By Dorrothy Moyo| The former ZANU PF national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has responded to allegations of seeking to return to the ruling party.

Yesterday the ZANU PF acting spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa said both Kasukuwere and one of his brothers have sought ANC intervention to return to ZANU PF. Chinamasa said the ANC delegation sent by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week revealed that the Kasukuweres have approached South Africa’s governing party to intervene for readmission.

However responding on social media, Kasukuwere described Chinamasa by his former party, Abel Muzorewa’s UANC. He said: “This UANC fellow is hurting bigtime. He should leave me alone.”

He went on to offload the below chunk of lines responding to a thread:

by

“How did I undermine his faction in SA and where is the application letter?

“I am proud carrier of my original ZANU PF card? So what is he talking about?
“There is a dispute and we should resolve that and he stops behaving like a bull in a Chinese shop.”

By Farai D Hove | The state owned Herald newspaper has published an article saying the abducted Harare West MP Joana Mamombe has been recalled from her parliamentary post.

The ZANU PF party controlled broadsheet made the allegations in an article relating to the court hearing in which prosecutors are seeking to imprison her held yesterday.

The dramatic development could mean Mamombe has been listed for removal from parliament by the state backed Thokozani Khupe faction, and in this light, her legislature will be used to push her to join the ZANU PF aligned MDC grouping. The article has Mamombe titled as an ordinary member of the MDC Alliance while further stating that she has been recalled. The development is analysed today by commentator Mari Matutu in an article titled: “How To Trap MDC Alliance.”

Meanwhile, the Herald article titled Mamombe as a recalled MP, saying:

The recalled Harare West legislator was on Tuesday issued with a warrant of arrest after she failed to attend court for trial, as she was admitted to Borrowdale Halfway House, receiving treatment for anxiety disorder. Her lawyers told the court that Mamombe was not in a position to comprehend proceedings as she was suffering from anxiety disorder.

Meanwhile, Harare magistrate, Mrs Bianca Makwande, cancelled the warrant of arrest yesterday after her doctor, Dr Fungisai Mazhandu, testified in court that she admitted her to the health centre, and she has been treating Mamombe for the past five months.

But in a twist, the prosecutor has requested opportunity to submit video evidence next week saying Mamombe is not at all an ill person; while also adding that two military doctors must be assigned to assess her for mental illness.

HRC 45 – EU Statement – Item 2: General Debate on HC oral update
Geneva, 15/09/2020 – 12:12, UNIQUE ID: 200915_7
Statements on behalf of the EU

Madame President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The situation has significantly deteriorated in Zimbabwe, with multiple reports of arbitrary detention and harassment, torture and inhuman treatment, including towards members of the opposition, restrictions on access to justice, and targeting of journalists and others investigating or speaking out against corruption.

The reported detention of untried prisoners in a maximum security prison together with convicted criminals suggests a serious violation of the principle of presumption of innocence.

Public declarations inciting disrespect, hatred or violence towards various parties including churches, civil society actors and representatives of diplomatic missions have also contributed to increased tensions and risks to individuals enjoyment of human rights.

The COVID-19 pandemic should not be used as an excuse to limit the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens in Zimbabwe, such as the freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of assembly.

The EU reiterates our ambition to support Zimbabwe in implementing concrete political and economic reforms, but for these reforms to stand the test of time they require an environment ensuring an inclusive national dialogue, through which citizens can exercise all their human rights, including their freedoms of assembly, association and expression.

E.U Ambassador to Zimbabwe

Paul Nyathi

National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) acting Finance Director, Mr Mthandazo Mlotshwa has been sent on forced leave to pave way for investigations on allegations of corruption involving more than 22 million United States dollars.

Allegations being levelled against Mlotshwa include the non-delivery of 8 vehicles ordered last year from Nissan Clover Leaf Motors and procurement fraud of fuel worth millions of dollars during the past 5 years.

NRZ Public Relations Manager, Nyasha Maravanyika confirmed the development adding that the allegations stem from a 2017 forensic audit report.

“The board will meet this Friday to deliberate on the investigations so far. Unlike the previous boards, the current board is working towards flushing out corruption in the system. NRZ is acting in accordance with the government’s directive around the issues of bringing sanity at the country’s strategic transporter in order to turn it around and reposition the organisation to profitability. NRZ board has acted to ensure investigations around financial and procurement irregularities of the organisation are carried out.”

Meanwhile, the parastatal is yet to pay the sacked Engineer Lewis Mukwanda-led management an exit package.

“The board has taken the issue of exit packages to the office of the president. Their issues are being dealt with under labour laws.”

The NRZ is undergoing major restructuring aimed at reviving the once strategic rail sector in the region.

State Media

THE State yesterday indicated that it wants MDC-Alliance member, Joana Mamombe, to be examined by two Government doctors to ascertain her mental condition after her doctor indicated that she was suffering from a mental disorder

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza notified Mamombe’s defence team of Messrs Alec Muchadehama and Jeremiah Bamu that he will make an application to have their client examined by two doctors.

Mr Reza is expected to make the application on September 22, when Mamombe returns to court.

Mamombe is jointly charged with Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on charges of faking their abductions in May this year.

The recalled Harare West legislator was on Tuesday issued with a warrant of arrest after she failed to attend court for trial, as she was admitted to Borrowdale Halfway House, receiving treatment for anxiety disorder.

Her lawyers told the court that Mamombe was not in a position to comprehend proceedings as she was suffering from anxiety disorder.

Harare magistrate, Mrs Bianca Makwande, cancelled the warrant of arrest yesterday after her doctor, Dr Fungisai Mazhandu, testified in court that she admitted her to the health centre. Dr Mazhandu told the court that she has been treating Mamombe for the past five months.

“I last attended to her on Friday, September 11. She was at Borrowdale Halfway House according to staff that I am working with,” she said.

Dr Mazhande said Mamombe was suffering from racing thoughts that were making it difficult for her to concentrate, sleeping problems, palpitations, fatigue and anxiety disorder. She said they prescribed sleeping tablets as part of her treatment.

Asked during cross-examination by Mr Reza on whether it was possible for another doctor to examine her, Dr Mazhandu agreed. She said it would also depend on time, notes and diagnosis that she would have received from other doctors.

Mr Reza said by virtue of Dr Mazhandu agreeing that another doctor may come up with a different opinion or finding on Mamombe’s health condition, he will then apply for her examination under Section 26 of the Mental Health Act.

“Dr Mazhandu said another doctor may reach another finding since the symptoms do not necessary point to mental, but also physical condition.

“This court is allowed at law that accused be examined by two medical practitioners to determine whether she is suffering from mental illness so that she can be treated or is not suffering at all.

“That can only happen when two Government doctors examine her and present their findings to court,” he said.

Early yesterday morning, Mr Reza told the court that he received video evidence from the investigating officer, which suggests that Mamombe might not be suffering from anxiety disorder, as she was captured on CCTV footage shopping in Harare city centre on the day she was alleged to have been hospitalised.

“Last night, I was advised by the investigating officer that they have evidence which seems to suggest she might not be suffering from the illness revealed in court.

“The evidence is on a CCTV footage and the investigating officer has downloaded the evidence on a flash disk. On the video, it shows that she was perfectly functioning and performing her normal duties and it was taken on September 4 when she was supposed to be in hospital.

“She was shopping,” said Mr Reza.

He wanted to have the video played in court, but the magistrate turned down his request, saying it was of no relevance in determining whether Mamombe was at hospital or not at the time she was supposed to appear in court.

Mrs Makwande said Mr Reza could play the video on the day he makes the application.

State Media

Efforts to rescue five workers at Task Mine Syndicate in Chegutu, who have been trapped underground since Tuesday last week, when a shaft collapsed on them, have been scaled up.

There was no breakthrough on day eight of the ordeal yesterday, with relatives, friends and colleagues becoming more apprehensive over the safety of the trapped miners, who include two brothers, one of them a teenager working to raise money for school fees.

Constantino Dzinoreva, Crynos Nyamukanga (ages not given), Munashe Nyamukanga (17), Shingai Gwatidzo (20) and a fifth miner only identified as Charles, are believed to be still alive and rescue efforts are continuing.

Calls have been made for people to stop using social media to speculate on the fate of the trapped miners.

Yesterday, officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development scaled up rescue operations with timbering and the erection of supporting structures.

Chegutu district development coordinator and Civil Protection Unit head, Mr Tariro Tomu, said: “While we work on rescuing the trapped workers, people should use social media wisely as we are seeing speculative messages suggesting that the trapped workers are dead. People should let officials do their work.

“Teams have scaled up efforts to rescue the trapped five. We are also positive that the five will be found alive. The process might look as if it is taking long, but they are also careful not to injure the trapped workers.”

He spelt the need for small-scale and artisanal miners to observe proper mining standards to avoid injuries and loss of life.

An official from the Ministry of Mines Chinhoyi offices who requested anonymity told The Herald that efforts to rescue the five were progressing well and installation of supporting pillars was being done carefully.

A relative of the Nyamukanga brothers Tapiwa Danangwe said the trapped workers had on the Sunday before accident earned US$700 each and decided to work some extra days to raise enough money before returning to their village which is near the mining site in Chegutu Ward 22.

He said the five, who were manually lowered down to the 110-metre level, had also taken with them a few food items, water, torches and working tools.

“Munashe, the youngest, is still doing his secondary education and just like many teenagers from this area, was working to raise fees and to buy clothes,” he said.

Danagwe also said he was told by some of the artisanal workers that the cage which was lowering them had not reached the ground when the mine collapsed but was optimistic his brothers and the other three were alive as they had taken with them a few food items.

Apart from deploying rescue workers, Government showed concern at the highest level when the Minister of Mines and Mining Development visited the site last week to assess the situation on the ground.

Minister Chitando implored small scale and artisanal miners to exercise caution in their operations as cases of mine accidents leading to deaths and injuries were rife.

He said while many, particularly youths, were being employed through the gold mining sector, it was prudent for the workers to consider orderly and careful mining to avoid injuries and loss of life.

State Media

A total of 11 917 pirate taxis and unregistered vehicles have been impounded countrywide as the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other law enforcement agents yesterday started targeting vehicles without registration number plates or displaying expired temporary plates.

Police have been impounding vehicles used for illegal public transport operations and yesterday’s blitz was an addition to this operation.

According to the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, vehicles should be registered and always display their registration marks and numbers.

Police said such vehicles should not be driven on the roads and motorists risk having their cars impounded and only to be released once they have been registered at the Central Vehicle Registry, a process that now costs US$80.

Police are also targeting those who are flouting traffic regulations and endangering the lives of other road users.

The crackdown on unregistered vehicles comes in the wake of a spate of armed robberies countrywide as criminals are using such vehicles to try and evade arrest since the unmarked vehicles cannot be easily identified.

Others are suspected to have been involved in hit-and-run accidents.

Police said they would release the vehicles impounded for lack of registration plates once the owners have registered them.

On pirate taxis, police are also conducting an operation targeting motor vehicle owners who are operating public transport without exemption.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi assured the public that the Central Vehicle Registry now has adequate permanent registration number plates so that the previous exemption allowing vehicles to use expired temporary plates no longer applied.

“We would want to reiterate that any vehicle seen on the road without displaying number plates will be impounded by police at roadblocks and check points.

He said the motoring public was ignoring the law or was being reluctant to register their vehicles.

In February last year, Government said importers of vehicles who had been unable to register them owing to a shortage of number plates should obtain temporary identification cards for indefinite use as it organised new supplies of plates.

Temporary registration number plates normally have a 14-day lifespan, just enough time to get the vehicle home and organise the permanent registration.

State Media

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has been appointed the leader of Government business in the Senate by President Mnangagwa.

She replaces national hero and former Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri who died in June.

The announcement of her appointment was made by Senate President Mable Chinomona before start of business yesterday.

According to Parliament’s website the authority of the Leader of Government Business is incorporated in the Standing Orders, which are rules governing the procedures of Parliament.

“The leader arranges the business of the house and also protects and defines the position of the Government. The Leader of Government Business in either case obtains approval from the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Assembly for any Minister who may wish to make a Ministerial Statement” reads part of a statement.

The Leaders of Government Business have a huge voice in the entire legislative process and they help determine the scope and content of the legislative programme for the session as well as the business of the week.

President Mnangagwa yesterday challenged Zanu PF and its organs to lead the way in telling the Zimbabwean success stories to counter anti-Zimbabwe sentiments being peddled by the country’s detractors.

Addressing the 344th session of the Zanu PF Politburo meeting at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday, the President set the record straight on the recent visit by an African National Congress delegation from South Africa that came and engaged Zanu PF as sister parties, at an indaba that debunked the crisis narrative which fugitives and opposition functionaries would like to foist on Zimbabwe.

“Our people must be updated and made aware. The trend, whereby our detractors use popular culture and arts to attack and undermine our nation, unity, peace and value systems cannot be allowed to continue.

“Patriotic artists from across the country must be nurtured and appropriately empowered to facilitate the preservation of our national heritage, identity and pride,” he said.

Last week, the ANC sent a delegation led by its secretary-general, Cde Ace Magashule, which met Zanu PF following blatant misrepresentations on social media propagated by criminal G40 elements in South Africa and other parts of the continent.

The ANC delegation’s visit came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent envoys to deliver a message, between Heads of State and Government, to his counterpart President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said ANC and Zanu PF continue to share experiences and strategies in view of the ongoing onslaught by detractors.

“As you are aware, the party received a delegation from our sister party, the ANC. We continue as former liberation movements to share experiences and other strategies in view of the ongoing onslaught by our detractors and neo-colonialists. Such solidarity and exchanges must be strengthened across all the leagues of our parties,” said President Mnangagwa.

He scoffed at some opposition parties, some churches and civic society organisations coveting to meeting the ANC delegation saying such attempts were futile and mere dreams.

“Presidential envoys remain Presidential envoys from one President to another. Party envoys remain party envoys from one party to another. Those who dream otherwise are allowed in democracy to dream,” said President Mnangagwa.

Zanu PF has said that “the party-to-party meeting” comes against a “backdrop of false claims that Zimbabwe is a nation in crisis”.-The Herald

Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Coronavirus update 16 September 2020:

New cases: 22

Locals – 21

Returnees – 1

Deaths: 0

Recoveries: 40

PCR Tests Done: 647

National Recovery Rate: 77%

Active Cases: 1 551

Total Cumulative Cases: 7 598

Total Recoveries: 5 823

Total Deaths: 224

President Mnangagwa yesterday challenged Zanu PF and its organs to lead the way in telling the Zimbabwean success stories to counter anti-Zimbabwe sentiments being peddled by the country’s detractors.

Addressing the 344th session of the Zanu PF Politburo meeting at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday, the President set the record straight on the recent visit by an African National Congress delegation from South Africa that came and engaged Zanu PF as sister parties, at an indaba that debunked the crisis narrative which fugitives and opposition functionaries would like to foist on Zimbabwe.

“Our people must be updated and made aware. The trend, whereby our detractors use popular culture and arts to attack and undermine our nation, unity, peace and value systems cannot be allowed to continue.

“Patriotic artists from across the country must be nurtured and appropriately empowered to facilitate the preservation of our national heritage, identity and pride,” he said.

Last week, the ANC sent a delegation led by its secretary-general, Cde Ace Magashule, which met Zanu PF following blatant misrepresentations on social media propagated by criminal G40 elements in South Africa and other parts of the continent.

The ANC delegation’s visit came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent envoys to deliver a message, between Heads of State and Government, to his counterpart President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said ANC and Zanu PF continue to share experiences and strategies in view of the ongoing onslaught by detractors.

“As you are aware, the party received a delegation from our sister party, the ANC. We continue as former liberation movements to share experiences and other strategies in view of the ongoing onslaught by our detractors and neo-colonialists. Such solidarity and exchanges must be strengthened across all the leagues of our parties,” said President Mnangagwa.

He scoffed at some opposition parties, some churches and civic society organisations coveting to meeting the ANC delegation saying such attempts were futile and mere dreams.

“Presidential envoys remain Presidential envoys from one President to another. Party envoys remain party envoys from one party to another. Those who dream otherwise are allowed in democracy to dream,” said President Mnangagwa.

Zanu PF has said that “the party-to-party meeting” comes against a “backdrop of false claims that Zimbabwe is a nation in crisis”.-The Herald

Former Zanu PF members, Saviour Kasukuwere and his brothers Dickson Mafios and Tongai Kasukuwere are desperately seeking readmission into the ruling party, which will review their applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zanu PF acting secretary for Information and Publicity Patrick Chinamasa confirmed the development yesterday saying the expelled former party members sent a message seeking readmission, through the African National Congress party delegation which met senior Zanu PF members last week for bilateral engagement.

Speaking after a Politburo meeting in Harare, Chinamasa said the party was wary of expelled members who were still unrepentant.

“It was agreed that the party will look at each application on a case-by-case basis.

The procedure is that the application for readmission must be submitted to the province who will then make recommendations on whether the behaviour of the comrade warrants his or her readmission.

“We have been receiving applications for readmission from people whom we think are still unrepentant.

“There are some G-40 members who come and say they want to be readmitted, but go and work against the party.”

Ex-Cabinet ministers Kasukuwere and Walter Mzembi fled the country while on bail for various criminal offences, including abuse of office and corruption.

They have been using social media to peddle falsehoods while painting a fictitious image of the country.

Kasukuwere in particular, is reportedly conniving with the country’s adversaries who are also infiltrating Zimbabwe through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have strayed from their mandate to pursue political agendas.

“One such comrade is Saviour Kasukuwere and his brothers who in the dead of the night, are planning to undermine the Zanu PF Government and during day light they say they want to be readmitted to theparty. We do not allow such hypocrisy,” said Chinamasa who was flanked by the secretary for Legal Affairs Paul Mangwana and secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Dr Mike Bimha.

Turning to the Central Committee meeting scheduled tomorrow, Chinamasa said only five members per province will be required to attend in line with Covid-19 regulations.-The Herald

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said the reappointment of Sydney Gata to the troubled government-controlled ZESA Holdings board is shocking and unacceptable.

Hon Biti also hailed ZINASU president Takudzwa Ngadziore for challenging the wicked Zanu PF regime.

“After one week in unlawful detention it was a delight to listen to ⁦
@Zinasuzim
⁩ President The fight against impunity & regime enablers such as Impala Car Hire & Innscor must continue .

We are proud of you Takudzwa. With the youth , the country is safe…

The re- appointment of Sydney Gata to the illegally created post of #ZESA Executuve Chairman by Emmerson is shocking .

Gata is one of the most incompetent & most corrupt CEOs of any time.

Reappointing him confirms patronage and cronyism .

It confirms his total contempt for decency.

A country cannot be run by one so driven by the desire for self enrichment and aggrandizement.

Zimbabwe is not a commodity and surely policy making should not be about extraction and self enrichment.Emmerson has taken us to new lows Uncharted territories for looting and plunder .This must stop,” argued Hon Biti.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has described the persecution of party MP Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe as shocking.

Police invaded the medical centre Joana was receiving treatment and “arrested” her on Tuesday.

Sithole said: “Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe is just an ordinary youth with aspirations to live in a better and democratic Zimbabwe.

She is nowhere near crime, she is not a criminal, thus all the harassment is subjected to at the hands of the Mnangagwa led illegitimate regime is not warranted for.”

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said the reappointment of Sydney Gata to the troubled government-controlled ZESA Holdings board is shocking and unacceptable.

Hon Biti also hailed ZINASU president Takudzwa Ngadziore for challenging the wicked Zanu PF regime.

“After one week in unlawful detention it was a delight to listen to ⁦
@Zinasuzim
⁩ President The fight against impunity & regime enablers such as Impala Car Hire & Innscor must continue .

We are proud of you Takudzwa. With the youth , the country is safe…

The re- appointment of Sydney Gata to the illegally created post of #ZESA Executuve Chairman by Emmerson is shocking .

Gata is one of the most incompetent & most corrupt CEOs of any time.

Reappointing him confirms patronage and cronyism .

It confirms his total contempt for decency.

A country cannot be run by one so driven by the desire for self enrichment and aggrandizement.

Zimbabwe is not a commodity and surely policy making should not be about extraction and self enrichment.Emmerson has taken us to new lows Uncharted territories for looting and plunder .This must stop,” argued Hon Biti.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has said the reappointment of Sydney Gata to the troubled government-controlled ZESA Holdings board is shocking and unacceptable.

Hon Biti also hailed ZINASU president Takudzwa Ngadziore for challenging the wicked Zanu PF regime.

“After one week in unlawful detention it was a delight to listen to ⁦
@Zinasuzim
⁩ President The fight against impunity & regime enablers such as Impala Car Hire & Innscor must continue .

We are proud of you Takudzwa. With the youth , the country is safe…

The re- appointment of Sydney Gata to the illegally created post of #ZESA Executuve Chairman by Emmerson is shocking .

Gata is one of the most incompetent & most corrupt CEOs of any time.

Reappointing him confirms patronage and cronyism .

It confirms his total contempt for decency.

A country cannot be run by one so driven by the desire for self enrichment and aggrandizement.

Zimbabwe is not a commodity and surely policy making should not be about extraction and self enrichment.Emmerson has taken us to new lows Uncharted territories for looting and plunder .This must stop,” argued Hon Biti.

By A Correspondent- A Harare driver who in a hit and run killed socialite and businessman Shingi Mukandi who was on the run for close to a year after his appeal was dismissed by the High Court was on Friday arrested at Robert Mugabe airport and he will spend 3 years in jail.

Alfred Machipisa was convicted of culpable homicide and failure to stop and help the deceased and he was out on bail as he was appealing his conviction.

However, his appeal was dismissed by the High Court and Machipisa reportedly fled to South Africa when a warrant of his arrest was issued.

In the trial that saw Machipisa being convicted for culpable homicide and three counts of contravening the Road Traffic Act, in which he failed to stop, call the police and render assistance, the state had successfully proved that:

He was then sentenced to 48 months in prison before 12 months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years and he will now serve 3 years in jail.-statemedia

Farai Dziva|Joana Mamombe’s doctor has pointed out that the youthful MP’ s could not appear in court because she was terribly sick.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mushandu testified as a second witness in court.

The first witness, Portia Makoni, who is Joana Mamombe’s also
said on the 4th of September, she went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket with Joana to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and dizziness. She added that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mashandu said a letter she wrote a letter confirming that Joana Mamombe’s mental state could not allow her to follow court proceedings.

The doctor added that on Tuesday Joana was at Borrowdale Halfway House hospital.

The doctor also said Mamombe’s treatment required that she be given sleeping tablets during the day and her condition affects level of concentration with periodic black outs hence she was unable to attend the court session.

Farai Dziva|Joana Mamombe’s doctor has pointed out that the youthful MP’ s could not appear in court because she was terribly sick.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mushandu testified as a second witness in court.

The first witness, Portia Makoni, who is Joana Mamombe’s also
said on the 4th of September, she went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket with Joana to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and dizziness. She added that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mashandu said a letter she wrote a letter confirming that Joana Mamombe’s mental state could not allow her to follow court proceedings.

The doctor added that on Tuesday Joana was at Borrowdale Halfway House hospital.

The doctor also said Mamombe’s treatment required that she be given sleeping tablets during the day and her condition affects level of concentration with periodic black outs hence she was unable to attend the court session.

A Redcliff man is lucky to be alive after his wife scalded him with cooking oil following a misunderstanding over gumboots.

Mr Benny Chamunorwa (30) of Simbi Park in Redcliff was attacked by his wife, Esther Mugwanyi (26), who poured hot cooking oil and porridge over him after an argument.

Chamunorwa was admitted to Kwekwe General Hospital where he was treated and later discharged.

For the offence, Mugwanyi was arraigned before Kwekwe Magistrate Mrs Florence Nago facing charges of contravening the Domestic Violence Act. She was remanded in custody to September 21.

Prosecuting, Ms Ethel Bhumure told the court that on August 28 at around 7PM, a woman Mr Chamunorwa owed money came to the couple’s residence, 4045 Simbi Park in Redcliff, asking him to settle the debt.

Mr Chamunorwa then told her that he did not have any money to pay the debt but offered to give her a pair of gumboots as payment.

The woman accepted the offer and was given the gumboots and went away.

However, this did not go down well with Mugwanyi who confronted her husband over the matter.- Chronicle

I went to see my lawyer, David Drury, today in preparation for trial on Friday. The crime? Walking in my neighbourhood with a placard written #SaveTheBabies on 31 July. This peaceful protest got us jailed & charged with inciting public violence.

One day, Zimbabwe will be free.?? pic.twitter.com/KWAJdGA2Xj

— Fadzayi Mahere?? (@advocatemahere) September 16, 2020

Police in Beatrice, Mashonaland East province, last week arrested four Mbare men linked to a spate of robberies targeting trucks along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway.

Ngonidzashe Jeke (36), Silent Matambo (25), Liberty Tatenda Mukanganise (27) and Wilson Madanhi
(29) are currently in police custody after they were nabbed while travelling in a Toyota Wish stashed with suspected stolen maize.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza yesterday confirmed the arrests and urged those who might have fallen victim to the robbers to come forward and identity their stolen goods.

The suspects were arrested last Wednesday at the 55km peg along the Harare- Masvingo Highway after being found in possession of suspected stolen maize seed stashed in their Harare-bound getaway car driven by Jeke.

They were then taken to ZRP Beatrice where they were further interrogated until they revealed that they had stolen the seed from a haulage truck which was travelling towards Masvingo.

The accused persons also revealed that on the same day they had stolen 22 cartons of sugar from another truck and delivered the loot to Jeke’s tuckshop in Mbare. Further investigations led to the recovery of 35 cartons and 6x3kgs of sugar, 8x50kg bags of shelled maize, 11 white caps, 18×20 litres empty buckets, a turbo charger for trucks,1x50kg bag of rice, a bed spread comforter and an assortment of perfumes, among other things.

“The criminals were taking advantage of the detour near Beatrice where trucks would reduce speed to safely pass during the night. The criminals would jump onto the trailers of the trucks and cut off tents covering the goods at night and off-load the said goods while the vehicle is in motion. They would then load the loot onto a getaway car before driving back to Harare,” said Mwanza.

Zimbabwe Situation

Bloomberg

Zimbabwean authorities are in discussions with several international investment banks to support a new stock exchange that will trade exclusively in foreign currency, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said.

“The interest has been huge,” Ncube told an analyst briefing. He declined to give further details.

Yvonne Mhango, sub-Saharan Africa economist at Renaissance Capital, told the briefing that uppermost on foreign investors’ minds was the ability to repatriate their capital. “What they want is a functioning stock exchange,” Mhango said.

The global lenders would handle clearing and settlement of trades, thereby guaranteeing investors’ funds, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer Justin Bgoni said at the event. The companies involved in talks are based in Africa, Asia and Europe, he said.

The exchange, to be known as VFEX and based in the resort town of Victoria Falls, will open in “a couple of weeks,” said Bgoni, who will also head the bourse.

State Media

THE extraordinary Council of Ministers virtual meeting, the supreme decision making organ of the Zambezi River Authority, which manages the Zambezi River and ancillary infrastructure on behalf of Zimbabwe and Zambia is currently underway in Lusaka.

Zimbabwe is represented by Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda who has taken over the rotational chairmanship post. Attorney-General Prince Machaya is also attending the meeting.

The meeting is expected to formally adopt the Authority’s corporate strategy for the period 2020-2024 and funding for bi-national projects after a presentation by the Board of Directors.

It is also looking at the progress made on the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme along the upper Zambezi River.

There are indications that the Authority needs a supplementary budget owing to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his opening remarks, Minister Soda expressed confidence that the meeting will come up with solutions to common socio-economic challenges in the two countries.

“With the collaboration which exists between the Contracting States, I am confident that we will together meet our governments’ expectations in tackling the socio-economic issues in our sister countries.

“I have noted that this extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting is being held as a result of the decision made at the 37th COM Meeting where ministers directed that there was need to keep abreast with the critical success areas to do with the development of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme project in terms of giving policy guidance and direction,” he said.

Paul Nyathi

Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus situation report as of 16 September 2020:

New cases: 22
Locals – 21
Returnees – 1
Deaths: 0
Recoveries: 40
PCR Tests Done: 647
National Recovery Rate: 77%
Active Cases: 1 551
Total Cumulative Cases: 7 598
Total Recoveries: 5 823
Total Deaths: 224

CHIEF Tavengwa Zebediah D, better known as Chief Chiwundura passed on Wednesday aged 97.

Information Ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana confirmed the death.

Chief Chiwundura has passed on at the age of 97. Condolences to his family and his people. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) September 16, 2020

“Chief Chiwundura has passed on at the age of 97. Condolences to his family and hid people. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” Mangwana said.

BusinesstechBusinesstech S.A.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that a number of South Africa’s lockdown regulations will be relaxed as the country moves to a level 1 lockdown from midnight on Sunday (20 September).

In a national address on Wednesday evening (16 September), the president said that the country has ‘withstood the storm’ in its fight against the coronavirus and that the data shows a clear downward trend in the country.

However, he cautioned that ‘by any measure we are still in the midst of a deadly epidemic’ and said that the most important task is ensuring that the country is not hit by a second wave of infections as is being seen internationally.

To help prevent a possible second wave, Ramaphosa said that the government will expand its testing to include more categories of people. He said that the government also plans to step up its contact tracing capabilities.

Ramaphosa said that South Africa is also participating in a World Health Organisation initiative to ensure access and distribution to a successful coronavirus vaccine at a lower cost. Local experts are also working on a vaccine.

Eased restrictions

As Covid-19 cases decrease, the president said that the country will move to lockdown level 1 from midnight on Sunday (taking effect at midnight, or 00h01 on Monday), with restrictions eased in the following areas:

Gatherings

Gatherings will be allowed as long as the number of people do not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue – up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings;
Maximum capacity at funerals has been increased to 100 people;
Night vigils are still prohibited;
Venues such as gyms and recreational facilities have had limits increased to 50% of total capacity;
Existing restrictions on sporting events remain in place.

Travel

The government will gradually ease restrictions on international travel for business and leisure from 1 October – subject to containment measures. A list of permitted countries will be published and based on the latest scientific data;
International travel will only be allowed through the main border ports or through OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, or King Shaka International;

Travellers will need to provide a negative coronavirus certificate or will be put into quarantine at their own cost;
All travellers will be required to install the Coivd-19 alert level app.

Other changes

The evening curfew will apply between 00h00 and 04h00;
Alcohol for home consumption can be sold between 09h00 – 17h00 from Monday to Friday;
On-site consumption will be allowed subject to adherence to the curfew;
More government facilities will return.

Ramaphosa said that this will be the ‘new normal’ and that updated restrictions will be gazetted over the next few days, providing more clarity.

New economic recovery plan

The move to level 1 comes after the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) has agreed to an action plan for South Africa’s economic recovery.

The plan is directed towards building confidence and placing South Africa on a path of investment and growth.

“Social partners have identified priority areas for rebuilding the economy as well as structural reforms and other programmes which will enable sustainable and inclusive growth with an intensive focus on job creation,” the presidency said.

While the final details of the plan will only be announced once it is finalised by cabinet, the presidency said that a core focus will be on addressing Eskom’s structural and funding problems.

“Social partners have also agreed on a social compact which commits government, business, labour and community to mobilising funding to address Eskom’s financial crisis in a sustainable manner – in return for an efficient, productive and fit-for-purpose Eskom that generates electricity at affordable prices for communities and industries,” it said.

Another key pillar of the plan will be infrastructure, with a massive development drive seen as key to driving recovery post-lockdown and creating jobs.

This comes after the presidency published a list of ‘priority infrastructure projects’, which is expected to pave the way for the beginning of private investment in a R2.3 trillion programme over the next decade.

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Wednesday, 9th September, 2020

HON. T. MLISWA: Thank you. My question to the Minister of Finance is what is the wisdom in compensating the white farmers who are a minority US$3,5 billion while it is constitutional, there are many other constitutional obligations which are important and have not been attended to financially.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): First of all, it is not an issue of wisdom but of compliance. Secondly, the issue of farmer engagement or compensation is a process which began a while ago but after the acceptance of the Constitution. I urge all Members to re-read Section 72 and 295. This is a process. So every year in the budget we set aside resources in the National Budget that this Parliament approves for farmers to be compensated, targeting those who are vulnerable. This year in the 2020 Budget we allocated something in the order of $300 million. In 2019, this Parliament allocated something in the order of $70 million. So what was happening was that every year we were allocating and paying the farmers.
All the global compensation did was just to come to a conclusion as to what the overall figure for compensation is for improvement because we were compensating but what is that figure? We were able to arrive at that figure after a long negotiation and evaluation process but also after a process within the farmers themselves as a group, they had a referendum and there was a 95% approval. I repeat, it is not an issue of wisdom but of compliance and we are already doing it. All we did was not to draw a line and establish clarity as to what that final compensation figure is.  The fact that there are other financial demands whatever in the Constitution is neither here nor there. What we are dealing with right now is the issue of compensation for farmers. I thank you.
HON. T. MLISWA: Madam Speaker, the aspect of compliance cannot be based on selective application. There are issues of people who are disabled where they must be accommodated in terms of their movement and in terms of infrastructure. There are issues of the war veterans where they must be accommodated and of the health sector which is non existent where there must be money. So, in terms of priority, is the compensation of the white farmers more important than the health sector where Ministers are going outside because they can afford to be treated so you are lucky. What about the ordinary person who cannot afford to go out? Why are you not injecting money in that sector to ensure that we save lives? Why are you giving a few white farmers who most them do not even require it anymore and are even laughing at us? Where does that money come from when it is not even factored in the budget, the $3,5 billion? This House is responsible for passing budgets. I have never sat down and cast a budget of $3,5 billion to go to the compensation of white farmers. I have passed a budget to look at the welfare of the war veterans, health sector, education sector and I can go on and on. So, when?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, please may you just ask your question and allow the Minister to respond.
HON. T. MLISWA: Madam Speaker, the land issue is an emotive issue. The compensation of the minority is an emotive issue. Allow those emotions because I am a beneficiary of the land reform and I have invested everything in it. Those who do not have it like the Hon. Minister have no attachment to it. I went to prison …
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Just ask your question Hon. Mliswa.
HON. T. MLISWA: My point is where he is going to get money from when this Parliament has not approved it and there are many other issues like the health and education sectors which need money in terms of compliance. You have not even given them money but you have money to give the minority who really do not need it at the end of the day. Why have you made that decision when the money is not even there? 
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE: Again, I thank the Hon. Member for that follow up and clarity of his question. First of all, I must say that he has asked I think two questions in one. One is there are other areas that we ought to be covering and supporting as opposed to farmer compensation. He cited education, health, the vulnerable groups and social welfare. The other is about resources, where are we getting the money?
Let me start with the first one, we are releasing resources for the health sector and this is how we are supporting the health sector. Covid-19 is really concentrating our minds. We have done renovations on numerous health centres right across the country, quarantine or isolation centres. We are focused. There is a whole national taskforce that is focusing on that aspect. We have basically given authority as Treasury for the recruitment of more than 4 000 health workers and that recruitment is happening fast.
We are going to resolve industrial disputes with the health workers in terms of dealing with their health and risk allowances at various level.  We are doing all of that.
We also appreciate what the donors have done in supporting us in our objectives.  When it comes to the education sector, our actions are similar.  We are building schools around the country and we are going to make sure that as we negotiate with the civil servants, we are going to improve their salaries….
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Order Hon. Minister.
HON. MADZIMURE:  On a point of order –[HON. CHIKWINYA: Inaudible interjection.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chikwinya.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development having stood up to continue debating. 
HON. MADZIMURE: Madam Speaker, the Minister must sit down because you have recognised me.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE):  Have you been recognised?
HON. MADZIMURE: Yes. Madam Speaker, the question is very simple. Where are we going to get the $3.5 billion?  This Parliament did not approve that amount –[HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members please!
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE:  Let me answer the Hon. Member’s two questions –[HON. T. MLISWA:  Inaudible interjection.]-
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa please, order!
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE:  In the education sector, we are doing a lot.  We are building schools.  We are going to be supporting the teachers.  We are working on raising salaries in that sector as is the case with all civil servants.
For the social welfare, our social welfare programme is robust;  cash transfers and food assistance programmes.  We have had challenges with food – I could go on and on including the Presidential Input Scheme which has been coming through the Pfumvudza system.  That is how we are assisting our ordinary citizens across the board in the areas that the Hon. Member raised.  I am pleased that he raised it.
I will now move on to his second question –[HON. MLISWA:  Inaudible interjection.]-
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, please may you allow the Minister to respond.
HON. PROF. M. NCUBE:  I now want to respond to his second question regarding the sources of funding.  The Global Compensation Agreement is an agreement on the figure – global and final figure for compensation.  The resources will be raised and in that statement, we have said the resources will be raised internally and externally, when we have agreed or concluded on the instrument through which the resources would be raised if it is a debt instrument; which is what we are targeting.  That will be brought before Parliament because we cannot contract debt without Parliament. It is at that stage that the financing instrument will be brought to Parliament.  I thank you.
HON. T. MLISWA:  I would like to be protected especially being an independent Member without a Chief Whip and not belonging to a party.  I should be protected more than everyone here.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  You are protected. Please may you go ahead.  
HON. T. MLISWA: The point of clarity I seek from the Minister is – we pass budgets here.  You talked about various Government departments being resourced.  The word you missed out and being a professor is ‘inadequately resourced’.  There is no resource which has been given to a Ministry because the Minister has never come back to Parliament and said what we got is enough.  There is always supplementary budgets which are coming through.  Supplementary means it is not enough.  Inflation has eaten up and this is US$ and not Zimbabwean dollar.  This is the first time I would have liked …..
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Ask your question Hon. Mliswa.
HON. T. MLISWA: My point of clarity is that they have been inadequately resourced.  So the Minister cannot stand here and say we have been providing. The Chairperson of the COVID Taskforce has said that we do not have PPEs – they are begging.  If we have donors coming in, then we do not need the donors that you talk about if we are adequately resourced.  Where is the money coming from internally? Be very clear on that Hon. Minister.  Which entity internally will provide that money?
HON. NDUNA:  With your indulgence, I request a Ministerial Statement from the Minister of Finance and Economic Development in the coming days.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  I think the Hon. Minister has taken note of that. 

Correspondent

Harare Magistrate Bianca Makwande on Wednesday cancelled a warrant of arrest for MDC Alliance legislator Joanna Mamombe.

The warrant was issued on Tuesday after Mamombe failed to turn up for trial as she was admitted to a hospital for an anxiety disorder.

Magistrate Makwande cancelled the warrant following a default inquiry and said she was convinced the legislator was unwell.

Earlier today, State prosecutor Michael Reza told Makwande that he intended to make an application to visit Borrowdale Halfway House in Harare, a medical facility where Mamombe is admitted and have her examined by two Government doctors.

Reza said the State received video evidence from the investigating officer, which suggests that Mamombe is not suffering from an anxiety disorder as she was captured on CCTV shopping in Harare’s city centre on the day she is alleged to have been hospitalised.

Mamombe told the court that she has been in hospital since September 4, 2020, but prosecutors still want her to be examined by Government doctors.

Magistrate Makwande will on September 22 determine whether that examination should proceed.

Mamombe was forcibly removed from the hospital, transferred to court via ambulance having slept under police guard last night.

Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are facing allegations of faking their abduction.

Pindula

Teachers are accusing authorities of keeping them in the dark over the marking of Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council June examinations.

Marking encountered several false starts as authorities tried to ensure markers were safe from Covid-19. The examinations will now be marked regionally which is a departure from the norm where markers meet at various centres.

Zimbabwe Teacher’s Association chief executive Dr Sifiso Ndlovu says Zimsec is yet to communicate.

“Zimsec has not given us any dosage of their preparations regarding who is going to be marking and the logistics they have put in place,” he said.

“Save to say they are looking for resources to ensure that marking proceeds and the markers are paid. Whether they have finalised that or not, they are yet to inform us as the stakeholders.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Secretary-General Raymond Majongwe accused Zimsec of cherry-picking stakeholders.

“As far as we are concerned, we really thought that we were supposed to have been engaged as unions and as teachers, publicly, because we are stakeholders.”

Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje told ZTN News that marking will start this week.

“We have trained markers already in our databases and we will follow Ministry of Health systems. They offered to do PCR testing for free. Marking should kick off in earnest at all centres by end of week. We will let you know the progress.”

More: https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2020/09/teachers-in-the-dark-over-june-exam-marking/?fbclid=IwAR3AHALSTXhwQrnJYP4hfaLxJmKMuRW2vy8fdw_2frCl_3JSFW7bAccs_PQ | ZTN

FULL THREAD (continued): "2023 Landslide Election Victory Imminent": Emmerson Mnangagwa #ZimbabweanLivesMatter #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/PeX4lPzLoW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Watch Mnangagwa address his party heavyweights ahead of the Politburo Meeting on Wednesday.

Please be patient while the video downloads.

Video loading below….

Paul Nyathi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday his ruling Zanu PF party is confident of winning the several upcoming Parliamentary and council by-elections in which arose through recalls by the MDC-T and deaths of incumbents.

Addressing the Zanu PF Politburo, President and First Secretary of the revolutionary party, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the party was confident of winning all the by-elections.

“The DCC (District Coordinating Committee) elections and upcoming national by–elections must therefore consolidate our party’s indisputable dominance and peaceful democratic culture in the country,” he said.

President Mnangagwa warned against electoral malpractices such as imposition of candidates and vote buying.

“I therefore exhort the leadership and structures of the party to consolidate our internal democratic processes and culture. Undemocratic behaviour such as the imposition of candidates, vote buying and other electoral malpractices divide the party and must not be tolerated,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on Tuesday lifted with immediate effect, the suspension of electoral activities after it adopted a Covid-19 policy on electoral activities which outlines how by-elections and other electoral activities will be conducted without exposing those involved to health risks.

The lifting also follows the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions by the government after observing the trends of the pandemic and to allow the economy to function.

ZEC suspended all electoral activities in June this year as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The commission recently announced that there were 15 vacancies in Parliament that needed to be filled through by-elections following National Assembly recalls by the MDC-T.

While the proportional representation seats in the Assembly and the Senate vacancies are filled by direct nomination in a different process, the constituency seats and the vacancies in local authorities, with Harare City Council having the most, have to be filled by voters in by-elections

Some Parliamentarians and local councillors have also died and should be replaced through holding of by-elections.

Paul Nyathi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared that opposition parties will never meet with special envoys sent by other countries, particularly, those who come to meet government or Zanu PF leadership as they are exclusively his visitors.

Addressing party stalwarts in Harare during a politburo meeting, Mnangagwa said the meeting with an ANC delegation recently was between his party and the ANC, not the opposition.

“Such solidarities and exchanges must be strengthened across all the leagues of our parties. The truth must be told that presidential envoys remain presidential envoys, from one president to another.

“Party envoys remain party envoys, from one party to another. Those who dream otherwise, allow democracy to be,” Mnangagwa said.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has described the persecution of party MP Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe as shocking.

Police invaded the medical centre Joana was receiving treatment and “arrested” her on Tuesday.

Sithole said: “Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe is just an ordinary youth with aspirations to live in a better and democratic Zimbabwe.

She is nowhere near crime, she is not a criminal, thus all the harassment is subjected to at the hands of the Mnangagwa led illegitimate regime is not warranted for.”

He submitted his application to Magistrate Bianca Makwande.
The case has been postponed to the 22nd of September at 9am. – COURT UPDATE JOANA MAMOMBE, CECILIA CHIMBIRI, NETSAI MAROVA

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Doctor adds that Mamombe's treatment required that she be given sleeping tablets during the day and her condition affects level of concentration with periodic black outs hence was unable to attend court https://t.co/9EjGh3xS3v

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Doctor says a letter she wrote confirmed that Joana Mamombe's mental state could not allow her to follow court proceedings https://t.co/iPuNoS2Syv

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Makoni says on 4th of Sept, she and Joana went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and feeling dizzy. She adds that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale https://t.co/9G077lnKBH

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

First witness Portia Makoni who is Joana Mamombe's friend takes to the stand.
Makoni says she was at Joana Mamombe's place from the 2nd to the 4th of September when she was admitted. Makoni says Mamombe was admitted at Health Point around 6pm. https://t.co/u9N83mjzRM

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

BREAKING:
Joana Mamombe has been brought to Court room 14 just now, assisted by police and Prison guard.

More on https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

BREAKING: State Prosecutor Michael Reza has said there is CCTV footage of @JoanaMamombe shopping in the 4th Sept, says the state is not convinced she is ill. He says last night one of the officers by the name, (M) came to him with a CCTV video clip showing Joana "physically fit"

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY ON THE TRIAL IF THE THREE MDC ALLIANCE FEMALE MEMBERS ACCUSED OF FAKING THEIR ABDUCTION ..

Video Of Joana Mamombe’s Lawyer After Warrant Of Arrest Was Served Yesterday https://t.co/mUDAnyASen via @zimeye pic.twitter.com/g2g13yNUE9

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has described the persecution of party MP Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe as shocking.

Police invaded the medical centre Joana was receiving treatment and “arrested” her on Tuesday.

Sithole said: “Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe is just an ordinary youth with aspirations to live in a better and democratic Zimbabwe.

She is nowhere near crime, she is not a criminal, thus all the harassment is subjected to at the hands of the Mnangagwa led illegitimate regime is not warranted for.”

BREAKING- Joana Mamombe Trial Update- Warrant of arrest against Joana Mamombe cancelled. Magistrate says she was not in willful default @MdcMasvingo @mdczimbabwe @MakomboreroH #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/tZO5MMSnU3

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Farai Dziva|Joana Mamombe’s doctor has pointed out that the youthful MP’ s could not appear in court because she was terribly sick.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mushandu testified as a second witness in court.

The first witness, Portia Makoni, who is Joana Mamombe’s also
said on the 4th of September, she went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket with Joana to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and dizziness. She added that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mashandu said a letter she wrote a letter confirming that Joana Mamombe’s mental state could not allow her to follow court proceedings.

The doctor added that on Tuesday Joana was at Borrowdale Halfway House hospital.

The doctor also said Mamombe’s treatment required that she be given sleeping tablets during the day and her condition affects level of concentration with periodic black outs hence she was unable to attend the court session.

Farai Dziva|Joana Mamombe’s doctor has pointed out that the youthful MP’ s could not appear in court because she was terribly sick.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mushandu testified as a second witness in court.

The first witness, Portia Makoni, who is Joana Mamombe’s also
said on the 4th of September, she went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket with Joana to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and dizziness. She added that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale.

Dr Fungisai Makombe Mashandu said a letter she wrote a letter confirming that Joana Mamombe’s mental state could not allow her to follow court proceedings.

The doctor added that on Tuesday Joana was at Borrowdale Halfway House hospital.

The doctor also said Mamombe’s treatment required that she be given sleeping tablets during the day and her condition affects level of concentration with periodic black outs hence she was unable to attend the court session.

Chief Chiwundura has passed on at the age of 97. Condolences to his family and his people. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) September 16, 2020

BREAKING:
Joana Mamombe has been brought to Court room 14 just now, assisted by police and Prison guard.

More on https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe Court Latest- ZimEye will be giving you live updates of the trial proceedings. Click on our page https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW for this and more #Zimbabwe #MDCAlliance pic.twitter.com/H0MU0dDaDz

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe trial latest- The magistrate ,arrives pic.twitter.com/UfLKHTDVop

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe trial latest- First witness Portia Makoni who is Joana Mamombe's friend takes to the stand pic.twitter.com/Ksss6GFmXu

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe trial latest- Makoni says she was at Joana Mamombe's place from the 2nd to the 4th of September when she was admitted at a local health institution #Zimbabwe #ZimbabweansLivesMatter #MDCAlliance pic.twitter.com/sFuYrkU65H

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

JoanaMamombe trial latest- Makoni says Mamombe was admitted at Health Point around 6pm #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/LAEvFW9CcW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe trial latest- Makoni says yesterday Joana Mamombe was at Borrowdale halfway hospital

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe Trial Update- Second witness is a medical doctor

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Joana Mamombe Trial Update- Dr Mashandu says he started treating Joana in May 2020.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

Makoni says on 4th of Sept, she and Joana went to Avon Avondale Pick n Pay Supermarket to buy groceries and she was complaining of headache and feeling dizzy. She adds that Joana nearly collapsed while at Avondale https://t.co/9G077lnKBH

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC-Alliance has embarked on program dubbed  #2020MunhuWeseKumusha  campaign as a way of establishing their branch structures in the rural areas.

Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya told structures that they must organize themselves in branches which are modelled along the polling stations.

The development comes as the party readies for the 2023 elections.

Watch the video loading below….

12.21hrs props are being set for an Overhead projector https://t.co/DFM8DXz8PY pic.twitter.com/4TytUDJaAp

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

By A Correspondent- Hosiah Chisango, Harare Town Clerk has been freed on  $50 000 bail after he was arrested in Gweru by Special Anti Corruption Unit (SACU) last week.

According to The Herald reports, Chisango was arrested together with the director of housing and community services Addmore Nhekairo and suspended town planner, Samuel Nyabezi and the trio were all released on bail by Harare Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande.

Under his bail condition, Chisango was ordered not to visit the Town House until October 5 to allow investigations to be finalised. In granting Chisango bail, Makwande said:

First accused (Chisango) holds a powerful position at council and is reasonable to conclude that he would interfere with witnesses. What is clear is that this witness recorded a warned and cautioned statement and there is no likelihood that he would interfere with this witness.

Chisango has denied allegations levelled against him and said he committed no crime anything he is accused of he only acted according to his duties and responsibilities as enshrined in the Urban Councils Act and that it was the State’s onus to prove criminal conduct.

Government has approved the resumption of operations at the Vehicle Inspection Department and Registrar’s Office with intercity travelling now permitted according to Tuesday’s cabinet meeting press briefing.

Speaking during the post-cabinet briefing yesterday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the decision to permit intercity movement was to ensure easy movement of pupils back to school among other sectors.

“In view of the re-opening of schools for examination classes, the tourism and hospitality industry and aviation sectors and the need to afford the working class time to attend gymnasia, cabinet approved the extension of business operating hours including those of gymnasia from 0630hours to 1830hours.

“Cabinet further approved the resumption of inter-city travel to facilitate the smooth movement of examination candidates, citizens and visitors,” said Mutsvangwa

Paul Nyathi 

THE Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) president Takudzwa Ngadziore was on Monday granted ZW$2,000 bail by a Harare magistrates court.

As part of the bail conditions he has been ordered to stay 100 metres away from Impala Car Rental premises in Harare.

Ngadziore was arrested last Thursday following protests outside Impala Car Rental company and spent the weekend in prison after his bail hearing was postponed to Monday after Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko said she was overwhelmed with work as she ordered the further detention of president Takudzwa Godfrey Ngadziore on Friday.

The defiant students leader has since called for a press conference exactly 101 metre away from Impala Car Rental located at number 40 Chiremba Road in Harare on Friday.

“The Courts ordered me to stay exactly 100 Meters away from @impalacarrental. As a Law abiding Citizen, I do hereby invite all members of the Fourth Estate (Press) to a Statement Venue: Exactly 101 meters away from @impalacarrental

The Courts ordered me to stay exactly 100 Meters away from @impalacarrental
As a Law abiding Citizen, I do hereby invite all members of the Fourth Estate (Press) to a Statement
Venue: Exactly 101 meters away from @impalacarrental
Date: 18 Sep 2020
Time: 1100hrs #PeoplePower

— Takudzwa Ngadziore (@ngadziore) September 14, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Hope of finding alive five illegal miners trapped underground after a shaft collapsed at Task Mine in Chegutu are beginning to fade as over seven days have gone by since rescue operations began.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Hon Winston Chitando has had to take time to visit the site to assess the ongoing rescue operations.

The collapse of the mine was allegedly triggered by a weak surface due to unregulated shaft sinking with too many shafts close together.

“Shafts are almost 10 meters close to each other instead of the recommended 30 meters and the miners are using ropes where the shaft is even 100meters deep instead of limiting the use of ropes to just 30meters, so this increase later the risk of collapse,” he said.

The fate of the five miners remains unknown but Mines and Mining Development Minister, Honourable Chitando promised to expedite rescue operations.

“We are hopeful that the miners are still alive and will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of those rescue operations,” he said.

Mashonaland West acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed a rescue mission involving a multi-sectoral team had, up to this week Tuesday, failed to make meaningful headway towards rescuing the trapped miners, let alone finding them alive.

“The rescue efforts are still in progress but up to now, none of the trapped miners has been rescued,” said Kohwera Tuesday.

The incident happened at Task Mine in Chegutu at around 4:30pm.

Zimbabwe Mining Federation President Henrietta Rushwaya appealed for government to mechanise mining operations of small-scale players to reduce the prevalence of accidents.

“We need what is happening in the agricultural to also take place in mining where farmers are being equipped. Our own miners need equipment so that they conduct operations safely,” she said.

The small-scale mining sector has been rocked by safety issues with over ten people have lost their lives at Battlefields Mine in Kadoma last year.

Selfish rulers harden the people. Love begets love and hate begets hate. A human being is dangerous creature. When rulers treat citizens like animals, they often turn them into beasts and monsters.Dire consequences always kick in, leaving nations so devastated and polarized!

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) September 16, 2020

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Tuesday issued a statement advising motorists that all vehicles moving on the roads without number plates will be impounded.

Members of the dreaded CIO are well known for driving around in vehicles with no registration plates. These have been used in several abductions and illegal arrests.

Below is the statement in full:

UPDATE ON POLICE WARNING ON VEHICLES WITH NO REGISTRATION PLATES

Reference is made to the statement issued on 8th September 2020 with regards to vehicles moving around without number plates.

The Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure has formally advised the police that there are adequate stocks of number plates but motorists are reluctant to acquire them, thereby posing a security risk on the roads.

In this regard, the police will impound all vehicles moving on the roads without number plates.

There is no justification for any motorist to drive vehicles on the road without number plates.

Motorists are urged to cooperate and if there are any challenges, they should approach the relevant authorities.

Police Commanders have been directed to ensure that only vehicles with number plates are allowed passage at roadblocks, checkpoints and other security points.

Members of the public should take this warning seriously and contribute towards the maintenance of law and order on the roads.

[NYATHI. P] Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer [Press, Public and International Relations]