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]

The police failed to take Joanna Mamombe to court on time so she is back in hospital with 3 CID Law & Order officers by her window, under their custody. The lawyers and doctors have negotiated that she proceeds to court tomorrow morning at 9am. pic.twitter.com/iCHluqMnQF

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 15, 2020

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

Paul Nyathi

ZANU PF is set to hold an ordinary session of the Politburo today at the party headquarters in Harare.

In a statement, acting secretary for Information and Publicity and party spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said: “The Secretary for Administration, Cde Dr OM Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 16 September 2020 at the party headquarters commencing 1000hrs.”

All members are expected to be seated by 09.45 am. The agenda of the meeting could not be immediately established but indications are that the recent visit by an ANC delegation and outcomes from the meetings will take centre stage.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to deliver public opening remarks for the meeting.

The party will also hold a Central Committee meeting on Friday 18 September 2020, the first to be held since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All members are also expected to be seated by 09:45 hours.

Source: State Media

Is Mwonzora Innocent Of Crimes Of Torture?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 16, 2020

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

State Media

THE South African ruling party, the ANC, should not abuse its fraternal relations with Zanu PF to poke its nose in the country’s internal affairs, but should focus on multiple problems affecting that country such as factionalism and inequalities, the ruling party has said.

This comes as the ANC is said to have taken an unprecedented step of seeking to meet opposition parties and civic organisations in the country in a move that has been pooh-poohed by experts as unprecedented and undiplomatic, and which also smacks of the misinformed belief that Zimbabwe is South Africa’s province.

Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu said as far as the ruling party is concerned the purported return of the ANC delegation was not discussed at the recently held frank and brutal meeting where Zimbabwe stamped its sovereignty.

“The post inter-party dialogue feedback by the ANC affirms the genuine outcome of our dialogue. In light of the expressed revolutionary collegiality underscored in the ANC statement, as ZANU PF we take it upon ourselves to honour the resolutions of our bilateral talks. As a liberation party we find more comfort in strengthened cordial links with revolutionary sister-establishments in the SADC.

“This further dovetails with our political dialogue standpoint outlined as a cardinal preamble of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement principle. The major diplomatic score of our September 9 party-to-party dialogue reinforces Afro-centred designs of political mediation.

“In the process, we are grateful that the attempts to decimate ZANU PF’s heartfelt allegiance to the aspirations of the people have been arrested by the solidarity which the ANC has rendered”.

Zanu PF Director for Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi hinted in a statement that the South African delegation, that came to Zimbabwe was pushing a factional agenda and its latest antics are meant to save face.

“It is unfortunate, but we find it imperative to inform our sister revolutionary party, the ANC to focus their attention on matters affecting South Africans rather than attempt to experiment attention seeking gimmicks in the name of our stable nation and our peaceful people.

“For the record, there was no deliberation nor agreement on them coming back to meet anyone over the issues we discussed. It is unprecedented in the history of our fraternal relations as revolutionary parties for the ANC to seek to verify our submissions through puppet movements. Just imagine a ZANU PF delegation forcing itself to engage renegade movements like DA, EFF or Afrikaner organisations to verify and ascertain whether the ANC is correct or not,” said Mugwadi.

MDC-T Secretary general Douglas Mwonzora said: “Of course, we are going to be contesting elections.” MDC-Alliance deputy spokesperson, Felix Mafa Sibanda, said the by-elections will not change anything if there are no reforms.
Should the MDC Alliance contest the by elections?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 15, 2020

It is not possible that that letter is worth the print it is printed on … Harare Mayor @JMafume dismisses report saying he has been recalled. pic.twitter.com/Z2iBAIN7kC

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 15, 2020

Harare

1. Enoch Mupamawonde (Deputy Mayor)

2. Lovemore Ma kuwerere (Ward 24)

3. Gilbert Hadebe (Ward 39)

4. Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi (Ward 19)

5. Simon Mapanzure (Ward 34)

6. Charles Chidhagu (Ward 30)

7. Keith Charumbira (Ward 8).

8. Steven Dhliwayo (Ward 40)

9. Barnabas Ndira (Ward 21)

10. Chihoma Runyowa (Ward 29)

11. Charles Nyatsuro (Ward 6).

Bulawayo

1. Tinashe Kambarami (Ward 3)

2. Enerst Rafamoyo (Ward 20)

3. Tineruvimbo Ma posa (Ward 21)

4. Donaldson Mabuto (Ward 9)

5. Concilia Mlalazi (Ward 18)

6. Norman Hlabani (Ward 26)

7. Lilian Mlilo (Ward 12)

8. Clayton Zana (Ward 19).

Gwanda Mazhale Jastone ( Ward 7)

Beitbridge Morgan Ncube

State Media

GRAIN Marketing Board (GMB) Binga depot supervisor and a clerk have been arrested together with the district’s social welfare officer after they allegedly stole nearly four tonnes of drought relief maize from the depot.

Zebron Hungwe the supervisor and the clerk, Gladys Mugande, allegedly connived with Regret Mudungwe, the Binga District Social Welfare officer to forge invoices which they used to divert 74 by 50kg bags of maize from the depot to an unknown destination.

The three claimed that they had delivered the maize to Sunrise Children’s Home at Binga Centre and Kabwe Children’s Home in Pashu within the district before investigations showed that the maize was stolen.

It is alleged that the trio forged invoices purporting that they had given 32 bags of maize to Sunrise Children’s Home and 46 bags to Kabwe Children’s Home.

The two homes were entitled to monthly allocations of four bags and seven bags respectively for their day to day feeding of vulnerable children under the Government drought relief programme.

Social Welfare department is responsible for distributing drought relief food comprising grain and rice among other things on behalf of Government and all are mostly stocked at GMB depots.

Hungwe, Mugande and Mudungwe were not formally charged with a count of fraud and theft of trust property each when they appeared before Binga resident magistrate Mr Urgent Vundla.

The trio was released on $1 500 bail each and remanded to next week Wednesday. They were ordered not to interfere with witnesses and to report once every fortnight to police in Binga as part of their bail conditions.

Prosecuting, Mr Quiet Mpofu said the trio committed the crimes between July and last week when GMB regional security officer based in Kwekwe Mr Bonface Mabhaudi discovered the anomaly.

“During the period extending from July to September and at GMB Binga depot, the three accused persons connived and issued out dispatch documents purporting to account for maize issued to Sunrise Children’s Home and Kabwe Children’s Home,” said Mr Mpofu.

Mr Mabhaudi visited Sunrise Children’s Home for investigations and established that no such delivery of maize had been made.

The home has a monthly allocation of four bags of maize which its authorities confirmed receiving for the month of August as opposed to 32 bags as alleged through the forged invoices.

Kabwe Children’s Home has a monthly allocation of seven bags of maize contrary to 46 indicated in the fraudulent records by the trio.

The maize was meant to feed children at the two children’s homes under the drought relief programme targeting the vulnerable.

The offence came to light when GMB security discovered the anomaly and effected investigations leading to arrest of Hungwe, Mugande and Mudungwe last week.

The total value of the stolen maize has not been given while investigations are underway amid suspicions the crime may have been going on for a long time thereby defrauding Government and depriving needy people of food.

1/ Contrary to public belief @fortunechasi played to the gallery & played the victim whilst all the while giving into corruption. He went on social media & said the right things to gain popularity but unfortunately isn’t sincere/honest. His deeds didn’t match his words https://t.co/GgjGRcQ739

— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) September 16, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Police officers spent the night at the Borrowdale Half Way Health facility watching over MDC-Alliance member Joana Mamombe who was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest for failing to attend court as she is admitted at the health centre.

Mamombe failed to attend court for trial on charges of faking her abduction in May, with her lawyer saying she was hospitalised at the Harare health centre receiving treatment for anxiety disorder.

The court claimed that her lawyer failed to produce the required doctor’s certificate and admission records, hence the warrant.

Last night, police officers from the Law and Order section were at Borrowdale Halfway House where Mamombe is hospitalised and while they said they had not served the warrant, they were maintaining an unexplained police presence at the hospital.

Mamombe’s lawyer, Mr Jeremiah Bamu, was also present to monitor his client and see if the police would serve the warrant.

Lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama had told Harare magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande at the court in the morning that Mamombe could not attend court as she was admitted at Borrowdale Halfway House.

But no documentation was presented from the doctor nor proof that she was an in-patient, both of which the magistrate wanted as a matter of routine.

She is jointly charged with other MDC-Alliance members Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri, who did come to court and were ordered to return on September 29 for trial.

Mr Muchadehama applied for a postponement of the trial saying the defence wanted time to allow Mamombe to heal and be fit to stand trial.

“The first accused (Mamombe) is unable to attend court today because on September 4 she was taken ill suffering from what the doctors described as anxiety disorder.

“She is currently admitted at Borrowdale Halfway House where her condition is being managed by a doctor. The doctor advised that she is unable to attend trial,” he told the court.

Mr Muchadehama said Mamombe was not in wilful default and the defence had arranged for Dr Fungisai Mazhandu to testify on her condition in court.

He said they wrote a letter on September 7 notifying the court of Mamombe’s condition, which also prompted them to seek variation of her bail reporting conditions. The court relaxed Mamombe’s bail conditions following the notification.

State counsel, Mr Michael Reza, opposed to the application for postponement of trial saying there was no documentary evidence from the doctor to prove that Mamombe was admitted and receiving treatment.

The letter last week only referred to reporting conditions and spoke nothing about her ability to attend trial.

The court claimed that the medical report which was filed in the record does not show where Mamombe was admitted.

Source: State Media

Paul Nyathi

Emmerson Mnangagwa, who turned 78 yesterday says his father’s wish was just to see him able to speak in English with the white people.

“I feel very happy that the Lord above, God has mercy. He has allowed me to grow by another year, from 77 to 78.

“My parents taught me differently. My father always wanted me to go to school, become a lawyer and reply whites in English. That is what he wanted, because he felt that when they speak in English and had to be translated, he did not feel confident that the translation was correct.

“So he felt that I must go to school, become a lawyer and reply whites in English.

“But for my mother, she was different.

“She wanted me to be a family person, be a farmer. She felt that there is nothing that keeps you solid as a family if you have a farm, cattle, goats and chickens.

“I have achieved both, for my father and mother,” Mnangagwa who is both a farmer and lawyer said.

MDC-T has recalled eight of the party’s 28 councillors in Bulawayo claiming that they ceased to be members of the Dr Thokozani Khupe led party.

The party yesterday also recalled the mayor of Marondera Chengetai Murowa and four councillors, while two councillors in Victoria Falls met the same fate.

The opposition controls 28 wards in Bulawayo with Zanu PF’s Kidwell Mujuru of Ward 28 being the only councillor from the ruling party.

In a letter dated September 11, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo informed Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube of the recalling of the eight.

They are Clayton Zana of Ward 19, Tinevimbo Maposa of Ward 21, Ernest Rafamoyo of Ward 20, Donald Mabuto of Ward 9, Tinashe Kambarami of Ward 3, Lilian Mlilo of Ward 12, Concilia Mlalazi of Ward 18 and Norman Hlabano of Ward 26. Minister Moyo directed Mr Dube to inform ZEC about the vacant posts.

In Marondera, Clr Marowa was recalled along with Size Vilela (Ward 11), Charles Ngwena (Ward 4), Wonder Siriya (Ward 6) and Misheck Manyere (Ward 5).

MDC-T national spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni said the party was expelling councillors that were no longer part of the opposition movement.

Meanwhile, in the MDC-T has also recalled two councillors in Victoria Falls. Those recalled are Clr Margret Varley (Ward 1) who was the MDC Alliance’s preferred candidate for the town’s mayoral position and Clr Ephias Mambume (Ward 6), who backed the former.

State Media

Zesa Holdings executive chairman Dr Sydney Gata and the rest of the Zesa board can now return to duty under a directive by President Mnangagwa pending finalisation of investigations after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) cleared him of wrongdoing in four of the six allegations he was facing.

Zacc is investigating the other two allegations against Dr Gata and allegations against board members.

Minister of Energy and Power Development Zhemu Soda now has to examine corporate governance issues at Zesa that were raised by Zacc and recommend action.

On August 6, the entire Zesa Holdings board, including Dr Gata, was suspended by the President with Zacc given four weeks to conclude investigations into corruption allegations against the chairman and the board.

That interim report was submitted on September 4 and has been studied by the President.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda announced the return of the board in a statement yesterday.

“His Excellency the President, being cognisant of the fact that Zesa is at the epicentre of the economic activity of the nation and that it would not be desirable for this entity to operate below optimal efficiency due to lack of leadership at its helm, has directed as follows:

The executive chairman of Zesa, Dr S Gata, while investigations are on-going, be allowed to carry on his responsibility as executive chairman;

That the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Zhemu Soda, should examine corporate governance issues that have been raised in the Zacc interim report and present his recommendations on the same to His Excellency the President by November 30, 2020.-The Herald