Below is a commentary over the state security memo released in August in which 21 Zimbabweans are named to targets by the state apparatus….
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
LEAKED – Team Ferret Memo On 21 People Targeted For Surveillance
3 500 Full-Time CIOs Deployed Around Zimbabwe
By Keith SilikaI | HAVE previously gone on several drinking sprees with the former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Menard Muzariri.
I was introduced to him by a mutual friend. When he knew that I was with the Police Protection Unit (PPU) and also from Mt Darwin, we hit it off! We partied in the usual night spots in Harare and Chitungwiza and he would occasionally summon me to go and look for women for him! One time we partied with some South African intelligence operatives whom he introduced to me. He never talked work and I would never dare ask him questions. At that time I was not aware of his role in the Gukurahundi democide. These experiences and other interactions with intelligence, forensics, and policing personnel whetted my curiosity in those fields.
The Zimbabwean state, since it came into being after independence from Britain in 1980, has been known for various democides which include political violence, crimes against humanity, state-sanctioned murder, violence and illegal mining atrocities.
The purpose of this opinion piece is to outline the contemporary state intelligence tactics, structure, resources and modus operandi in relation to murders and abductions in Zimbabwe. I will primarily focus on the CIO. The paper will also elucidate some of the actions and profiles of other perpetrators such as the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), War Veterans (WV) and Zanu PF Youth Wing (YW).
The present CIO, formerly the Special Branch, came into being in 1981 and was headed by Ken Flower until his retirement in 1984. The Special Branch was responsible to the Deputy Commissioner (Crime and Security prior to its incorporation into the President’s Office). The present CIO boss is Isaac Moyo and is deputised by Brigadier-General Walter Tapfumaneyi and former National University of Science and Technology Pro-Vice-Chancellor Gatsha Mazithulela. Between the two of them they supervise various key branches—such as internal, external, counter-intelligence, military intelligence, training, close protection unit, technical, training, administration and another simply known as Branch Six. In addition, there are desks on social media, trade unions, projects, terrorism, and propaganda.
There are currently around 3 500 full-time staff and around 2 000 part-time “assets” deployed mostly in Zimbabwe. There are also operatives in most African countries and in Europe. In terms of locations where they operate from, a decade ago SW Radio Africa published a credible list which is found here. In addition to these locations like most intelligence agencies around the world, the CIO has safe houses and farms dotted around the country. As readers might be aware, Zimbabwe was listed as one of the countries which the CIA used for renditions. This is the abduction and torture of suspects by the CIA carried out in other countries with permission.
Before discussing the shenanigans of the Zimbabwe intelligence service, let us discuss briefly how a professional service like this should function. Firstly, it should not be based in the Office of the President for obvious reasons such as bias, corruption, misuse and manipulation. Hallmarks of the present CIO. The purpose of a professional intelligence service is to gather intelligence, manage information, work on evidence and disclosure, and support other security services. In Zimbabwe, as this paper will demonstrate, the CIO literally serves at the pleasure of the President. However, I must admit not all intelligence services are 100% professional, the extent to which they are dubious is the problem in Zimbabwe.
Now readers might want to know what intelligence is. The CIA (1999), defines intelligence as knowledge and foreknowledge of an individual’s or entity’s surroundings used for present and future decision making and action. Intelligence can also be viewed as actions or processes used to produce knowledge. Global Intelligence Working Group (2003) defines law enforcement intelligence as the acquisition and analysis of information to produce intelligence which can be used for decision making.
There are plenty of examples within Zimbabwean contexts that can be used to illustrate some of these definitions. Take the Catholic Church’s former archbishop of Bulawayo province, Pius Ncube. The CIO had information that, despite his being a devout priest, he had a weakness for the ladies. They had this information for years and were waiting for the right opportunity to use that information (intelligence) to shut his anti-Mugabe stance down. And they used that, albeit successfully, I should say. Readers can think of dozens of other examples of such successful use of information, particularly against politically connected individuals. Remember former Vice-President Joice Mujuru previously mentioning that Mugabe has files on everyone. This is the kind of information that they have.
So how is intelligence of ordinary citizens collected by the CIO? This is done covertly, overtly, through social media, some of it comes through the ZRP, ZNA and paid informers. Covert intelligence is information gathered through undercover, technical surveillance, and pseudo operations. Zimbabwean CIO operatives like being known and most of them are not exactly discreet. There are various videos of human rights defenders (HRD) who have been followed by operatives and subsequently filmed them.
The Namatai Kwekweza video is one such example. The purpose of such aggressive form of surveillance is to intimidate and to distract the individual. What sort of intelligence or information does the CIO collect? Well, they note everything from shoe size, clothing, friends, family drinking habits, sporting activities, vehicles used, work, addresses and, in some extreme cases, they can collect DNA. This information is often fed into a software system, analysed, rated for use, or marinated. Marination is when any useful information is kept for future use.
Let me give you a practical example below on how that information looks like presently. Previously, intelligence was kept on index cards which took ages to search and input intelligence.
Let us cite the example of well-known journalist Hopewell Chin’ono. What does his profile look like on their system? Here is an example:
Pictures Addresses Associates Vehicle Crimes Intelligence and Operations
Schematic of CIO intelligence system.
Each of the above tabs will be interactive and when you click on them they will show you further contents associated with an individual. In addition, as you go from left to right, depending on operational level of clearance, one will not be able to see certain information. The intelligence section is the most populated as it will contain detailed descriptive intelligence on an individual. For high-profile individuals, there might be daily updates or intelligence. If there is a high level of intelligence from multiple sources, this will force the analyst to make actionable decisions. This can be either an arrest, abduction, warning or assault etc. So what do most intelligent notes look like? Here is an example:
On 05/10/2020 Chin’ono was seen in the company of Jacob Ngarivhume at Belgravia shops at approx. 3pm. Hopewell was wearing blue jeans, grey t shirt and black shoes. Jacob was wearing blue trousers, grey shirt, and white trainers. The long range listening device was not working hence could not hear conversation. Both individuals stayed at the shops for approximately 2 hours and left in their respective vehicles which are already on file
When this information has been sent, it then becomes rated according to the source of information, intelligence evaluation, information content, and risk assessment. Also, as demonstrated information is easily falsified, politicised, and accepted. If you look at the history of all opposition leaders from Joshua Nkomo to Nelson Chamisa, most of the intelligence gathered against them is false and grossly exaggerated. Recent statements by security Minister Owen Ncube about Operation Light House is one such example.
If the intelligence is correct and further investigation were done, why then not arrest the individuals in question or mount an operation? In Zimbabwean contexts, detailed surveillance of individuals is limited to high-profile individuals found in opposition and human rights groups. Surveillance of Nelson Chamisa, for example, will be in technological terms and the use of operatives. Technological devices can be planted on vehicles, associates and can be unwittingly downloaded via clips in chat groups/social media which have a worm. I had the privilege of working at the US embassy in Harare during my PPU days. They sweep their vehicles for devices every single day. The devices used to check are readily available and some can be found here.
In terms of overt surveillance, operatives will normally be a six-men team, the two advance party (AP), static team (ST), and direct observation (DO) team. The DO team are the ones observable and have been reported numerous occasions by individuals being followed in Zimbabwe. The ST are static and normally are on the peripheral edges of a target. The AP team are the ones who know the route normally taken by a target and can be used often to intercept. The Sanderson Makombe incident can give you a loose indication on how the teams worked in the incident that ended up in two people dying. For “minor” individuals, the surveillance team will be smaller; as you can see, it is very expensive due to the number of people and resources involved.
Another important source of intelligence in contemporary contexts is social media and the hacking of phones. The CIO has a dedicated cyber unit which carries out offensive and defensive operations on selected targets. They have additional access to the military intelligence (MI) unit based at Mt Hampden as reported by Professor Jonathan Moyo. There are myths associated with what they can reasonably do or perform. They cannot hack your WhatsApp as it has end-to-end encryption. However, messages can be read before they are encrypted or after they are decrypted. That means any spyware dropped on the phone by an attacker could read the messages. Edward Snowdon encourages people to use other apps such as Signal. In addition, all companies and individuals who have local server emails are easily hacked. I remember telling Paston Dzamara about his email which he later changed. To demonstrate this, we can look at the Baba Jukwa investigation which led the then assistant police commissioner Crispen Makedenge nowhere.
Even Facebook messages are safe unless, of course, you have unwittingly downloaded spyware on your phone from a WhatsApp group, in which case they can read and see everything. In addition, unless you are a targeted individual, they do not have the capacity and personnel to carry out analysis of millions of people like what China does, for example. In terms of internet, the Tor browser is useful if you want to circumvent the prying eyes of the CIO. I am aware that Prof Moyo is currently banging on about the Mt Hampden listening centre which is apparently being manned by Group Captain Peacemaker Credo Kereke. However, as demonstrated previously, the CIO has not been able to effectively utilise those tools as they currently rely on abduction and the physical examination of devices. Readers might be reminded that big companies such as Facebook and Apple will not even supply information to the FBI.
Lastly, let us move on to the abduction and torture of individuals by the CIO. What is the plan, what do they do, and where do they take them? Since 2000, there has been more than 5 000 abductions by the state and associated organs.
Each respective state apparatus has an associated signature. However, I am going to focus on the CIO. The purpose of abduction is normally to scare, disable, or elicit information that otherwise was not obtained during normal surveillance methods, as discussed previously. Before an abduction takes place, intelligence is synthesised and an operation order is issued by a senior intelligence officer.
This order will contain information such as purpose, personnel, location, target, resources, risk assessment, and tactics. In addition, there will be trigger plans—these are the processes to implement in case something goes wrong. If we cite the example of Itai Dzamara, these processes were in place when he was abducted on 9 March 2015. I spoke to the late Patson Dzamara at that time a few weeks after Itai’s abduction and suggested they apply for mobile phone triangulation of his phone, but I believe the idea was shot down by the police. Itai’s mobile phone would have indicated who was travelling with him and where he was taken if the phone was on.
This I also strongly suggested in the Tawanda Muchehiwa abduction as the perpetrators used his phone to lure other victims. The nearest mobile phone mast to that location has details of individuals who were close to him. This is dependent on their mobiles being on. The state is aware what exactly happened as they have obfuscated the information at every turn. My theory on Itai Dzamara is that something went wrong during the abduction and torture, resulting in the officers in question implementing the trigger plan.
Let us discuss abductions using Harare as a snapshot in order to unpack tactics and locations. The way the CIO abduct, torture and leave individuals either dead or alive has explanations within psychological and criminological contexts and I have identified certain concepts. Routine activities theory (RAT), presupposes that for an offence to occur, three elements need to be present. That is, a motivated offender (CIO), suitable victim (human rights defender), and the absence of a capable guardian (ZRP). The optimal foraging theory (OFT) can be used as a theoretical framework for applying abduction site prediction modeling to aid in locating the missing. This will be illustrated briefly in the next section.
Offender profiling is guarded by two significant assumptions, consistency and homology theory. The consistency assumption suggests that perpetrators often repeat offences in an analogous fashion. This can partly explain the methods of various state entities in the massacres and abductions that have taken place in Zimbabwe. The 5 Brigade, for instance, were very consistent in their methodologies in searching, detaining and killing of people in Matabeleland.
The homology theory proposes that the way an offence is committed is related to background characteristics of the perpetrator (The more training, resources, time the offender has the greater the opportunities and severity of torture). We can use the Jestina Mukoko abduction as an example within that context. This can be explained in other various signature kidnappings by either MI, the Ferret Team/s or War Veterans.
Let us discuss these aspects using the dozens of abductions that have taken place in Harare in the last few years. If we look at the abductions of Jestina Mukoko, Patson Dzamara, Joana Madamombe, Peter Mugombeyi, Samantha Kureya, to name but a few, a pattern emerges. The location of torture and subsequent release are within an hour of Harare and include: Beatrice farming area, Mt Hampden (near Cyber Centre), Mazowe, Bindura, Seke/Dema junctions, Snake Park, Nyabira, Nharira Hills and Lake Chivero. Anyone can actually map this (I have a map!). The operatives are operating within their comfort zone in an analogous fashion. They also have a stand down area nearby and are familiar with the area. Now that the cat is slightly out of the bag, they might change tact! In forensic contexts there might be still a wealth of information which is available in these locations.
Another aspect with regards abductions of civilians in Zimbabwe is the issue of injection of unknown substances by the CIO. Examples of people who have been subjected to such methods include Job Sikhala and Mugombeyi. The CIO inherited personnel and equipment used by the Special Branch and other Rhodesian forces. As reported by Cross in Rhodesia and Chemical Biological Warfare 1975-1980, Zimbabwe had a chemical warfare unit which poisoned thousands of guerrillas in the liberation war. Curiously, if you look at the press release in the appointment of deputy director of the CIO, Dr Mazithulela, it states that he is the chairman of the National Authority on Chemical Weapons Convention! Now why is Zimbabwe in the convention and what chemical weapons do we have? So what substances are being injected into detainees? We know the CIA, the rendition colleagues of the CIO, use Scopolamine aka “Truth Serum”. Other substances are sodium thiopental and phenobarbital. If any of the barbiturates were administered to Joana Mamombe, for example, it might explain her present physical and mental health. People metabolise and respond differently to certain drugs.
In concluding this piece, it is important for human rights defenders and other victim groups to implement community safety and abduction prevention/mitigation measures. These can be found in countering some of the activities elucidated above. Examples is the use of smart bracelets and registering on the Sentinel project for satellite tracking. These are all legal and can be found in technological, psychological and simple security measures. So those concerned should data capture low-hanging fruits such as vehicles used, names published, and locations. There are also opportunities on the technological fronts in the phone of cleaning devices and use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as alert tool, using social media and a bit of journalistic work as demonstrated by Chin’ono.
Peace.
About the writer: Silika, based in the United Kingdom, is a former policeman in Zimbabwe and has a PhD in Forensic Archaeology.
Tragedy As Woman Collapses In City Centre
A BULAWAYO woman who had been informed about the death of her uncle collapsed and died in the city centre just after doing her shopping.
According to witnesses the woman died outside the Legal Resources Centre Offices at Amalungelo House Building at corner Fort Street and 8th Avenue at about 2PM on Tuesday.
Police identified the deceased as Pamela Tshuma (56) of Njube suburb.
A neighbour, Miss Nokuthula Dube who was travelling with the late woman said the now deceased had in the morning received news of the death of her uncle in the rural areas and she suspected it might have affected her.
“She received the news about the death of her uncle in the morning while at the bank. We came to the supermarket for shopping and while in the queue she complained of shortness of breath. We requested that she be served ahead of others which was done before she left to wait for me outside, “she said.
A vendor who sells her wares outside the supermarket, Ms Beauty Dube, said when the deceased left the supermarket she joined her where she operates from.
“She came out of the supermarket and rested near where I was seated. We were talking and I did not sense anything.
When her neighbour came out of the supermarket, she stood up preparing to go. She then asked how much I was selling beetroot for but before she could take money from her purse, she fell down,” said Ms Dube.
She said they phoned an ambulance which responded late.
“We tried assisting by calling an ambulance but it took time to arrive and when it came they certified her dead and left the body. She collapsed around 2PM but our emergency services came very late as you can see the body has been here for hours now which is unfortunate,” she said.
Bulawayo City Council health department Covid-19 response team came to disinfect the body as per Covid-19 regulations which stipulates that all deaths must be treated as being linked to the virus.
By 4.15PM when this news team left the scene, the body was still to be removed with police officers recording statements while multitudes of people were milling around.
Acting Bulawayo Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed receiving the sudden death report.
“Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of sudden death which occurred in the Central Business District. On 19 October the now deceased received a death message on her cellphone stating that her uncle had passed on,” she said.-Chronicle
Eight Test Positive For Coronavirus In English Premier League
The Premier League (PL) often referred to as the English Premier League or the EPL has recorded eight (8) new coronavirus cases following the recent test on players and staff.
The development was announced in the PL’s Monday statement which, however, did not disclose the identity of the affected clubs and persons. Read the statement in part:
The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday 12 October and Sunday 18 October, 1 575 players and club staff were tested for Covid-19. Of these, there were eight new positive tests.
The league said the individuals who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus would now self-isolate for 10 days.
A total of 42 people including Liverpool’s Sadio Mane have tested positive for the virus in seven rounds of testing since the new campaign began on 12 September.
There have been more than 750 000 Covid-19 infections and over 43 000 deaths in the United Kingdom, according to a Reuters tally.
This comes when the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has said the spread of coronavirus in Greater Manchester is “grave” and he may “need to intervene” if new measures under tier three which include pub closures and a ban on household mixing indoors are not agreed.-BBC
ZRP Speaks On WhatsApp Rumour Of Machete Gang At Chinhoyi University
By Dorrothy Moyo | The Zimbabwe Republic Police, ZRP, has spoken dismissing a report of alleged machete gang attack on Chinhoyi University of Technology students as claimed by a whatsapp audio which is being narrated by a certain man who claims to be a parent of a student at CUT.
In a statement the police force said:
The correct position is that two suspects, one believed to be a former student and another man went to “W” hostel at the northern side of the premises and stole two laptops between 3am and 5am today.
The suspects gained entry through an unlocked door and a student who discovered the offence said one of them is a former student. No students were attacked, abused or had food taken as falsely claimed in the whatsapp audio.
Police are now investigating the theft case. Let us be responsible in our quest to break news through whatsapp.
Teenager Jailed For Gruesome Murder
A TEENAGE boy from Nyamandlovu who strangled his 13-year-old cousin to death and set the body alight using paraffin before burying it in a shallow grave has been sentenced to 18 years in jail.
Nqobile Moyo (18) of Stand 16 Village 2B Stanhope North in Nyamandlovu committed the crime in January this year.
It was alleged that he raped the now deceased at night in a bedroom hut they shared with other siblings in the absence of the elders before strangling her to death, but Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda who was on circuit in Hwange last week found him not guilty of the rape offence.
The judge said there was no evidence for rape as the post mortem showed that the deceased had not been penetrated.
The post-mortem stated that the juvenile girl died of neck constriction and strangulation.
On the murder charge, Justice Dube-Banda found Moyo guilty of murder with actual intent.
Nothing was suspended from the 18 years sentence.
Prosecuting, Ms Memory Munsaka said Moyo and the deceased Rumbidzai Mkwananzi were cousins and resided at the same homestead.
“On the 16th day of January 2020, the deceased and two other siblings aged eight years were left in the custody of the accused by the accused mother Mrs Margaret Moyo as she went to Bulawayo. On the 19th of January the accused, deceased and the two others retired to bed,” said the prosecutor.
She said the deceased and another little girl who used to share a bedroom hut with Mrs Moyo moved to the accused’s bedroom hut because they were scared to sleep alone.-Chronicle
Man Stabs Wife For Attending Birthday Party
IN a fit of rage, a Makokoba suburb man allegedly stabbed his wife with an empty broken beer bottle for ‘disrespecting’ him by defying his orders not to attend a party in the same neighborhood.
It’s alleged that Vincent Moyo (37) from Makokoba suburb assaulted his wife Busisiwe Sibanda when he met her in the streets of Makokoba suburb on her way from a from a birthday party that he had barred her from.
Moyo allegedly assaulted his wife for defying his orders not to come home after sunset after she attended a birthday party in the same suburb near St Columbus High School.
The matter has since spilled into courts and Moyo has appeared before the Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanja charged with assault.
He was remanded out of custody to 26 October.
Sibanda who had blue eyes due to the assault however, felt pity for her husband and begged the magistrate to remand him out of custody.
“On the 10th of October 2020 around 2300 hours the complainant was coming from a birthday party when she met the accused person a few metres from their place of residence and the accused person attacked the complainant for disrespecting him.
“He broke a beer bottle and stabbed her on both hands, back and on the head before he assaulted the complainant all over the body using clenched fists,” said the prosecutor Mr Terrence Chakabuda.
After the assault, the complainant allegedly fell down and the accused person went on to assault her using clenched fists and booted feet all over her body resulting in her seeking medical attention at Mpilo Central Hospital
.-Chronicle
Zim Cricket Coach Blocked From Flying To Pakistan
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) says head coach Lalchand Rajput will miss the Pakistan tour owing to travel guidelines stipulated by the Government of India for its citizens.
In his absence bowling coach Douglas Hondo will take charge of the team that has since arrived in Pakistan.
“The Embassy of India in Harare wrote to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) asking that Rajput, who is an Indian national, be exempt from visiting Pakistan for the limited-overs tour in accordance with the travel guidelines stipulated by the Government of India for its citizens.
“The Embassy of Pakistan in Harare had issued a visa to Rajput.
“With Rajput unavailable for the tour, ZC has appointed Zimbabwe bowling coach Douglas Hondo to take charge of the team for the three one-day international matches and as many Twenty20 international games against Pakistan,” read a statement from ZC.
Zimbabwe will face Pakistan in three one-day international (ODI) matches and as many Twenty20 international (T20I) games. The ODI matches, which will be part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, are scheduled for October 30 and November 1-3.
The T20I series is pencilled for November 7, 8 and 10. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) yesterday announced an experienced squad ahead of the Zimbabwe series.
Pakistan head coach and chief selector, Misbah-ul-Haq, says they will not experiment in the One Day Internationals against visiting Zimbabwe as every match counts for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 direct qualification.
“We have resisted the temptation of experimenting in the ODIs for three simple reasons. Firstly, we cannot afford to be complacent and have to respect each and every opponent irrespective of their strength or international ranking.
“Secondly, every ODI counts as it leads towards automatic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and thirdly, we have not played any ODI cricket in the past 12 months,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.- Herald
Coronavirus Death Toll Rises
Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Coronavirus update –
20 October 2020:
New cases: 28
Locals: 20
Returnees: 8
from South AfricaDeaths: 1
Mat SouthRecoveries: 9
PCR Tests Done:
791
National Recovery Rate: 94%
Active Cases: 244
Total Cumulative Cases: 8187
Total Recoveries: 7692
Total Deaths: 233
Our Duty Is To Save Suffering Zimbabweans -Obey Sithole
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance is determined to save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty and economic quagmire created by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, the party’s Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has said.
Speaking after a youth rally in Chiredzi West on Sunday, Sithole condemned the looting of State funds by Zanu PF bigwigs.
Said Sithole :
“We were in Chiredzi RDC, Ward 18 where we had a youth rally.
The ward is under the stewardship of firebrand Youth leader, Cllr Gilbert Mutubuki.
We have a duty to serve and save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty created by ED and his illegitimate cabal.
We shall do this by building a Mobilized, Organized and Radical Grassroots Assembly Nationwide [MORGAN].
Many thanks to the people of Chiredzi for supporting the cause.”
MDC Alliance Launches MORGAN Programme. ..
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance is determined to save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty and economic quagmire created by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, the party’s Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has said.
Speaking after a youth rally in Chiredzi West on Sunday, Sithole condemned the looting of State funds by Zanu PF bigwigs.
Said Sithole :
“We were in Chiredzi RDC, Ward 18 where we had a youth rally.
The ward is under the stewardship of firebrand Youth leader, Cllr Gilbert Mutubuki.
We have a duty to serve and save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty created by ED and his illegitimate cabal.
We shall do this by building a Mobilized, Organized and Radical Grassroots Assembly Nationwide [MORGAN].
Many thanks to the people of Chiredzi for supporting the cause.”
Mwonzora “Sees Red” In Masvingo
Farai Dziva|Mr Douglas Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity in a desperate attempt to push for the MDC T presidency, it has emerged.
Mr Mwonzora was in Masvingo at the weekend and he addressed paltry gatherings in Masvingo Urban and Chivi Central Constituencies respectively.
Despite being accompanied by Vincent Tsvangirai (son of the legendary MDC founding President and former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai) – Mr Mwonzora failed to attract the attention of members of the 2014 MDC T structures as he had anticipated.
Sources in the MDC T have disclosed Mr Mwonzora is also trying to buy loyalty from members of the MDC T 2014 structures.
“Mr Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity to push for the presidency.Actually he is fighting for his own cause that has nothing to do with Thokozani Khupe’s ambitions.
Mwonzora must stop abusing our icon Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy,” the source told ZimEye.com.
“Cunning” Mwonzora’s Tricks Exposed
Farai Dziva|Mr Douglas Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity in a desperate attempt to push for the MDC T presidency, it has emerged.
Mr Mwonzora was in Masvingo at the weekend and he addressed paltry gatherings in Masvingo Urban and Chivi Central Constituencies respectively.
Despite being accompanied by Vincent Tsvangirai (son of the legendary MDC founding President and former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai) – Mr Mwonzora failed to attract the attention of members of the 2014 MDC T structures as he had anticipated.
Sources in the MDC T have disclosed Mr Mwonzora is also trying to buy loyalty from members of the MDC T 2014 structures.
“Mr Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity to push for the presidency.Actually he is fighting for his own cause that has nothing to do with Thokozani Khupe’s ambitions.
Mwonzora must stop abusing our icon Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy,” the source told ZimEye.com.
Zim Does Not Belong To Zanu PF
Farai Dziva|Fearless human rights activist Namatai Kwekweza has dismissed the discourse indicating that Zanu PF is a party of patriots.
On the contrary Zanu PF bigwigs are haters of ordinary citizens, argued Kwekweza.
“Don’t get confused MaZimbo any party that gets into power and doesn’t work to ensure that ALL Zimbos are safe, secure and well governed is not a party of patriots.
Any party that abducts people and lies about it, is not a party of patriots. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
Zanu Pf is just a political party. It is not the state. ZANU pf is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not ZANU PF. ZANU pf can not monopolize the definition of patriotism. Even in ZANU pf there are no patriots. That’s why our country has fallen. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF is not the whole of Zimbabwe
Just because we are not ZANU PF members, doesn’t mean we hate Zimbabwe. Just because you are a ZANU PF member it doesn’t mean you love Zimbabwe. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF people are some of the biggest haters of Zim and it’s people. Think abductions, looting, political violence, authoritarianism. 40years after independence Zimbabwe still looks like a growth point by world standards because of ZANU PF looting. These people don’t love Zim,” Kwekweza wrote on Twitter.
Zimbabwe Is Not Zanu PF
Farai Dziva|Fearless human rights activist Namatai Kwekweza has dismissed the discourse indicating that Zanu PF is a party of patriots.
On the contrary Zanu PF bigwigs are haters of ordinary citizens, argued Kwekweza.
“Don’t get confused MaZimbo any party that gets into power and doesn’t work to ensure that ALL Zimbos are safe, secure and well governed is not a party of patriots.
Any party that abducts people and lies about it, is not a party of patriots. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
Zanu Pf is just a political party. It is not the state. ZANU pf is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not ZANU PF. ZANU pf can not monopolize the definition of patriotism. Even in ZANU pf there are no patriots. That’s why our country has fallen. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF is not the whole of Zimbabwe
Just because we are not ZANU PF members, doesn’t mean we hate Zimbabwe. Just because you are a ZANU PF member it doesn’t mean you love Zimbabwe. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF people are some of the biggest haters of Zim and it’s people. Think abductions, looting, political violence, authoritarianism. 40years after independence Zimbabwe still looks like a growth point by world standards because of ZANU PF looting. These people don’t love Zim,” Kwekweza wrote on Twitter.
Dambudzo Mnangagwa “Accuses” Councillor Kurauone Of Plotting To Remove ‘My Father From Power’
Own Correspondent|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son is one of the key witnesses in the trial of Councillor Godfrey Kurauone, it has emerged.
According to State papers seen by ZimEye.com, Dambudzo Mnangagwa is among the witnesses in the trial of Councillor Kurauone.
Councillor Kurauone is accused of plotting to remove Mr Mnangagwa from power.
Read part of the State outline below :
VIDEO: Soldiers Firing Live Ammunition In Lagos
Schoolgirl Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A FORM Four pupil at a Bulawayo school tested positive for Covid-19 resulting in her contacts who include her classmates, being forced to self-isolate at home.
The pupil is part of the exam classes pupils that resumed lessons on September 28 to prepare for Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations which are set to start on December 1.
The girl’s Covid-19 positive results were confirmed last Tuesday and school authorities immediately followed laid down measures meant to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The measures are part of the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry’s Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) guiding schools for safe reopening under the Covid-19 environment.
Officials at the school confirmed the case, highlighting that it could have emanated from the community.
The authorities said all health guidelines were followed and the pupil is recovering from home.
“We are pleased to note that the pupil is at home and doing fine. She was tested at one of the public hospitals in Bulawayo and was advised to isolate.
Staff members and other learners who were in contact with the learner were tested and so far, we have not encountered any further Covid-19 related challenges at the school. The school continues to observe Covid-19 prevention guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said the official.
Bulawayo acting provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo said health officials were working with the school to ensure the situation is properly managed.-Chronicle
Man Brutally Kills Grandfather
A TSHOLOTSHO man who fatally head-butted his grandfather, who was also a village head, before stealing some groceries from him has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for culpable homicide.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda who was on circuit in Hwange last week found Thembinkosi Sibanda (33) not guilty of murder but guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
In his defence, Sibanda, who was represented by Ms Charity Manyeza of Ndove and Associates, said he had no intention to kill his grandfather, Fundani Ncube, who was 59.
Sibanda said he met and fought a stranger in darkness and only later realised that it was his grandfather.
He said he then took his groceries home for safekeeping because the deceased was drunk.
The two resided at separate homesteads in Sifungo Line, Mahlathini area in Tsholotsho and were both drunk on the fateful day after spending the day drinking beer together with other patrons at Bubude Business Centre.
Sibanda will serve an effective eight years after the judge suspended two years on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Mrs Martha Cheda said Sibanda followed his grandfather and attacked him.
“On the 26th of June 2019 the deceased was at Bubude Business Centre where he bought some groceries and thereafter went to a nearby bar to drink beer with the accused and two others. The deceased left the business centre at 10pm going home and was carrying his groceries.
“The accused followed the deceased and head butted him twice on the head below the left ear. The deceased fell to the ground and bled from nose and mouth. The accused took the deceased’s groceries and left the scene,” said Mrs Cheda.
Some villagers found the deceased’s lifeless body the following morning and at the crime scene was an okapi knife which Sibanda had dropped during the attack.
The villagers rushed the lifeless body to Bubude Clinic where Ncube was confirmed dead.
Villagers tracked foot prints from the crime scene to Sibanda’s homestead where the deceased’s groceries were recovered.
Sibanda was arrested and clothes he had been wearing the previous night were found with blood stains.-Chronicle
“Zanu Pf Is A Minority That Survives, Rules By Force”
By Fanuel Chinowaita- The denial of freedom of the masses by Zanu pf led government has gone too far. What the Zanu pf led government is forgetting is that its party is a minority which survives and rule through force . But no one has monopoly over that forever.
The scientific concept of dictatorship, relying on the force supplied by the army, police and secret services is uncalled for.
It is on record that Mnangagwa had been and is still an overzealous agent of the purges since Mugabe error. He presided over the purges of the Ndebele people in the 1980s , killing about 20 000 people. All this was done to remain on power.
Zanu pf led government wants to be the only master of minds, thoughts, the mouthpiece, leader and organiser of the people yet it is the source of the confusion and misfortunes in the country.
Now we cry of too much suffering, unemployment, hunger and starvation, poor healthy and education facilities, but we have so many resources which are abused by very few misguided individuals, who claim to be more human than others.
By now Zimbabwe should be one of the most better country, with almost everyone enjoying, but people like Emerson Mnangagwa and his cabinet of thieves and fools preserve the status quo through uniformed and secret services engages in far more multitudinous and brutal operations against the Zimbabwean people.
The use of riot, soldiers and secret services to abduct, torture, kill, arresting people and spending more time in prison.
While in prison, the use of drugs that killed so many prisoners has been reported. They use drugs that can produce extreme depression and shock reaction. Prolonged or excessive injections can cause exhaustive collapse, severe skin reactions, destruction of memory system, a spasmodic lack of control of muscular movements, malignant tumors and also cancer.
Rest in Power Morgan Tsvangirai, Rebecca Mafikeni, Patson Dzamara and many who died of suspected drugs in the prison.
May the souls of Itai Dzamara, Paul Chizuze, Tonderai Ndira and others who were abducted and killed also rest in Power.
Time is coming. We will do a complete overhaul of a rotten Zanu pf system. Removing the president only like what we did to Robert Mugabe is a waste of time and resources. “One can not perform a surgery without severing membranes, destroying tissues and spilling blood.”
Zimbabweans were born eagles, they can not be in a cage of stupids. Zanu pf Is a cage.
It is always good to remind you that ideas can not be murdered with bullets, torture and prisons. It’s only that we are law abiding citizens, we are not afraid of you.
Fanuel writes in his own capacity as the freelance Journalist, Human rights defender and TheWatchdog of the Community.
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18 Year Old Murderer Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison
A TEENAGE boy from Nyamandlovu who strangled his 13-year-old cousin to death and set the body alight using paraffin before burying it in a shallow grave has been sentenced to 18 years in jail.
Nqobile Moyo (18) of Stand 16 Village 2B Stanhope North in Nyamandlovu committed the crime in January this year.
It was alleged that he raped the now deceased at night in a bedroom hut they shared with other siblings in the absence of the elders before strangling her to death, but Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda who was on circuit in Hwange last week found him not guilty of the rape offence.
The judge said there was no evidence for rape as the post mortem showed that the deceased had not been penetrated.
The post-mortem stated that the juvenile girl died of neck constriction and strangulation.
On the murder charge, Justice Dube-Banda found Moyo guilty of murder with actual intent.
Nothing was suspended from the 18 years sentence.
Prosecuting, Ms Memory Munsaka said Moyo and the deceased Rumbidzai Mkwananzi were cousins and resided at the same homestead.
“On the 16th day of January 2020, the deceased and two other siblings aged eight years were left in the custody of the accused by the accused mother Mrs Margaret Moyo as she went to Bulawayo. On the 19th of January the accused, deceased and the two others retired to bed,” said the prosecutor.
She said the deceased and another little girl who used to share a bedroom hut with Mrs Moyo moved to the accused’s bedroom hut because they were scared to sleep alone.
Ms Munsaka said in the early hours of January 20 Moyo left his blankets and joined the now deceased in her blankets on the floor where he strangled her to death.
He dragged the body out of the yard for about one kilometre where he dug a shallow grave and put it inside.
Moyo poured paraffin on the body before setting it alight, the court was told.
He then covered the remains with soil and grass and went back to sleep.
In the morning Moyo reported to relatives and neighbours that his cousin was missing.
Villagers formed a search party and discovered the shallow grave.
Moyo was arrested after investigations by the police.
Picture- Douglas Mwonzora Addresses “Huge Crowd”?
Thirteen Injured In Harare City Centre Accident
State Media
THIRTEEN people were seriously injured when an unregistered Nissan Caravan kombi collided with a Honda Fit at the intersection of Churchill Avenue and Freedom Legacy Way near Borrowdale race course yesterday morning.
Of the 13 people that were injure, 12 were in the kombi. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Herald yesterday that the driver of the Nissan Caravan allegedly drove through a red robot.
“The accident occurred around 6am at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Churchill Road where the driver of a Honda Fit who was driving along Churchill Road, due east and on approaching the intersection, the driver of a white unregistered Nissan Caravan proceeded through a red robot and the vehicles collided.
“As a result, the Nissan Caravan landed on its right side with 12 people in the Nissan Caravan sustaining various injuries while one person in the Honda Fit sustained serious injuries and was unconscious. All the injured were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The Honda Fit was taken to the VID Eastlea, while the Nissan Caravan was taken to Borrowdale Police Station and would be sent to the VID.
Asst Comm Nyathi said it was wrong for motorists to go through red robots as they put other peoples’ lives at risk.
He also urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles have number plates. Yesterday’s accident follows the one where 21 passengers were injured on Saturday after a bus belonging to Changu Bus Service that is contracted to Zupco overturned along Lytton Road in Harare after the driver failed to negotiate a curve.
The injured were taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for treatment. The bus was taken to VID for inspection.
It remains unclear what caused the driver to lose control.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
“Zim Can Grow Its Economy Without International Aid”: War Vets
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s liberation warfighters have said the country has enough resources to grow its economy without getting assistance from the international community.
They speak as the Southern African country and indeed the whole of SADC are gearing up for the anti-sanctions day commemorations slated for 25 October.
The government is pushing for the removal of sanctions which are considered to be among the leading factors choking efforts to transform the fortunes of a once vibrant economy.
Speaking to ZBC News, the chairperson of the War Veterans Association for Bulawayo, Cephas Ncube said as the government works on the re-engagement strategy, locals must tap into local resources to build a sustainable economic base.
He said:
While there is dialogue on the removal of sanctions, the full exploitation of natural resources such as minerals, land solar power and water, could actually grow our economy and all that is needed is for us to put our heads together and agree on how we are going to work as a nation to build our country using what we have and this can work well for us.
The issue of sanctions has divided the nation with some, especially in the opposition, saying they should remain intact until Zimbabwe has implemented the much-needed reforms.
Some say the coercive measures should be lifted, “yesterday,” as they have a huge adverse impact on the general populace.
Sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe following the fast track land reform at the turn of the millennium which was characterised by the widespread violation of human rights.-statemedia
Parents Of Murdered Toddler Arrested
State Media
POLICE have arrested a Mhangura couple after they allegedly murdered their two-year-old daughter and secretly buried her along Hunyani River bank.
Norest Masvova (32) and his wife Elizabeth Dinhidza (24) were allegedly panning for gold along Hunyani River together with their two-year-old daughter when the incident happened.
The toddler reportedly soiled herself and Masvova assaulted her all over the body leading to her death.
The couple allegedly went on to secretly bury the child on the river bank.
The girl’s remains have since been exhumed.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“Investigations have been instituted on a couple who went for gold panning along the Hunyani River with their two-year-old daughter on August 30.
“They were arrested on October 13 after a domestic dispute where the woman revealed the murder of the child due to a beating.”
Anonymous Letter Exposes Plans To Fire Msholozi From The ANC
IOL
Durban – A letter, purportedly written by 10 ANC members from Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal, claims that there are plans to get former president Jacob Zuma, expelled from the ruling party.
The letter surfaced on Monday and it has already reached its intended recipient, the ANC in KZN. Its authors are demanding that the ruling party holds a national general council (only the national office can convene the council – not provinces) so that they can use the opportunity to speak out as members.
However, the letter failed the basic tests of verification as it was only sent to the ruling party via email, yet the same email bounced when Independent Media tried to reach the author for further clarity.
The email address was the only contact information on the letter that made several serious allegations, with some of them outright outlandish and untrue.
Talking about the plan to expel Zuma, the letter claims that the ongoing criminal charges emanating from the arms deal would be the weapon for his opponents.
“We have concrete evidence of the existence of a grouping of leaders that has been secretly approaching activists in the province for the purposes of using them to profile and promote Cyril Ramaphosa in KwaZulu Natal while discrediting all those perceived to be supporters of President Zuma. What is most disturbing and outrageous in all of this, is their plan to have President Zuma expelled from the ANC,” the letter claims.
They further named the five senior ANC members who hail from KZN who are known supporters of Ramaphosa and who they claim want Zuma out using the “step aside” resolution of the ruling party.
According to them, the leaders recently met in Mpangeni and Pietermaritzburg where the clandestine plot to get rid of Zuma was hatched and further polished.
But their claims were roundly rebutted by the ANC in the province.
Provincial spokesperson, Nhlakanipho Ntombela, said the leaders named in the letter have told the party that they have never engaged in the plot they are accused of hatching.
“Yes we have received it (the letter). We are still going to process it firstly by ascertaining the individual who wrote it as it has no contact details other than email address and the other 10 signatories. Secondly, we can confirm that the alleged individuals in the letter dispute the contents and the alleged plot they are said to be engaged on. Worse they have never met as that grouping of individuals for a very long time,” Ntombela said.
The same letter also dived into the reportedly pending arrest of ANC secretary-general, Ace Magashule and claim that he would be nabbed before this year folds.
“Despite the recent speculation, we know that the Secretary General, comrade Ace Magashule, is to be arrested by December 2020 and he will be forced into stepping aside,” the members claimed in the letter.
It is worth noting that the Hawks have publicly said it had no plans to arrest Magashule. Magashule himself told the SABC while campaigning in Lenasia, Johannesburg on Sunday that his lawyers were in touch with the law enforcement agencies regarding the matter.
Residents Of Hatfield Constituency Plead For The Recall Of Their “Missing Person,” MP Tapiwa Mashakada
RESIDENTS in Harare’s Waterfalls suburb are baying for their MP, Tapiwa Mashakada’s head and want him re-called for being an absentee legislator.
The disgruntled residents, led by former radio personality, Musavengana Nyasha, said Mashakada has never been to Midlands, which is part of Hatfield constituency since his re-election in 2018.
Midlands covers part of Lord Malvern High School to Zindoga Shopping Centre.
The residents said their area has been neglected for too long and now has a cocktail of problems ranging from unattended potholes, erratic water supply and poor service delivery.
Mashakada is the legislator for Hatfield under which Waterfalls falls. The former Economic Planning and Investment Promotion minister during the Government of National Unity from 2009 to 2013, angered the residents when he bluntly told Nyasha during a chat over the phone that if they feel he has failed as an MP, they have a constitutional right to remove him in the forthcoming elections.
He recently dumped MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa where he was the secretary for policy research and crossed the floor to join the Thokozani Khupeled MDC-T.
The MP further irked residents when he argued that there was no place called Midlands in his constituency.
Mashakada could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, MDC-T acting spokes-person Khaliphani Phugeni confirmed receiving a report from Waterfalls residents complaining about Mashakada’s arrogance and said he forwarded it to his superiors.
“I can confirm we received a complaint from Waterfalls residents. I did forward it to the party. However, our weekly standing committee meeting couldn’t take place because on Wednesday, we were being sworn in in Parliament. Wednesday is our weekly meeting day,” Phugeni said.
Nyasha said he was disappointed by the way the matter was being handled.
“I am disappointed with the party’s attitude. Initially, I had thought that it was only their MP Mashakada who prioritised his own agenda ahead of that of the constituency he purportedly represents.
“Mashakada and clearly his party too, believe that we should wait for 2023 to remove him as our representative. We are saying 2023 is too far. I challenge the MP and his party to tell you the last time or times he met his constituents. I challenge them to list what he has actually done for that constituency since he became MP,” Nyasha added.
Source – newsday
Zim Dollar Maintains Its Rate At $81.35 To US$1
Paul Nyathi
The local currency unit maintained its 81,34 trend against the United States dollar since the previous auction on Tuesday last week.
The central bank data showed that raw materials dominated allocations followed by machinery, consumables, services, fuel, electricity and gas.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) this Tuesday conducted the weekly foreign currency auctions for both the Small to Medium Enterprises and the Main Foreign Currency auction at which the Zimbabwe dollar slightly lost value against the United States dollar. Below are the results of the auction.
Number of bids received:
Small-Medium Entreprises – 146
Main – 238
Number of Bids disqualified:
Small-Medium Entreprises – 14
Main – 15
Total Value of Bids Accepted:
Small-Medium Entreprises – USD1 740 633.79
Main – USD27 057 595.85
The official rate this week stands at $81.3499 from $81.3458 last week.
Donald Trump Removes Sudan From List Of State Sponsors Of Terrorism
Aljazeera
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has said the United States will remove Sudan from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after the government in Khartoum paid compensation to victims of attacks.
Trump, who is seeking re-election next month, said in a Twitter post on Monday Sudan had agreed to pay $335m to “US terror victims and families”.
“New government of Sudan, which is making great progress, agreed to pay $335 MILLION to US terror victims and families. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. At long last, JUSTICE for the American people and BIG step for Sudan!” he wrote.
Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said the development was “quite significant for the Sudanese administration and the people of Sudan”.
“They believe that with Sudan removed from the list of the state sponsors of terrorism the foreign investment will come and the economy will improve,” she said.
The removal from the list has been a top priority for Sudan’s transitional government which has been in power since August last year following the military removal of longtime President Omar al-Bashir in the face of months-long protests against his rule.
The US government added Sudan to its list of state sponsors of “terrorism” in 1993 over allegations that al-Bashir’s government was supporting “terrorist” groups. The designation makes Sudan technically ineligible for debt relief and urgently needed financing from major international institutions.
The US Congress would need to approve the removal after being formally notified by the president.
Shortly after Trump’s Twitter post, Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok thanked Trump and said Sudanese authorities were looking forward to his “official notification to Congress rescinding the designation of Sudan as a state-sponsor of terrorism, which has cost Sudan too much”.
Earlier in the day, a US government source had told the Reuters news agency negotiations related to Sudan’s deposit in escrow of a $335m settlement to victims of al-Qaeda attacks on the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 were expected to conclude in the next two days.
The deal could also set in motion steps by Sudan toward establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, a US official told Reuters, following similar US-brokered moves in recent weeks by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. Details were still being worked out, the source said.
Trump made no mention of US efforts to get Sudan to become the latest Arab state to forge ties with Israel.
Sudan had insisted that any announcement of Khartoum’s de-listing not be explicitly linked to normalisation with Israel.
Differences remain between Sudanese political and military officials on how far and how fast to go in warming of relations with Israel.
Hamdok had previously told US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that his government did not have a mandate to make a decision on the matter.
One possibility, one US official said earlier, would be for Washington to first announce Sudan’s delisting and then leave it to Sudan and Israel to go public later with an agreement on establishing relations.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri And His Wife Arrested On Another Money Laundering Case Involving R102 Million
JOHANNESBURG – Self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, are among four people – both couples – who have been arrested by the Hawks over allegations of money laundering amounting to R102 million.
The flashy pastor has been in the Hawks’ crosshairs for some time now, having appeared in court last week on another money laundering case.
Bushiri has been dogged by scandal and scrutiny since launching a prosperity charismatic church called the Enlightened Christian Gathering.
This is the second arrest of the couple by the Hawks in as many months, with the current preceded by a February 2019 action over a suspected R15 million money-laundering scheme.
In a statement, the Hawks explain that Bushiri handed himself over at a Pretoria police station after trying to evade the authorities, while his wife was arrested at their Sandton home.
The Hawks’ Colonel Katlego Mogale: “Four suspects including a pastor aged between 25 and 39 were arrested for alleged involvement in fraud and money laundering worth R102 million.”
The Hawks added that its serious organised crime investigation team arrested the first couple, Willah Mudolo and Zethu Mudolo, at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday.
They have already appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court where their case was postponed to the end of the month for a bail hearing.
After 22 Months In Prison, MDC Activist Is Found Not Guilty By The High Court On Appeal
Paul Nyathi
The High Court on Monday reversed a three-year jail sentence imposed on a pro-democracy activist who was arrested during fuel price riots in January 2019.
The activist, Tonderai Masanga of Southlea Park, Harare, was arrested together with 13 others and accused of committing public violence.
A Mbare Magistrate sentenced him to 36 months in prison but he appealed against the ruling leading to his subsequent acquittal by Justices Benjamin Chikowere and Phildah Muzofa this Monday.
Masanga had, however, already spent 22 months in prison. His lawyer Tinashe Chinopfukutwa said:
The judges set aside Masanga’s conviction and found him not guilty and acquitted him.
During the protests triggered by an over 150 percent increase in the price of fuel decreed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, scores of people were arrested, killed, and or assaulted by state security forces who were deployed into homes.
Human rights groups documented nearly two dozen killings by the military and police, while over 75 people were treated for gunshot wounds.
Commenting on the exoneration of the activist, MDC Alliance national spokesperson, advocate Fadzayi Mahere said the right to protest is dead in Zimbabwe. She added:
Any demonstration is quashed by the police then a frivolous, political trial follows only for the protesters to be acquitted of the charges. Any pretence that we are a constitutional democracy has been eroded. Shameful.
Last year, a series of MDC protests were blocked by police arguing that there was concrete evidence to suggest the demonstrations were to degenerate into chaos.
MDC Alliance Youth To Kembo Mohadi, “Lies Can Never Solve The Economic Question.”
MDC Alliance youths have hit back at Vice-President Kembo Mohadi’s claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has improved the lives of ordinary people since taking over power from the late former President Robert Mugabe in a military coup in 2017.
Mohadi made the remarks in Beitbridge last week while addressing government officials, among them Cabinet ministers, following a tour of infrastructure built in the border town by government.
However, MDC Alliance youth spokesperson Stephen Chuma said Mohadi was out of touch with reality.
“Kembo Mohadi’s ridiculous assertions that the country’s fortunes have become better under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime clearly expose high levels of insincerity and pathological lies of this so called new dispensation,” Chuma said.
“Certainly Mohadi cannot hide under piecemeal and snail-paced roadworks where nothing significant is happening except overhaul of the remaining tarred strip albeit without replacing it.”
He added: “Mohadi suddenly forgets that from 1980 he was part of the old establishment that ruined the once breadbasket of Africa. Maybe because of old age, the usually bed-ridden Mohadi is Vice-President Kembo Mohadi now suffering from serious Alzheimer’s dementia.”
“Is it not a public secret that life for the ordinary people has gone from bad to worse under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s short reign? From the education sector to health sector, there are cost increases everywhere and one wonders what positives Kembo Mohadi refers to,” he said.
“It is time Zanu-PF leaders know that lies, delusion and insincerity can never solve the economic question.”
The country is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in a decade.
Source – newsday
Angry Chitungwiza Municipal Workers Raid Land And Allocate Themselves Stands
State Media
More than 1 000 Chitungwiza municipal workers at the weekend invaded Mhundwa village under Manyame Rural District Council and started pegging themselves stands in pastures and fields in protest against the refusal by their employer to allocate them housing stands.
The workers accused their bosses of gross incompetence by turning a blind eye to activities of land barons while failing to provide them with residential stands.
They also demanded the firing of the entire Chitungwiza municipality management. Chitungwiza municipality workers union president Mr Ephraim Katsinha said the workers decided to take matter into their own hands after their plea for residential stands appeared to have fallen on deaf ears.
“We have approached our employer several times over the years, to request for a residential stands for our members to no avail,” he said.
“What is painful is that some workers have been working for this council for over 30 years but don’t even own a house. They are turning a blind eye to the activities of land barons who are taking up large tracts of land under council’s jurisdiction without any benefit accruing to it,” he said.
On why they had decided to grab land, which falls under another local authority, Mr Katsinha said it was a protest strategy to make their grievances heard.
Chitungwiza mayor Councillor Lovemore Maiko called on the workers to follow proper channels when airing their grievances.
“We are yet to obtain the details on this land invasion in Manyame by our workers. However it must be noted that we are a law-abiding entity and we operate and do our things within the confines of the law at any level of the council,” he said.
Manyame rural district council ward one councillor Mr Blessing Tangwara said the invasion was reported to the police.
Harare metropolitan provincial development coordinator, Mr Tafadzwa Muguti, who officiated at the ground breaking ceremony of Chitungwiza council’s town house yesterday, called on the council to address the issues raised by its workers.
Nigerian Govt Declares Military Curfew As Citizen Riots Against Police Brutality And Corruption Intensify
Paul Nyathi
THE governor of Lagos state has declared a 24-hour curfew across Nigeria’s biggest city to prevent protests sparked by police violence “degenerated into a monster”.
The governor said “nobody except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets” as he declared the curfew in effect from 4pm local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
“We will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state,” Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Twitter.
Nationwide protests have taken place since October 7 despite the disbanding of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit.
The demonstrations began in response to a video that circulated online showing a man being beaten, apparently by members of SARS.
In response to the widespread demonstrations, the Nigerian government announced that it would disband the SARS unit, but the daily protests have continued as participants demand an end to police brutality and corruption.
Demonstrators had also besieged the unit’s headquarters in Abuja.
They chanted “End SARS” and poured red paint on the street in front of the building – a symbolic reference to the alleged killings by SARS officers.
On Monday, Amnesty International said at least 15 people have been killed since protests erupted this month in Nigeria against police brutality.
The rights group said two police officers were among the victims while hundreds of people have been injured.
Aljazeera
Mapeza Blasts TTM Bosses
Norman Mapeza has revealed more details on his premature exit at South African side TTM, accusing the club hierarchy of not being honest.
Mapeza spent a few days with the team but did not take charge of any training session. He also did not sign any contract during his short stay there.
In an interview with The Herald, the former Warriors coach dismissed claims by chairman Lawrence Mulaudzi that he left South Africa without notice.
“We had a meeting with the club president (Lawrence Mulaudzi) and the CEO, the president was also concerned by the huge number of players at training and wanted to know what was happening,” he said.
“I told him that I had been told that there were 27 players by the CEO (Sello Chokoe) and we would get some five, or so, more players from Orlando Pirates but the CEO flatly denied that and said he never told me anything like that.
“That’s the first time I picked out that we were heading for problems because I come from a background where I stand by every word that I say and, when the person who is supposed to be your immediate boss, starts disputing some of the things he told you, then it’s not a good environment.
“I have to make it clear that, even before I left Harare for South Africa, I had this feeling that things would not work out as well as we had hoped, I don’t know why I was feeling like that but that is the truth and, sadly, that is what happened.’’
The gaffer also said that it was Chokoe who ordered him, along with his assistant Daniel Vheremu, to be barred from using his hotel room until they produced police clearances.
“The next thing, a technical director (who is now the team coach) was brought in and I wasn’t told anything about that and had to ask what was happening because if you are a technical crew, you work as a team and you need to trust each other.
“Things were not just going according to what we had expected and matters came to a head when we arrived at the hotel, where we were staying, and we were told that an instruction had been left that we should not gain access into our rooms unless we produced police clearances.
“Maybe, the CEO was sure that we had not satisfied all the Covid-19 requirements, when we came to South Africa, like maybe we had jumped the border, and wanted to try and use that against us.
“He didn’t know that we had fulfilled every step but you could tell that things were not what they used to be and we tried to get hold of him but his mobile phone was off.
“Since we had our clothes, and other stuff, in our rooms, we asked if we could take them out and we ended up putting them in (Washington) Arubi’s car and that’s when we decided to go to Johannesburg and later to come back home,” he added.-Soccer 24
Dzvukamanja Feels The Heat At Orlando Pirates
Terrence Dzvukamanja has admitted there is a lot of competition at Orlando Pirates but says he will use every opportunity he gets to play football.
The 26-year old moved to the Soweto giants last month and made his debut on Saturday in the MTN8 quarterfinal victory against Cape Town City. The forward started and scored the solitary goal in the encounter, heading in a cross from Wayde Jooste in the 23rd minute.
Speaking after the match, Dzvukamanja conceded that it’s not easy to get into the Pirates’ first team.
“It is not easy to play here, because there is a lot of competition,” he said. “So for me, I just said to myself ‘Terry, use the time you have got’ and I must give thanks to the coaches and my teammates.
“Without them, I was not going to score. So I give credit to them.”-Soccer 24
Stop Abusing Morgan Tsvangirai’s Legacy, MDC T Official Challenges Mwonzora
Farai Dziva|Mr Douglas Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity in a desperate attempt to push for the MDC T presidency, it has emerged.
Mr Mwonzora was in Masvingo at the weekend and he addressed paltry gatherings in Masvingo Urban and Chivi Central Constituencies respectively.
Despite being accompanied by Vincent Tsvangirai (son of the legendary MDC founding President and former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai) – Mr Mwonzora failed to attract the attention of members of the 2014 MDC T structures as he had anticipated.
Sources in the MDC T have disclosed Mr Mwonzora is also trying to buy loyalty from members of the MDC T 2014 structures.
“Mr Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity to push for the presidency.Actually he is fighting for his own cause that has nothing to do with Thokozani Khupe’s ambitions.
Mwonzora must stop abusing our icon Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy,” the source told ZimEye.com.
Police Find Weapon That Was Used To Kill Bafana Bafana Goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa
Nearly six years after he was murdered in cold blood, the South African Police Service (SAPS) have reportedly made a massive breakthrough in unmasking his killer after it emerged the weapon used to commit the crime, has been found.
The then Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper was killed by unknown men in Vosloorus, at the house of musician Kelly Khumalo on the 26th of October 2014.
Police are still to give South Africans answers on who killed the late goalkeeper and his father Sam died on the 29th of July 2019, with those responsible for his son’s death still to be brought to book.
According to a publication across the Limpopo News24 however, police have made a massive breakthrough after finding the weapon allegedly used to murder Meyiwa.
The publication also reported that police have also identified the man who fired the shots on that fateful night, which is one of the darkest episodes in the history of South African sport.-Soccer 24
ZIFA Names Replacement For Expelled Board Member
The ZIFA Executive Committee has co-opted Central Region chairman, Stanley Chapeta, into the national board as replacement of Chamunorwa Chiwanza who was expelled in August last year.
Chiwanza, an ally of former president Philip Chiyangwa, was found guilty of fraud and bringing local football into disrepute. The association accused him of sabotage which resulted in national team players striking during the Afcon 2019.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ZIFA confirmed the elevation of Chapeta who participated and lost against Chimwanza for the exco member post in the last ZIFA polls held in 2018.
The statement reads: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Executive Committee has co-opted Stanley Chapeta into the national executive in terms of Art. 32(9) of the ZIFA statutes.
“Chapeta, who, at the time of his elevation, was the chair of the ZIFA central region, comes in to fill the gap caused by the expulsion of Chamunorwa Chiwanza by the disciplinary committee in 2019.
“The co-option is with effect from the 12th of October2020when the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to bring him on board.”-Soccer 24
Impact Of Coronavirus On Public Health Systems Worldwide
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work.
The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year.
Millions of enterprises face an existential threat. Nearly half of the world’s 3.3 billion global workforce are at risk of losing their livelihoods.
Informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable because the majority lack social protection and access to quality health care and have lost access to productive assets. Without the means to earn an income during lockdowns, many are unable to feed themselves and their families. For most, no income means no food, or, at best, less food and less nutritious food.
The pandemic has been affecting the entire food system and has laid bare its fragility. Border closures, trade restrictions and confinement measures have been preventing farmers from accessing markets, including for buying inputs and selling their produce, and agricultural workers from harvesting crops, thus disrupting domestic and international food supply chains and reducing access to healthy, safe and diverse diets. The pandemic has decimated jobs and placed millions of livelihoods at risk. As breadwinners lose jobs, fall ill and die, the food security and nutrition of millions of women and men are under threat, with those in low-income countries, particularly the most marginalized populations, which include small-scale farmers and indigenous peoples, being hardest hit.
Millions of agricultural workers – waged and self-employed – while feeding the world, regularly face high levels of working poverty, malnutrition and poor health, and suffer from a lack of safety and labour protection as well as other types of abuse.
With low and irregular incomes and a lack of social support, many of them are spurred to continue working, often in unsafe conditions, thus exposing themselves and their families to additional risks. Further, when experiencing income losses, they may resort to negative coping strategies, such as distress sale of assets, predatory loans or child labour. Migrant agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, because they face risks in their transport, working and living conditions and struggle to access support measures put in place by governments.
Guaranteeing the safety and health of all agri-food workers – from primary producers to those involved in food processing, transport and retail, including street food vendors – as well as better incomes and protection, will be critical to saving lives and protecting public health, people’s livelihoods and food security.
In the COVID-19 crisis food security, public health, and employment and labour issues, in particular workers’ health and safety, converge. Adhering to workplace safety and health practices and ensuring access to decent work and the protection of labour rights in all industries will be crucial in addressing the human dimension of the crisis. Immediate and purposeful action to save lives and livelihoods should include extending social protection towards universal health coverage and income support for those most affected.
These include workers in the informal economy and in poorly protected and low-paid jobs, including youth, older workers, and migrants.
Particular attention must be paid to the situation of women, who are over-represented in low-paid jobs and care roles.
Different forms of support are key, including cash transfers, child allowances and healthy school meals, shelter and food relief initiatives, support for employment retention and recovery, and financial relief for businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In designing and implementing such measures it is essential that governments work closely with employers and workers.
Countries dealing with existing humanitarian crises or emergencies are particularly exposed to the effects of COVID-19. Responding swiftly to the pandemic, while ensuring that humanitarian and recovery assistance reaches those most in need, is critical.
Now is the time for global solidarity and support, especially with the most vulnerable in our societies, particularly in the emerging and developing world.
Only together can we overcome the intertwined health and social and economic impacts of the pandemic and prevent its escalation into a protracted humanitarian and food security catastrophe, with the potential loss of already achieved development gains.
We must recognize this opportunity to build back better, as noted in the Policy Brief issued by the United Nations Secretary-General.
We are committed to pooling our expertise and experience to support countries in their crisis response measures and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We need to develop long-term sustainable strategies to address the challenges facing the health and agri-food sectors.
Priority should be given to addressing underlying food security and malnutrition challenges, tackling rural poverty, in particular through more and better jobs in the rural economy, extending social protection to all, facilitating safe migration pathways and promoting the formalization of the informal economy.
We must rethink the future of our environment and tackle climate change and environmental degradation with ambition and urgency.
Only then can we protect the health, livelihoods, food security and nutrition of all people, and ensure that our ‘new normal’ is a better one…
Credit: World Health Organization
Inserted by
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre
Website:www.zimonlinecentre.co.zw
Will Mwonzora Bid To Use Tsvangirai Son’s Popularity To Push For Presidency Work?
Farai Dziva|Mr Douglas Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity in a desperate attempt to push for the MDC T presidency, it has emerged.
Mr Mwonzora was in Masvingo at the weekend and he addressed paltry gatherings in Masvingo Urban and Chivi Central Constituencies respectively.
Despite being accompanied by Vincent Tsvangirai (son of the legendary MDC founding President and former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai) – Mr Mwonzora failed to attract the attention of members of the 2014 MDC T structures as he had anticipated.
Sources in the MDC T have disclosed Mr Mwonzora is also trying to buy loyalty from members of the MDC T 2014 structures.
“Mr Mwonzora is using Vincent Tsvangirai’s popularity to push for the presidency.Actually he is fighting for his own cause that has nothing to do with Thokozani Khupe’s ambitions.
Mwonzora must stop abusing our icon Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy,” the source told ZimEye.com.
We Are Determined To Save And Serve Suffering Zimbabweans-Obey Sithole
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance is determined to save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty and economic quagmire created by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, the party’s Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has said.
Speaking after a youth rally in Chiredzi West on Sunday, Sithole condemned the looting of State funds by Zanu PF bigwigs.
Said Sithole :
“We were in Chiredzi RDC, Ward 18 where we had a youth rally.
The ward is under the stewardship of firebrand Youth leader, Cllr Gilbert Mutubuki.
We have a duty to serve and save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty created by ED and his illegitimate cabal.
We shall do this by building a Mobilized, Organized and Radical Grassroots Assembly Nationwide [MORGAN].
Many thanks to the people of Chiredzi for supporting the cause.”
Let’s Stop Theft Of State Resources By Zanu PF Before We All Perish -MDC Alliance
Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance(Namibia) has implored the suffering citizens of Zimbabwe to unite in the battle against Zanu PF tyranny.
In a statement released on Monday, MDC Alliance accused Zanu PF of being insensitive to the plight of suffering citizens.
Read full statement below :
19 OCTOBER 2020
POLITICS HAS BECOME A PERMANENT TOOL FOR THE PRIMITIVE ACCUMULATION OF STATE RESOURCES IN ZANUPF, MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA ASSERTS.
At a juncture of widespread poverty and extreme economic woes, Zanupf politicians are not ashamed to choose conspicuous extravagance and barefaced corruption manifesting through some greedy ministers who continue to loot with impunity.
Mdc Alliance Namibia is cobra-headed to witness stomach politicians of plunder and self-enrichment forging ahead eating on behalf of the masses who continue to gnash their teeth in abject poverty.
The incumbent Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro, has learned nothing from the corrupt and fired former Minister of Health Dr Obadiah Moyo who was dismissed over his involvement in US$60 million Covid-19 procurement scandal. The incessant tender storms rocking our different parastatals emanate from the selective application of the law against criminals in Zimbabwe. There is outright disconnection between the aspirations of the poor and practical implementation by both elected and appointed leaders in government. We are quite aware that the politicians are being protected by the weaponised law that does not convict the looters of our state resources.
Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely infuriated by the behaviour of clueless Zanupf and their greedy ministers who are allowed to rob state institutions when the generality of Zimbabweans are all over the globe hunting for quality livelihoods and they are struggling to keep their heads above poverty. Only a small number of well-connected individuals could walk away with a cool US$60 million and continue to live a normal life out of jail worse without any pay back of the stolen money from the state.
The Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro allegedly railroad the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm), in dramatic events, including visiting the parastatal’s workers at night and bullying them with dismissal, to award a US$5.6 million contract to an undeserving company – Young Health Care. This is contained in the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) report which says the Deputy Minister had ‘personal interest’ in the matter.
Moreover,the investigation, conducted from 31st August to September 4 this year , looked into circumstances of how the Ministry of Health and Child Care administered a Covid-19 tender (NAT ITCB FWWK 04/2020) for the purchase of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables.
The pro-Zanupf newspaper, The Sunday Mail, recently reported that senior Government Officials were allegedly caught with hands in the till over the Covid-19 materials procurement.
This is incontrovertible evidence to prove that politics has become a tool for self-enrichment.
The desperate Zanupf government has been afflicted by the inability to practically implement all those good laws and policies for the benefit of all our people especially the youths.
It has become apparent that the rich have gotten richer and the poor have gotten more poorer.
Moreso, the suspected violations stem from allegations against the Deputy Minister are that he coaxed NatPharm to give Young Health Care a tender and advance payments before delivery of goods.
This is in direct contravention of the Public Finance Management Act and Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets. It is clear that the corrupt minister used his political power as a springboard for the primitive accumulation of state funds.
Dr Mangwiro, annexed the duties of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary through issuing innumerable directives to NatPharm. Young Health Care , cropped up and was offered a contract through a directive from then acting Permanent Secretary Dr Gibson Mhlanga , at a time when it was not even registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) as required by law.
The NatPharm acting director , Mr Zealous Nyabadza thwarted the alleged unlawful act by the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care officials resulting in a public tendering process which was deferred to allow Young Health Care to register with Praz.
Mdc Alliance Namibia have also learnt that when NatPharm reiterated on competitive bidding, Young Health Care Limited subsequently submitted a bid price of US$3 600 000 for the same items. This saw a reduction of 36 percent in the price in antithesis with the initial quotation by Young Health Care for supply of commodities under direct procurement , where prices quoted were devilish. It amounted to plethoric US$5 600 000, which was coincidentally the identical amount that was available in the ministry’s coffers, insinuating that the company had innermost information. As citizens in the diaspora, we are interested to know the owner of Young Health Care Company who had accurate financial details of the Ministry’s fiscus.
Furthermore, after twenty (22) companies advanced their interest, Dr John Mangwiro ostensibly side-stepped and wooed NatPharm top managers , at odd hours , to unceremoniously award the tender to Young Health Care before terrorising the vulnerable parastatal’s employees with dismissal if they acted otherwise.
He forged demanding that a purchase order be issued that same , dark night. Young Health Care was then illegally awarded a contract to supply goods worth US$124 630 instead of US$922 000 that had been demanded as advance. As Mdc Alliance Namibia, we resonate with Bayart who describes African political power in the post-colonial era and draws specific attention to the relationship between patrimonialism , clientelism, corruption and power.
This nature of corruption blight brings forth linkages between government and institutionalised fraud:smuggling , the plundering of state resources , the growth of ego, privatisation of state institutions (state capture) and the development of ‘economies of plunder’. We absolutely condemn Zanupf politicians for eating on behalf of the starving unsuspecting masses. It invites cynicism and disillusionment when Zanupf politicians continue to shift blame on sanctions, opposition, journalists , the media analysts , local business people, citizens in the diaspora and so on. It has become clear that our poverty and suffering in Zimbabwe and outside is artificially made by Zanupf. The depletion of social trust has a numbing effect on communal survival tactics and strategies.
The uncouth behaviour of Zanupf ministers must be resisted with equal measure. It spews forth a particularly vile concoction of greed, graft and arrogance.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia, urges Zaac to be objective in combating corruption in government. This politics of the belly attests to a distinctively African trajectory of power that we need to comprehend as part of a long-term historical development.
Corruption and greed have become Zanupf’s modus operandi. They are now permanent features of their human existence.
Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
LootersMustGo
FreeTerrence
ZimbabweanLivesMatter
freemaengahama
freemadzorere
wedemandjusticeformuchehiwa
COVID-19 And The Future …
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work.
The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year.
Millions of enterprises face an existential threat. Nearly half of the world’s 3.3 billion global workforce are at risk of losing their livelihoods.
Informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable because the majority lack social protection and access to quality health care and have lost access to productive assets. Without the means to earn an income during lockdowns, many are unable to feed themselves and their families. For most, no income means no food, or, at best, less food and less nutritious food.
The pandemic has been affecting the entire food system and has laid bare its fragility. Border closures, trade restrictions and confinement measures have been preventing farmers from accessing markets, including for buying inputs and selling their produce, and agricultural workers from harvesting crops, thus disrupting domestic and international food supply chains and reducing access to healthy, safe and diverse diets. The pandemic has decimated jobs and placed millions of livelihoods at risk. As breadwinners lose jobs, fall ill and die, the food security and nutrition of millions of women and men are under threat, with those in low-income countries, particularly the most marginalized populations, which include small-scale farmers and indigenous peoples, being hardest hit.
Millions of agricultural workers – waged and self-employed – while feeding the world, regularly face high levels of working poverty, malnutrition and poor health, and suffer from a lack of safety and labour protection as well as other types of abuse.
With low and irregular incomes and a lack of social support, many of them are spurred to continue working, often in unsafe conditions, thus exposing themselves and their families to additional risks. Further, when experiencing income losses, they may resort to negative coping strategies, such as distress sale of assets, predatory loans or child labour. Migrant agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, because they face risks in their transport, working and living conditions and struggle to access support measures put in place by governments.
Guaranteeing the safety and health of all agri-food workers – from primary producers to those involved in food processing, transport and retail, including street food vendors – as well as better incomes and protection, will be critical to saving lives and protecting public health, people’s livelihoods and food security.
In the COVID-19 crisis food security, public health, and employment and labour issues, in particular workers’ health and safety, converge. Adhering to workplace safety and health practices and ensuring access to decent work and the protection of labour rights in all industries will be crucial in addressing the human dimension of the crisis. Immediate and purposeful action to save lives and livelihoods should include extending social protection towards universal health coverage and income support for those most affected.
These include workers in the informal economy and in poorly protected and low-paid jobs, including youth, older workers, and migrants.
Particular attention must be paid to the situation of women, who are over-represented in low-paid jobs and care roles.
Different forms of support are key, including cash transfers, child allowances and healthy school meals, shelter and food relief initiatives, support for employment retention and recovery, and financial relief for businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In designing and implementing such measures it is essential that governments work closely with employers and workers.
Countries dealing with existing humanitarian crises or emergencies are particularly exposed to the effects of COVID-19. Responding swiftly to the pandemic, while ensuring that humanitarian and recovery assistance reaches those most in need, is critical.
Now is the time for global solidarity and support, especially with the most vulnerable in our societies, particularly in the emerging and developing world.
Only together can we overcome the intertwined health and social and economic impacts of the pandemic and prevent its escalation into a protracted humanitarian and food security catastrophe, with the potential loss of already achieved development gains.
We must recognize this opportunity to build back better, as noted in the Policy Brief issued by the United Nations Secretary-General.
We are committed to pooling our expertise and experience to support countries in their crisis response measures and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We need to develop long-term sustainable strategies to address the challenges facing the health and agri-food sectors.
Priority should be given to addressing underlying food security and malnutrition challenges, tackling rural poverty, in particular through more and better jobs in the rural economy, extending social protection to all, facilitating safe migration pathways and promoting the formalization of the informal economy.
We must rethink the future of our environment and tackle climate change and environmental degradation with ambition and urgency.
Only then can we protect the health, livelihoods, food security and nutrition of all people, and ensure that our ‘new normal’ is a better one…
Credit: World Health Organization
Inserted by
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre
Website:www.zimonlinecentre.co.zw
How Zanu PF Is Killing Ordinary Citizens Softly…
19 OCTOBER 2020
POLITICS HAS BECOME A PERMANENT TOOL FOR THE PRIMITIVE ACCUMULATION OF STATE RESOURCES IN ZANUPF, MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA ASSERTS.
At a juncture of widespread poverty and extreme economic woes, Zanupf politicians are not ashamed to choose conspicuous extravagance and barefaced corruption manifesting through some greedy ministers who continue to loot with impunity. Mdc Alliance Namibia is cobra-headed to witness stomach politicians of plunder and self-enrichment forging ahead eating on behalf of the masses who continue to gnash their teeth in abject poverty.
The incumbent Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro, has learned nothing from the corrupt and fired former Minister of Health Dr Obadiah Moyo who was dismissed over his involvement in US$60 million Covid-19 procurement scandal. The incessant tender storms rocking our different parastatals emanate from the selective application of the law against criminals in Zimbabwe. There is outright disconnection between the aspirations of the poor and practical implementation by both elected and appointed leaders in government. We are quite aware that the politicians are being protected by the weaponised law that does not convict the looters of our state resources.
Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely infuriated by the behaviour of clueless Zanupf and their greedy ministers who are allowed to rob state institutions when the generality of Zimbabweans are all over the globe hunting for quality livelihoods and they are struggling to keep their heads above poverty. Only a small number of well-connected individuals could walk away with a cool US$60 million and continue to live a normal life out of jail worse without any pay back of the stolen money from the state.
The Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro allegedly railroad the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm), in dramatic events, including visiting the parastatal’s workers at night and bullying them with dismissal, to award a US$5.6 million contract to an undeserving company – Young Health Care. This is contained in the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) report which says the Deputy Minister had ‘personal interest’ in the matter.
Moreover,the investigation, conducted from 31st August to September 4 this year , looked into circumstances of how the Ministry of Health and Child Care administered a Covid-19 tender (NAT ITCB FWWK 04/2020) for the purchase of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables. The pro-Zanupf newspaper, The Sunday Mail, recently reported that senior Government Officials were allegedly caught with hands in the till over the Covid-19 materials procurement.
This is incontrovertible evidence to prove that politics has become a tool for self-enrichment.
The desperate Zanupf government has been afflicted by the inability to practically implement all those good laws and policies for the benefit of all our people especially the youths.
It has become apparent that the rich have gotten richer and the poor have gotten more poorer.
Moreso, the suspected violations stem from allegations against the Deputy Minister are that he coaxed NatPharm to give Young Health Care a tender and advance payments before delivery of goods.
This is in direct contravention of the Public Finance Management Act and Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets. It is clear that the corrupt minister used his political power as a springboard for the primitive accumulation of state funds.
Dr Mangwiro, annexed the duties of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary through issuing innumerable directives to NatPharm. Young Health Care , cropped up and was offered a contract through a directive from then acting Permanent Secretary Dr Gibson Mhlanga , at a time when it was not even registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) as required by law.
The NatPharm acting director , Mr Zealous Nyabadza thwarted the alleged unlawful act by the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care officials resulting in a public tendering process which was deferred to allow Young Health Care to register with Praz.
Mdc Alliance Namibia have also learnt that when NatPharm reiterated on competitive bidding, Young Health Care Limited subsequently submitted a bid price of US$3 600 000 for the same items. This saw a reduction of 36 percent in the price in antithesis with the initial quotation by Young Health Care for supply of commodities under direct procurement , where prices quoted were devilish. It amounted to plethoric US$5 600 000, which was coincidentally the identical amount that was available in the ministry’s coffers, insinuating that the company had innermost information. As citizens in the diaspora, we are interested to know the owner of Young Health Care Company who had accurate financial details of the Ministry’s fiscus.
Furthermore, after twenty (22) companies advanced their interest, Dr John Mangwiro ostensibly side-stepped and wooed NatPharm top managers , at odd hours , to unceremoniously award the tender to Young Health Care before terrorising the vulnerable parastatal’s employees with dismissal if they acted otherwise. He forged demanding that a purchase order be issued that same , dark night. Young Health Care was then illegally awarded a contract to supply goods worth US$124 630 instead of US$922 000 that had been demanded as advance. As Mdc Alliance Namibia, we resonate with Bayart who describes African political power in the post-colonial era and draws specific attention to the relationship between patrimonialism , clientelism, corruption and power.
This nature of corruption blight brings forth linkages between government and institutionalised fraud:smuggling , the plundering of state resources , the growth of ego, privatisation of state institutions (state capture) and the development of ‘economies of plunder’. We absolutely condemn Zanupf politicians for eating on behalf of the starving unsuspecting masses. It invites cynicism and disillusionment when Zanupf politicians continue to shift blame on sanctions, opposition, journalists , the media analysts , local business people, citizens in the diaspora and so on. It has become clear that our poverty and suffering in Zimbabwe and outside is artificially made by Zanupf. The depletion of social trust has a numbing effect on communal survival tactics and strategies.
The uncouth behaviour of Zanupf ministers must be resisted with equal measure. It spews forth a particularly vile concoction of greed, graft and arrogance.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia, urges Zaac to be objective in combating corruption in government. This politics of the belly attests to a distinctively African trajectory of power that we need to comprehend as part of a long-term historical development.
Corruption and greed have become Zanupf’s modus operandi. They are now permanent features of their human existence.
Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
LootersMustGo
FreeTerrence
ZimbabweanLivesMatter
freemaengahama
freemadzorere
wedemandjusticeformuchehiwa
MDC Alliance Seeks To Reinforce Rural Support Base
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance is determined to save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty and economic quagmire created by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, the party’s Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has said.
Speaking after a youth rally in Chiredzi West on Sunday, Sithole condemned the looting of State funds by Zanu PF bigwigs.
Said Sithole :
“We were in Chiredzi RDC, Ward 18 where we had a youth rally.
The ward is under the stewardship of firebrand Youth leader, Cllr Gilbert Mutubuki.
We have a duty to serve and save the people of Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty created by ED and his illegitimate cabal.
We shall do this by building a Mobilized, Organized and Radical Grassroots Assembly Nationwide [MORGAN].
Many thanks to the people of Chiredzi for supporting the cause.”
Harare Accident Leaves 13 Seriously Injured
By A Correspondent- At least 13 people were seriously injured in a traffic accident that occurred yesterday at the intersection of Churchill Avenue and Freedom Legacy Way which is close to the Borrowdale Race Course in Harare, The Herald reports.
The accident which involved a Nissan Caravan and a Honda Fit was confirmed by ZRP National Spokesperson Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said the driver of the Nissan Caravan ran a red light:
The accident occurred around 6am at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Churchill Road where the driver of a Honda Fit who was driving along Churchill Road, due east and on approaching the intersection, the driver of a white unregistered Nissan Caravan proceeded through a red robot and the vehicles collided.
As a result, the Nissan Caravan landed on its right side with 12 people in the Nissan Caravan sustaining various injuries while one person in the Honda Fit sustained serious injuries and was unconscious. All the injured were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital
In another incident that occurred in Harare on Saturday, 21 people were injured when a ZUPCO bus they were traveling in veered off the road when the driver failed to negotiate a corner. Another ZUPCO bus last month developed a fault and rammed into 8 vehicles and injured 10 people including Shamiso Muguti whose legs had to be amputated. -statemedia
Zimbabwe Is Not Zanu PF, Declares Human Rights Activist
Farai Dziva|Fearless human rights activist Namatai Kwekweza has dismissed the discourse indicating that Zanu PF is a party of patriots.
On the contrary Zanu PF bigwigs are haters of ordinary citizens, argued Kwekweza.
“Don’t get confused MaZimbo any party that gets into power and doesn’t work to ensure that ALL Zimbos are safe, secure and well governed is not a party of patriots.
Any party that abducts people and lies about it, is not a party of patriots. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
Zanu Pf is just a political party. It is not the state. ZANU pf is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not ZANU PF. ZANU pf can not monopolize the definition of patriotism. Even in ZANU pf there are no patriots. That’s why our country has fallen. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF is not the whole of Zimbabwe
Just because we are not ZANU PF members, doesn’t mean we hate Zimbabwe. Just because you are a ZANU PF member it doesn’t mean you love Zimbabwe. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
ZANU PF people are some of the biggest haters of Zim and it’s people. Think abductions, looting, political violence, authoritarianism. 40years after independence Zimbabwe still looks like a growth point by world standards because of ZANU PF looting. These people don’t love Zim,” Kwekweza wrote on Twitter.
Revealed: Mnangagwa Son “Accuses” Councillor Kurauone Of Plotting To Overthrow Own Dad
Own Correspondent|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son is one of the key witnesses in the trial of Councillor Godfrey Kurauone, it has emerged.
According to State papers seen by ZimEye.com, Dambudzo Mnangagwa is among the witnesses in the trial of Councillor Kurauone.
Councillor Kurauone is accused of plotting to remove Mr Mnangagwa from power.
Read part of the State outline below :
Mangwiro Tender Scandal Sucks VP Chiwenga
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as Health and Child Care minister is in the eye of a storm following revelations that he instructed his deputy and personal doctor, John Mangwiro, to fast-track the US$5,6 million Covid-19 materials tender scam.
This was revealed by the deputy minister himself in a statement on Monday following a scathing article which appeared in State media on Sunday.
“It is not correct that I interfered with the bidding process. On August 14, 2020 at around 2100 hours I received a phone call from the Hon Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care (Chiwenga). He wanted me to get an update on what was causing the delays to the procurement of the Covid-19 requirements,” said Dr Mangwiro.
The Health deputy minister deputises Chiwenga. He is also a personal doctor of the feared VP having spent months with him in South Africa and China when Chiwenga fell critically ill in 2019.
Dr Mangwiro said he convened the meeting at night as it was an “emergency”.
“I could not sleep over an emergency and as such I called (acting NatPharm managing director) Mr Zealous Nyabadza to urgently convene a meeting to appraise me on what was causing the delays. Mr Z Nyabadza explained that Young Health Care Limited had won the tender to supply some of the equipment,” said Dr Mangwiro.
The Health ministry is apparently both a cash cow and source of conflict for factions supporting President Mnangagwa on one hand and his deputy, Chiwenga, on the other.
Mnangagwa’s close ally and appointee to the Health ministry, Obadiah Moyo, was ousted from government in dramatic fashion in July this year after he was fingered in a US$60 million dollar Covid-19 tender scandal.
Chiwenga then took over the ministry after a prolonged leadership vacuum at the ministry. Interestingly his close ally is now being accused of the same crime.
-NHAU
Drama As Mnangagwa’s Son Turns Up A Witness Against Councillor Kurauone, Trial For Undermining His Own Father “The President”
By Farai D Hove | Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Dambudzo junior is set to be a witness in the case against Masvingo based, MDC Alliance Councillor Godfrey Kurauone.
An affidavit seen by ZimEye reveals Dambudzo, a teacher, and a police officer cited in the case . The male ZRP cop in his statement, states in part:
I am a male adult residing at house 5 Duiker • I am employed as a teacher at Tashinga primary school Chiredzi. MY mobile number is 0773 85 and 0713 *93. ….
- On the 26th day of June 2020 at around 1700 hours I was at Glow service station Masvingo with Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Enerst Muchenjeri. I heard commuters who were queuing for ZUPCO buses at corner Hofmeyer street and Leopold Takawira avenue cheering at the southern side of Leopold Takawira avenue” Councillor Kurauone, Councillor Kurauone” I then went to the crowd with Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Enerst Muchenjeri to see what was happening.
- I then saw and heard Godfrey Kurauone saying “let’s unite and remove this corrupt government and President Mnangagwa and his criminals must go.” while commuters were cheering…”
Mupfumira’s Trial Dates Set For November
By A Correspondent- The trial of former Tourism Minister, Prisca Mupfumira and the former NSSA director contribution and collections, Barnabas Matongera, in which they are accused of abuse of office has been set for November.
The duo is accused of flouting tender procedures when they approved a housing project in Gweru involving the development of 200 stands.4
Magistrate Ngoni Nduna set their hearing for November 18, 19 and 20 on a continuous row at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Their trial was supposed to have commenced Monday but the State was yet to furnish the duo with some documents to prepare their defence.
Mupfumira, through her lawyer Mr Sylvester Hashiti, applied for scraping of her bail reporting conditions, but the State represented by prosecutor Michael Reza said it was not prepared to respond to the application saying she must go back to the High Court where she was granted bail.
Mupfumira was arrested last year over corruption and has since been relieved of her duties as the minister of Tourism.
Meanwhile, some have expressed concern over the way the state is handling the case saying there is a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the state suggesting that the government might not be committed to fighting corruption in the country
Land Barons’ Assets To Be Forfeited
By A Correspondent- The government in a bid to fight graft has decided to forfeit assets belonging to Land Barons because they were bought with proceeds from illegally selling state and council land.
The matter came to light during a meeting between Chitungwiza Municipality management and Harare Provincial Development Coordinator Mr. Tafadzwa Muguti. Mr. Muguti said he had a meeting with the Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, and senior police officers and they discussed the issue. Said Mr. Muguti:
There are people amassing enormous wealth at the expense of the poor. I am happy to say that with effect from today, we are going to start asset forfeiture from people like land barons. This morning, I met Minister Moyo, commissioners of police and their spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, and we have put a taskforce in place.
These things (forfeiture) have always been provided for under the law. It is not like we are crafting a new law. This week you shall see ZRP going after assets of those who acquired wealth illegally by selling land which was not theirs. So to those who have got houses and cars we will take what belongs to the State. That means if the money was supposed to have benefited Chitungwiza Municipality, it should be directed there.
We are not looking at the political party you support. As you committed these crimes, we are coming after you. We are doing this for the sake of progress of this great nation.
We have people that have taken the power of local authorities, some of them conniving with staff members to issue offer letters. Offer letters are not title deeds.
Recently ZRP arrested 6 land barons in Harare as the ZRP announced it was intensifying its investigations into land barons.-statemedia
BREAKING: India Blocks Zim Cricket Coach From Touring Pakistan
SPORTS STAR: Zimbabwe head coach Lalchand Rajput has not travelled with the team to Pakistan for the limited-overs series. The Zimbabwe Cricket claimed that the Indian Embassy in Harare wrote to them asking that Rajput be exempted from visiting Pakistan, even though the Pakistan Embassy in Harare had issued him a visa.
In his absence, former Zimbabwe international, Douglas Hondo, will serve as the interim coach of the side for the three ODIs and three T20Is. The Zimbabwe team landed in Islamabad on Tuesday morning without Rajput, leading to speculations that there could have been visa issues.
However, both Zimbabwe Cricket and Pakistan Cricket Board maintained that the former India cricketer was issued a visa.
Rajput, however, was not available for a comment at the time of publishing this story.
SOURCE: SPORTS STAR
Teachers Open For Genuine Dialogue Over Salaries Standoff
By A Correspondent- Teachers’ representative unions have said they stand ready to open, genuine dialogue with the government over the ongoing industrial action.
Eight unions released a joint statement expressing willingness to resolve the prolonged stand-off between workers and the employer. The statement read in part:
Teacher union leaders are ready to engage in meaningful dialogue any time from now to end the current logjam..
(The) Public Service Commission or the government should take teachers’ plight seriously and stop this tomfoolery of playing hide-and-seek with the lives of teachers in particular and of the innocent learners.
Teachers remain incapacitated as nothing has changed. This means our members will not be able to
report for duty anytime soon until the government faithfully engages teachers’ unions.
Teachers refused to return to school when schools were reopened on 28 September after they were prematurely closed in March when the country recorded its first coronavirus case.
They are vowing not to return to work if the government has not met their demands which include the restoration of their 2018 salaries when they were earning about US$500.
Like many other government workers, they are currently earning an equivalent of US$30 on average.-DailyNews
Terrence Manjengwa’s EarthShaking Frank-Talk At Rotten Row
By Farai D Hove | Below is a brief transcript of the franktalk by Terence Manjengwa at the Rotten Row magistrates court on the 24th August 2020.
He was with a colleague when together they spoke to a police officer who wanted to assault them:
Are you able to pay rent? Can you afford your child’s school fees?
So why do you want to beat these people?
Your child is is not able to go to school. Your child is failing to go to school.
Wait. I want to ask you if your child is going to school. The situation in the country you can see it clearly. Stop arresting people for nothing.
Do not push me. Don’t push me. I don’t care what’s weapon you have. You can assault me. I can offer you my body as a sacrifice but you yourself by tomorrow you will be miserable.
Terrence Manjengwa simply spoke the truth to a police officer and this is what happened. pic.twitter.com/QWkw9Jork4
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 19, 2020
“It’s A Pipe Dream To Envision Economic Transformation Without Engineers”
By Engineer Jacob kudzayi Mutisi- The only way to turn around Zimbabwe’s fortunes is to appoint professional engineers in positions of authority.
It is no secret that Zimbabwe’s infrastructure has been steadily falling apart since the 1980s. Zimbabwe is riddled with a multitude of crumbling roads and bridges, aging dams and outdated airports.
While much of the nation’s crumbling infrastructure can be attributed to a lack of funding, many feel the main culprit is simply neglect.
There is a lot of talk on why President ED Mnangagwa is “by-passing” parliament and has resorted to Statutory Instruments (SI) as a way to turn around Zimbabwe’s economy. There is now a need to have Statutory Instruments that will turn around the industrial manufacturing sector driven by professional engineers.
Zimbabwe’s political structure is mostly dominated by lawyers, economists and accountants and there is now a need to appoint professional engineers in strategic government positions.
Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and now the world’s biggest economy China has a domination of Engineers in government, advisory boards and in most of the countries strategic positions.
Reason being an engineer is a problem solver hence the definition of an engineer (“a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures”). These are the qualities that this country desperately needs.
Zimbabwe’s physical infrastructure we all rely on which include transport networks, roads, bridges, waste management,water and energy supplies are all in a dilapidated state.
Zimbabweans have to thank professional engineers for their digital infrastructure like communications and navigation networks that are part and parcel of the now Zimbabwe’s way of life. Zimbabwe’s engineers continue to play a huge role in healthcare, food, manufacturing and research. Professional engineers are the ones who bring innovation to our country.
As you know, Germany is known for its automobile industry. But did you know, Germany has very advanced nanotechnology applications in various industries.Japan too,has its income now mainly from Animes and Mangas.
Mangas are Japanese comics, and Anime is the Japanese version of animation. In order to design those they hire a lot of animation engineers. China is known for manufacturing electronic appliances at a cheaper cost. This is not possible without an electronics and electrical engineer.
So, engineers make a lot of difference in nation’s technology state. Talking about changes in technology by engineers,India is one more country that has a very big market of textiles, that do a lot of varieties. All these are not possible without textile engineers.
The Japanese economic growth was driven by an American engineering and industrial expert, W. Edwards Deming. Deming taught the Japanese manufacturers how to produce top quality products economically.
Some of the Japanese companies who adopted Deming theorems and concepts are Toyota Motor Corp. and Sony Corp. and became world-class producers in their fields, helping Japan become one of the planet’s dominant economic powers. Japan’s rise was the start of a regional metamorphosis. Asia eventually became a manufacturing giant.
Although American companies could have learned from Deming, most ignored him for decades even as Asian competitors gobbled away at Americans’ customer base and profits.
Zimbabwe needs professional engineers to be actively involved in building infrastructure, engineering work has a much wider and more lasting impact. It is common knowledge that infrastructure development helps to fuel economic growth.
Well-built housing and sanitation improves the quality of life of all residents in Zimbabwe. Good transport links make it easier for businesses to trade their goods, and enables the workforce to be more mobile and on time.
High-speed internet can boost productivity, improve efficiencies, and help organizations to look beyond their local or national borders… this list is endless.
There is no way Zimbabwe will develop to be a first world country without professional engineers leading from the front.
Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi is Chair of the ICT division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) , a Board Member of the Zimbabwe Institute of Directors (IOD), a Member of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and Practising Engineer with Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ)
Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say. Andy Stanley
LIVE: Mthuli Parliament Review
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WATCH: Videos Of Mnangagwa Personally Hiding Other People’s Human Skeletons
ANALYSIS | It is now more than four weeks since 7 year old Tapiwa Makore was killed and his body dismembered, “and the people who killed Tapiwa were caught, especially the one who cut his head is saying he’s the one who did it, even naming who he handed it to.
“What’s hurting is the people who killed him are there, but body is still incomplete,” the late child’s father complains saying.
The Makores tell ZimEye in separate interviews that everything is now in the hands of the police. But it is the same force that is failing to conclude the first step in the prosecution process. Then Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is heard in file footage revealing who the police truly is in this country – they are a bunch of politicians of whom he is chief of.
He says: “We must be respected, we are majority, we are the government, we are the people, we are the army, we are the airforce, we are the police, we are everything you can think of, we determine who can do mining in Zimbabwe, we determine who can construct a railway line, we determine who can build a road in Zimbabwe, no other party can do so.”
It was on 4th April 1983 when Mnangagwa caused the Zimbabwean economy to crash as he described people as cockroaches who deserve to die for supporting protesters, who he labeled dissidents. He said everyone supporting protesters would have their days on earth reduced. 22,000 from Midlands and Matebeleland areas were killed as a result.
” But woe unto those who will choose the path of collaboration with dissidents for we will certainly shorten their stay on Earth,” he said.
The economy nosedived.
He would after that deny that anyone was killed, and what he told the BBC in 1983, is the same he repeated to France24 36 years later, in February 2019.
And then on 15th May 2015, Mnangagwa said democracy is only found in the World of the Dead. He said election winners are just corpses. (VIDEO)
Fast forward to 1st August 2018, he deployed the army onto the streets of Harare and his most senior advisor announced in his presence this was in order to change election results so they match an outcome greater than the one ZANU PF obtained in 1980.
And then in February 2019, Mnangagwa celebrated the killing of 17 people and raping of 17 women saying he would do more, to the point of physically attacking doctors and lawyers attending the victims. VIDEO:
On the 3rd January 2020, he told people in Harare’s Kuwadzana surbub, still nursing their wounds from beatings by the Zimbabwe national army, that he would re-deploy the army on them once he discovers they are the ones who stopped the rain. This is not a reading from a horror movie or a novel this is real life in modern day Zimbabwe. (VIDEO).
And now for some ‘great’ humour, in March 2020, Mnangagwa has announced a prize for the first person to die, literally (VIDEO).
Does this man have the capacity or willingness to give us Tapiwa’s head?
Former Football Star Dies In Road Accident
By A Correspondent- A road accident that occurred on Sunday reportedly claimed the life of former Black Rhinos player Leslie Kamuyoyo, The Herald reports.
The accident reportedly also claimed the life of a woman who was in the car with Muchinda and his teammate and colleague Gift “Shaft’’ Makoni was seriously injured in the accident and he is said to be in a critical condition in the hospital together with yet another female passenger who was in the car.
61-year-old Leslie Kamuyoyo survived by his wife and 4 children, Mourners are gathered at No. 3880 Chipere Close, Budiriro 2 in Harare.
The Herald published a short bio about the late star which states that Kamuyoyo was born in Mbare and he was part of the Black Rhinos squad that won the PSL title in 1984: …Was part of the Rhinos squad that won the League and Cup double in their maiden year in the top-flight league in 1984.
He joined Rhinos from BAT Ramblers where he was the team’s playmaker at the end of the 1982 season.
He accomplished this feat in a 1981 Castle Cup first round match against Dynamos at Gwanzura after he beat the country’s leading ‘keeper Japhet Muparutsa.
That match ended in a 2-2 draw before Ramblers lost the replay 3-1.
Kamuyoyo was later joined in the “two free-kick goals in one match” record book by Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe (Eagles, 1983) and Maxwell “MaRhino” Dube (Chapungu, 2001).
He was also part of the Rhinos squad that reached the quarter-finals of the then African Cup of Club Champions in 1985 where they lost to Senegalese top side US Goree.
After he hung up his boots, in the early ‘90s, Kamuyoyo had various coaching stints with the army teams around the country.
He was a self-anointed story teller whose favourite topic was “The Black Rhinos Sound of Music” where his voice would rise in pitch as he developed his narration about the side’s classic encounters.-statemedia
Residents Implore ED To Cut Prioritise Service Delivery Over Military Expenditure
By A Correspondent- Chiredzi residents last week called on government to reduce military expenditure in the 2021 national budget and channel more resources towards social services.
The residents were speaking during a 2021 national budget consultative meeting led by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development chaired by Zaka North legislator Rabison Mavhenyengwa.
Human rights monitor, Marko Shoko said Zimbabwe was not at war, hence the Finance ministry should channel more resources towards education, health as well as social welfare and stop burdening the country with unnecessary military expenditure.
Patricia Zunga said morale in schools was low and the government should seriously look into the plight of teachers and pay them a salary commensurate with the work they do.
She also said there was no need for government to continue to allocate huge amounts to the Defence ministry.
“Government should consider allocating more money towards the construction of new schools in Chiredzi,” Zunga said.
United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association programmes officer Constance Chikumbo said public hospitals were in a sorry state with no medicine, burdening the poor who could not afford to get treatment at private hospitals.
“Immobility of police officers is making countless criminals unaccounted for because most police stations have no vehicles to track down reported cases,” Chikumbo said.
“This is an impetus to spiralling cases of corruption by our police force which is now taking bribes in order to open an investigation. Our hospitals need to be stocked with medicine so the government should give more resources to the Health and Child Care ministry.”
Other residents said more resources should be allocated to cater for people living with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the community.-Newsday
BREAKING: Florence Chitauro Dies.
By Dorrothy Moyo | Former Labour Minister and Senator, Florence Chitauro has died.
The widow of the late Defence secretary and first vice chancellor of Bindura University of Science Education Dr James Chitauro, has passed on after suffering a stroke.
She was one of the late President Robert Mugabe’s loudest cheerleaders,
She will be remembered for suppressing strikes against his regime, and creating the conditions that gave birth to the forming of the MDC party in 1999.
British newspapers once flighted as a former Minister who lived in a plush town house in west London with her late husband, James.
Her son and daughter live in the UK and her husband preceded her in 2014.
Florence Chitauro once stroked controversy when while ambassador to Australia she labelled former prime Minister John Howard dictator in retaliation for that countries foreign policy against Zimbabwe.
Mourners gathered at the family’s Borrowdale house in Harare.
Bhebhe Tells Mwonzora, Khupe Off
MDC-T National Organising Secretary Abednico Bhebhe has refused to attend a disciplinary hearing called by Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora accusing them of not following procedures and being resistant to the truth.
This followed an announcement by Mwonzora that Bhebhe and Harare Provincial youth leader Paul Gorekore will be disciplined for bringing the name of the party into disrepute.
“The leadership hereby ordered to commence and pursue disciplinary action against these two in terms of the party constitution.
“The national council was of the opinion that there were acts of indiscipline by Mr Gorekore and Mr Bhebhe but we resolved that the two would be dealt with in terms of our constitution. We want to assure our supporters that we will be firm with our own,” said Mwonzora.
But in response, Bhebhe said he will not attend the hearing as he had only heard it through the media.
“I will not attend such a disciplinary hearing being called through the media,” Bhebhe told NewZimbabwe.com Monday.
“The person who did that knows what needs to be done in terms of the procedures and process when one is being called to appear for a disciplinary hearing, and I am sure that has not been done.
“The party leadership should not be afraid of being told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” added Bhebhe.
“We Are Not Afraid Of Sikhala”: Mwonzora
By A Correspondent- MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has said Job Sikhala’s continued presence in Parliament is not a sign the party leadership feared him, but a matter of his unclear allegiance they are still to ascertain.
He made the remarks while addressing journalists in Harare Monday.
Mwonzora was responding to a question on whether his party was being selective in recalling MDC Alliance MPs and councillors since there are some public officials still loyal to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa who are in office.
Sikhala, who is the Zengeza West MP and MDC Alliance vice-chairperson, is one of the officials who have remained loyal to Chamisa despite some threats by Mwonzora they risked recalls.
“We are not afraid of Mr Sikhala. He does not bite and he is a person who holds certain views, some very strongly and we do respect some of his views,” said Mwonzora.
“We do not know, he is yet to tell us the membership of his party, we have not seen the affidavit he signed renouncing the party (MDC-T).
“All members of our party who commit acts of misconduct will be dealt with in a fair manner, they will be afforded the right to be heard but if you leave the party for example by signing the affidavits which were drafted by the MDC Alliance lawyers, they would have expelled themselves.
“Those affidavits specifically stated that these people were no longer members of the MDC-T and if you specifically state that you are no longer a member of the MDC-T, you would have expelled yourself.”
Mwonzora has wielded his axe on over 20 MDC Alliance MPs and dozens of councillors he claims signed affidavits renouncing their membership to MDC-T in favour of the Chamisa-led faction.
The whole drama emanates from a March 2020 Supreme Court ruling that nullified Chamisa’s presidency and ordered an immediate return to party 2014 structures before an extraordinary congress meant to select late party leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s successor.-Newsday
Tapiwa Makore 4 Weeks Later.
ANALYSIS | It is now more than four weeks since 7 year old Tapiwa Makore was killed and his body dismembered, “and the people who killed Tapiwa were caught, especially the one who cut his head is saying he’s the one who did it, even naming who he handed it to.
“What’s hurting is the people who killed him are there, but body is still incomplete,” the late child’s father complains saying.
The Makores tell ZimEye in separate interviews that everything is now in the hands of the police. But it is the same force that is failing to conclude the first step in the prosecution process. Then Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is heard in file footage revealing who the police truly is in this country – they are a bunch of politicians of whom he is chief of.
He says: “We must be respected, we are majority, we are the government, we are the people, we are the army, we are the airforce, we are the police, we are everything you can think of, we determine who can do mining in Zimbabwe, we determine who can construct a railway line, we determine who can build a road in Zimbabwe, no other party can do so.”
It was on 4th April 1983 when Mnangagwa caused the Zimbabwean economy to crash as he described people as cockroaches who deserve to die for supporting protesters, who he labeled dissidents. He said everyone supporting protesters would have their days on earth reduced. 22,000 from Midlands and Matebeleland areas were killed as a result.
” But woe unto those who will choose the path of collaboration with dissidents for we will certainly shorten their stay on Earth,” he said.
The economy nosedived.
He would after that deny that anyone was killed, and what he told the BBC in 1983, is the same he repeated to France24 36 years later, in February 2019.
And then on 15th May 2015, Mnangagwa said democracy is only found in the World of the Dead. He said election winners are just corpses. (VIDEO)
Fast forward to 1st August 2018, he deployed the army onto the streets of Harare and his most senior advisor announced in his presence this was in order to change election results so they match an outcome greater than the one ZANU PF obtained in 1980.
And then in February 2019, Mnangagwa celebrated the killing of 17 people and raping of 17 women saying he would do more, to the point of physically attacking doctors and lawyers attending the victims. VIDEO:
On the 3rd January 2020, he told people in Harare’s Kuwadzana surbub, still nursing their wounds from beatings by the Zimbabwe national army, that he would re-deploy the army on them once he discovers they are the ones who stopped the rain. This is not a reading from a horror movie or a novel this is real life in modern day Zimbabwe. (VIDEO).
And now for some ‘great’ humour, in March 2020, Mnangagwa has announced a prize for the first person to die, literally (VIDEO).
Does this man have the capacity or willingness to give us Tapiwa’s head?
Byo’s Queens Park Hit By Diarrhoea
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo’s Queens Park suburb has recorded diarrhoea cases as more suburbs register outbreaks of the disease which claimed 13 lives in Luveve in July and infected nearly 2 000 people.
Water shortages, ageing water and sewer infrastructure have been blamed for the recurrent diarrhoea outbreaks in the city.
Auditor-General, Midlred Chiri, in a report tabled in Parliament, recently warned that Bulawayo risked an outbreak of water-borne diseases resulting from failure to manage sewage reticulation systems.
“The community health worker for Queens Park alerted the area environmental health officer over concerns that a number of people seemed to be suffering from diarrhoea in the area. The concern was investigated and confirmed,” a council health, housing and education report read in part.
However, no deaths were recorded with the report, adding that people were avoiding council clinics because they do not want to undergo COVID-19 testing.
“Indications were that the affected were not willing to visit health facilities for fear of being tested for COVID-19. They were assured that it was not standard procedure that everyone who came to the clinic was tested for COVID-19, therefore, they should be free to go to the clinic,” the report added.
“The community health workers were advised to encourage all affected to visit the nearest clinic for treatment as diarrhoea treatment was currently free. The area environmental health officer continued to monitor the situation.”
In her report, Chiri said persistent bursting of sewage pipes and failure by councils to attend to them could result in an outbreak of fatal diseases.
“Due to failure by the urban local authorities to attend to blockages within the stipulated eight to 24 hours, raw sewage is lost into the environment before reaching the treatment plants thereby contaminating water bodies,” Chiri said.
“The raw sewage flowing on the ground will mix with potable water thereby resulting in water-borne diseases. Furthermore, delays in the repair of sewer blockage/chokes will result in backflow of sewage increasing pressure on inlet pipes and joints or weaker points will give in to pressure thereby causing further blockages.”-Newsday
Mbare Musika Closed For Renovations-At Long Last
City of Harare has closed down Mbare bus termini to pave way for renovations with buses now moved to Fourt street, Coventry holding bay, Mbudzi Complex car park and Machipisa shopping centre.
Travellers to Mutare, Mutoko, Murewa and Goromonzi will use Fourth Street bus terminus, while those travelling to Masvingo, Beitbridge and Chiredzi will use Mbudzi Complex parking and Machipisa Shopping Centre.
Those travelling to Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Shamva and Masvingo among other destinations will now use Coventry holding bay.
This was announced in a public notice issued by City of Harare.
Veld Fire Razes Down Thatched Hut
By A Correspondent- Property worth thousands of dollars was gutted after a thatched house was caught in a veld fire on Sunday evening.
Muzarabani rural district council chairperson Ashton Chiweshe confirmed the inferno.
“Property belonging to Graria Mtemaringa was burnt but people managed to escape without injuries, the fire was caused by a veld fire which came uncontrolled,” Chiweshe said.
Last month a fuel dealer in St Alberts burnt his room and her child after, fuel which he kept in his room caught fire.
Duo Kill Colleague Over Torn R10
By A Correspondent- Two men have been arrested for allegedly beating their friend to death for placing a bet using a torn 10 rand note during a gambling game.
Thulani Nkomo (19) and Peter Dube (26) both from Filabusi area were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Ms Lerato Nyathi facing a murder charge.
They were remanded in custody to October 30. Prosecuting Ms Ethel Mahachi said the pair was gambling with Freedom Moyo on August 13 at around 9PM when Moyo tried to place a bet using a torn R10 note resulting in an altercation.
“On 13 August at around 9PM Thulani Nkomo, Peter Dube and Freedom Moyo were gambling at Nkwalimi Business Centre in Filabusi when Moyo tried to place a bet with a torn R10 note. Nkomo and Dube refused to accept the torn money but Moyo insisted that the money could be used which resulted an altercation.
“They then abandoned the game and left for their homes while still arguing about the torn money. Moyo proceeded to his home while the accused persons also went to their places of residence,” she said.
Ms Mahachi said on the following morning at around 6AM Moyo met Nkomo and Dube who confronted him over the torn money. She said the pair started assaulting Moyo with stones and logs.
Ms Mahachi said Moyo called out for help and villagers rushed to the scene while Nkomo and Dube fled.
She said villagers found Moyo lying unconscious on the ground and they rushed him to a nearest clinic where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The matter was reported to the police resulting in the arrest of Moyo and Dube. Ms Mahachi said stones and logs that the suspects had used to attack Moyo were found on the scene.Source – statemedia
Student Teachers Petition ED Over Paltry US$2 Monthly Allowance
By A Correspondent- Student teachers have petitioned Parliament to push the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government to raise their monthly allowances currently pegged at $150, which translates to less than US$2 using the auction rate.
In a petition dated October 19, 2020, cosigned by Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz)’s secretary for unemployed, student and retired teachers, Takemore Mhlanga and Walter Muzamhani, the student teachers said they were poorly paid despite assuming full teaching responsibilities.
Part of the petition read: “The student teachers on teaching practice continue to receive a monthly allowance of $150. As at $150 which is almost 5% to the salary of the lowest paid qualified teacher.
“It should be noted that student teachers are being assigned a full load in the classroom as schools battle to plug the gap of staff shortage. Student teachers are adults who have to cater for all living expenses.”
The student teachers said they had become an embarrassment to the teaching profession.
“Student teachers are no longer respected in communities. They have become beggars. They beg for almost everything from neighbours, for instance, mealie-meal, cooking oil, toothpaste, salt and even body lotion. Things that should be readily accessible and affordable to them have become unaffordable. If such necessities become scarce to student teachers it will jeopardise the discharge of their duties.”
Teacher’s allowance on teaching practice to 80% of the salary of the lowest-paid qualified teacher. Backdate the agreed allowance to February 2020 when the first petition was handed over … set up a board representing student teacher’s welfare … teaching practice allowance be reviewed in tandem with the qualified teachers’ salary reviews … and pay full monthly allowance for the first and last months of the teaching practice tenure”.
Artuz president Obert Masaraure said: “We hope that government will take heed of our petition and address the plight of the student teachers. It is an urgent matter.”
Student teachers on teaching practice used to receive 70% of what the lowest-paid qualified teacher earned before their allowances were reduced to $150 in 2016 and never reviewed until now.-Newsday
Trouble In Khupe’s Backyard
By A Correspondent- Infighting and political gamesmanship have ripped apart interim MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe’s party ahead of its planned extraordinary congress to choose a substantive successor for the opposition’s late founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Khupe has already moved to charge her former close aide and party organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe, after the latter accused her of violating the party constitution and abusing party funds.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, MDCT secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said the party’s national council had resolved to take disciplinary action against Bhebhe and Paul Gorekore for breaching the code of conduct of the party.
“Due to acts of indiscipline, destabilisation of the party and bringing the name of the party into disrepute by Mr Abednico Bhebhe and Mr Paul Gorekore, the leader-ship is hereby ordered to commence and pursue disciplinary action against the two in terms of the party constitution,” Mwonzora said.
“The national council was of the opinion that there were acts of indiscipline by Mr Gorekore and Mr Bhebhe, but we resolved that the two will be dealt with in terms of our constitution, how that is going to come out will be seen in the next few days,” Mwonzora said.
He added: “We denounce and totally reject the calls by members of the MDC Alliance and G40 to come to the congress for purposes of elect-ing our substantive leader.”
Bhebhe last week filed a damning affidavit at the High Court, accusing Khupe, Mwonzora and acting chairperson Morgan Komichi of failing to hold national executive and nation-al council meetings in accordance with the party constitution.
He also said the trio, who are all eying the presidency, had created new party structures, further violating the principles of the party. Highly-placed sources said Khupe had flushed out more than two-thirds of MDC-T members who were in the 2014 national council as she seeks to ring-fence her position at the helm of the party.
Khupe is also reportedly aware that any move to convene the national council would spectacularly backfire because she does not have the support of party structures.
“They are aware that a national council will stop them in their tracks and possibly put them to a disciplinary hearing for usurping the powers of council. They have avoid-ed calling for the meet-ing of legitimate structures of the council,” said a party insider.-Tuesday
MDC Alliance Youths Blast “Insincere” VP Mohadi
By A Correspondent- Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance youths have castigated Vice President Kembo Mohadi following his remarks last weekend that the new dispensation has achieved what the first republic could not achieve and life under President Mnangagwa has become better.
Speaking to the publication, MDC Alliance youth spokesperson Stephen Chuma said VP Mohadi’s remarks exposed his insincerity:
Kembo Mohadi’s ridiculous assertions that the country’s fortunes have become better under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime clearly expose high levels of insincerity and pathological lies of this so called new dispensation
Certainly Mohadi cannot hide under piecemeal and snail-paced roadworks where nothing significant is happening except overhaul of the remaining tarred strip albeit without replacing it.
He added: “Mohadi suddenly forgets that from 1980 he was part of the old establishment that ruined the once breadbasket of Africa. Maybe because of old age, the usually bed-ridden Mohadi is now suffering from serious Alzheimer’s dementia.
Is it not a public secret that life for the ordinary people has gone from bad to worse under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s short reign? From the education sector to health sector, there are cost increases everywhere and one wonders what positives Kembo Mohadi refers to. It is time Zanu PF leaders know that lies, delusion and insincerity can never solve the economic question.
VP Mohadi’s remarks come amid a crippling teachers strike due to low wages and 600+% inflation amid a dire economic crisis.-Newsday
MUREHWA MURDER CLUES: Video Of Mnangagwa Hiding Thousands Of Skeletons From Their Families, Will Tapiwa’s Skull Be Produced?
It is now more than four weeks since 7 year old Tapiwa Makore was killed and his body dismembered, “and the people who killed Tapiwa were caught, especially the one who cut his head is saying he’s the one who did it, even naming who he handed it to.
“What’s hurting is the people who killed him are there, but body is still incomplete,” the late child’s father complains saying.
The Makores tell ZimEye in separate interviews that everything is now in the hands of the police. But it is the same force that is failing to conclude the first step in the prosecution process. Then Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is heard in file footage revealing who the police truly is in this country – they are a bunch of politicians of whom he is chief of.
He says: “We must be respected, we are majority, we are the government, we are the people, we are the army, we are the airforce, we are the police, we are everything you can think of, we determine who can do mining in Zimbabwe, we determine who can construct a railway line, we determine who can build a road in Zimbabwe, no other party can do so.”
It was on 4th April 1983 when Mnangagwa caused the Zimbabwean economy to crash as he described people as cockroaches who deserve to die for supporting protesters, who he labeled dissidents. He said everyone supporting protesters would have their days on earth reduced. 22,000 from Midlands and Matebeleland areas were killed as a result.
” But woe unto those who will choose the path of collaboration with dissidents for we will certainly shorten their stay on Earth,” he said.
The economy nosedived.
He would after that deny that anyone was killed, and what he told the BBC in 1983, is the same he repeated to France24 36 years later, in February 2019.
And then on 15th May 2015, Mnangagwa said democracy is only found in the World of the Dead. He said election winners are just corpses. (VIDEO)
Fast forward to 1st August 2018, he deployed the army onto the streets of Harare and his most senior advisor announced in his presence this was in order to change election results so they match an outcome greater than the one ZANU PF obtained in 1980.
And then in February 2019, Mnangagwa celebrated the killing of 17 people and raping of 17 women saying he would do more, to the point of physically attacking doctors and lawyers attending the victims. VIDEO:
On the 3rd January 2020, he told people in Harare’s Kuwadzana surbub, still nursing their wounds from beatings by the Zimbabwe national army, that he would re-deploy the army on them once he discovers they are the ones who stopped the rain. This is not a reading from a horror movie or a novel this is real life in modern day Zimbabwe. (VIDEO).
And now for some ‘great’ humour, in March 2020, Mnangagwa has announced a prize for the first person to die, literally (VIDEO).
Does this man have the capacity or willingness to give us Tapiwa’s head?
Dr Mangwiro Distances Self From NatPharm Tender Scam
By A Correspondent- Underfire Health Ministry Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro has denied involvement in the $5.6 million National Pharmaceuticals Company (Natpham) tender scam in which he is being investigated for arm-twisting the later to award the tender to an undeserving company called Young Health Care.
Calling the reports malicious Dr Mangwiro said he only called the headlining evening meeting because there was an emergency and he did not interfere with the tender process:
It is not correct that I interfered with the bidding process. On August 14 2020 at around 2100 hours I received a phone call from the Hon Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care. He wanted me to get an update on what was causing the delays to the procurement of the Covid-19 requirements.
I could not sleep over an emergency and as such I called (acting Natpharm managing director) Mr Zealous Nyabadza to urgently convene a meeting to appraise me on what was causing the delays.
I attended the meeting on August 14 2020 in the company of MoHCC legal advisor Ms S Chikati. The adjudication process had already been completed on August 13 2020. I did not attend the meeting to review any tender processes as this had already been completed.
I informed the meeting that I wanted to get an update on the availability of the PCR Machine and PCR Test kits arising out of the bids. Mr Z Nyabadza explained that Young Health Care Limited had won the tender to supply some of the equipment.
In his lengthy statement denying all charges against him, Dr Mangwiro said Youth Health Care was engaged because there was an emergency:
It is not correct that the MoHCC gave numerous directives to Natpharm Management to make a direct procurement of supplies from Young Health Care Limited which resulted in the delay of the procurement. The correct position is that by the letter dated 15 July 2020, the acting Secretary for Health and Child Care (Dr Gibson Mhlanga) wrote to Natpharm requesting purchase of Covid-19 PCR test reagents on urgent basis from Young Health Care Limited.
The request was justified on two grounds. Firstly, the urgency was necessitated by a need to facilitate implementation of national testing strategy since the country was experiencing a sharp spike of Covid-19 cases and was unable to meet demand.Secondly, the Ministry wanted to mitigate the exorbitant freight charges by utilising the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care chartered plane. The plane was in China and coming back to Zimbabwe at no additional cost
I deny the allegation that I directed Natpharm to make a prepayment to Young Health Care Limited for the undelivered supplies contrary to the terms and conditions of the contract signed between Natpharm and Young Health Care Limited. The correct position is that Hon Prof Amon Murwira specifically stated that the payment should be for the items delivered, of which US$127 000 was to be paid out of the US$922 000 stipulated in the contract. The directive was given in the presence of the Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care, Mr Z Nyabadza and myself, and was done in the office of Hon Murwira.
Analysts have already urged President Mnangagwa to suspend Dr Mangwiro while ZACC is actively investigating his involvement in the scandal.-statemedia
Daring Thieves Raid Mat North Heroes Acre
By A Correspondent- Daring thieves reportedly stole the perimeter wire at Matabeleland North Provincial Heroes Acre in Lupane.
The development was confirmed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) director Dr Godfrey Mahachi who said:
I haven’t gotten a full report but I am disappointed that you get people with no respect like that. How can someone go to a provincial shrine and steal fence? This shouldn’t be happening at all.
We thought we had moved a step in the right direction only to get people who don’t understand the value of such monuments. We will have a team from Bulawayo museums to go and assess the situation
The province’s war veterans leadership Sonny Mguni said they will go to assess the damage at the Matabeleland North Provincial Heroes Acre:
We got a report from our people on the ground and we will be going there on Friday to assess the situation. That fence was donated by a businessman from Umguza to protect the shrine and we were excited by the development not knowing some people will steal it.
No arrest has been made as yet but we suspect people from nearby villages but we will wait for police to do their job hoping that the suspects will be nabbed soon.
We are told they cut the whole side and my fear is we will once again have a situation where cattle and goats damage the graves
The fence that was stolen by the thieves had been sourced from well-wishers in Umguza District who were concerned about the state of the shrine and donated the fencing material to secure the shrine.-statemedia
Armed Robbers Get Away With US$6 000 Cash And Gold Safe In Mine Raid
Police in Shurugwi are hunting four armed robbers who raided a mine on the outskirts of the town around midnight lastFriday and got away with US$6 000 cash and a safe, which was used to store gold.
The armed robbers allegedly subdued five security guards manning the mine after firing several shots into the air.
They then tied the guards and assaulted them using logs and iron bars before they took the money and the safe.
The police said some of the security guards were still admitted to hospital after sustaining injuries at the hands of the robbers, as they were demanding keys to the room where the gold was stored.
“The robbers appeared to have inside information because they knew the weight of the gold which had been processed at the mine on the fateful day, so they demanded the keys from the security guards who at first tried to resist,” said a police source close to the investigations.
“They were heavily beaten while tied with ropes until they pointed to where the keys to the storeroom were kept. The four suspects, who are all still at large, took a safe which had US$6 000 and went away.” The matter was then reported to police at Shurugwi Police Station.
Shurugwi Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Navison Munyonga confirmed the incident, but referred further questions to the Midlands Provincial spokesperson, Inspector Joel Goko, who could not be reached for a comment.
Meanwhile, a man from Gweru’s Matobo area is battling for life at Gweru Provincial Hospital after he was attacked by people with machetes at his mine on Saturday night, who got away with gold ore.
Mr Tension Chauruka (27) sustained multiple injuries after he refused to comply with the armed robber’s orders.
The incident occurred at Mr Chauruka’s Kunene Mining Syndicate on the outskirts of Gweru and the matter was reported at Gweru rural police station under RRB number 4412983.
Mr Chauruka said he sustained a broken right leg and some deep cuts on the back and head duringthe attack.
“I am still in the hospital and I just thank God that I am alive because their intention was to kill me,” he said. “I was rescued by some passers-by, but they took away my gold ore.”
“Covid-19 Is A Real Killer, Keep Safe,” Oskido Speaks Following His Father’s Death
OSKIDO’S father Esaph Mdlongwa (78) was buried in Bulawayo on Saturday with the renowned music producer and DJ describing Covid-19 as a real killer.
Oskido’s father died on Wednesday due to Covid-19 related complications at Mater Dei hospital in Bulawayo.
He was buried at Luveve Cemetery with only close friends and family attending in line with Covid-19 regulations.
Sharing a picture of the hearse that carried his father on his “last ride”, the South Africa-based Oskido thanked people for the support and love they showed his family.
He added a verse from the Holy book quoting Timothy 4:7.
“Let me draw strength from these wise words in the scripture — Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
According to Kalawa Jazmee spokesperson Scotch Mathenga, Oskido travelled to Bulawayo to pay his last respects to his father.
Immigration Proposes Two New Borders With South Africa To Ease Congestion At Beitbridge
The Department of Immigration has advised the Government to consider formalising two proposed borders with South Africa to relieve pressure on Beitbridge and curb irregular migration and smuggling along the border’s flanks.
Beitbridge is the only land border with South Africa and two more tourism borders have been proposed at Shashe (120km west of Beitbridge town) and at Tshituripasi some 125km east of the border town.
One house (for immigration officials) and a road have been constructed at Shashe, while a road has been constructed and land for housing has been cleared at Tshituripasi.
Shashe was created in 2007 to facilitate groups of tourists during the Wildrun and the Tour de Tuli that are held annually.
Tour de Tuli attracts 500 visitors, while Wildrun attracts 80, all from across the globe and the events are usually held three months apart.
Assistant Regional Immigration Officer-in-Charge of Beitbridge, Mr Nqobile Ncube, made the call during a recent visit by parliamentarians from the committee on Defence, Security and Home Affairs.
He said though the sites were identified a decade ago and initial bilateral engagements had been done, nothing much had happened on the ground.
Mr Ncube said the borders should be set up in the mould of Maitengwe, Mpoengs and Mlambapele, which Zimbabwe share with Botswana.
He said the creation of such ports that can be manned by a few officers will help to reduce smuggling and irregular migration (border jumping).
“We are concerned with cases of illegal crossing on the flanks of the legal border (Beitbridge),” said Mr Ncube. “Such a scenario is not good in terms of security and the country being able to collect revenue through imports/exports which are leaking via the many non-formal entry/exit points.”
Mr Ncube said in some instances, those living along the border areas did not see the need to travel for more than 100km or 200km to gain legal access to a place, which is just across the river.
He said such a reality could not be overlooked,hence the need to formalise the already existing points, which can open on specified times to cater for all those travelling on family or tourism-related business in those areas.
The two borders, he said, will help boost arrivals of tourists, with the Shashe point catering for people visiting the Greater Mapungubwe Trans-frontier conservation area which coversBotswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe (west of Beitbridge).
“The Tshituripasi border will take locals, traffic to other western parts of Zimbabwe and to the Greater Limpopo Trans-frontier Conservation Area, which involves Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe,” said Mr Ncube.
“We have had to use these borders during major annual tourism events, albeit on a temporary basis and that has been done successfully. We have seen it, we can manage. This will be a relief to Beitbridge, which clears half a million people every month.”
Zimbabwe Cricket Team Put Into Covid-19 Isolation In Pakistan
Paul Nyathi
Zimbabwe cricket team have arrived in Islamabad as of Tuesday morning to play ODI and T-20 series against Pakistan.
The team was immediately whisked away to undergo an isolation period for one week in which they will be allowed closed door practice at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
During their visit, Zimbabwe will play three one day and three T20 matches against Pakistan.
The series will start from 30th of this month.
Vic Falls Stock Exchange Opens On Friday, Will It Work?
THE Victoria Falls Stock Exchange Limited (VFEX) has been granted approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZ) to launch and commence trading of securities on the new stock market.
The official opening of VFEX is scheduled for Friday in Victoria Falls and will be operated by the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE).
Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, will be the guest of honour.
Trading, depository services, clearing and settlement on VFEX will commence on Monday.
Registered service providers on the exchange at the moment include 17 securities firms, 13 sponsors, seven asset managers and three transfer secretaries.
Zimbabwe will be aiming to attract global capital mostly from the mining sector when the VFEX comes into operation this week, Minister Ncube said last Friday.
VFEX will allow listed companies to raise and trade their stock in any convertible hard currency, limiting the exchange risk.
According to Minister Ncube there is a need for the creation of globally recognised stock exchanges in Africa, those that arise from environments that are devoid of any negative impact of exchange rate fluctuations.
The Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone has created an opportunity for the setting up of the VFEX as a first step towards establishment of an offshore global financial services centre in the resort town.
Mwonzora Says They Can Recall Job Sikhala Anytime
Correspondent
MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has said Job Sikhala’s continued presence in Parliament is not a sign the party leadership feared him.
He made the remarks while addressing journalists in Harare Monday.
Mwonzora was responding to a question on whether his party was being selective in recalling MDC Alliance MPs and councillors since there are some public officials still loyal to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa who are in office.
Sikhala, who is the Zengeza West MP and MDC Alliance vice-chairperson, is one of the officials who have remained loyal to Chamisa despite some threats by Mwonzora they risked recalls.
“We are not afraid of Mr Sikhala. He does not bite and he is a person who holds certain views, some very strongly and we do respect some of his views,” said Mwonzora.
“We do not know, he is yet to tell us the membership of his party, we have not seen the affidavit he signed renouncing the party (MDC-T).
“All members of our party who commit acts of misconduct will be dealt with in a fair manner, they will be afforded the right to be heard but if you leave the party for example by signing the affidavits which were drafted by the MDC Alliance lawyers, they would have expelled themselves.
“Those affidavits specifically stated that these people were no longer members of the MDC-T and if you specifically state that you are no longer a member of the MDC-T, you would have expelled yourself.”
Mwonzora has wielded his axe on over 20 MDC Alliance MPs and dozens of councillors he claims signed affidavits renouncing their membership to MDC-T in favour of the Chamisa-led faction.
The whole drama emanates from a March 2020 Supreme Court ruling that nullified Chamisa’s presidency and ordered an immediate return to party 2014 structures before an extraordinary congress meant to select late party leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s successor.
Mwonzora Holds A Massive Rally Full Of 15 People.
By Dorothy Moyo| Shiny back shoes, a grey suit, clean attire, women and men there, sat down listening and bang, there stands the man from the capital city, fully suited and booted – he wears spectacles, and confidently proceeds on, addressing his crowd.
Before his countenance it is a crowd, massive maybe, or perhaps more blastive? There are 8 women sat there, and the 9th, wears ZANU PF regalia. And then on his left side, is a group of men, identity not revealed. The crowd is large up to the number not exceeding 15, and they are all listening to the one important person, a leader who’s traveled from Harare.
A crestfallen Douglas Mwonzora left Masvingo Province in agony after addressing 15 people, including himself at a rally in Chivi Central Constitutiency at the weekend.
Mwonzora who was hoping to address hundreds of members of the MDC T 2014 structures was stunned when he found himself addressing a paltry gathering in Chivi.
Mwonzora also addressed a poorly attended meeting in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
The individuals who attended the meeting are not Congress delegates, it has emerged.
“Mr Mwonzora’ s bid to address hundreds of members of the MDC T 2014 structures hit a snag.
His meetings were poorly attended,” a source told ZimEye.com.
Thieves Take Away Perimeter Fencing At Heroes Acre
State Media
THE National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) has bemoaned vandalism at the Matabeleland North Provincial Heroes’ Acre in Lupane after some daring thieves allegedly cut the monument’s perimeter fence.
There have been concerns over the state of the provincial heroes’ acre with some people desecrating the monument.
Irked by the state of the shrine and goings on, war veterans in the province sought help and a well-wisher in Umguza District donated fencing material which was used to secure the shrine.
However, a few days ago some daring thieves allegedly cut an undisclosed length of barbed wire leaving the northern side of the shrine without security fence, sources told Chronicle.
NMMZ director Dr Godfrey Mahachi said investigations are underway.
“I haven’t gotten a full report but I am disappointed that you get people with no respect like that. How can someone go to a provincial shrine and steal fence? This shouldn’t be happening at all.
“We thought we had moved a step in the right direction only to get people who don’t understand the value of such monuments. We will have a team from Bulawayo museums to go and assess the situation,” said Dr Mahachi.
The provincial shrine is a gazetted national monument.
Matabeleland North war veterans’ chairperson Cde Sonny Mguni said they will visit the place on Friday to assess the situation.
“We got a report from our people on the ground and we will be going there on Friday to assess the situation. That fence was donated by a businessman from Umguza to protect the shrine and we were excited by the development not knowing some people will steal it.
“No arrest has been made as yet but we suspect people from nearby villages but we will wait for police to do their job hoping that the suspects will be nabbed soon. “We are told they cut the whole side and my fear is we will once again have a situation where cattle and goats damage the graves,” said Cde Mguni.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached on her mobile phone for comment.
MDC-T 2014 Structures Say Chamisa Chete Chete
MDC-T structures voted into office at the 2014 congress are reportedly backing the embattled Nelson Chamisa to take over the party’s leadership from Thokozani Khupe who was installed by the Supreme Court.
According to sources within the MDC-T, the elected party structures want an extra-ordinary congress to be held as quickly as possible to settle the leadership crisis.
“I can tell you that those who were in 2014 structures are not happy with Mwonzora and Khupe who seem to be worried about their personal benefits. As it stands, we are all convinced that only Chamisa can lead the MDC,” the sources said.
However, the party has since fired Chamisa on allegations that he had formed a separate entity called the MDC Alliance.
In March this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Chamisa was an illegitimate leader of the party as his ascendency to the throne was illegal following the demise of Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.
Sources said supporters were unhappy with how the party affairs were being run as the current secretary general, Mwonzora, and interim president, Khupe, were battling each other to control the structures.
“People were used by those who wanted to feed their families and they are forgetting that we are struggling for a better Zimbabwe,” the sources added.
“That one is a fly by night party that will not last for six months because the people are hungry for money and they can do anything. One important issue is that they seem to be used in the matrix for destroying the opposition.”
The party’s national chairman Morgan Komichi and national organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe have reportedly backed the move by the structures to have Chamisa lead the party.
Bhebhe, in a response to a court application by two members who are asking for information about the congress, has challenged Khupe to release details about the extra-ordinary congress as well as declaring the party’s financial status.
Komichi, who is another respondent in the application is yet to file his papers at the court.
He, however, declined to comment on the matter.
Party spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni said: “I will first look into that before I give a comment. What I am sure of is that everything is going well in the party and we are not looking back, we are going forward.”
– The Zimbabwe News Live
Zim Chevrons Arrive In Islamabad Today
Paul Nyathi
Zimbabwe cricketers are due to arrive in Islamabad today (Tuesday) to play two limited overs series against Pakistan.
Zimbabwe team left on Monday morning from their home country with a traveling squad of 20 players. The side has been in a secure bio-bubble camp for the past week for the final part of their preparations to minimize the risks of contracting Coronavirus ahead of the trip. They are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Tuesday and continue with their practice in isolation.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Managing Director Givemore Makoni arrived in Pakistan on Monday morning. They were received at the Islamabad International Airport by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director International Zakir Khan.
Zimbabwe itinerary: October 20: Zimbabwe arrival in Islamabad; Oct 21-27: Isolation period & practice; Oct 28-29: Practice at Pindi Cricket Stadium; Oct 30: 1st ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium; November 1: 2nd ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Nov 3: 3rd ODI Pindi Cricket Stadium; Nov 4: Travel to Lahore; Nov 5-6: Practice at Gaddafi Stadium; Nov 7: 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium; Nov 8: 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium; Nov 10: 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium; Nov 12: Zimbabwe cricket team’s departure for Harare.
ED On Growing Economy
Growing investment in the private sector must lead economic growth and boost exports with Government prepared to make informed decisions and robust polices that address challenges faced by industry, Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Backing his words, Mnangagwa yesterday toured two manufacturing companies, Twine and Cordage (Private) Limited in Southerton, Harare, and Saint Gobain Construction Products Zimbabwe in Msasa where German and French investors are tied into Zimbabwean industries, boosting manufacturing capacity and quality, and thus able to push exports into Africa and beyond.
Consequently, this fulfils both their own company visions and Government policy as Zimbabwe upgrades its manufacturing base.
Mnangagwa noted the rising foreign investment in the two companies as a sign of growing confidence in Zimbabwe and national policies.
Saint Gobain manufactures lightweight building materials and rhino board for lining applications and tile adhesive, among other products. The Zimbabwean operations were founded in 1959 as Gypsum Industries.
Twine and Cordage is a diversified company that produces value added cotton yarns, cords and synthetic polymer products, tobacco twines (used for hanging tobacco during curing), and fishing nets, among others.
Speaking after the tour at Twine and Cordage, Mnangagwa said his administration remained committed to facilitating increased production, productivity and profitability of entities across all sectors of the economy.
“We equally envision more Zimbabwean companies creating top-notch goods and services that can successfully penetrate international markets and associated value chains,” he said.
The company exports to South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada, among others.
Mnangagwa said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides an opportunity for local companies to penetrate continental markets and challenged Twine and Cordage to increase its products range and take advantage of the treaty.
Measures adopted under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and the foreign currency auctions had brought macro-economic and price stability and improved availability of locally produced goods.
Mnangagwa said Government was already crafting the National Development Strategy-1, a successor programme to the TSP that will run from 2021 to 2025 and will consolidate the gains.
In light of the World Trade Organisation rules, ways are being pursued to promote industrial growth through the local content policy. This will consolidate the benefits associated with backward and forward integration by encouraging the use of locally available raw materials. Under the Second Republic, we will not perpetuate the culture of sundry importation of products which can be produced locally,” he said.
Government, said Mnangagwa, would continue supporting cotton production through the Presidential Input Support Scheme while the Cotton-to-Clothing Strategy, which is part of the Zimbabwe National Development Policy, would be speeded up.
“I am informed that this company (Twine and Cordage) is a beneficiary of Government’s import substitution policy. Your availability, growth and profitability will undoubtedly contribute to lifting the standards of living of our populace and the achievement of development which leaves no one behind,” said Mnangagwa.
The company’s sales director Mr Salie Khan thanked the Government for the policies implemented to support industry and called for more incentives that include subsidised fuel for exporters, reliable supply of electricity and increased access to foreign currency.
At Saint Gobain, Mnangagwa said the construction industry and the built environment was an important indicator of the levels of investment and economic activity within any country.
“It is most commendable that Saint Gobain Construction Products Zimbabwe has consistently invested in Zimbabwe. Its growth target and resultant continuous expansion attests to the confidence that the company has in the development potential of Zimbabwe.
“The company expanded its product range as well as the use of latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment. This has resulted in increased production and productivity capacities of the entity thereby contributing towards the modernisation and industrialisation of our economy with regards to competitiveness of our construction industry and related value chain industries.
“My administration has put in place plans to grow exports by US$7 billion by the year 2023,” he said.
Mnangagwa said he was confident that the National Trade Policy, aimed at growing exports to US$7 billion 2023, would be a reality.
He urged other companies to emulate Saint Gobain’s work with international investment partners to access foreign capital, appropriate technology and skills.
Mnangagwa applauded the company for its efforts in empowering youths through skills transfer, especially at Danhiko Secondary School, Msasa Vocational Training and Kushinga Pikelela, among others.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said Saint Gobain had shown a commitment towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and was positively contributing to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda.
Saint Gobain chief executive Mr Jean Claude Lasserre, said they were committed to continue investing in Zimbabwe, producing for the local and export markets. -Herald
Family Members Of 5 Miners Trapped Underground Since Sept 8 Remain Camped At Site Besides Call Off Of Rescue Operation, Believe They Are Still Alive.
State Media
Families of five Task Mining Syndicate workers trapped underground after a mine shaft collapse on September 8 are still camped at the mine despite the Government’s directive two weeks ago to suspend efforts to recover the bodies after it became clear that the five could not have survived four weeks without food and water.
The risk of death or injury to those battling to clear the shaft, with further collapse likely, was considered by technical experts not worth the result with the recommendation that the shaft be sealed as a grave-site.
TheGovernment decided to halt rescue efforts on October 2, citing safety concerns but the families are refusing to give up hope of recovering the bodies.
A recommendation letter by Chegutu district’s Civil Protection Unit to abandon the search is still to be discussed by Cabinet but once it endorsed, all access into the shaft will be sealed off, making the site a formal grave for Constantino Dzinoreva (47), Charles Mutume (31), Crynos Nyamukanga (44) Shingai Gwatidzo (20) and Munashe Christian (17).
The time the families have spent at the site tells a story of determination and hope of meeting their loved ones once again.
Caught in-between culture and reality, the CPU chose the latter while the relatives, artisanal miners and Task Mine Syndicate management still believe the five can be rescued or least the bodies retrieved and be given a proper burial.
Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Marian Chombo and CPU national director Mr Nathan Nkomo, have said Cabinet would either confirm the abandonment of the search or allow it to resume.
“The role of the Civil Protection Unit, through its decentralised structures, is to coordinate operations while technical expertise comes from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. To date, from the reports they have sent to us, they have indicated that we need to abandon the rescue efforts due to the continuous collapse of the shaft.
“However, the chairman of the committee is to report to Cabinet on the technical advice given by the sub-national structures. In this case, Cabinet will make the final decision,” said Deputy Minister Chombo.
Despite the Government’s observations and recommendations, the distressed families say the rescuers who were carrying out the operation with inspection from the Ministry of Mines officials, did not have any safety concerns.
Rescue teams, mainly comprising fellow artisanal miners, have also stayed at the site in solidarity with relatives of their trapped colleagues, anticipating permission to resume search efforts.
Despite the harsh living conditions and food shortages, hopes of a breakthrough remain ingrained in them.
Following the wet spell being experienced across the country, the mine management has turned one of its offices into a temporary sleeping shelter for female relatives.
One of the relatives, Mr Cypren Dzinoreva said: “We will continue to stay here until we know what happened. We feel let down by the CPU which failed even to help finance the rescuers who have conducted the operation.”
“We know the Government has ordered the stop to rescue efforts and criminalised any further attempts but, shouldn’t the rescuers be the ones to give up?” asked Mr Admire Gwatidzo, father to 20-year-old Form Four student, Shingai Gwatidzo, who is among those trapped underground.
Mr Cypren Dzinoreva, a brother to Constantino Dzinoreva added: “Contrary to the reports given by the Ministry of Mines, the rescuers have continued to say that they are capable of reaching our loved ones. They continue to be optimistic and had there been any safety worries, the teams themselves would have called for the abandonment of the rescue efforts.”
Mr Rogers Nyamukanga said they had engaged spirit mediums who assured them their relatives would be found.
One of the rescuers, Mr Fungai Jambwa, said they were still willing to continue with the rescue efforts and implored Government to give them permission.
“We had started discovering some of the items and tools that were used by the five workers and the decision to halt efforts greatly affected us. We had taken close to a month to clear the rubble as we carefully timbered and lashed,” he said.
“Therefore Go Yea,” Mnangagwa Sends Out “Incompetent” Johannes Tomana And Retired Charity Charamba To Build Relations For Him
Source State Media
Three ambassadors-designate — Charity Charamba, Johannes Tomana and Nancy Saungweme — yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House where they were briefed on their duties and his expectations, chief among them the strengthening of bilateral and trade relations.
Since the start of the Second Republic, ambassadors have been challenged to pursue economic diplomacy as a priority, in line with the policy that “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”.
Ambassador Charamba is going to Zambia, Ambassador Tomana has been deployed to the DR Congo and Ambassador Saungweme is headed for Malawi.
The ambassadors pledged to work hard in improving trade relations between Zimbabwe and their destination countries and also work towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
In an interview after meeting President Mnangagwa, Ambassador Tomana said the ambassadors had to focus on promoting the national vision.
“The President intends that this country attains an upper middle class economy by 2030. This will not happen if a lot of work is not done; in particular, it will not happen if new markets are not opened for our industry, for our export industry, and if foreign direct investment does not come in the country, which will assist in the growth that is necessary for the vision to be achieved.
“We have a specific mandate beyond diplomacy, which is to create markets for our industry and to be able to attract foreign direct investment to come and join hands with our efforts here. It’s a good mandate for Zimbabwe and we pray that we give it our best and achieve that for our country,” he said.
Tomana was fired from his last office in goverment as Prosecutor General by former President Robert Mugabe for misconduct and gross incompetence after a tribunal to probe him recommended dismissal.
Ambassador Charamba who was put on forced retirement from police service in January 2018 under unclear conditions said she had been asked to strengthen bilateral and trade relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The two countries have a strong relationship which dates back to the days of the liberation struggle.
“Zambia is important to Zimbabwe in that most of our comrades perished in Zambia during the liberation struggle. His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) was also in Zambia for a long time during the liberation struggle and he knows Zambia.
“I am going to look at ways of strengthening the already existing trade relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe. We have common boundaries, share Kariba and Victoria Falls, and we have a lot in common even in terms of language.
“We are going to be looking at ways of enhancing trade relations and also looking at agriculture. At the moment Zambia has had a surplus in maize and as their neighbours we also have some needs, so these are some of the areas that we are going to look into and strengthen the bond that already exists,” she said.
Ambassador Charamba said there were shrines of fallen Zimbabwean heroes in Zambia and President Mnangagwa had pointed out that they should be looked after.
On her part, Ambassador Saungweme said she was given a mandate to strengthen the relationship between Zimbabwe and Malawi and to ensure we improve on trade between the two countries.
“The President is expecting that we bring together the people of Malawi and the people of Zimbabwe. We have many people from Malawi in Zimbabwe and there are Zimbabweans also in Malawi. We should have bilateral relations that benefit both parties.
“I am going to work towards attracting investment and ensure Zimbabweans can also invest in Malawi,” she said.
Deputy Health Minister Confirms Holding Night Meeting With NATPHARM Staff, Claims Chiwenga Directed For The Meeting
State Media
HEALTH and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro has denied interfering in the bidding process for the supply of Covid-19 related materials by Young Health Care to the National Pharmaceutical Company (Natpharm) saying he only convened a meeting at night in August this year to establish what was causing delays at a time when infections were surging.
In a statement released yesterday, Dr Mangwiro described allegations that he abused office in the awarding of a contract to Young Health Care Limited for the procurement of Covid-19 supplies as malicious, mischievous and calculated to cause alarm, despondency and sensationalise the public.
“It is not correct that I interfered with the bidding process. On August 14 2020 at around 2100 hours I received a phone call from the Hon Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care. He wanted me to get an update on what was causing the delays to the procurement of the Covid-19 requirements.
“I could not sleep over an emergency and as such I called (acting Natpharm managing director) Mr Zealous Nyabadza to urgently convene a meeting to appraise me on what was causing the delays. I attended the meeting on August 14 2020 in the company of MoHCC legal advisor Ms S Chikati. The adjudication process had already been completed on August 13 2020. I did not attend the meeting to review any tender processes as this had already been completed.
“I informed the meeting that I wanted to get an update on the availability of the PCR Machine and PCR Test kits arising out of the bids. Mr Z Nyabadza explained that Young Health Care Limited had won the tender to supply some of the equipment,” said Dr Mangwiro.
The Deputy Minister’s statement comes as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is investigating claims by a whistle-blower that he had personal interest in the awarding of a tender to Young Health Care and tried to arm-twist workers at Natpharm to award the tender without following due process.
Dr Mangwiro said his ministry did not give orders to Natpharm in the procurement processes, and that their intervention was to push for the expeditious delivery of the equipment since it was a health emergency.
“It is not correct that the MoHCC gave numerous directives to Natpharm Management to make a direct procurement of supplies from Young Health Care Limited which resulted in the delay of the procurement. The correct position is that by the letter dated 15 July 2020, the acting Secretary for Health and Child Care (Dr Gibson Mhlanga) wrote to Natpharm requesting purchase of Covid-19 PCR test reagents on urgent basis from Young Health Care Limited.
“The request was justified on two grounds. Firstly, the urgency was necessitated by a need to facilitate implementation of national testing strategy since the country was experiencing a sharp spike of Covid-19 cases and was unable to meet demand.Secondly, the Ministry wanted to mitigate the exorbitant freight charges by utilising the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care chartered plane. The plane was in China and coming back to Zimbabwe at no additional cost.”
Citing Section 33(1) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA), Dr Mangwiro said the law does not prohibit a procuring entity to conduct direct procurement in cases of extreme urgency and those unforeseen by the procuring entity or where procurement requirement cannot be obtained in time in accordance to competitive bidding.
“I deny the allegation that I delayed the procurement.
“I wish to state that the delay was attributed to the conduct of the acting managing director for Natpharm Mr Nyabadza. By letter dated 21st July 2020 Mr Nyabadza clandestinely wrote to PRAZ (Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) requesting that the tender be treated as a competitive international tender instead of a direct procurement
“Mr. Nyabadza did not communicate with the Permanent Secretary that Natpharm had opted to procure the equipment using a competitive procurement method instead of conducting a direct procurement method.
“The thinking of the Ministry was that Natpharm would apply for the authorisation from PRAZ for a direct procurement as requested by the Ministry, in line with Section 15(1) of the PPDPA Act. This is because from prior communication with Mr Nyabadza, he did not object to the Ministry’s request for a direct procurement from Young Health Care Limited,” he said.
On allegations that he usurped powers of the then Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry Dr Mhlanga, the Deputy Minister said he only got involved because the accounting officer was not available during the emergency.
“The Permanent Secretary should have accompanied me to the meeting but he was engaged on other assignments. The Permanent Secretary was fully aware of the intended meeting since I had briefed him.”
Dr Mangwiro denied allegations that he ordered a prepayment to Young Health company saying it was the vice chairman of the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19, Professor Amon Murwira when he was acting Health Minister, who directed the payment of delivered items.
“I deny the allegation that I directed Natpharm to make a prepayment to Young Health Care Limited for the undelivered supplies contrary to the terms and conditions of the contract signed between Natpharm and Young Health Care Limited. The correct position is that Hon Prof Amon Murwira specifically stated that the payment should be for the items delivered, of which US$127 000 was to be paid out of the US$922 000 stipulated in the contract. The directive was given in the presence of the Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care, Mr Z Nyabadza and myself, and was done in the office of Hon Murwira.”
Madzibaba Donates Cars To Highlanders
HIGHLANDERS will take delivery of the first of the three cars promised by a local clergy to help the club tie down their captains in three weeks time.
Speaking at the sidelines of a three-day church conference that ended on Sunday at Bulawayo’s Johane Masowe Chishanhu Selbourne Park, the sect leader Madzibaba Manuel Mutumwa said he has ordered from a local dealer.
Mutumwa, who last week pledged two cars for use by Highlanders’ captains, while serving the club, added another vehicle for the vice-captain.
Bosso are captained by goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, who is deputised by defender Peter Muduhwa and Nqobizitha Masuku.
After hearing reports that Highlanders have started negotiating with key players for contract extensions, Mutumwa decided to “spice up” the talks by offering cars to the club.
Mutumwa of the Johane Chishanu Selbourne Park is a die-hard Highlanders’ supporter and he believes the club’s followers play “a big role” in keeping Bosso afloat, hence the need to assist office bearers in achieving their goals.
“I’m happy to see Highlanders players, coach and chief executive here at church as well as other sports personalities coming to get blessings. At first I had said I’ll get two cars for the club, but I learnt that there are three captains so each of them deserves a car.
When the Lord blesses me and the church, I see no reason why I shouldn’t bless the team that I love most by giving them cars.
I’ve ordered the cars from a local dealer who said he has a shipment coming from Japan which should be arriving in three weeks time,” said Mutumwa.-Chronicle
Man “Kills” Grandfather, Steals Groceries
A TSHOLOTSHO man who fatally head-butted his grandfather, who was also a village head, before stealing some groceries from him has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for culpable homicide.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda who was on circuit in Hwange last week found Thembinkosi Sibanda (33) not guilty of murder but guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
In his defence, Sibanda, who was represented by Ms Charity Manyeza of Ndove and Associates, said he had no intention to kill his grandfather, Fundani Ncube, who was 59.
Sibanda said he met and fought a stranger in darkness and only later realised that it was his grandfather.
He said he then took his groceries home for safekeeping because the deceased was drunk.
The two resided at separate homesteads in Sifungo Line, Mahlathini area in Tsholotsho and were both drunk on the fateful day after spending the day drinking beer together with other patrons at Bubude Business Centre.
Sibanda will serve an effective eight years after the judge suspended two years on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecuting, Mrs Martha Cheda said Sibanda followed his grandfather and attacked him.
“On the 26th of June 2019 the deceased was at Bubude Business Centre where he bought some groceries and thereafter went to a nearby bar to drink beer with the accused and two others. The deceased left the business centre at 10pm going home and was carrying his groceries.
“The accused followed the deceased and head butted him twice on the head below the left ear. The deceased fell to the ground and bled from nose and mouth. The accused took the deceased’s groceries and left the scene,” said Mrs Cheda.
Some villagers found the deceased’s lifeless body the following morning and at the crime scene was an okapi knife which Sibanda had dropped during the attack.
The villagers rushed the lifeless body to Bubude Clinic where Ncube was confirmed dead.
Villagers tracked foot prints from the crime scene to Sibanda’s homestead where the deceased’s groceries were recovered.
Sibanda was arrested and clothes he had been wearing the previous night were found with blood stains.-Chronicle
Form Four Pupils Suspended Over ‘Group S*x’
ABOUT 20 Form Four pupils at Loreto High School have been suspended for allegedly engaging in group sexual activities in July.
One of them has reportedly gone on a hunger strike in protest against her expulsion from the school located in Silobela, Midlands Province. The pupils were at school to sit for their June-July Ordinary Level examinations.
It is said the pupils, both male and female, were caught pants down in the girls’ dormitories in July with the reported suspension coming now, a development that has drawn the ire of parents who are questioning the motive to punish the pupils ahead of their final examinations.
Midlands Provincial Education Director Mr Jameson Machimbira confirmed the incident on Friday.
He however, said he was still waiting for finer details from a team which went to the school on Friday to investigate the matter.
“Yes, we received information that some pupils both male and female from Loreto High School had been suspended following reports that they were caught engaging in unconfirmed sexual activities. I received phone calls from some affected parents who wanted the Ministry (Primary and Secondary Education) to intervene citing the timing of the suspensions. So, we sent a team to investigate the matter on Friday and they are still to give me a report. So, I am waiting for the report,” said Mr Machimbira.-Soccer 24
Form Four Pupil Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A FORM Four pupil at a Bulawayo school tested positive for Covid-19 resulting in her contacts who include her classmates, being forced to self-isolate at home.
The pupil is part of the exam classes pupils that resumed lessons on September 28 to prepare for Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations which are set to start on December 1.
The girl’s Covid-19 positive results were confirmed last Tuesday and school authorities immediately followed laid down measures meant to curb the spread of the pandemic.
The measures are part of the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry’s Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) guiding schools for safe reopening under the Covid-19 environment.
Officials at the school confirmed the case, highlighting that it could have emanated from the community.
The authorities said all health guidelines were followed and the pupil is recovering from home.
“We are pleased to note that the pupil is at home and doing fine. She was tested at one of the public hospitals in Bulawayo and was advised to isolate.
Staff members and other learners who were in contact with the learner were tested and so far, we have not encountered any further Covid-19 related challenges at the school. The school continues to observe Covid-19 prevention guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” said the official.
Bulawayo acting provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo said health officials were working with the school to ensure the situation is properly managed.-Chronicle
COVID-19 Death Toll Rises To 232
Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Coronavirus update -19 October 2020:
New cases: 12
Locals: 12
Returnees: 0
Deaths: 1
Recoveries: 5
PCR Tests Done: 564
National Recovery Rate: 94%
Active Cases: 244
Total Cumulative Cases: 8159
Total Recoveries: 7683
Total Deaths: 232
Stop Lying To The Nation, MDC Alliance Challenges Mohadi
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has dismissed utterances made by Mr Kembo Mohadi on what the latter described as the new dispensation’s remarkable achievements.
Mr Mohadi boasted of what he described as significant achievements of the new dispensation.
Chuma has challenged Mr Mohadi’s assertion, pointing out that Mr Mnangagwa’s deputy is a “pathological liar.”
Read full statement below :
19-10-2020
Kembo Mohadi’s ridiculous assertion that country’s fortunes have become better under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime clearly exposes high levels of insincerity and pathological lies of this so called ‘new dispensation’.
Certainly Mohadi cannot hide under the piecemeal and snail paced roadworks where nothing significant is happening except overhaul of the remaining tarred strip albeit without replacing it.
Mohadi suddenly forgets that from 1980 he was part of the old establishment that ruined the once breadbasket of Africa.
Maybe because of old age, the usually bedridden Mohadi is now suffering from serious Alzheimer’s dementia.
Is it not a public secret that life for the ordinary has gone from bad to worse under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s short reign?
From the education sector to health sector, there is crises everywhere and one wonders what positive rides does Kembo Mohadi refer to.
It is time ZANU PF leaders know that lies, delusions and insincerity can never solve the economic question.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
The Future Is Bright -President Chamisa
Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has described New Zealand Prime Minister’s victory as a sign of hope for the future.
See below President Chamisa’s congratulatory message to New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden.
So humbling and refreshing to see how others in the world run clean, free and fair elections.
Huge Congrats to the young leader Jacinda Ardern and the Labour Party on their landslide victory and re-election as Prime Minister of New Zealand.
PM Jacinda Ardern’s re-election shows she genuinely worked for the people in her last term.
We, in the whole world acknowledge the exemplary manner in which the young PM had shown exceptional leadership and in particular, how she handled Covid-19.
The composition of her Parliament, which includes our own from Africa, clearly shows her inclusive leadership.
We look forward to continued engagement based on our shared hope and vision for a just, happier and prosperous world. The future is young!
Mwonzora Addresses Self And 14 People In Chivi
Farai Dziva| A crestfallen Douglas Mwonzora left Masvingo Province in agony after addressing 15 people, including himself at a rally in Chivi Central Constitutiency at the weekend.
Mwonzora who was hoping to address hundreds of members of the MDC T 2014 structures was stunned when he found himself addressing a paltry gathering in Chivi.
Mwonzora also addressed a poorly attended meeting in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
The individuals who attended the meeting are not Congress delegates, it has emerged.
“Mr Mwonzora’ s bid to address hundreds of members of the MDC T 2014 structures hit a snag.
His meetings were poorly attended,” a source told ZimEye.com.
Man Poses As Tenant’s Next Of Kin After Beating Him To Death
A man from Bulawayo allegedly severely assaulted his co-tenant until he fainted, rushed him to hospital where he pretended to be his next of kin and disappeared when doctors called and informed him that the victim had died.
Unit Dube (32) allegedly attacked Tererai Chigwedere (40) in Embundane suburb in Umguza on the outskirts of Bulawayo following a brawl over an undisclosed matter. The incident occurred last Thursday and Chigwedere died the following day at Mpilo Central Hospital.
Dube informed one of their neighbours Ms Anna Nkomo about the incident shortly after the attack. Ms Nkomo is said to have informed the duo’s landlord who rushed to the scene and assisted in ferrying Chigwedere to Mpilo Central Hospital in his car.
Sources said at the hospital Dube posed as Chigwedere’s next of kin and when he died authorities phoned him leading to his disappearance.
Acting Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the murder. She said investigations on the matter were underway.
“We are investigating a murder case which occurred in Mbundane suburb. A man was assaulted last Thursday and he died the following day at Mpilo Central Hospital. The accused who is now on the run is said to have struck his 40-year-old co-tenant with an unknown object and the victim was later rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital while unconscious. After the attack, the accused reported the incident to one of their neighbours, Anna Nkomo who upon arriving at their house found the victim sitting in his room with several cuts on his head and face,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said Ms Nkomo alerted the house owner who resides in Gwanda but had visited his relatives in Bulawayo’s Emganwini suburb. Asst Insp Msebele said the landlord drove Chigwedere to hospital where he later died.
She said police started to search for Dube so that he could account for Chigwedere’s death.
“The suspect is on the run and police have launched a manhunt. We are therefore appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact any nearest police station,” she said.
“As police we would like to urge members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when trying to resolve disputes. -Chronicle
Hundreds Attend MDC Alliance Youth Rally
