By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has warned 31 July protest organisers that their plot to overthrow the government will not succeed.

ZNLWVA chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused the protest organisers of a devious plot of wanting to subvert the will of the people expressed in the 2018 elections.

Mutsvangwa said an unconstitutional change of government will not happen and those who planning to do so will be met with force. He said:

… There are people who think that they can change governments extra-constitutionally before elections — the likes of Ngarivhume, (political activist) Hopewell Chin’ono and many people behind MDC of Chamisa.

Chamisa you lost an election, your party lost an election, elections are coming in 2023. Bide your time if you can organise, which you are not capable of.

… we are warning anybody who is trying to go against the Constitution that you will pay the price because the defence and security establishment will be there to address such kind of miscreant behaviour.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of a small opposition political party, Transform Zimbabwe, has been at the forefront in organising anti-corruption demonstrations set for July 31.

He was arrested on Monday on allegations of inciting public violence through social media posts.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo residents on Wednesday ignored the new lockdown regulations which, among other things, stipulates that non-working sections of the population should stay at home.

The regulations were announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a televised national address on Tuesday.

However, residents filled Bulawayo central business district and public areas in residential suburbs, defying the regulations which took effect yesterday.

Unregistered informal sector operators and illegal money changers were operating in the city centre as usual.

Security forces were apparently not thorough in enforcing announced measures especially on people travelling on private vehicles and those walking into town.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they have increased deployment of officers to enforce the new regulations and those who continue to defy the regulations will only have themselves to blame when they get arrested.

He said:

Today we have been conducting campaigns educating the public about the need to adhere to laid down regulations. Hence, the public should not cry foul when they get arrested. Regulations should be followed without people making excuses.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said complying with laid down regulations is not for Government’s benefit but citizens’.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Parliament has written to all the 22 expelled legislators requesting them to return the vehicles they got under its car loan scheme.

Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda said that legislators who wish to keep the vehicles will have to pay off the difference. Said Chokuda:

Members who have been recalled from Parliament have an option to fully pay for their vehicles or surrender them to Parliament.

If they surrender them they will have to pay any differences between the valuation of the vehicle.

As required by the law we have already written to affected MPs to make a decision on the matter. We are simply guided by the law on this.

The MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe has expelled a total of 21 Members of Parliament from both Houses who contested the 2018 general elections under Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance.

Khupe used a controversial Supreme Court ruling issued in March to expel legislators who refused to switch their allegiance from the MDC Alliance.

The ruling ZANU PF recalled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu following his expulsion from the party.

-Statemedia

MDC-T Acting President Thokozani Khupe is set to sworn in Parliament as a Senator for Bulawayo. According to MDC-T sources, Khupe as leader of the party will immediately assume the Leader of Opposition post.

The swearing in of Khupe follows the recalling of MDC-T legislators who were rebellious to Khupe and the MDC-T leadership.

In 2018 President Emmerson Mnangagwa told the US television Bloomberg TV that he wanted to establish the position of leader of opposition in Parliament in accordance with Commonwealth tradition.

“We are going to introduce the office of the leader of the opposition in Parliament,” Mnangagwa said then.

“This is what we are going to do ourselves but under the former administration (Robert Mugabe’s) there was no formal recognition of the leader of the opposition. Under my administration we are embracing the Commonwealth approach where we recognise the leader of the opposition.”

Chamisa who was offered the post scoffed the gesture.

The sources also told a local online publication that Bulawayo’s Dorothy Bhebhe, who  is the current leader of the MDC-T Women’s Assembly, will also be sworn in as a Senator.

Acting Party Spokesperson Khalipheni Phugeni will be sworn in as a senator as he is the most senior male in Bulawayo whereas Yvonne Musarurwa National Organiser Youth Assembly  will be an MP and Piniel Denga  from Mashonaland East will also be sworn in as MP.

This is the reason why the regime is panicking. They know that an uprising will be unstoppable. All junior ranks are sick and tired. Only the bigwigs want Zanu Pf to stay so that they continue looting, enjoying free funds from RBZ #ZanupfMustGo ANU

— Steve ?? (@SteveZwitter) July 23, 2020

By A Correspondent- Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume and journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono who spent the night in custody, will today appear at court for the continuation of their bail ruling.

The duo were remanded in custody Wednesday after their initial appearance facing a charge of incitement to commit public violence. The state was opposed to the granting of bail to the two.

The State told the court that if granted bail, Chin’ono is likely to abscond or destroy evidence, arguing that he had tried to delete his Twitter handle, which he allegedly used to incite public violence.

Chin’ono is being represented in court by Beatrice Mutetwa. On the other hand, Ngarivhume was charged for addressing a press conference inciting people to participate in a demonstration on 31 July demonstration despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mtetwa has told the court that her client is a perfect candidate for bail.

NewsDay

ABOUT 200 health workers have tested positive to COVID-19, forcing some hospitals to shut down as government continues to dither on its promise to avail adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the health frontline workers, NewsDay has learnt.

The majority hit by the virus are student nurses who have been thrown to the deep end to run public hospitals in the absence of qualified nurses who have been on strike for the past 34 days demanding US$ salaries, better working conditions and adequate protective clothing.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enoch Dongo yesterday told NewsDay that lack of PPE had immensely caused a spike in the number of health workers contracting the virus.

“About 200 nurses have tested positive to COVID-19,” Dongo said.

“It is saddening that there is an increase in the number of nurses who are testing positive for COVID-19. This goes to what we have been saying all along that the inadequate PPE is exposing frontline health workers to this deadly virus.”

This comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) yesterday wrote to Health acting permanent secretary Gibson Mhlanga expressing concern over the growing number of healthcare workers contracting the virulent disease at their workplaces.

“We have also noted that there is no priority in providing information in the ministry’s daily updatdes on the number of health professionals, the bedrock of the response, who have tested positive, recovering or deceased,” ZADHR secretary Norman Matara said.

“As ZADHR, we believe it is in the interest of health professionals and the public in general to be informed on the status of their colleagues and frontline staffers. We also urge the ministry to provide a brief on the numbers, region/province and status of all health professionals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.”

Zimbabwe’s confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday shot to 1 820, with 26 deaths.

Nurses have been on strike for the 34 days with only student nurses and those on probation reporting for work at hospitals. Other health workers, fearing to contract the deadly virus, are reportedly taking leave days, forcing some hospitals to shut down even casualty departments that had remained operational.

Midlands provincial medical director Reginald Mhene confirmed that 25 nurses at Zvishavane Provincial Hospital over the weekend tested positive for COVID- 19. Three nurses at Claybank Private Hospital in Gweru also tested positive for COVID-19 after getting into contact with an infected patient last week.

Dongo added: “We are worried that without adequate and immediate intervention, the few nurses who continuously decide to subsidise the government by going to work are going to be ravished by the COVID-19 virus.”

“To this end, all nurses including those on probation are advised not to continue to go to work and to withdraw their labour. This is no longer an issue about remuneration only but it is also about their health.”

He added: “While COVID-19 is spreading all over, the government is not doing anything to capacitate our hospitals.

We are surely bound to lose the fight against COVID-19 with this sort of approach.”

Dongo said the situation had worsened as the most vulnerable patients seeking medical assistance were being turned away from hospitals because of the absence of services.

“People are dying at home,” Dongo said.

Bulawayo City Council director of health services Edwin Sibanda yesterday raised concern over exposure of frontline health workers to COVID-19, disclosing that 70 out of the 525 cases recorded in the city were health workers, 51 of them student nurses.

Speaking at the handover of donations from Ezra Sibanda and Friends Initiative and the Rise and Shine Women’s Group to the local authority, Sibanda said the increasing cases among health workers and the spike in local transmissions was worrying.

“What is more worrying actually is the number of close to 70 being health care workers, 51 of them student nurses,” he said.

“But we have had nurses, student nurses, environment health technicians as well as doctors, student doctors or medical students, even clerical staff in hospitals being infected by this COVID-19.”

Edwin said the spike in local transmissions points to residents flouting lockdown regulations and other mitigation measures.

“As we speak, some of the health workers in institutions are on industrial strike for various reasons and we all know what happens when you are referred to a hospital and you don’t find health care workers there,” he said.

Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavima yesterday confirmed the Claybank positive cases.

“Out of the 29 nurses and staff members who were isolated at Claybank Hospital last week, three have tested positive for COVID-19,” Mavima said.

Douglas Chikobvu, the Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary-general yesterday said: “What it means is that there is need for our employer to improve safety conditions of nurses at hospitals.

“Right now, we are also saying such risks of working in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 must be compensated by meaningful allowances, but nothing much is being done on that.”

CIVIL servants yesterday expressed anger after failing to access their US$75 allowances as promised by the government, accusing their employer of being insincere.

Government last month promised civil servants a cushioning allowance of US$75 for the next three months and ordered employees to open nostro bank accounts to access the funds.

However, the civil servants yesterday said they were failing to access the promised funds with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube saying banks would not be allowed to release hard currency to individuals.

“The systems are ready for civil servants to get the US$75 from the special foreign currency accounts which were opened. The process has been completed now and the banks have said they are ready to issue cards for use in the shops,” Mthuli told Senate yesterday.

“However, we do not want individuals to withdraw cash from banks for the US$75 allowance because we are concerned as a government that it will end up in the parallel market.”

This came as Information permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana accused banks of compelling civil servants to liquidate their allowances within the bank.

“Some unscrupulous banks are impelling civil servants to liquidate their US$75 within the bank, in the process shamelessly mopping up forex from poor workers. Civil servants are supposed to be given cards which they can use in participating retail outlets as they please,” Mangwana said.

The Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants unions said there was no clear explanation on the allowances they were supposed to get.

“There is no adequate information on the ground as to exactly what to do. If I go to my bank, what should I expect?

This has created a lot of confusion. We now don’t know whether this is real or not. If you go to a bank, you are told that you can convert the amount into RTGS [Real Time Gross Settlement], then transfer it into your Zimdollar account,” Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga said.

“They said they would give a hybrid card that would reflect the Zimdollar balance and US dollar balance. They said it’s something they are working on and while they are doing that, it is not clear. They are different scenarios without a clear message out there.

“We have always said this is a government initiative of which it was not arrived at out of any consultative process. So, they will always tell us that it has always been our decision, so you cannot tell us how to manage it.

The only thing we are waiting for is for the government to call us to the table and we discuss the real issues.”

Contacted for comment, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Ralph Watungwa told NewsDay that shortage of bank cards and “strict instructions” from Treasury not to disburse the US$75 as cash were behind the delays.

“Imagine you have a sweet shop and only have two tonnes of sweets in store, then a big businessman walks into your shop wanting to purchase six tonnes, obviously you won’t be able to service the order. When the announcement of the US$75 for civil servants was made which is meant to fund cards for shopping for civil servants, naturally some banks did not have enough cards,” he said.

“Remember, there are 300 000 civil servants and some do not have nostro accounts, so these accounts needed to be created. When Treasury funded the banks with the US dollars to pay civil servants, the US$75, which was done last week, some workers needed new cards. So, the problem here is logistics as banks would need to create the cards.”

He said instances where some banks were converting the US$75 into Zimdollars at official forex rates and disbursing to clients were at the behest of the depositor.

“The instances you speak of, where the US$75 is being converted into Zimbabwe dollars at the official forex rate, are only after the clients would have pleaded with the bank to take such an action,” Watungwa said.

“Remember, we as banks have communication from the Treasury that the US$75 is not supposed to be given to civil servants as cash, so we are in discussions with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe about how best to give clients the money who cannot wait for the cards.”

He said they expected all civil servants to be able to access their monies in 30 days.

“Remember, all the materials needed to make the cards need to be imported,” Watungwa said.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou accused banks of deducting money from the allowance.

“The rate of exchange is very low in banks and because civil servants are being forced to get their money in RTGS, which is also coming to them already deducted, this shows there is a deliberate robbing of civil servants while they tried to make it look like it’s beneficial, but in actual fact, it is not effective,” he said.

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has warned 31 July protest organisers that their plot to overthrow the government will not succeed.

ZNLWVA chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused the protest organisers of a devious plot of wanting to subvert the will of the people expressed in the 2018 elections.

Mutsvangwa said an unconstitutional change of government will not happen and those who planning to do so will be met with force.

He said:

… There are people who think that they can change governments extra-constitutionally before elections — the likes of Ngarivhume, (political activist) Hopewell Chin’ono and many people behind MDC of Chamisa.

Chamisa you lost an election, your party lost an election, elections are coming in 2023. Bide your time if you can organise, which you are not capable of.

… we are warning anybody who is trying to go against the Constitution that you will pay the price because the defence and security establishment will be there to address such kind of miscreant behaviour.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of a small opposition political party, Transform Zimbabwe, has been at the forefront in organising anti-corruption demonstrations set for July 31.

He was arrested on Monday on allegations of inciting public violence through social media posts.

State Media

Kuda Tagwirei owned Landela Mining Venture is in discussions with the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) to buy Sandawana Emerald Mines in the southern parts of Zimbabwe, it’s chief executive David Brown has said.

“We are assessing the potential of the gemstones and we are hoping to reach an agreement in the next few weeks,” Mr Brown, the former chief executive of Impala Platinum Holdings revealed to The Herald Finance & Business in an interview on Tuesday.

The history of Sandawana dates back to 1955 when emeralds were first discovered in the country.

The mine changed hands over the years and currently ZMDC has a majority shareholding at Sandawana Mines.

The mine consists of a number of emerald deposits including Ceres, Athene, Eros, Marmaid, Junc, Zeus, Atom, Plato, Vulcan among others. .

Sandawana has been an important producer of emeralds for 40 years before production was suspended in 2011 due to loss of some traditional markets.

Since then, ZMDC has been looking for investors.

Sandawana is located approximately 100 kilometres south of Zvishavane town in the Mberengwa district in the southern part of Zimbabwe.

Landela has been on a buying spree of Zimbabwe’s mining assets and recently concluded the takeover of gold mines owned by the Government through ZMDC.

The company also took over Shamva Gold Mine previously owned by Mzi Khumalo’s Metallon Corporation.

Shamva mine has since reopened and the company is now focusing on ramping up production.

Metallon suspended operations at three of its mines including Shamva and Mazowe last year due to mounting debts estimated at US$200 million. Negotiations for other Metallon’s mines are underway.

Landela is also a major shareholder in a multi-billion-dollar platinum project, Great Dyke Investments and Bindura Nickel Corporation, a listed entity on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

“The acquisitions are part of our broader vision to make Zimbabwe a mining giant and create sustainable livelihoods and employment. So, in addition to our portfolio which include gold, nickel and platinum, we would also like to add the gemstones,” Mr Brown said.

Last year, Zimbabwe unveiled a strategic roadmap to propel the country’s mining sector to US$12 billion industry by 2023.

Already, the mining sector is the largest foreign currency earner, accounting for nearly 70 percent of export receipts.

The sector also remains one of the key industries expected to anchor the revival of an economy suffering from depressed productivity and foreign currency shortages among others.

Under the US$12 billion mining roadmap, gold is expected to contribute US$4 billion, platinum US$3 billion while chrome, iron, steel, diamonds and coal will contribute US$1 billion.

Lithium is expected to contribute US$500 million, while other minerals will contribute US$1,5 billion.

Bloomberg

Zimbabwe’s president has picked a fight with the country’s most successful businessman. The economy may be the loser.

Under pressure from a plunging currency and 737% inflation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration on June 27 restricted almost all mobile-money transactions in a country where 90% of commerce is conducted on handsets because of cash shortages. On July 17, the police accused Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Ltd., which dominates mobile-cash transfers, of money laundering.

The battle pits Mnangagwa, who came to power in a November 2017 coup, against Strive Masiyiwa, the businessman who founded and controls Econet. The company’s mobile-money unit Ecocash has 11.4 million customers and a 98% share of the market. Its platform is used for everything from buying household furniture to paying public-transport fares.

The government is seeking a “scapegoat,” said Derek Matyszak, an independent governance analyst in Harare, the capital. “They are shooting from the hip at the inflation monster.”

Masiyiwa, who founded Econet in 1998, has a net worth valued at more than $1 billion, based on Bloomberg calculations.

The 59-year-old businessman and philanthropist has been a frequent critic of the government. At the same time, he’s appealed for aid to help Zimbabwe fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Blind Eye

Ecocash is accused by the government of turning a blind eye to the use of its platform to fuel black-market currency trading. The Zimbabwe dollar was valued at 100 per U.S. dollar on the black market — four times above a currency peg of 25 to the greenback that ended in June — at about the time of the transaction ban. The gap has since narrowed as the authorities allowed the official rate to depreciate to 72 to the dollar.

Oversight of Ecocash will now be moved to the central bank from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. From Aug. 15, the central bank will be able to monitor its transactions, as they will pass through ZimSwitch, a national payment platform.

“It’s the necessary medicine to cure our economy, which is under siege,” said Patrick Chinamasa, acting spokesman for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front.

A search and seizure warrant filed by the police aims to allow them to examine Ecocash’s subscriber list and transactions.

Dire Consequences

“Independent investigations so far have also confirmed government allegations,” said Nick Mangwana, the government spokesman. “Implementation of a full set of regulatory reforms will even bring down the rate and prices to a much more realistic level which responds to economic fundamentals and not whimsical creation of digital money by some platforms.”

Econet denies the money-laundering allegations. The accusations against are a pretext for a bolder move, Econet Chief Executive Officer Douglas Mboweni said in court filings.

“There appears to be an agenda to destroy Econet and remove it from its market leadership position to the benefit of another operator,” he said. It counts as rivals state-owned NetOne and Telecel Zimbabwe Ltd.

A complete shutdown of Ecocash could have dire consequences for the economy. About 7 million transactions from 2 million users were handled daily on its platform before the shutdown.

“Ecocash is a much bigger problem for authorities as it’s also used by ordinary people for the payment of bills and in supermarkets,” said Tony Hawkins, an economics professor at the University of Zimbabwe. It also provides the government with revenue, as there is a 2% tax on transactions.

The measures “didn’t take into consideration the impact on the transacting public,” said Kuda Musasiwa, the founder of Fresh In A Box, a Harare-based company that sells groceries online and has seen a 90% slump in mobile payments.

‘End Is Coming’

The animosity between Econet and the authorities dates back to 1998, when the company was founded. Masiyiwa waged a five-year legal battle with former ruler Robert Mugabe’s government before he could get its license. Mnangagwa, 77, was then one of Mugabe’s closest allies.

Since then, Econet has been accused of funding subversive activities, failing to remit taxes in foreign currency and refusing to comply with an order to share its infrastructure with state owned rivals. It’s been repeatedly threatened with a withdrawal of its license.

Ecocash is one of the companies described by Mnangagwa as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” when he warned June 24 that the “end is coming” for private companies he accused of weakening the currency.

George Charamba, Mnangagwa’s spokesman, didn’t respond to several calls seeking comment.

Masiyiwa, who is in self-imposed exile and claimed an abduction attempt in 2004, has been living mostly between Johannesburg and London. He has played a key role in providing assistance to the nation, helping with aid after a cyclone struck last year and paying school fees for more than 250,000 children.

“It’s a love-hate relationship that exists between the government and Econet,” said Matyszak. “The ruling party hates it because it believes one of its structures is fueling the black market. On the other hand, they won’t hesitate to knock on Masiyiwa’s door when they need money.”

State Media

MANY Bulawayo residents yesterday defied strict lockdown regulations announced by President Mnangagwa including that non-working sections of the population should stay at home.
Instead, residents flooded the city centre and public areas in residential suburbs.

President Mnangagwa, in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, imposed a dusk to dawn curfew and said businesses should operate from 8AM to 3PM while banning religious and political gatherings among others.

He said the country should forgo some freedoms that citizens have been accustomed to in order to effectively contain Covid-19 whose cases are rapidly increasing in the country.

The new measures took effect yesterday but in Bulawayo it was business as usual as people, particularly unregistered informal sector operators defied the stay-home regulations.

The new regulations were largely adhered to in the formal sector as most shops opened at 8AM and closed at 3PM.

A snap survey conducted by Chronicle showed that there was largely no compliance to the announced new measures.

Also, security forces were apparently not thorough in enforcing announced measures.

In the city centre, vendors set up their stalls at undesignated points including along 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue Extension while illegal money changers were also milling around at their usual spots in the city centre.

In the western suburbs, people were moving around the streets without following World Health Organisation guidelines including the need for wearing masks and social distancing.

The news crew observed that while security forces were enforcing lockdown regulations there was a bit of laxity in some instances.

Police increased roadblocks but they were not thoroughly checking for exemption letters especially on people travelling on private vehicles and appeared to concentrate more on people using Zimbabwe United Passenger Company buses.

Those without the letters in the buses were made to return home.

Those who were walking into the city centre were mostly left to their ways.

Banks were also not enforcing social distancing measures in queues outside banking halls although adherence was followed inside their premises.

The news crew spoke to some people who were violating regulations who claimed that economic factors were pushing them out of their homes.

“I managed to find my way to town from Cowdray Park without an exemption letter. I came to look for piece jobs. This is how I feed my family. Without food it’s difficult to stay at home and I cannot stay at home,” said a woman who was hoping to get a job along 4th Avenue between Robert Mugabe Way and Josiah Tongogara Street.

Mr Jacob Chirwa from Nguboyenja said it was difficult to keep most people at home considering the nature of the country’s economy.

However, another resident Mr Timothy Zizhou said Government’s measures should be adhered to as they are meant to protect the nation from the virus.

“It’s better to prioritise people’s health than focusing on the economy if the cases have started to increase. So, I believe it will be better if lockdown measures are strengthened,” said Mr Zizhou.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they have increased deployment of officers to enforce the new regulations.

“Today we have been conducting campaigns educating the public about the need to adhere to laid down regulations. Hence, the public should not cry foul when they get arrested. Regulations should be followed without people making excuses,” said Insp Ncube yesterday.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said it was in the interest of every citizen to follow lockdown regulations.

He said those struggling should visit social welfare offices and get assistance.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said complying with laid down regulations is not for Government’s benefit but citizens’.

“In that respect, I encourage every citizen to comply with what health authorities have laid down for us as part of the mitigation measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. People should stop unnecessary travelling and stay at home in view of the threat posed by this pandemic. Abadala bathi ‘kubo kagwala akulasililo’ meaning we can avoid the Covid-19 disaster if we stay away from environments that could expose us to this infectious disease. Adhering to laid down procedures will benefit us collectively. Let us fight Covid-19 together,” said Minister Ncube.

Former Finance minister Herbert Murerwa and ex-legislator Biata Nyamupinga are tipped for the Goromonzi South seat if the incumbent Energy Mutodi is expelled from the party.

Mutodi was dismissed as deputy Media Information and Broadcasting Services deputy minister in May for making undiplomatic remarks on how
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli had responded to Covid-19 outbreak as compared to what President Emmerson Mnangagwa had done.

He was suspended to carry out party activities in his constituency.

In Chivi South, ex-legislator Mafios Vutete is shoo-in to replace Killer Zivhu who was expelled from the party last month.

Business Times heard this week that political manoeuvring has started in Mashonaland East after the province recommended the expulsion of Mutodi.

Murerwa is tipped to replace Mutodi and has been working in the province in the past years.

Another dark horse who can make a political comeback is former MP
Nyamupinga who was expelled for having been associated with the G40 cabal.

The suspension was lifted and was readmitted into the party.

Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu said the party had received reports of the recommendation from the provinces and had taken appropriate action in dealing with the Masvingo Province resulting in the expulsion of Zivhu and was still seized with the matter of Mashonaland East province.

“The party is aware of all political developments taking place in the provinces including recommendations. We shall be dealing with the matter at the appropriate time,” Mpofu said.

“We know the issue of Mashonaland East province and we shall deal with it.”

Business Times

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya says it is disheartening to note that five weeks after the market based forex trading platform was introduced, including several other interventions introduced before, during and after, some major businesses still use open market rates when quoting prices.

The RBZ chief made an impassioned call that all businesses should exercise self-discipline in pricing to avoid forcing authorities’ hand to ensure compliance.

“What we have seen is that there has been very positive uptake of the forex auction by the business community. We have also seen that the volatility of the exchange rate is now low and what we believe is left now is for the business community to exercise self-discipline in pricing their products.

“We have noticed that a number of large retail operators, that includes OK Zimbabwe and others, their pricing is now linked to the exchange rate, even markets in Mbare that are now using a cash rate of $70 to US$1, which is in line with the auction market rate, but then there are some businesses that are still using an implied rate of $80 to $90 per US$1.

“These rates are higher than the auction rate, although they have gone down from where they were, which was between $100 and $120 against the US dollar and any coming down of the rates means stability is coming.

“But we want to see all business entities exercising self-discipline; because you cannot come to the auction and buy (forex) at $70 to US$1 and benefit from exchange gain by charging higher prices,” Dr Mangudya said.

This comes after the central bank introduced the auction market system for foreign currency trading, which has ushered a more scientific and market based exchange rate determination criterion to guide price modelling and ensure predictability.

The last weekly auction held this Tuesday saw the ruling exchange rate between the Zimbabwe dollar and the US dollar depreciate by 4,7 percent to $72,1470 amid further narrowing of the bid band, as more private holders of foreign currency used the auction to sell.

This week’s highest bid rate of $82,17 was the lowest since the auction began. This is an 18 percent decline from the highest bid rate of $100 on the first auction on June 23, with the highest bid dropping through $95.92 and $85 by last week.

Of the US$14,5 million sold at the last auction, about US$2,5 million came from an exporter, who managed to sell their currency at a rate of $75, while an NGO, a listed entity and bureau de change also used the auction to sell off more than US$1 million between them.

More than US$3,5 million that traded was outside foreign currency from export retentions.

Tuesday’s auction, which is the fifth since the system started, recorded the highest number of bids at 290, beating the previous high of 264 recorded on July 7.

Demand for foreign currency at US$20,3 million was also the highest since inception of the auction system.

The previous high was US$18,9 million recorded during the second auction held on June 30.

JOURNALIST CHIN’ONO REMANDED IN CUSTODY AFTER COURT APPEARANCE.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on 22 July 2020 appeared before Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna who remanded him in custody to tomorrow for the continuation of his bail hearing.

This was Chin’ono’s first court appearance following his arrest on 20 July 2020.

He is being charged with contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with Section 37 (1) (a) (i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively for contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with Section 36(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The charges relate to incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry or alternatively incitement to commit public violence.

During the bail hearing, Beatrice Mtetwa who is leading the team of lawyers representing the journalist registered complaints against the police, which included the following:

• The illegal nature of the arrest as noted by the violent manner in which it was effected as evidenced by the broken glass from the sliding door (at his home).

• Failure by the arresting officers to identify themselves.
• Failure by the police officers upon his arrest to inform him of his rights.
• Delay in informing him of the charges that were being laid against him. He was arrested around 11 am and was only charged around 17:21hrs.

The State represented by Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi is opposing bail on the grounds that:

• Hopewell Chin’ono has connections with foreign people and is likely to abscond.
• He is likely to interfere with investigations and destroy evidence.
• His release would endanger the safety of the public as he has been calling upon the people to demonstrate, petition or gather during the Covid-19 lockdown.

• Accused is likely to commit other offences relating to this charge as one of his tweets indicated that he is prepared to use any means possible to engage in his unconstitutional activities.

The matter was postponed to tomorrow for the continuation of the bail hearing.

ECONET Wireless has been granted a provisional High Court order staying execution of a warrant authorising police to seize the company’s entire database of the transaction details of its mobile money subscribers, largely because the search warrant did not specify the names of those whose details were required.

The High Court ruled that such general warrants were not permissible. The staying of the execution of the warrant lasts until the High Court has decided on the legality of the warrant in a fuller legal hearing.

The company, which boasts of more than 11 million subscribers, is arguing that the warrant was too general, seeking details of all subscribers rather than just those suspected of breaking laws, and also violates its privacy and that of its subscribers.

The ruling comes after Econet, the country’s largest mobile phone operator, approached the High Court for relief, after the police requested it to hand over details of its mobile money transactions and subscribers on Friday last week.

The authorities suspect its network was being used to conduct money-laundering. But Justice Edith Mushore granted the urgent application by Econet to stay the execution of the warrant until the determination of the legality of the request for the desired details.

In granting the provisional order Justice Mushore made an observation that the affidavit giving rise to the warrant was contradictory.

It specified that there are specific persons alleged to be involved in money laundering, but it requested the entire database of all customers and not the details of those specific “runners”.

“This shows that the police may actually not have had reasonable suspicion,” said Justice Mushore.

“A warrant of this kind is not permissible. This is no longer Rhodesia where such searches were permissible.”

In an urgent High Court application, Econet argued that the warrant should be suspended while the court determined its legality at a full hearing in future.

The warrant of search and seizure, the company further argued, was unlawful and constituted a violation of its right to privacy and also the right of privacy of its subscribers.

The fact that the warrant was too wide in its scope, Econet argued, made it unconstitutional.

Already, the Government has suspended some of Econet’s EcoCash bulk transactions agent lines, for allegedly fuelling the black market trade for foreign currency.

EcoCash is under Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe Limited after Econet unbundled its financial technology division into a separate entity two years ago.

Advocates Thabani Mpofu and Tafadzwa Mapuranga represented Econet while the Attorney-General’s civil division acted for the police.

Senators must take the business of their House seriously by bringing up issues affecting their communities and debating them, Senate President Cde Mabel Chinomona said on Tuesday.

She was speaking after the Senate adjourned debates on two motions after no one had risen to speak.

“I was of the opinion that when we have two weeks off members of the Senate would be very much in need of coming back to their House and talk about what they met and what they saw during the two-week break.

“It should be heard that the senators are sitting, just like what we see from other senates all over the world. We are not different from them. I am just encouraging you senators to realise that our business in having this whole House is to debate. It is to talk in whatever language you feel like,” she said.

President of the Chiefs Councils Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is part of the Senate president’s panel, raised similar concerns when he was chairing proceedings, saying senators needed to justify their presence in Parliament.

“Senators need to debate as a House and this issue of sitting for 30 minutes must come to an end. When we went for the Liaison Co-ordinating Committee that issue was raised that the National Assembly sits for two weeks because they are many while we sit for one week. The argument was raised that they (Senate) don’t debate like the National Assembly so there is no justification to call you back every other week. So can you make sure in your caucus you come up with motions for debate,” Chief Charumbira said. The Senate is made up of 80 senators although there are nine vacancies following the recall of MDC-T senators.

Parliamentarians receive $700 for sitting allowances, including fuel for travelling to and from their constituencies. They are also booked into hotels whenever they are on Parliament business.

MDC-T Harare province has nominated party interim Secretary-General Senator Douglas Mwonzora to be the party’s president.

The nomination is made a few days ahead of the party’s Supreme Court sanctioned Extraordinary Congress scheduled for the 31st of this month.

The development was announced by Witness Dube a former aide to MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe in his social media post. He said:

MDC Hre Prov have handed current SG, The Hon Senator Douglas T. MWONZORA, an emphatic endorsement for party President at the July 31 EOC.

@DrThoko_Khupe 0

@EngMudzuri 23

@DMwonzora 189

Siyafika Noma Kanjani! Tinosvika Chete! Victory is Certain

The extraordinary congress is meant to elect the successor to the party’s founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer in 2018.

Since Tsvangirai’s demise, there has been a gruesome leadership crisis in the party, Thokozani Khupe and Nelson Chamisa have been leading the race to replace the late veteran leader.

Chamisa who now leads MDC Alliance was sacked from the party by the Khupe-led interim leadership suggesting that he may not be welcome to attend the congress.

More: Witness Dube

State Media

HARARE Mayor Herbert Gomba has been arrested on charges related to land scams and is expected to appear in court today.

Gomba was picked up by the police on Monday night and was yesterday still assisting police with investigations into land scams and deals that have already seen council officials arrested and remanded in court.

The head of Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) Mr Thabani Mpofu confirmed Gomba’s arrest.

“Yes, police have arrested Gomba and are recording his statements. The charges have to do with land scams,” he said. “He will appear in court tomorrow (today) and in some of the charges he is being jointly charged with other council officials who have already been arrested.”

Harare has seen a batch of officials, two at the top director level, arrested. At the basis of the charges are allegations that 150 stands were created in Kuwadzana from open spaces and sold for private gain, along with other stands in other areas. On top of that are allegations that police officers ranging in rank from constable to assistant commissioner, and a chief public prosecutor, did not push forward with investigations and prosecutions of some of those suspected and were paid off with stands in Westlea.

The police officers and public prosecutor have also been arrested and have appeared in court.

Harare officials arrested over the past weeks and have appeared in court on corruption charges include the housing director Addmore Nhekairo who is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office, an allegation arising from his approval of the Westlea stand allocations. He was denied bail on Monday.

Acting human resources director Matthew Marara and principal housing director Edgar Dzehonye, with other co-accused, also appeared in court and were denied bail.

They were allegedly involved in the Kuwadzana scam, prejudicing council of US$1 141 779. Dzehonye is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office while Marara (49) is facing a fraud charge along with Aaron Tayerera (48), who is the acting chief clerical officer.

Marara and Tayerera are charged with fraudulently selling council land in Strathaven for US$20 900 to an unsuspecting land seeker and pocketing the money.

The court refused bail citing significant risks that Marara and co-accused Tayerera would abscond and that Nhekairo would likely interfere with a crucial prosecution witness.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Mrs Loreen Mupasiri-Sani said the association has always been against corruption and believe that everyone who is involved should be brought to book regardless of their position.

“We expect that even other officials who are involved should also be brought to book and due diligence done so that there is fairness and objectivity in terms of dealing with the matter,” she said.

State Media

Parliament has demanded that all the 22 expelled legislators return the vehicles they got under its car loan scheme or face legal action.

In an interview, Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda said that legislators who wish to keep the vehicles will have to pay off the difference.

The MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe recalled at least 21 MPs during the ongoing feud within the opposition, while Zanu PF recalled one legislator.

Mr Chokuda said Parliament had since written to the affected legislators informing them about their position.

“Members who have been recalled from Parliament have an option to fully pay for their vehicles or surrender them to Parliament. If they surrender them they will have to pay any differences between the valuation of the vehicle.

“As required by the law we have already written to affected MPs to make a decision on the matter. We are simply guided by the law on this,” said Mr Chokuda.

Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda made the announcement in the Chamber, while Senate President Mabel Chinomona did the same in the upper house.

Zanu PF recalled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu, while at least 21 from both the National Assembly and Senate were ejected by the MDC-T.

This was after MDC-T secretary-general, Mr Douglas Mwonzora wrote to presiding officers of Parliament in terms of the Constitution.

State Media

The legal statutory instrument amending lockdown regulations by setting the 6pm to 6am curfew, with the list of permitted exemptions from operations or travel during curfew, and changing the permitted operating hours for non-essential, but exempted businesses was gazetted yesterday by Acting Minister of Health and Child Care Prof Amon Murwira.

In addition, the amendment to the regulations lays down the procedures exempted non-essential businesses must follow when someone tests positive to Covid-19.

They have to close, be disinfected and only reopen when all staff in the affected unit have been tested.

The definition of “wearing a face mask” in a public place now means that wearers must “securely” cover their noses and mouths with the mask.

Definition of essential services not subjected to the curfew, and their staff who can travel between work and home during curfew hours, has been amended for the purposes of the curfew order.

The curfew definition of essential services includes all services already defined as essential for other purposes with six deletions.

While the production, supply, delivery and distribution of food, fuel and coal is permitted during the curfew hours, supermarkets and food shops cannot operate during the curfew. Banks, bureaux de change and the like have to obey the curfew, except their security staff can work at night. Courts, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, public examinations and Parliament remain essential services for all other purposes, but have to obey the curfew.

But the amendment to the lockdown regulations adds mining and the operations of designated tobacco auction floors to the list of services that are exempted and can operate during the curfew.

Under the curfew all travel by those who are in non-essential services, in or out of vehicles, is prohibited during the curfew hours and they must stay at home. However, there are five categories of exemption from the movement ban, but the onus is on the person moving outside curfew hours to satisfy the officer enforcing the curfew.

People can break curfew to buy medicine, move to and from work if they are employed in the essential services, seek medical attention, go to the home of a relative who needs medical help, or if they are a member of staff of a foreign mission or agency and are going to that mission.

Besides the essential services and businesses, there are also exempted businesses. These remain the same with no change of definition and so can continue operating, but their hours have been shortened back to 8am to 3pm. This means all industrial and commercial businesses, including those in the informal sector that have been already exempted, can continue.

Supermarkets, food shops, fuel outlets, restaurants, and safari and hunting operations have, however, for the purposes of operating times been added to the list of non-essential businesses that can operate only between 8am and 3pm.

Some of these, especially restaurants and service stations, had been able to operate outside the previous restrictions on hours, but no longer.

Low risk sports and permitted gatherings are also subjected to the 8am to 3pm rule. The amended regulations now lay down the rules for what happens when a member of staff of a non-essential, but exempted business, which for this purpose now includes the food shops, restaurants, service stations and safari operations, tests positive or is confirmed to have died from Covid-19.

The relevant premises have to be closed and disinfected before re-opening and immediately before the reopening every other member of staff who could have been in contact with the affected member of staff must be tested.

In his address to the nation on Tuesday President Mnangagwa stressed that other lockdown regulations already in place, from unnecessary movement, wearing of face masks in public and social distancing to sanitising hands and screening everyone entering operating businesses and offices not only remain in place, but needed to be followed strictly.

Zimbabwe on Wednesday recorded 214 new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of known cases to 2034.

The new infections include 123 returnees from South Africa, 1 from Zambia and 90 local cases who are isolated.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care announced in a statement that 15 of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases.

The statement also observed that recoveries were now at 510 after 22 more people recovered on Wednesday while fatalities remain at twenty-six (26).

THE ruling ZANU PF party has endorsed new Covid-19 control measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying all progressive Zimbabweans should play their part in the fight to combat the spread of the pandemic.

The dusk to dawn Covid-19 curfew and other strict measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa which came into effect this Wednesday have received the full backing of the ruling Zanu PF party which implored all progressive Zimbabweans to desist from being misled by anti-government forces.

“We applaud our president and our government, for this noble and informed decision of tightening lockdown regulations. We implore Zimbabweans to desist from being misinformed by merchants of propaganda, fake news peddlers who have suddenly gone overdrive to misinform our people by insinuating that we have a military curfew. We do not have a military curfew but a lockdown curfew which the president has declared and those who violate it will have themselves to blame,” noted Chinamasa.

Chinamasa added that Zanu PF will not fold hands and watch while hostile forces put the country at risk.

“It high time those planning violence know that this country has authorities and there is neither vacuum nor vacancy at any level of those authorities from the lowest level of authority to the presidency, he added.

Turning to the arrest of journalist cum propagandist, Hopewell Chin’ono, the ruling party said the media should be reminded that journalists are not above the law as anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

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

https://www.facebook.com/zanupfparty/videos/951743138606459/

STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF HARARE MAYOR HERBERT GOMBA

We have learnt of the arrest of Harare Mayor, Councillor Herbert Gomba.

We are yet to be briefed by his lawyers on the reason for his arrest and the full nature of the charges that he faces. Once these are available, we will issue a detailed statement.

We condemn the unconstitutional nature of Mayor Herbert Gomba’s arrest as he was seized by military intelligence officers in the middle of the night in the presence of his wife and children.

He was not informed of the reason for his arrest or afforded any of his constitutional safeguards as required by the law.

This nocturnal arrest by security agents cannot go unchallenged.

More information will be availed in due course.
Fadzayi Mahere [National Spokesperson]

Some universities are postponing their end of semester examinations as a precaution against the spike in local Covid-19 cases with most allowing students already present to finish writing their exams, but are postponing exams still to be written.

Each university or college is expected to make decisions based on the situation on the ground.

Classes that were yet to begin writing are the most likely to be affected as most universities have, or are likely to, postpone exams.

Great Zimbabwe University has since told students of the postponement in a statement by registrar Ms Sinikiwe Gwatidzo which gave students 24 hours to return to their homes.

“Students who had travelled for face to face tuition, practical lessons and subsequent examinations return to their homes beginning today 22 July.

“Vacation of halls of residence shall be allowed up to the end of day tomorrow, Thursday 23 July ,” the notice said.

The university postponed examinations, which were scheduled from August 3 to August 7, to a date still to be announced.

The University of Zimbabwe has also suspended exams save for final year medical students from 2019 whose assessment is overdue by nearly a year.

UZ Registrar Dr Noah Mutongoreni said examinations scheduled for dates beyond July 26 have been postponed.

“All examinations beyond week ending 24 July 2020 are effectively deferred and students are expected to continue with their online classes and also hand in their projects and dissertations as earlier advised.

Clinical classes and examinations for MBChB and BDS Part V are unaffected and remain as previously scheduled,” Dr Mutongoreni said-Chronicle

Former Kwekwe City Councillor, Alderman Reason Nyamadzawo has died.

Nyamadzawo is former councillor for Ward 5 where he served for two terms on a ZANU-PF ticket.

A veteran educationist who was a teacher for more than two decades before venturing into politics, Nyamadzawo died of suspected sugar diabetes at a private clinic.
He was 76.

Nyamadzawo was also paternal grandfather to 6-year old Axellia Nyamadzawo who was allegedly murdered by her mother in South Africa.

His son Tino Nyamadzawo said the family was still in shock.

“I was called this morning (Tuesday) and told that his sugar levels were giving problems. I rushed him to private clinic where he was pronounced dead upon admission,” said Tino.

He said the family was still to come to terms with Nyamadzawo’s death.

“We are still in shock as a family as we never expected anything of that nature to would happen. He was strong all along and going about business but then all of a sudden, this happens,” said Tino.

Mourners are gathered at his Mbizo 4 residence.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

At the time of his death, Nyamadzawo was Zanu-PF vice chairperson for Rusununguko District in Kwekwe.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Provincial Spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri said the province had applied that he be accorded provincial hero status.

“As Kwekwe district, we are lobbying with the national and relevant authorities that he be accorded at provincial hero status.

This is so because he is a national war liberator who went on to work hard for the party even after independence. As you are aware, he was a councillor and served the party diligently,” he said-Chronicle

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dangerous man in charge of State Affairs, MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has said.

Briefing journalists in Harare during the trial of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono, Biti described Mnangagwa’s government as the worst administration ever in the history of the country.

Ngarivhume and Chin’ono were arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

Said Biti:”Those who are fighting corruption are being persecuted while criminals are walking scot-free.

A dangerous man is in charge of State affairs.

Dangerous people are running the country and nobody is safe.

Journalists are being persecuted, pressure groups and church leaders are also not safe.Nobody is safe in Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa has imposed a curfew on us – we have never heard of such a thing after independence.”

Update On Jacob Ngarivhume Court Case

Judgement to be delivered tmrw. Court business ended at 1500 hrs as per Covid -19 lockdown regulations. Court will sit tmrw at 1115 hours…

As such Ngarivhume has been remanded in custody to tomorrow.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 22, 2020

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has declared that the Zanu PF Youth League cannot stop the wave of change.

Below is the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly statement :

22-07-2020

Reckless utterances by ZANU PF Youth League that they are going to counter 31 July mass protests against corruption are unfortunate and ill thought.

Statements by the delusional ZANU PF Youth League Deputy Secretary one Tendai Chirau that they will counter 31 July is a clear manifestation of wishful thinking and day dreaming.

July 31 is about the people, the suffering masses so not even a small youth grouping of a political party in dilapidation like ZANU PF has the capacity to stop Zimbabweans from speaking against corruption.

Whatever victory Chirau claims they will be celebrating, they better do that inside their Shake Shake building.

Out there people are hungry and angry hence we are not going to entertain any tomfoolery meant to harbour corrupt government criminals.

Maybe Chirau needs to dig a little bit into history and his family lineage.

Certainly he will find one of his grandfathers, one Chief Jeremiah Chirau who went to bed with Ian Douglas Smith against the masses’ call for freedom.

We all know what happened to that adulterated “masquerade” called Chief Chirau.

He was swept away together with his handler, Ian Smith by the winds of change.

Just like 1979, July 31 knows no puppets of dictators and those that stand in the way of the people will be swept aside.

Forewarned is forearmed!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Dear Valued Customer,
We regret to announce that some of our staff members tested positive to COVID-19 and are now quarantined.

Strict measures around contact-tracing and testing have been taken on these cases as guided by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

There has been a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country in recent days and as an organisation, we place our priority in the safety of our staff, customers and the public at large.

We, therefore, wish to inform you that all Econet Shops will be temporarily closed, effective Wednesday, July 22, 2020, until further notice.

In the interim, we will disinfect and sanitise all our shops to make them safe for our staff and customers upon re-opening at a date to be announced.

We urge our customers to use the following alternative digital channels to access our services during this period:
Toll-Free Number: 111
WhatsApp: 0771222904 – 905
Facebook: @econetzimbabwe, @elevateyouthzw, @econetconnectedlifestyle
Twitter: @econet_support, @econetzimabwe, @elevateyouthzw
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Skype: Econet Customer Care
As we continue the fight this pandemic, we encourage our customers, stakeholders and the nation to keep taking the necessary precautions in preventing the spread of the disease.

These include washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, wearing a face mask, covering your mouth when coughing, maintaining social distance and self-isolation for those who suspect they are infected by the disease.

We thank you for your continued support, cooperation and patience during these challenging and uncertain times.
COVID19 is real.

Please stay safe and #MaskUpZimbabwe!
Econet Wireless

A cop at a roadblock in Masvingo on Tuesday threatened to shoot a TellZim journalist.

The police officer had demanded that Upenyu Chaota go back home as ‘nobody’ was allowed to get into town.

The journalist was then detained for an hour and forced to sit on the ground.

Brandishing an assault rifle, the officer refused to accept Chaota’s presscard saying he was illiterate and could not read. Under the Covid-19 national lockdown regulations, the media are considered an essential service provider. The lockdown is very tight in Masvingo today- source :TellZim News

The government has warned pro-democracy activists who are planning to hold street protests on July 31 that they will be treated like terrorists and likely end up being jailed.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told the Daily News on Sunday that authorities will not fold their hands and allow malcontents to demonstrate in the middle of a pandemic and infect other people with coronavirus.

Said Ziyambi:
Anyone who goes into the streets against that advice is equivalent to a terrorist … so that we can deal with them accordingly.

All information has been put in the public domain to say that this pandemic is serious …

Anyone who then disregards those regulations and exposes people to danger in that manner I don’t see any reason why we cannot find a law that we can use in terms of terrorism activity to deal with those individuals.

Police on Monday arrested the main organiser of the protests Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of a small opposition political party called Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) and charged him with contravening Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence’.

Unbridled corruption which has cost the country billions of dollars and the general socio-economic decay which has accelerated since the November 2017 military coup has generated despondency and hopelessness among Zimbabweans-Daily News

By Emmerson Mnangagwa On Facebook

1–All non-working sections of our population will be required to stay at home; except for purposes of securing food, water and health services.

Where travel and social contact becomes essential and inevitable, every Zimbabwean should and must uphold the four requirements set out by the World Health Organization, W.H.O., which are:

a–Wearing masks or equivalent protective materials;

b–Observing strict standards of hygiene, including the washing of hands or use of sanitizers;

c–Mandatory screening in all public places and buildings;

d–Social distancing in all public places and at all times;

2–With effect from tomorrow Wednesday 22 July 2020, all business premises must operate from 0800HRS until 1500HRS, with the exception of providers of essential services.

3–As of tomorrow Wednesday 22 July 2020, all our Security Services must enforce a dusk-to-dawn curfew set to come into force daily between 1800HRS and 0600HRS. Only essential services are exempt from this curfew.

4–All business operations and premises are required to observe and enforce World Health organisation anti-Covid-19 standards which include observing social distance at workplaces, wearing of masks at all times, regular screenings and strict hygienic standards at workplaces;

5–Only registered SMES which have been allocated workspaces will be allowed to operate, and must comply with the parameters and protocols set by the World Health Organisation.

6–Our food markets will remain open and operational, and must observe set measures, rules and requirements meant to uphold public health. Suppliers to markets should be facilitated to reach the markets, including by our Security Forces;

7–Inter-city/town public transport and inessential transport to all rural areas remain banned.

8–All approved buses and vehicles for public transport should ensure and enforce public health standards, including the screening of passengers before boarding, and the disinfecting of all public vehicles after each round trip;

9–Public gatherings for social, religious or political purposes remain banned. Funeral gatherings remain curtailed, in line with public health requirements.

10–Desertion from places of quarantine by returnees and infected persons, resulting in the exposure of innocent lives to the virus will be considered a criminal act and invite very robust response from our law and public health-enforcement arms.

Press Statement

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) notes the exposé by lawyer Dr Alex Magaisa demonstrating how the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) loan facility designed to support commercial agriculture between 2007 and 2008 was politicised, polluted and plundered.

The exposé shows that the Farm Mechanisation looting is one of the greatest scandals in Zimbabwe post the new Millennium with at least US200 million dollars taxpayers money being looted by government Ministers, ruling party officials, clergymen and many other individuals who are connected to the ruling party.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls on the government of Zimbabwe to repeal the RBZ Debt assumption Bill and we, therefore, demand that everyone who benefitted from the loan facility MUST pay back the loans with interests.

We call upon the law enforcement agencies to do all they can to ensure that all the money that can be recovered must be paid back in full, including attaching properties of the individuals who benefitted from defrauding of the Farm Mechanisation loan facility. Now that the list is available, the Coalition expects the police to swiftly act on those who should be held accountable. The admittance by Gono in 2007 that the Farm Mechanisation programme was a loan facility which farmers were supposed to pay back is evidence enough to lay criminal charges against the beneficiaries. And to avoid conflict of interest, all the Judges and officers of the court who benefitted from this state loan facility must recuse themselves.

The shocking revelations only serve to confirm our long-held claims that corruption by the government, ZANU PF heavyweights and their connected elites are one of the largest contributors to the crisis in Zimbabwe.

The high-level corruption in Zimbabwe is going unchecked at a time when the government has failed to pay civil servants and when most of the country’s citizens are grovelling in grinding poverty. What is more embarrassing is that at the time of issuing out these loans, Zimbabwe’s economy was on its knees with rising cost of living, ever-increasing inflation, industrial output at its lowest and a weak local currency.

The Coalition maintains that the government should stem out the growing tide of corruption which has left the country on its knees. Endemic mismanagement has resulted in failure to prioritize pressing needs such as paying salaries of our hardworking civil servants.

Lack of will by the government to act on recommendations from the Auditor General’s office regarding corruption in government departments, including the President’s Office is also a pointer that corruption is going on unabated in Zimbabwe.

The so-called new administration led by President Mnangagwa has failed to deliver its promises to uproot corruption in the country as evidenced by an increase in the number of corruption cases including members of the First Family and their immediate connections.

Section 196 of the Constitution provides that public officers in leadership positions must abide by the following principles – honesty in the execution of public duties; accountability to the public for decisions and actions. Section 308 adds that it is the duty of every person who has custody or control of public property to safeguard the property and ensure that it is not lost, destroyed, damaged, misapplied or misused.

The Coalition also highlights the reality that the people of Zimbabwe now know that under Mr. Mnangagwa and the ZANU PF government has been reduced into systemic corruption and web of lies reflected in the many lies and distortions performed by public officials, notably former RBZ Governor Gono who lied to Zimbabwe about the Farm Mechanisation programme.

We, therefore, demand that the Government of Zimbabwe takes corrective measures to bring sanity and soberness to our nation by urgently instituting a Commission of Enquiry tasked with further investigating the RBZ loan saga.

CNBC Africa

In the last days of President Robert Mugabe the political scene painted British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a pantomime villain. The late President Mugabe railed against Blair at political rallies, in the early years of this century, calling him “B-Liar” and saying famously at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg in 2002: “You can keep your England, I shall keep my Zimbabwe.” Blair is unfazed by the years of criticism, in his decade in power at Westminster, and says he is happy to speak to Mugabe’s successor President Emerson Mnangagwa.

More than a decade on Blair – who now runs an institute promoting good governance in Africa – was asked how acrimonious his not very special relationship with Zimbabwe was, in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa from London.

“I think acrimonious was probably and understatement!” smiled Blair more than a decade on.

“I am happy to speak to Mnangagwa, but these things are best done in a private way. I was actually thinking about Zimbabwe the other day. I think, at certain points, there were misunderstandings, not genuine disagreements. If Zimbabwe were to get its act together it would be an exciting place to be.”

Blair went further to call for reform in Zimbabwe and was effusive in his praise of the country were the politicians once scorned him.

“Zimbabwe I hope the new leadership there will take the necessary measure and reforms because Zimbabwe is a very wealthy country and I meet Zimbabweans around the world and they are a very talented people. I want the government to succeed; it really is what has to be done. I do think it is what needs to happened there not just opening up political space, but also economic reforms to take the country to a boom. If the government there showed real commitment or reform, it would help in the future because we need Zimbabwe back as a player in the continent,” says Blair.  

The former British Prime Minister’s encouraging words contrast the bitterness that the late President Mugabe felt for Blair in return. The ruling ZANU pf party called its 2005 election campaign the “Anti-Blair Vote.”

At the launch of that election campaign, in December 2004, Mugabe set the tone with the words: “Regime change, Mr Blair? Who are you? Who are you to talk of regime change in Zimbabwe? One of us, by what connection sir, do you hear me? Ancestral connection? And who were these ancestors, can we know? No, Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans. And only Zimbabweans can determine who shall rule them and who shall not. Whether there is a situation here of political order, of lawlessness, violation of the rule of law, violation of human rights, lack of democracy, our neighbours would know that better than the British government… It is our land, ancestral land, our sacred land, never an extension of Britain.”

Own Correspondent

The state has presented a series of Tweets by Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume that they are using as evidence that he incited Zimbabweans to violently remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power.

Below are the Tweets:

• A. Today I spent the day meeting and consulting different stakeholders, mobilizing for the #31 July movement. I met with top bishops, Ian Makone, Dr @ShingiMunyeza, Elton Mangoma and @CdeGodfreyTsenaz. The buy-in is growing, CORRUPTION IS IN TROUBLE and HOPE is on the way.

• B. 1. On the 31st of July I’m proposing a national demonstration. People are suffering so that Mnagagwa can live out his fantasy to be a president. As a people we need to think logically.
• C. THESE CORRUPT CRIMINALS ARE DESTROYING OUR FUTURE. LET’S BRING OUR SUFFERING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION. LETS COME TOGETHER AS CITIZENS AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
  #TAZOJAR3RWA #BAYASIJWAYELA. THE PEOPLE WILL SPEAK AGAIN
  PULLING TOGETHER TO MAKE ZIMBABWE A JEWEL AGAIN

There is low activity in the Central Business District (CBD) of Harare today as the public took heed of Government’s call to stay at home during this lockdown period.

President Mnangagwa yesterday called on non-working people to stay at home and only move for essentials such as when buying food, find water or for medical reasons.

People were advised to wear masks outside of homes; everyone screened entering public places and buildings; social distancing observed; public transport passengers screened and sanitised on boarding with buses disinfected between round trips while the intercity movement remained banned.

These measures are meant to curb the spread of Covid 19 which has been prevalent worldwide.

A survey conducted by The Herald around the capital city today revealed that there is a notable decline of public movement in the CBD.

There was however a notable number of people buying groceries at some major supermarkets as people were stocking up on food supplies.

“We need to stay indoors as was directed by the President. That is why I am stocking up on my groceries. It is safe to stay indoors and everyone should do the same. Covid 19 has proven to be disastrous and every measure should be followed,” said one woman who only identified herself as Mrs Moyana of Harare.

The situation was different at most hiking spots along major roads which go in and out of Harare. Travellers were seen milling along the roads trying to secure transport to various destinations out of Harare.

Hitch hikers along Bindura Road said they wanted to be at their homes before 6 pm when the curfew begins.

“I stay in Mvurwi, that is where I am heading right now. I am aware there is a curfew and I don’t want to be caught on the wrong side come sunset.

“I had visited the capital to buy some essentials,” said Mr Edgar Shiri.

Among other measures, Government imposed a night curfew from 6pm to 6am for all but essential services and a retreat to 8am to 3pm working hours for exempted businesses along with criminalisation of deliberate or reckless transmission of Covid-19.

Jestina Mukoko-led Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has suggested that journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe were profiled by an unidentified woman while in police custody.

Ironically, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has denied knowledge of the said woman. We present ZPP’s Twitter thread below.

According to the complaints filed by the defense team representing Hopewell Chin’ono in court today, Chin’ono and Ngarivhume were profiled by an unknown woman at 4 am in police cells. The police have denied knowledge of who this woman was.

This is worrying, & is testimony that indeed, the three MDC youth leaders could have been abducted from police custody. Moreso, it raises concern over the safety and personal security of suspects while they are in police custody.

Police custody should be the safest place, and unless the police are complicit, such things should never happen. This case should be investigated and the truth should come out.

The three female MDC Alliance officials in question – Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova claimed that they were kidnapped from police custody and were tortured and sexually assaulted for about 24 hours.

Police have not yet explained how the trio was later found dumped outside Harare when they had been arrested and put in police custody the previous day.

More: The ZPP

State Media

IN a shocking incident, 10 juveniles aged between four and 10 years allegedly broke into a bar in Hwange, stole beer worth about $2 500 and consumed some of it.

Like in a film script, the lads reportedly entered Jabulani Beerhall at Number One suburb through a drainage pipe at the back of the premises on Monday morning.

Sources who are privy to the incident told The Chronicle that three children who were the ringleaders, broke into the beer, stole different kinds of liquor.

They went on a boozing spree, before distributing some of the alcohol to members of the public.

A parent of one of the boys who cannot be named to protect the identity of the juvenile, said he was shocked when he was phoned about the issue.

“I was at work when I received a phone call stating that some children including my son had broken into Jabulani Beerhall.

They allegedly used the drainage pipe to enter the closed beerhall and surprisingly consumed beer worth $2 500,” said the parent.

He said on the scene there were some empty bottles of cane spirits.

The parent said it was shocking that kids below the age of 10 could and were consuming alcohol.

“As a parents we wondered how children could consume such alcohol without getting drunk. There are suspicions that some members of the community took advantage and looted the beer after the incident.

‘What is of concern is that three parents whose children were ring leaders were made to pay the $2 500 for an offence committed by minors who at law cannot be charged. While we are concerned as parents about this incident, we are also equally worried about how it was handled because there was no justice by making parents pay,” said the parent.

The Chronicle was told the three ring leaders were taken to police in the company of their parents who were ordered to compensate the bar owner.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Makonese could not comment on the issue as she was out of office.

Hwange Local Board councillor for ward 9, Cllr Fani Chirwa in whose ward the incident took place, said the incident is a sign of lack of monitoring of children by parents.

“This is a confusing incident because it’s as if we are failing as parents to keep our children safe at home not only from coronavirus but from various kinds of abuse including substance abuse. Let’s try to keep our children at home as much as possible especially given these Covid-19 times. Kids are safer at home because outside they get influenced into various misdemeanours. We have to help each other as parents and community to maintain order and ensure a safer environment for our children,” said Cllr Chirwa.

Greater Whange Residents Trust coordinator Mr Fidelis Chima concurred.

He said children could be tired of staying indoors because of the lockdown.

“We are shocked that young boys can do such a thing. We implore parents to monitor children so they are safe from Covid-19 and other abuses. This is a sad development and it’s partly because there are no recreational activities because of the lockdown which left schools closed,” said Mr Chima.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has dismissed as ungrounded the allegations that the strict lockdown regulations imposed recently are meant thwart anti-government protests slated for the 31st of July.

Mangwana said the regulations are meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus whose cases have spiked lately.

Mangwana refused to comment on the arrest of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume saying their cases were before the courts.

Watch the video downloading below for more.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police should exhibit the highest standard of discipline and integrity in the discharge of its duties in line with the expectations of the new dispensation, Deputy Commissioner General, Administration Learner Ncube has said.

He was speaking after a tour of some projects being undertaken at Support Unit headquarters at Chikurubi in Harare.

“Operationally, the Support Unit is the paramilitary wing of the organisation whose mandate is to support other departments whenever the need arises. It is an important player in the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the country,” he said.

“The conduct, performance and appearance of a member of the unit must therefore be of the highest standard since the community looks upon you as custodians of organisation standards. Any member, who aspires to put on the eagle emblem, must be of impeccable character.

“I therefore implore you to be encourage your subordinates to remain dedicated to the unit and to exhibit the highest standard of discipline and integrity so that your character and actions mirror the new brand that the organisation envisages.”

A police officer on 21 July 2020 reportedly threatened to shoot TellZim journalist Upenyu Chaota in Zimbabwe’s southern border town of Masvingo.

According to a Tweet by TellZim, the police officer had demanded that Chaota should go back home as no one was being allowed to get into town. “Brandishing an assault rifle, the officer refused to accept Chaota’s press card saying he was illiterate and could not read,” reads the Tweet.

MISA Zimbabwe position

MISA Zimbabwe is greatly concerned that cases involving the unlawful harassment, assault and arrests of journalists continue with impunity as the culprits are never brought to book.

This is despite the fact that the media has been declared an essential service in terms of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations and measures.

We, therefore, reiterate our incessant calls for these cases to be investigated and ensure the perpetrators are brought to account for their criminal acts which seriously undermine the lawful and professional duties of the media, and ultimately citizens’ right to access to information.

Zanu PF has unashamedly said the Mechanisation support rendered to their senior party leaders and suporters from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was a necessary process to ensure the success of the historic land reform programme,

The party said this in light of revelations by activist Alex Magaisa that only senior government officials and ZANU PF faithfuls corruptly benefited from the farm mechanisation programme and that the beneficiaries never paid back the money.

This stance by the party follows some ambiguous clarifications made by then Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, Gideon Gono, who spearheaded the programme, that beneficiaries were not expected to pay back.

Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said the agricultural revolution had necessitated the extraordinary interventions by government, for example in the form of the farm mechanisation programme.

He said the farm mechanisation programme was undertaken as an empowerment tool and was a subsidy not a loan.

“Governments the world over subsidise farmers, the key ingredient is agricultural policies the world over is to produce food and raw materials to feed into the manufacturing sector more cheaply,” he said in a statement.

“Programmes of subsidy include mechanization, fertilisers, farm infrastructure such as irrigation. This is a major policy in most countries including China, USA, Australia, Russia and India. Zimbabwe should not be an exception, more so in an evolving situation where the country had a new crop of farmers previously discriminated against. The need for subsidies was and is more imperative.”

Chinamasa said the land reform programme benefited more than 350 000 households under the A1 scheme while more than 19 000 households benefited under the A2 scheme.

“These government interventions were intended to develop capacity for all categories of farmers in order to render the land reform programme a success. Zanu PF is of the same view that the interventions have been largely successful and has kept the country afloat for the past 20 years notwithstanding the sanctions and the general isolation of the country. The interventions have kept the country afloat thus far.”

Chinamasa said the allegations by Magaisa were an attack on the land reform programme and other empowerment programmes that have been carried out since independence.

“The attack on capacity development interventions by government aimed at enhancing productive farming as well as keeping the economy afloat is an attack on the general Zimbabwean population. The empowerment programmes or initiatives were not confined to agriculture but encompassed the health services sector through a programme named the health sector skills retention scheme, support given to Parliamentarians across the political divide, chiefs, headmen and rural people who benefited from the mechanization programme and were provided with animal drawn implements. The list is endless,” he said.

“Zanu PF has no apologies to make for the revolutionary land redistribution programme embarked upon from 2000, it makes no apologies for the government interventions in the various sectors of the economy including the farm mechanisation programme to empower its new farmers in order to render the land reform successful. Zanu PF is proud that over the past 20 years, under very difficult circumstances, it has managed to keep the revolution on course and it will not be distracted by the machinations of the opposition founded and funded by foreign interests to oppose the land reform programme and the political and economic empowerment of the population.”

Source: New Ziana

OPPOSITION politician and organiser of the July 31 mass protests Jacob Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will both spend the night behind bars tonight.

The pair is being accused of conspiring to mobilise anti-Government protests planned for July 31.

The two, who appeared before two different magistrates, were formally charged with “incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.”

In both cases, the prosecution is opposing bail.

By A Correspondent- A Harare judge has slammed a warrant authorising the Zimbabwe Republic Police to seize the entire database of Econet customers.

Granting Econet a stay of execution, Justice Edith Mushore said the directive was a replica of what transpired during Rhodesia.

She said:

“This is not Rhodesia!”

Advocates Thabani Mpofu and Tafadzwa Mapuranga appeared for Econet.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for more details….

1–All non-working sections of our population will be required to stay at home; except for purposes of securing food, water and health services.

Where travel and social contact becomes essential and inevitable, every Zimbabwean should and must uphold the four requirements set out by the World Health Organization, W.H.O., which are:

a–Wearing masks or equivalent protective materials;

b–Observing strict standards of hygiene, including the washing of hands or use of sanitizers;

c–Mandatory screening in all public places and buildings;

d–Social distancing in all public places and at all times;

2–With effect from tomorrow Wednesday 22 July 2020, all business premises must operate from 0800HRS until 1500HRS, with the exception of providers of essential services.

3–As of tomorrow Wednesday 22 July 2020, all our Security Services must enforce a dusk-to-dawn curfew set to come into force daily between 1800HRS and 0600HRS. Only essential services are exempt from this curfew.

4–All business operations and premises are required to observe and enforce World Health organisation anti-Covid-19 standards which include observing social distance at workplaces, wearing of masks at all times, regular screenings and strict hygienic standards at workplaces;

5–Only registered SMES which have been allocated workspaces will be allowed to operate, and must comply with the parameters and protocols set by the World Health Organisation.

6–Our food markets will remain open and operational, and must observe set measures, rules and requirements meant to uphold public health. Suppliers to markets should be facilitated to reach the markets, including by our Security Forces;

7–Inter-city/town public transport and inessential transport to all rural areas remain banned.

8–All approved buses and vehicles for public transport should ensure and enforce public health standards, including the screening of passengers before boarding, and the disinfecting of all public vehicles after each round trip;

9–Public gatherings for social, religious or political purposes remain banned. Funeral gatherings remain curtailed, in line with public health requirements.

10–Desertion from places of quarantine by returnees and infected persons, resulting in the exposure of innocent lives to the virus will be considered a criminal act and invite very robust response from our law and public health-enforcement arms.

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dangerous man in charge of State Affairs, MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has said.

Briefing journalists in Harare during the trial of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono, Biti described Mnangagwa’s government as the worst administration ever in the history of the country.

Ngarivhume and Chin’ono were arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

Said Biti:”Those who are fighting corruption are being persecuted while criminals are walking scot-free.

A dangerous man is in charge of State affairs.

Dangerous people are running the country and nobody is safe.

Journalists are being persecuted, pressure groups and church leaders are also not safe.

Mnangagwa has imposed a curfew on us – we have never heard of such a thing after independence.”

ZANU PF endorses the directive to tighten the lock down measures declared by His Excellency, the president Emmerson Mnangagwa… says Patrick Chinamasa pic.twitter.com/WQQ8YO35qn

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 22, 2020

Both Hopewell and Jacob’s bail hearings have been postponed until tomorrow morning on the basis that due to the curfew courts are closing early. Ruling for Jacob at 11:15. Continuation of bail hearing for Hopewell at 8:30 am. They will he detained at Harare Remand Prison tonight.

— Doug Coltart ✊??? (@DougColtart) July 22, 2020

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) notes the exposé by lawyer Dr Alex Magaisa demonstrating how the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) loan facility designed to support commercial agriculture between 2007 and 2008 was politicised, polluted and plundered.

The exposé shows that the Farm Mechanisation looting is one of the greatest scandals in Zimbabwe post the new Millennium with at least US200 million dollars taxpayers money being looted by government Ministers, ruling party officials, clergymen and many other individuals who are connected to the ruling party.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition calls on the government of Zimbabwe to repeal the RBZ Debt assumption Bill and we, therefore, demand that everyone who benefitted from the loan facility MUST pay back the loans with interests.

We call upon the law enforcement agencies to do all they can to ensure that all the money that can be recovered must be paid back in full, including attaching properties of the individuals who benefitted from defrauding of the Farm Mechanisation loan facility.

Now that the list is available, the Coalition expects the police to swiftly act on those who should be held accountable. The admittance by Gono in 2007 that the Farm Mechanisation programme was a loan facility which farmers were supposed to pay back is evidence enough to lay criminal charges against the beneficiaries. And to avoid conflict of interest, all the Judges and officers of the court who benefitted from this state loan facility must recuse themselves.

The shocking revelations only serve to confirm our long-held claims that corruption by the government, ZANU PF heavyweights and their connected elites are one of the largest contributors to the crisis in Zimbabwe.

The high-level corruption in Zimbabwe is going unchecked at a time when the government has failed to pay civil servants and when most of the country’s citizens are grovelling in grinding poverty.

What is more embarrassing is that at the time of issuing out these loans, Zimbabwe’s economy was on its knees with rising cost of living, ever-increasing inflation, industrial output at its lowest and a weak local currency.

The Coalition maintains that the government should stem out the growing tide of corruption which has left the country on its knees. Endemic mismanagement has resulted in failure to prioritize pressing needs such as paying salaries of our hardworking civil servants.

Lack of will by the government to act on recommendations from the Auditor General’s office regarding corruption in government departments, including the President’s Office is also a pointer that corruption is going on unabated in Zimbabwe.

The so-called new administration led by President Mnangagwa has failed to deliver its promises to uproot corruption in the country as evidenced by an increase in the number of corruption cases including members of the First Family and their immediate connections.

Section 196 of the Constitution provides that public officers in leadership positions must abide by the following principles – honesty in the execution of public duties; accountability to the public for decisions and actions. Section 308 adds that it is the duty of every person who has custody or control of public property to safeguard the property and ensure that it is not lost, destroyed, damaged, misapplied or misused.

The Coalition also highlights the reality that the people of Zimbabwe now know that under Mr. Mnangagwa and the ZANU PF government has been reduced into systemic corruption and web of lies reflected in the many lies and distortions performed by public officials, notably former RBZ Governor Gono who lied to Zimbabwe about the Farm Mechanisation programme.

We, therefore, demand that the Government of Zimbabwe takes corrective measures to bring sanity and soberness to our nation by urgently instituting a Commission of Enquiry tasked with further investigating the RBZ loan saga.

Source: Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC)

This is despite the fact that the media has been declared an essential service in terms of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations and measures.https://t.co/H9eTLnwoLo

— MISA Zimbabwe (@misazimbabwe) July 22, 2020

A police officer on 21 July 2020 reportedly threatened to shoot TellZim journalist Upenyu Chaota in Zimbabwe’s southern border town of Masvingo.

According to a Tweet by TellZim, the police officer had demanded that Chaota should go back home as no one was being allowed to get into town. “Brandishing an assault rifle, the officer refused to accept Chaota’s press card saying he was illiterate and could not read,” reads the Tweet.

MISA Zimbabwe position

MISA Zimbabwe is greatly concerned that cases involving the unlawful harassment, assault and arrests of journalists continue with impunity as the culprits are never brought to book.

This is despite the fact that the media has been declared an essential service in terms of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations and measures.

We, therefore, reiterate our incessant calls for these cases to be investigated and ensure the perpetrators are brought to account for their criminal acts which seriously undermine the lawful and professional duties of the media, and ultimately citizens’ right to access to information.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will spend another night in detention after Harare Magistrate postponed the ruling on his bail application to tomorrow.

Chin’ono was arrested on Monday and charged with inciting public violence.

He appeared in court today with his lawyers led by Beatrice Mtetwa raising complaints that his rights were infringed on while in police custody.

This forced the magistrate to rule that an investigation be done and submissions be made by the 27th of July.

Meanwhile, Chin’ono’s co-accused Jacob Ngarivhume is still waiting for a ruling on his bail application.

More to follow…

A Bindura woman is battling for life with an axe stuck in her head four days after being struck by her husband last Saturday.

Enita Manyara, 40, was rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals soon after the attack where she is admitted in the intensive care unit after she was struck by her husband Virimayi Kambezo, 41.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying the husband was found dead by a river a few meters away from the homestead.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the death of a man believed to have struck his wife with an axe at Retreat Farm in Bindura on Saturday,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

“Circumstances were that the wife was reported to have left the house and visited her relative in their neighbourhood to watch television.

“She returned home around midnight and found her husband asleep and the two quarrelled before the husband took an axe and struck her on head.

“The husband was later found dead near a river a few meters away from their homestead-H-Metro

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dangerous man in charge of State Affairs, MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has said.

Briefing journalists in Harare during the trial of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono, Biti described Mnangagwa’s government as the worst administration ever in the history of the country.

Ngarivhume and Chin’ono were arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

Said Biti:”Those who are fighting corruption are being persecuted while criminals are walking scot-free.

A dangerous man is in charge of State affairs.

Dangerous people are running the country and nobody is safe.

Journalists are being persecuted, pressure groups and church leaders are also not safe.

Mnangagwa has imposed a curfew on us – we have never heard of such a thing after independence.”

The International Department of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has donated 30,000 testing kits, 220,000 surgical masks and 40,000 medical gloves to the ruling ZANU PF.

The donation was received by ZANU PF First Secretary Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa at State House on Tuesday.

Posting on Twitter Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun who handed over the donation said:

“Today, 30,000 testing kits, 220,000 surgical masks, 40,000 medical gloves & other PPEs donated by China was handed over. It was witnessed by H.E President Mnangagwa. In the face of challenges, we stand together with Zimbabwe.”

Mnangagwa said the support that Zimbabwe continues to receive from China is a testimony of the excellent relations that exist between the two countries.

“This timely gift is certainly a huge contribution whose impact will go a long way to mitigate the suffering amongst our people and boost our capacity for disease control,” he said.

-online

By A Correspondent- An estimated 200 health workers have tested positive to COVID-19, forcing some hospitals to shut down as government continues to dither on its promise to avail adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the health frontline workers, NewsDay reported.

The majority hit by the virus are student nurses who have been thrown to the deep end to run public hospitals in the absence of qualified nurses who have been on strike for the past 34 days demanding US$ salaries, better working conditions and adequate protective clothing.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enoch Dongo yesterday told a local publication that lack of PPE had immensely caused a spike in the number of health workers contracting the virus.

“About 200 nurses have tested positive to COVID-19,” Dongo said.

“It is saddening that there is an increase in the number of nurses who are testing positive for COVID-19. This goes to what we have been saying all along that the inadequate PPE is exposing frontline health workers to this deadly virus.”

This comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) yesterday wrote to Health acting permanent secretary Gibson Mhlanga expressing concern over the growing number of healthcare workers contracting the virulent disease at their workplaces.

“We have also noted that there is no priority in providing information in the ministry’s daily updatdes on the number of health professionals, the bedrock of the response, who have tested positive, recovering or deceased,” ZADHR secretary Norman Matara said.

“As ZADHR, we believe it is in the interest of health professionals and the public in general to be informed on the status of their colleagues and frontline staffers. We also urge the ministry to provide a brief on the numbers, region/ province and status of all health professionals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.”

Zimbabwe’s confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday shot to 1 820, with 26 deaths.

Nurses have been on strike for the 34 days with only student nurses and those on probation reporting for work at hospitals. Other health workers, fearing to contract the deadly virus, are reportedly taking leave days, forcing some hospitals to shut down even casualty departments that had remained operational.

Midlands provincial medical director Reginald Mhene confirmed that 25 nurses at Zvishavane Provincial Hospital over the weekend tested positive for COVID19. Three nurses at Claybank Private Hospital in Gweru also tested positive for COVID-19 after getting into contact with an infected patient last week.

Dongo added: “We are worried that without adequate and immediate intervention, the few nurses who continuously decide to subsidise the government by going to work are going to be ravished by the COVID-19 virus.”

“To this end, all nurses including those on probation are advised not to continue to go to work and to withdraw their labour. This is no longer an issue about remuneration only but it is also about their health.”

He added: “While COVID-19 is spreading all over, the government is not doing anything to capacitate our hospitals. We are surely bound to lose the fight against COVID-19 with this sort of approach.”

Dongo said the situation had worsened as the most vulnerable patients seeking medical assistance were being turned away from hospitals because of the absence of services.

“People are dying at home,” Dongo said.

Bulawayo City Council director of health services Edwin Sibanda yesterday raised concern over exposure of frontline health workers to COVID-19, disclosing that 70 out of the 525 cases recorded in the city were health workers, 51 of them student nurses.

Speaking at the handover of donations from Ezra Sibanda and Friends Initiative and the Rise and Shine Women’s Group to the local authority, Sibanda said the increasing cases among health workers and the spike in local transmissions was worrying.

“What is more worrying actually is the number of close to 70 being health care workers, 51 of them student nurses,” he said.

“But we have had nurses, student nurses, environment health technicians as well as doctors, student doctors or medical students, even clerical staff in hospitals being infected by this COVID-19.”

Edwin said the spike in local transmissions points to residents flouting lockdown regulations and other mitigation measures.

“As we speak, some of the health workers in institutions are on industrial strike for various reasons and we all know what happens when you are referred to a hospital and you don’t find health care workers there,” he said.

Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavima yesterday confirmed the Claybank positive cases.

“Out of the 29 nurses and staff members who were isolated at Claybank Hospital last week, three have tested positive for COVID-19,” Mavima said.

Douglas Chikobvu, the Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary general yesterday said: “What it means is that there is need for our employer to improve safety conditions of nurses at hospitals.

“Right now, we are also saying such risks of working in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 must be compensated by meaningful allowances, but nothing much is being done on that.”

-Newsday

#REDFLAG
1. According to the complaints filed by the defense team representing Hopewell Chin’ono in court today, Chin'ono and Ngarivhume were profiled by an unknown woman at 4am in police cells. The police have denied knowledge of who this woman was.

— The Zimbabwe Peace Project (@zppINFO) July 22, 2020

3. Police custody should be the safest place, and unless the police are complicit, such things should never happen. This case should be investigated and the truth should come out. @NewsDayZimbabwe @thestandardzim @brezhmalaba @zimlive #FreeHopewell #FreeJacob #FreeThemNow

— The Zimbabwe Peace Project (@zppINFO) July 22, 2020

The state has presented below tweets as evidence that Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe incited violence.

Ngarivhume was arrested on Monday and appeared in court this Wednesday.

A Harare magistrate is yet to rule on his bail request.

We present the tweets below.

• A. Today I spent the day meeting and consulting different stakeholders, mobilizing for the #31 July movement. I met with top bishops, Ian Makone, Dr @ShingiMunyeza, Elton Mangoma and @CdeGodfreyTsenaz. The buy-in is growing, CORRUPTION IS IN TROUBLE and HOPE is on the way.
• B. 1. On the 31st of July I’m proposing a national demonstration. People are suffering so that Mnagagwa can live out his fantasy to be a president. As a people we need to think logically.
• C. THESE CORRUPT CRIMINALS ARE DESTROYING OUR FUTURE. LET’S BRING OUR SUFFERING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION. LETS COME TOGETHER AS CITIZENS AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
  #TAZOJAR3RWA #BAYASIJWAYELA. THE PEOPLE WILL SPEAK AGAIN
  PULLING TOGETHER TO MAKE ZIMBABWE A JEWEL AGAIN

Watch the live video loading below…….

WATCH- "It's not sanctions but corruption" @nickmangwana @zanupf_patriots @cazawaty @mawarirej @TembaMliswa @ShumbaTapiwa @DrNkuSibanda pic.twitter.com/jmBX5dUonY

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 22, 2020

WATCH- Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network implores @edmnangagwa to release #HopewellChinono and #JacobNgarivhume @nickmangwana @PoliceZimbabwe @ZimHRNGOForum @CrisisinZim @ZLHRLawyers @ZimRights1 @SAHRDNetwork pic.twitter.com/ISiY4LeJ5x

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 22, 2020

6 men who fatally assaulted a man (30) on 15/7/20 at Matjinge Business Centre, Plumtree have been arrested. The man stole a cellphone from a shop taking advantage of the absence of the shopkeeper, who had gone to look for change. #notovigilantism

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 22, 2020

Rights activist and #Thisflag founder Evan Mawarire has demanded the freedom of arrested journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and politician Jacob Ngarivhume.

The duo Chin’ono and Ngarivhume are appearing at Harare magistrates court today.

Said Mawarire:

“#FreeHopewell #FreeJacobNgarivhume  These men Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume have committed no crime except to speak up as our constitution allows and demand a better nation for all. They must be freed,” Mawarire said via Twitter.

The suspects were arrested on Monday by the police who accuse  them of inciting violence ahead of street demonstrations planned for next week by activists against  corruption in government.