State Media

The Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Senator Larry Mavima has expressed concern over the increase in the number mine related deaths involving artisanal miners and small scale miners in the province.

Sen Mavima said the province recorded 61 mining related deaths in the small-scale mining sector since February this year.

He said his office was engaging the Ministry of Mines and Mining development to map the way forward and improve safety in mines especially those that artisanal miners are working in.

“The Midlands is the mining hub of the country and the sector continues to attract the majority of people. However lack of effective organisation, administrative monitoring and safety precautions remain a problem. We have recorded a total of 61 mine related deaths since

February and we continue to record deaths on a monthly basis, which is very bad,” said Sen Mavima.

He said his office was engaging the relevant ministry and other stakeholders to make sure the working environment around mines was safe.

“We have engaged the relevant ministry so that they work on enforcing safety measures so that we avoid the loss of life at our small scale mining areas. What we want is production while reduce accidents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) spokesperson, Mr Dosman Mangisi said the mining related deaths statistics in the Midlands province involving artisanal miner were worrying.

He said the organisation will soon conduct workshops to educate artisanal miners on safety issues.

“We had our first annual meeting with small-scale and artisanal miners last year where we invited President Mnangagwa and one of the issues discussed in that meeting was the issue of safety.

“The irony of it is that the annual meeting was conducted in the Midlands province where we are having disturbing statistics in terms deaths,” he said.

Mr Mangisi said the organisation will conduct more workshops to educate artisanal miners on safety issues.

“There is also need to engage other stakeholders like the Environmental Management Agency so that they enforce the rules at the mines,” he said.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe’s economy is now stabilising due to direct interventions by the government.

Addressing the ruling Zanu PF party’s politburo meeting in Harare Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said more than 200,000 jobs have been created despite the challenges of sanctions, droughts and the Covid-19 global pandemic.

WATCH the video below;

Correspondent

The Supreme Court is yet to rule on an appeal by the “winning” Chegutu West MP, the MDC Alliance’s Gift Konjana, against the Electoral Court judgement which dismissed his electoral challenge after a mistake was made by electoral officials.

Konjana polled 10 948 against his closest challenger, ZANU PF’s Dexter Nduna, who garnered 10 932 votes during the 2018 parliamentary elections.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) admitted that it had made an error in declaring Nduna the winner but informed Konjana to seek redress through the courts as it had no powers to reverse the announced results.

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In October 2018, the Electoral Court judge, Justice Mary Zimba-Dube dismissed Konjana’s election petition on the basis that it was defective.

Konjana appealed against the Electoral Court judgment at the Supreme Court and a ruling is yet to be made.

GUKURAHUNDI REBURIAL PROCESS MUST ADDRESS HISTORICAL INJUSTICES

We note with concern plans by the State to fast-track exhumations and reburials of Gukurahundi victims before there has been any accountability for the massacres and without the consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors and victims.

Over 20 000 people were killed during Gukurahundi in Matabeleland and the Midlands between 1983 and 1987. Most of the victims were buried in shallow graves.

However, over three decades later, there has been no formal acknowledgement or apology from the State for the commission of this genocide and the grave atrocities that took place.

The perpetrators have never been brought to book. The proposed reburials constitute the first indirect, official acknowledgement of the atrocities.

While the reburial of the victims is important, the surviving relatives and other key stakeholders must be heard and consulted on how the process should be carried out.

The communities that were affected must play a central role in the reburials through their traditional leaders and churches.

Truth-telling and justice must accompany any redress for survivors. The evidence associated with the atrocities must be carefully managed.

This is the only way we can ensure that there is full closure on this important national issue.

We call for a transparent, comprehensive, inclusive, gender-sensitive and consultative transitional justice process for the victims and survivors of Gukurahundi.

The process should be victim-centred and must involve representatives of all stakeholders including the traditional leaders, the surviving victims, rights-based groups, the Church and civic society. Reburials must be a part of this comprehensive process, not a standalone initiative.

The MDC Alliance stands for restorative justice, rehabilitative justice and, in appropriate cases, restitutive justice.

Reburying the victims without healing, justice, truth-telling and reparations will undoubtedly result in the wounds resurfacing in the future to the detriment of nation-building, lasting peace and reconciliation.

Hon Blessing Chebundo

Secretary for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration

Tension is escalating within the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) as the organisation holds elections to choose its board of governors.

ZRCS has been conducting elections to usher in a new board starting from the districts and provinces across the country.

The exercise, which started on June 22 and characterised by mudslinging, backbiting and bickering, is set to end by November 30 when the organisation holds the national elections.

The run-up to the national polls has been so nasty that last Wednesday, Edson Mlambo, the incumbent national president, was hauled before the courts to answer to abuse of office charges.

Charges against Mlambo emanate from one of the two internal anonymous reports on the organisation’s operations, compiled by the factions within the ZRCS family.

One of the reports with allegations of nepotism and corruption within the organisation’s ranks is said to have been leaked to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).

However, Zacc spokesperson John Makamure yesterday could not be reached to confirm if the anti-graft body had received the whistleblowers’ reports from ZRCS.

The Standard established that during the past seven months the ferocity of the divisions within the organisation, which is an auxiliary arm of the government, had been so intense it put the reputation of the organisation at stake.

“It is dog eat dog when it comes to elections at the Zimbabwe Red Cross,” said one volunteer at the organisation.

“There is a lot of political bickering and it is all about counter-accusations. “Surprisingly, those who accuse others would be having a lot to hide. Some are using their connections to elbow others out.”

Some directors and several managers have since been suspended while secretary general Maxwell Phiri resigned in May.

ZRCS acting secretary-general Elias Hwenga described the suspension and termination of contracts for some people in the top echelons as part of the organisation’s disciplinary processes.

“In order to bring sanity to the organisation, we undertook a formal, independent investigation of this matter,” Hwenga said.

Hwenga was evasive on the “crisis” at ZRCS, but confirmed that the organisation was having elections this year.

“We started this exercise, which is part of our constitution, on June 22. We started from our structures at the branch, district levels, we move on to the provinces before we hold the national elections,” he said.

“The exercise is going on smoothly and we hope to end it by November 30. It is unfortunate we had to move the dates because of restrictions brought by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic early this year.

“It’s common that during elections results might not come in your favour, which might cause a lot of problems.”

Hwenga said there was no crisis at ZRCS, but what was happening was expected of any election environment.

However, he is optimistic that the situation will normalise at the organisation after the elections.

ZRCS is an auxiliary to government as mandated through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act of Parliament No 30 of 1981, also known as Chapter 17:08.

The Standard

Paul Nyathi

Zimbabwe’s poverty datum line (PDL)increased nearly 11 percent in August to $17 244, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) said on Thursday.

The agency pointed this to the continued rise in prices of goods and services despite recent exchange rate stability.

The PDL measures the monthly requirement for a family of five for food and other basic needs and services.

In July, the poverty line stood at $15 573.

“The Total Consumption Poverty Line for one person stood at $3 449 in
August 2020 while that for an average of five persons per household during the same period stood at $17 244,” the statistics agency said.

For food alone, one person required $1 442 while a family of five
needed about $7 211.

Inflation during the same month fell to 761.02 percent from 837.53 in July.

With the bulk of employees in the country earning less than $7 000,
which translates to about US$85 using the official exchange rate, it means most formally employed workers are struggling to make ends meet.

While the International Labour Organisation recommends that PDL should be used as a benchmark in determining minimum wages, most local companies are unable to meet this in the prevailing Covid-19 trading environment where business activity has slowed down.

Some have been forced to actually slash the salaries to remain afloat.

By A Correspondent- Mourners visiting cemeteries for burials have to be extra vigilant to avoid double grief as thieves are now targeting funeral-goers by stealing from their parked cars while attending their loved ones’ final farewell.

The warning comes after two men from North End were on Monday afternoon brutally assaulted by a mob of angry mourners after they caught them red-handed stealing from their cars while they were attending a relative’s burial service at Athlone Extension Cemetery.

The unidentified thieves who were apprehended before they could make good their escape had stolen purses, cellphones and groceries from the mourners’ parked cars.

Investigations by B-Metro after the incident revealed that there was a drastic increase in burglaries at city cemeteries where thieves were wreaking havoc stealing items from parked cars.

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) recently raised concern at the increasing crime at cemeteries during burials, with thieves said to be targeting parked vehicles.

Speaking during a council meeting, Ward 7 councillor Shadreck Sibanda said he had noted an increase in theft during burials.

“I have noted that there has been an increase in theft from cars, especially at cemeteries. I want to know if the chair has heard those issues and what can be done to stop such cases,” said Clr Sibanda.

Ward 9 councillor Donaldson Mabutho supported him while arguing that there was a need by the local authority to deploy council security officers to guard mourners’ cars at cemeteries.

A North End resident Elton Mashamba expressed dismay that such things could happen before describing thieves who steal from grieving families as the “lowest of the low people”.

“These thieves are really heartless as they have no respect for the dead and their relatives. After being caught these lowest of the low people should be severely punished. Just imagine they are stealing from people who are already under sad emotional circumstances.

“I think security should also be tight at these cemeteries whereby municipal security officers will be watching for suspicious people,” suggested Mashamba.

A victim, Agnes Ndlovu (52), from Sauerstown said she lost cash, two cellphones, door keys to her house and bank debit cards which were in her purse which was stolen from her car last month while burying a family member at Athlone Cemetery.

“It’s so hard. Last month thieves broke into my car while attending the burial service of a relative at Athlone Extension and disappeared with my purse containing cash amounting to US$80, two cellphones, door keys to my house, bank debit cards and other essentials which were inside,” she said.

Nicole Mhlanga from Mzilikazi suburb said thefts at city cemeteries were now causing people to feel too insecure to mourn in peace.

“A cemetery is a sacred place where people should feel protected but these cruel thieves who are breaking into mourners’ cars are discounting the serene atmosphere which is supposed to be enjoyed at these final resting places,” she said.

A Bulawayo City Council security officer who preferred anonymity citing bureaucracy confirmed that a number of mourners had contacted him and his colleagues in relation to anti-social behaviour at the Athlone Cemetery.

“Every time we conduct our routine checks we notice that mourners, many of them being women, leave their purses in their cars. In most cases people don’t lock their cars, so purses are an easy grab. Mourners always think no one is going to steal since it’s a cemetery.

“We always advise them to take their purses with them. This is because while everyone is occupied, thieves exploit the opportunity and break into parked cars.

“Although it is our duty as municipal security officers to take the safety and security of cemeteries very seriously, the problem is that during normal business hours cemeteries are open to the public and that’s why it is also difficult to apprehend these criminals,” said the security officer.

The security officer, however, insisted that the problem could be easily avoided if people attending burials locked their vehicles.-bmetro

By A Correspondent- Ten years ago, Moses Qathe Moyo from Hlababomvu Village under Chief Bidi in Kezi, Matabeleland South province left many people shell-shocked when he dug his own grave — and his lone wish to be laid to rest at a place of his own choice was unanimously granted when his family buried him in it on Thursday this week.

For Moyo, who died on Sunday aged 60 and after a long illness, the act of digging his own grave in advance seemed a logical thing to do as he preferred his own form of final disposal.

The grave was covered with a heavy cement slab that reportedly took about 12 “muscular” men to remove it during his burial.

Moyo whose strange desire created a total nightmare to everyone who followed the story reportedly suffered a stroke twice after digging the grave.

A relative who declined to be named claiming they were not authorised to speak on behalf of the family said when the story first emerged in 2010 Moyo explained his reason for digging his grave in advance.

“Moses dug his own grave sometime in 2010 claiming that he had received a vision from God instructing him to do so. Death seemed not to worry him as he said it was already done for him so he wanted everything ready for his burial. He also said when he died, he didn’t want people grappling with a myriad of choices in the midst of sadness. So when he dug his own grave he argued that he was eliminating such pressure usually experienced when burying a loved one,” said the relative. He added that before he breathed his last, Moyo reminded them that burying him in his own grave was one big thing that they would have to do without fail.

He also reportedly wanted to dig another one for his wife but she vehemently refused.

The relative adds: “Before he dug it, he threw a lavish party and a beast was slaughtered. As a family we celebrated although other villagers thought it was uncharacteristic of Moses to do something like that.

“On the day of the burial the only work which was left was just a matter of removing the few inches of soil on top and taking the cement slab off and later putting it back.”

Moyo was reportedly spending a good part of his time looking after his grave.

“As a family we needed a little convincing when he first told us of his plan to dig his own grave. He defended his actions saying digging his own grave was akin to one writing a will or having a funeral policy,” added the relative.

One traditional leader from the area said: “It was indeed strange. At a time when people want to live more and instantly consult traditional healers, prophets and even flying out of the country to seek better treatment so as to extend their lives a little bit, digging your grave is out of the ordinary.”

Meanwhile, in African culture it is taboo for a person to dig his own grave while they are still alive.

Renowned traditionalist and culturalist Richard Ndebele said it was uncultural for one to dig his or her own grave.

“It is totally against our culture. If one does that, he or she would be unknowingly courting death in the family. There is danger that someone who falls sick in the family would die because the spirit of death would be hovering over the family as that grave would need to be filled. That may also cause the ancestors to turn against the family,” he said.

He added: “What I know is that in our culture at times an elderly person identifies a site where he prefers to be laid to rest.”

Deputy President of the Chief’s Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo buttressed Ndebele’s opinion saying: “I have never heard of that. What I know is that if an elderly person identifies the grave site where he or she prefers to be buried, the family has to respect that.”

Meanwhile, Chief Bidi whose jurisdiction, Moyo’s area falls under believes there is nothing wrong with one “booking” his or her own grave while waiting for death.

“I don’t think there is any problem with that and if it was his wish it’s okay. I cannot comment further because I have insufficient information regarding that subject,” he said.-statemedia

The acting president of the Supreme Court-created MDC-T, Thokozani Khupe, has been barred from attending Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) meetings until she gets a fresh mandate from the party’s congress.

The party’s acting deputy national chairperson Morgen Komichi told the Daily News that Khupe cannot continue with POLAD because the party which initially seconded her to the negotiations is different from the one she is now leading. Said Komichi:

For now, she cannot continue with POLAD because we have agreed that the decision on who we engage with politically should be subjected to party structures, preferably congress.

However, responding to Komichi’s assertion, Khupe’s spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni, who also doubles as the party’s information secretary said Khupe could not attend recent POLAD meetings as she is preoccupied with preparations for the extra-ordinary congress directed by the Supreme Court.

An MDC-T national standing committee member told the Daily News that some officials who are eyeing the party’s presidency came up with the idea for Khupe to cease participation in POLAD. The official is quoted as having said:

Remember Komichi, (Douglas) Mwonzora and (Elias) Mudzuri all want to be president and they do not want to be labelled Zanu PF like what is happening to Khupe.

They want to be seen as genuine opposition leaders who are not tied to Mnangagwa’s apron strings so they are the people who came up with the idea.-dailynews

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1306574709866328065?s=20

By A Correspondent| A Harare Magistrate has ordered Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to pay more than RTGS$50 000 to a Mazowe man as compensation for damages to his vehicle, which was burnt to ashes in 2019 by some law enforcement agents, who were evicting illegal miners at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, in Mashonaland Central province.

Philemon Jijita, who runs a tuckshop at Masasa Farm in Mazowe sued Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in December 2019 for payment of damages to his property after some ZRP members burnt down his immobile Nissan Hi-Rider vehicle in May 2019, which was parked at the farm as it had some flat tyres.

Jijita’s vehicle caught fire when ZRP members burnt some housing structures, cabins and some grass structures that were close to his car.

His pleas to restrain the police officers fell on deaf ears as the law enforcement agents ordered him to move away.

With the assistance of Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Jijita sued Matanga and Kazembe demanding compensation for the damage caused to his vehicle.

During trial before Magistrate Dhliwayo, Chinopfukutwa argued that Jijita suffered severe shock and trauma at witnessing his vehicle being wantonly burnt down by ZRP officers without reasonable justification.

This resulted in Magistrate Dhliwayo ordering Matanga and Kazembe to pay RTGS$56 640 as compensation for special damages to Jijita’s property.

Through instituting such anti-impunity claims against state actors who include police officers, who often violate human rights of other people under the guise of acting within the realm of the law, ZLHR does so to deter and discourage such violations.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance will soon unroll a series of programmes meant to enhance the party’s visibility in Chiredzi District.

Chiredzi District consists of Zanu PF strongholds- mainly as a result of vote buying and intimidation of villagers.

Speaking at a party meeting on Sunday, Chiredzi West MDC Alliance district chairperson James Kampota said:

“Chiredzi West district members fully support President Chamisa and the MDC Alliance party.”

“We have rejected the MDC T led by Khupe, Mudzuri, Komichi and Mwonzora.

It is our view, that MDC T led by Khupe is a Zanu PF proxy. They want to destroy the MDC Alliance.

Senator Misheck Marava said : “Thank you for coming in your numbers. We are here to inform you that MDC Alliance party led by our charismatic President Chamisa is intact.”

Hon Mugidho, the MDC Alliance National Women’s Assembly acting chairlady also said :

“MDC T led by Khupe has been rejected in Chiredzi West.

Yes, the MDC T Mudzuri faction leaders are always in Chiredzi West trying to recruit 2014 structures to vote for Mudzuri as president at their extraordinary congress.

However, the 2014 structures have rejected them.”

By A Correspondent- A Harare Magistrate has ordered Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to pay more than RTGS$50 000 to a Mazowe man as compensation for damages to his vehicle, which was burnt to ashes in 2019 by some law enforcement agents, who were evicting illegal miners at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, in Mashonaland Central province.

Philemon Jijita, who runs a tuckshop at Masasa Farm in Mazowe sued Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in December 2019 for payment of damages to his property after some ZRP members burnt down his immobile Nissan Hi-Rider vehicle in May 2019, which was parked at the farm as it had some flat tyres.

Jijita’s vehicle caught fire when ZRP members burnt some housing structures, cabins and some grass structures that were close to his car.

His pleas to restrain the police officers fell on deaf ears as the law enforcement agents ordered him to move away.

With the assistance of Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Jijita sued Matanga and Kazembe demanding compensation for the damage caused to his vehicle.

During trial before Magistrate Dhliwayo, Chinopfukutwa argued that Jijita suffered severe shock and trauma at witnessing his vehicle being wantonly burnt down by ZRP officers without reasonable justification.

This resulted in Magistrate Dhliwayo ordering Matanga and Kazembe to pay RTGS$56 640 as compensation for special damages to Jijita’s property.

Through instituting such anti-impunity claims against state actors who include police officers, who often violate human rights of other people under the guise of acting within the realm of the law, ZLHR does so to deter and discourage such violations.

-zlhr

Farai Dziva|EU has expressed concern at the violation of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Read full statement below:

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

1/Response to Chinamasa’s Statement.
Chinamasa is dishonest and it’s unfortunate. Three Cdes, myself, Mzembi and Zhuwao met @MYANC and whose deliberations and discussions remain privileged until the process is over.

2/ Attempts to personalize and malign will be ignored. The crisis is national in nature and cannot be reduced to individuals or factions. I am clear about how we should fix the legitimacy issues all round and will keep my eye on the ball. This is the main cause of our crisis.

3/ The cause of our national crisis is to deal with lack of constitutionalism at a party level and has manifested itself at a national level. Once constitutionality within the party is fixed it will cascade to the national level.

4/ The assault on the young generation must come to an end where political contestation is free, fair and credible. We must remove fear, hate, favour and patronage. Politics must always lead the gun. Vision, ideology and direction must be central to our total emancipation.

5/ I remain a card carrying member of the party until due process in carried in line with the party’s constitution. I remain committed to the unity of the party which is key to sustainable national development.

Farai Dziva|Saviour Kasukuwere has responded to claims that he is desperate to rejoin Zanu PF.

Acting Zanu PF Spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa on Wednesday claimed Kasukuwere was desperate to rejoin the party.

Kasukuwere argued :
Response to Chinamasa’s Statement: Chinamasa is dishonest and it’s unfortunate. Three Cdes, myself, Mzembi and Zhuwao met
@MYANC
and whose deliberations and discussions remain privileged until the process is over.

The assault on the young generation must come to an end where political contestation is free, fair and credible. We must remove fear, hate, favour and patronage.

Politics must always lead the gun. Vision, ideology and direction must be central to our total emancipation.

I remain a card carrying member of the party until due process is carried out in line with the party’s constitution.

I remain committed to the unity of the party which is key to sustainable national development.

By A Correspondent- Leading claimant to the Ndebele throne Bulelani Lobengula KaMzilikazi has hit back at President Emmerson Mnangagwa over his statements that he will never allow the revival of the Ndebele Kingdom.

Bulelani’s spokesperson Bornman Khumalo told the media that Mnangagwa has no power to stop the revival of the Kingdom because Bulelani was appointed King and his role is to lead the promotion of the Ndebele culture.

Listen to the audio below:

Addressing a Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Gweru over the weekend, Mnangagwa said, “Zimbabwe is a republic, there are people who wanted to revive the Ndelebe Kingdom in Matabeleland, and we said no, we cannot have a kingdom in a republic.

“Zimbabwe is a republic, there can only be chiefs not kings, senior and junior, different levels but there are chiefs.

“I got a letter on Wednesday from the grandson of King Lobengula saying thank you President for recognising Matshobana Khumalo, my great, great uncle. That’s what is done.

“He did not write a letter saying he wants to be king. No, he wrote a letter appreciating how we have recognised a general of my grandfather Lobengula or Mzilikazi, that’s what is done.”

By A Correspondent- Government is considering appointing commissions to run the affairs of local authorities following the recall of councillors by MDC-T for insubordination and failing to recognise the leadership of Thokozani Khupe.

The recall has seen 84 councillors in Harare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Gwanda, Beitbridge and Victoria Falls affected.

The recalls have paralysed local authorities amid fears that the government would appoint commissions to ensure the continued operations of the affected local authorities.

Local Government minister July Moyo told said the recalls will affect the operations of the councils and said the ministry would sit with the affected authorities on how Government can assist. -businesstimes

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

MDC Alliance senior leader and former Midlands Senator, Lilian Timveos has visited the ailing Joana Mamombe at Borrowdale Halfway House where she is admitted.

A visibly sick Mamombe was dragged from her hospital bed to appear in court after a warrant of arrest was issued against her for absconding trial on Tuesday.

Posting on social media after visiting her, Timveos said Mamombe was in good spirits.

“Just coming from visiting Hon Mamombe from the Private Hospital she is in, happy to say she is in good spirits. We thank her for all the sacrifices and everything she has gone through for the Peoples Project.

“The Terrorist, Mafia Govt has tried their best to use all their dirty tricks, abducting, torturing, arresting, false accusations, making cooked up videos and every evil deed you can think of, but Alas The Peoples Mp remains resolute. Vanongoti Chamisa chete chete for President,” said Timveos.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is fighting Nelson Chamisa because he is in dire need to prove his legitimacy, a soldier, whose audio targeting opposition MDC Alliance has claimed.

The unnamed soldier advices the opposition leader of what Mnangagwa is plotting in the forthcoming by- elections.

Click on the link below for the full message to Chamisa:

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s ex-wife, Marry Mubaiwa was dragged before the High Court after failing to settle US$6000 due to a local water delivery company.

The plaintiff is Hesno Holdings Private Limited trading as Water To You.

“Plaintiff and defendant entered into an agreement of sale in terms of which the plaintiff would supply water and the defendant would pay for the water supplied,” read court papers.

“The plaintiff is in possession of two detailed invoices of the quantity of water supplied and the total amount which is overdue.”

According to the summons, the invoices also indicate the dates the water was supplied, the quantity supplied as well as the amounts for each quantity supplied.

The company claims it is entitled to US$6 055 being the outstanding balance for the water supplied to the embattled former model.

The company says “despite several demands, defendant has failed, refused and or neglected to make payments”.

“Wherefore, plaintiff prays for payment in the sum of US$6 055 being outstanding balance for the water supplied, an order for interest on the said sum at the prescribed rate per annum from the date of issue of summons to date of final payment,” reads the summons.

By A Correspondent- 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.

Meanwhile, Senators yesterday commended Government’s ongoing efforts to re-align the country’s laws with the new Constitution.

Senators said this during the Second Reading debate of the Attorney-General’s Amendment Bill that was eventually passed and now awaits the President’s signature.

Apart from that Bill, the Senate also passed the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill and the Finance Bill which also now await the President’s assent.

Contributing to the debate, MDC-T Senator Morgan Komichi thanked Government for re-aligning the laws.

“I want to thank the minister for his efforts in alignment of the laws and it was our wish that more laws should be brought to Parliament for alignment to the Constitution in line with what the people said in the process of producing it,” he said.

Senator Tichinani Mavetera said the alignment of the laws was also a fulfilment of what President Mnangagwa proposed during the official opening of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament last year.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Harare based water delivery company Hesno Holdings Private Limited trading as Water To You has hauled VP Chiwenga’s wife Marry, to court over failure to settle a $6000 bill.

According to the company, Marry has not paid her invoices despite promising to do so.

Said the company in its court application:

Plaintiff and defendant entered into an agreement of sale in terms of which the plaintiff would supply water and the defendant would pay for the water supplied. The plaintiff is in possession of two detailed invoices of the quantity of water supplied and the total amount which is overdue.

Despite several demands, defendant has failed, refused and or neglected to make payments. Wherefore, plaintiff prays for payment in the sum of US$6 055 being outstanding balance for the water supplied, an order for interest on the said sum at the prescribed rate per annum from the date of issue of summons to date of final payment.

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), Community Water Alliance (CWA) and the Member of Parliament Rusty Markham represented by Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyer Honorable Tendai Biti, won the High Court Case on Devolution yesterday presided by Chief Justice Edith Mushore.

The order which was being sought by the applicants was that;

• The Ministry of Local Government to enact the laws envisaged in Chapter 14 of the Constitution and Section 301 of the Constitution actualizing and bringing in devolution.
• The Ministry of Local Government gazetted the Bill or Bills necessary to give effect to provisions of Chapter 14 of the Constitution and Section 301 of the Constitution.
• The High Court declared the actions by the  Minister of Local Government, July Moyo, of allocating ZW$400 million in 2019 and ZW$6 billion in 2020 using a formula only known to himself for different local authorities in Zimbabwe to be declared unlawful and in breach of the Constitution.
• The allocations done by The Minister of Local Government, July Moyo were declared a nullity because they were done in the absence of a legal framework to set up devolution and in the absence of metropolitan and provincial councils.

In October 2019 and November 2019 CHRA engaged the Ministry of Local Government requesting information on the policy framework that was guiding the allocations of the devolution funds but to no avail.

After failing to get a response from the Ministry of Local Government CHRA, HAMREF and Norton Residents Alliance petitioned Parliament calling for the enactment of laws governing revenue allocations and recommended shelving of the allocation of “devolution funds” until supporting legislation was put in place.

CHRA welcomes the Court Judgement as it provides an opportunity for residents to input to the legislation that will guide devolution and restoration of the rule of law in our local governance system.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Tanaka, was allegedly duped of US$1 000 by a Harare man who promised to deliver suits for his wedding on August 25 last year.

Samson Mavhunga (31), who is charged with fraud, appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti yesterday and was remanded to September 22 for trial.

The court heard that sometime in May 2019, Mnangagwa met Mavhunga who indicated that he specialised in designing and supplying wedding suits.

Mnangagwa developed an interest since he was preparing for his wedding which was scheduled for August 25, 2019. The two exchanged phone numbers for communication purposes.

In June last year, Mnangagwa allegedly gave Mavhunga an order to supply five Italian-designed suits.

Mavhunga allegedly charged Mnangagwa US$3 500 for the five suits before he was paid $1 000 deposit, with the balance of US$2 500 to be paid upon delivery.

It is alleged Mavhunga promised to deliver the suits two weeks before the wedding day, but later became evasive, leading to his arrest.

Caroline Mutimusakwa appeared for the State.

-Newsday

1 Aug 2018 video of Khupe that has gone viral, her latest interviews strongly suggest she has shifted statements. WATCH THE TWO INTERVIEWS BELOW…, https://t.co/uiplVuFOWx pic.twitter.com/G1493b1T1L

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 17, 2020

Are you going to inherit @nelsonchamisa's challenge against @edmnangagwa over the 2018 elections? Khupe replies:"why would I challenge when I don't have evidence? He challenged and was asked to produce evidence…why should I waste my time? Unfortunately I'm not understanding…" pic.twitter.com/PiuNUNAvft

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 4, 2020

State Media

A Mwenezi family spent five days with the corpse of their daughter-in-law at its home after her family demanded payment of lobola upfront before burial.

Tendai Gwehama (32) of Chirangano Village in Mazetese communal lands died last Friday, but was only buried on Tuesday afternoon after police intervention.

Gwehama’s relatives demanded that her husband, Godfrey Hove (33) pays four beasts as compensation for non-payment of lobola for their daughter and R3 000.

This forced Gwehama’s remains, which were not in a coffin, to be in her matrimonial kitchen for the duration of the dispute.

Mourners were forced to abandon the body in the kitchen and sleep outside as the corpse had started decomposing.

Sources said after Hove failed to meet his in-law’s demands, they allegedly took three goats, a beast and an ox-drawn plough and marked a burial place for their daughter.

They then left before their daughter was laid to rest.

According to Shona custom, close relatives of a deceased person are the ones supposed to mark the burial place and preside over the burial.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said they managed to broker peace.

“We intervened and the deceased who passed on last Friday was finally buried today (Tuesday),” she said.

Gwehama’s relatives risked being charged with extortion and violating a dead body.

“We want to warn the public that actions like this will see them being charged.

“Whenever there are such disputes, the deceased person(s) should be buried first and then the families can discuss their issues thereafter,” said Chief Inspector Mazula.

Speaking to The Herald, a distraught Mr Hove said he was relieved.

“I tried to engage my in-laws to no avail as they were adamant that they wanted me to pay lobola before they could bury my wife,” said Mr Hove.

“They took away three goats, a cow and an ox-drawn plough and left after only marking the grave where my wife was supposed to be interred.

“They then left saying we should complete the rest of the rituals on our own, but we could not bury the body in the absence of close relatives.”

Mr Hove said he was happy his in-laws finally relented.