Farai Dziva|The lawyer representing Councillor Godfrey Kurauone, Advocate Martin Mureri has said the bail application ruling for the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Organising Secretary has been postponed to Thursday.

According to Mureri, the State requested the postponement.

Read full report below:

Wezhira Munya

12 August 2020

MDC Alliance National youth organiser and Masvingo urban ward 4 Councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s bail application hearing has been postponed to Thursday.

Zimbabwe Human Rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri said Masvingo High Court Judge Justice WaMambo postponed the bail ruling to tomorrow (Thursday).

The prosecutor requested the postponement.

Councillor Godfrey Kurauone denies two charges against him.

Two weeks ago Masvingo Magistrate Patience Mandondo refused to grant Councillor Kurauone bail

MDC Alliance Member Ms Alaika Time said: “We hope that Councillor Kuraone will be granted bail tomorrow. “

Harare Magistrates Court has acquitted seven pro-democracy campaigners arrested and charged with subversion upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

The seven have endured 15 months of stringent bail conditions including surrendering their passports and residing at given addresses among other things.

A Prison truck carrying inmates from Chikurubi maximum prison shocked expecting journalists who were waiting to capture incarcerated journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s arrival for bail hearing today after driving right inside the court yard.

Watch video of the truck arriving at Harare Magistrates Court….

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…..

Prison Van Hides Hopewell Chin’ono From Journalists pic.twitter.com/YFl345PwmI

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 12, 2020

By Jane Mlambo| Self exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his once surbodinate George Charamba have put to rest the contentious issue of special envoys dispatched by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe on a fact finding mission, saying their mandate was only between heads of state and no other person as widely thought.

The opposition MDC Alliance on Monday cried foul after they were ‘snubbed’ by Dr Sydney Mufamadi and Baleka Mbete who were send by Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe following a deafening social media outcry by Zimbabweans against human rights abuses perpetrated by suspected state agents.

Posting on Twitter at different intervals, Charamba and Moyo debunked misconceptions that the two envoys were supposed to meet other stakeholders before being denied a chance by the government.

Moyo posted definitions of special envoy, facilitator and mediator to clarify the mandate of the Mufamadi led team.

“SPECIAL ENVOY: a diplomatic messenger who carries a message from A to B, and vice versa. A FACILITATOR: a go-between who eases or lessens tensions between parties. MEDIATOR: a go-between who brokers a deal or agreement between parties,” said Moyo on Twitter.

Charamba also posted a thread titled clearing confusion over purpose and mandate of presidential special envoys.

“Presidential Special envoys are deputations between two heads of State. Theirs is to deliver a message from one head of State to another and, to take back the response to sending Head of State.

“They may not re-interpret their mission or purpose to do any other businesss without undermining their status as special envoys. There is thus no sensible reason to have expected the Mufamadi-led Special Envoys to have branched out of their strict mandate defined by the two interacting Heads of State and Govt by meeting other groups inside the country.

“Simply, that is not the role of Presidential Special Envoys. Second confusion is to imagine this is a sub-regional intervention. It is not. It is merely a BILATERAL interaction between two close Heads of State representing two close sister republics.

“If Sadc has to get involved – and there has to be very good grounds for that outside adulterated images circulated by the hashtag nonsense – that will happen through appropriate mechanism, namely Sadc Organ,” said Charamba under his Twitter name Jamwanda2.

By A Correspondent- Imprisoned MDC Alliance youth organising secretary Godfrey Kurauone will appear at the Masvingo High Court for a bail hearing this Wednesday.

Kurauone was denied freedom at the magistrates’ court last week in a case where he is accused of inciting citizens to push for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ouster.

The State alleges that on June 20 this year, Kurauone, a Masvingo councillor, circulated a video song on social media urging people to revolt.

He is also accused of participating in the failed July 31 anti-corruption protests in which he allegedly blocked free movement of vehicles in Masvingo on the day.

Kurauone is denying both charges.

MDC Alliance youth spokesperson Stephen Chuma on Tuesday said Kurauone, who is incarcerated at Masvingo Remand Prison, is being denied access to proper medication and healthy food in contravention of the Prisons Act.

Chuma said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has resorted to persecuting Kurauone just as the racist Ian Smith regime used detention as a tool to silence critics.

He cited the cases of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume who are languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for speaking out against corruption.

-Newsday

A Zimbabwean father in Chelmsford who was arrested by British Police after attacking back a gang of Caucasian males who jumped the fence to assault his son, has been saved by CCTV footage after sleeping in the police cells last night.

Mr (real name withheld for his protection), together with his son, slept in police cells as his wife and neighbours were left struggling for clues on how to deal with the police action.

Both CCTV and common footage show how a group of police officers arrived to arrest the man while in the act of self defence for both him and his son yesterday afternoon.

A social worker and a lawyer spent the night assisting the wife as she also said was afraid of going back him.

At 7.30am, Wednesday ZimEye was informed that the father and son have since been released following the attack.

ZimEye interviews the wife

ARRESTED ZIMBABWEAN FATHER SAVED BY CCTV FOOTAGE https://t.co/N9tLRpXIbE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 12, 2020

State Media

THE defence team of suspended Supreme Court Judge Justice Francis Bere walked out of the inquiry last week protesting over the rejection of a request to have one of the tribunal members to recuse himself from the matter because of his alleged connection to the key witness.

The lawyers were also not content with a further six months extension of the tribunal, following the expiry of the given four months..

Justice Bere appeared before the tribunal set up to inquire into his fitness to hold office on Thursday after the High Court ruled last week on Tuesday that the Judicial Service Commission’s advice to President Mnangagwa to initiate the tribunal was in line with the dictates of the law.

Lead defence counsel Advocate Firoz Girach, Advocate Lewis Uriri and Prof Lovemore Madhuku walked out of the hearing protesting over what they claimed to be a “violation of legal procedure”.

The drama started when the tribunal convened for the reading of the allegations of misconduct against Justice Bere.

The defence team requested for recusal of Advocate Takawira Nzombe on the basis that he was known to key witness Mr Itayi Ndudzo, who is at the centre of the judge’s misconduct allegations.

But the tribunal tossed out the request for lack of merit as it did not establish the degree of apprehension of bias that could not warrant a member of the tribunal to recuse himself.

Earlier on the defence had unsuccessfully challenged the lifespan of the tribunal, to hear evidence. It was noted that “paragraph d” of the Proclamation 1 of 2020 contradicted “paragraph f” of the same as it was apparent on the face of the Proclamation that there was a typographical error which, has since been corrected by General Notice 2090 0f 2020.

However, at the commencement of the hearing on Wednesday of last week, Justice Bere’s legal team walked out of the proceedings of the of the tribunal, citing that the correction of the error “is null and void” because it was done out of time, which the JSC argued is incorrect.

Prof Madhuku confirmed the development protesting over the manner, the tribunal was handling the matter.

“We cannot allow the tribunal to violate legal procedures,” said Prof Madhuku without defining their next move.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabhiza confirmed the development.

“It would appear lawyers for the judge are determined to avoid the hearing at any cost making one application after another in both the High Court and before the Tribunal,” she said.

“The tribunal has seen it fit and proper to continue with investigations in the absence of Justice Bere.”

The President set up the tribunal inquiry into the fitness of the Supreme Court judge to hold office after a lawyer accused him of interference in a civil case.

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

Justice Bere is accused of meddling in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration and his relatives. Justice Bere allegedly telephoned Mr Ndudzo, who was representing Zinara, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprise.

An August 1, 2018 victim tells that they still have a bullet from police shooting in the body after two years.

Watch video downloading below. Please be patient while the video downloads.

SABC

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has called on government to take a firm stance against Zimbabwe’s leaders, following recent allegations of human rights violations.

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party has received widespread criticism after videos and pictures, circulated on social media, showed state security agents abusing citizens.

At the weekend, South African envoys met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House – without engaging the opposition MDC-Alliance.

Saftu General-Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says South Africa needs to put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to make changes.

“Until the South African government stands firmly for the democratisation of that country, for the opening of the political space, the freedom of the media and ordinary people to lead a normal life and to organise themselves, we will go nowhere.”

He adds: “The SA government has been treating the regime with friendliness, but it is time for the President to pick up the phone and say to Mnangagwa – we will not allow your Ministers to come here and get treatment when you have destroyed your health system there, and when Zimbabweans are trapped in a situation where the hospitals have no doctors or nurses.”

Special envoys

Special envoys to Zimbabwe, Baleka Mbete and Syndey Mufamadi, were appointed by President Cyril Rampahosa last week after calls for South Africa to assess recent incidents of alleged human rights violations.

However, the Zimbabwean opposition party, the MDC Alliance, claims it has been snubbed by them.

All Africa

A DISHEARTENED ordinary member of the Methodist Church has called upon the church’s leadership to revoke President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s membership from the religious grouping.

The church member, Cleopas Sanangura said Mnangagwa’s membership was not in good standing and if it is not withdrawn, he (Sanangura) will himself pull out of the church.

Sanangura also accuses the church of failing to protect weak and ordinary members of the fellowship adding that he no longer felt safe to be associated with Mnangagwa in the same church.

“I am writing this open email to you as a member of the Methodist Church. The reason for this letter is the situation in our country where the church has failed to protect the weak and the vulnerable,” reads part of Sanangura’s letter addressed to the Methodist Church leadership.

“We see the brutality happening in the country and the leader of this brutality is a member of the Methodist church in ED Mnangagwa.

“I have found it very difficult since he went into office why I should be associated with him in our church. I have family members that have since been killed by him but the church has remained silent about this.

“I see him and his wife wearing church uniform and I take it by association we are murderers as well. The President took oath to defend, protect the people and the Constitution of Zimbabwe yet he has become the enemy of the country.”

Sanangura continued; “Corruption is at its highest and people can’t afford a meal. I, therefore, would like to request that the church revoke his membership because he is not a member in good standing.

“The suffering of our people cannot be associated with the Methodist Church. If the church cannot do this, I, therefore, will withdraw my membership as I cannot be part of making the suffering of Zimbabweans.

“I have prayed about this and the only thing the church can do is to withdraw his membership to the church.”

It could not be established if the Methodist Church had responded to Sanangura’s request.

We, the undersigned students, staff, affiliates and alumni of the University of Oxford, condemn the violent suppression of political expression and peaceful protest in Zimbabwe, the arrests of citizens engaging in safe and peaceful protest and the abduction, harassment and torture of Zimbabweans.

We call on the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the security services to end the de facto state of emergency that is restricting movement in the urban centres of Zimbabwe. It is clear that this action is designed primarily to suppress criticism of the government rather than to address Covid-19.

We are concerned about the growing number of people who have been arrested or abducted for criticising the government. This includes journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, and opposition political leader, Jacob Ngarivhume, who are still in custody after being arrested for calling for peaceful protests against corruption on social media and denied bail. Chin’ono had been instrumental in exposing corruption relating to the procurement of Covid-19 supplies.

We are alarmed at the arrests on 31 July of many Zimbabweans, including award-winning novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, several opposition political leaders including spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, disability rights activists such as Henry Chivhanga, as well as many more ordinary citizens for doing nothing more than stepping onto the street holding the national flag or placards, peacefully and in small, socially distanced demonstrations.

This is in flagrant violation of section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees the right to demonstrate peacefully, and of Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Zimbabwe is a party.

While some of these people have been released on bail, others are still in custody and all are facing criminal charges simply for exercising their constitutional rights.

These arrests follow the spate of recent arrests of teachers, nurses, trade unionists, students, human rights lawyers, constitutionalism activists and others, on charges that arise from nothing more than demanding decent work conditions and publicly speaking out against corruption.

The arrests and detentions are happening at a time when Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Zimbabwe and these actions expose those detained to a high risk of contracting the disease in detention.

We demand that all political prisoners are released immediately and the baseless charges against them are dropped.

We are particularly alarmed at the abductions and torture of Zimbabweans, most recently Tawanda Muchehiwa, who was abducted by state agents in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police during the 31 July protests and tortured, following several similar instances recently. We strongly condemn these practices and call for immediate investigations and prosecution of the perpetrators.

We call on the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to discharge their responsibilities to issue statements condemning the arrests, abductions and harassment of citizens and activists in Zimbabwe and to take action against Zimbabwe.

We call on the United Nations and its special mechanisms to actively monitor the situation in Zimbabwe, condemn human rights violations and take appropriate action against the Government of Zimbabwe.

We call on the international community as a whole – governments, civil society and the people of the world – to stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and to speak out against the violations of human rights and suppression of democracy in Zimbabwe.

ZBC

COMMANDER Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda says Zimbabweans should guard against being misled by divisive elements who use social media to peddle lies about the country’s security sector.

He was speaking in an interview with ZBC News ahead of this Tuesday’s commemorations to mark Defence Forces Day.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, will today lead the nation in celebrating the Defence Forces Day, a day set aside to pay tribute to the country’s security forces.

The celebrations of the Defence Forces come a day after the country celebrated the National Heroes Day, in a virtual ceremony in response to the Covid-19 lockdown limiting public gatherings.

“We are forever grateful to our security service sector, which continues to protect our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
Usually, thousands throng the National Sports Stadium on this day, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year celebrations will be different after authorities took preventative measures to curb the spread of the pandemic that has killed more than 100 people in Zimbabwe.

In an interview to mark the day, Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the commemorations gave the nation an opportunity to reflect on the historical formation of the ZDF.
“The day is important because the commemorations give the nation an opportunity to reflect on the historical formation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in 1980.

“The ZDF were formed from the formerly warring forces of ZANLA and ZIPRA on one hand and the Rhodesian forces on the other.
“It is pleasing to note that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has since its formation transformed into a formidable, loyal and disciplined force.

“The country should take this opportunity to pay tribute to members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. These are men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The celebrations are also a statement of intent that members of the ZDF are ready to pay the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces plays a key role not only in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and the upholding of peace, but also carries various community programmes across the country as part of its civil relations with the people.

In 2019 and 2020, the ZDF carried out community programmes, which included the construction of classrooms blocks, teachers’ accommodation and also intervened in communities that were hit by the Cyclone Idai disaster.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has announced 70 new coronavirus cases and zero deaths in its daily update for 11 August 2020. All 70 cases are local cases.

Actives cases have increased to 3 170 while 20 new recoveries were recorded. The cumulative number of recorded cases is now 4 818 and COVID-19 deaths remain at 104.

State Media

Envoys sent by African Union (AU) chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa to assess the political situation in Zimbabwe flew back to Pretoria yesterday where they are expected to report to their principal.

The three-member delegation returned a day after meeting President Mnangagwa where they were ordered back home without meeting with opposition parties, civil society and churches as was originally scheduled.

Former South African Minister of Safety and Security Dr Sydney Mufamadi was leading the team which comprised former Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete and former South Africa’s Minister of Public Service and Administration Advocate Ngoako Ramatlhodi.

In an interview yesterday, South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Mphakama Mbete said the trio left for Pretoria to brief President Ramaphosa.

“They have just left. They are now going to brief their principal, His Excellency President Ramaphosa. This is after they met His Excellency President Mnangagwa in Harare on Monday,” said Mr Mbete.

He said it was up to President Ramaphosa to decide on the next course of action.

“The envoys were here at the instigation of their principal, who is President Ramaphosa. At the moment I cannot tell what is going to happen because it depends on President Ramaphosa who sent them here.

“It is him who will decide what course of action depending on what he would have been told, but they returned today after their meeting with President Mnangagwa,” said Mr Mbete.

The three came to Zimbabwe to assess the political situation in Zimbabwe after a sustained social media onslaught against the Harare administration.

Briefing journalists on Monday after meeting President Mnangagwa, Dr Mufamadi said they are in the country as envoys of the President of South Africa.

He said they had exchanged views with President Mnangagwa on the situation in the country.

“We exchanged views with his counterpart President Mnangagwa. In other words, we were listening to the state of the situation, what is being done or the intentions to do extra things and so on,” he said.

Dr Mufamadi said the outcome of the meeting will only be made public by President Ramaphosa after getting the views from all parties.

“We are not going to respond for our President through the media. We will be reporting to the President first, who will then interact with the public in due course,” said Dr Mufamadi.

Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana last week said Zimbabwe has nothing to hide, as the so-called crisis was merely a creation of the nation’s detractors.

The three are coming to understand “the difficulties that Zimbabwe is facing”, following a wave of sustained attacks by opposition politicians, civic society activists and exiled G40 fugitives — Saviour Kasukuwere, Walter Mzembi, Jonathan Moyo and Patrick Zhuwao.

The anti-Zimbabwe crusade follows the flop of the protests that had been planned for July 31, which had been heavily-funded by Western embassies aimed at toppling President Mnangagwa and his Government.

Mr Mangwana said Zimbabwe and South Africa maintain cordial relations since they share a similar history of fighting and winning the war against ruthless colonial regimes.

State Media

Deputy Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu has been promoted to Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) with effect from 1 November.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi yesterday confirmed the promotion by President Mnangagwa.

His promotion follows the retirement of Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi, who is now on pre-retirement leave, after 22 years at the helm.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu has been Acting Commissioner-General since Rtd Maj-Gen Zimondi went on three months of pre-retirement leave and his promotion as substantive head of the service will take effect on November 1 after Comm-Gen Zimondi formally retires.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu was seconded to ZPCS from the Zimbabwe National Army in 1999 and appointed personal staff officer to the commissioner of prisons.

He has risen through the senior ranks of the service and in his rise has served as Chief Staff Officer Security and Protocol, Assistant Commissioner Security and Protocol, Senior Assistant Commissioner Rehabilitation and Officer Commanding Manicaland Region, before becoming Deputy Commissioner-General with responsibility of correctional services.

Minister Ziyambi said he had passed on the good news.

“With the instruction from the President, I have since advised Deputy Commissioner-General Chihobvu on his new appointment,” said Minister Ziyambi.

He brings a wealth of experience to his position, a holder of a Master of Science in Strategic Management and a BSC (Hon) degree in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies among several other qualifications.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu is a liberation war veteran who joined the struggle in December 1977 and did a platoon commander’s course in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia.

He was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army at independence and held various positions and, participated in the Mozambique Campaign and in peacekeeping in Angola with Unavem III.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu is also a holder of a Diploma in Combined Strategic Intelligence from the United States.

VOA

Facebook announced new regulations Tuesday that prevent U.S. publishers with demonstrated ties to political groups from running advertisements that look like news reports on the social networking site.

Facebook has been under pressure to manage disinformation appearing on its pages during the coronavirus pandemic and as the country prepares to vote for president in November.

The rules announced Tuesday permit publishers with political connections to register with the site, but they will be excluded from using Facebook’s “news” page for their messages.

“The news pages with these affiliations will not be eligible for inclusion in Facebook News,” the social media giant said.

Previously, such organizations were labeled “news exempt,” meaning that their content was not labeled as political.

Facebook defines a “political entity” as “an organization, company, or other group whose predominant purpose is to influence politics and elections,” such as political action groups and organizations designated as social welfare organizations by the Internal Revenue Service.

A “political person” includes candidates for public office, those whose positions are subject to legislative confirmation, such as Supreme Court justices and others, who possess the authority to enforce political power.

The Columbia Journalism Review published a report Tuesday outlining “new networks of shadowy, politically backed ‘local news websites,’” distributing domestic and internationally-sourced disinformation surrounding the U.S. election.

Several tech companies have cracked down on political exploitation of their platforms in recent weeks. Google recently told media company Axios it was planning to implement a similar ban in September, and Twitter temporarily suspended the account of the president’s son, Donald Trump, Jr., in July after he promoted the drug hydroxychloriquine as a treatment for coronavirus. Hydroxychloriquine’s efficacy in treating COVID-19 has been dismissed by medical experts after several clinical trials.

Members of Parliament; Members of Zimbabwe Defence Forces; Ladies and Gentlemen; Comrades and Friends;

It is my singular honour and privilege to address the nation on this special day which marks the 40th Anniversary of our Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

The attainment of independence in 1980 signalled the advent of majority rule and the formation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). The bringing together of ZANLA, ZIPRA forces on one side and the Rhodesian Forces on the other was a daunting and challenging exercise.

I was privileged to chair the Joint Command for the integration of the three forces. Having fought for a united Zimbabwe, the formation of a unified defence force with a single purpose of defending our territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence was indeed gratifying accomplishment.

Today, we celebrate the numerous achievements scored over the last 40 years since the formation of the ZDF.

This occasion is happening on the backdrop of successive accomplishments by our Defence Forces to defend our motherland Zimbabwe from detractors, divisive elements and enemies.

The commemorations which we are holding this year under the theme, “ZDF: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellent Service to the People”, are taking place under yet another wave of aggression manifesting through illegal sanctions, hostile anti-Zimbabwe propaganda, mounted on social media platforms, and other forms of asymmetrical warfare meant to break the unity within our forces.

This has been coupled with the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Sadly, the virus has claimed some decorated members of the ZDF family in the name of Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, who was a long time Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and the ZDF Director of Public Relations, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, among others.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Fellow Zimbabweans;

In executing its constitutional mandate, the ZDF has since its formation acquitted itself with distinction and high professionalism and for this they deserve a big compliment. Zimbabwe has continued to enjoy peace largely attributable to the ZDF’s vigilance, loyalty, commitment and dedication to their constitutional obligation of defending the country and its people.

The resultant peace and tranquillity has provided a great stimulus for socio-economic development over the years.

Whilst maintaining peace in the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to participate in regional and international peace keeping missions under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

Our officers, men and women of the ZDF perform their duties with excellence and unparalleled dedication, as they contribute towards enhancing regional and continental integration.

In September 2019, the ZDF participated in the Ligwalagwala Air Show in Eswatini while preparations for participation in the Russian International Military Games and Special Forces Exercise CHOMELA to be held in the Republic of Botswana are at advanced stages. Their involvement in these international activities exposes our forces to the use of modern military equipment as well as strengthening ties between our forces and allies.

Additionally, memories of Cyclone Idai in 2019 bring to mind the Defence Forces’ significant role in search and rescue operations as well as provision of food and medical assistance to flood victims. They have also helped in restoring the damaged infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and clinics.

All these activities demonstrate the commitment of the Defence Forces to serve the nation and the close relationship that exists between them and the generality of the Zimbabwean population. This rich history of assisting communities is commendable and must continue to be the hallmark of our Defence Forces.

I commend the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for embracing my Government’s Vision of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.

In that regard, the ZDF engineers and artisans are engaged in various construction projects to precipitate development of our communities throughout the country.

Comrades and friends; the National Mine Clearance Unit of the Zimbabwe National Army Engineer Corps is also making significant progress in clearing anti-personnel landmines laid by the Rhodesian Regime during the liberation struggle. These include areas along the Sango Border Post to Crooks Corner Minefield. Government is committed to clearing all landmines across the country to give full meaning to independence, freedom and development for the affected communities.

Co-operating partners, Hazardous Life Support Organisation (HALO) Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) are also progressing well in similar demining operations. Let me take this opportunity to express my Government’s sincere appreciation for the assistance we are getting from these organisations.

I am aware of the sacrificial nature and service ethos of the Defence Forces, however, my administration remains determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service for our forces. Housing, transport and medical facilities among other requirements are being improved in recognition of the role and sacrifices made by our Defence Forces in the conduct of their duties.

Mobility, requisite training equipment and Research and Development needs will be equally funded to ensure the modernisation and improvement of our national defence capabilities.

With regard to the War Veterans Affairs, my Government has resuscitated the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill which has now gone past the second reading stage in Parliament. The passing of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill into Law will repeal the War Veterans Act and the Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Act and take on board the previously excluded categories of the veterans. I am confident that upon its enactment, most of the welfare issues of veterans of the liberation struggle will be resolved.

Recognising the immense contribution made by veterans of our liberation struggle, I urge them to build on this rich legacy by taking full advantage of the empowerment opportunities availed in all sectors of the economy and the implementation of the devolution policy.

Fellow Zimbabweans; Our battle with Covid-19 pandemic requires discipline, bravery and unity which are embodied in the personalities we are celebrating today. We must be united and fight this invisible enemy together. It is our collective responsibility to protect our nation, our families and our beloved ones.

As responsible citizens, let us all co-operate with our security services, assisted by the ZDF as they enforce our national laws. We commend the ZDF for continuing to be a people’s army, a reputation it has built over the years.

In conclusion, I want to thank you all for joining the entire Zimbabwe Defence Forces family in commemorating this special day, the ZDF 40th Anniversary. Thank you, once again for remaining calm and peaceful in the wake of some misguided calls for violent protests and demonstrations by the opposition elements with support from foreign and civil society supporters and backers.

You have shown your patriotism and love for peace and tranquillity.

To the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a nation we take pride in you and we thank you for continuously defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from all contemporary threats.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

God bless you all.

God bless Zimbabwe.

I thank you.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has gazetted the appointment of Esther Nyathi as Matabeleland South Proportional Representative Member of the House of Assembly after Zanu PF nominated her to replace Alice Ndlovu who died in December last year.

The announcement was made by ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba in a Government Gazette published last week.

“ZEC has gazetted the appointment of Esther Nyathi, the nominee put forward by ZANU PF, as a party list/proportional representation (women’s quota) member of the National Assembly. The appointment is in terms of section 39(7)(a) of the Electoral Act and with effect from the 31st July 2020,” reads the notice.

Justice Chigumba said Nyoni was a registered voter in Matabeleland South Province and fulfilled the requirement of the Electoral Act.

“It is hereby notified, in terms of section 39(7)(a) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13), that Esther Nyathi a registered voter in Ward 11 of Insiza Rural District Council of Ntute Primary School, P.O Box 113, Filabusi, Insiza, Matabeleland South Province, who was nominated by Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party to fill the vacancy in the National Assembly Party list that occurred following the death of Alice Ndlovu, has been appointed as Party list member of the National Assembly, with effect from the date of publication of the notice.”

Ndlovu, who was elected as MP during the 2018 harmonised elections died in December last year after succumbing to kidney failure.

She was 63.

The appointment of Nyathi come as ZEC has also declared 15 seats in the National Assembly and Senate vacant after the MDC-T recalled some of its legislators.

In a gazetted notice recently, Justice Chigumba said ZEC had been formally notified by Parliament of the 15 vacancies.

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.

State Media

Investigative Jornalist Hopewell Chinono is today expected to make a fresh bail application on changed circumstances on charges of inciting public to stage violent demonstrations on the July 31.

Chin’ono, through his lawyer Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, wanted to make the application last week but Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna ordered him to return to court today for his fresh bail bid.

The State led by Mr Michael Reza had indicated that it was ready to hear his application and respond on a later date.

The High Court threw out his appeal for bail after noting that the trial magistrate’s decision was properly arrived at when he initially dismissed his at the lower court.

In denying him bail Mr Nduna noted that he had shown some defiance in the face of the State which was calling for banning the protests.

Also Justice Tawanda Chitapi in his decision to deny Chin’ono bail said: “In disposing of the matter, I determine that the appellant (Chin’ono) has failed to demonstrate any misdirection of fact, law or both made by the learned magistrate in the court a quo (lower court) as would justify interference with his judgment.

“In consequence therefore, the order I make is as follows . . .The appeal be and it is hereby dismissed.”

Justice Chitapi said releasing Chin’ono might enable him to continue with his campaign as there was no condition discernible capable of restraining him if he granted bail.

“The attitude of the appellant was therefore one of defiance of State authority on the basis of a claim of right. In such circumstances the learned magistrate cannot be faulted in his reasoning,” said justice Chitapi.

Deputy Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu has been promoted to Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) with effect from 1 November.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi yesterday confirmed the promotion by President Mnangagwa.

His promotion follows the retirement of Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi, who is now on pre-retirement leave, after 22 years at the helm.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu has been Acting Commissioner-General since Rtd Maj-Gen Zimondi went on three months of pre-retirement leave and his promotion as substantive head of the service will take effect on November 1 after Comm-Gen Zimondi formally retires.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu was seconded to ZPCS from the Zimbabwe National Army in 1999 and appointed personal staff officer to the commissioner of prisons.

He has risen through the senior ranks of the service and in his rise has served as Chief Staff Officer Security and Protocol, Assistant Commissioner Security and Protocol, Senior Assistant Commissioner Rehabilitation and Officer Commanding Manicaland Region, before becoming Deputy Commissioner-General with responsibility of correctional services.

“With the instruction from the President, I have since advised Deputy Commissioner-General Chihobvu on his new appointment,” said Minister Ziyambi.

He brings a wealth of experience to his position, a holder of a Master of Science in Strategic Management and a BSC (Hon) degree in Management and Entrepreneurial Studies among several other qualifications.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu is a liberation war veteran who joined the struggle in December 1977 and did a platoon commander’s course in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia.

He was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army at independence and held various positions and, participated in the Mozambique Campaign and in peacekeeping in Angola with Unavem III.

Dep Comm-Gen Chihobvu is also a holder of a Diploma in Combined Strategic Intelligence from the United States.-The Herald

Over 6 000 kombis and pirate taxis have been impounded countrywide for violating Covid-19 regulations, as police reiterated that inter-city travel remained banned unless the traveller has exceptional circumstances that allow exemption.

At the inception of the Covid-19 lockdown in March, Government suspended inter-city travel and banned all long-distance buses to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

Only commercial vehicles ferrying and distributing goods were permitted to travel from one city to another, and beyond borders.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Friday warned anyone breaching the inter-city travel rules would be arrested and vehicles found transporting people would be impounded.

“People should take note that the country is still under national lockdown and as such, inter-city movements remain banned, he said. We reiterate that we don’t expect any unnecessary movements and that people should abide by the laws.

“People should put their safety and health first and should also assist in the maintenance of law and order.
“We also don’t expect any increase in the volumes of traffic on the roads.”

Recently, Government announced a curfew running from 6pm to 6am, during which time no movements are allowed except for essential service providers, as a way of containing the spread of Covid-19.

Asst Comm Nyathi said they received information that some pirate taxis and kombi owners were operating at night, putting themselves and passengers at risk.

Such operators risk being arrested, along with any members of the security teams that could be conniving with truckers and kombi operators in the ferrying of people illegally.

Covid-19 Inter-Ministerial Taskforce spokesperson Minister Monica Mutsvangwa recently called for behaviour change among Zimbabweans and reminded the nation that Covid-19 was real.

“People should not just wait to be seen by a police officer to wear a mask, she said.

People should not get into trucks where you know there is no social distance, no hygiene and when you actually know you should not be travelling.”-The Herald

A GWANDA man has been arrested after he fatally stabbed his friend with an okapi knife in a dispute over a R10 debt.

Farai Moyo (28) of Spitzkop North Suburb was not asked to plead when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Ms Lerato Nyathi facing a murder charge. He was remanded in custody to August 21.

Prosecuting, Miss Ethel Mahachi said Moyo met the now deceased Moses Sibanda at Red Cross Business Centre in Gwanda when they had a misunderstanding over a R10 debt which the deceased owed him.

“On 26 February Farai Moyo and Moses Sibanda met at Red Cross Business Centre for a beer drink together with their peers. Moyo later confronted Sibanda and demanded back a R10 debt which he owed him.
Sibanda denied knowledge of the debt and insisted that he had given back Moyo his money which resulted in a misunderstanding.

“The two started fighting and Moyo drew an okapi knife and stabbed Sibanda twice on the stomach before fleeing the scene. Sibanda was rushed to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival,” he said.

Miss Mahachi said the matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to Moyo’s arrest.-Chronicle

11-08-2020

Reports from Masvingo Remand Prison indicate that jailed MDC Alliance Youth Organizer Clr Godfrey Kurauone is in a very unstable health condition.

Our Organizer is being denied access to proper medication and healthy food in contravention of the Prisons Act.

Clr Kurauone was arrested by the police when he went to report as per his bail conditions.

He is part of the long list of individuals whom the police say are wanted for ‘interviews’ in connection with 31 July protests against looting and corruption.

Kurauone was denied bail at Masvingo Magistrates Courts and his bail hearing appeal is set for Wednesday at Masvingo High Court.

It is very clear that Kurauone is a target of persecution by the state because he refused to yield to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for command fasting and went on a campaign to feed the underprivileged.

Just like Ian Smith regime, ED’s government now uses detention as a tool to silence critics as we have witnessed in the case of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume who are also languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for speaking out against corruption.

We want to make it clear that we are not going to be cowed into submission but will continue to raise our voices against societal ills like corruption.

We shall never relent!

*#ZimbabweanLivesMatters!*

*#KushingaMberi!*

*Stephen Sarkozy Chuma*
_MDC_ _Alliance_ _Youth_ _Assembly_ _National_ _Spokesperson_

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of deliberately scuttling talks involving his administration, envoys from South Africa and the opposition.

This, the MDC Alliance argues is a deliberate plan to stifle genuine dialogue.

See statement below:

STATEMENT ON CANCELLATION OF MEETING BY SPECIAL ENVOYS APPOINTED BY CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

The MDC Alliance was formally requested to be available for a meeting today(yesterday), the 10 of August 2020, with the special envoys that were deployed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe.

A delegation remained on standby from 10am this morning only to be advised at the end of the day that the special envoys would be returning to South Africa without meeting the MDC Alliance delegation in order to brief President Ramaphosa on the outcomes of their meeting with Mr Mnangagwa.

We can only assume that the failure to meet the MDC Alliance delegation was as a result of demands made by the Zanu PF delegation.

We reiterate that Zimbabwe is in a state of crisis that has been characterized by a de facto gate of emergency a crackdown on citizens, abductions arbitrary arrests of government critics and the political persecution of journalists. The Govemment in Harare is incapable of resolving these challenges because it lacks legitimacy.

We are of the firm view that any solution to the ongoing socio-economic challenges lies in resolving the political crisis and answering the outstanding legitimacy question.

It is clear that Mr Mnanangagwa is not ready to resolve the national crisis through genuine dialogue.

However, the deteriorating plight of the Zimbabwean people means that a political settlement is more urgent than before.

We will continue to mount pressure on Mnangagwa to engage in sincere dialogue untill national crisis is resolved.

Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokeperson
Change That Delivers

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has inherited a colonial legacy in terms of silencing political opponents.

According to the MDC Alliance, just like Ian Douglas Smith, Mnangagwa is using detention as a tool to silence political foes.

See statement below:

11-08-2020

Reports from Masvingo Remand Prison indicate that jailed MDC Alliance Youth Organizer Clr Godfrey Kurauone is in a very unstable health condition.

Our Organizer is being denied access to proper medication and healthy food in contravention of the Prisons Act.

Clr Kurauone was arrested by the police when he went to report as per his bail conditions.

He is part of the long list of individuals whom the police say are wanted for ‘interviews’ in connection with 31 July protests against looting and corruption.

Kurauone was denied bail at Masvingo Magistrates Courts and his bail hearing appeal is set for tomorrow at Masvingo High Court.

It is very clear that Kurauone is a target of persecution by the state because he refused to yield to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for command fasting and went on a campaign to feed the underprivileged.

Just like Ian Smith regime, ED’s government now uses detention as a tool to silence critics as we have witnessed in the case of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume who are also languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for speaking out against corruption.

We want to make it clear that we are not going to be cowed into submission but will continue to raise our voices against societal ills like corruption.

We shall never relent!

*#ZimbabweanLivesMatters!*

*#KushingaMberi!*

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
_MDC_ _Alliance_ _Youth_ _Assembly_ _National_ _Spokesperson_

Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party MDC Alliance has implored the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to protect the citizens of the country instead of being used used by politicians to suppress the will of the people.

See the MDC Alliance’s Defence Forces Day statement below:

Today, the MDC Alliance joins the nation in commemorating our Defence Forces.

It is 40 years since the Zimbabwe Defence Forces came into being through the integration of the ZIPRA and ZANLA liberation armies and the Rhodesian colonial forces in 1980.

This year’s commemoration of four decades of service presents an opportunity to reflect on the history and direction of our Defence Forces.

There would be no independent Zimbabwe were it not for ZIPRA and ZANLA, whose liberation war feats helped force the uncooperative colonial Rhodesian government to the 1979 Independence talks at Lancaster House.

We owe a great debt to the two liberation armies.
The constitutionally defined roles of the Defence Forces are to protect Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to partake in the design of shared regional security architecture, to play a role in the preservation of international stability and peace, and to offer military assistance to civil authority in times of need.

Our Defence Forces have distinguished themselves in many of their constitutionally defined roles.

For 40 years they have safeguarded Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our Defence Forces have played an active part in SADC’s security architecture. We take pride in their sterling performances in various peacekeeping missions in Africa and in the role they continue to play in aiding civil authority to save lives, deliver humanitarian aid and spearhead emergency reconstruction as they did in 2019 in the wake of Cyclone Idai.

However, the Defence Forces’ 40 years of existence have not been unblemished.

We note with particular sadness the politicisation of the Defence Forces for domestic repression and the continued militarisation of the civic space.

On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe.
We ask that they act in a manner that better serves the interests of all Zimbabweans, by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties.

In the new Zimbabwe, weapons and arms of war will never be deployed to support a political party’s partisan interests or impede the people’s right to demonstrate peacefully but instead support collective national interests taking due cognisance of the fundamental rights and diversity of the citizenry.

Perhaps, the most significant commemoration we can give to our Defence Forces on this day is to collectively call for the improvement of the conditions of service for rank and file soldiers as well as plead with each and every member of the Defence Forces to remember that the people of Zimbabwe are not their enemies, instead, we ask that they work to protect.
Happy Defence Forces’ Day.

Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokesperson

All eyes are on ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa after thirty employees at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Authority (ZBC) tested positive for Covid-19.

ZBC employees usually frequent Mnangagwa’s offices for broadcasting services.

The COVID-19 is an infectious disease similar to the cold and travels in droplets when one coughs or sneezes. It also travels in other body fluids. Not only people who are infected with coronavirus are the carriers; Asymptomatic carriers don’t have any symptoms but pass on COVID-19.

The development follows last month’s incident where the public broadcaster had to suspend normal programming after one employee tested positive for the killer virus.

ZBC confirmed the latest development yesterday through a statement posted on microblogging site Twitter.

“The ZBC wishes to advise that 30 members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19. All 30 are currently isolating at home. The corporation continues to follow Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines with periodic testing, premises disinfection and personal protective equipment provision,” tweeted the public broadcaster.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana, wished the infected staff a speedy recovery, while asserting that the media sector is part of the frontline workers.

He said five of the employees had mild symptoms while the rest were asymptomatic.

“We wish all ZBC staff members who tested positive a quick recovery. We are comforted in that of the 30 who are positive, only five are showing mild symptoms and the rest are asymptomatic. We have always said media staff are frontline workers. These results attest to that,” he said.

Frontline workers are among the worst affected by Covid-19 largely due to the nature of their jobs that puts them at high risk of contracting the virus.

Young Journalists Association (Yoja) last month lobbied the Government to minimise Press conferences among other face to face gatherings as they could increase the risk of journalists contracting Covid-19.

The association also encouraged media houses to equip journalists with tools to enable them to work from home.

The workplace continues to be one of the country’s Covid-19 hotspots as cases continue to rise.

On Monday the country had recorded 4 748 Covid-19 positive cases including 1 524 recoveries and 104 deaths.

Organisations such as Cimas, United Refineries, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) have had to temporarily shut down their premises after employees tested positive for Covid-19 to allow for disinfection of the affected areas. -Chronicle/state media

Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party MDC Alliance has implored the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to protect the citizens of the country instead of being used used by politicians to suppress the will of the people.

See the MDC Alliance’s Defence Forces Day statement below:

Today, the MDC Alliance joins the nation in commemorating our Defence Forces.

It is 40 years since the Zimbabwe Defence Forces came into being through the integration of the ZIPRA and ZANLA liberation armies and the Rhodesian colonial forces in 1980.

This year’s commemoration of four decades of service presents an opportunity to reflect on the history and direction of our Defence Forces.

There would be no independent Zimbabwe were it not for ZIPRA and ZANLA, whose liberation war feats helped force the uncooperative colonial Rhodesian government to the 1979 Independence talks at Lancaster House.

We owe a great debt to the two liberation armies.
The constitutionally defined roles of the Defence Forces are to protect Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to partake in the design of shared regional security architecture, to play a role in the preservation of international stability and peace, and to offer military assistance to civil authority in times of need.

Our Defence Forces have distinguished themselves in many of their constitutionally defined roles.

For 40 years they have safeguarded Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our Defence Forces have played an active part in SADC’s security architecture. We take pride in their sterling performances in various peacekeeping missions in Africa and in the role they continue to play in aiding civil authority to save lives, deliver humanitarian aid and spearhead emergency reconstruction as they did in 2019 in the wake of Cyclone Idai.

However, the Defence Forces’ 40 years of existence have not been unblemished.

We note with particular sadness the politicisation of the Defence Forces for domestic repression and the continued militarisation of the civic space.

On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe.
We ask that they act in a manner that better serves the interests of all Zimbabweans, by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties.

In the new Zimbabwe, weapons and arms of war will never be deployed to support a political party’s partisan interests or impede the people’s right to demonstrate peacefully but instead support collective national interests taking due cognisance of the fundamental rights and diversity of the citizenry.

Perhaps, the most significant commemoration we can give to our Defence Forces on this day is to collectively call for the improvement of the conditions of service for rank and file soldiers as well as plead with each and every member of the Defence Forces to remember that the people of Zimbabwe are not their enemies, instead, we ask that they work to protect.
Happy Defence Forces’ Day.

Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokesperson

Zimbabwe recorded 99 new coronavirus cases and zero deaths on Monday, 10 August 2020.

Out of the 99 new cases, 68 are local and 31 are returnees from South Africa.

Active cases have increased to 3 120 while 87 new recoveries were reported.

The cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases were 4 748 while deaths remained at 104.-Ministry of Health and Child Care

The Zanu PF Bulawayo youth province has axed its district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs Munashe Mtutsa for allegedly undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he questioned Government policy to compensate white former commercial farmers.

Mtutsa reportedly slammed the government’s move as a “stupid neo-liberal decision” in a WhatsApp group for ZANU PF members.

He allegedly wrote:
This is one of the stupid neo-liberal decisions with no iota of ideological clarity or basis.

A move made to impress Western countries thinking that this will reduce or have sanctions removed.

This is an insult to the thousands of people who perished in Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe for the liberation of this country. It’s akin to urinating on the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Bulawayo acting provincial youth chairperson Sibongile Sibanda announced Mtutsa’s sacking, saying the youth support Mnangagwa “100%”.

In July this year, the government agreed to a US$3,5 billion infrastructure compensation deal with white former commercial farmers who lost their farms during the chaotic land reform programme which started in 2000.-NewsDay

The Zanu PF Bulawayo youth province has axed its district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs Munashe Mtutsa for allegedly undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he questioned Government policy to compensate white former commercial farmers.

Mtutsa reportedly slammed the government’s move as a “stupid neo-liberal decision” in a WhatsApp group for ZANU PF members.

He allegedly wrote:
This is one of the stupid neo-liberal decisions with no iota of ideological clarity or basis.

A move made to impress Western countries thinking that this will reduce or have sanctions removed.

This is an insult to the thousands of people who perished in Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe for the liberation of this country. It’s akin to urinating on the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Bulawayo acting provincial youth chairperson Sibongile Sibanda announced Mtutsa’s sacking, saying the youth support Mnangagwa “100%”.

In July this year, the government agreed to a US$3,5 billion infrastructure compensation deal with white former commercial farmers who lost their farms during the chaotic land reform programme which started in 2000.-NewsDay

TWO Airforce of Zimbabwe (AFZ) officers are pleading for their release from detention at Josiah Tungamirai Airbase after they were charged for engaging in an “illicit extra-marital affair” in the camp.

They have been imprisoned since March 11, the High Court heard.

Sharon Masuku and Nation Giya were charged with gross misconduct and have been in detention for over 90 days on charges of breaching the Defence Act, but without going to trial.

The duo, who are both married, have cited Airforce Commander Elson Moyo and the Defence ministry as respondents, seeking their immediate release or for the matter to be pursued by summons.

“We were arrested and detained on March 11 at Josiah Tungamirai Airbase on allegations of disgraceful conduct. We have been in detention in excess of 90 days now without trial in gross violation of a number of our constitutional rights,” Masuku said.

“The right to personal liberty, freedom from torture or cruel inhuman or degrading treatment, fair hearing, to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and the right to bail.”

According to their charge sheet which has been attached to the application for their immediate release, Masuku’s house maid allegedly leaked the affair to superiors, revealing how her boss would allow Giya into her matrimonial bedroom.

A search was subsequently conducted by investigating officers at Masuku’s house and Giya was found in a spare bedroom.

“From a period unknown extending to March 11 Masuku and Giya engaged in an illicit association, both being legally married and well knowing their marriages still subsist, stayed together in the matrimonial house of WS Rwambiwa (Masuku’s husband) from March 7 up to the day they were apprehended, an association which is cruel, indecent and disgraceful,” reads the charge sheet.

Masuku further submitted that their arrest and detention was also in breach of the Defence Act and said she feared for the welfare of her two children who have been in a neighbour’s custody since she was apprehended.

She said there was no guarantee that their trial for gross misconduct would kick off any soon owing to lockdown imposed restrictions.

“When the first applicant was arrested she left her two-year-old and seven-year-old children with a neighbour and it has dawned on her that she will not be released without the intervention of this court,” she added.

“Further the applicants intend to call their key witness who is in South Africa, but because the borders are closed there is no hope that this will be achieved any time soon.”

Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda has warned Zimbabweans to guard against being misled by divisive and dangerous elements who use social media to peddle lies about the country’s security sector.

He was speaking in an interview with ZBC News ahead of this Tuesday’s commemorations to mark Defence Forces Day.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, will today lead the nation in celebrating the Defence Forces Day, a day set aside to pay tribute to the country’s security forces. The celebrations of the Defence Forces come a day after the country celebrated the National Heroes Day, in a virtual ceremony in response to the Covid-19 lockdown limiting public gatherings.

“We are forever grateful to our security service sector, which continues to protect our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Usually, thousands throng the National Sports Stadium on this day, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year celebrations will be different after authorities took preventative measures to curb the spread of the pandemic that has killed more than 100 people in Zimbabwe.

In an interview to mark the day, Commander Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the commemorations gave the nation an opportunity to reflect on the historical formation of the ZDF.

“The day is important because the commemorations give the nation an opportunity to reflect on the historical formation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in 1980.

“The ZDF was formed from the formerly warring forces of ZANLA and ZIPRA on one hand and the Rhodesian forces on the other. “It is pleasing to note that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has since its formation transformed into a formidable, loyal and disciplined force.
“The country should take this opportunity to pay tribute to members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

These are men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguard the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The celebrations are also a statement of intent that members of the ZDF are ready to pay the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country,” he said. |

ZBC

State Media

Thirteen people have been arrested along the Limpopo River on allegations of smuggling 125 litres of fuel from South Africa.

The suspects were arrested by police on patrol and were charged of violating Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“On August 5, 2020 police officers patrolling undesignated crossing points along Limpopo River, arrested 13 people,” he said.

“At the time of arrest, 125 litres of fuel destined for the black market were recovered by police from one of the suspects.”

The accused were charged for violating Covid-19 lockdown regulations whilst the owner of the fuel was additionally charged for importing hazardous substances without a licence.

Police have declared war against anyone found on the wrong side of the law and urged people to use designated entry points when leaving or coming back into the country.

Smuggling activities have been on the increase in Beitbridge, and other border towns, especially during this lockdown period, as some are bringing foodstuffs, while others are returning, but don’t want to undergo quarantining.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) recently arrested a Zimbabwean man at Beitbridge Border Post on allegations of attempting to smuggle explosives in a hearse.

The suspect was towing a trailer branded with the name of a funeral undertaker in Gauteng, when he was caught at Beitbridge.

SAPS searched both the vehicle and the trailer and found 306 blasting cartridges, as well as four detonating cords with a value of R700 800.

Zimbabwe today recorded 70 new coronavirus cases raising the total to 4 818 but had no deaths for the second day running.

Twenty people recovered bringing the total to 1 544 and the number of active cases rose slightly up at 3 170.

It still has 104 deaths but globally more than 741 700 people have died and the number of cases now stands at 20.4 million.

According to statistics about 10 percent of confirmed coronavirus cases in Zimbabwe are front-line health care workers, with the total number reaching around 480.

The affected front-line medical workers include nurses, student nurses, doctors, laboratory scientists, nurse aides, general hands and pharmacists.

The Ministry of Health said yesterday Harare and Bulawayo had reported the highest number of infections among front-line workers.

“A significant number of health workers have been infected with COVID-19 and as of July 29, 2020, more than 10 percent of the cases were among health-care workers with the majority being from the nursing profession,”the report said.

More than 100 nurses at Mpilo Central and United Bulawayo Hospitals in Zimbabwe’s second largest city had contracted the virus, forcing them into quarantine.

In Harare, more than 70 medical workers at Parirenyatwa hospital, the country’s largest referral hospital had tested positive for the virus since the beginning of July.

LATEST: The ZBC wishes to advise that 30 members of staff have tested positive for #Covid-19. All 30 are currently isolating at home. The Corporation continues to follow Govt & WHO guidelines with periodic testing, premises disinfection & PPE provision. @nickmangwana, @MoHCCZim pic.twitter.com/ExBLs9D2CL

— ZBC News Online (@ZBCNewsonline) August 11, 2020

Johannesburg (CNN) — Even for 2020, with its once-in-a-generation global pandemic and the countless travel bans that have followed, this rescue mission seems a bit far-fetched.

To get around 100 South Africans and a couple of dozen Zimbabwean students out of China, it would take Air Zimbabwe’s only functioning aircraft, and diplomatic channels in embassies across the world — all orchestrated from a dining room table in Canada by one man, armed only with a cellphone.

“It is me. Me alone and my phone. I am new in Canada, so they don’t give me much phone credit here,” laughed Tertius Myburgh — a South African commercial pilot who lives in New Brunswick.

“They started contacting me, because I am in aviation, and they said: ‘How are we going to get out of here?'” explained Myburgh, who began hearing from people after South Africa banned incoming travel in March.

“Before Covid, you could just contact their civil aviation authority, send the details of your flight and — boom — a day or two later you have the authorization and off you go,” he added, on the relatively simple charter flight process before the pandemic.

But now Myburgh had to navigate the complexity of chartering flights amid international lockdowns — and with the added complication of a struggling aviation industry.
As the number of paying passengers who needed repatriation became clear, Myburgh used his Southern African links to lease a Boeing 767, plus its pilots and its crew, from Air Zimbabwe. It was the same 30-year-old plane that had been used by former President Robert Mugabe from time to time. That plane then unlocked the assistance of Zimbabwean diplomats.

Myburgh readily admits he first saw a business opportunity when he responded to the pleas for help, but he says it was impossible not to get swept up by the individuals and their stories.

“It is not just them. it is their fiancé maybe that is in South Africa, it is the husband or the wife. Or the mother and the father.”

With so many calls coming in, he needed a partner on the ground to help coordinate and corral the diverse group of South Africans and Zimbabweans.

Early on, he connected with Carmen Johannie — a South African schoolteacher based in Guangzhou.
Johannie had lived in China for three years, and was working as a teacher at the British school in Guangzhou. But after being forced into mandatory quarantine by Chinese authorities, like all other African passport holders based in Guangzhou, Johannie knew it was time to get home.

She spent months trying to get back to South Africa, before finally linking up with Myburgh.

“He sent out a message, anyone stuck in China needs to contact him. The minute I sent him a message, I instantly knew that he was a man of his word and he was a one-man show and if anybody was going to bring us home, it was going to be him,” she said.

After months of waiting to get out of China, the final journey for the group was delayed by because of last minute routing changes and a faulty engine.
Courtesy Carmen Johannie

“It was a team effort thing we did. And then I realized how many people are relying on us — the pressure was hectic.”

Many South Africans needed to get home from China, in part, because of a canceled repatriation flight by flag carrier South African Airways (SAA), that had originally been scheduled for mid-June.
SAA and the South Africa government mounted a high-profile evacuation of South Africans from Wuhan in mid-March. The airline has also repatriated citizens from a host of other countries.

But an additional flight, planned for June, was shelved.

“SAA was willing to transport these passengers from China to South Africa. We need to appreciate that it is under abnormal circumstances,” Tlali Tlali, the airline’s spokesperson told CNN, adding that SAA needed permission from both governments.

“We obtained permission from the South African government, but we are still waiting for approval from the other end.”

That left Myburgh, Johannie and the Air Zimbabwe 767 to do what South Africa’s national carrier could not. Myburgh credits Zimbabwean diplomats, trying to get their own citizens home too, for smoothing the way with Chinese officials.
The paperwork, though, was just one of the hurdles.

A complicated voyage
Plotting a route that would make a frequent flyer’s eyes water, the plane and crew began their journey from Zimbabwe in mid-July.
They flew from Harare to Johannesburg, and on to Bangkok, before heading to Kuala Lumpur (KL), where they picked up stranded commercial seafarers from China. The sailors’ company helped bear the costs of the charter.
From Kuala Lumpur, they headed to Guangzhou, then back to Kuala Lumpur — since they weren’t authorized to take domestic routes in China — and on to Wuhan, to pick up most of the South Africans, before eventually making it back to Johannesburg.

The Bangkok leg had to be added when the 767’s engine broke — stranding the South Africans for another two weeks. Myburgh had charged $1,000 for each repatriation; he ended up paying for their hotels and meals.
For the hundred-odd passengers, many who had become like family to each other, it was just the latest in a long series of disappointments. Some had run out of money by then, so they helped to crowdfund support.

“You are waiting for something to go wrong. So when that happened with the engine — we laughed and there was literally nothing else we could do. Our motto was: ‘It is what it is,'” said Johannie.

A new engine for the 767 made its own journey: from Harare, to Amsterdam, to Luxor, to Taipei and then on to Bangkok.

Myburgh said he never contemplated refunding the passengers and pulling the plug.

“How can I go sit now in the garden and have a whisky and have a BBQ because I made it easier for myself, but all these people are stuck there? It can’t happen that way — you have to do whatever is possible,” he said.

As the passengers and crew waited for days for the new engine, Myburgh’s credit card bills piled up. He says he ended up losing “lots and lots” of money on the repatriation, but believed that if he pulled the seemingly impossible off, future flights could help his business survive in these difficult times.

Then, in mid-July, after months of waiting, and weeks of disappointments, Johannie and the group from China were finally on their way home.

“When we took off from KL, I literally broke down. And then at the same time it was like the weight of the world was taken off your shoulders. When we landed, it was so surreal, there many tears,” said Johannie.

The South African government told CNN it is compelled to help all citizens abroad, and said it had facilitated the South Africans’ flight approvals and organized their quarantine on landing.

That’s where Johannie and her fellow passengers are now spending two weeks, in a sprawling complex east of Johannesburg. They still trade WhatsApp messages and wave to each other from their porches during the isolation. But at least they are home.

Johannie says their months-long ordeal is over thanks to just one man. A man she has never met.

“I called him my guardian angel from day one, because that is literally what he was. He is literally the only one who could help us,” she said.

THIRTY-TWO Zifa councillors accused of receiving bribes in the run-up to the 2018 Zifa national elections that ushered in Felton Kamambo’s administration are set to appear in court on August 25.

According to police sources, all but five of the 32 councillors were cooperating with police investigations and their statements were recorded.

The five hostile councillors are from Midlands province and refused to give recorded statements, but they’re still set to appear in court in what would be a historic criminal case in the history of Zimbabwean football.

The 32 are alleged to have received bribes from a candidate in the build-up to the polls that saw Kamambo shocking then incumbent Phillip Chiyangwa for the Zifa top post.

Kamambo got 35 votes to Chiyangwa’s 24, while another challenger Gift Banda beat Omega Sibanda by 37 to 22 votes for the association’s vice presidency post.

Investigations later revealed that some councillors’ mobile money wallets were credited with various amounts totaling $8 110. The official exchange rate then of the local currency and US dollar was 1:1.

Police also interviewed the Zifa executive committee member accused of ‘bribing’ the councillors and he reportedly confirmed sending the money, but said it was for ‘lunch’ and other ‘incidentals’.

Those targeted received amounts ranging from $100 to $1 700, depending on how ‘influential’ that councillor was.

A councillor from Matabeleland North, one from Bulawayo and others from Harare are reported to have been the biggest beneficiaries.

One of the 32 accused councillors Mehluli Thebe, a Zifa Southern Region executive committee member, confessed in June to receiving $300 from one Robert, who said it was from Kamambo.

Thebe, however, insisted that the money sent via Ecocash was never hush money, but reimbursement for his traveling expenses to and from Hwange as well as accommodation.

Thebe said there was no way he would have used his own money to travel to Bulawayo to listen to a candidate, so those that wanted his ear met all his expenses.

Thebe also argued that his vote was a secret and no one can conclusively say the $300 he received influenced his voting.

A police source yesterday told Chronicle Sport that the dockets were ready and they’re confident they have a strong case for some convictions.

“Trial date is August 25, all the papers are ready. We interviewed all, but five councillors in this case. The five from the Midlands were not cooperating, but that’s not a big issue, they will have their day in court,” said the police source.

Former ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairperson Temba Mliswa said MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa made a grave miscalculation when he refused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “offer” to appoint him the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

The position is not Mnangagwa’s responsibility, but the opposition MDC Alliance party’s.

The outspoken legislator for Norton said if Chamisa had taken up the offer, his party wouldn’t have been subjected to the current onslaught it is under. Said Mliswa:

Upon reflection, it’s unfortunate that Nelson Chamisa turned down the appointment of “Office of the Leader of the Opposition” which would’ve facilitated the establishment of the Office of the Opposition Leader, in Parliament in line with Commonwealth practices.

Had this appointment been accepted, many of the challenges currently being faced may have been thwarted through his anticipated role of oversight.

Any Govt programmes, corruption, reforms etc could’ve had due scrutiny. Sometimes it’s about staying in the game and galvanising oneself.

Look at the mayhem the opposition are in today; they’re divided. In retrospect had Chamisa accepted, imagine the progress we’d have made as a country by now? Chamisa is eloquent and a great debater and would have been a credit for the position.

However, they all refused. Funnily enough, though, many of those who buttressed this decision are now working with Thokozani Khupe.

So my question to the opposition is: Would it have been better to have accepted the post or is the current status quo the stronger position?

I personally feel the offer was a step in the right direction as a lot more could have been achieved and we could have avoided some of the issues we’re in today. I’m hoping lessons are being learnt.

However, in spite of Mliswa’s assertions, it is not clear whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa indeed offered the non-existent post to Chamisa or the report about the offer was a mere publicity stunt.

Further, Zimbabwe is not a member of the Commonwealth, having been suspended for one year, and then left the organisation at the turn of the Millenium.

Mliswa added that a government of national unity was unlikely but Mnangagwa should opt for an inclusive government which will allow him to pick able people from the opposition and put them include them his government.

As for Chamisa, Mliswa said he should build on the over 2 million votes he received in the 2018 elections and prepare for the 2023 polls.

Pindula

ANC’s International Relations Committee Chairperson, Lindiwe Zulu says its time, to be frank about the unrest in Zimbabwe.

South Africa’s neighbour, is accused of violating human rights and harassing activists, including journalists who have exposed corruption.

In previous years the governing party had been reluctant to acknowledge the crisis in the country preferring the quiet diplomacy approach, but Zulu admitted there is a problem.

“In the ANC’s view, yes, there is a political crisis in Zimbabwe, and we have to be frank and honest about it.

“If we are to help the situation, then we have to be frank and honest about because we are asking the question, where is the dignity in all the Zimbabweans who are here?” said Zulu.

Zulu also paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster, Bob Mabena, who died on Monday after going into cardiac arrest.

She says she enjoyed his content.

Watch video downloading below:

With the coronavirus cases surging in Zimbabwe nurses have vowed to continue with their strike if their demands are not met leaving patients stranded.

Zimbabwe recorded 99 new cases yesterday bringing the total of confirmed cases to 4 748. The number of deaths remained at 104 deaths. In a bid to coerce nurses back to work the Health Services Board has struck those who are striking off the payroll but it seems this has not worked.

Wrote the nurses:
We are still on strike and we are on day 52. The majority of public hospitals are literally closed and patients are being referred to private health centres.

Some patients are actually dying because they do not afford to pay the forex charges at the private hospitals, but as nurses, we cannot call off the strike at this stage.

Government has not done anything to meet our demands which are US dollar-pegged salaries or provision of adequate personal protective equipment.

Actually the skeletal staff of nurses which is attending to emergency cases at the hospitals does not have adequate PPE.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo

By A Correspondent | The MDC renegade Douglas Mwonzora has publicly obfuscated the crimes Against Humanity committed by the self boasting genocide criminal Emmerson Mnangagwa. Writing on Tuesday morning, Mwonzora played down the Zim crisis calling it that of mere contested legitimacy. His comments come at a time when it is clear that Mnangagwa has called for the killing of all people who have dissenting views since 1983 in a combined operation that has seen more than 22000 murdered, for 37 years. He said, “In resolving the Zimbabwean crisis we have to embark on serious and comprehensive social, political and economic reforms. “Key among these are electoral reforms that will resolve the perennial problem of contested legitimacy in our country.”

The problem is not that of "contested legitimacy," that sounds very criminal, the problem is one word, legitimacy. Big difference between the two. Are you not clearly committing a crime by watering down the henious offence of genocide @DMwonzora
?

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) August 11, 2020

 ……….. 

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1293162881584893952?s=19

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa’s two envoys were in country yesterday due to atrocities committed by Mnangagwa in events that have accelerated for 37 years to date since the 4th May 1983 and l that have seen more than 22,000 people killed. In the last two years alone more than 25 people have been killed and more than 50 women raped, as Mnangagwa on live television video threatening to shorten the lives of multitudes of people who voice dissenting views from his. On the 15th of December 2017 his office announced in his presence that the military would be used to change election results making them favourable to him and his party and over 6 people would would later be killed during the days when election results were delayed between the 31st July and the 1st of August 2018. When 5 months later 17 people were shot dead in the open, and more than 50 women raped in January 2019, Mnangagwa publicly boasted saying that none of the African leaders would criticise him because he has deployed his own public reputation agents to every country to ensure that they are submerged under his narrative of events. He made this announcement to the people of Mwenezi in February 2019whom he also threatened that he would shorten the lives of their multitudes, in what he termed mazuva enyu achaunyana. On the 4th of January 2020 Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in the capital city Harare that he would deploy the army against civilians once he suspects that they are guilty of stopping the rain, literally.

Addressing Kuwadzana residents yesterday, Mnangagwa said, “Asi deno taiziva kuti vanhu vekuKuwadzana vasingade kuti mvura inaye taingoti army kombai tirove.” – if we only knew that it is the people of Kuwadzana who are stopping the rain, we would (or will) deploy the army to surround them so we assault them.” Directly translated VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Statement by the Democratic Alliance.

We are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to withdraw his appointment of Baleka Mbete and Sydney Mufamadi as Special envoys to Zimbabwe because of their political bias towards the ZANU-PF-led regime in Zimbabwe.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to withdraw his appointment of Baleka Mbete and Sydney Mufamadi as Special envoys to Zimbabwe because of their political bias towards the ZANU-PF-led regime in Zimbabwe.

Failure to withdraw these two individuals will render the mission a farce and an attempt by President Ramaphosa to cover up the human rights abuses that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has been committing against defenseless Zimbabweans.

If the President refuses to withdraw these ‘envoys’, we call on the Zimbabwean people to reject this poor attempt to whitewash their abuse and suffering at the hands of Mnangagwa’s military government.

While attending ZANU-PF’s extraordinary congress in December 2017, Mbete, who was representing the ANC, heaped praise on ZANU-PF for the military coup that removed Mugabe, adding that: “You achieved a good transition peacefully. I find no bitterness or hatred about your predecessor Mugabe. That is political maturity. As ANC we are here to say we are proud to be associated with ZANU-PF and we wish you good luck comrades”.

Her counterpart, Sydney Mufamadi, refused to meet with opposition leaders in Zimbabwe in 2007 when he was sent by then-president Thabo Mbeki in response to the country’s escalating political crisis, choosing instead to focus his attention on the then-president Robert Mugabe.

In fact, both Mbeki and Mufamadi insisted that the opposition leaders recognise Mugabe as the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe before political talks could begin.

Under this cloud of political bias, Ramaphosa’s ‘envoys’ cannot claim to be acting on behalf of the South African government. They are ANC functionaries who have been sent by Ramaphosa to express solidarity with Mnangagwa’s murderous government.

Mnangagwa’s government has used the cover of Covid-19 to unleash an unprecedented attack on individual freedoms by arresting journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono, whose only crime was exposing corruption, and using force to stop citizens from exercising their right to protest.

What Zimbabweans do not need at the moment is Ramaphosa using the ANC’s solidarity with ZANU-PF to engineer an international cover-up of Zimbabwe’s escalating political and economic crisis. ‘Quiet diplomacy’ should never be allowed to turn into ‘Cover-up Diplomacy’

The opposition Democratic Alliance in South Africa has slammed the meeting between South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s envoys and the Zimbabwean government and called it a failed tea summit.

Writing on their website, the DA said:

The decision by the Zimbabwean government to deny President Cyril Ramphosa’s envoys an opportunity to meet with opposition leaders was not only disrespectful to the office of the African Union Chairperson, which Ramaphosa currently holds, but seems to confirm that the voices of the opposition and civil society are being muzzled in Zimbabwe.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) now calls on President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as AU Chairperson, to show leadership and go to Harare and meet with all the relevant stakeholders and get a balanced picture of the political crisis unfolding in the country.

Media reports indicate that Sydney Mufamadi, Baleka Mbethe, and Ngoako Ramathlodi were hosted to a ‘tea briefing’ by Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa then told the envoys that ‘there was no crisis in Zimbabwe’ and hence no need to meet with the opposition or civil society.

The envoys had made plans to meet with the opposition and had to cancel them at the last minute because of Mnangagwa’s strong-arming tactics. This is unacceptable.

Mr Mnangagwa’s government has unleashed a reign of terror on defenceless citizens, arresting journalists and activists on trumped-up charges. For him to claim that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe and ask that the envoys sent by the AU Chairperson turn around and go back without meeting the opposition, is a poor attempt at covering up the actions of his murderous regime.

For far too long, successive ANC governments have stood by as ZANU-PF has trampled civil liberties with impunity and disregard for the rule of law. The ANC has played an enabling role in the Zimbabwe crisis by glossing over state brutality in the country and its mismanagement of the economy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa faces the first real test in his Chairmanship of the AU. He will have to make a choice on whether to stand with the people of Zimbabwe against the tyranny of ZANU-PF or continue with the failed policy of ‘quiet diplomacy’.

DA has previously urged President Ramaphosa to withdraw the envoys he appointed to Zimbabwe and cited the fact that Baleka Mbete one of the envoys praised the Robert Mugabe government in 2007 when the political situation in Zimbabwe was chaotic which makes her biased towards Zanu PF. DA also said Sydney Mufamadi the other envoy also refused to meet opposition parties when he was on a similar mission in 2007 and also said he could not meet opposition parties yesterday when he came to the “failed tea summit”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday promised to improve the remuneration, welfare and conditions of service for members of the country’s defence forces.

In his virtual address to mark 40th Anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), President Mnangagwa commended the security forces for performing their duties with excellence and unparalleled dedication.

“I am aware of the sacrificial nature and service ethos of the Defence Forces, however, my administration remains determined to improve the salaries and conditions of service for our Forces. Housing, transport and medical facilities among other requirements are being improved in recognition of the role and sacrifices made by our Defence Forces in the conduct of their duties.

“Mobility, requisite training equipment and Research and Development needs will be equally funded to ensure the modernisation and improvement of our national defence capabilities,” he said adding Government had the same intentions for veterans of the liberation struggle.

“With regard to the War Veterans Affairs, my Government has resuscitated the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill which has now gone past the Second Reading Stage in Parliament. The passing of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill into Law will repeal the War Veterans Act and the Ex -Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees Act and take on board the previously excluded categories of the Veterans.

“I am confident that upon its enactment, most of the welfare issues of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle will be resolved,” he said.

The President accused the opposition of conniving with foreigners to foment violent protests.

“Thank you, once again for remaining calm and peaceful in the wake of some misguided calls for violent protests and demonstrations by the opposition elements with support from foreign and civil society supporters and backers. You have shown your patriotism and love for peace and tranquillity. “To the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as a nation we take pride in you and we thank you for continuously defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity from all contemporary threats,” he said.

President Mnangagwa applauded the ZDF for maintaining peace and security in the country.

“In executing its constitutional mandate, the ZDF has since its formation acquitted itself with distinction and high professionalism and for this they deserve a big compliment. Zimbabwe has continued to enjoy peace largely attributable to the ZDF`s vigilance, loyalty, commitment and dedication to their constitutional obligation of defending the country and its people.

“The resultant peace and tranquillity has provided a great stimulus for socio-economic development over the years. Whilst maintaining peace in the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces continue to participate in regional and international peace keeping missions under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and the United Nations,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the ongoing fight against Covid-19 requires military –like discipline by all citizens especially with regards to observing national lockdown regulations meant to slow the spread of the virus.

“Our battle with Covid-19 pandemic requires discipline, bravery and unity which are embodied in the personalities we are celebrating today. We must be united and fight this invisible enemy together. It is our collective responsibility to protect our nation, our families and our beloved ones.

“As responsible citizens, let us all cooperate with our security services, assisted by the ZDF as they enforce our national laws. We commend the ZDF for continuing to be a people’s army, a reputation it has built over the years,” he said.

Sadly, Covid-19s has claimed some members of the ZDF such as Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, who was a long time Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe and Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement and Page 5 of 11 the ZDF Director of Public Relations, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, among others, President Mnangagwa said.

To date, Zimbabwe has recorded 4 748 confirmed cases including 104 deaths.

New Ziana

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has inherited a colonial legacy in terms of silencing political opponents.

According to the MDC Alliance, just like Ian Douglas Smith, Mnangagwa is using detention as a tool to silence political foes.

See statement below:

11-08-2020

Reports from Masvingo Remand Prison indicate that jailed MDC Alliance Youth Organizer Clr Godfrey Kurauone is in a very unstable health condition.

Our Organizer is being denied access to proper medication and healthy food in contravention of the Prisons Act.

Clr Kurauone was arrested by the police when he went to report as per his bail conditions.

He is part of the long list of individuals whom the police say are wanted for ‘interviews’ in connection with 31 July protests against looting and corruption.

Kurauone was denied bail at Masvingo Magistrates Courts and his bail hearing appeal is set for tomorrow at Masvingo High Court.

It is very clear that Kurauone is a target of persecution by the state because he refused to yield to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for command fasting and went on a campaign to feed the underprivileged.

Just like Ian Smith regime, ED’s government now uses detention as a tool to silence critics as we have witnessed in the case of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume who are also languishing at Chikurubi Maximum Prison for speaking out against corruption.

We want to make it clear that we are not going to be cowed into submission but will continue to raise our voices against societal ills like corruption.

We shall never relent!

*#ZimbabweanLivesMatters!*

*#KushingaMberi!*

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
_MDC_ _Alliance_ _Youth_ _Assembly_ _National_ _Spokesperson_

By Jane Mlambo| MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora has somewhat discredited the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) calling for what he termed legitimate forum for dialogue to discuss the reform plan which he said is critical in resolving the Zimbabwe crisis.

Posting on his Facebook page, Mwonzora said the envisaged electoral reforms should see the enfranchisement of the diaspora community while discouraging the ruling party from tempering with the constitution.

“The key to resolving the Zimbabwean crisis lies in us embarking on a set of comprehensive social, political and economic reforms. Key among these are electoral reforms which will forestall the problem of contested legitimacy in Zimbabwe. These electoral reforms will see the enfranchisement of millions of Zimbabweans living in the diaspora. But this first requires the establishment of a legitimate forum for dialogue over the reforms. It then will call for the establishment of a governance structure to initiate and implement these reforms. Our constitution provides a great starting point for reform. This means the government must forth stop its attempts to temper with the constitution as adopted by the Zimbabwean people in the historic referendum of 2013. The fundamental rights and freedoms of the Zimbabwean people must be observed and respected,” said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora’s call for what he says is a legitimate dialogue forum flies in the face of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who continues to urge his political opponents to join POLAD while insisting that it is the only platform where dialogue should happen.

Mwonzora’s party leader Thokozani Khupe is part of the POLAD which is also made up of fringe parties including National Constitutional Assembly, CODE, PDP led by Lucia Matibenga and 14 other parties.

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa snubbed POLAD calling it a choir meant to legitimize Mnangagwa.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of deliberately scuttling talks involving his administration, envoys from South Africa and the opposition.

This, the MDC Alliance argues is a deliberate plan to stifle genuine dialogue.

See statement below:

STATEMENT ON CANCELLATION OF MEETING BY SPECIAL ENVOYS APPOINTED BY CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

The MDC Alliance was formally requested to be available for a meeting today(yesterday), the 10 of August 2020, with the special envoys that were deployed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Zimbabwe.

A delegation remained on standby from 10am this morning only to be advised at the end of the day that the special envoys would be returning to South Africa without meeting the MDC Alliance delegation in order to brief President Ramaphosa on the outcomes of their meeting with Mr Mnangagwa.

We can only assume that the failure to meet the MDC Alliance delegation was as a result of demands made by the Zanu PF delegation.

We reiterate that Zimbabwe is in a state of crisis that has been characterized by a de facto gate of emergency a crackdown on citizens, abductions arbitrary arrests of government critics and the political persecution of journalists. The Govemment in Harare is incapable of resolving these challenges because it lacks legitimacy.

We are of the firm view that any solution to the ongoing socio-economic challenges lies in resolving the political crisis and answering the outstanding legitimacy question.

It is clear that Mr Mnanangagwa is not ready to resolve the national crisis through genuine dialogue.

However, the deteriorating plight of the Zimbabwean people means that a political settlement is more urgent than before.

We will continue to mount pressure on Mnangagwa to engage in sincere dialogue untill national crisis is resolved.

Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokeperson
Change That Delivers

1- One of the children kidnapped by Edith Chibhamu, has been taken into safe custody, the family has told ZimEye. Ms Chibhamu took the kids to SA in 2017 without their father, a retired ZNA soldier's knowledge. Mr Simon Masanga proved Chibhamu wrong showing he never consented… pic.twitter.com/60fNNJL8N8

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 11, 2020

Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party MDC Alliance has implored the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to protect the citizens of the country instead of being used used by politicians to suppress the will of the people.

See the MDC Alliance’s Defence Forces Day statement below:

Today, the MDC Alliance joins the nation in commemorating our Defence Forces.

It is 40 years since the Zimbabwe Defence Forces came into being through the integration of the ZIPRA and ZANLA liberation armies and the Rhodesian colonial forces in 1980.

This year’s commemoration of four decades of service presents an opportunity to reflect on the history and direction of our Defence Forces.

There would be no independent Zimbabwe were it not for ZIPRA and ZANLA, whose liberation war feats helped force the uncooperative colonial Rhodesian government to the 1979 Independence talks at Lancaster House.

We owe a great debt to the two liberation armies.
The constitutionally defined roles of the Defence Forces are to protect Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to partake in the design of shared regional security architecture, to play a role in the preservation of international stability and peace, and to offer military assistance to civil authority in times of need.

Our Defence Forces have distinguished themselves in many of their constitutionally defined roles.

For 40 years they have safeguarded Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our Defence Forces have played an active part in SADC’s security architecture. We take pride in their sterling performances in various peacekeeping missions in Africa and in the role they continue to play in aiding civil authority to save lives, deliver humanitarian aid and spearhead emergency reconstruction as they did in 2019 in the wake of Cyclone Idai.

However, the Defence Forces’ 40 years of existence have not been unblemished.

We note with particular sadness the politicisation of the Defence Forces for domestic repression and the continued militarisation of the civic space.

On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe.
We ask that they act in a manner that better serves the interests of all Zimbabweans, by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties.

In the new Zimbabwe, weapons and arms of war will never be deployed to support a political party’s partisan interests or impede the people’s right to demonstrate peacefully but instead support collective national interests taking due cognisance of the fundamental rights and diversity of the citizenry.

Perhaps, the most significant commemoration we can give to our Defence Forces on this day is to collectively call for the improvement of the conditions of service for rank and file soldiers as well as plead with each and every member of the Defence Forces to remember that the people of Zimbabwe are not their enemies, instead, we ask that they work to protect.
Happy Defence Forces’ Day.

Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokesperson

The Zanu PF Bulawayo youth province has axed its district co-ordinating committee (DCC) secretary for youth affairs Munashe Mtutsa for allegedly undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he questioned Government policy to compensate white former commercial farmers.

Mtutsa reportedly slammed the government’s move as a “stupid neo-liberal decision” in a WhatsApp group for ZANU PF members.

He allegedly wrote:
This is one of the stupid neo-liberal decisions with no iota of ideological clarity or basis.

A move made to impress Western countries thinking that this will reduce or have sanctions removed.

This is an insult to the thousands of people who perished in Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe for the liberation of this country. It’s akin to urinating on the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Bulawayo acting provincial youth chairperson Sibongile Sibanda announced Mtutsa’s sacking, saying the youth support Mnangagwa “100%”.

In July this year, the government agreed to a US$3,5 billion infrastructure compensation deal with white former commercial farmers who lost their farms during the chaotic land reform programme which started in 2000.-NewsDay