Newly appointed Minister of Energy and Power Development, Soda Zhemu said his thrust was to push President Mnangagwa’s vision through ensuring that there was energy, which was central to the development of the economy across all sectors, is readily available.

“Obviously issues to do with electricity, energy and power are very critical. The President has enunciated the vision where we are looking at adequate and sustainable power generation. Obviously we will have to follow what has been put forward by the President in order to achieve the vision. I know certainly people are interested to know about issues about power because they are key enablers towards the achievement of Vision 2030. Talk of agriculture, mining, all the processes that we are looking at as a nation, power is a prerequisite. I will work harder to ensure that the vision is achieved but obviously it is a process,” said Minister Zhemu.

A FIGHT over a black ball in a game of pool ended tragically after three men allegedly struck a Chipinge teenager last week.

Benjamin Mukwakwami (19) died upon admission at St Peter’s Mission Hospital in Chisumbanje after he had been struck several times all over his body by John Mlambo (23), Brighton Mureya (18) and Clemence Mureya (26).

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident and said it happened at Tuzuka Business Centre, which is under Chief Musikavanhu’s area.

“Benjamin and his brother Munorweyi were playing pool while John, Brighton and Clemence were drinking beer.

“The black ball rolled towards John. He took it and hid it in his jacket,” said Inspector Kakohwa.
“Benjamin confronted John over the issue and a fight ensued.

Munorweyi tried to intervene but John’s friends — Brighton and Clemence — ganged up against Benjamin.

“John went away and came back brandishing a machete and struck Benjamin twice on the neck. A shop attendant, Alois Runawo, grabbed the machete and closed the shop,” said Inspector Kakohwa.

John, Brighton and Clemence then went home, while Benjamin and Munorweyi also retired to their home.

“Later that night, Brighton went to Benjamin’s homestead armed with a wooden log.

He struck Benjamin several times all over the body and left him unconscious.

He also struck Munorweyi, who then managed to escape.

“As Benjamin was bleeding profusely, he was ferried to St Peter’s Mission Hospital. Unfortunately he died upon admission,” said Inspector Kakohwa.

John, Brighton and Clemence were arrested and are assisting police with investigations.

Inspector Kakohwa appealed to members of the public to desist from resorting to violence when solving their differences.
— Manica Post

By A Correspondent | As Gukurahundi abductions and tortures continue in 2020, the man who started the whole operation in 1983, Emmerson Mnangagwa has won endorsement from the women’s rights activist Jenni Williams as she this time “represents” the whole Matebeleland province.

Williams said she is ecstatic as she titled Mnanagwa, “the President.” Mnangagwa is the same man who executed another Gukurahundi style operation on the 1st August 2018 to kill  people in Harare just so to steal the job.

Scores of activists in Matebeleland have been tortured this year and many are either on the run, or they have been abducted.

Williams who is the Chairperson of the Matabeleland Collective, added saying she is happy that finally what was initially a draft proposal on paper will now be operationalised and help bring closure to Gukurahundi victims.

“This meeting was called so that we discuss the implementation matrix of our programme to address the challenges of the victims which include issues to do with exhumation and issuance of birth and death certificates.

“We are ecstatic that the President has reaffirmed his commitment to these programmes as we start implementing them. I must therefore assure people in the various communities that we will now be coming to them to both engage and implement these programmes,” said Ms Williams.

The Information Ministry secretary Nick Mangwana moved in to explain what was happening:

“Today (yesterday), the issues that were discussed were the issuance of birth and death certificates to victims of Gukurahundi, exhumation of victims of Gukurahundi, Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, corruption in rural district councils, youth empowerment and increased participation of women in Government and Parliament.

“From these the outcome was that there will be a rollout in September which is going to involve the chiefs, the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Matabeleland Collective and Government. This rollout is basically the implementation of these programmes for the Gukurahundi victims,” said Mr Mangwana.

The state media reported saying these developments are in line with the new dispensation’s thrust of collective engagement towards development as members of the Matabeleland Collective have been previously hostile towards the Government. In his previous meetings, Mnangagwa has hailed the interaction which he described as the first of its kind in terms of social dialogue.

MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe is set to bounce back in Parliament after her name was part of 15 others the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gazetted yesterday as people nominated by her party to fill seats in the National Assembly and Senate that fell vacant after the recall of some legislators.

Khupe is set to take up a seat in the National Assembly, while the MDC-T spokesperson, Mr Kalpani Phugeni, will be in Senate, as their names form part of the list that include former legislators who were gazetted as replacements.

Besides Khupe and Mr Phugeni, other names published are Yvonne Winfielda Musarurwa, Lindani Moyo, January Sawuke, Memory Munochinzwa, Lwazi Sibanda, Sipho Mokone, Molly Dorothy Ndlovu, Tamani Moyo, Gertrude Moyo, Piniel Denga, Chief Ndlovu, Nomalanga Khumalo and Teti Chisorochengwe.

Mrs Khumalo was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly in 2008 on an MDC-T ticket, while Mr Denga and Ms Sibanda are former legislators. Senators elected on the party lists and the extra women Members in the National Assembly elected by proportional representation are chosen by political parties in proportion to the votes received by their candidates in the constituency elections to the National Assembly.

If one of these seats falls vacant, the original party nominates the successor.

Those being replaced in the National Assembly are: Thabitha Khumalo, Virginia Zengeya, Anna Myambo, Bacillia Majaya, Machirarwa Mugidho, Francisca Ncube and Nomathemba Ndlovu. In the Senate, Siphiwe Ncube, Gideon Shoko, Helen Zivira, Keresencia Chabuka, Tapfumaneyi Wunganayi, Herbert Sinampande, Meliwe Phuti and Lilian Timveous will be replaced.

The legislators were recalled in terms of a constitutional provision that declares seats held by members of the party that sponsored them in the last election vacant if the party writes to the Speaker of the National Assembly or to the Senate President to declare that the persons no longer represent that party.

The recall followed a Supreme Court ruling which restored the 2014 status quo in the party following an unconstitutional grab of power by Mr Nelson Chamisa after the death of party founder Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

The ruling meant that there was no party called the MDC Alliance, which is a pact of several political parties, including the MDC-T which is now controlled by Dr Khupe. Dr Khupe was the elected vice president at the death of Mr Tsvangirai, and was constitutionally the successor before a congress to choose a substantive leader.

-State Media

Mberengwa – A girl doing Form 3 at Chomusenda Secondary School in Mutata Village under Chief Mposi, Mberengwa was assaulted by a married woman recently after she allegedly approached a prophetess for a charm to break the latter’s marriage so that she could take over the husband.

It did not rain but poured for Sheila Hove (27) when Mberengwa Magistrate Evia Matura fined her RTGS$500 or 30 days in prison for assaulting her husband’s Form 3 girlfriend.

According to the State Hove discovered love messages between her husband Tonderai Zhou, (36) of Mutata Village under Chief Mposi, Mberengwa, and the girl who cannot be named for ethical reasons in the husband’s phone.

On July 11, 2020, Hove confronted the girl as she was going to fetch water and took away her phone before going through the messages.

She was shocked to find out that the minor was actually in communication with a prophetess and pleading with her to ensure that Hove loses favor in the eyes of her husband.

Hove assaulted the girl with fists and the complainant’s father reported the matter to the Police leading to the arrest of the Hove.

She expressed bitterness over the court’s ruling and told The Mirror that she survives and fends for her family by selling sweets and jiggies.

The fine imposed on her wiped away all her savings-The Mirror

Farai Dziva|Masvingo based NGO, COTRAD, has denounced the persecution of women and youths in politics.

COTRAD, in collaboration with Sabhuku Vharazipi, produced a video clip on harassment and persecution of women and youths in communities.

See statement below:

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in collaboration with Ziya Cultural Arts Trust produced a video skit which encourages youths and women to peacefully and actively participate in community development, electoral processes.

The Video footage also unpacks COTRAD Community Score Cards and how they are being used to monitor and evaluate community development programmes and the performance of public officials in addressing social service delivery and other community needs.

COTRAD official Kupfuwa Ishmael says the video footage is premised on the assumption that the youth and women remain excluded from local development committees and initiatives.

Where opportunities exist for the youth and women to participate in development, an atmosphere of intimidation discourages them from meaningful engagement.

Further, a disproportionate focus on elections compared to other political and economic interventions has undermined interests in other platforms or opportunities for youth and women participation.

Therefore the video footage seeks to promote the participation of youth and women in all development initiatives in communities where they come from.

Farai Dziva|Respected Political analyst, Dr Stephen Chan has warned Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop denigrating Roman Catholic Bishops as he will not win the battle against the clerics.

Mr Mnangagwa attacked Catholic Bishops for “abusing the pulpit”.

Mr Mnangagwa further accused the Catholic Bishops of advancing “a nefarious agenda meant to destabilize the peace in the country.”

However, Dr Chan has warned Mnangagwa to “stop digging while he is a hole.”

” There is a well-known adage: when you realise you’re in a hole, stop digging. To take on the might of the Catholic church is very daring but it runs in the face of another adage: choose the fights you can win.

The Catholic solidarity is widening. There was a time once when President Mugabe worked with Catholic Bishops to end the war in Mozambique.

His 1992 speech in Rome was about dialogue and reconciliation,” Dr Chan wrote on Twitter.

Farai Dziva|Respected Political analyst, Dr Stephen Chan has warned Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop denigrating Roman Catholic Bishops as he will not win the battle against the clerics.

Mr Mnangagwa attacked Catholic Bishops for “abusing the pulpit”.

Mr Mnangagwa further accused the Catholic Bishops of advancing “a nefarious agenda meant to destabilize the peace in the country.”

However, Dr Chan has warned Mnangagwa to “stop digging while he is a hole.”

” There is a well-known adage: when you realise you’re in a hole, stop digging. To take on the might of the Catholic church is very daring but it runs in the face of another adage: choose the fights you can win.

The Catholic solidarity is widening. There was a time once when President Mugabe worked with Catholic Bishops to end the war in Mozambique.

His 1992 speech in Rome was about dialogue and reconciliation,” Dr Chan wrote on Twitter.

Farai Dziva|MDC -Alliance Secretary General, Charlton Hwende, has accused the Zanu PF regime of brutally killing Councillor Lavender Chiwaya.

Hwende also says MDC-Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala is being persecuted for speaking on behalf of suffering Zimbabweans.

“This is the time for us to act.The regime has gone too far in terms of tormenting our members,”said Hwende.

Watch video below :

Farai Dziva|MDC -Alliance Secretary General, Charlton Hwende, has accused the Zanu PF regime of brutally killing Councillor Lavender Chiwaya.

Hwende also says MDC-Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala is being persecuted for speaking on behalf of suffering Zimbabweans.

“This is the time for us to act.The regime has gone too far in terms of tormenting our members,”said Hwende.

Watch video below :

State schools can no longer exclude girls who fall pregnant from attending lessons, while teachers will not be allowed to cane pupils, under amendments to the Education Act that became law yesterday, and were described as progressive by educationists.

The Education Act Amendment was passed by Parliament, approved by President Mnangagwa, and has been gazetted.

Under the amendments, “No pupil shall be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees or on the basis of pregnancy.”

During debate in Parliament, the then Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima, said expelling a girl for falling pregnant had a discriminatory effect in circumstances where she would have been impregnated by a colleague who in most cases, would be allowed to proceed with his education.

This was after some legislators argued that allowing a girl who fell pregnant to continue learning had the effect of condoning delinquency among pupils.

The Act will also outlaw corporal punishment as school authorities are now required to draw up a disciplinary policy in accordance with standards set out in regulations prescribed by the minister for the purpose.

In terms of the Act, the regulations and any disciplinary policy shall not permit any treatment which does not respect the human dignity of a pupil.

“Disciplinary measures must be moderate, reasonable and proportionate in the light of the conduct, age, sex, health and circumstances of the pupil concerned and the best interests of the child shall be paramount. Under no circumstance is a teacher allowed to beat a child,” reads the Act.

“No pupil may be suspended from school without first being granted a reasonable opportunity, with the support of his or her parents, to make representations with respect to the proposed suspension.”

Every child shall be entitled to be enrolled at the nearest school and unless such school is fully enrolled.

In the case where the school is fully enrolled, the head of that institution must issue a certificate to that effect to allow the pupil to seek enrolment at alternative places.-The Herald

The ruling ZANU PF has issued a statement following a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and two Matebeleland organisations – the Matebeleland Collective and Bulawayo City Council councillors over Gukurahundi.

Below is the statement in full.

• Today 22 August 2020, a Government delegation led by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Cde Dr. E.D Mnangagwa and comprising of Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Hon. Judith Ncube. Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe. Minister of State Security, Hon Owen Ncube. His Worship the Mayor of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province S Mguni, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. V. Mabiza, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr. A Nhepera, Acting Registrar General. Mr. Henry Machiri and other senior officials from various Government departments met with the leaders of the Matabeleland Collective and the Councilors of the City of Bulawayo, as part of ongoing efforts to deliberate on issues affecting the region.

• Today we are here to follow up on progress made to date.

• The three (3) outlined the challenges they face over the issue of water delivery in the City which includes sewer management.

• This meeting noted that though the issue of water delivery in Bulawayo and its attendant challenges are well known to successive elected City Council Officials and representatives, there has not been a comprehensive plan to address it effectively.

• To that end, he directed that the stakeholders in this issue who include Bulawayo City Council, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and ZINWA come up with a detailed and comprehensive proposal to solve the water challenges.

• This proposal should outline the major challenges and the proposed solutions thereof, in a format depicting the respective activities, the cost and the overall budget in three (3) phases and this should be brought to His Excellency’s attention as soon as possible in the interest of bringing water to this great City.

• Today’s meeting continued with the spirit of dialogue between the Matabeleland Collective, where the President heard the issues affecting the region and where a progress report on the implementation of agreed resolutions was made,

• Some of the issues discussed include:-

i. The issuance of birth certificates and death certificates to victims of Gukurahundi. ii. Exhumations of victims of Gukurahundi iii. Zambezi Water project iv. Devolution v. Corruption at Rural District Councils vi. Increased participation of women in Government and Parliament; among others.
• The exercise to issue out documentation to victims of Gukurahundi will be rolled out in as soon as the involved parties have agreed on all logistical arrangements.

Team Pachedu has started mobilising funds to finance the medication of local activist Patson Dzamara who was recently diagnosed with cancer of the colon.

We present Team Pachedu’s statement below.

Patson Dzamara a political activist and brother to missing Itai Dzamara was recently diagnosed with Colon Cancer. It is the type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract.

Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

There is however good news as survival rate for Colon cancer is 90% if treatment is started early. Generally, the recovery rate is around 63% according to medical journals. With all of us coming together we can assist our brave soldier Patson Dzamara. The treatment is estimated to cost U$28,000.00 excluding other expenses. Every cent donated will be audited with all supporting documents provided. The funds will enable Patson to seek the best medical treatment preferably outside the country and continue with the struggle for a new Zimbabwe. Every life matters and should be saved.

This is a Team Pachedu initiative for more information feel free to drop us an email [email protected]

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance national vice-chairperson Job Sikhala, who was arrested on Friday, will spend the weekend behind bars after the court postponed to Monday his the ruling on his application for refusal to be placed on remand.

Sikhala, who is facing charges of inciting the public to stage violent demonstrations on July 31, appeared in court this Saturday.

In opposing Sikhala’s application, the state told the court that they are in possession of video and audio clips that prove that the MDC Alliance official committed a crime.

The state also said inciting people to stage violent street demonstrations violates the country’s constitution after his defence counsel had earlier on argued that the MDC Alliance official was exercising his constitutional right as enshrined in the law of the land.

Byo 24

Pressure Group Chapter 2 Movement has reported Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda to the Special Anti-Corruption Unit over allegations involving a $1 million land scandal which involves ZESA Holdings Pension Fund.

In a letter seen by this publication, the organization said it was making a follow up on the case in which Mudenda and the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo are alleged to have used their political muscle and acquired some commercial stands from Victoria Falls Town Council in 2001.

According to some media reports Mudenda got 3000 hectares and failed to develop the land for more than a decade prompting the town council to summon him with intent of repossession as stipulated by the town authorities by- law.

To avoid losing the land, Mudenda is said to have hatched a plan and approached ZESA Holdings Pension Fund offering to sell the land in question located at Stand Number 1351 Victoria Falls township.

Title deeds on the said piece of land were only done after Zesa had paid Mudenda in 2018.

Online publication Zimmorning Post which covered the story in 2019 reported that documents in their possession showed that the land was valued at 500 000 United States Dollars but Mudenda sold it for twice the market value to ZESA Holdings Pension Fund.

“This publication gleaned copies of the bank transfers dated May 24 2018 where ZESA Holdings Pension Fund paid out $500 000 United States Dollars from its Stanbic Bank account number 9140002086010 into Mudenda’s ZB Bank Limited account.” The paper reported. “The other $500 000 was deposited to Vic Falls town council and Mudenda literally acted as a ‘middle man’ pocketing half a million United States Dollars in the dubious transaction.”

The matter was reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission but nothing was done which prompted Chapter 2 Movement to write to the Special Anti-Corruption Unit led by Tabani Mpofu.

The ruling ZANU PF has issued a statement following a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and two Matebeleland organisations – the Matebeleland Collective and Bulawayo City Council councillors over Gukurahundi. Below is the statement in full.

• Today 22 August 2020, a Government delegation led by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Cde Dr. E.D Mnangagwa and comprising of Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Hon. Judith Ncube. Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe. Minister of State Security, Hon Owen Ncube. His Worship the Mayor of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province S Mguni, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. V. Mabiza, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr. A Nhepera, Acting Registrar General. Mr. Henry Machiri and other senior officials from various Government departments met with the leaders of the Matabeleland Collective and the Councilors of the City of Bulawayo, as part of ongoing efforts to deliberate on issues affecting the region.

• Today we are here to follow up on progress made to date.

• Earlier on His Excellency had discussions with the Mayor of Bulawayo Councilor Solomon Mguni, the Town Clerk Christopher Dube and the City Engineer Sikhangele Zhou.

• The three (3) outlined the challenges they face over the issue of water delivery in the City which includes sewer management.

• This meeting noted that though the issue of water delivery in Bulawayo and its attendant challenges are well known to successive elected City Council Officials and representatives, there has not been a comprehensive plan to address it effectively.

• To that end, he directed that the stakeholders in this issue who include Bulawayo City Council, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and ZINWA come up with a detailed and comprehensive proposal to solve the water challenges.

• This proposal should outline the major challenges and the proposed solutions thereof, in a format depicting the respective activities, the cost and the overall budget in three (3) phases and this should be brought to His Excellency’s attention as soon as possible in the interest of bringing water to this great City.

• Today’s meeting continued with the spirit of dialogue between the Matabeleland Collective, where the President heard the issues affecting the region and where a progress report on the implementation of agreed resolutions was made,

• Some of the issues discussed include:-

i. The issuance of birth certificates and death certificates to victims of Gukurahundi. ii. Exhumations of victims of Gukurahundi iii. Zambezi Water project iv. Devolution v. Corruption at Rural District Councils vi. Increased participation of women in Government and Parliament; among others.
• The exercise to issue out documentation to victims of Gukurahundi will be rolled out in as soon as the involved parties have agreed on all logistical arrangements.

ZRP PRESS STATEMENT 22 AUGUST 2020 CLARITY ON THE DEATH OF LAVENDA CHIWAYA IN KAROI

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations into the death of Lavenda Chiwaya in Karoi between the 20th and 21st of August 2020.

The facts are that Lavenda Chiwaya and Munyaradzi Pasipamire approached Tinashe Kanhema (42) who was roasting and selling maize cobs at 1930 hours on 20th August 2020. The duo was given a roasted maize cob to share and went on to buy two x 200ml Challenger Whisky (kranco) which they again shared. At about 2030 hours, Lavenda Chiwaya left his two colleagues after telling them that he was going home.

The body of Lavenda Chiwaya was later found at number 1179 Chikangwe, Karoi. His known residential address is house number 1171 Chikangwe, Karoi which is four houses away from the scene. No struggle marks were observed by police besides the valuables which were retrieved from the body.

The Police are not aware of the alleged abduction or kidnapping as alluded to by some individuals and groups on social media. Full scale investigations are in progress to find out exactly what happened. This entails interviews with friends, colleagues and witnesses who were with Lavenda Chiwaya on the fateful day.

The ZRP dismisses rumours that Chiwaya was kidnapped and murdered by state security agents. The police will continue further investigations in the death and advise of any new findings.

Alcoholics in the drinking circles are being advised to be mindful of their health. They should also take personal responsibility and avoid harmful substances.

Harare Magistrate on Saturday postponed the hearing of an application by Jacob Sikhala which challenges placement on remand.

The matter will be back in court on Monday 11:30 hours.

Sikhala who is the vice-chairperson of the opposition MDC Alliance was arrested on Friday and charged with incitement of public violence after he allegedly rallied the citizenry to participate in anti-government protests.

He appeared before the Magistrate at 1600 pm after waiting for more than 7 hours and his lawyer Advocate Matinenga protested against prosecutors’ conduct for lacking courtesy in treating defence lawyers on delays to the commencement of the matter

Adv Matinenga challenged the state’s application which sought to place Sikhala on remand arguing that the Zengeza West legislator did not commit any offence nor did he incite people to commit illegal activities but was simply exercising his constitutional rights.

Court proceedings ended with the Magistrate postponing the hearing to Monday at 11:30.

Sikhala joins a number of government critics including members of the opposition, human rights defenders and journalists who were arrested for inciting violence after they urged members of the public to participate in anti-government protests that were scheduled for 31 July.

Source: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

State Media

Political activist Jacob Ngarivhume yesterday lost his fresh bid for bail on changed circumstances after the court noted there were no changes on his case since the day when his initial application was dismissed.

Harare regional Magistrate Mr Trynois Utahwashe said Ngarivhume and his followers, including Job Sikhala, who wanted to push for regime change have not yet achieved their objective and are likely to continue breaching regulations that protects public peace and security.

Mr Utahwashe noted that they had turned the event into a movement for purposes of perpetuating their agenda.

Ngarivhume and his sympathisers have since turned the July 31 into a movement.

Mr Utahwashe said the courts were impartial and did not delve into politics.

He said those in politics, including Ngarivhume, should abide by the laws of the country, especially during these times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ngarivhume was remanded to September 4.

In his fresh bail application, Ngarivhume, through his lawyer Mr Moses Nkomo, told the court that there were changed circumstances since July 31 had passed.

Said Ngarivhume in his application: “Applicant has now approached this honourable court on the basis that 31st July 2020 is past and there were no incidences of violence or disturbances of public order or undermining of public peace and security.”

Ngarivhume argued that the few people who were arrested on the day of the flopped much-hyped demonstrations were granted bail and he should be freed on the same vein.

“It is submitted in casu that circumstances have changed to such an extent that they warrant the release of the accused on bail without compromising the reasons for the initial refusal of the bail application,” said Mr Nkomo.

“Specifically, it is no longer possible for the applicant to call for another demonstration on July 31 2020 as the accused had initially done.

Ngarivhume told the court that he will be wiser and will ensure that he takes appropriate measures that address police’s fears in the event that he wishes to call for another demonstration in future.

He then proposed that he deposits $5 000 and report to the police every Friday as part of his bail conditions.

In opposing the application, State counsel Mr Michael Reza told the court that there were no changed circumstances, as Ngarivhume was determined to continue pursuing his agenda.

“There are no changed circumstances as they have changed the July 31 protests into #JULY31MOVEMENT,” he said.

“The State has watched a video in which his colleague Job Sikhala was encouraging people to join the movement. These are determined people and determined people will take it as a learning curve.

“In other words, he has learnt and the objective of the demonstration of removing the leader of the Government, President Mnangagwa, from office have not been met and they will not stop.”

Two former cabinet ministers have made applied to re-join the ruling Zanu-PFparty, two years after they were expelled, the Midlands provincial chairperson has said.

In an interview, ZANU-PF Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube confirmed that former Minister of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture, Makhosini Hlongwane and former Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Tapiwanashe Majaya Matangaidze are among former party members who have re-applied t be re-admitted into Zanu PF.

Hlongwane, a former ZBC reporter. was the legislator for Mberengwa East while the former Premier Soccer League president Matangaidze was the Shurugwi South legislator.

“We have applications from former ministers. We have got applications from Makhosini Hlongwane and Tapiwa Matangaidze. We will be sitting down to make our decision on them.”

“It’s something we should have done about two weeks ago, so we are trying to get a slot so that we can sit down and make the necessary recommendation to headquarters. We are far behind on the issue.

The provincial chairperson said Zanu-PF is a “big tent”, and that people who want to join or re-join the party were most welcome after being vetted.

“But they will have to be properly vetted and most likely they will start at the bottom of the rank,”said Mackenzie Ncube.
“ They will be observed over time to ensure that they are now compliant in everything they do.”

Hlongwane, Matangaidze and five other executive members were expelled from the party ove two years ago after Zanu-PF Midlands provincial executive accused them of misconduct, peddling falsehoods to the party’s leadership and dividing the province.

The other Midlands provincial executive members who were also affected Anastacia Ndhlovu, Lot Mpofu Chihwereva, Tsitsi Zhou, Mercy Mashunye and Tapiwa Njovana.

New Ziana

Farai Dziva|Respected Political analyst, Dr Stephen Chan has warned Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop denigrating Roman Catholic Bishops as he will not win the battle against the clerics.

Mr Mnangagwa attacked Catholic Bishops for “abusing the pulpit”.

Mr Mnangagwa further accused the Catholic Bishops of advancing “a nefarious agenda meant to destabilize the peace in the country.”

However, Dr Chan has warned Mnangagwa to “stop digging while he is a hole.”

” There is a well-known adage: when you realise you’re in a hole, stop digging. To take on the might of the Catholic church is very daring but it runs in the face of another adage: choose the fights you can win.

The Catholic solidarity is widening. There was a time once when President Mugabe worked with Catholic Bishops to end the war in Mozambique.

His 1992 speech in Rome was about dialogue and reconciliation,” Dr Chan wrote on Twitter.

Two police officers have each been slapped with a three-month jail sentence after they were convicted of manhandling a lawyer at the Kwekwe Magistrates court.

Brighton Bvaure (32) and Jasper Nechitima (33) who are based at Kwekwe Central Police Station assaulted Leon Sheunesu Mapfumo employed by Marufu Misi Law Chambers after he tried to enquire about a complainant he was representing.

The cops handcuffed and assaulted Mapfumo before detaining him at Kwekwe Central Police Station accusing him of misconduct and obstructing the course of justice.

Gokwe Magistrate Mr Hillary Ndlovu sentenced the duo to three months in prison with an option of paying $2 000 fine when they appeared before him facing assault charges.

Prosecuting, Mr Tinashe Wazvaremhaka told the court that on April 25 at around 2pm, Mapfumo approached the accused persons at Kwekwe Magistrates courts and enquired about the charge his client, who had been arrested by the accused persons, was facing.

The accused persons referred the complainant to Kwekwe Central Police Station where they had detained Mapfumo’s client.

During the conversation, a misunderstanding arose over the treatment of Mapfumo’s client.

Bvaure then grabbed the complainant by the belt and tripped him to the ground before he locked his arms around his neck.

Nechitima then forcefully handcuffed the complainant’s left arm before he handcuffed the other and detained him at the police station.

He was released the following day after the intervention of other lawyers who quizzed why their colleague had been arrested.-Chronicle

Farai Dziva|Masvingo based NGO, COTRAD, has denounced the persecution of women and youths in politics.

COTRAD, in collaboration with Sabhuku Vharazipi, produced a video clip on harassment and persecution of women and youths in communities.

See statement below:

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in collaboration with Ziya Cultural Arts Trust produced a video skit which encourages youths and women to peacefully and actively participate in community development, electoral processes.

The Video footage also unpacks COTRAD Community Score Cards and how they are being used to monitor and evaluate community development programmes and the performance of public officials in addressing social service delivery and other community needs.

COTRAD official Kupfuwa Ishmael says the video footage is premised on the assumption that the youth and women remain excluded from local development committees and initiatives.

Where opportunities exist for the youth and women to participate in development, an atmosphere of intimidation discourages them from meaningful engagement.

Further, a disproportionate focus on elections compared to other political and economic interventions has undermined interests in other platforms or opportunities for youth and women participation.

Therefore the video footage seeks to promote the participation of youth and women in all development initiatives in communities where they come from.

*A Giant has fallen: MDC Alliance Mash West*

21 August 2020

By

Mandava Blessing
*Provincial Spokesperson*

We are sad to announce the death of The MDC Alliance Hurungwe Central Chairperson and Karoi Urban Ward 4 Councilor Cllr Lavender Chiwaya who was allegedly abducted by state agents and brutally murdered before being dumped a few metres from his home.

His suspected abduction and murder at the hands of suspected state agents who have been stalking him since last year also comes hot on the heels of yet another foiled abduction of Ward 6 Councilor Cllr Kudakwashe Chigumo who was also abducted by suspected state agents a few weeks ago but was later released after a Robust search party was converned.

It is alleged that his shirt was torn and he was bleeding profusely from the nose and ears signalling that he was heavily assaulted and dumped near his home.

Alderman Chiwaya(34) survived death by a whisker in the 2008 zanu of terror campaigns when he was abducted, tortured and kept in a small room at a zanu militia base in Karoi.

He was later rescued by fearless and militant party cadres who destroyed the base.

The murder of one of the MDC Alliance’s pillars could be an indicator of what awaits the nation ahead as the President declared to *”flush out all bad apples”* and also since he also felt threatened by the existence of the *”true opposition politicians”* whom he declared as *”terrorists”* for demanding for constitutionalism and accountability from the thugs in Government.

Cllr Lavender Chiwaya was first elected as Councillor in 2008 and served his Ward diligently until his heartless and spine chilling murder.

Cllr Chiwaya is survived by his wife and 5 children .Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

A funeral vigil will be held at *house No 1771 Chikangwe Township.

His body will be taken to Harare for a postmortem tomorrow after the doctors in karoi failed to do so for *unspecified reasons*.

The murder of one of our own does not kill the Revolutionary spirit in us but strengthens our resolve to destroy autocracy and inflames our anger at the petition bourgeois threatening our sole existence.

As we mourn this *”big man”* affectionately known as *”Trump”* we shall not let his dream of a better Zimbabwe die.We shall continue to fight the dictator till Zimbabwe is free from all forms of bondage.Not even murder, incarceration or torture can stop an idea whose time has come.

They can kill all of us but they can never kill the Revolutionary spirit;in our Kore Kore dialect they say *”zvakanyohwa hazvinyohonohwe”*. According to the Scriptures it is written that *”everything has its own time”* and seasons come and go.Yes,this maybe *their season of flushing out bad apples* but they must not forget that *there shall come a season for them to account for their evil actions*.They should remember that *what goes around comes around.

This is surely no time for us to call on Cllr Chiwaya’s spirit to rest in peace.My brother,may you *avenge your spine chilling death and may your murderers never find peace.

Our deepest condolences goes to Mrs Chiwaya and the Chiwaya family, President CHAMISA and the MDC Alliance family in Mash West and across the nation and globe on the tragic loss of one of our illustrious sons.

*Communication Handles:*

*Twitter:@mdcmashwest*

*Facebook:The MDC Mashonaland West Province*

Zanu PF iParty yemasoja who ursuped a civilian led Party in Nov 2017 & defaulted to High Command Military ZANLA politics of the 1970s ! There is NO political formation that can answer it's current Military construct !

— Dr Walter Mzembi (@waltermzembi) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- The former NewsDay Sports Editor Wellington Toni passed away on Thursday night at Harare Hospital after a long illness.

The veteran sports journalist, who left NewsDay in 2015 after working for the publication for five years, was 44 years old.

Toni’s death was confirmed on Friday by his brother, Christian, saying they were arranging to take his body to Plumtree for burial on a day yet to be advised. Christian said:

Meanwhile, condolence messages have already started pouring in with the Alpha Media Holdings Editor-in-Chief Wisdom Mdzungairi describing the late as a “fair-minded, impartial journalist whose thought-provoking writing will remain etched in our minds.”

The Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe (Swaz) also extended condolences to Toni’s “family in Plumtree and to the many friends he made during his lifetime. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”

Meanwhile, Southern Sports Journalists Association (Spoja) chairman Muziwethu Hadebe said Toni’s death was a huge loss to sports journalism.

Newsday

In a heart-rending incident a 19-year-old man allegedly applied petroleum jelly on his cousin’s private parts before he sexually attacked her.

The rape incident that has become a subject of discussion in Gwabalanda suburb happened last week on Wednesday.

A family insider who spoke to B-Metro on condition of anonymity said the young man called the minor into his bedroom and tricked her to lie on the bed facing upwards.

“The minor was watching television with her grandmother when he lured her to his bedroom where he played with her for a few minutes. He then told the minor to lie on the bed facing upwards after which he applied petroleum jelly on her private parts and raped her without protection,” said the family insider.

After the ordeal the 19-year-old warned the minor never to tell anyone about the incident.

“The minor never told anyone,” said the family member.

The source went on to say on 13 August the young man used the same modus operandi to rape the minor. However, he was caught in the act.

“His grandmother fell asleep while watching television with the minor in the living room. The teenager then called the minor to his bedroom, he caressed her and applied petroleum jelly on her private parts after which he raped her. But his time around he was caught in the act by his grandmother who unexpectedly walked in. He jumped off and left the minor half naked on the bed,” said the family member.

The grandmother examined the minor before she reported the matter to a police station.

“The minor revealed that this was the second occasion to be sexually assaulted by her cousin. Thereafter the granny made a police report at Luveve Police Station leading to the arrest of the minor’s cousin,” said the family insider.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident: “We urge community members to be wary of their relatives and always keep a watchful eye on the minors and never sweep any case of rape under the carpet. Rape victims should report to police as soon as possible so that they get medication.”

-bmetro

Watch the live video loading below…

Job Sikhala Latest Court update- 1. Adv Matinenga challenges the state's application seeking to place Hon. Sikhala on remand. #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/q3rOMaofnd

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

Job Sikhala Latest Court Update- 2. He argues that @JobSikhala did not commit any offence nor did he incite people to commit illegal activities but was simply exercising his constitutional rights #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/iRJIsKSigF

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

Job Sikhala Court Update- 3. The ruling on the challenge against his placement on remand to be made on Monday pic.twitter.com/Jchazd8sV4

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- In a bizarre incident a 63-year-old granny’s home in Maloba line, Sipepa area in Matabeleland North’s Tsholotsho district was mysteriously gutted by fire after she saw mealie-meal being poured from a container by invisible beings suspected to be goblins.

Fielder Gwazaza woke up to find her bedroom hut sprinkled with water leading her to report the matter to village head Solomon Gumpo.
Gumpo attended the scene.

A villager who declined to be named narrated the strange happenings to B- Metro.

“The water which was mixed with some concoction was sprinkled on the floor. Shockingly all this happened when Gwazaza was sleeping with her two grandchildren aged five and nine years and they never heard anything,” said a villager.

The unseen beings went a gear up in terrorising Gwazaza.

The villager said on 30 July Gwazaza woke up to find sadza and cooked beans on the floor.

“She had not cooked sadza the previous night and she had no beans in her homestead but she got the shock of her life when she woke up to find a plate full of sadza and beans placed on the floor. Again she informed the village head,” said the source.

When she thought she had seen it all a mysterious fire erupted from the air while she was sitting under the shade and razed her kitchen hut.

“On 1 August at around 9am while she was sitting under a tree shade a mysterious fire erupted from the air and burnt down the kitchen hut.

“She reported the matter to Gumpo who came and attended the scene,” said the source.

On the same day in the evening, the source said, the strange fire appeared at her homestead and burnt down her bedroom hut.

“The mysterious fire left a trail of destruction at her homestead as it burnt her wardrobe, bed and other property in her bedroom and all the clothes went up in smoke. On the following day she made a report at Sipepa Police Station,” said the source.

The source went on to say on 10 August while Gwazaza was sitting under a shade she saw mealie-meal being poured on the ground.

“It was a strange incident as she saw mealie-meal being poured from a container by invisible beings. In fear she again reported the matter to the village head,” said the source.

The source added: “On 11 August during the night Gwazaza woke up to find her daughter being strangled with a rope. She removed it and informed other villagers who spent the night at her home. At around 4 am one of the villagers noticed that her nine-year-old grandson was being strangled with stockings and they untied the stockings.”

Gumpo confirmed the bizarre incident: “Villagers are shocked and equally surprised about what happened at Gwazaza’s homestead. Villagers asked us as the local leadership to engage a traditional healer to exorcise the homestead and we are in the process of doing that so as to help the family.”

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said: “I can confirm that we received a report stating that strange things happened at Gwazaza’s homestead. Now the matter is being handled by the local leadership.”-bmetro

By A Correspondent- Exiled former Zimbabwean Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Professor Jonathan Moyo has insinuated that political and electoral reforms in Zimbabwe are useless.

Moyo speaks as the opposition and the international community are calling for the implementation of electoral and political reforms in the country.

Posting on social media this Saturday, Moyo suggested that state security officials are likely to disregard any electoral and political reforms hence the need to for security sector reforms.

He said: Its’ nuts to keep calling for electoral and political reforms in Zimbabwe. The 2013 Constitution ushered in far reaching electoral and political reforms. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces took those reforms to the barracks in Nov 2017, locked them up and threw away the keys. Deal with the ZDF”

Some observers say Zimbabwe’s previously held elections did not meet the minimum requirements of free and fair polls hence uncredible.

In 2019, Nelson Chamisa who leads the opposition MDC Alliance vowed not to participate in the anticipated 2023 elections if electoral reforms recommended by 2018 election observers have not been implemented.

Security sector reform was one of the MDC’s targets since its formation in 1999 but the party seems to have surrendered.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Bulawayo for a meeting with the Matabeleland Civic Society.

This follows a series of meetings that have taken place to iron out issues affecting the region.

President Mnangagwa arrived Friday afternoon ahead of a meeting with the Civic Society at the statehouse today.

The meeting will be the third engagement between the President and the Civic society in Bulawayo.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- ZRP has released statistics that revealed that 16 people were murdered in the space of one week as it expressed concern over the rise in murder cases countrywide.

This was revealed by ZRP National Spokesperson Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said;

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) notes with concern the upsurge in murder cases during the period extending from 13 to 19 August 2020 where 16 cases were recorded countrywide. It is disturbing that some no longer value the sanctity of life.

During this national lockdown period unnecessary gatherings should be shunned and some of these murders are occurring during illegal beer drinking sprees. Infidelity has also contributed to the number of recorded murder cases for the period under review.

The ZRP urges members of the public not to take the law into their own hands. Members of the public are encouraged to find amicable ways of resolving their differences whenever they fail to find common ground. Traditional leaders, the church, close family members and counselling experts should assist parties in finding common ground whenever there is dispute. The police are also available to assist families in resolving difference.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi shared a few incidences that led to the 16 deaths in one week and said:

1. Two women aged 19 and 22 were also killed in matters relating to infidelity.
2. A 21-year-old man who was found near a tuck-shop was accused of being a thief before he was killed
3. A man from Tsholotsho killed his father for reprimanding him during a funeral wake after he scolded mourners.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Businesswoman and Zanu Pf apologist Edith Chibhamu’s ex husband Gift Tsamba has been hauled to court for rape after he forced himself on a 15 year old juvenile.

Tsamba aged 42 of Unit J in Seke Chitungwiza whose business address was cited as Green Span Innovations in South Africa unlawfully and intentionally had sexual intercourse with the minor without her consent.

It is the state’s case that on an unknown date but from 2019 until 3 August 2020, Tsamba raped the female juvenile on several occasions before she opened up to a relative leading to the arrest of the accused on August 5 2020.

The matter was remanded to 1 September 2020 by Chitungwiza Regional Magistrate  Arnold Maburo.

By A Correspondent- Police in Mashonaland Central province are hunting for a suspected murderer who killed his pregnant wife with a open object regardless of her being married to another man.

Fidelis Chido (32) of Galloway farm,Mvurwi is on the run after he stabbed Sharon Jone (33) on the abdomen with a sharp object.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.

“We are hunting for a murder suspect Chido who allegedly stabbed his eight monhts girlfriend to death in a domestic dispute while her husband was herding cattle at Galloway farm,” Mundembe said.

Allegations are that Chido visited his pregnant girlfriend in the absents of Joseph Farawo (39) husband to the now deceased Jones.

The love birds had  an altercation and Chido fatally stabbed Jones before fleeing in blood stained clothes and a blood stained object.

A witness Innocent Muganhu told NewsDay that they tried to chase after the suspect Soo after seeing his blood stained clothes but could not catch him.

“We saw the suspect coming out of Farawo’s house with blood stained clothes and object hence  I tried to chase after him but failed to catch up with him,” Farawo said.

“I alerted other neighbours and one neigbiur Gerald Bvunza entered the room and found Jones’s body in a pool of blood.”

The body was taken to Mvurwi hospital mortuary by the police.

Police is appealing for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station.

-online

By A Correspondent- In a bid to survive in these tough trying times sex workers have invaded mining areas in Silobela, Midlands province and in Inyathi, Matabeleland North where there are a number of artisanal miners or omakorokoza who are known for being free spenders.

The mining areas are frequented by a number of people who would be selling their products mostly in foreign currency therefore it makes it a fertile ground for their thigh vending business.

Speaking to B- Metro a sex worker from Bulawayo who only identified herself as Thando said she was now able to make ends meet.

“I’m from Bulawayo. I came here some weeks ago because life was tough as I couldn’t afford to buy food. At first when I arrived here I was selling drinks and confectionery as a cover-up. I would engage in sex work in the evening,” she said.

Without mincing her words Thando went on to say she was now in a better space where she could make up to US$10 a day.

“Although I cannot deny that sex work is very competitive here because we are many on a good day I can make between US$5 and US$10 . I charge US$1 or US$ 2 for a short session and US$15 or more for the entire night,” she said.

Due to the influx of sex workers in their area the locals fear the sex workers could infect them with coronavirus.

“Here in rural areas we were leading peaceful lives without fear of this Covid -19 but now we are in fear because we feel these women who come from other areas might infect us with the virus because their work involves body contact. Just imagine if one infects a makorokoza then the whole group of them would be infected consequently the whole community would be infected,” said Thulani Moyo(65).

Silobela legislator Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu said: “We are worried about these women who have besieged our place because they could infect us with coronavirus. I will engage Chief Malisa to find a way forward.”

A sex worker from Gweru, Thabeth Mapimbiro, said there was easy money in the mining areas.

“There are a lot of mines here in Inyathi as a result omakorokoza always have money. They take you for booze after that they give you money for the entire night. This is unlike in Gweru or Bulawayo where one could hardly make US$5 a week,” said Cynthia Moyo.

Sihle Sibanda who plies her trade at Silobela echoed similar sentiments. However, she said competition was stiff.

“Due to stiff competition I use juju to attract clients. I can make about US$40 a week. This is cool money which even before lockdown I could not make,” she said.

A representative of the sex workers who operate under the banner Sex Panners, Nomathemba Moyo*, said: “We move from one place to another just like gold panners and our membership was at 54 in March. Now we are 65. Some of our members come from Gokwe, Nkayi, Kwekwe, Marondera, Chegutu. We invade any place where there is money. If the area becomes dry we shift to another area.”

District Administrator for Bubi Juma Dube who is also the chair person of the district Covid -19 taskforce expressed worry at the influx of sex workers in the area saying they had since engaged police.

“We are worried about people who come from other places because they will infect our community members with coronavirus. To curb that we have engaged police so as to arrest any person who is seen flouting Covid -19 regulations and seen walking after curfew,” said Dube.

-bmetro

By A Correspondent- The former minister of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture, Makhosini Hlongwane and former Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Tapiwanashe Majaya Matangaidze are reportedly among former ZANU PF members who have applied to be re-admitted into the governing party.

The development was confirmed by the party’s Midlands chairperson Daniel Mackenzie Ncube who said Zanu-PF is a “big tent”, and that people who want to join or re-join the party were most welcome after being vetted. He told New Ziana:

We have applications from former ministers. We have got applications from Makhosini Hlongwane and Tapiwa Matangaidze. We will be sitting down to make our decision on them.

Ncube added that the duo will be properly vetted and most likely start at the bottom of the rank.

The duo was among five officials who were dismissed from the party over two years ago after Zanu-PF Midlands provincial executive accused them of misconduct, peddling falsehoods to the party’s leadership and dividing the province.

The application for readmission comes ahead of the party’s planned restructuring process.

-newziana

By A Correspondent- In a dramatic incident a man from Northend suburb was assaulted by his ex-lover after he allegedly denied her permission to see the child.

According to a source, Talent Sibanda (35) has a child with his ex – lover Merjury Moyo (24). Last week on Monday Merjury met Talent walking with his girlfriend and their daughter in Northend suburb. Merjury then allegedly asked to see the daughter but Talent reportedly refused to let her see her.

“She wanted to see her daughter but Talent refused because these two have not been on talking terms for a while as their relationship had gone sour,” said a source who witnessed the drama.

This seems to have not gone down well with Merjury and as a result a misunderstanding ensued between the former lovers.

Merjury reportedly resorted to fists and pummelled him several times on the body, leaving him scurrying for cover.

“He tried to calm her down but she was very angry as she rained fists on him. He bled from the mouth,” said the source.

Merjury did not stop at that, the source said. In a fit of rage she allegedly went for his cellphone and smashed it on the ground. Feeling that she had not done much damage, the fuming Merjury is alleged to have forcefully pulled the car door.

“She wanted to take the child as she forcefully opened the door. Sadly it broke,” said the source.

Talent reported the matter at a police station leading to the arrest of Merjury.

Merjury appeared before Tredgold court magistrate Amanda Moyo.

She pleaded not guilty to assault and was remanded to next week on Monday for commencement of trial.

Hardlife Mhaka appeared for the State.

-bmetro

By A Correspondent- Instead of praying hard for divine intervention after he came up against a difficult time, a pastor of a Pentecostal church in Bulawayo rushed to court and sought a protection order against his wife after she denied him food and use of all household property as punishment for deserting her for 10 years after he allegedly eloped with a girlfriend.

Pastor Joseph Netsai Gakanje of Family of God Church approached the Bulawayo Civil Court seeking to bar his wife, Dorothy Chatira, from causing untold suffering in their marriage as she practically does nothing for him.

He claimed his wife was also denying him access to the bathroom.

To corroborate his claims, he brought to court a small bag with a bath towel and soap saying whenever he wanted to bath, he would go to his relatives or friends.

“I am not given food; I do the laundry and ironing on my own. My wife does not allow me to use the stove, to make tea or warm bath water. I have to go to relatives or friends for a bath and for food and ironing,” complained Pastor Gakanje.

He insisted that he was facing difficulties in looking for a place where he could bath, or even cook as he was not allowed to eat in the house.

“This is the kind of life I am living and I couldn’t bear it any more,” he protested.

He prayed to the court to stop his wife from denying him the use of their matrimonial property.

In her response, a livid Chatira justified her actions with sensational claims that apparently shocked the court.

“He disappeared for 10 years and with a girlfriend. He came back two years ago and whenever he had a girlfriend, he left home. He is also not responsible and I do everything at home.

“Just imagine he is a pastor and he doesn’t support his family. He is the one who is abusing me. Before he came back home, I was very ‘big’ but I have now lost weight because of his abusive behaviour,” fumed Chatira.

She further said her husband was just after tarnishing her image.

Her response, however, didn’t go down well with her husband who quickly sprang to his defence saying her problems were spiritual.

“Yes, it’s true that I’m a pastor. She is, however, lying that I’m neglecting the family as she is the one who just wants to be in charge of everything. Her problem is spiritual and she is moving from one church to another in search of help. Another thing is that when I filed for divorce, she refused to sign the summons,” said Pastor Gakanje.

In a bid to maintain peace between the two estranged parties, presiding magistrate Adelaide Mbeure ordered Chatira not to hinder her husband from using facilities at their matrimonial house in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb.

bmetro

By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC Alliance vice national Chairperson Job Sikhala’s Lawyer Jeremiah Bamu who was this morning arrested at Rotten Row Court while waiting to represent his client was released without charge.

Bamu was bundled into a ZRP truck for refusing to vacate the court premises as instructed by police details.

We publish the pictures of Bamu inside the police vehicle below:

Just In- "The criminal proceedings for arrested Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala are yet to commence. The lawyers have been waiting since 9am." #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/lXGywtjZXS

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

JUST IN- JOB SIKHALA'S COURT CASE TO BE HEARD AT 1415 pic.twitter.com/9aZyV7Ki7e

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- Norton legislator (independent) Temba Mliswa has claimed that some members of the ousted ZANU PF faction, G40 are keen on rejoining the party.

The remarks are in a leaked audio recording purported to be a recorded phone call between Mliswa and Sakunda Holdings boss Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

Mliswa said:

Kasukuwere called me yesterday and do you know what he said? I wanted to work nemukoma wako (your brother President Emmerson Mnangagwa) Temba but show me who his people are in his Cabinet. He even dumped Chinamasa.

The only people he has are Oppah, Chiwenga and Kembo otherwise the rest (are not his people). Yourself Temba supported Lacoste but none of the current Ministers supported Lacoste. So how do you then appoint people who don’t follow the party policy because the point of appointment is, first of all, they come from the party…It was a good question I could not answer.

The G40 faction that was reportedly being led by the former first lady Grace Mugabe was dismantled when the late former president Robert Mugabe was dislodged from power in 2017.

The majority of the factions’ leadership is in exile in fear of retribution of Mnangagwa for harassing him when he was still the Vice President.

Recently, some of them met with South Africa’s ruling ANC and expressed interest in rejoining ZANU PF.

By A Correspondent- A man from Nemamwa in Masvingo Province who was in the docks on fraud allegations reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself at Masvingo Central Police station.

23-year-old Promise Mberi was found hanging in a police cell on 16 August 2020 after he had been locked up the previous day on allegations of defrauding business owners by purchasing goods using fraudulent EcoCash transactions.

Mberi, who hanged himself on the cell burglar bars using his trousers was picked up by detectives at Nemamwa Growth Point after being he was arrested for allegedly editing old EcoCash messages to make new purchases.

Masvingo provincial ZRP spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said they do not have such a case at their offices.

-TellZim

By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader Dr Thokozani Khupe is set to bounce back in Parliament after her name was part of 15 others the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) gazetted yesterday as people nominated by her party to fill in seats in the National Assembly and Senate that fell vacant after the recall of some legislators.

ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba invited voters with objections to lodge them with her office before the nominations are confirmed. A fortnight ago, the electoral body declared the seats vacant after Parliament notified it of a decision by the MDC-T to recall 15 of its legislators.

Dr Khupe is set to take up a seat in the National Assembly, while the MDC-T spokesperson, Mr Kalpani Phugeni, will be in Senate, as their names form part of the list that include former legislators who were gazetted as replacements.

“The public is hereby notified, in terms of section 39 (6) of the Electoral Act (Chapter2:13) that the MDC party has nominated party list members of the National Assembly and the Senate listed in the schedules below to fill in the vacancies in the National Assembly and the Senate that occurred following the recall by the MDC-T of the incumbent on the grounds that they had ceased to be members of that party,” reads the notice published by Justice Chigumba.

“Any voter wishing to object to the nominations of the members may lodge them in writing with the Chief Elections Officer, at Mahachi Quantum Building, corner Kaguvi Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare or post them to Private Bag 7782, Causeway within a period of 14 days from the date of publication of this notice, setting forth the reason(s) for the objection(s).”

Besides Dr Khupe and Mr Phugeni, other names published are Yvonne Winfielda Musarurwa, Lindani Moyo, January Sawuke, Memory Munochinzwa, Lwazi Sibanda, Sipho Mokone, Molly Dorothy Ndlovu, Tamani Moyo, Gertrude Moyo, Piniel Denga, Chief Ndluvu, Nomalanga Khumalo and Teti Chisorochengwe.

Mrs Khumalo was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly in 2008 on an MDC-T ticket, while Mr Denga and Ms Sibanda are former legislators.

Senators elected on the party lists and the extra women Members in the National Assembly elected by proportional representation are chosen by political parties in proportion to the votes received by their candidates in the constituency elections to the National Assembly. If one of these seats falls vacant, the original party nominates the successor.

Those being replaced in the National Assembly are: Thabitha Khumalo, Virginia Zengeya, Anna Myambo, Bacillia Majaya, Machirarwa Mugidho, Francisca Ncube and Nomathemba Ndlovu.

In the Senate, Siphiwe Ncube, Gideon Shoko, Helen Zivira, Keresencia Chabuka, Tapfumaneyi Wunganayi, Herbert Sinampande, Meliwe Phuti and Lilian Timveous will be replaced.

The legislators were recalled in terms of a constitutional provision that declares seats held by members of the party that sponsored them in the last election vacant if the party writes to the Speaker of the National Assembly or to the Senate President to declare that the persons no longer represent that party.

The recall followed a Supreme Court ruling which restored the 2014 status quo in the party following an unconstitutional grab of power by Mr Nelson Chamisa after the death of party founder Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

The ruling meant that there was no party called the MDC Alliance, which is a pact of several political parties, including the MDC-T which is now controlled by Dr Khupe.

Dr Khupe was the elected vice president at the death of Mr Tsvangirai, and was constitutionally the successor before a congress to chose a substantive leader.

-statemedia

ZEC Objection Affidavit- Zimbabweans launch campaign to stop ZEC replacing MDC Alliance recalled MPs using a simple template one can print, fill in & submit #ZimbabweansLivesMatter @MakomboreroH @DrNkuSibanda @hwendec @nelsonchamisa @FoxLion2028 @PedzisaiRuhanya @mdcwelfare pic.twitter.com/8kMhPUQpde

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

PICTURES- MDC ALLIANCE leadership solidarity for arrested national chairperson Job Sikhala pic.twitter.com/ViM6XEqxYE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- ZRP yesterday arrested CAPS United Majority Shareholder and Football administrator Farai Jere together with 2 ZESA employees on fraud charges.

According to the state media, the trio was arrested in connection with the sale of electricity meters using allegedly falsified documents to prejudice Zesa by as much as US$4 million.

ZRP was working with Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) when they arrested the trio yesterday and the arrests were confirmed by SACU head Mr Thabani Mpofu who said:

l can confirm that Farai Jere has been arrested together with two Zesa employees on allegations of fraud. They are appearing in court very soon, but I cannot give further details at the moment.

Sources close to the investigation said Jere, reported to head Helcraw Electricals, was involved in the procurement of Zesa meters, and that procurement, which could have cost Zesa up to US$4 million, is the foundation of the allegations. It is also understood that the allegations bring in a trip the three made to Britain, paid for by Zesa, but with nothing delivered.

The trio’s arrest came after the suspension of the ZESA Boss Sydney Gata, as ZACC is probing the graft charges levelled against Gata.

Distressing news about the death of MDC-A councillor Lovender Chiwaya. Must be a credible investigation by authorities into the circumstances of his death & full application of the law. Our thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues at this time #zimbabweanlivesmater

— UKinZimbabwe ?? ?? (@UKinZimbabwe) August 21, 2020

By Patrick Guramatunhu- The way forward for Zimbabwe demands a complete overhaul of the country’s rotten political system.

Some people have argued that Zanu PF and MDC leaders cannot be trusted to implement the democratic reforms  because they are part of the rot. Every time any MDC leader open his/her mouth, one can see why they are indeed part of the rot.

“Biti said the military had raised a number of issues with the late Morgan Tsvangirai after he won the 2008 elections – issues he said never received sufficient attention during the talks which led to the formation of the GNU,” Daily News reported.

“He said some of the concerns raised by the army then were the need for guarantees that a future government would not prosecute them or dispossess them of their land.”

To start with Tendai Biti should explain why he and his MDC friends failed to raise this and many other democratic reform issues during the last GNU. The truth is the MDC leaders had the snouts in the feeding trough and they completely forgot about the reforms.

The reforms of the Police, Army, CIO and Prison Services were on the national agenda during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Security service reforms were no more intractable than any of the other reform issues.

Those in the security services are not the only ones who have benefited from the chaotic and corrupt Zanu PF land redistribution. The need to recover land and put it back into productive use is key to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery. And so land will be recovered from all those who now own the land on that basis in a open and transparent manner. Why should Army or anyone else one seek special treatment and guarantees?

“MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti says any meaningful national dialogue that is to take place in the country should involve the military,” reported Daily News.

“Biti said the military were an important factor in Zimbabwean politics and should be involved in any talks aimed at fostering democracy and national stability.”

When Mugabe realised that his Zanu PF regime was failing to deliver the freedom, justice, peace and economic prosperity the party started to lose its public support. Mugabe turned to all manner of undemocratic means to retain Zanu PF’s iron grip on power including the use of brute force. And so he roped in the coercive state institutions the Army, Police, CIO and Prison Services to form the shadowy Joint Operation Command (JOC).

Yes Zimbabwe’s security sector has played a major role in Zimbabwe politics, JOC has been the real power behind Zanu PF. It is important to understand that it was Mugabe who invited the Army, Police, etc. and why.

A heathy and functioning democratic Zimbabwe will have no need of JOC and all the security services can revert back to their assigned roles.

We must make up our own mind what it is we want. We cannot say we want a democratic Zimbabwe in which the army is answerable to the civilian government and yet are the ones inviting the army to play a part in civilian politics.

“To foster democracy and national stability, the arm must be involved!” That is what Mugabe did by forming JOC and, as we can now see, it did not foster democracy but dictatorship or national stability but the exact opposite!

What Zimbabwe needs is a clean break with the failed economic policies and  the narrow minded political ethos of the past. People like Tendai Biti, Nelson Chamisa, Emmerson Mnangagwa, etc., etc. will never deliver that clean break because they are an integral part of that past. And so instead of implementing the necessary transformative democratic reforms they will be giving excuses for maintain the status quo!

BREAKING- Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala's lawyer @JeremiahMutongiBhamu of the @ZLHRLawyers arrested at Harare Magistrates court #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/6J7D3OKLSC

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

President @edmnangagwa is engaging with members if Matabeleland Collective and other Civic Society Organizations, at Statehouse in Bulawayo. Everyone entering Statehouse today had a PCR test for Covid19 and people got in only after Negative results which came out in minutes. pic.twitter.com/mfq7bw2KFF

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has restricted the payment of salaries and wages through bulk payments and mobile money agents as part of measures to curb illicit transactions.

The move by the RBZ, however, is likely to inconvenience thousands of workers who receive their wages through the bulk payment platforms.

Further, the move to curtail mobile money agents may also put thousands of the over 53 000 workers under the country’s largest mobile money network, EcoCash, out of employment.

The new measures were revealed in the mid-term monetary policy statement released yesterday, wherein, RBZ governor John Mangudya said a forensic audit into mobile money transactions had revealed serious illicit activities.

“Mobile payment operators have been turning a blind eye and have even actively encouraged the abuse of bulk payment wallets for illegal foreign currency transactions, thus earning lucrative transaction fees in the process,” Mangudya said.

“Going forward, bulk payment wallets will be approved by regulatory authorities for limited use, primarily for low-value transactions and humanitarian funds disbursements to vulnerable members of society. Any other bulk payment transactions, such as payment of salaries and wages, should be processed through normal banking channels.”

Mangudya told NewsDay Weekender that due to the informality of the economy, small-to-medium enteprises (SMEs) will be allowed, albeit with regulatory approval, to continue paying their workers through bulk payments.

The governor said large companies will now be required to use normal banking channels.

“We cannot have an organisation like RBZ using a bulk payment line to pay salaries. You see, what was happening was that, if you check some of the transactions through the bulk payment system, they were running into the billions,” Mangudya said.

He said this money was outside the banking sector and as such, made it difficult for them to plan.

The RBZ measures will also affect EcoCash Payroll where subscribers receive salaries through bulk payer transactions.

EcoCash has been the preferred choice to pay unbanked workers. It has 11 million subscribers on its database nationwide.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions secretary-general Japhet Moyo said: “Let me state, our economy is a bit informalised, therefore, a lot of businesses use these platforms as modes of transactions including the payment of salaries.”

“The way we have done our business over a period of time, we have just informalised everything, so it was a bit easier to make the payments in that platform. We need to know now how these businesses are going to be affected, especially the recipients, that is, the majority of the workers who have been getting their salaries through these mobile platforms.”

On mobile money agents, Mangudya said agent wallets were no longer serving any legitimate purpose, but were being used for illegal foreign exchange transactions. “Agents’ mobile money wallets are therefore abolished with immediate effect,” Mangudya said.

“Agents currently holding value in suspended and frozen wallets shall be allowed to liquidate the funds to their bank accounts, upon the Financial Intelligence Unit having satisfied itself of the legitimacy of the source of funds.”

Mangudya said agents handling small transactions would continue, but under strict regulation, to service unbanked people.

“At the end of the day, the agents will need to have proper ‘know-your-customer’,” he said.

Experts say this will curtail mobile operators’ business transactions.

“That is a massive loss. Definitely it’s going to affect the businesses, because they were the face on the ground, the conduits, on how the mobile networks were actually getting their money especially when you look at the amount of agents that we have,” Zimbabwe Information Communication Technologies chairman Jacob Mutisi said.

“A lot of people are going to be out of their jobs.”

According to the RBZ, the forensic audit to assess the integrity, compliance and efficacy of mobile money platforms and transactions in Zimbabwe reportedly unearthed glaring weaknesses in the systems of the mobile payment operators, namely EcoCash, OneMoney, Telecash and Mycash.

Other changes made to the mobile money industry include limiting daily individual transactions to $5 000.

“Individuals shall be allowed to undertake person to person transfers, person to merchant payments for goods and services, settlement of bills and purchase of airtime,” Mangudya said.

In terms of merchants, the RBZ says merchants will not be allowed to make payments from their wallets and that money in merchant wallets shall be liquidated to the merchant’s bank account.

“Mobile money operators shall have systems in place to ensure automatic liquidations from the merchant wallets to the merchant bank accounts,” Mangudya said.

“This measure shall ensure that mobile payment platforms are not used for store of value, but shall be restricted for transacting purposes in furtherance of financial inclusion in the economy.”

The governor also announced that connectivity by all payment service providers is expected to be completed by September 30.

-Newsday

WATCH VIDEO- JOB SIKHALA ARRIVES AT COURT pic.twitter.com/vqRYhnG6HU

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- Police in Umguza, Matebelaland North province have launched a manhunt for a six-member machete gang that attacked and killed a security guard at Arda Balu Estate before they went off with his .303 service rifle

The incident, according to an internal police memo, occurred on Wednesday.

The police document identified the deceased as Ernest Dube (53) of Plot 7 Helensvale, Umguza.

The report of the murder case was made by Joseph Chimucheka (55) of Arda Balu Estate compound.

“On August 20, the now-deceased was deployed at the Arda Balu Estate main gate in the company of Ashley Manyemba (29), who is also a security guard. The duo commenced night shift duty at 6pm and was armed with a .303 service rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition,” the memo read.

“At about 7:45pm, the now-deceased and Manyemba were seated in the guardroom when they were attacked by about six unknown persons who were armed with machetes and axes. The accused persons first attacked the now-deceased who was carrying the service rifle on his back. They disarmed him and went on to assault him on his hands and head.”

The police document also states that during the attack, Manyemba managed to escape, leaving Dube at the mercy of the gang.

“They assaulted him with an axe on the head and he collapsed. The accused then searched him and stole a Samsung cellphone with NetOne line before escaping,” the memo added.

“After the accused persons had gone, Manyemba managed to walk to Chimucheka’s place where he informed him of what had happened. Chimucheka went to the main gate to investigate and he found Dube lying lifeless in the guardroom. He then went to report at Arda Balu Police Base where an ambulance was summoned and Manyemba was taken to
Mpilo Central Hospital for medical attention.”

The police document states that Dube’s body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem. Manyemba suffered a deep cut on the back of his head and was admitted to Mpilo Hospital where his condition was said to be stable.

Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Spiwe Makonese yesterday said she had not yet received the report.

“We do not have such a matter here yet,” she said.

Police details indicated that investigations were ongoing and a manhunt has been launched for the suspects who are still at large.

-Newsday

BREAKING- Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala's lawyer @JeremiahMutongiBhamu of the @ZLHRLawyers arrested at Harare Magistrates court #ZimbabweansLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/6J7D3OKLSC

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 22, 2020

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance national deputy chairperson Job Sikhala Job Sikhala has arrived at the Harare Magistrate Court where is expected to appear before the court.

Sikhala was yesterday arrested in Tynwald, Harare.

The police arrested him on the pretext that they were keen to interview him on allegations of inciting public violence.

Other opposition figures that the Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Law and Order Department has expressed interest in interviewing include Makomborero Haruzivishe, Godfrey Kurauone, Ostallos Siziba, Promise Mkwananzi, Denford Ngadziore, Allan Moyo, Obert Musaraure, Jimmy Kunaka, Peter Mutasa, Robson Chere, Stephen Chuma, and Godfrey Tsenengamu.

State Media

The legal battles by the team of lawyers representing suspended Supreme Court judge Justice Francis Bere to stop the tribunal investigating complaints against him continue, although the tribunal is still sitting, with one of the latest moves being an attempt to change the make-up of the tribunal.

The judge and lawyers walked out of the hearing, protesting the rejection of their request to have one of the panellists, Advocate Takawira Nzombe, recuse himself from the matter because he was allegedly linked to Harare lawyer Mr Itayi Ndudzo, a key witness.

The legal team was not content with a further six month extension of the tribunal, following the expiry of the given four months, and has now filed a High Court application challenging the lifespan of the tribunal inquiring into the fitness of Justice Bere to hold office.

So far, 10 witnesses have testified before the tribunal while two more witnesses are outstanding.

Hearings are continuing on Monday, with the presentation of evidence from these two witnesses.

Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, told The Herald yesterday that since the court has ruled that the tribunal was properly constituted, the hearing of evidence started the day the judge’s team walked out.

“Unless the need to call for other evidence arises, the intention is to close the hearing of oral evidence after the testimony of the two outstanding witnesses,” she said.

“Thereafter, the evidence leaders will give their closing address summarising the evidence presented, what they argue as evidence established, and whether or not the proved facts, if any, amount to gross misconduct on the part of the honourable judge.

“Once this is concluded, the commissioners will proceed to consider all the evidence presented before them and compile their findings in a report for presentation to his Excellency the President of Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa set up the tribunal inquiry into the fitness of Justice Bere to hold office after Mr Ndudzo accused him of interference in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (zinara) and his relatives.

Justice Bere allegedly telephoned Mr Ndudzo, who was representing zinara, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting zinara against Fremus Enterprises.

Justice Bere was serving on both the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court benches when he was suspended in March this year.

The Catholic Lawyers Guild In Zimbabwe has published the following statement in solidarity with renowned lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa who was thrown off Hopewell Chin’ono’s case after the state made the application citing that she scandalised the court.

Read the full statement below:

The Catholic Lawyers Guild in Zimbabwe is a non.partisan association of more than two hundred (200) lawyers working within and outside Zimbabwe, guided in their work by their faith, fundamental provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with relevant international human righ. instruments, and the precepts of Catholic Social Teaching.

Statement of Solidarity Regarding Attorney Beatrice Mtetwa

22 August 2020

1. We, the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild in Zimbabwe, issue this statement in reponse to the ruling by the Harare Magistrates Court in the matter of the State v Hopewell Chin’ono (COB HREP 1226)20). The effect of the ruling handed down on the 18th of August, 2020, is to disqualify the accused person’s defence counsel, Mrs. Beatrice Mtetwa, from representing the accused person in a prosecution already fraught with numerous difficulties.
2. For the record, Mrs. Beatrice Mtetwa is a member of our Guild, and indeed, our colleague. However, our motivation in speaking out is not driven by these factors. Ours is a guild of lawyers, sworn to uphold the law and it is our duty to speak out against injustice wherever we encounter it.
3. We are appalled at the unwarranted curtailement, not only of Mrs. Mtetwa’s fundamental rights as a legal practitioner, but the consequent denial of Mrs. Mtetwa’s client, Mr. Hopewell Chin’ono, of his constitutional right to a legal practitioner of his choice.
4. We must state that our position as conveyed in this statement is guilded by the Constitution of Zimbabwe which provides in section 2 that it “is the supreme law of Zimbabwe and any law, practice, custom or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency.” The obligations imposed by this Constitution are binding on every person, natural or juristic, including the State and all executive, legislative and judicial institutions and agencies of government at every level, and must be fulfilled by them.”
5. In our humble view, the disqualification by the Court, of Mrs. Mtetwa as lead counsel in that matter, is directly in conflict with her right as set out in section 64 of the Constitution, “to choose and carry on any profession, trade or occupation”. This is particularly so as Mrs. Mtetwa was actually not tried or found guilty of any misconduct, by the appropriate body charged with regulating the conduct of lawyers, namely, the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ).
6. We acknowledge that in appropriate cases, a court may summarily inquire into and impose appropriate sanction in instances of alleged contempt of court. However, circumstances in which the ruling in issue was made demonstrably fall outside the permitted bounds.
7. What aggravates the unjust treatment of Mrs. Mtetwa is the related denial of her client, Mr. Hopewell Chin’ono’s right to be represented by a legal practitioner of his choice. Mr. Chin’ono’s right is so important that the framers of our Constitution found it necessary to state it in 2 different sections of the Constitution, namely: section 69(4) and 70(1)(d). However, in one fell swoop, M. Chin’ono’s right has been denied, for the alleged transgression of his legal practitioner.
8. We find it necessary to remind the State that in addition to upholding the Constitution of Zimbabwe, it is also obliged to uphold the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers as adopted by the United Nations:

o “All persons are entitled to call upon the assistance of a lawyer of their choice to protect and establish their rights and to defend them in ail stages of criminal proceedings.
o No court or administrative authority before whom the right to counsel is recognized shall refuse to recognize the right of a lawyer to appear before it for his or her client unless that lawyer has been disqualified in accordance with nationd law and practice and in conformity with these principles.
o Lawyers shall enjoy civi/ and penal immunity for re/evant statements made in good faith in written or oral pleadings or in their professionate appearances before a court, tribunal or other legal or administrative authority.
o Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. in particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters conceming the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or their membership in a lawful organization. in exercising these rights, lawyers shall always conduct themselves in accordance with the law and the recognized standards and ethics of the legal profession.
0 Charges or complaints made against lawyers in their professional capacity shall be processed expeditiously and fairly under appropriate procedures. Lawyers shall have the right to a fair hearing, including the right to be assisted by a lawyer of their choice.
o Disciplinary proceedings against lawyers shall be brought before an impartial disciplinary committee established by the legal profession, before an independent statutory authority, or before a court, and shall be subject to an independent judicial review..

9. In conclusion, we wish to state that in our view, whatever conduct was the subject of complaint before the Harare Magistrates Court in the matter of State v Hopewell Chin’ono, could be adequately have been dealt with in the ordinary manner by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ).
10. We pray to Almighty God that through the grace of His son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our rulers in all branches of the State, may always act with probity, and strive to do justice to each and every person living and working in Zimbabwe.

As we so pray, we stand in solidarity with our beloved sister, Beatrice Mtetwa.

CATHOLIC LAWYERS GUILD In Zimbabwe
Friday 21 August 2020

State Media

OFFICIALS from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works will with immediate effect attend council meetings countrywide to help curb rampant disregard of regulations by local authorities.

All full council and committee meetings will be held in the presence of the Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) or District Development Coordinator (DDC) or their designated officials.

Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo announced the new development through a circular addressed to mayors and council chairpersons.

The mayors and councillors have been ordered to invite PDC and DDC to all their meetings.

The measures come following a series of corruption cases in local authorities that has seen the arrest of councillors and council technocrats.

Minister Moyo said his decision is meant to safeguard national interests as technocrats in local authorities were deliberately starving councillors of adequate information leading to them making ill-informed decisions on national matters.

“It has come to my attention that there is growing non compliance to the Constitution, the Statute Law and Government policy and circulars by councils and that councillors are not always given all the options available to enable them to make proper decisions.

“In view of this scenario, it has become necessary to monitor meetings of councils more effectively in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance,” said Min Moyo.

“In view of Section 96 (10) of the Urban Councils Act, I hereby direct, in terms of Section 313 of the same Act that mayors or chairpersons issue a standing invitation to the relevant Provincial Development Coordinator, District Development Coordinator or their designated officer to attend all committees and full council meetings with immediate effect.”

He said Town Clerks and council secretaries must ensure that the agenda for all the meetings is dispatched to the PDC and DDC to enable them to attend.

“This directive is given in the national interest in ensuring that all tiers of Government operate legally and in harmony with each other,” he said.

This comes as Government is implementing devolution of power which would result in local authorities being in charge of resource utilisation within their localities.

Paul Nyathi

In an extremely shocking and senseless thinking, the ruling ZANU PF party has declared that MDC Alliance Councillor for Karoi Urban Ward 4, Lovender Chiwaya who was found dead on Friday morning, died after consuming an illicit alcohol brew.

The party aligned online media, ZimReport which specialises in image building for the failing ruling party said Chiwaya was found dead some four houses from his house with a half-eaten roasted maize cob in one hand and a bottle of illicit brew in the other.

The report which was highly celebrated by the Government Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana says that Chiwaya could either have died from alcohol poisoning or was a victim of a crime of passion owing to the state his body was found in.

The publication further claims that when Chiwaya’s body was found, it had some froth on the mouth, while his boxer shorts were soiled with traces of suspected semen. His trousers’ zipper was still open and a T-Shirt was pulled halfway up his chest.

According to the report here were no visible injuries on his body a contradiction to revelations made by witnesses who saw the bruised body at the scene of the obvious murder.

The MDC Alliance has accused ZANU PF for the murder.