash and some are paying cash to raise towards not only for the current management, but also other forms of financial support in terms of his treatment as he shall need money for reviews, medications, home care and food.”

Gringo, who was on his way to full recovery having undergone an appendix surgery in October last year, fallen sick again, this time battling intestine obstruction. He also has back and hearing problems.

His wife Netsai Meki confirmed they had struggled to raise funds to get him treated.

According to Meki, last week they took Gringo to a hospital in Waterfalls as the condition was worsening and they were told he was dehydrated and indications were that he might have an infection in his intestines. But the bills were to high and the family failed to raise fund for tests or medication.

A father of seven, Gringo rose to fame in 1997 after featuring in a drama series of the same title Gringo that was screened on national television ZBCTV before he went on to feature in other spinoffs of the show like Gringo Ndiani, Gringo Mari Iripi, Gringo Troublemaker and he recently starred as Gibbo in the new ZTV series Village Secrets.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A 36 year old Bindura man who last week allegedly struck a senior citizen with an iron bar, killing him on the spot, has been arrested.

Bindura deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fidelis Dhewu confirmed the case.

“We arrested Dugmore Chaitezvi (36) of Dunduru village in Bindura in connection with the death of Ignatious Dunduru (76) whom he allegedly assaulted with an iron bar all over the body,” Dhewu said.

Allegations are that Chaitezvi stormed into the now-deceased’s house accusing him of stealing firewood.

A misunderstanding arose and Dunduru took an iron bar from his bedroom hut for use in selfdefence. The accused then wrested the iron bar from Dunduru and assaulted him.

A neighbour, Chiedza Chagumuka (44) witnessed the assault and informed a nephew to the deceased that his uncle had been severely assaulted.

The two rushed to the scene and found Dunduru dead.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Addressing a press conference on Monday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said malicious reports that seek to link President Mnangagwa and his family to corrupt individuals are by no means a coincidence; rather they are a well-coordinated attacks on the system, which is intended to agitate Zimbabweans into demonstrations and uprising.

Said Mutsvangwa:

“Predictions by the country’s detractors to the effect that the economy would implode by year end have been shown to be wishful thinking; on the contrary, the country has achieved macroeconomic stability and tamed inflation much to the disappointment of purveyors of doom.”

The goal of the Second Republic, Minister Mutsvangwa said is to grow the economy transparently and to foster the spirit of hard work in citizens.

By A Correspondent- A Harare man has approached the Harare Civil Court seeking the cancellation of the birth certificate of his child after DNA tests showed that he was not the father.

Edmund Mutambara has made an application for cancellation of the birth certificate of the child after his girlfriend Josephine Nekazhu allegedly lied that the baby was his. However, the paternity test proved that Mutambara is not the father of the child.

In the application, Mutambara, cited Nekazhu and the messenger of court as the first and second respondents respectively.

Circumstances are that, sometime in April last year, Mutambara was involved in an intimate relationship with Nekazhu and in June, Nekazhu fell pregnant and she told Mutambara that it was his pregnancy.

On October 14, 2019, Nekazhu gave birth and her maternity records reflected that she delivered after carrying the baby to full term.

Mutambara started disputing paternity of the minor child since the two had only known each other for only seven months when the baby was born.

According to Mutambara’s affidavit in January 2020, Nekazhu threatened that she will claim maintenance for the minor child if he refused to contribute to the child’s upkeep.

Nekazhu reportedly told Mutambara that she has secured a birth certificate for the minor child through the messenger of court and that it indicated that he was the biological father of the child.

This did not go well with Mutambara since the birth certificate was issued without his knowledge or consent and he had never surrendered his identification particulars to Nekazhu as is the norm. Mutambara then engaged Nekazhu’s relatives so that DNA tests could be done to determine the child’s paternity.

In March, this year, DNA tests were done after samples were taken from Mutambara and the baby after consent from both parties.

The DNA test results came out on August 25 this year and they indicated that the probability of Mutambara being the father of the baby was zero percent.

The results were explained to the parties and Nekazhu did not dispute them.

She pleaded with Mutambara to seek advice on how to cancel the birth certificate so that the matter can be resolved amicably.

The matter has been set down for November 9 for hearing at the Harare Civil Court.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has rubbished opposition MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe’s push for a government of national unity.

Chinamasa told journalists during a party Press conference in Harare that the opposition must know that once they lose an election, they have no right to be in government.

“The opposition must know that once they lose an election, they have no right to be in government. We have a two thirds majority in Parliament and we won the election resoundingly, and so why should we have a government of national unity?” Chinamasa asked.

There has been speculation that since Khupe took over the MDC-T leadership in an acting capacity and asserted herself as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, she would soon sweet talk Zanu-PF into a coalition government.

Chinamasa’s utterances on sanctions also came at a time the US went to the polls yesterday, and analysts have pointed out that whether current President Donald Trump or Joe Biden wins the elections, the US-Zimbabwe relations would remain frosty and the sanctions regime would be maintained.

Political analyst Alexander Rusero said: “Whatever way, Zimbabwe loses and it will change nothing because US institutions are a straitjacket and do not necessarily alter because some individual has occupied Office of the President. That said, Zimbabwe is understood better by the US government under Democrats than under Republicans.”

Another analyst Okay Machisa said: “I don’t see any foreign policy change in the US whether Trump gets it or Biden gets it. If you look at the time of George Bush, you go to Barack Obama and then Trump, you will see that the foreign policy on Zimbabwe has not really shifted and I foresee it actually being maintained like that.”

He said the onus was on Zimbabwe to show the international community that it had fundamentally shifted from Mugabeism.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Former MDC-T Masvingo Urban MP Tongai Matutu shocked opposition leaders by joining Zanu-PF on Monday.

Matutu was welcomed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi at State House in a move that stunned many analysts.

“This is unbelievable. My brother Tongai Matutu. Uuh Mwari musadero (God forbid),” MDC Alliance deputy national chairperson Job Sikhala wrote on Twitter.

Promise Mkwananzi of Tajamuka/Sesjikile pressure group said: “Devastating news that my brother Tongai Matutu has joined Zanu-PF. Totally shocked at this bizarre decision.”

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu warned the opposition to be wary of opportunists.

“This indicates that the opposition has many opportunists within its ranks who do not share the founding ideals of the party. This fits well with Zanu-PF’s strategy of destroying the opposition by repression and co-option and Matutu is one such example of those who have forsaken principle for comfort,” Mukundu said.

“The MDC needs to reflect hard on where its leadership stands otherwise we will see more shocking political crossovers.”

Zanu-PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said Matutu would be required to attend ideological lessons at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology “so that he appreciates national interest, party ideology and value systems.”

Mnangagwa said:

“He has come to see us and he would like to come back to his original party. We welcome him back home.”

Matutu, who tried to run for MDC Alliance chairman at its congress and lost, said he was “taking this decision quite conscious of what I’m doing.”

“Since I left parliament, I’ve never slept on an empty stomach or begged anyone to give me food or money for school fees. I’m making this decision not out of an empty stomach, but out of a national calling. I’m by myself, I’m actually proud of what I’ve achieved after I left parliament.”

By Jane Mlambo| MDC-T Organising Secretary Abednico Bhebhe has thrown his hat in the Presidential election ring to replace the late Morgan Tsvangirai

Bhebhe who has been at loggerheads with his MDC-T counterparts including Thokozani Khupe, Douglas Mwonzora and Morgan Komichi over the direction the movement was taking amid reckless recall of legislators has begun his campaign with his poster labelling him as a sober voice in the movement and a unifier.

Mudzuri was the first to declare his candidature while Mwonzora, Komichi and Khupe are yet to openly declare their interest to replace Tsvangirai.

Mwonzora is believed to be the front runner with supporters crediting him for the successes recorded in their fight against a rival faction led by Nelson Chamisa.

By A Correspondent- Gogo Beaulah Makore, a relative to the late slain 7 year old Murehwa boy Tapiwa Makore has revealed that more suspects have been nabbed over the murder.

Speaking to Tilda Moyo Thursday, Gogo Beaular said:

“The matter was discussed in parliament on Tuesday where MPs called for a speeding up of investigations amid concern over the delay. On Wednesday night Police descended on Murehwa and arrested more suspects.

So far what we know is that there are people who were arrested but we don’t know anything more; we are waiting on the police to explain what happened afterwards. ”

It is true that is what happened but what we don’t know is what happened later. We don’t have an update yet; we are waiting on the police and we are also waiting on the DNA results so this is what we have. We are waiting on this.”

By A Correspondent- Henrietta Rushwaya on Wednesday told a court that she was too invested in Zimbabwe to run away if granted bail.

The Harare Magistrate’s Court heard that the Zimbabwe Miners Federation president owns mines with mineral deposits worth “hundreds of millions”.

The 53-year-old former ZIFA CEO is battling to secure bail following her arrest on October 26 after she was intercepted with 6kg of gold worth US$333,000 as she was about to board a flight to Dubai.

She is jointly charged with gold dealer Ali Muhamad, state intelligence agents Stephen Tserayi and Rafios Mufandauya and Zimbabwe Miners Federation employee, Gift Karanda. They face charges of smuggling, criminal abuse of office and defeating the course of justice.

Rushwaya’s lawyer Tapson Dzvetero presented a special grant certificate for Mupfurudzi Safari area mining belonging to a company called Realm Technologies, in which Rushwaya is a director and shareholder.

While cross examining the investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Michael Chibaya, Dzvetero said the mine was worth “hundreds of millions” and Rushwaya can never run away from such a lucrative business just to avoid prosecution.

Dzvetero also showed the court a Memorandum of Mining Lease Agreement between the Parks and Wildlife Authority and Realm Technologies where Rushwaya is the signatory.

“As the investigating officer, do you think the accused (Rushwaya) would run away from such a business venture?” Dzvetero asked.

Chibaya, who believes Rushwaya has links outside the country who may help her to skip bail, said he cannot give a comment based on documents without making investigations.

He also said Rushwaya developed links internationally during her time as ZIFA CEO and was well travelled.

Dzvetero said Rushwaya also owned Canacube Zimbabwe Private Limited which has a licence to farm and market medical cannabis as well as industrial hemp.

She also has a Tribute agreement in respect of a mine in Shangani, Matabeleland South, with “vast gold ore”, the lawyer said.

Realm Technologies also has a contract mining development agreement with the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation for exploration and diamond drilling.

Chibaya said investigations were ongoing to establish this.

“It was difficult to interview Rushwaya on these matters when I took over investigations on October 28 as she was at Remand Prison,” he said.

Rushwaya has over 50 employees and two children depending on her, magistrate Ngoni Nduna heard.

She is also a family woman taking care of her parents and has been cooperating with investigators, the lawyer said.

Dzvetero, on behalf of Rushwaya, denied that she had tried to bribe Owen Sibanda and Dzikamai Paradza who were manning the X-ray machine at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport after they observed objects with a dense colour in her handbag.

The lawyer told Chibaya that Sibanda and Paradza’s statements to the police did not mention that Rushwaya tried to bribe them. In any case, Rushwaya had no money on her when she was arrested and could not have tried to bribe anyone, said Dzvetero.

Chibaya was also cross-examined by Muhamad’s lawywer, Tinashe Tanyanyiwa Snr, who said the Pakistani businessman complied with police directives and also handed himself in.

Chibaya insisted that Muhamad was implicated by statements by Rushwaya when she was arrested, and paperwork also found on Rushwaya. Muhamad and Rushwaya both deny that he owned the gold, or that she was found in possession of a commercial invoice bearing his name.

Admire Rubaya, representing Karanda, also had an opportunity to cross-examine Chibaya.

Rubaya challenged prosecution claims that Karanda went to the airport and told investigators holding Rushwaya that the gold belonged to first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and her son, Collins.

“He never named-dropped in order to save his boss, as alleged by the State,” said Rubaya, adding that Karanda had no contact with the Mnangagwas.

Investigating officer Chibaya insisted: “Offenders use any dirty tactic to instil fear in security agents with the sole motive of getting freedom. Such dirty tactics involve name-dropping.”

Rubaya said the mentioning of names can only intimidate those without confidence in their duties and responsibilities. His client had done nothing wrong, the lawyer said.

The court heard that initial investigations have shown that CCTV cameras at the airport were switched off, although Chibaya admitted there were two power outages experienced on the day. Police are yet to ascertain the timeframe for when those power outages occurred, to compare to the time when Rushwaya arrived.

The hearing continues on Thursday.-Online

By A Correspondent- PR & Rating firm, Avance Media and Africa Youth Awards have announced the 5th annual publication of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans list for 2020. The list is curated to recognise young Africans for their outstanding contributions towards the development of Africa in a diverse range of fields.

With a record 49 females and 51 males represented from 29 African countries, the list features notable faces such as Davido, Peace Hyde, Bobi Wine, Aya Chebbi, Caster Semenya and climate change activists Vanessa Nakate & Nisreen Elsaim.

The list also features 7 young ministers from across the continent, including Angola’s Finance Minister, Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves, Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Paula Ingabire, Sudan’s Minister of Youth, Wala’a Essam al-Boushi and Namibia’s deputy ICT minister, Emma Inamutila Theofelus.

Nigeria recorded the highest representation with 21 young achievers, with Ghana, Kenya and South Africa also recording a representation of 10 young people each.

Zimbabwe is solely represented by the prominent lawyer, activist and politician Fadzayi Mahere.

Sharing insight about the list, Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media noted: “the 2020 list features young people pursuing various interests intended to put the name of the continent on the globe through selfless sacrifices and spirited leadership”. He also stated that young people are motivated by the stories of these young achievers who continue to take a lead amid a global pandemic.

The announcement of the list precedes the African Union’s annual Africa Youth Day celebration, which will recognise young African trailblazers from across the continent for 2020.

Below is the official list of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2020 (arranged in alphabetical order):

Abasi Ene-Obong (54Gene)
Abdoulaye “ABD” Traore (WatsUp TV)
Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan)
Adebola Williams (RED | For Africa)
Adetola Nola (Veritasi Homes and Properties)
Adji Bousso Dieng (Computer Scientist)
Alain Nteff (Healthlane)
Alex Iwobi (Everton)
Amina Priscille Longoh (Minister, Women and Protection of Children, Chad)
Anwar Bougroug (Fashion Designer)
Arielle Kitio Tsamo (Cameroon Youth School Tech Incubator)
Ashish Thakkar (Mara Group)
Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona Femení)
Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou (Minister, Digital Economy and Communications, Benin)
Aya Chebbi (African Union Youth Envoy)
Berla Mundi (OAP)
Betty Kyallo (Journalist)
Bobi Wine (MP, Kyadondo East Constituency, Uganda)
Boniface Mwangi (Activist)
Boubou (Artist)
Bright Simons (IMANI Africa)
Broda Shaggi (Comedian)
Burna Boy (Musician)
Caster Semenya (Athlete)
Charlette N’Guessan (BACE Group)
Charlot Magayi (Mukuru Stoves)
Christian Achaleke Leke (Youth Development Expert)
Clarisse Iribagiza (Computer Scientist)
Dancegod Lloyd (Dancer)
Daniel Dotse (Lead for Ghana)
Davido (Musician)
Dentaa Amoateng (GUBA Foundation)
Diamond Platnumz (Musician)
DJ Neptune (Disc Jockey)
Dorcas Wangira (Citizen TV)
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (OAP)
Eddy Kenzo (Musician)
Edith Brou (Blogger)
Edith Kimani (DW)
Emma Inamutila Theofelus (Deputy Minister, ICT, Namibia)
Emtithal Mahmoud (Activist)
Fadzayi Mahere (Spokesperson, MDC Alliance, Zimbabwe)
Fatoumata Bâ (Janngo)
Fejiro Hanu Agbodje (Patricia Technologies)
Gregory Rockson (mPharma)
Habila Malgwi (Global Citizen Forum)
Hadeel Osman (Fashion Revolution)
Ilwad Elman (Elman Peace and Human Rights Center)
Innoss’B (Musician)
Javnyuy Joybert (Speaker)
Joeboy (Musician)
Joel Nanauka (Speaker)
John Obidi (Speaker)
Karl Kugelmann (Model)
Kiki Mordi (Journalist)
Kuami Eugene (Musician)
Lamin Darboe (National Youth Council, Gambia)
Lelise Neme (Ethiopian Investment Commission)
Master KG (Musician)
Mbwana Samatta (Fenerbahce)
Melene Rossouw (Women Lead Movement)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Nancy Kacungira (BBC Africa)
Nelson Kwaje (Defy Hate Now)
Nermine Sfar (Dancer)
Ngombe Tamaris (Collectif Entre Elles)
Nisreen Elsaim (UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change)
Njugush (Comedian)
Odunayo Eweniyi (PiggyVest)
Ogutu Okudo (SpringRock Group)
Ola Brown (Flying Doctors)
Olugbenga Agboola (Flutterwave)
Orondaam Otto (Slum2School)
Paula Ingabire (Minister, ICT and Innovation, Rwanda)
Peace Hyde (Forbes Africa)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Qabale Duba (Qabale Duba Foundation)
Rachel Sibande (mHub)
Rediet Abebe (Computer Scientist)
Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Sandrine Umutoni (Imbuto Foundation)
Satta Sheriff (Action for Justice and Human Rights)
Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa (Chil Artificial Intelligence Lab)
Simi (Musician)
Siya Kolisi (Rugby Player)
Solomon Serwanjja (NBSTV)
Stonebwoy (Musician)
Takele Uma Banti ((Minister, Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ethiopia)
Temie Giwa Tubosun (LifeBank)
Thando Thabethe (OAP)
Theo Baloyi (Bathu Shoes)
Thuso Mbedu (Artist)
Tumi Sole (CountyDuty)
Umra Omar (Safari Doctors)
Vanessa Nakate (Climate Justice Activist)
Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves (Minister, Finance, Angola)
Victor Wanyama (Montreal Impact)
Vusi Thembekwayo (Speaker)
Wala’a Essam al-Boushi (Minister, Youth and Sport, Sudan)
Yawa Hansen-Quao (Emerging Public Leaders)

State Media

THE movement of cross-border buses transporting Zimbabweans returning from South Africa will with effect from tomorrow be first cleared by the Zimbabwe Embassy in the neighbouring country.

The position was arrived at following an impasse at Beitbridge Border Post between the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and bus operators.

Zimra has been refusing to clear Zimbabweans returning home by buses arguing that they were not clearing cross-border buses yet.

The tax collector said the other problem was that some buses were being used to transport commercial cargo instead of genuine returnees.

In a bid to address the chaos at the border where travellers have been spending a minimum of 11 hours to enter the country, Zimra, Immigration, and Zimbabwe Embassy officials in the neighbouring country held a virtual meeting to resolve operational issues.

Both the local head of immigration, Mr Nqobile Ncube and head Zimra, Mr

Innocent Chikuni could not be reached for comment.

However, Zimbabwe’s Consul General to Johannesburg, Mrs Melody Chaurura confirmed the latest position.

“We have had challenges regarding the re-entry of Zimbabweans into our country through Beitbridge due to a number of issues to do with customs,” she said.

“We then held consultations (on Wednesday) with border stakeholders to understand their challenges and to see how best we can make the process seamless for both our nationals and border agencies.

“As a result, we then came up with the idea of reverting to the lockdown operational procedures whereby the movement of buses would be regulated by the Embassy”.

Mrs Chaurura said under the new system all buses transporting Zimbabweans will have to be cleared by the Embassy regarding the numbers to carry and which days to travel.

This, she said will address issues of planning and predictability considering that the buses were arriving at the border in dozens creating an operational challenge to manage Covid-19 related border protocols.

The Consul-General said they had started with the process of notifying the cross border bus operators on the new regulations.

“The concerns from Zimra were that the buses were not travelling in a planned manner and that they were clogging traffic, carrying commercial cargo instead of the returnees as per the Government position.

“So under the new order the buses’ movement will be regulated and they will be expected to only carry people rather than goods of commercial nature,” said Mrs Chaurura.

Zimbabwe and South Africa closed their land borders in March to contain the spread of the global pandemic.

Only commercial cargo, diplomats on government business and bodies for burial and returning residents were allowed passage through the borders.

This saw nearly 11 000 Zimbabweans returning from Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa via Beitbridge Border Post while less than 200 South Africans returned home.

Before the lockdown, Zimbabwe and South Africa’s border processes at least 15 000 travellers, 3000 light vehicles, 200 buses, and 1 300 commercial trucks daily.

South Africa reopened 18 of 35 land borders on 1 October while Zimbabwe will have a phased opening from 1 December.

Private motorists and pedestrians will start first and public transporters will be last in the first quarter of 2021.

HIGHER and Tertiary Education minister Amon Murwira yesterday told Parliament that there was no going back on public examinations set to start next week despite fears that students had lost the bulk of their study time to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Murwira said this during the National Assembly’s question-and-answer session after MPs expressed reservations over students’ state of preparedness.

Magwegwe legislator Anele Ndebele (MDC Alliance) said students at private schools were more prepared than their counterparts at public schools where teachers are on strike.

But Murwira insisted that students were ready for examinations after receiving some lessons virtually.

“The government is trying its best to make sure that there is harmony in the education sector; it is a matter of putting interest in education,” he said.

“The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council is doing its best to prepare for exams, which will not be written in a compromising position. It is up to us as people to prepare for students to sit for exams without anybody being compromised.

“There are various ways to make sure that lessons are done, and the ministry provided radio lessons and there is internet. Therefore, there are no ill intentions to harm students. We are faced with a situation where flexibility has to happen.”

The minister said government had realised that it “was swimming in dirty water” and could not defer the examinations indefinitely because of COVID-19.

State Media

President Mnangagwa, who arrived here yesterday, will today join other leaders at the inauguration of President John Magufuli following his re-election last week for a second five-year term.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held at Jamhuri Stadium in Tanzania’s administrative capital of Dodoma.

The President was yesterday seen off at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Harare Provincial Affairs Minister Oliver Chidau, service chiefs and senior Government officials.

The President, who is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo, arrived at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam where he was met by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe.

President Magufuli, whose party Chama Cha Mapinduzi has been in power since Tanzania attained independence from Britain in 1961, garnered 84 percent of the vote while his main challenger, Mr Tundu Lissu of Chadema party, came a distant second with 13 percent.

In his address following the announcement of the results by the National Electoral Commission last week, President Magufuli thanked Tanzanians for the faith they reposed in him and vowed to work hard to uplift their livelihoods.

He pledged to work with all Tanzanians, including those from opposition parties, to develop the country.

Observer missions from Sadc and the East African Community commended Tanzanians for voting in a peaceful manner. On Monday, President Mnangagwa congratulated President Magufuli on his re-election.

Writing on his Twitter handle to congratulate President Magufuli, President Mnangagwa said his victory would ensure continued cooperation between Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

“Congratulations to (President) Magufuli on his re-election victory as the President of Tanzania. I know that through increased trade and cooperation between our two nations, both of our peoples will prosper.”

Zimbabwe and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations that go back to the liberation struggle when the later housed liberation movements in the formative years of the war.

Over the years, the relations between the two countries have grown from strength-to-strength as their respective revolutionary parties have continued to cooperate, diplomatically and economically.

Meanwhile, VicePresident Constantino Chiwenga is the Acting President.

Correspondent

Reports indicate that former Kwekwe Central MP, Blessing Chebundo led some senior party officials to secretly meet with MDC-T interim leader Thokozani Khupe and forge a unity pact.

Chebundo, until recently, a staunch supporter of Chamisa, led a delegation of MDC Alliance officials who included some Kwekwe Town councillors, to a meeting with Khupe.

Insiders said at the meeting held at Khayalethu Gardens, the councillors pleaded with Khupe not to recall them from the local council. Khayalethu Gardens is owned by Kwekwe mayor Angeline Kasipo.

Sources confirmed some of the attendees to the meeting were Chebundo, councillors Erick Rukavhairo, Silas Mukaro, Betty Ndlovu and Melody Chingarande and former Midlands North provincial chairperson Sedwell Bhebhe.

Bhebhe, in a written statement, confirmed the meeting with Khupe took place.

“The MDC-T Midlands North Province 2014 chairman met with MDC-T acting president Madam Khupe on 25 October 2020 in Kwekwe,” he said.

“The meeting followed the first of the Midlands North 2014 structures and extraordinary congress delegates interaction held at the Kwekwe party offices on 17 October 2020, where it was resolved the province will abide and participate in the Supreme Court judgment,” Bhebhe added.

However, when contacted for comment, Chebundo, who last month lost in the MDC Alliance primary elections for the Kwekwe Central by-elections, denied the meeting took place.

He could also not confirm whether he had abandoned the MDC Alliance, but said he would be attending the MDC-T extraordinary congress set for next month to elect a new president to replace the late founder leader Morgan Tsvangirai who died in February 2018.

“For me the question does not arise. What I know is that I am going to attend the extraordinary congress as a 2014 executive member,” Chebundo told NewZimbabwe.com.

The MDC Alliance Midlands provincial spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said his party members were misled to attend the meeting.

“It’s a contested view but it would seem someone misled our members that the meeting was sanctioned by our party,” Zhou said.

He, however, said the issue has since been resolved.

“The issue has since been resolved and our members are aware that willingness to attend the extraordinary congress does not resonate with accommodating the Zanu PF project fronted by parochialists of Khupe and (Douglas) Mwonzora calibre.

“We are also clear as the MDC Alliance that being an MP or councillor is more of providing service and self-sacrifice. Self-centered leaders will not be tolerated in the MDC Alliance. Our grassroot support remains solid and intact,” he said.

“We certainly wish all those who are so eager to serve their personal interests or associate with Komichists, Mwonzoraists and Khupeists to come clear as politics has freedom to associate and dissociate with one’s party of choice.”

Zhou said the MDC Alliance Midlands provincial structures would continue supporting Chamisa.

In Kwekwe Town, three councillors Joshua Tinago, Mercy Ranga and Future Titora, have since joined the Khupe faction.

A GWANDA man has lodged a complaint against Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda over a petition he sent to Parliament calling for Matabeleland region to be declared a separate state in terms of the pre-1893 colonial boundaries, which was dismissed by the Speaker.

In his petition dated September 1, Ndaniso Mpande had pleaded with Parliament to call for a referendum whereby people would then decide whether there should be separation of Matabeleland and restoration of pre-1893 colonial boundaries.

But the National Assembly threw away the petition after the Speaker made a ruling saying that “the petition was deemed inadmissible and the petitioner was notified accordingly”.

Mpande, however, in his letter of complaint dated October 21, expressed dissatisfaction over Mudenda’s ruling.

“Now I am asking for that written notification be given with reasons. I am told the letter is missing. I do hereby register a complaint to you that I am not happy with the way my petition was handled in Parliament,” the letter read.

In his petition, Mpande claimed that Matabeleland pressure groups and political parties such as Moses Mzila-Ndlovu’s Alliance for National Salvation and the secessionist Mthwakazi Republic Party were in support of his petition.

“A Bill must be drafted in terms of the Fifth Schedule (section 130 and 131) part 2(1) of the Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment Bill (No 20) ACT 2013 to give the people of Matabeleland region a chance to choose if they want self-determination and to restore the 1893 boundary or to continue through a process of a referendum. The Bill must be enacted into law in terms of Chapter (6) part 6 section 131(8),” the petition reads.

Government has argued that Zimbabwe is a unitary State amid calls for a Ndebele monarch and secession.

Mpande said the continued refusal by authorities to address the issue of pre-colonial boundaries will continue fuelling tribalism.

“The petition of the undersigned is mindful of the fact that the call for restoration of boundaries as it was in 1893 is rising each day and continues dividing the people of present Zimbabwe that makes tribalism and hate speech part of our living.

“That is and has promoted mistrust in our working environments, in socialisation, in sporting competitions and that also affects the security stability.”