Source: State Media

Vice President Kembo Mohadi says the post-independence Midlands and Matabeleland Gukurahundi attrocities were not a tribal issue and should not be used as a weapon to gain political mileage dividing Zimbabweans along tribal lines. Mohadi said people were supposed to embrace tolerance and forgiveness, bearing in mind that no human was perfect.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi said this while speaking during the commissioning of a bridge in Chirumanzu yesterday.

“There are those who say there is Gukurahundi and all that. Who hasn’t wronged the other? I am here and I can’t even speak proper Shona or proper Ndebele, but I am here (as the country’s Vice President),” he said.

VP Mohadi said Zimbabweans should resist divisive rhetoric and elements bent on pushing political agendas using Gukurahundi to pursue nefarious agendas.

The Vice President said interests of Zimbabweans should take precedence in all spheres and all sectors of production.

“Zimbabweans are one and Zimbabwe is for us all. Let it be Zimbabwe first before it is Shona, Ndebele, Zezuru or Kalanga. We are Zimbabweans first before anything,” he said.

VP Mohadi said divisions and disunity were retrogressive to development, adding that Zimbabweans should rather forge a united front and work together for economic development.

“This is our country; this where we belong. We want a united nation hence our Zanu PF motto, which says ‘Unity, Peace and Development.’

“There cannot be peace where there are divisions. There cannot be development where there are divisions,” he said. VP Mohadi said he was superintending over the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the new administration was determined to unite people.

“I have travelled the length and breadth of the country and met all the traditional leaders and they gave me wisdom which will not be found in books. This is our mission to unite Zimbabweans not to divide.”

State Media

ONE of the power generating units at Hwange Thermal Power Station was fixed yesterday to boost the country’s unity capacity by more than 150MW, Energy and Power Development Minister, Soda Zhemu has said.

Hwange has six power generating units, which supply the national grid with more than 900MW if they are all functioning, but two of the six need to be repaired by international companies.

For some time now four have been operating, but after the latest fault only two were left functioning, causing a sharp shortage to the national grid.

However, yesterday the other one was repaired and the fourth one is still being worked on by local engineers. Speaking to The Herald yesterday, Minister Zhemu confirmed the latest developments. “The fault on other units at Hwange had caused the power depression, but as of this morning (yesterday) we managed to have the other unit serviced, meaning that we now have three units working.

“The forecast deficit for the day now is very low with the other unit now working, and we are expecting the situation to improve in terms of power supply.

“The fourth one is still being looked at by local engineers,” he said. “There is an overhaul being done at the other two units, the other one is being done by South Africans and the other by Italians, but this was disturbed by the Covid-19 restrictions.

“They cannot come, but now that the situation is improving in terms of infections, there are plans that they come to do the work, and all the necessary protocols to avoid the spread of the virus will be done and they will also be tested as per Covid-19 containment regulations.” zesa had publicised a message to electricity users notifying them of the expected power shortages, which sent the public into panic mode.

But, Minister Zhemu said the intention was not to cause unnecessary panic, rather the communication was to prepare the electricity users for the depressed supplies.

The idea of regularly communicating is for people to prepare, other users are business people so it is important for them to know that there might be power outages so that they are ready for them instead of being caught unawares.

“Again the appeal and message we are sending is that we need to use electricity sparingly and all this needs to be communicated when we have or expect disruptions in power supply,” said Minister Zhemu.

State Media

TWO video clips were played in court yesterday showing MDC national vice chairperson, Job Sikhala, who is facing charges of inciting public violence ahead of the flopped July 31 protests, boasting that he was aware police were looking for him but would not surrender as a freedom fighter.

This came after prosecutors Mr Garudzo Ziyaduma and Mrs Tendai Shonhai opposed bail and called to the witness stand, the investigating officer Detective Assistant Inspector Victor Mukohwa.

In opposing bail, Det Asst Insp Mukohwa asked the court to play the video clips which he said would reveal how Sikhala acted at the time he was wanted by police.

He said they made several efforts to locate Mr Sikhala at his rural home in Masvingo to no avail.

“Efforts were also made to locate him at his workplace at Makoni Shopping Centre without success.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police issued an appeal through a press statement where we appealed to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Sikhala, to come forward,” he said.

Detective Asst Insp Mukohwa told the court that Sikhala, despite knowing that he was wanted by police, posted a video in defiance, boasting that he was aware that police were looking for him but he was not that cheap to catch.

He said he would not give in easily since he was a freedom fighter and allegedly vowed to fight State agencies if they tried to arrest him.

Harare magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube deferred the matter to Monday for continuation of bail application.

The court heard that since March 2020, Sikhala called on the people to demonstrate against the Government on July 31.

According to the State, the declarations were made by Sikhala on social media platforms and there was reasonable suspicion that he committed an offence.

Sikhala’s lawyer, Mr Eric Matinenga challenged his placement on remand arguing that every person had a right to demonstrate, freedom of association and expression.

Government’s books of accounts are in a shambolic state amid revelations it has no balance sheet, making accountability for its assets impossible with some civil servants being promoted without the pre-requisite qualifications.

Some government assets have disappeared because of the weak accounting systems while government has over the years lost money after paying for goods which were never delivered.

This was revealed by Auditor-General Mildred Chiri while making a presentation to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Zimbabwe (Icsaz) Winter School on Public Finance Management (PFM) in Harare last Friday.

Chiri attributed the PFM chaos to poor accounting maintenance exacerbated by the use of cash-basis accounting instead of accrual accounting method.

She said while the government adopted the IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards), implementation was still in its infancy.

The country targets to fully implement IPSAs by 2025 to enhance financial accountability in central government, urban and rural authorities.

Chiri said the government should come up with accurate and complete information on transactions given that some payments and assets are not reflected in financial statements.

“It’s not safe to use this system. We always insist that there is an asset register to ensure that there is value and that these assets do not disappear without being accounted for. Yes, assets are recorded, but because we do not have something like a balance sheet, we cannot really see what government possesses as assets,” she said.

In a recent document, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised a red flag over the credibility of government’s state of accounts, especially in relation to Extra Budgetary Units (EBUs) and classification of government subsidies to state-owned enterprises as well as the correct classification of other government transactions in line with the Finance.

“Pay sheets were not being reconciled with payments from the Salary Services Bureau. This is an area which we will be looking at in 2020 to see whether there have been improvements. There have also been tendencies across ministries to continue to obtain goods and services when they did not have adequate funds from Treasury. Unsupported expenditure has led to accumulation of debts,” Chiri said.

Zimbabwe has been struggling with its wage bill which gobbled up to 90% of government revenues, leaving very little space for investment in infrastructure development projects.

However, the wage bill has since been reduced to below to 50%.

On procurement, Chiri said substantial sums of money were incurred in purchasing assets such as motor vehicles, generators, excavators, which were not delivered and there was no evidence of follow up on the outstanding goods.

Chiri emphasised the need for professionalism in the public sector, saying some government employees rose through the ranks despite not having professional qualification.

“One of the other interventions besides implementation of the correct accounting methods, would be professionalising the public sector. Some of the people who have been through ranking government have no professional qualifications. This was a recommendation by the World Bank that the government should professionalise the sector. Icaz (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe) and Icsaz have also taken up this offer along with other organisations, so we hope to see an improvement in that area,” she said.

A diagnostic tool, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) used to assess the performance of the PFM system of a country has been administered on Zimbabwe twice, in 2011 and 2016 by the World Bank.

The PEFA assessment focused on aggregate fiscal discipline, strategic resource allocation and efficient delivery.

During that time, aggregate budget outturns showed consistent under-performance on aggregate revenue estimates, expenditure was significantly above budget, giving rise to budget deficits, while the budget formulation process and budget execution, including investment management, were not satisfactory.

On service delivery, some services were deprived of funding due to shifts in priorities during the year.

There was also absence of data on procurement at an aggregate level and lack of standard approach in monitoring of projects execution.

“PEFA assessments and external audits have revealed gaps in performance of the PFM. Donors have shown willingness to assist in terms of building and boosting capacity through professionalisation.

Implementation of IPSAS key. These interventions should go a long way in improving the PFM system in Zimbabwe,” Chiri said.

-Zimbabwe Independent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has mobilised its members to embark on lunch-hour protests starting Monday to push for United States dollar-based salaries in light of the free-falling economy and a battered local currency.

ZCTU president Peter Mutasa told NewsDay yesterday that workers across the country would start lunch-hour protests across the country from August 31 until their issues are addressed.

Mutasa said talks between workers representatives and the government had failed to yield positive results after they declared a deadlock in February this year.

“We, therefore, have asked our affiliates to organise different forms of protests that are workplace-based or local area-based,” Mutasa said.

“Workers across the country are supposed to protest during lunch hour, start of day or end of day closer to their workplaces. This should be done every Monday until the date of the general strike. Workers will be addressed by trade union leaders and workers committees.”The ZCTU stance comes as the global trade union movement has announced plans to organise

a “global day of action” to be held across the world on September 23 in solidarity with workers in Zimbabwe.“We are mobilising for a general strike. The global trade union movement is also organising a global day of action in solidarity with the workers and people of Zimbabwe,” Mutasa said.

Workers are pushing for US$-denominated salaries as inflation continues to erode earnings paid in local currency.

“We are using these protests to build workers’ consciousness to the issues affecting workers and communities. Workers are facing a serious transport crisis that is endangering their lives during this COVID-19 pandemic,” Mutasa said.

“So every Monday from 31 August 2020, various trade union activities should be held around the country. As work is also a social construct, trade union leaders and workers are also expected to address communities during these Monday protests about the challenges workers and pensioners are facing. These include deepening poverty, endemic corruption, exploitative working conditions and the socio-economic crisis in general.”

The ZCTU action also comes as health workers including nurses and doctors have downed tools in protest over poor working conditions and incapacitation.

Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga yesterday said they had not yet been approached by the ZCTU on the planned job action.

“The Apex Council has not been officially communicated to with regards to the ZCTU planned action and cannot, therefore, espouse a position. Right now we are actually waiting to continue our round of negotiations with the government and it is only the outcome of those talks that will determine what course of action we will take contingent on the advice of our membership,” he said.

But the Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants unions, recently accused government of being insincere in the negotiations.

Labour minister Paul Mavima could not be reached for comment last night.

-Newsday

Brother to missing activist Itai Dzamara, Patson was yesterday laid to rest in Mutoko with the opposition MDC Alliance giving him a befitting send off.

Respected people who travelled to Mutoko to bury Dzamara includes MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.

Dear Zimbabweans,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you after the tragic news of the passing of a gallant son of the Republic, Patson Dzamara. Equally, I am saddened yet enraged by the callous murder of the MDC Alliance’s Hurungwe District Ward 4 councillor Lavender Chiwaya. My colleagues Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume have spent more than a month in detention while MDC Alliance Youth Organizing Secretary Godfrey Kurauone is languishing in jail.

Fellow citizens, I was charged with incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) as read with section 36(1)(a) of the Code alternatively incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(b) of the Code as read with section 36(1)(b) of the Code. Or alternatively incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 187(1)(a) of the Code as read with section 37(1)(a) of the Code. The police allege that I incited people between May 2020 and 20 July 2020 to participate in public demonstrations that would cause public violence and breach of peace among people in Zimbabwe on 31st July 2020 by posting video clips with inciting messages.

As I write to you I am in the D-Section of Chikurubi Maximum Prison where death row inmates are housed. The conditions here are dire and recently some inmates tested positive for Covid-19 due to factors related to the unavailability of protective clothing and sanitizers. On 23 August, I spent the whole day in leg-irons and handcuffs and was threatened with death by Prison Officer George Mutimbanyoka.

Today, the State opposed my lawyer’s argument for bail and the hearing has been set for 9am tomorrow. Since the matter is sub judice I will not dwell much on it.
As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go to up the mountain. And I have looked over. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!”

I would like to express my profound gratitude to my lawyers, Advocate Eric Matinenga, Jeremiah Bamhu and Harrison Nkomo for their dedication to my case. To my wife, Mai Fidel, you have been a pillar of strength. My appreciation is also extended to the MDC Alliance leadership in general and President Nelson Chamisa in particular for their solidarity. To all Zimbabweans, your outpouring support and prayers are my strength while I am in detention.

As Zimbabweans we ought to know that victory is certain. But as citizens we ought to remain united and focussed. This struggle knows no political party boundaries, it knows no religion, race, gender and age.
As 31st July Movement we seek to unite all Zimbabweans towards the unitary purpose of ensuring that we get the life and livelihoods we deserve.

Even as I am here in the hands of this brutal system, my solemn worry is how each one of you will find a decent meal tomorrow and the day after. My worry is as to how you, my brothers and sisters in the diaspora are ridiculed and made to work manual jobs, earning very little, but still have to support us back home.

It pains me that if we do not do something now, corruption and selective application of the law will carry the day. It bothers me a lot of the challenges we face today, regardless of where you are, will remain unresolved, if as Zimbabweans, take no action.

Remember, the whole point of arresting me, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono and many others is to implant fear in the hearts and minds of you the citizens. Yet, to protest is a right under section 59 of our constitution.

Lets reason and rally together, lets unite and move our country forward. Those who will help us from outside our borders will only do so following our lead!

The People Shall Be Victorious, Vincere Caritate, Zimbabwe Para Todos .

Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

MASVINGO| A driver suspected to be drunk and speeding hit seven people at Pangolin Shopping Center killing one woman on the spot yesterday evening.

When the Mirror arrived at the scene of the accident the lifeless body of the woman was still lying on the ground.

Efforts to get a comment from Masvingo Province ZRP Spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula were fruitless as her mobile went on unanswered.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to The Mirror the youthful driver lost control of his Toyota Vista after he hit a pedestrian near Pangolin Shopping Center at around 5pm.

The driver allegedly went on to hit six more pedestrians who were coming from the shops resulting in them sustaining serious injuries and were ferried to hospital by Emras.
The Police arrived at the scene at 8pm.

The driver took to his heels soon after the accident.

Source: Masvingo Mirror

State Media

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned individuals, including politicians, who are claiming that MDC councillor for Hurungwe Ward 4 Lavender Chiwaya was abducted and killed by State agents saying such unsubstantiated assertions cause alarm and despondency.

This comes as state institution run post-mortem results ruled out assault, physical harm or any body laceration on the late Chiwaya, whose body was found four houses away from his house in Karoi last Friday.

Investigations into the death of Chiwaya are ongoing with the police awaiting toxicology tests to get full facts on the cause of death.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations into Chiwaya’s death were in full swing and the public should allow the police to do their job.

“Police are aware and disturbed by statements which are being attributed to some party officials, councillors and other speakers at the funeral who are now grandstanding and openly claiming that Chiwaya was attacked, abducted and killed by security agents.

“There is no tangible proof that Chiwaya was either abducted or kidnapped and then killed by security agents as claimed by politicians.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the concerned individuals and groups to come forward and present credible facts or evidence regarding what they are saying on social media and other forms of the media.

“ZRP cautions individuals, politicians and institutions against obstructing the investigations which are currently underway. Politicians must be careful of their unsubstantiated claims which cause alarm and despondency in the country,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

After the death of Chiwaya, the MDC-A claimed that the former councillor was murdered.

Meanwhile, Asst Comm Nyathi said, “police are still pursuing allegations of alcohol abuse and girlfriends which were raised during the course of investigations into Chiwaya’s death”.

He added that before the arrival of officers at the scene, Chiwaya’s body had been tampered with by some people who had tried to administer first aid.

“The so called bruises have not been attributed to any form of assault, abduction or kidnapping as being alleged by some politicians.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to allow the investigations to proceed smoothly and those with information to contact the investigation officer or National Complaints Desk on landline (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.”

By Jane Mlambo| Self exiled former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has all but confirmed MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s fears against consuming food shared during cabinet meeting during the Government of National Unity saying, the ruling Zanu PF is cannibalistic.

Yesterday, Chamisa blamed the state for the death of Itai Dzamara’s brother, Patson while also shedding light on his time in government where he never took tea offered during cabinet meetings.

Mzembi confirmed that Chamisa used to drink Fanta while everyone else guggled tea for the whole five year period.

“I sat next to @nelsonchamisa in Cabinet , he drank Fanta while we guggled tea for the 5 yrs and explained to me poison fears. However his reference to Mugabe may mean the System and its targets, look where I am , happy he pronounced himself on this,” said Mzembi.

He further revealed his warning to incarcerated Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala not to take any food or water offered in prison.

“Casper Tsvangirayi , Dr Patson Dzamara phoned me apprehensive about these cancers which only attack you after incarceration, I have warned @JobSikhala1 of the same , no food , water etc from prison and asked him to warn his colleagues inside,” added Mzembi.

Mzembi said he later realised the poisoning dangers and stopped taking tea in cabinet though he admits it may have been too late.

“This issue of biological agents and other suspicions may sound like a myth but it’s real , in the last two years of my Cabinet sitting I had stopped teas as well , it may have been too late, the Silver Jug of ice cold water for each member was suspect too,” said Mzembi.

“One sitting I exclaimed in horror when I opened my Silver Jug , and found a thick bed of dead black cockroaches at the base , fumed at Mapingire and staff how this could be , but it was my first hint @nelsonchamisa could have been right,

“Take stock since 1980 causes of death of Cabinet Members , gastrointestinal disorders and accidents , Zanu PF is cannibalistic, before we even go to Opposition, isinjonjo as they say it amongst themselves, game of elimination,” concluded Mzembi.

High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on 28 August 2020 reserved ruling in the bail appeal by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono to Wednesday, 2 September 2020 after hearing arguments by the state and the defence teams.

The defence team, led by Advocate Taona Nyamakura assisted by Gift Mtisi, argued that Harare magistrate, Ngoni Nduna, had erred by denying Chin’ono bail following his appeal on the basis of changed circumstances.

Magistrate Nduna on 24 August 2020 denied the journalist bail for the second time following Chin’ono’s application at the Magistrates Court in Harare on the basis of changed circumstances.

Chin’ono, in custody since his arrest on 20 July 2020, is facing allegations of incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry or alternatively incitement to commit public violence, allegedly linked to the demonstrations that had been planned for 31 July

Disgruntled politician Obert Chaurura Gutu has sensationally claimed the US wants install a puppet government in Zimbabwe.

Read article below :

The joint statement by some Western embassies yesterday criticising Government for allegedly restricting peoples’ freedoms and calling for dialogue, is a continuation of attempts to install a puppet administration in Zimbabwe, political analysts have said.

The statement was released by Heads of Missions of Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Analysts said the statement betrayed their collaboration with opposition elements that have been trying to portray a crisis situation in Zimbabwe.

While acknowledging the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on daily life, the Western embassies said the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the disease were restricting freedoms.
“But Covid-19 must not be used as an excuse to restrict citizens’ freedoms.

Freedom of the press, of opinion, of expression and of assembly are all universally recognised human rights and are guaranteed by the Zimbabwe’s constitution,” reads part of the statement.

Zimbabwe, just like many countries worldwide, adopted measures to contain the spread of the pandemic that has resulted in restrictions on religious, political, and social gatherings.
Political analyst, Mr Obert Gutu said the statement by the Western countries was the “usual drivel from some powerful Western nations” that cannot wait to see the “installation of a puppet government in Zimbabwe.”

“Of course, there are political and socio-economic challenges in Zimbabwe right now but then, give me just one country in the world that isn’t facing political and socio-economic challenges of its own during these difficult times brought about by the Covid-19 global pandemic,” he said.-The Herald

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ has mobilised members across the country to participate in the 31 August workplace protests called for by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, ZCTU.

We have identified education offices as our workplace since schools are closed. We will be protesting against poverty and demanding USD 520 as monthly salary from our employer.

The 31 August protest marks the beginning of weekly Monday protests aimed at pushing employers to pay salaries in united states dollars.

We will further leverage on the weekly protest to build working-class consciousness and unity ahead of the 23 September Global Action Day.

It should be noted that these protests are not only confined to employed workers, but we also invite the broad working class to protest against poverty.
Those who are unemployed and those retired on a pittance all constitute the broad working class.

We are pleased to note that the Students movement and the peasants have pledged to join the action. Students welfare is dependent on the salaries of the parents.

Peasants, on the other hand, are being short-changed at the market place as they are forced to accept payment in local currency for their produce.

The government is encouraged to play ball by urgently restoring USD salaries for all civil servants and set a good precedence for the private sector.

The state is urged to desist from using excessive force against non-violent protesters. The use of force is tainting brand Zimbabwe.

We call upon the working class across the country to join the 31 August protests and send a clear message to employers and government. Protesters should adhere to all COVID19 regulations.

We thank the international community for your unwavering solidarity with the working class of Zimbabwe, we look forward to your usual support as we enter this next phase of our struggle.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe

Statement he issued by the Heads of Mission of Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America:

TWO years ago in his inaugural speech, President Mnangagwa vowed to serve the country and all of its people.

It is in this spirit that the Heads of Mission express the, deep concern with the current political, economic, social, and health crisis that most Zimbabweans are facing today.

The Heads of Mission stand by the people of Zimbabwe in the, desire for a peaceful and prosperous democracy.

It is because we care about the people of Zimbabwe that our govemments provide extensive humanitarian assistance to those affected by drought, natural disasters, and disease including, in this difficult year, the new global pandemic of COVID-19.
But COVID-19 must not be used as an excuse to restrict citizens’ fundamental freedorns.

Freedom of the press, of opinion, of expression, and of assembly are all universally recognised human rights and are guaranteed by the Zimbabwean Constitution. The government also has a responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violating human rights.

The Heads of Mission further reiterate their calls for the govemment to address corruption and the illicit extraction of Zimbabwe’s wealth for personal gain, which continue to undermine Zimbabwe’s development and the well-being of its people.

If Zimbabwe is to reach its potential, its wealth and resources must be used to serve all Zimbabweans.

Finally, the Zimbabwean people have the right to engage in dialogue to build a better future for their country. But the necessary discussions have so far been hindered by unhelpful rhetoric and blame assigned to several groups, including diplomatic missions and non-state actors.

We ask the government to move away from such language and instead to deliver on its long-promised reforms and reach across the divides.

Implemented to the benefit of all, they will make a difference to the life of all Zimbabweans.

We hope this government is able to deliver on its initial vision and five up to the commitments it made when it came to power. As before, we stand ready to provide support in response to meaningful progress on reforrns.

28 August 2020

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance national vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala has said the persecution of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents is calculated to silence citizens.

Hon Sikhala also urged the nation to assume a common objective in the battle against Zanu PF tyranny.

See below Hon Sikhala’s letter:

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you after the tragic news of the passing of a gallant son of the Republic, Patson Dzamara.

Equally, I am saddened yet enraged by the callous murder of the MDC Alliance’s Hurungwe District Ward 4 councillor Lavender Chiwaya.

My colleagues Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume have spent more than a month in detention while MDC Alliance Youth Organizing Secretary Godfrey Kurauone is languishing in jail.

Fellow citizens, I was charged with incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) as read with section 36(1)(a) of the Code alternatively incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(b) of the Code as read with section 36(1)(b) of the Code. Or alternatively, incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 187(1)(a) of the Code as read with section 37(1)(a) of the Code.

The police allege that I incited people between May 2020 and 20 July 2020 to participate in public demonstrations that would cause public violence and breach of peace among people in Zimbabwe on 31st July 2020 by posting video clips with inciting messages.

As I write to you I am in the D-Section of Chikurubi Maximum Prison where death row inmates are housed. The conditions here are dire and recently some inmates tested positive for Covid-19 due to factors related to the unavailability of protective clothing and sanitizers.

On 23 August, I spent the whole day in leg-irons and handcuffs and was threatened with death by Prison Officer George Mutimbanyoka.

Today, the State opposed my lawyer’s argument for bail and the hearing has been set for 9am tomorrow. Since the matter is sub judice I will not dwell much on it.

As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now.

I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go to up the mountain. And I have looked over. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!”

I would like to express my profound gratitude to my lawyers, Advocate Eric Matinenga, Jeremiah Bamhu and Harrison Nkomo for their dedication to my case.

To my wife, Mai Fidel, you have been a pillar of strength. My appreciation is also extended to the MDC Alliance leadership in general and President Nelson Chamisa in particular for their solidarity.

To all Zimbabweans, your outpouring support and prayers are my strength while I am in detention.

As Zimbabweans we ought to know that victory is certain. But as citizens we ought to remain united and focussed. This struggle knows no political party boundaries, it knows no religion, race, gender and age.

As 31st July Movement we seek to unite all Zimbabweans towards the unitary purpose of ensuring that we get the life and livelihoods we deserve.

Even as I am here in the hands of this brutal system, my solemn worry is how each one of you will find a decent meal tomorrow and the day after.

My worry is as to how you, my brothers and sisters in the diaspora are ridiculed and made to work manual jobs, earning very little, but still have to support us back home.

It pains me that if we do not do something now, corruption and selective application of the law will carry the day. It bothers me a lot of the challenges we face today, regardless of where you are, will remain unresolved, if as Zimbabweans, take no action.

Remember, the whole point of arresting me, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono and many others is to implant fear in the hearts and minds of you the citizens. Yet, to protest is a right under section 59 of our constitution.

Let’s reason and rally together, lets unite and move our country forward.

Those who will help us from outside our borders will only do so following our lead!

The People Shall Be Victorious, Vincere Caritate, Zimbabwe Para Todos .

Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

Farai Dziva| There is a possibility that Patson Dzamara was harmed, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The MDC Alliance leader has also revealed that during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister he never took food offered to him by the State for fear of being harmed.

President Chamisa made the remarks while addressing mourners at the Dzamara family home in Glen View on Thursday.

He also said he warned the late former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai against “drinking Zanu PF tea.”

“I spent five years in Cabinet but never drank tea there until Mugabe asked me who had told me he was a witch.

I even avoided the 9 am tea-break and told (Tendai) Biti and Prime Minister Tsvangirai what they were doing was dangerous.

Tsvangirai would laugh it off, saying I would die of hunger but I knew these people,” said President Chamisa.

“Some people might say it was just cancer but no. I have even told Hopewell Chin’ono and Job Sikhala not to eat any of the prison food but to stay strong no matter what because they will die if they consume that food,” he added.

Farai Dziva| There is a possibility that Patson Dzamara was harmed, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The MDC Alliance leader has also revealed that during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister he never took food offered to him by the State for fear of being harmed.

President Chamisa made the remarks while addressing mourners at the Dzamara family home in Glen View on Thursday.

He also said he warned the late former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai against “drinking Zanu PF tea.”

“I spent five years in Cabinet but never drank tea there until Mugabe asked me who had told me he was a witch.

I even avoided the 9 am tea-break and told (Tendai) Biti and Prime Minister Tsvangirai what they were doing was dangerous.

Tsvangirai would laugh it off, saying I would die of hunger but I knew these people,” said President Chamisa.

“Some people might say it was just cancer but no. I have even told Hopewell Chin’ono and Job Sikhala not to eat any of the prison food but to stay strong no matter what because they will die if they consume that food,” he added.

Own Correspondent|
Controversial Masvingo based preacher Isaac Makomichi has claimed he received death threats from his detractors after reportedly facilitating the marriage of a 62 -year old lady to a teenager.

Makomichi was reportedly confronted by the relatives of the 19- year -old Tawanda over the marriage.

On Thursday four people reportedly visited Makomichi’s house asking him to reverse his charms.

Makomichi is accused of using charms to coerce Tawanda to marry the 62 -year- old lady.

“I’m going to make a police report because these people are accusing me falsely as I didn’t know that the lady was in love with the teenager. I do not use juju.

These people are working with my enemies to soil my name”.

By A Correspondent- Police yesterday ruled out foul play in the death of MDC Alliance’s Hurungwe district chairman and councillor Lavender Chiwaya, saying the bruises found on his body could have been caused by people who tried to administer first aid on him.

This came as the opposition party insisted that the councillor was abducted and tortured to death by suspected State security agents who later dumped his body a few houses away from his.

Chiwaya’s lifeless, naked body was recovered four houses from his on August 21 after he allegedly fled his home last month as State security agents trailed him.
But national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed the murder allegations, insisting that evidence on the ground and post-mortem results did not point to murder.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully aware that before the arrival of police officers at the scene, the body was tampered with by people who tried to administer first aid on Lavender Chiwaya and the so-called bruises have not been attributed to any form of assault, abduction or kidnapping as alleged by some politicians,” Nyathi said.

“Police want to make it clear that post-mortem results have ruled out any assault, physical harm or any bodily perforation on Lavender Chiwaya.

“The police are now awaiting toxicology tests to get full facts on the cause of Chiwaya’s death.”

“There is no tangible proof that Chiwaya was killed, abducted or assaulted by security agents as being alleged by some politicians. The police urge concerned individuals and groups to come forward and present credible facts or evidence regarding what they are saying on social media and other forms of the media. Police officers are ready to interview anyone in connection with the death of Chiwaya,” Nyathi said.Chiwaya was buried yesterday at his rural home in Karoi.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Police have released riveting details of how they allegedly arrested larger-than-life MDC Alliance deputy national chairperson Job “Wiwa” Sikhala last week.

Among other claims, law enforcement agents say the daring and heavily-built Zengeza West legislator was hiding in a ceiling at the house in Tynwald North – a western suburb of Harare – when they pounced on him.

However, Sikhala is disputing the narrative saying the ceiling could not support a man of his size had he attempted to hide in it.

Addressing a Harare magistrate during Sikhala’s bail hearing yesterday, detective constable Collin Makore from the CID Law and Order claimed that the burly lawyer-cum-politician only came down from the ceiling after police threatened to lob teargas at him.

This comes as Sikhala’s arrest has sent tongues wagging within opposition ranks, where accusations have been flying around furiously as to how he ended up being nabbed by authorities.

Makore told the court that Sikhala’s arrest was coincidental, as police had besieged the house where he was hiding looking for its owner – Anderson Mundazi – after receiving information that there were petrol bombs and catapults there.

“We had a warrant to search the place after receiving information that there were machetes, catapults and petrol bombs being manufactured there.

“Our intention was not to arrest Sikhala, but we were targeting Anderson,” he said.

Makore told the court that although they found nothing to this effect, it was when they were about to leave the house that they noticed some fresh footprints on the walls of the passage.

Makore said he looked up and noticed a removed panel on the ceiling, whereupon he discovered that Sikhala was hiding inside.

“I noticed that the panel was removed and asked who was in there. I threatened to throw tear smoke inside and he responded, stopping me.

“When he saw me, he was happy and we embraced each other. He did not have a mask and I bought it for him, as well as water to drink.

“I even told him that he was not our mission, but I informed him that he was on the police wanted list and that I was taking him to the police station, and he complied,” Makore said.

However, Sikhala’s lawyer Eric Matinenga disputed that his client’s arrest was coincidental, adding that he had been arrested by 15 armed policemen.

Makore told the court that as a cop, he could not let Sikhala go free – as he knew that he was on the police wanted list.

Asked if Sikhala could evade trial if he was granted bail, especially having been previously bailed in more serious cases, Makore said he could not predict the future.

“I have seen videos of him being fed in the bush and I cannot say how he is going to react in this case. He was also hiding in the ceiling,” he said.

The hearing will continue today with videos and audio clips expected to be produced in court.
This comes amid accusations and counter-accusations that Sikhala was betrayed by his comrades within the divided MDC Alliance last weekend, leading to his arrest.

Youth spokesperson Stephen “Sarkozy” Chuma and former Zanu-PF youth leader Jim Kunaka were among those who pointed fingers at each other over the arrest.

Chuma – who is seen as a “disciple” of Sikhala – has denied the accusations that he had sold out his mentor, instead pointing fingers at Kunaka.

“Kunaka had a friend who is a member of the CID (Criminal Investigations Department) who was coming to our hiding place regularly, bringing him food. One day we left the house in the morning with other comrades.

“When we left, I received a call from Kunaka telling me that they had brought me a phone after I had lost mine, and that I needed to rush back to the hiding place within 30 minutes or he would take it back to the shop.

“Unfortunately, we had no car, but we then heard a few moments later that Wiwa had been arrested,” Chuma told the Daily News earlier this week.

“Jim was not there at the hiding place when the arrest was made, yet he is not being implicated. The same person who is accusing me is the one who used to bring his CID friends, about three times,” he added.

Chuma also told the Daily News that the majority of the 14 people who were placed on the police wanted list were staying together at the Tynwald North house, where Sikhala was arrested.

“I am so much in pain because the person who was arrested (Sikhala) is more like a brother and father to me.
“I have known Wiwa since 2014. I was linked to him by the late (MDC president Morgan) Tsvangirai. I keep so many secrets with Sikhala.

“I literally live off Sikhala and I can even tell you that all my rentals up to December were paid by Sikhala. I don’t know why I would then bite the hand that feeds me,” Chuma said further.

On his part, Kunaka said he was convinced that Chuma had snitched on Sikhala after the combative Zengeza West legislator allegedly showed him messages that he got from some sources before he was arrested.

“Before we came to the Tynwald house, Sikhala told us that one of us was selling out without mentioning names. But I pressured him to say who it was.

“He pointed at Sarkozy (Chuma), who then said there were people who wanted to divide us. Sikhala said nothing more, probably thinking that he had changed.

“But then on Wednesday, he (Sikhala) came to our room and told us that there was a security threat and that he had messages from his sources that Sarkozy was still selling out,” Kunaka told the Daily News.

Kunaka – a former leader of the notorious and now-defunct Chipangano terror group – also said he had left the

Tynwald North house on Thursday, after hearing that his wife was unwell.

“I left after I consulted Sikhala and … I was supposed to come back on Friday night. I then called Sarkozy to go and collect a phone that I had taken from my shop and told him he would pay later because he had lost his.

“I then got a message from some of the guys who were with Sarkozy that Sikhala had been arrested,” he said further.

In addition, Kunaka claimed that their security could have been compromised by other people they were staying with, since some went out of the house to buy beer.

At the time of his arrest, Sikhala had been in hiding for nearly six weeks after suspected State agents began trailing him in the run-up to the foiled July 31 mass demonstrations.

Two weeks ago, the Daily News was told that some MDC Alliance bigwigs were pushing to have Sikhala expelled from the coalition for his radical political activities and dogged opposition to Zanu-PF and its government.

So bad was the situation said to have become for Sikhala, that sources told the Daily News at the time that some of his comrades were even hoping that authorities would manage to fish him out from his hideout.

Own Correspondent|
Controversial Masvingo based preacher Isaac Makomichi has claimed he received death threats from his detractors after reportedly facilitating the marriage of a 62 -year old lady to a teenager.

Makomichi was reportedly confronted by the relatives of the 19- year -old Tawanda over the marriage.

On Thursday four people reportedly visited Makomichi’s house asking him to reverse his charms.

Makomichi is accused of using charms to coerce Tawanda to marry the 62 -year- old lady.

“I’m going to make a police report because these people are accusing me falsely as I didn’t know that the lady was in love with the teenager. I do not use juju.

These people are working with my enemies to soil my name”.

My Fellow Zimbabweans
This is my last message : We are not safe and i am now just waiting for the Ferrets to just come in and shoot me dead or torture me … I have done nothing wrong but i demanded for a free Zimbabwe @ZimEye @DougColtart @nelsonchamisa @LynneStactia

— Dr Nyasha William Gwazemba PhD (@DrNyashaForMP) August 28, 2020

In his abduction account Tawanda was in a #BMW & someone opened the door & yelled, 'wasungwa'. That was FRANK MUZEMBE (pictured). Tawanda was handcuffed & bundled into an Isuzu. FRANK drove #BMW to Byo Central Police station where he booked Advent, Amandlenkosi & Tendai Masotsha! pic.twitter.com/F0qp2wwjsh

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) August 28, 2020

watch the live video loading below….

A TEENAGER from Binga allegedly committed suicide by hanging and left a suicide note claiming he was tired of living after family members summoned him for raping and impregnating his 17-year-old niece.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the incident which occurred under Chief Saba’s area.

She said police are concerned about the increasing number of rape cases perpetrated by close relatives during the lockdown.

“We received a case of a teenager who committed suicide after family members leant that he had impregnated his niece and summoned him for a family meeting. He allegedly hanged himself after being asked about the issue.

We are concerned because this is one of the many cases of abuse of girls by a close relative,” said Chief Insp Makonese.

She said the 18-year-old boy, was summoned by family elders on Saturday on suspicion that he had raped and impregnated his niece.

During the family meeting, the now deceased allegedly admitted to having slept with his niece, once.

Chief Insp Makonese said he disappeared from home on Sunday prompting his mother to look for him.
She found a suicide note on his bed.

The note read: “I am fed up with life, till we meet in heaven. I admit that I impregnated my niece.”

The deceased’s mother alerted neighbours who searched and found his body hanging with a piece of wire from a tree in a nearby bush on Monday morning.-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- One of the vehicles that was used in the abduction of ZimLive Editor Mduduzi Mathuthu’s nephew Tawanda Muchehiwa’s abduction in Bulawayo was hired from Impala Car Rental in Harare, ZimLive reports.

According to the owner of the vehicle who leases it out to Impala Car Rentals, the vehicle a white Ford Ranger, was returned to Impala Car Rental in Harare on August 6 with a damaged suspension and tyres.

The vehicle’s front plates were caught on CCTV which led the publication to trace its owner in Harare’s Ruwa suburb. The owner of the vehicle spoke to the publication and said:

Impala confirmed they leased out the vehicle in question in late July to their regular client and refused to give more details:

Unfortunately, your enquiry involves personal information. What I can tell you is that the vehicle was hired out to a regular client. We would be much more comfortable sharing that information with the police.

ZRP said they have not yet dealt with the case at national level so they could not comment on the issue. 22-year-old Muchehiwa was grabbed on 30 July and taken to an unknown location where he was tortured before he was dumped near his uncle’s home 3 days later.-ZimLive

By A Correspondent- 6 people died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours according to the Ministry Of Health Update that also states that:

• 96 cases were recored today.
• 32 New recoveries
• 1150 new cases
• Zimbabwe has recorded 6388 cases in 5043 and 195 deaths

  

By A Correspondent- A suspected drunk driver who was also speeding hit seven people at Pangolin Shopping Center killing one woman on the spot this evening.

When the Mirror arrived at the scene of the accident the lifeless body of the woman was still lying on the ground.

Efforts to get a comment from Masvingo Province ZRP Spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula were fruitless as her mobile went on unanswered.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to The Mirror the youthful driver lost control of his Toyota Vista after he hit a pedestrian near Pangolin Shopping Center at around 5pm.

The driver allegedly went on to hit six more pedestrians who were coming from the shops resulting in them sustaining serious injuries. They were ferried to hospital by Emras.

The Police arrived at the scene at 8pm. The driver took to his heels soon after the accident.-Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent- According to nurses and doctors, the newly appointed Health Minister Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s delay in bringing the much-needed change in the Health Department is costing some people their lives.

According to the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo the health minister who recently announced a new restructuring strategy poised to bring change in the health delivery system in the country are not serious about the grievances tabulated by the nurses. Said Dongo:

1. Manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, ventilators, hospital beds and other essential equipment.
2. Ending the current doctors and nurses’ strike over poor pay
3. Improving Health Workers’s work conditions.-DailyNews

Correspondent

NewsDay journalist Rex Mphisa and Zimpapers sales representative Charles Marerwa were on 27 August 2020 acquitted by Magistrate Ania Chimweta on charges of violating the COVID-19 regulations.

The magistrate ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt.

Mphisa and Marerwa were arrested on 15 May 2020 in Dulivhadzimu, in Zimbabwe’s southern border town of Beitbridge.

Read: Trial of Newsday journalist commences

Read: Newsday journalist charged with contravening COVID-19 regulations

They were charged with contravening Section 5 (1) as read with Section 4 of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 of the COVID-19 regulations which prohibit the gathering of more than two people in a public place. They were also being charged with contravening the Liquor Act which prohibits public drinking.

Mphisa and Marerwa, who were on free bail, were represented by lawyer Jabulani Mzinyathi, who was engaged by MISA Zimbabwe.

Masvingo Mirror

A driver suspected to be drunk and speeding hit seven people at Pangolin Shopping Center killing one woman on the spot this evening.

When the Mirror arrived at the scene of the accident the lifeless body of the woman was still lying on the ground.

Efforts to get a comment from Masvingo Province ZRP Spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula were fruitless as her mobile went on unanswered.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to The Mirror the youthful driver lost control of his Toyota Vista after he hit a pedestrian near Pangolin Shopping Center at around 5pm.

The driver allegedly went on to hit six more pedestrians who were coming from the shops resulting in them sustaining serious injuries and were ferried to hospital by Emras.
The Police arrived at the scene at 8pm.

The driver took to his heels soon after the accident.

Source: Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent- A drunk cop who had a heated argument with an intoxicated man over beer at a police bar caused a scene as he brandished a knife before stabbing the imbiber on the forehead.

The dramatic incident happened last week on Friday at Millennium Bar at Ross Camp.

According to a source who witnessed the dramatic incident that jolted imbibers to their feet, Bruce Nyamudyara, who is a police officer attached to the Police Provincial Reaction Group (PPRG) section accused his drinking mate of suddenly refusing to buy him beer. This, according to a source, did not go down well with his mate, a Chikuvadze.

“As a result an argument ensued between the two, they started to push and shove each other. Within a few minutes Nyamudyara sprinted to a nearby house where he fetched a kitchen knife. He came back waving it in the air threatening to stab anyone who would dare to block him from knifing the imbiber,” the source said.

No one was brave enough to restrain the fuming cop as he charged at his target before he manhandled him.

“Chikuvadze tried to stagger away but it was too late as the marauding Nyamudyara stabbed him once in the forehead. Blood gushed out as he fell on the ground,” said the source.

The source said, seeing blood gushing out, Nyamudyara tried to flee but some of the imbibers pursued and caught him.

“They took him to Mzilikazi Police Station where a report of attempted murder was opened. Chikuvadze was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital. He has since been discharged from the hospital,” said the source.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A 41 year old man from Bulawayo’s Buena Vista suburb who was employed as a domestic worker is on the run after he was convicted of sexually abusing his master’s dog.

The pervert Pholani Mkhwebu who was caught red-handed having sex with his master’s dog by his co-worker Shayne Ngwenya and pleaded guilty to the “lewd sexual act” betrayed the court’s trust when he didn’t turn up for sentencing leading the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

This was after he was remanded out of custody to 3 August on free bail, during his initial appearance in court on 01 August.

Police have reportedly tried a number of times to locate him, but were unsuccessful.

It was proven in court that when his co-worker caught him romping with the dog, he alerted their boss and a report was made at Hillside Police Station.

Unbelievably, upon his arrest Mkhwebu, a married father of a four-year-old child, admitted to poking the dog saying it was a temptation too good to ignore since he was sex-starved.

Facts of the session were that on 31 July at around 10 am, Mkhwebu and his co-worker were seated in the house before Mkhwebu told the latter that he wanted some fresh air and he went to sit outside.

It was proved that after sometime when a seemingly suspicious Ngwenya went outside the house to check on Mkhwebu, he was horrified when he found him holding a dog with his pair of trousers dropped to kneel level and having sex with it.

It is said that in a bid to stop the animal from howling he tied it around its neck with a wire. Seeing that he had been busted, Mkhwebu in a swank of shame pulled up his pair of trousers as if nothing had happened. The matter was reported to the police leading to his arrest.

For the offence Mkhwebu was brought before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja charged with bestiality as defined in Section 74 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Mkhwebu didn’t waste the court’s time when he pleaded guilty to the offence of performing a sexual act with his boss’ dog.

Asked why he committed the offence, a remorseful Mkhwebu told the court that he was “very” sorry for his shameful actions.

“I just misbehaved, I am sorry,” he said.

-statemedia

State Media

Parliament claims that its legislative agenda has been disrupted by the Covid-19 lockdown, with a backlog of 15 Bills presently before the legislature at various stages of promulgation.

The lockdown, which started at the end of March this year has been blamed for adversely impacting Parliament’s business.

Parliament operations were suspensed at the end of July when two legislators, a driver and a journalist, tested positive for Covid-19 during a field visit.

The National Assembly briefly sat on Tuesday and adjourned business to next Tuesday while Senate will only resume sitting on September 15. In its latest Parliament Watch bulletin, a legal think-tank, Veritas, says there are several Bills before the National Assembly that were expected to have been completed by now, with the current Second Session of the Ninth Parliament expected to end any time soon.

Some of the Bills before the House include the Constitution of Zimbabwe (No.2) Bill, Attorney General’s Office Amendment Bill, Forest Amendment Bill, National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, Financial Amendment Bill and the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill, the Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill, which are still before the National Assembly.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.1) Bill, the Marriages Bill and the Constitutional Court Bill, are before the Senate, while the Pension and Provident Funds Bill and the Manpower Planning and Development Bill are yet to be tabled before Parliament although they have already been gazetted.

“In addition to the above Bills, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development will want the National Assembly to deal with the Finance Bill foreshadowed in the Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review Statement that he presented in the House on 16th July.

“The Bill is necessary to deal with changes to tax laws mentioned by the Minister in that statement, such as the raising of the tax-free threshold to $5000 and the widening of the income tax bands,” Veritas said.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the leader of Government business in Parliament, said they were looking at completing those Bills that are almost done.

“Right now, we are hoping that Bills that are almost done and those that are before the Senate can be concluded before the President opens the next session.

“We are looking at cleaning up those that we can and those that we can’t we then roll over to the next session of the Ninth Parliament,” he said.

By A Correspondent- A 25 year old man from Village 3 Badala area in Inyathi, Matabeleland North province, died after he was allegedly brutally assaulted by four men all over the body with a switch and log.

The now deceased who was being accused of stealing one of the alleged assailants’ clothes had his hands and legs tied together with a shoelace before he was repeatedly and severely assaulted with a switch and log all over the body.

Circumstances are that on 1 August this year the now deceased Honour Nxumalo was at his homestead when he was approached by Titos Sonewa and his accomplices Blessed Nyathi, Evidence Nyandeni and Thembani Ndlovu who are all still at large.

It is reported that when they approached him, they started accusing him of having stolen one of the alleged assailants’ clothes which were being kept at his neighbour’s house.

It is alleged that Sonewa and his accomplices force-marched the now deceased to the bush where they later tied his hands and legs together with a shoelace.

After tying him they allegedly assaulted him several times with a switch and log all over the body.

It is yet to be proven that when they realised that Nxumalo had fallen unconscious they fled from the scene.

Nxumalo’s lifeless body was discovered the following day with multiple injuries all over it and a report was made to the police whose investigations led to the arrest of Sonewa.

For the offence Sonewa was dragged before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a murder charge as defined in Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

He was, however, not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 28 August. The magistrate advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.-statemedia

A letter that is circulating on social media, that has a ZRP stamp dated 12 April 2020, shows ZRP revealing that Murimoga Patson and Mupiwa Hillary are ZRP Police headquarters Intelligence Active Informers.

The letter according to Pedzisayi Ruhanya was supposed to exempt the 2 from COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Ruhanya also claims Murimoga is Mwonzora’s close ally and at one point he was challenging Morgan Tsvangirai’s VP appointments:

This is Mwonzora’s close ally Murimoga, the one who was used to challenge the late Tsvangirai’s VP appointments. He is also Mwonzora co-singer in Tsikamutanda MDC album, a top Mwonzora aide. See later from police giving him free passage during COVID-19 lockdown!

The letter addressed to whom it may concern reads:

REF PERMISSION FOR FREE PASSAGE IN RESPECT OF MURIMOGA PATSON AND MUPIWA HILARY.

The above subject matter reffers

May you please facilitate the free passage of MURIMOGA PATSON, NR: 04-101832-M-04 and MUPIWA HILARY NR: 32-165719-M-32 of house number 4406 Manyame Park, Chitungwiza and 9841 Chitungwiza respectively as from 12/04/2020 to 16/04/20. The 2 are ZRP Harare PHQ Police IntellIgence Informers.

For any enquiries do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Your cooperation if highly oppreciated.

MAUNGAMDZE. V

Police Provincial Intelligence Officer

HARARE PROVINCE

By A Correspondent- A 24 year old man from Sizinda suburb in Bulawayo allegedly played with a five-year-old in his rented room while touching her private parts before he raped her and infected her with a sexually-transmitted infection (STI).

After the rape incident the minor stuck to what she was told by the alleged paedophile. However, his cover was blown open when the minor started to suffer pain and itching in her private parts. As a result she walked with difficulty, which raised eyebrows to her mother and family members.

Her concerned mother questioned her and she spilled the beans.

“To her mother’s shock she revealed that she was raped by the 24-year-old tenant on the day she was sent to collect a cup in his room. It got her mother emotionally drained as the minor told her that her private parts were painful and itching. Upon examining her she discovered that her private parts were swollen,” said a source.

The minor was taken to hospital and it was discovered she was infected with an STI.

The matter was reported to a police station leading to the arrest of the 24-year-old accused.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said: “We are worried about cases of rape which we receive almost every week. We urge community members not to trust anyone because anyone has a potential of raping a child. In the same vein I would like to urge rape victims to make a report within 72 hours so that they can get post-exposure prophylaxis.”

-statemedia

The University of Zimbabwe(UZ) has published the following notice to its first-year students notifying them about accommodation changes at the college.

Read the statement below:

UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

THE SPIRIT OF ADHERING TO REGULATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COVID-19, THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT RESIDENTIAL AND LOGISTICAL SERVICES HAS DECONGESTED ALL NEW COMPLEXES AND ALLOCATED SINGLE OCCUPANCY IN ROOMS AS FOLLOWS;

1. HALF OF NC4 RESIDENTS WILL RETAIN ROOMS AT NC4 WHILE THE OTHER HALF WILL BE HOUSED AT NC5

2. PART OF NCI RESIDENTS WILL RETAIN ROOMS AT NCI WHILE THE OTHER PART WILL BE HOUSED AT NC5

3. HALF OF NC2 RESIDENTS WILL RETAIN ROOMS AT N. WHILE THE REMAINDER WILL BE HOUSED AT MANFRED

4. NC3 RESIDENTS WILL RETAIN THEIR ROOMS AT NC3 HOSTEL

5. ALL SUCCESSFUL (NEW) APPLICANTS’ NAMES ARE ON THE UZ WEBSITE, AND ARE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THEIR ROOMS BEFORE CHECKING IN ON THE 30171 OF AUGUST 2020.

PLEASE NOTE THAT:

1. ACCOMMODATION FEES FOR NEW APPLICANTS IS RTGSSI 050.00
2. NAMES OF STUDENT ALLOCATED ROOMS ARE ON THE UZ WEBSITE
3. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BRING:

• THEIR OWN BED LINEN (SHEETS AND BLANKETS)
• AT LEAST TWO FACE MASKS
• OWN CUTLERY (CUP, FORK, KNIFE AND SPOON).

PLATES WILL BE PROVIDED.

DR . MUTONGORENI

REGISTRAR
27 AUGUST 2020

Reuters

WESTERN diplomats in Zimbabwe expressed deep concern on Friday over a deteriorating political and economic crisis and said the government should stop using the Covid-19 pandemic to curtail freedoms.

Zimbabwe is suffering inflation over 800%, which has revived memories of the hyperinflation more than a decade ago during Robert Mugabe’s rule. Nurses are on strike and a series of arrests of political opponents have raised the alarm about a crackdown on dissent.

Heads of mission from the United States, Britain, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Norway, and Poland said in a statement that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s initial promises of uniting the country and reforming the economy when he came to power had given hope of a break with Mugabe’s rule — then proceeded to list ways in which it seems not to have.

“The heads of mission express deep concern with the current political, economic, social, and health crisis that Zimbabweans are facing today,” the diplomats said.

It is relatively rare for diplomatic missions to club together and publicly criticise their host country.

A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mnangagwa accuses the West of sponsoring the opposition to destabilise his government.

African leaders often bristle at criticism from the West, which they say can be selective – vilifying some and keeping silent on others when it suits their strategic interests.

“Covid-19 must not be used as an excuse to restrict citizens fundamental freedoms,” the statement said.

The diplomats urged “the government to address corruption and the illicit extraction of Zimbabwe’s wealth for personal gain, which continue to undermine Zimbabwe’s development.”

It has been two years since Mnangagwa won a disputed election. As economic conditions worsen, critics say his government is reverting to the authoritarian tactics used by his predecessor.

“The government also has a responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violating human rights,” the diplomats said.

By A Correspondent- While addressing a virtual meeting of chief executive officers (CEOs) yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said the cocktail of measures employed by the government recently are meant to continue to stabilise the economy which will result in the prices of basic goods going down.

Speaking at the virtual meeting Mangudya said:

The RBZ’s focus is on price stability. In order to achieve this, we have come up with a two pronged approach which is about exchange rate management and monetary supply management. The auction system is being sustained through domestic resource mobilisation wherein we say 20 percent of commercial transactions are directed to go to the auction system.

This ensures that foreign currency keeps on flowing and business are sustained. The exchange rate is gradually stabilising. All bids have been between $80 and $88 for the past three to four weeks. The average is vacillating within that ruler…. and this is not far from the parallel market rate which is around $82 for cash and $90 for transfers.

263chat

The police officer who apprehended Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala said the arrest came as a bonus as they had gone to the place looking for petrol bombs and catapults which they suspected were meant to be used during 31 July mass demonstrations.

Collins Makore, from the CID Law and order told the court that he only got to know that Sikhala was on the wanted list by the police later on.

“I did not know that he was wanted by the police, I only saw the list later.

“We were there looking for weapons and then we happened to see Mr Sikhala there, and we told him to come with us because police wanted him for an interview,” he said.

Advocate Eric Matinenga who is representing Sikhala questioned him to provide evidence of interview notebooks and a search warrant the police used on the the accused person was arrested.

However, detective Makore failed to produce the evidence saying the notebook he used to write notes ‘coincidentally’ got lost the very same day after he apprehended Sikhala.

The state used detective Makore’s testimony as evidence to say that Sikhala tried by all means to avoid arrest when he surely knew that he was on the wanted list by the police.

The MDC Alliance, national vice chairperson was arrested last week and charged with inciting public violence.

PRESS STATEMENT 28 AUGUST 2020

OPERATION PROTECT MBUYA NEHANDA HERITAGE IN MAZOWE

The Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders have launched an operation dubbed “Protect Mbuya Nehanda Heritage”, meant to flush out illegal settlers and miners who have been destroying sacred places, cultural, heritage sites and Government property at Mbuya Nehanda, Shavarudzi, Chebanga, Bakorambuya Nehanda, Chemachinda, Henderson and Mazowe Dam.

Since the onset of the operation on 26′ August 2020, a total of 65 suspects have been arrested for various offences which include Criminal trespass, operating without shop licence, implementing a mining project without Environmental Impact Assessment certificate among others.

Police also recovered 20 hammer mills, 5 compressors, 4 generators, 2 water pumps, 2 well pumps, 3 jack hammers, 2 Taurius batteries, 2 Ray 50W solar panels and approximately 10kgs gold ore.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals wh, want to take advantage of this operation to cause confusion and commit various criminal activities that the law will take its course without fear or favour.

NYATHI. P Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer

[Press, Public and International Relations]

To the Commissioner General of Police Police General Headquarters

Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecommunications company Econet Wireless is understood to be considering a data bundle price adjustment in the wake of mounting costs and rising inflation.

A source within Econet yesterday confirmed the company was likely to review its data bundle prices by about 50 percent soon, in line with growing costs and inflationary pressures.

“We will be reviewing our data bundle prices and it could come in a week or two, if not earlier. The price of our data bundles are, on average, currently the lowest on the market right now,” the source said.

The company’s main data bundle prices are indeed currently lower than those of its competitors in the mobile industry.

It is thought the planned bundle price adjustment will bring its data tariffs at par with those of NetOne and Telecel.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) approved data bundle price increases of up to 190 percent in early August, but Econet only implemented an increase of about 50 percent, leaving it with the headroom to adjust the pricing further at a later date.

Zimbabwe’s inflation rose to a 10-year high of 837 percent in July, after prices of goods and services took a spike due to the impact of drought, foreign currency shortages and the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Bundles are discounted promotional offers with a validity period, that local telecom operators offer their customers at prices within an approved threshold by the industry regulator. The bundles, which are applied to voice, data and SMS products, range from daily, weekly and monthly bundles.

Earlier this year, the Potraz Director General Dr Gift Machengete told Parliament that the country’s data tariffs were lagging behind regional markets.

“As Potraz we have also considered the costs of the operator first so that they keep on running and after that we have been tracking the cost of data before we come up with the tariffs. We do not just put up tariffs,” he said.

The regulator now uses a pricing model called the Telecommunication Price Index (TPI) to help maintain operator and industry viability, and ensure sustained provision of telecommunication services in the country.

Paul Nyathi

The High Court on Friday postponed to next week the bail ruling for detained journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, who are facing charges of inciting public violence.

The two approached the High Court for bail after the Harare Magistrate Court earlier this week threw out their applications for partial freedom.

After hearing arguments from the State and the applicants in the cases on Friday, the High Court reserved judgment to next week.

The duo were arrested last month on charges of inciting public violence after posting social media messages allegedly encouraging people to take part in banned protests against the government.

The protests, the latest in a series called by the opposition and allied civic groups, were penciled for July 31, but flopped dismally nationwide, leaving egg on the faces of the organisers.

The bail appeal is the duo’s fourth attempt for freedom – twice at the magistrates court and once at the High Court – all in vain so far.

Ngarivhume’s lawyer, Prof Lovemore Madhuku, argued that the magistrate who dismissed his client’s earlier bail application had misdirected himself.

The two want to be granted bail on the basis of changed circumstances, given that the date of the protests they are accused of mobilising people to take part in had past.

But the magistrates court dismissed the applications because, in its view, opposition protest plans were not necessarily time-bound but ongoing.

“We presented our arguments; the appeal was heard by court. We made our arguments why we feel that the judgement of the magistrate Court must be set aside,” Prof. Madhuku said.

“The state responded to the arguments and then the judge reserved judgement. It will be handed down either on Monday or first thing on Tuesday,” he said.

He added: “The magistrate court did not understand the procedures that ought to be followed; our client went there to apply for bail to what is called changed circumstances, seeing that 31 July had passed.

“The court agreed that 31 July had come and gone, the magistrate ought to have then shifted the burden to the state to indicate why it was still opposed to bail. That did not happen; the magistrate simply went on and created a new animal called the 31st July movement. We have said that that’s misdirection.”

Prof. Madhuku said the High Court, in making its ruling, should also consider the number of days Ngarivhume has been in remand without trial when making its decision on the appeal.

Chin’ono’s lawyer, Kudzai Mtisi said: “The issues which were of interest are to do with evidence in the record and what the magistrate said about the evidence. There are 20 pages of evidence which the State even conceded that the magistrate did not make mention of that oral evidence in its findings.”

By A Correspondent- Former energy minister Fortune Chasi’s dramatic sacking from cabinet two weeks ago was a culmination of an intriguing plot of state capture by powerful fuel cartels, notably his spirited but futile efforts to trim the overbearing influence of Sakunda Holdings and Green Fuel in the multi-billion-dollar spinning petroleum industry, among other reasons.

Chasi was relieved of his duties by President Emmerson Mnangagwa a fortnight ago, ending his turbulent two-year stint at the helm of the portfolio, during which period Zimbabwe faced a crippling power and fuel crisis. He was replaced by Soda Zhemu, who until his recent appointment appeared like a minion in the dynamic politics of Zanu-PF and government.

Though Chasi’s tenure saw a marked and steady improvement of power transmission following staggered payments of weekly instalments to South African power utility Eskom and Hydro Cahora Bassa of Mozambique over a US$33 million debt, the fuel crisis worsened, and in spite of his efforts to clip the monopolistic influence of Green Fuels and Sakunda Holdings.

Sources say, the dirty state of affairs at Zesa, which is characterised by corruption scandals running into millions of dollars also scalded Chasi’s hands, as he sought “to clean house”.

Green Fuel, the sole ethanol blending firm in Zimbabwe, is owned by business mogul Billy Rautenbach, while Sakunda is owned by Kuda Tagwirei, whose business interests have been expanding rapidly in recent years. Both Rautenbach and Tagwirei are Zanu-PF benefactors and are viewed as wielding significant influence over the country’s presidium.

Two weeks before Chasi was summarily booted from government by Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwe Independent, in a series of investigations, revealed a controversial US$22,5 million loan Sakunda extended to the National Oil and Infrastructure Company (Noic) to buy out Lonmin’s stake in the ownership of the Beira-Harare pipeline under a transaction that lifted the lid on the dominant influence Tagwirei’s outfit enjoys over usage and management of the fuel pipeline.

Sources this week told this newspaper that though Chasi was not yet in charge of the energy portfolio in 2017 when the loan deal was struck, his short-lived tenure
was a “tricky affair of trying to understand why the agreement which left Noic saddled with a US$17,5 million debt while Sakunda Holdings could enjoy monopolistic usage of the pipeline was sanctioned”.

When Chasi was quizzed about the rationale of agreeing to the loan deal with Sakunda, among other players in the industry, and the sort of benefits Tagwirei’s outfit enjoyed, the former minister distanced himself from the agreement, citing that he was not yet minister when it was sealed.

However, he told this newspaper two weeks before his sacking, that he had asked Noic chief executive Francis Matukeni to shed light around questions posed by the Independent.

In a separate interview, though, Matukeni promised to respond to the questions, but did not.

Among questions at the heart of the opaque transaction, this newspaper sought to understand is why Noic specifically received the loan from Sakunda, whether Sakunda was paying usage tariffs pegged at about US6 cents and how much it paid in total to Noic for using the infrastructure.

Revealingly, in an telephone conversation audio between Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and Tagwirei leaked last week, the business tycoon is heard telling the parliamentarian, that Chasi haaterere (Chasi does not listen), as some of the possible reasons giving insight on why he was sacked from the powerful ministerial post.

An energy ministry official this week said Chasi, in part, was expelled because he stepped on the toes of an influential fuel procurement entity.

Said the source: “You must understand that at Noic, Chasi was trying to even out the playing field in the fuel sector by ensuring that Sakunda Holdings will not continue to enjoy the monopolistic utilisation of the pipeline while also trying to fully assert Noic’s control over the pipeline. Sadly, this unsettled the interests of powerful fuel cartels.

“His plans to revive efforts to build a second fuel pipeline were also met with fierce resistance by the same powerful forces.”

Zimbabwe, battling a chronic fuel crisis, loses a gargantuan US$400 million annually as a result of the monopolistic control and underutilisation of the Beira-Harare pipeline. Under unclear circumstances, Zimbabwe aborted plans to build a second fuel pipeline with Mogs of South Africa, which is owned by Royal Bafokeng, the parent company of platinum mining giant Zimplats.

Similarly, in the ethanol blending subsector, sources said Chasi’s short-term plans to liberalise the industry by opening up the sector to new players “also did not go down well with the same fuel cartels”.

Currently, Green Fuel has benefitted the most from the mandatory ethanol blending.

Under Chasi’s watch, Noic was in the process of identifying and expanding its sugarcane fields with Tongaat Hulett as part of efforts to reduce the influence of Rautenbach’s Green Fuel and lower the cost of ethanol locally.

“He was trying to do many things right at the same time. He could not have prevailed over the combined efforts by the ethanol blending and fuel cartels.”

Another petroleum industry source also said Chasi was increasingly getting sidelined from the day-to-day affairs at Noic, where the cartels have a lot of influence.

At Zesa, before his sacking, the Sydney Gata-led board was suspended by Mnangagwa to pave way for investigations around the possible abuse of office.

Last week, former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo, who is a fierce Mnangagwa critic through microblogging sight Twitter hinted that Chasi was fired for ordering an investigation into an opaque transaction under which Noic allegedly mortgaged its assets to Sotic International, an international commodity firm which enjoys business ties with Tagwirei for a US$1,2 billion loan facility.

Chasi dismissed Moyo’s claims as false.

TheIndependent

By A Correspondent- Government’s books of accounts are in a shambolic state amid revelations it has no balance sheet, making accountability for its assets impossible with some civil servants being promoted without the pre-requisite qualifications.

Some government assets have disappeared because of the weak accounting systems while government has over the years lost money after paying for goods which were never delivered.

This was revealed by Auditor-General Mildred Chiri while making a presentation to the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Zimbabwe (Icsaz) Winter School on Public Finance Management (PFM) in Harare last Friday.

Chiri attributed the-PFM chaos to poor accounting maintenance exacerbated by the use of cash-basis accounting instead of accrual accounting method.

She said while the government adopted the IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards), implementation was still in its infancy.

The country targets to fully implement IPSAs by 2025 to enhance financial accountability in central government, urban and rural authorities.

Chiri said the government should come up with accurate and complete information on transactions given that some payments and assets are not reflected in financial statements.

“It’s not safe to use this system. We always insist that there is an asset register to ensure that there is value and that these assets do not disappear without being accounted for. Yes, assets are recorded, but because we do not have something like a balance sheet, we cannot really see what government possesses as assets,” she said.

In a recent document, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised a red flag over the credibility of government’s state of accounts, especially in relation to Extra
Budgetary Units (EBUs) and classification of government subsidies to state-owned enterprises as well as the correct classification of other government transactions in line with the Finance Statistics Manual (2104) framework.

Chiri noted that poor maintenance of accounting records has resulted in assets disappearing in some ministries.

Another glaring challenge that Chiri pointed out was employment costs in the various ministries as there is no effective checking and reconciling of paysheets against payments made from the Salary Service Bureau.

“Pay sheets were not being reconciled with payments from the Salary Services Bureau. This is an area which we will be looking at in 2020 to see whether there have been improvements. There have also been tendencies across ministries to continue to obtain goods and services when they did not have adequate funds from Treasury. Unsupported expenditure has led to accumulation of debts,” Chiri said.

Zimbabwe has been struggling with its wage bill which gobbled up to 90% of government revenues, leaving very little space for investment in infrastructure development projects.

However, the wage bill has since been reduced to below to 50%.

On procurement, Chiri said substantial sums of money were incurred in purchasing assets such as motor vehicles, generators, excavators, which were not delivered and there was no evidence of follow up on the outstanding goods.

Chiri emphasised the need for professionalism in the public sector, saying some government employees rose through the ranks despite not having professional qualifications

“One of the other interventions besides implementation of the correct accounting methods, would be professionalising the public sector. Some of the people who have been through ranking government have no professional qualifications. This was a recommendation by the World Bank that the government should professionalise the sector. Icaz (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe) and Icsaz have also taken up this offer along with other organisations, so we hope to see an improvement in that area,” she said.

A diagnostic tool, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) used to assess the performance of the-PFM system of a country has been administered on Zimbabwe twice, in 2011 and 2016 by the World Bank.

The PEFA assessment focused on aggregate fiscal discipline, strategic resource allocation and efficient delivery.

During that time, aggregate budget outturns showed consistent under-performance on aggregate revenue estimates, expenditure was significantly above budget, giving rise to budget deficits, while the budget formulation process and budget execution, including investment management, were not satisfactory.

On service delivery, some services were deprived of funding due to shifts in priorities during the year.

There was also absence of data on procurement at an aggregate level and lack of standard approach in monitoring of projects execution.

“PEFA assessments and external audits have revealed gaps in performance of the-PFM. Donors have shown willingness to assist in terms of building and boosting capacity through professionalisation. Implementation of IPSAS key. These interventions should go a long way in improving the-PFM system in Zimbabwe,” Chiri said.

-TheIndependent

By A Correspondent- Public prosecutor, Thomas Mabgwe, who is attached to the National Prosecuting Authority yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with bribery involving two residential stands valued at US$78 000.

Mabgwe (42), who holds an assistant inspector rank in the police force, was arrested by members of the Special AntiCorruption Unit.

He was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna and was remanded in custody to today for bail application.

More to follow…

Twin Rivers Fees Term 3 2020

28 AUGUST 2020

We the Residents Associations and CSOs undersigned to this statement condemn the rampant recall of elected councillors.

We are further worried that these recalls are part of the battle of political control and internal contradictions within the MDC divorced from plans to further development, improve welfare of citizens and service delivery.

We are gravely concerned that the recalls have become a tool and strategy employed to decimate and overthrow political opponents within the factional fights, which further entrenches political polarization and independence of thought. The recalls are a clear display of insatiable hunger for power at the expense of citizens’ will and interests.

It is sad that the MDC has opted the route of sacrificing the residents and service provision at the altar of political expediency by removing elected local leadership. It has completely ignored the plight of residents in its thirst for power and using law fare to whip councillors out of accountability to the citizenry.

The rampant recall of elected councillors is a direct attack on representative democracy and seeks to throw away residents to the periphery of local governance which has serious implications on both service delivery and answerability of officials to the electorate.

Political parties must not act supreme over the voter, residents are the number one stakeholder in every political process and should be treated with respect.

This move which is a threat to local democracy feed into the machinations and grand plan to pave way for the appointment of Commissions to run the affairs of most urban local authorities in Zimbabwe.

The history of Commissions in Zimbabwe is littered with gross abuse of office and human rights violations,OperationMurambasvina is a typical example.

As Residents Associations and CSOs our position is clear that local authorities cannot be run by Commissions BUT they can ONLY be managed by councils composed of councillors elected by registered voters in the urban areas concerned and presided over by elected Mayors or Chairpersons.

Urban local authorities represent and manage the affairs of the people through elected leadership and removal of such representatives is a catalyst for appointment of unaccountable individuals presiding over collapse of service delivery.

We call upon the MDC to rethink the course of action they have taken and consider the plight of the residents’ first before politics of control by doing the following;

• Cease to recall councillors and conduct broader consultations with residents of Wards of the Councillors concerned and make rationalised decisions.
• Refocus their energy and factional fights towards competition to increase quality potable water for residents, regular refuse collection, transparency in administration of public funds, gendered approach to service delivery, improved health care and provide alternative policy proposal in the fight against COVID 19.

In brief we demand issues driven politics and an address of socio-economic rights and plight of citizens as opposed to factional agendas. The failure to address the residents’ concerns will force us to ratchet a national campaign to vote for independent candidates in the next campaign.

We also warn the MDC leadership that they will be liable to the repercussions caused by the recalls in terms of service delivery and caution that this has serious political implications hence they need to be sober when approaching this matter. While dams are drying up demanding a call for action, they are busy writing letters of recall with no benefit to an ordinary man and woman in the street.

ENDS

Combined Harare Residents Association

Guruve Residents and Ratepayers Association

Ruwa Residents Association

Marondera Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Association

Mvurwi Residents Association

Kadoma Progressive Residents Association

Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Association

Simukai Residents Trust

Chitungwiza  and Manyame Residents and Rate payers Association.

By Ryan Chiwara-  Several schools in Gutu district are facing financial distress due to non-payment of school fees as a result of Covid -19 pandemic.

Several schools are finding it difficult to pay ancillary staff and maintain the school infrastructure due to a lack of funds. The closure of schools as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus brought serious challenges for the school authorities who are now struggling to pay staff salaries.

A member of the School Development Committee (SDC) at Mupandawana High school confirmed that they are having difficulties paying the security guards at the school due to their empty coffers.

“Parents are not paying school fees since their kids are not attending school and at the same school property requires protection yet we are now struggling to pay our guards,” He said.

The SDC member also added that the situation had also affected several income generating projects at the school.

“Due to lack of funds to purchase stock feeds, we have resorted to selling our pigs and chickens before they have fully matured because we cannot feed them. We no longer have the money to buy the feeds,” he added.

At Gutu United Primary school the situation is the same with reports that one of the security guards at the council run school is no longer reporting for duty over unpaid salaries.

Hwiru Primary school usually known for its evergreen and blossoming flowers is also hard hit by the pandemic.

Upon arrival at the gate, one is greeted by a dull spectacle of wilting flowers amidst reports that the school is also struggling to pay for electricity, water and other utility bills.

Most of the schools in the district used to supplement their income from rentals paid by local churches.

However, due to lockdown restrictions imposed by the government and also a Ministerial directive for schools to stop renting their facilities in preparation for the re- opening of schools, this source of income is now a thing of the past.

Gutu United Residents and Ratepayers Association (GURRA) secretary for education Richard Madoro said its high time council as the responsible authority takes over the maintenance of schools during these difficult times.

“Council as the responsible authority should come in handy and assist in the maintenance of schools during this time,” said Madoro.

Contacted for comment Gutu Rural District Council (GRDC) Community services officer Thomas Meya said they are quite aware of the precarious situation facing the schools.

“We know the challenges being faced by schools. However, the local authority is also facing similar challenges because the revenue base has also shrunk due to Covid -19,” he said.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance national vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala has said the persecution of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents is calculated to silence citizens.

See below Hon Sikhala’s letter:

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you after the tragic news of the passing of a gallant son of the Republic, Patson Dzamara.

Equally, I am saddened yet enraged by the callous murder of the MDC Alliance’s Hurungwe District Ward 4 councillor Lavender Chiwaya.

My colleagues Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume have spent more than a month in detention while MDC Alliance Youth Organizing Secretary Godfrey Kurauone is languishing in jail.

Fellow citizens, I was charged with incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) as read with section 36(1)(a) of the Code alternatively incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(b) of the Code as read with section 36(1)(b) of the Code. Or alternatively, incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 187(1)(a) of the Code as read with section 37(1)(a) of the Code.

The police allege that I incited people between May 2020 and 20 July 2020 to participate in public demonstrations that would cause public violence and breach of peace among people in Zimbabwe on 31st July 2020 by posting video clips with inciting messages.

As I write to you I am in the D-Section of Chikurubi Maximum Prison where death row inmates are housed. The conditions here are dire and recently some inmates tested positive for Covid-19 due to factors related to the unavailability of protective clothing and sanitizers.

On 23 August, I spent the whole day in leg-irons and handcuffs and was threatened with death by Prison Officer George Mutimbanyoka.

Today, the State opposed my lawyer’s argument for bail and the hearing has been set for 9am tomorrow. Since the matter is sub judice I will not dwell much on it.

As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now.

I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go to up the mountain. And I have looked over. And I have seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!”

I would like to express my profound gratitude to my lawyers, Advocate Eric Matinenga, Jeremiah Bamhu and Harrison Nkomo for their dedication to my case.

To my wife, Mai Fidel, you have been a pillar of strength. My appreciation is also extended to the MDC Alliance leadership in general and President Nelson Chamisa in particular for their solidarity.

To all Zimbabweans, your outpouring support and prayers are my strength while I am in detention.

As Zimbabweans we ought to know that victory is certain. But as citizens we ought to remain united and focussed. This struggle knows no political party boundaries, it knows no religion, race, gender and age.

As 31st July Movement we seek to unite all Zimbabweans towards the unitary purpose of ensuring that we get the life and livelihoods we deserve.

Even as I am here in the hands of this brutal system, my solemn worry is how each one of you will find a decent meal tomorrow and the day after.

My worry is as to how you, my brothers and sisters in the diaspora are ridiculed and made to work manual jobs, earning very little, but still have to support us back home.

It pains me that if we do not do something now, corruption and selective application of the law will carry the day. It bothers me a lot of the challenges we face today, regardless of where you are, will remain unresolved, if as Zimbabweans, take no action.

Remember, the whole point of arresting me, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono and many others is to implant fear in the hearts and minds of you the citizens. Yet, to protest is a right under section 59 of our constitution.

Let’s reason and rally together, lets unite and move our country forward.

Those who will help us from outside our borders will only do so following our lead!

The People Shall Be Victorious, Vincere Caritate, Zimbabwe Para Todos .

Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

By A Correspondent- Former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi, who is now living in self-imposed exile in South Africa, has said MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa avoided taking tea during cabinet meetings during the GNU era for fear of being poisoned.

Chamisa and Mzembi were cabinet ministers during the all-inclusive government between 2009 and 2013.

Mzembi suggested that opposition political activists, and even ruling party bigwigs who have succumbed to cancer may have been poisoned, therefore, jailed activists should be wary.

Mzembi posted on Twitter:

Casper Tsvangirayi, Dr Patson Dzamara phoned me apprehensive about these cancers which only attack you after incarceration, I have warned Job Sikhala of the same, no food, water etc from prison and asked him to warn his colleagues inside.

This issue of biological agents and other suspicions may sound like a myth but it’s real, in the last two years of my Cabinet sitting I had stopped teas as well, it may have been too late, the Silver Jug of ice-cold water for each member was suspect too!

One sitting I exclaimed in horror when I opened my Silver Jug and found a thick bed of dead black cockroaches at the base, fumed at Mapingire and staff how this could be, but it was my first hint Chamisa could have been right.

Take stock since 1980 causes of death of Cabinet Members, gastrointestinal disorders and accidents, Zanu PF is cannibalistic, before we even go to Opposition, isinjonjo as they say it amongst themselves, a game of elimination!

-twitter

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has laughed off Sikhala and Chamisa, saying they are in a competition for victimhood.

He said:

There is an uncanny competition for victimhood between one Jobho-drops-from-ceiling-Sarowiwa, and one partyless-Nelson-Wamba-Chamisa, for victimhood.

The one purports to write – in bad English – from Chikurubi, hoping for incarceration fame; the other claims he never tested any tea during the MUGABE days!

Both hope the internally competing acts within their sharded MDC brings fame and recognition!

Meanwhile, the rest of Zimbabweans know them for what they truly are: little men pimping and trawling for undeserved fame!

By A Correspondent- The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ has mobilised members across the country to participate in the 31 August workplace protests called for by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, ZCTU.

We have identified education offices as our workplace since schools are closed. We will be protesting against poverty and demanding USD 520 as monthly salary from our employer.

The 31 August protest marks the beginning of weekly Monday protests aimed at pushing employers to pay salaries in united states dollars.

It should be noted that these protests are not only confined to employed workers, but we also invite the broad working class to protest against poverty.

Those who are unemployed and those retired on a pittance all constitute the broad working class.

We are pleased to note that the Students movement and the peasants have pledged to join the action. Students welfare is dependent on the salaries of the parents.

Peasants, on the other hand, are being short-changed at the market place as they are forced to accept payment in local currency for their produce.

The government is encouraged to play ball by urgently restoring USD salaries for all civil servants and set a good precedence for the private sector.

The state is urged to desist from using excessive force against non-violent protesters. The use of force is tainting brand Zimbabwe.

We call upon the working class across the country to join the 31 August protests and send a clear message to employers and government. Protesters should adhere to all COVID19 regulations.

We thank the international community for your unwavering solidarity with the working class of Zimbabwe, we look forward to your usual support as we enter this next phase of our struggle.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe

By A Correspondent- The shaky alliance between MDC-T rival faction leaders Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora is under threat amid reports that the former angered her colleagues in the Supreme Court-created party over the recent nominations to fill vacant legislative seats.

Khupe, who is the party’s interim president, stirred a hornet’s nest with her decision to nominate herself and her inner circle for proportional representation seats which fell vacant following her party’s decision to expel from Parliament MDC Alliance MPs.

A senior party official said Mwonzora and other senior MDC-T officials were not amused because Khupe made the nominations without consulting anyone.

The official is quoted as having said:

Now she has handed the impetus over to her rival Mwonzora who could now really take the fight to her.

Khaliphani Phugeni, Khupe’s spokesperson, denied claims that his boss chose the nominees for Parliament unilaterally.

He said:

There is no basis for that allegation. For your own information, the president does not get involved in recalls and nominations. It’s a process that is conducted by provinces spearheaded by the national chairperson Morgen Komichi and the chairperson of the women’s assembly, Dorothy Ndlovu.

Meanwhile, Mwonzora is accused of fanning factionalism and violence within the party with reports suggesting that Khupe’s camp was plotting to get rid of him before the congress takes place.

Mwonzora denied a rift with Khupe, claiming to have “a cordial working relationship” with her, although he admitted that he will run for the presidency if nominated.

Farai Dziva| There is a possibility that Patson Dzamara was harmed, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The MDC Alliance leader has also revealed that during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister he never took food offered to him by the State for fear of being harmed.

President Chamisa made the remarks while addressing mourners at the Dzamara family home in Glen View on Thursday.

He also said he warned the late former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai against “drinking Zanu PF tea.”

“I spent five years in Cabinet but never drank tea there until Mugabe asked me who had told me he was a witch.

I even avoided the 9 am tea-break and told (Tendai) Biti and Prime Minister Tsvangirai what they were doing was dangerous.

Tsvangirai would laugh it off, saying I would die of hunger but I knew these people,” said President Chamisa.

“Some people might say it was just cancer but no. I have even told Hopewell Chin’ono and Job Sikhala not to eat any of the prison food but to stay strong no matter what because they will die if they consume that food,” he added.

By A Correspondent- The Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe said the commission has engaged the Apex Council on a possible date to resume salary negotiations which have been suspended since April.

Wutawunashe said negotiations between Government and civil servants’ representatives had been stalled by the coronavirus crisis and they are now considering the possibility of holding zoom meetings, among other avenues.

He said:

Some members who are very important to these negotiations have been impacted by Covid-19 which has stalled the progress of the talks.

Ideally, Government was willing to finalise the negotiations this month. But for now, we have engaged the civil servants’ representatives on the possible way forward, that is the next date of the meeting, and maybe the possibility of Zoom meetings.

Zoom meetings trial runs have been done with success at Government level and it is a possibility in these negotiations.

Over the past several months, civil servants have been clamouring for the restoration of their pre-October 2018 USD salaries.

Meanwhile, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima urged unions representing civil servants to be realistic with their proposals.-statemedia

Farai Dziva| There is a possibility that Patson Dzamara was harmed, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The MDC Alliance leader has also revealed that during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister he never took food offered to him by the State for fear of being harmed.

President Chamisa made the remarks while addressing mourners at the Dzamara family home in Glen View on Thursday.

He also said he warned the late former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai against “drinking Zanu PF tea.”

“I spent five years in Cabinet but never drank tea there until Mugabe asked me who had told me he was a witch.

I even avoided the 9 am tea-break and told (Tendai) Biti and Prime Minister Tsvangirai what they were doing was dangerous.

Tsvangirai would laugh it off, saying I would die of hunger but I knew these people,” said President Chamisa.

“Some people might say it was just cancer but no. I have even told Hopewell Chin’ono and Job Sikhala not to eat any of the prison food but to stay strong no matter what because they will die if they consume that food,” he added.

TO: All National Council, National, Provincial, District and Ward Executive

Members

RE: RECALLS AND HEALTH OF THE PARTY

There has been a lot of mainstream and social media reports suggesting that there is infighting in the leadership especially between the Acting President and the Secretary General. These reports are just false and malicious. They are calculated to sow seeds of disharmony within the Party. There is absolutely no problem between the Acting President Dr Khupe and the Secretary General Senator Douglas Mwonzora.
Further, there are reports suggesting that the recalls of Members of Parliament and some councilors were a unilateral act on the part of the Secretary General. Again, these reports are totally false. The hierarchy of authority within our party is very clear. We have the Acting President as our highest ranking executive, clothed with full authority in terms of the constitution, while the Secretary General’s duties are also well delineated.

Our procedure before any person can be recalled from Parliament or Council, again is very clear. Concerned wards, districts and provinces make their recommendations to national leadership in writing. Then leadership debates each name and the reasons given. If national leadership agrees with the recall, it then instructs the Secretary General to effect the recall. The Secretary General does this by notifying the appropriate authorities in writing.
Regarding the recent recalls of the Harare Mayor and the other councilors, this recommendation came in writing from Harare Province. It was fully debated in the Standing Committee on more than one occasion before a resolution was arrived at. At the end of the deliberations, the Secretary General was instructed to effect the recalls which he proceeded to do in writing within the deadline provided. This was so whether or not the Secretary General personally favors that decision. It was a collective decision. It is wrong therefore, to suggest that this was a unilateral decision. That is why the Standing Committee has not varied it to date despite meeting last week. All the people who were recalled were recalled on the basis that they had ceased to be members of the MDC-T in terms of clause 5.10.a. of the constitution of the Party. The minutes of all deliberations leading to the recalls are available for scrutiny by party members.

The false reports are calculated to simply de-brand certain leaders. We must all remain vigilant as we continue with our efforts to build the people’s movement.
Victory is Certain
MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora

By A Correspondent | The granny of a 4 year old child who was raped and forced to drink sperm, has finally succeeded in meeting a top ZRP boss on state TV.

A 4 year girl was raped and made to drink sperm, proven by a medical examination in case RRB 4051834 Chitungwiza and yet @PoliceZimbabwe has closed the file. Can you explain why you have failed to effect an arrest ZRP, @nickmangwana @Jamwanda2 ; @MuzvareBetty

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 12, 2020

The shocking abuse of the minor was exposed on ZimEye two weeks ago, and later had the award winning the girl rights activist Dr. Betty Makoni intervening. As a result, yesterday Gogo Nyaradzai successfully met a senior police suprentendent and managed to discuss the matter before the whole nation. (see LIVE video loading below…)

An independent social worker has narrated the minor’s ordeal in the following lines:

This is what I have to find out from gogo.

The child whom I shall refer to as Rose as stated in audio sent by gogo, first revealed the rape to gogo because of the relationship between gogo and child. Rose has been living with both parents at gogo’s house for the greater part of her life. The parents moved out of gogo’s house to their own place and later moved in with the other gogo, maternal. It is at maternal grandmother’s house that Rose alleges the sexual abuse took place. The rapist is Rose’s maternal uncle who is living with maternal grandmother.

After the Rose revealed the sexual abuse to paternal gogo who reported this case, a younger brother to Rose’s father approached Alvin and beat him for abusing his brother’s child. It is at this time that bitter relations began to show between the 2 families.

The paternal gogo alleges maternal gogo openly barred Rose from further communication with paternal gogo. On one occasion when paternal gogo insisted on taking Rose to get her a pair of shoes, Rose openly told her that ‘gogo vakati havadi kuti mutaure neni nevana vavo’ gogo said she doesn’t want you to talk to me or her children.

The medical exam which was done on Rose confirmed that Rose had been a sexually abused.
Despite the report confirming abuse, Rose’s mother and grandmother tried to conceal the matter from paternal grandmother. It was after her personal pursuit of the case that she came to know about this.

The case was tried at Chitungwiza magistrate’s court and Alvin was acquitted of rape charges. Gogo alleges that during a cross examination whilst she was on the witness stand, she was told that Rose had failed to name the penis hence her statement was not sound and valid. Gogo alleges that although Rose could not narrate the rape at every interview she at least did so once. Gogo says she feels the justice system has let her granddaughter down.

On assessment of present condition of the child:

There is need to investigate the current living conditions of the child. Gogo alleges she last had physical eye contact with her grandchild on August 3, 2020.

Gogo lives 10 houses from where Rose is living with maternal grandmother. She alleges that she is reliably informed about how the child has deteriorated emotionally. At one time she tried to gain access to seeing the child but she was vehemently denied by the grandmother. The child was sitting at a certain spot by the gate, but as soon as she came close, she was whisked away. An inside informant living in same house tells gogo about how passive, quiet and unresponsive she has become to her peers which is an worrying indicator in such circumstances.

During the trial, the probation officer had ordered removal of the child from maternal grandmother’s house because of the risk but as soon as the case was dismissed, Rose’s mother brought her back to the house.

Gogo is worried by the attitude of Rose’s maternal relatives, barring her from any contact with Rose. As for Alvin gogo alleges that whenever she meets him publicly, he calls out that: ‘handisungwe ini’ sarcastically. Rose’s father and mother are currently on a separation, gogo sites problems to do with this case. He is now in Mutare. The mother is living alone away from her mother and Rose.

During this interview, gogo called Rose’s mother to ask for permission to see her. She declined and referred gogo to her mother. Gogo called maternal grandmother seeking permission to see Rose. As soon as she stated her intention, maternal grandmother hung up. She tried again but maternal grandmother was not picking up. An emotional gogo is now appealing to other influential independent parties to get to her granddaughter who she believes is suffering at the hands of the same uncle she identified as her perpetrator.

Vice President Kembo Dugish Mohadi has expressed concern over how Zimbabweans were failing to appreciate the ‘sterling’ efforts of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in resuscitating “the nearly dead health delivery system.”

Mohadi made the remarks Thursday while commissioning the opening of a US$2 million new Covid-19 isolation wing at the Gweru Provincial Hospital.

He blasted Zimbabweans for failing to appreciate the successes achieved by Mnangagwa’s administration, which marked its second anniversary in office Wednesday following the president’s inauguration for his first five-year in 2018.

“It is disheartening that as Zimbabweans, we have failed to generate progressive attention around our own successes,” said Mohadi.

-Online

By Jane Mlambo| Self exiled former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has all but confirmed MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s fears against consuming food shared during cabinet meeting during the Government of National Unity saying, the ruling Zanu PF is cannibalistic.

Yesterday, Chamisa blamed the state for the death of Itai Dzamara’s brother, Patson while also shedding light on his time in government where he never took tea offered during cabinet meetings.

Mzembi confirmed that Chamisa used to drink Fanta while everyone else guggled tea for the whole five year period.

“I sat next to @nelsonchamisa in Cabinet , he drank Fanta while we guggled tea for the 5 yrs and explained to me poison fears. However his reference to Mugabe may mean the System and its targets, look where I am , happy he pronounced himself on this,” said Mzembi.

He further revealed his warning to incarcerated Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala not to take any food or water offered in prison.

“Casper Tsvangirayi , Dr Patson Dzamara phoned me apprehensive about these cancers which only attack you after incarceration, I have warned @JobSikhala1 of the same , no food , water etc from prison and asked him to warn his colleagues inside,” added Mzembi.

Mzembi said he later realised the poisoning dangers and stopped taking tea in cabinet though he admits it may have been too late.

“This issue of biological agents and other suspicions may sound like a myth but it’s real , in the last two years of my Cabinet sitting I had stopped teas as well , it may have been too late, the Silver Jug of ice cold water for each member was suspect too,” said Mzembi.

“One sitting I exclaimed in horror when I opened my Silver Jug , and found a thick bed of dead black cockroaches at the base , fumed at Mapingire and staff how this could be , but it was my first hint @nelsonchamisa could have been right,

“Take stock since 1980 causes of death of Cabinet Members , gastrointestinal disorders and accidents , Zanu PF is cannibalistic, before we even go to Opposition, isinjonjo as they say it amongst themselves, game of elimination,” concluded Mzembi.

State witness Collins Makore yesterday told the Harare magistrates court that he found incarcerated Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala hiding in a ceiling after raiding a house they were staying in search of weapons.

Makore said he went to the house where Sikhala was staying armed with a search warrant and noticed an open ceiling where upon peeping through he realized there were people hiding inside.

He said he told them to come out and threatened to fire teargas for them to cooperate.

Sikhala was arrested last week and charged with inciting public violence. He is currently in court applying for bail after his application challenging placement on remand was thrown out.