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Mwonzora affiliated youths have tried to repossess Harvest House from the MDC T 2014 Youth wing leaders. Their efforts have failed as they have been repealed just now. Click on https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW for the full text of this story and more #Zimbabwe #MDC #MDCAlliance21yrs pic.twitter.com/RGcVKaCWEw

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 29, 2020

BREAKING: MWONZORA https://t.co/wcmidMKNvQ

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 29, 2020

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top ally and Gokwe Nembudziya legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena has resigned from his position as Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Youth League Secretary for Administration saying he is now past 35 years hence not a youth any longer.

Posting on Twitter as breaking news, Wadyajena said his resignation is with immediate effect.

“Effective immediately, I resign from my position as Secretary for Administration, ZANU-PF Youth League, Midlands Province. I’ll certainly miss my Comrades there but there’s always a time to say goodbye and this is it! Being over 35, I’m not a youth any longer,” said Wadyajena.

Wadyajena has never shied from publicly associating with Mnangagwa even before the 2017 military coup as he often mocked former first lady Grace Mugabe during rallies in Gokwe.

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Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.

The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.

As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.

Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other.

The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.

The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression.

As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.

No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors.

At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.

There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited.

There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table. There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the Y principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections.

Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections. Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.

We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups.

These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.

While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.

They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.

We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers. Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.

Correspondent

Government is setting up measures to tighten the rules on how a certificate which doctors need in order to get work abroad is issued as medical professionals flee the country’s collapsing economy.

The so-called “Certificate of Good Standing” issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe may now need prior approval by the state, the Zimbabwe Senior Hospital Doctors Association said.

Professional bodies rely on the document as proof of clearance that doctors seeking work and study placement in a foreign country, among other things, have no outstanding disciplinary issues regarding patient care.

“The CGS is never issued by a government anywhere in the world,” the doctors association said in a Twitter posting.

Zimbabwe’s two-decade economic collapse is touching new lows with inflation at more than 750% and the country’s currency collapsing. Shortages of food and fuel are common and a quarter of the population, including many of the country’s doctors and teachers, have left to seek work in South Africa, the U.K. and other countries.

“This has a bearing, as the government determines who goes out of the country,” Aaron Musara, the secretary-general of the doctors association, said in an interview on Monday.

“The government is trying to retain staff at a time when they are failing to keep them” happy in their work,” he said.

Jasper Chimedza, Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary for health, didn’t respond to calls seeking comment.

The southern African nation’s health sector has not been spared from the wider economic meltdown. It’s frequently been hard-hit by strikes lasting several months over low wages and shortages at public hospitals of everything from medicines to personal protective equipment needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Doctors earn salaries starting at Z$9,000 ($110) per month. The council, which has 3,371 registered doctors in the country, didn’t immediately respond to emailed queries.

Government has ruled out the holding of by elections this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

This comes as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has set December 5 as a possible date for local authorities and national assembly by elections.

Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said it’s not possible to have by elections this year. He said he did not know where ZEC got the December 5 dates from because the President is the one who proclaims the dates.

However, speaking at a meeting organised by the Election Resource Centre recently, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said that the nomination court is set for October 23.

State Media

THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday held interviews to select five judges for the Constitutional Court (Concourt) bench in compliance with the 2013 Constitution, which requires the separation of judicial personnel manning the apex court and the Supreme Court.

Eight candidates participated in the interviews held at a city hotel and was streamed live on ZBC TV to fill the five posts.

Although there were 12 candidates shortlisted, four of them could not take part because they either withdrew or did not confirm their attendance, while one who is said to be abroad could not travel for the interviews due to Covid-19.

Of the eight candidates who took part in the interviews, five are currently acting judges of the Constitutional Court, one Supreme Court judge, one High Court judge and a lawyer from police legal department.

Supreme Court judge, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu was the first to face the interviewing panel led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.

The judge gave a good account of himself when answering all the first four sets of questions to test the judges understanding of the Constitution and the apex court functions.

However, the judge could not explain why he had several judgments and cases uncompleted when he was still a High Court judge.

One of the cases is a murder trial, which had been outstanding for 15 years after being postponed indefinitely.

His explanation was that the accused person died in prison and had postponed the case to allow the State to file death certificate, which has not been done to date.

The Chief Justice sought to know why Justice Bhunu could not manage the case since it was before him and ensure that it had been disposed of.

“That case is not an outstanding case. The accused could have died in prison,” he said.

But the Chief Justice responded by saying that the death of an accused in prison did not mean the death of the case.

He said a judge cannot place his responsibility on other players in the justice delivery system.

Second to be interviewed was Justice Paddington Garwe.

The judge who had garnered enough layers of experience as a career judicial officer having risen through the ranks from the magistrates’ court, High Court, Supreme Court and now acting judge of the Constitution Court said he did not anticipate any challenges in the execution of his duties if he were to become a Concourt judge. He boasted a clean record.

Justice Ben Hlatshwayo acquitted himself well. However, just like Justice Bhunu, the judge also had several outstanding cases which he tried to explain the reasons for the delay.

He said in some of the cases there were no issues between the parties involved.

He also cited other reasons that prevented him from disposing of the matter. He was able to articulate the question on judicial accountability.

The judge also said he has acquired vast experience on Constitutional matters given the fact that he was a consultant during the COPAC, which gave birth to the new Constitution.

He also participated in the 1999 constitution making process which resulted in the rejection of the draft document the following year. This, he said was an advantage to him if he is appointed to the Constitutional Court bench.

Justice Rita Makarau faired well as she managed to answer all the questions without much strain.

Justice Anne-Mary Gowora, Mr Smart Mirirai, Justice Bharat Patel and Justice Happias Zhou were also interviewed yesterday.

The interviewing panel included Chief Justice Malaba, Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Judge President George Chiweshe and Attorney-General Advocate Prince Machaya, among others.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution.

Of the 12 shortlisted candidates, Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and was unable to attend the interview while Justice Charles Hungwe voluntarily pulled out of the race.

Justice Bartlet did not confirm his attendance.

Zimlive

Cracks started appearing in the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T on Monday after police ended their siege, at least temporarily, on the opposition party’s disputed headquarters in Harare.

MDC-T organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe said demands made by youths from the MDC-T and MDC Alliance after they seized the building on Sunday night were “not unreasonable.”

About 60 youths from the two feuding parties issued a joint statement on Monday demanding unity among leaders and an end to unilateral actions, hours after they barricaded themselves inside Harvest House.

Armed police started massing outside the building at 3AM on Monday, and tried to negotiate with the youths to come out without success. Police were eventually withdrawn at dusk.

At least nine MDC Alliance youths were arrested outside the building.

MDC-T chairman Morgen Komichi was the only senior official from either party allowed into the building where he held talks with the youths and then left.

The party’s secretary general Douglas Mwonzora arrived moments later but was denied entry. He claimed the building had been taken over by the MDC Alliance on the orders of its leader Nelson Chamisa, telling reporters: “We are going to take our property back, and we are going to take it today. It’s a question of time.”

Mwonzora claimed MDC Alliance youths “overpowered” their security guards and were holding 12 people hostage, which the youths denied.

The MDC-T seized the building from the MDC Alliance in June with the help of the police and army after a controversial Supreme Court ruling in March. The court said the MDC-T should return to its 2014 structures when it last held a congress, which would make Khupe the leader.

Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s youth chairman for Harare province, showed police and reporters a letter signed by Mwonzora giving him authority of securing the building. Mwonzora claimed the letter had expired.

He said he had assembled youths from the 2014 structures – from the MDC-T and MDC Alliance – who were now in charge of the building.

Gorekore spoke to reporters from behind burglar bars which had been fortified with chains and new locks. Some MDC-T activists tried to drown him out, accusing him of “selling out the struggle”.

“We, the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change in Harare province united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution. As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ,” Gorekore said.

He said they had “noted the attempt to surrender the democratic project into the hands of the enemy”, adding that the MDC-T “has been infiltrated by sell-outs with an agenda to derail our freedom.”

“This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives. Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not sat since the Supreme Court judgment,” Gorekore added.

Long day … Police officers resting under a truck on Monday during Harvest House siege
MDC-T organising secretary Bhebhe, in a statement, sided with the rebellious youths as he accused his colleagues of making decisions unilaterally.

“We note the position taken by the Harare province youth of the MDC-T in its collective sense. We also note their concerns, in particular the interest that Zanu PF has shown with the intention of dividing and derailing the movement,” Bhebhe said.

“In particular, they have expressed concern about what appears as unilateral conduct and decision making of some senior leaders without involving the organs of the party such as the National Executive Committee and to some extent the National Council. Such decisions involve the recalls (of MDC Alliance councillors and MPs) without the authority of the National Executive Committee as well as the preparation of the EOC without reporting to the National Executive Committee as per the party constitution.”

Bhebhe said the calls by the youths for a united party and a meeting of the NEC which has not met since the March 31 court judgment “are not unreasonable demands.”

“I would like to call upon the acting president Thokozani Khupe, the acting chairman and secretary general to take necessary steps to convene the 2014 National Executive Committee and National Council as composed in the 2014 Congress,” Bhebhe said.

Bhebhe said the MDC-T’s youths from Harare province were “conducting our party business peacefully and are protected by the party constitution.”

Media Statement

The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) joins the world in commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) which is annually celebrated on the 28th of September.

This year, the IDUAI comes at a time when the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), has commenced the commendable process of licensing community radio stations.

Additionally, starting on the 12th of October 2020 until the 21st of October 2020, BAZ will be holding public inquiries for free to air national commercial television broadcasting service license applications.

These two developments come against the background of the Zimbabwean Government also continuing with the process of establishing Information centers in remote areas to allow citizens access to the internet, albeit with challenges related to electricity and internet access.

The introduction of new players in the broadcasting scene will go a long way in promoting access to information by Zimbabweans including marginalised and underrepresented communities.

ZACRAS therefore commends the visible efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe to introduce new players in the broadcasting sector.

While we commend Government for the work that it is doing, we continue to call upon Government, through BAZ, to ensure that the licensing process for community radios and national commercial television stations is non-partisan, fair and seeks to diversify and pluralize the broadcasting sector in its entirety including content focus and ownership structure.

As the community radio licensing process is underway, ZACRAS is concerned by reports coming from some of prospective licensees relating to interference bordering on harassment from selected individuals domiciled within their communities.

Where possible, ZACRAS has engaged the Ministry of Information Officials so as to alert them about these developments.

In light of changes in technology coupled with the establishment of information centers, we further implore all concerned stakeholders to strive to ensure that the internet is accessible to all including ensuring the enactment of affordable access costs. This will in turn enable marginalized and underrepresented communities to have wider access to information platforms including digital platforms.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) was declared by the United Nations and is important towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 16.10 which calls for ensuring public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.

The 2020 celebrations are being held under the theme: ‘Access to Information, Saving Lives, Building Trust and Building Hope’.

State Media

ABOUT 1,8 million male condoms and 88 000 female condoms have been distributed countrywide since the Covid-19 outbreak which has affected access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services for many women and girls.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe needs about 173 million condoms a year as these are at the heart of HIV prevention.

Condom use is one of the seven tried and tested HIV prevention methods recommended and so far, the use of condoms is the only method that provides dual protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.

Its consistent and correct use can reduce the risk of HIV and some STIs by up to 99 percent.

In a statement to mark World Contraception Day commemorated globally on September 26 annually, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said it had to partner with the World Food Program (WFP) to distribute food and condoms to hard-to-reach areas.

Launched in 2007, the day was set aside to help raise awareness on contraception to enable young people and women of reproductive age make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.

Despite having one of the highest contraception prevalence rates in Africa, many Zimbabwean women and girls were affected by Covid-19 which led to travel restrictions thereby making contraceptives inaccessible.

Zimbabwe’s Contraceptive Prevalence rate (CPR) which is the proportion of women aged 15-49 using family planning is 67 percent, an improvement from 59 percent in 2010.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care partnered with UNFPA and conducted a Rapid Assessment of Covid-19 Response in the context of Maternal and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Zimbabwe recently.

The assessment showed that the Covid-19 outbreak has affected women and young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services, including access to family planning.

UNFPA country representative Dr Esther Muia said partnering with the WFP to distribute condoms has been a great innovation that has brought sexual and reproductive health services closer to communities.

“We have reprogrammed our work to facilitate and ensure women and girls have access to contraception during the pandemic. One of the ways we have done this is entering into a partnership with our UN counterpart, World Food Programme (WFP) together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, where we are distributing male and female condoms and sharing sexual reproductive health information at the WFP’s food distribution points throughout the country,” said Dr Muia.

“To date 1,8 million male condoms and 88 000 female condoms have been moved from Natpharm to WFP for onward distribution to communities.”

According to UNFPA, WFP has over 1 500 food distribution points, covering 311 157 households in 60 districts countrywide.

“With contraceptives, women have fewer risky births, healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries and they tend to have lower risks of death and have improved overall health. These improvements produce economic benefits, greater investments in schooling, greater productivity, greater labour force participation and, eventually, increased income, savings, investment and asset accumulation,” said Dr Muia.

In addition to challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic, UNFPA says there remains an unmet need among women and girls of reproductive age, especially in rural areas, where the majority of the population live. “Unmet need for family planning among married couples is 10 percent in urban areas and 11 percent in rural areas while unmet need for young people is 12.6 percent nationally. More efforts are required to address this unmet need,” she said.

WFP country director Mr Francesca Erdelmann said the two organisations will also continue supplying food to maternity waiting homes where pregnant women are housed towards their delivery date at a health facility for close monitoring.

“Food distribution points are deep in the communities and in close proximity and reach to the general population, making them easier and more convenient for communities to access essential and life-saving SRHR service,” said Mr Erdelmann.

Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council executive director Dr Munyaradzi Murwira urged all SRHR stakeholders to help women access the needed contraceptives during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in celebrating and commemorating the World Contraception Day. We call upon everyone and all the stakeholders to raise the awareness about contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health,” said Dr Murwira.

State Media

GOVERNMENT has insisted that commuter omnibus operators in urban centres have to operate under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) ambit as it brings sanity to the transport sector.

Last week, Cabinet gave commuter operators plying intercity routes the greenlight to start operating.

The nod gave hope to those plying urban routes that they could be back on the road soon.

However, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo clarified during last Wednesday’s National Assembly’s Question and Answer session that the door is still shut for urban kombi operators.

Minister Moyo said Government was remodelling the urban transport sector to make it more organised and operators who want to have their vehicles on the road should register their vehicles under the Zupco scheme.

“It is indeed Government policy to rationalise the urban transport system and the choice of Zupco is not to create a monopoly at the exclusion of other operators.

“That is why every operator has been given an opportunity with their vehicles, buses or commuter omnibus to register with Zupco so that we can make sure that the routes are well marked and we can rationalise everywhere in the urban centres.

“When it comes to the inter-city which is the responsibility of the Minister of Transport, he can answer that part of it. We are clear what we want to achieve is a rationalised urban transport system in this country,” said Minister Moyo.

Some kombi crews had become known for their notoriety and disrespect of clients.

Speaking on the same subject, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza said Government opened up the transport sector for intercity travel to facilitate easy access to resort areas.

“We have opened the inter-city to allow for those areas that are interlinked that have been opened for instance tourism. It has been opened so there is need to link tourists who travel by bus to be able to go to places like Victoria Falls and other areas. So those have been opened and opened to operators who satisfy the guidelines set by our taskforce. I’m happy that many have complied and our roads are being plied by those who did comply,” said Minister Matiza.

He said taxi operators have also been given the green light to start operating.

“Metered transport especially the taxis, we have also allowed to start operating subject to the guidelines that have been put in place. In fact, we have gone further to allow Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Driving Schools to allow the testing of taxi drivers as well. The whole chain has been taken care of in terms of metered vehicles,” he said.

The Minister commended the police for ensuring compliance on the roads.-

State Media

OUTGOING Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi has urged prison officers to shun corruption, saying the scourge was worse than coronavirus.

Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi said this during his farewell visit to Bindura Prison yesterday. He is currently on leave pending his retirement at the end of next month after being at the helm of ZPCS for 22 years.

Major-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi, who was accompanied by his successor Comm-Gen Moses Chihobvu, said corruption is a serious pandemic that destroys a person, organisation and a nation.

“Prison officers are tasked to look after some people who were involved in corrupt activities. We cannot be seen engaging in corruption because we would have failed in our duties,” he said.

“The President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa talks about zero tolerance to corruption and we have to follow what our leader says. Mechanisms were put in place to ensure that corruption is dealt with but we continue to read about corruption issues.

“I am emphasising to prison officers that you should be the last people to be accused of corruption. Please desist from corruption. A disciplined officer will never engage in corrupt activities.”

He urged the officers and prisoners to work hard and not to rely on hand outs.

“A donor is the most oppressive person because he/she doesn’t want you to work for yourself. We never relied on donors during the liberation struggle but on our own efforts and we survived. I urge prison officers and inmates to continue upgrading yourselves academically. Before you rehabilitate someone, rehabilitate yourself first. Unity and teamwork is the secret to success,” he said.

Looking back on his tenure, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi said one of the reforms achieved by the ZPCS was changing the punitive correctional system inherited from the colonial era to the current rehabilitative system.

He thanked President Mnangagwa, various ministries and the nation for supporting him during his tenure, which resulted in the ZPCS being recognised as an important stakeholder in the security of the nation. He also paid a courtesy call to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga, who described him as a hard-working and compassionate person.

“He leaves behind a legacy of patriotism and we appreciate his great leadership under which the ZPCS transformed from an institution that focused on a punitive system to a rehabilitative one,” she said.

“He is a dedicated farmer in the province and we are excited that he will now contribute to the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP). After losing Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri, we still have a father figure in Cde Zimondi.

Turning to Com-Gen Chihobvu, Minister Mavhunga said: “Our Bindura Prison is in bad shape. Its improvement must be top priority. I recommend that you consider children of war veterans who meet your criteria during your recruitment.”

Paul Nyathi

The United Kingdom ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melaine Robinson has expressed concern on the Zimbabwean goverment persecution of MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe.

A Harare magistrate last week confined Mamombe, to prison pending a mental evaluation.

Bianca Makwande ordered Mamombe, who was abducted and sexually abused by suspected state security agents early this year, to be evaluated by two state doctors.

Mamombe was initially arrested when she did not appear in court last week after she was admitted to a local hospital complaining of some health issues. The warrant for her arrest was canceled when her doctor submitted evidence that she was unwell. Prosecutor Michael Reza then sought an order from the court for her mental evaluation.

Robinson condemned the treatment on Mamombe in her Twitter page:

Saddened by the treatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe in #Zimbabwe. Hard to see this as her being treated with fairness and dignity. Calling for her rights and the rights of all those detained here to be fully upheld.

— Melanie Robinson (@HMAMelanieR) September 28, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Zimbabwe’s State Security Minister, Owen Ncube has all but declared that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe and identified the opposition MDC Alliance as one of the factors affecting the country’s security and stability.

The government has been denying that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe though always quick to point out that there are “enemies of the state,” and or “terrorists,” who needed to be flushed out.

The state later descended heavily on these so called rogue elements wantonly arresting people critical of government and some being abducted, tortured and left fire dead.

We present the State Security Minister’s statement in full below:

Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors. The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers. As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.

We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers. Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.

State Media

State Security Minister Owen Ncube has shocked the world after a heavy press statement on which he claims that there are rogue elements, that include MDC- Alliance and G40 members, who have been conniving with “hostile Western nations” to smuggle guns into the country and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees to destroy “the democratic foundations of the Zimbabwe.”

Addressing a rare press conference on the country’s security situation, Minister Ncube said despite the spirited attempts by the opposition, working with their Western called Western handlers to reverse the will of the people as expressed in 2018 harmonised elections, the country’s security services was on top of the situation to ensure peace and order in fulfilment of their constitutional mandate.

“Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.

“The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 harmonised elections, which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.

“As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.”

Ncube echoed ZANU PF and goverment claims that there are detractors of the country who have been concocting fake news of factionalism in the ruling party Zanu PF; feeding churches with fake news of a “crisis” and also trying to close the country’s borders.

“We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set-up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of ‘Operation Lighthouse’, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats,” said Minister Ncube.

Since the turn of the millennium, Minister Ncube said, the country has been under attack from the Western countries that have imposed illegal economic sanctions as a response to the land reform programme initiated to correct historical colonial land imbalances.

In pushing the illegal regime change agenda, Western nations, have roped the opposition as manifested in the “never ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within Zanu PF”.

“They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fallout between His Excellency President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga,” he said.

Apart from that, Minister Ncube said the opposition has also tried to cause rifts between the Government and SADC and church organisations going as far as stage-managing abductions and propagating lies on social media platforms.

“We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements such as Professor Jonathan Moyo to destabilise the security services through making false accusations about security services officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty,” Minister Ncube said.

He said that the country’s security services operated within the confines of the law.

He accused Western countries of hypocrisy, saying the US has laws like the Logan Act and Patriot Act, which if they had been adopted locally would be seen as repressive.

The Logan Act criminalises acts by American citizens who engage foreign nations against the interests of the State while the Patriot Act enables broader surveillance and collection of communication records of US citizens.

On the other hand the Patriot Act of the US that was passed in 2001, had its functions expanded to include capacitating law enforcement agents to monitor — including by tapping — domestic and international phones, and also increased penalties for terrorism crimes and expanded the list of activities that would qualify someone to be charged with terrorism.

Just last week, the opposition tried without success to close the country’s borders, an action that was meant to isolate the country during the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when the Second Republic is working flat out to improve the economic situation under the weight of the global pandemic.

“No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders particularly when the Covid-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy.

“In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and state security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the law and integrity of commerce across our borders,” he said.

Minister Ncube dismissed calls for talks between Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance saying the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) was the only platform for talks between political players in the country.

He said the door remained open for anyone willing to contribute to the development of the country to join the platform.

“While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MDC Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust.”

Watch video downloading below:

Below is State Security Minister Owen Ncube’s statement :

Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.

The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.

As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.

Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other. The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.

The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF. They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA.

They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses. The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media.

We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.

The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression. As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.

No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.

There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited. There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table.

There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the Y principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections. Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections.

Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.

We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.

While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.

They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.

We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers.

Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.

Below is State Security Minister Owen Ncube’s statement :

Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.

The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.

As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.

Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other. The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.

The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF. They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA.

They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses. The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media.

We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.

The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression. As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.

No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.

There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited. There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table.

There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections. Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections.

Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.

We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.

While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.

They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.

We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers.

Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.

A Harare woman appeared in court facing allegations of hiring thugs to assault her two “rivals” resulting in the death of one of them, days after the incident, while the other is nursing injuries in hospital.

Rebecca Masawi appeared before Harare magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko, charged with murder, kidnapping and robbery.

She was being jointly charged with Zvikomborero Zvikoni, Liberty Guruve and Tendai Dhai, who she allegedly hired to attack the two women.

Zvikoni, Guruve and Dhai are said to have kidnapped the two at midnight on July 31 this year, brutally assaulted and dumped them at Lake Chivero.

Names of the victims were not revealed in court as police are still investigating matter.-The Herald

POLICE yesterday arrested another suspect for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy Tapiwa Makore from Murewa.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the uncle to the deceased is alleged to have worked with one Tafadzwa Shamba in killing the seven-year-old-boy.

Shamba has since been arrested.

“Police have arrested the deceased’s uncle in connection with the murder incident. He was arrested yesterday. Allegations are that the uncle assisted Tafadzwa Shamba in this case and he is the one who took the head to a witch doctor.

“Police are now looking for the witch doctor,” he said.

Tapiwa went missing on September 17 after he was allegedly kidnapped while looking after his parents’ garden.

His body was found the following morning, with some parts, including the head missing.-The Herald

A Gwanda man suspected to be mentally unstable allegedly struck his five-year-old maternal niece with an axe three times on the neck leading to her death.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday at about 11AM in Buvuma Village.

She said Reabokile Noko (28) who is in police custody wanted to strike his mother with the axe but she fled and instead attacked five-year-old Mitchel Dube who was his maternal niece.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in Buvuma area in Gwanda. Reabokile Noko who is said to be mentally unstable entered the kitchen hut while armed with an axe and found his mother sitting with her five-year-old granddaughter.

“He advanced towards his mother while threatening to strike her with the axe but she escaped through a window leaving her granddaughter behind. Noko then struck his five-year-old niece with the axe three times on the neck and she died on the spot,” she said.

Insp Mangena said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Noko was arrested. She said Noko was alleged to be mentally unstable but investigations were still underway to ascertain his mental state as he was yet to be examined by doctors.

She said the body of the now deceased was being held at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.-The Sunday News

Own Correspondent|Church leaders have challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to reinstate former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi with immediate effect.

On Sunday controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi posted on Twitter:

“A prophet is not accepted in his own homeland, Zimbabwe pretends there is no Walter Mzembi, but the world knows his potential.

Please H.E ED hire Mzembi, the economy was benefiting through his Tourism Ministry”.

Madzibaba Alfred of Johane Masowe also described Mzembi as a hardworking man.

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

Own Correspondent|Church leaders have challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to reinstate former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi with immediate effect,after he was nominated in Safer Tourism International Hall of Heroes.

On Sunday controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi posted on Twitter:

“A prophet is not accepted in his own homeland, Zimbabwe pretends there is no Walter Mzembi, but the world knows his potential.

Please H.E ED hire Mzembi, the economy was benefiting through his Tourism Ministry”.

Madzibaba Alfred of Johane Masowe also described Mzembi as a hardworking man.

ZBC

PUBLIC interviews for Judges of the Constitutional Court were conducted in Harare this Monday with more than 10 candidates vying for the five available positions.

The interviews conducted by the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) seek to fill five available posts from 12 shortlisted candidates.
According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Virginia Mabhiza, public interviews promote constitutionalism and transparency in the appointment of public officials.

“These interviews are very important because we are looking at the highest court which is the Constitutional Court so these interviews are going to lead to the separation of the Constitutional Court from the Supreme Court. It also enhances transparency,” she said.

Constitutional law expert, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, however, felt the panel was too harsh on some of the interviewees.

“Most of the questions were too technical which defeats the whole process of public interviews because the public wont be able to follow because of the technical jargon and the panel was too harsh on some of the interviewees and some of the questions were not relevant for public interviews,” he said.

The candidates include Justices Chinembiri Bhunu, Paddington Garwe, Anne Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Rita Makarau, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and Smart Mirirai.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Sunday arrested the uncle of Tapiwa Makore, a 7-year-old Murewa boy who was murdered recently, in connection with the murder case.

The arrest of Tapiwa’s uncle was confirmed by Police National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said he is suspected to have worked with another suspect, Tafadzwa Shamba who was arrested last week.

Nyathi said:

Police are now looking for the witch doctor.

Tapiwa went missing on the 17th of this month only to be found dead on the following day with some of his body parts missing.

The ongoing investigations have so far suggested that there could be many cases of children murder that are going unreported.

The suggestion was made after the head of another unidentified boy was discovered and tested to ascertain if it belonged to Tapiwa. It was a mismatch.

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed concern of the reports and has called for the acceleration of the investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.

By A Correspondent- The reinstated interim Secretary-General of the opposition MDC-T, Senator Douglas Mwonzora has accused Nelson Chamisa leader of the MDC Alliance of planning the repossession of the Harvest House by the MDC Alliance.

The premises, now known as Morgan Tsvangirai House has for months now been used by the MDC-T after taking it over from MDC Alliance with the assistance of the state army.

Mwonzora’s remarks come after reports which suggest that some MDC-T youths on Sunday connived with MDC Alliance youths to transfer the premises to MDC Alliance.

It is a question of time we are going to take our property back and we are taking it today. They are Mr, Chamisa people he arranged it we know that. These people were organised and funded by G40 to take over our building, they have taken it unlawfully and violently.

We are not going to listen to any demands they are not in a position to make any demands they are in a weak position legally or physically. It is very different in the sense that we had a court order allowing us to occupy our building peacefully. There are people who have been held hostage and there are people inside who are from the MDC Alliance.

Tensions between the two factions have been worsening lately as the leaders are seemingly not enthusiastic about resolving the issues amicably.

Chamisa has since 2018 been wrangling with MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe to replace the MDC’s founding leader the late Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer in 2018.

The Supreme Court, ruling on the MDC’s ongoing leadership crisis said Khupe was the legitimate leader further enhancing the rift between the MDC factions as many aligned to Chamisa refused to accept Khupe as their leader.

Paul Nyathi

SCHOOL teachers around the country failed to turn up for duty on Monday heeding to boycott calls by their various unions.

The teachers are demanding a US$550 salary.

Teachers unions confirmed nearly all their members did not report for duty on Monday.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said only one percent of its members reported for duty in Matabeleland North following the resumption of Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations classes.

“Teachers failed to turn up for duty. A survey conducted by the ARTUZ today (Monday) revealed that about 5% of teachers showed up in Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North was the worst hit with around 1 percent of our teachers showing up for duty.

“We still urge the government to engage teachers so that normalcy can be restored in our schools. Teachers should be paid a living wage and we still demand US$520 for all teachers,” said Masaraure.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) also said about 95 percent of its membership failed to report for duty.

“The response of the first day of opening was very encouraging. There was over 95 percent upsets of teacher in schools, confirming what we have highlighted to the government that teachers are incapacitated and that teachers could not be so silly to leave their own children at home whilst they are going to school to teach other people’s children.

“The fees that have been increased from $25 000 to $60 000 are beyond the reach of all the teachers who are now earning about $2 600 after funeral deductions of over $1 000 this month.

“So, it is clear that the teachers have spoken and their poverty and misery have shown beyond doubt that they are incapacitated and in the majority of schools even some heads failed to turn up because they are incapacitated and where a few heads turned up, they decided to send children home,” said PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou.

The ZCTU backed the teachers strike. Watch video downloading below:

Breaking: Mwonzora has been granted a court order saying that Charlton Hwende must come out with MDC Alliance supporters from inside Harvest House, but Hwende is apparently not inside the building. The order sounds invalid. pic.twitter.com/DynurkF7Iv

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 28, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Zimbabwe’s state security minister on Monday alleged a plot by “rogue elements” in the opposition working with Western governments to smuggle in guns and foment chaos,signalling another possible crackdown.

Without providing evidence, Owen Ncube told reporters the plot was part of a wider plan to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government illegally.

Similar accusations have been made against the opposition in the past since the time of former President Robert Mugabe, usually as a precursor to a crackdown.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change’s (MDC) treasurer David Coltart said the allegations were false.

“We are committed to non violence,” he tweeted.

Accused of being no better than the authoritarian Mugabe, the Mnangagwa government has since July detained and charged several politicians, anti-government activists and a journalist, accusing them of inciting violence and planning protests.

That has drawn criticism from Western embassies in Harare.

“Some rogue elements among us are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees, that are for all intents and purposes violent militia groups,” Ncube said.

“These plans are key components of ‘Operation Light House’, the brainchild of one Western power that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention,” he said, without naming the country accused.

In Zimbabwe, state security ministers rarely hold press conferences and Ncube declined to take questions.

His comments came after the National Security Council in July denied that Mnangagwa faced a military coup.

He faces growing anger over the worst economic crisis in more than a decade, marked by inflation above 700% and shortages of foreign currency and medicines in public hospitals.

Ncube denied opposition charges that state security agents were abducting and torturing activists.

Watch video downloading below:

*Reuters*

State Media

The headmaster of Chishawasha Boarding School, Mr Simon Muzanenhamo Tizora, has died.

He was 62.

Mr Tizora passed away yesterday at West End Clinic in Harare.

He was born on January 24, 1958 in Zvimba Murombedzi and attended Kaondera Primary School in the area.

Mr Tizora did his secondary education at St Phillips Magwenya in Guruve before enrolling at Nyadire Teacher’s College in Mutoko.

On graduation, he taught at St Joseph’s in Rusape before being transferred to Holy Rosary in Mvurwi.

Mr Tizora was then transferred to St Joseph’s Chishawasha and after a very good work he was transferred to Chishawasha Boarding School where he was promoted to be the headmaster.

At Chishawasha, Mr Tizora worked hard and oversaw the building of morden girls’ hostels, working together with Father Fidelis Mukonori to source funds and manpower.

Mr Tizora died at as the work was moving towards completion.

Speaking on his death, Father Mukonori said: “I am so down and pained by his death, but I have no doubt that he will be by the side of the Lord. I saw him four days ago at the hospital. Tizora had never been in hospital all his life, this was his first time and the last time.

“Tizora was happy that we spoke when I visited the hospital. He had a passion to develop the school. He was the head at ST Joseph, then we moved together to Chishawasha Mission.”

Father Mukonori said developments at Chishawasha would not have been possible without Mr Tizora.

He said Mr Tizora was highly professional.

“Everybody loved him,” he said. “The Angels in heaven have gained and here on earth we have lost a true educationist. He was a good Catholic.”

Dr Tizora said his brother will be buried in Zvimba tomorrow.

“We have lost a hero, a friend a brother and indeed a teacher,” he said. “My heart is so heavy and I cannot say much. Only God knows why and only God will comfort us.”

Mr Tizora is survived by his wife Annamore Tizora and four children, two boys and two girls.

State Media

A 10-member Chinese team of specialist doctors has arrived in the country and will be stationed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for the next 12 months.

The doctors will be assisting their counterparts in Zimbabwe in fighting against the spread of Covid-19, which has ravaged the world this year, killing nearly one million people. The team of specialists doctors is the 18th medical team from China.

They were welcomed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang and acting chief director Curative Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Maxwell Hove.

Dr Hove said relations between Zimbabwe and China in the medical field were continuing to grow.

“We have very strong relations with China in the medical field and as you are aware, this is the 18th medical team from China to visit Zimbabwe. The 17th team will be leaving this Friday,” said Dr Hove.

Captain of the medical team who is the deputy chief physician in the Radiology Department of the Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Dr Luo Weiqiang, said the team was in the country to continue assisting in the fight against Covid-19.

“We want to assist Zimbabwe in the fight against Covid-19 as well as explore other areas in the traditional medicine field.

“We will also focus on the promotion of the Chinese Traditional Medicine,’’ he said.

Among the 10 specialists is Dr Sung Shuang, a physician and traditional medicine specialist who will also be assisting at the recently launched Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Centre.

Paul Nyathi

Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s youth leader for Harare province exhibited massive bravery disregarding heavy police presence outside Harvest House on Monday to speak to journalists – separated by burglar bars – while surrounded by dozens of youths from both the MDC-T and the MDC Alliance.

The statement accused Thokozani Khupe leader of the reconstituted MDC-T of 2014 of having been “infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the people’s movement.”

Here is Gorekore’s statement in full:

“We the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change (Harare province) united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution.

As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ MRT House.

This was necessitated by our realisation on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe and defend the civilian space in the face of military state capture.

We as the youths of the party as per 2014 structures, we have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives.

As young people we will remain guided by the organs of the party in particular the National Council as we re-establish the will of MDC leaders, members, supporters and Zimbabweans at large.

We have noted the attempt to surrender the Democratic project into the hands of the enemy.

Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not set since the Supreme Court judgment.

The party has been infiltrated by sell-outs with an agenda to derail our freedom.

It therefore follows that we act to unite our leadership, our support base and Zimbabweans at large and ensure the Vision of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai lives on across generations.

We furthermore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police to desist from interfering in MDC internal political affairs and immediately vacate our headquarters. We also urge all youths to maintain discipline and peace as we await the party national executive and national council meeting to map the political way forward.

This is not a one generation move movement. We will define, defend and secure our future.

Thank you.”

COVID-19 confirmed cases have reached 7 812 in Zimbabwe with reports that nine more people tested positive in the last 24 hours.

Since the outbreak of the global disease on March 20, 227 people have died in the country and 6 106 have recovered.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care the national recovery rate stands at 78 percent.

Of the new cases, one was recorded in Bulawayo Province, three in Harare, four in Manicaland and one in Mashonaland Central.

“Nine new Covid-19 cases and no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and the 7-day rolling average for new cases now stands at 18 down from 19. We also recorded 39 new recoveries and active cases go down to 1 479 today,” read the Ministry statement.

“As of September 27, Zimbabwe has 7 812 cases, 6 106 recoveries and 227 deaths.”

Bulawayo has a total of 1 438 cases, 43 deaths with 1 294 recoveries while Matabeleland North 133 cases, three deaths and 126 recoveries.

Matabeleland South on the other hand has 777 cases, seven deaths and 587 recoveries.

Paul Nyathi

Public interviews for Constitutional Court judges have been underway through the day on Monday and likely to stretch into the night at a hotel in Harare.

There judicial services commission received 13 nominations and successful candidates from the interviews will fill up the five available spots.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba is presiding over the interviews being conducted by the entire Judical Services Commissioners.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution which stipulates the separation of personnel manning the two courts.

Initially, the Judicial Services Commission were supposed to hold these interviews in the first week of September but they postponed seeking to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are well adhered to.

Justices David George Bartlett (Rtd), Energy Chinembiri Bhunu, Donald Stevenson Corke, Paddington Shadreck Garwe, Anne-Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Charles Hungwe, Rita Tambudzai Makarau, Smart Mirirai, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and lawyer Arnold Tsunga were initially listed as applicants.

However, it has emerged that Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and will not be able to attend the interview, while Justice Charles Hungwe is also said to have pulled out of the race.

The bench will be comprised of seven judges, Chief Justice Luke Malaba and his deputy Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza who have automatic seats as per regulations as well those who will emerge successful from the ongoing process.

President Mnangagwa has appointed five new ambassadors to replace those who have been recalled or retired.

Those who have been appointed are former Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana, who has been deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), former Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu has been re-deployed to Ethiopia, while former Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the United States Ammon Mutembwa will become the country’s ambassador to Belgium.

Former police spokesperson Mrs Charity Angeline Charamba is the country’s new ambassador to Zambia while former Special Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Stuart Harold Comberbach is now the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

POLICE yesterday arrested another suspect for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy Tapiwa Makore from Murewa.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the uncle to the deceased is alleged to have worked with one Tafadzwa Shamba in killing the seven-year-old-boy.

Shamba has since been arrested.

“Police have arrested the deceased’s uncle in connection with the murder incident. He was arrested yesterday. Allegations are that the uncle assisted Tafadzwa Shamba in this case and he is the one who took the head to a witch doctor.

“Police are now looking for the witch doctor,” he said.

Tapiwa went missing on September 17 after he was allegedly kidnapped while looking after his parents’ garden.

His body was found the following morning, with some parts, including the head missing.

State Media

India has proposed a facility that will enable Zimbabwe to buy essential drugs and medicines direct from it saving the country millions of dollars by circumventing middlemen while five ambulances will be delivered before the end of October , a diplomat has said.

Handing over a consignment of medical products worth USD$300 000 to National Pharmaceutical Company in Harare yesterday, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Masakui Rangsung said this will result in the country buying medicines directly from India at wholesale price.

“I understand that only 20 percent of drugs are locally manufacture and the remaining 80 percent is imported. Sixty percent of the imported drugs comes from India therefore, this move will ensure a steady supply of pharmaceutical products,” he said.

Ambassador Masakui said India was committed to helping Zimbabwe fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I would like to reiterate that, even as India struggles under this situation, our Prime Minister firmly believes and is committed to supporting our friendly countries as this fight calls for global cooperation.”

The consignment handed over yesterday had 134 items of medical products and the fifth tranche of medicines will soon be shipped with a cold chain facility.

“I would also like to update on the progress of 10 ambulances for donation to Zimbabwe. They are in the process of assembling…Hopefully by end of October at least five units should be ready for handover.

Speaking at the same event, Health and Childcare Deputy Minister Dr Chamunorwa Mangwiro, thanked India for the donation welcomed the proposal saying government will consider the idea which would also strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“If we are able to buy medicines directly from India, we will avoid third parties that inflate drug prices and make them unaffordable to the ordinary people. Buying directly will also save the country millions of dollars,” he said.

India also donated 1 000 tonnes of rice which will arrive in Harare soon.

Paul Nyathi

MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora says that ousted ZANU PF members known as G40 are responsible for his imminent fall after take over of the Harvest House.

Party youths who claim to be part of the MDC-T 2014 structures made an overarching overnight raid of the party headquarters on Sunday and locked themselves inside demanding for unity amongst feuding party leaders.

Speaking to journalists after visiting Harvest house, Mwonzora said it was a matter of time before they reclaim the building.

“It is a question of time we are going to take our property back and we are taking it today. They are Mr, Chamisa people he arranged it we know that. These people were organised and funded by G40 to take over our building, they have taken it unlawfully and violently,” said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora claimed the MDC Alliance was in a weak position and that the latest takeover was different from their takeover of the building because this was illegally and violently conducted.

“We are not going to listen to any demands they are not in a position to make any demands they are in a weak position legally or physically. It is very different in the sense that we had a court order allowing us to occupy our building peacefully. There are people who have been held hostage and there are people inside who are from the MDC Alliance.”

The ‘2014 structures’ party youths said they would not vacate the building until leaders from both rivals address and listen to their demands. Anti-riot police had to disperse members from both camps when they had altercations at the party headquarters.

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

According to President Chamisa, a return to legitimacy is the only solution to the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

By A Correspondent- Public interviews for Constitutional Court judges are currently underway at a hotel in Harare.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the public cannot attend but proceedings are being beamed on ZBC TV and a number of online platforms.

There are 12 shortlisted candidates and five available spots.

So far, Justices Chinembiri Bhunu and Paddington Garwe have faced the interviewing panel made up of Judicial Service Commissioners including Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Judge President George Chiweshe and Attorney General Advocate Prince Machaya among others.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution which stipulates the separation of personnel manning the two courts.

Initially, the Judicial Services Commission were supposed to hold these interviews in the first week of September but they postponed seeking to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are well adhered to.

Justices David George Bartlett (Rtd), Energy Chinembiri Bhunu, Donald Stevenson Corke, Paddington Shadreck Garwe, Anne-Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Charles Hungwe, Rita Tambudzai Makarau, Smart Mirirai, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and lawyer Arnold Tsunga were initially listed as applicants.

However, it has emerged that Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and will not be able to attend the interview, while Justice Charles Hungwe is also said to have pulled out of the race.

The bench will be comprised of seven judges, Chief Justice Luke Malaba and his deputy Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza who have automatic seats as per regulations as well those who will emerge successful from the ongoing process.

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

By A Correspondent- Opposition Harare West legislator Joanah Mamombe (MDC Alliance), who was remanded in custody by a Harare magistrate who wants her examined for mental illness by two government doctors, has approached the High Court to challenge the incarceration.

Mamombe, who was at the time admitted at a Borrowdale medical facility after suffering from an anxiety problem which is associated with mental depression, was forcibly removed from her hospital bed by the police after she was slapped with a warrant of arrest for absconding trial.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande committed Mamombe to prison for two weeks after an unsuccessful challenge by Mamombe’s lawyers, Alec Muchadehama and Jeremiah Bhamu.

Makwande ruled that facts before the court clearly showed Mamombe was mentally disturbed, but could not conclude that she was sick because she was not an expert.

Mamombe filed two applications for the review of Makwande’s ruling and an application for an order for her release from custody.

The legislator cited Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi, Commissioner General of Prison Services, Superintendent Harare Remand Prison and Officer-in-Charge Chikurubi Remand Prison.

In her urgent chamber application, Mamombe submits that she wants the decision by Makwande to be set aside because the magistrate assumed jurisdiction to determine an application in terms of the Mental Health Act.

“Makwande could not have assumed jurisdiction with respect to an issue that had become moot,” Mamombe’s lawyers submitted.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has dismissed claims that President Nelson Chamisa has been arrested.

In a brief statement the MDC Alliance dismissed the claims as fake news:

“The post alleging that President Chamisa has been arrested is fake news.

Please don’t spread this falsehood. It isn’t true.

President Nelson Chamisa has not been arrested. He is going about his normal MDC Alliance Party business and meetings. We request journalists to exercise responsible and ethical journalism.”

Chamisa youths who're 2014 structures hold Press Conference with @mkomichi1 pic.twitter.com/J31YOUFGyi

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 28, 2020

Chamisa youths who're 2014 structures hold Press Conference with @mkomichi1 pic.twitter.com/J31YOUFGyi

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 28, 2020

Chamisa youths who're 2014 structures hold Press Conference with @mkomichi1 pic.twitter.com/J31YOUFGyi

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 28, 2020

By A Correspondent- Residents of Tafara and Mabvuku said they will not pay their rates to the Harare City Council until they see an improvement in service delivery.

The residents claimed that some sections of Mabvuku had gone for 30 years without receiving tap water, but residents in those areas were being made to pay the fixed water bill.

This came out during a Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) Ward Development Committee meeting held in Tafara. A member of Ward 46 Development Committee said:

It does not make sense for residents to pay for services that are not there, but when the water comes, we will pay.

CHRA, however, encouraged the irate residents to continue paying their rates saying this will empower them to demand accountability from the Council.

Meanwhile, Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme on Sunday revealed that they were looking at the introduction of a pre-payment method.

Chideme said under the current post-payment system, ratepayers are defaulting as they have no compelling obligation to pay.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC Alliance (MDC-A) on Monday dismissed social media claims that party president Nelson Chamisa had been arrested.

Open Space had, without giving details, posted on microblogging site Twitter that Chamisa had been arrested.

The post read, “MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa arrested. More to follow.”

In a brief statement on its social media channels, the MDC Alliance dismissed the claims as fake news.

The statement read:

President Nelson Chamisa has not been arrested. He is going about his normal MDC Alliance Party business and meetings. We request journalists to exercise responsible and ethical journalism.

This comes after youths aligned to the judicially-reconstructed MDC-T announced that they have resolved their differences with the MDC Alliance and jointly occupied Harvest House, the party’s national headquarters.

An estimated nine MDC Alliance youths were arrested on Monday morning in the vicinity of Harvest House, which was reclaimed by the party’s youth wing last night.

The youths have been identified as Shallon Muvirimi, Winnet Dick, Fadzai Maboreke, Jaison Kautsa, Tafadzwa Matekenya, Tendai Muchekahanzu, Learnmore Chitima, Kingsley Mwachandi, Jeremiah Maponde.

In a statement issued on Monday by Paul Gorekore on behalf of the MDC Youth Assembly (Harare Province), the youths said they made the move as the party had been infiltrated and captured by ZANU-PF elements battling to destroy the “People’s Movement.”

[09/27, 23:40] Principal Director: 1. PEDs, DSIs: Where not enough thermometers were delivered by NatPharm, let Schools liaise with local Health Centres for assistance. 2. If PPEs have not arrived at school and NatPharm has indicated some PPEs arrive tomorrow, the schools should defer opening to Tuesday.
[09/27, 23:47] Subordinate: Acknowledged Sir. I have circulated it to all my DSIs.

Watch the live video loading below…..

Watch Live video loading below….

By A Correspondent- Mupedzanhamo market in Mbare is yet to re-open to traders who used to sell second-hand clothes within the facility even though it’s now three months after the Government lifted the suspension on informal business activities.

Reports suggest that the delay is due to a tussle for control of the popular market by space barons who are mostly political heavyweights.

There are no council officials at the premises, including security personnel who used to guard the area.

Some traders are now operating from blocks of flats opposite the Mupedzanhamo market but they are not following the laid down coronavirus regulations, including sanitisation and social distancing.

Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme said they are working with all interested parties to resolve some outstanding issues so that the market can re-open.

Before the closure of the market under lockdown measures introduced in March, space barons were reported to have been charging vendors US$10 each.-statemedia

Zanu PF member and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘nephew’, Esau Natare is not happy over allegations that he leaked classified party secrets to MDC Alliance which led to his suspension.

According to The Standard, Natare, who is also the Gweru Brigade Commander for the National Youth Service, is serving a one-year suspension over the charge after the Zanu PF Midlands provincial coordinating committee adjudged that the allegations needed investigation.

However, in an interview on Friday, Natare said his hands were clean, but just for the sake of the party and Mnangagwa, he apologised for the “purported misdemeanour”.

“I was suspended a couple of months ago over allegations of leaking party information to hostile organisations and in particular opposition MDC,” he said.

“However, I want to make it clear that this week I have since sat down with Midlands secretary for administration Cde Manyima to explain my case.

“I have explained that if they are convinced that I ever did such a thing, then I am sorry. However, the truth of the matter is that I never sold the party to anyone. I am loyal to Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“In the province there have been reports that there is bad blood between me and the leaders like Cde Manyima, but it’s all false.

“We have come a long way with Cde Manyima. I have since met the leaders and cleared my name over the allegations.”

In the 2018 general elections, Natare lost the Gweru Urban poll to MDC Alliance’s deputy legal affairs secretary Brian Dube.

His suspension from Zanu PF early this year means he will not stand as a candidate in the coming party district coordinating committee elections where he was favourite to land the post of chairman.

He, however, said he has no hard feelings about the suspension.

“I remain a loyal son of Zanu PF and because I have apologised to leaders of the party, I will stand guided on the way forward. What I have done is to apologise if anyone thought I was guilty so that the Zanu PF party can move forward,” Natare said.

–Standard

https://twitter.com/EmmanuelGumbo_/status/1310478732004601856?s=20

Hear a stockholder talking about the same future @JobSikhala1 is talking about. pic.twitter.com/sU6YdDWBl3

— Mutumwa (@mmawere) September 27, 2020

Paul Nyathi 

There is a heavy police presence at MDC Headquarters, Harvest House, in central Harare this morning after combined members of the opposition party’s two factions took charge of the building.

The offices were grabbed from the MDC Alliance led by advocate Nelson Chamisa by Thokozani Khupe’s MDC-T in March with the help of a heavy state security guard.

Harvest House today just after takeover pic.twitter.com/CrNWvAwR8i

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 28, 2020

The police are reportedly taking sides with the Thokozani Khupe MDC-T.

The youth claiming to be from the two parties are scheduled to issue a virtual press conference from inside the building later this morning.

Paul Nyathi

Schools are opening in the country on Monday after being shut for six months, but teachers say they’re embarking on strike and won’t be in class.

In March, government shut down schools to contain the spread of COVID-19.

One of the country’s largest teachers’ unions, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, said the government must increase teachers’ salaries before they enter classrooms.

Zimbabwe’s teachers currently receive a total of 11,000 Zimbabwe dollars, or R1,710 a month, including COVID-19 allowances.

PTUZ secretary-general Raymon Majongwe said, “as far as we are concerned, teachers cannot simply turn up for duty because they don’t have money.”

“You can’t go and sell your goats, your sheep, your chickens to go to your workstation where you are not going to get the same return. We are simply saying to the government, we are not fighting you, we are not against you, but give us what we’re worth. We are professionals worth the dignity and worth the respect. We can’t become a laughing stock in the region.

The union leader also said many Zimbabwe teachers have died because of the stress of not being able to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe government said enough personal protective equipment is available for pupils and teachers.

It says schools are ready to open without any fear of a COVID-19 outbreak in schools.

Source
eNCA

Paul Nyathi

Another miner has died in yet another mining accident in the small scale mining sector.

23-year-old Aaron Pirikisi last week after slipping from a rope attached to a hoist which was being used to transport him from underground.

The accident happened at Discovery 112S mine situated at Eiffel Flats, Kadoma.

Mashonaland West acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident.

“The hoist took a few minutes to start moving, prompting the now deceased to disembark from the hoist cage intending to signal those operating from the surface that something was wrong,” Kohwera said.

“All of a sudden, the hoist started moving while Pirikisi was still outside the cage. Fearing that he would be left underground, Pirikisi grabbed a rope which was attached to the hoist cage with the hope to go all the way up to the surface, but he lost grip and fell into the shaft 20 metres down and died instantly.”

Pirikisi’s body was retrieved by fellow mine workers before a report was made to Eiffel Flats police.

Paul Nyathi

In a very surprising move,
Local Government Minister, July Moyo has ordered the immediate reinstatement of suspended Chinhoyi Ward 11 councillor Voster Mashevedzanwa.

Mushevedzanwa is currently on bail pending appeal following his incarceration for assaulting a police officer.

Mashevedzanwa (41) was in February sentenced to four years in jail by Chinhoyi magistrate Tapiwa Banda for the offence.

Mashevedzanwa together with eight accomplices, Desire Mwarukira, Felix Gonesi, Njabulo Ndlovu, Greythan Nyarukokora, Simbarashe Tapfumanei, Kudzanai Samuel, Melusi Ndlovu and Blessing Nyango were facing two counts of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

They were all found guilty on the two counts.

It was the State’s case that on May 19, 2019 Mashevedzanwa and accomplices assaulted Danny Badalani stationed at Chinhoyi Army Intelligence and Joseph Kamuremwa stationed at ZRP Chemagamba during an operation to arrest illegal money dealers at 24-hour Complex.

The court heard that Mashevedzanwa and his accomplices assaulted Kamuremwa while he was lying on the ground.

Kamuremwa sustained injuries and was referred to hospital for treatment.

They were also accused of resisting arrest by police officers on the same day.

The councillor subsequently spent over a month in jail before lodging a High Court appeal and was granted bail.

However, Moyo, through powers vested in him by the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), recently wrote a letter to the Chinhoyi Municipality instructing the immediate lifting of the suspension.

He is one of the two Zanu PF councillors in Chinhoyi, with MDC Alliance having 13.

Some Tafara and Mabvuku residents have vowed not to pay their rates until they see an improvement in services offered by Harare City Council in their area.

This came out during a Combined Harare Residents Association Ward Development Committee meeting held in Tafara.

A member of Ward 46 Development Committee only identified as Mr Nyahungwe claimed that some sections of Mabvuku had gone for 30 years without receiving tap water, but residents in those areas were being made to pay the fixed water bill.

“A section of houses ranging from house number 1000-1602 have not received a single drop of water for the past 30 years.

“It does not make sense for residents to pay for services that are not there, but when the water comes, we will pay.”

The association, however, encouraged residents to be responsible citizens and continue paying their rates as this will empower them to demand accountability.

Residents also challenged the local authority to resolve issues of the billing system and fight corruption among city officials in order to plug revenue leakages at Town House.

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme yesterday said they were looking at the introduction of a pre-payment method.

“The problem we have as council is that we rely on post-payment, but it has failed us because after use of our services ratepayers have no compelling obligation to pay,” he said.

“The way to go is pre-payment for services so that people are forced to pay for services rendered.”

State Media

The foreign currency auction is not open to manipulation as bidders make their own applications, setting their own exchange rate, which are submitted to the auction through their banks.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor, Dr John Mangudya, said this in an interview with the state media, following revelations by critics who feel there was a “hidden hand” in the recent firming of the local currency against the US dollar.

After last week’s auction, the rate came down by 0,24 percent to US$1:$81,49, the fourth auction in a row that had seen a tiny firming after the first 10 auctions showed the rate rising, but with only tiny rises from early August.

The auction takes place every Tuesday.

Dr Mangudya said the auction system was transparent.

“For one to suggest that the forex auction process is not transparent is hypocrisy and such people should not be taken seriously,” he said.

“For starters, bidders for forex determine their own exchange rates without the Reserve Bank’s involvement.

“Bids are submitted to the auction through bidders’ banks at the exchange rates and bid amounts of their choice depending on their requirements.”

He said the role of the RBZ under the forex auction system was to provide a trading platform for banks’ clients to be allotted forex at their chosen exchange rates from the pool of foreign exchange at the Reserve Bank, which is obtained from the statutory foreign exchange surrender requirements.

He said such a role makes the auction an appropriate and transparent market for the management of foreign exchange on a willing-buyer willing-seller basis.

“The added advantage of the Dutch auction foreign exchange system is that bidders are allotted forex at their bid rates, and not at the Reserve Bank rate.

“The level of activity at the auction where to date US$240,5 million has been made available to the market over three months from 14 auctions is quite commendable,” said Dr Mangudya.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president Dr Tinashe Manzungu said he did not understand why there were suggestions of rigging the exchange rate.

“The rate is a weighted average of accepted and allotted bids and our members are confirming that they are getting forex at rates that they put in their bids and we don’t understand where the said rigging is coming from.

“We are actually carrying out a survey on this subject whose results will be published in October 2020 and the results of that will tell us more,” said Dr Manzungu.

Pan African Chamber of Commerce board member Mr Langton Mabhanga weighed in saying the emerging stability of both the exchange rate and prices, due to the forex auction regime, requires support from citizen including “sceptics, pessimists”.

“Generating and yearning for negativities for political pickings diminishes national collectivism in the reconstruction agenda. As business we are warming up to the positive strides that the economy is pacing,” said Mr Mabhanga.

Since the introduction of the forex auction, it has greatly assisted in stabilising prices in the economy over the past three months.

Dr Mangudya said such price stability was the basis that the RBZ expects monthly inflation to remain low at below five percent in the last quarter of the year.

The positive outlook is also supported by the increase in productivity in real sectors of the economy due to availability of forex from a formal and dependable auction market.