Heart-rending picture of Chitungwiza Hospital nurses vulnerable at work without PPE, while the new Health Minister Chiwenga enjoys a full spacesuit. pic.twitter.com/zntxlQzr0s

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 5, 2020

“Let’s use it to highlight and expose the atrocities perpetrated by the regime. Let’s keep this alive”: Chief Svosve.

Watch the live video loading below…..

NATIONAL football team stars have joined other local and international celebrities in condemning human rights abuses in the country under the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter  social media movement.

The movement, which was trending on social media and had almost one million tweets yesterday afternoon, started after security forces blocked a street demonstration last week.

It draws on the success of the global movement highlighting racial injustice that gained prominence after the death in May of Afro-American George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of the United States police.

Both local and international celebrities have endorsed the campaign including Kim Jayde, Cassper Nyovest, Tinashe, Buffalo Souljah and many others.

Now, senior national team stars including Warriors captain Knowledge Musona have also added their voices in speaking out against social injustices in the country.

Musona posted a message on his official Twitter account in support of the initiative. Other current Warriors stars including Khama Billiat, Talent Chawapiwa and Marshal Munetsi also showed their support of the campaign in their social media accounts.

The team’s poster by Billiat posted, “In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?

Job 12:10 #Zimbabweanlivesmatter#Everylifematter. In God we Trust”

France-based midfielder Munetsi wrote, “It is my utmost desire to see a Zimbabwe that is prosperous, peaceful, productive and progressive in all sectors, tolerant and full of love, faith and hope. Let us continue to pray for our beautiful Zimbabwe. #Zimbabweanlivesmatter,” while winger Chawapiwa posted “Talent “God is in control#Zimbabweanlivesmatterr.”

Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande led the cast of ex-team players who came out in the open condemning the clampdown on human rights.

“Prayers to my Zimbabwean brothers and sisters #Zimbabweanlivesmatter,” posted the Kaizer Chiefs hardman on his Twitter account.

Other former players who showed their support included Cuthbert Malajila and Matthew Rusike.

South Africa’s national team attacker Percy Tau also threw his weight behind the campaign.

Besides footballers, Zimbabwe-born Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira and former Zimbabwe cricket captain Brendan Taylor posted messages on their social media accounts in support.

The campaign has also caught the attention of American rapper and actor Ice Cube, while several prominent South African politicians have expressed their anger over use of brute force by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

In a televised speech yesterday, Mnangagwa said the protests, which were quashed by his security forces, was an “insurrection” meant to topple his administration.

He said “dark forces within and outside the country” were undermining economic recovery efforts.

“The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out,” he said.

Zimbabwe is facing an economic crisis, with inflation hovering around 737%, food and fuel shortages and a collapsing currency.

At least 60 people, including 2020 Booker Prize long-listed novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, were arrested for taking part in the foiled protests, according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Opposition leader Noah Manyika started a petition to compel the Zimbabwean state security forces to stop obeying unconstitutional orders.

Manyika’s petition has gathered momentum over the last few days in the wake of last week’s events.

In compelling people to sign the petition Dr Manyika appealed to the forces and said it was illegal to listen to an unconstitutional order:

Repressive governments have no incentive to change when the wall of protection around them is intact. Today, young soldiers, policemen and state security agents born just before or after 1980 are the strength of that wall. They perpetuate Zanu(PF)’s destructive rule at their own expense and yours, breaking down the doors of the regime’s perceived enemies in the dead of night and brutalizing citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest. The instruments of Zanu(PF)s brutality who abduct, rape, kill are to be found among

• your tribesmen, children, siblings, uncles, aunts, your friends, your in-laws. You may even be married to one of them.
• your neighbors, fellow workers, tenants, drinking partners, members of your faith community;

Their failure to understand that IT IS ILLEGAL TO OBEY AN ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL ORDER stands between you and your freedom. Our duty to present and future generations is to awaken with over a million signatures the conscience of the Born Frees in the regime’s Black Boots, Army, Police, Military Intelligence and CIO., etc., that IT IS LEGAL TO DISOBEY ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL ORDERS and that the legal fraternity and every Zimbabwean will offer their complete support to those who will take a stand.

Over 40 000 people have already signed the petition. You can check the progress of the petition on this link

Aren’t you the same @TembaMliswa who frequented our offices in Johannesburg pleading for assistance with the Zimbabwe when President RG and the G40 faction isolated you? Don’t change principles for convenience. We will speak against Mnangagwa in the same way we spoke on Pres RG. https://t.co/Siuc5u225u

— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) August 4, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights’ Obey Shava, who is representing the MDC Alliance trio, Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova has revealed that the court Wednesday morning apologised to the three over the continous shifting of dates for their trial date.

Shave said this while expressing concern over the continous revision of his clients’ trial dates arguing that the development posed security risks on the girls.

Speaking shortly after the court appearing of the trio at Harare magistrates court Wednesday morning, Shava said:

“When we last appeared on the 31st July 2020, the agreement had been that the trial date would be the 26 August 2020 as opposed to the 16th of September 2020. But the court had advised that it would be entertaining the trial on 26th September 2020. From our side, we had no issues with 26 September, we agreed with it and at the material time, the state equally agreed to have the matter rolled over to the 26th September for trial.

All of a sudden, we received summons calling upon our clients to report at court today for the correction of an error which had occurred regards the trial date, so we came and advised that ….the court had pronounced it’s date as the 26th September as opposed to August 2020.

But the main issue, the main worry which we highlighted to the court is that this attendance, today’s attendance was not necessary. It exposes our clients to risks, we know what happened on the 31st July when we appeared, we were detained illegally by the security forces.

One of my clients was assaulted, and for the state to continuously summon my clients to appear unnecessarily before the court, is really unreasonable. It’s inhumane to say the least, so I highlighted that to the court and the court apologised for everything that happened to my client, but eventually we then agreed that we’ll be coming back on the 26th August for trial.”

Watch the live video loading below…..

Ini kusapota Idhii, why supporting chidzoi, I support myself caz am way better than chidzoi chiripo ichi. https://t.co/bxNdAJMoHV

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) August 5, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights’ Obey Shava, who is representing the MDC Alliance trio, Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova has expressed concern over the continous revision of his clients’ trial dates arguing that the development posed security risks on the girls.

Speaking shortly after the court appearing of the trio at Harare magistrates court Wednesday morning, Shava said:

“When we last appeared on the 31st July 2020, the agreement had been that the trial date would be the 26 August 2020 as opposed to the 16th of September 2020. But the court had advised that it would be entertaining the trial on 26th September 2020. From our side, we had no issues with 26 September, we agreed with it and at the material time, the state equally agreed to have the matter rolled over to the 26th September for trial.

All of a sudden, we received summons calling upon our clients to report at court today for the correction of an error which had occurred regards the trial date, so we came and advised that ….the court had pronounced it’s date as the 26th September as opposed to August 2020.

But the main issue, the main worry which we highlighted to the court is that this attendance, today’s attendance was not necessary. It exposes our clients to risks, we know what happened on the 31st July when we appeared, we were detained illegally by the security forces.

One of my clients was assaulted, and for the state to continuously summon my clients to appear unnecessarily before the court, is really unreasonable. It’s inhumane to say the least, so I highlighted that to the court and the court apologised for everything that happened to my client, but eventually we then agreed that we’ll be coming back on the 26th August for trial.”

Watch the live video loading below…..

“For the state to continuously summon my client to appear unneccessarily before the courts is unreasonable, its inhumane to say the least.…” said Obey Shava shortly after the MDC Alliance trio’s appearance at Harare magistrates court Wednesday morning.

watch the live video loading below……

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO LOADING BELOW…..

Watch the live video loading below…..

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

MDC trio at court. Lawyer Obey Shava says: ” when we last appeared on the 31st July 2020,the agreement had been that the trial date would be the 26 Aug 2020 as opposed to the 16th Sept. But the court had advised that it would be entertaining the trial on 26th Sept. From our side, we had no issues with 26 Sept, we agree with it and at the material time, the state equally agreed to have the matter rolled over to the 26th Sept for trial. All of a sudden, we received summons calling upon our clients to report at court today for the correction of an error which had occurred regards the trial date, so we came and advised that ….the court had pronounced its date as the 26th Sept as opposed to Aug, But the main issue, the main worry which we highlighted to the court is that this attendance, today’s attendance was not necessary. It exposes our clients to risks, you know what happened on the 31st July when we appeared, we were detained illegally by the security forces. One of my clients was assaulted, and for the state to continuously summon my clients to appear unnecessarily before the court, is really unreasonable. It’s inhuman to say the least, so I highlighted that to the court and the court apologised for everything that happened to my client, but eventually we then agreed that we’ll be coming back on the 26th Aug for trial.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has reportedly launched a massive witch hunt for party leaders who joined forces with civil society groups to stage the July 31 anti-corruption protests, and is systematically axing them, Southern Eye has heard.

On Monday, the axe fell on Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial youth leader Tamuka Nyoni, who was suspended on allegations of working against the party.

Nyoni was suspended for alleged links with the Promise Mkwananzi-led pressure group, #Tajamuka/Sesijikile.

This came shortly after politburo member Claveria Chizema was suspended last week on allegations of illegal possession of anti-government fliers which were recovered from her home.

“What we are seeing is that the party top leaders believe the opposition parties and other organisations which are anti-government have devised a way of working with our internal structures. So going forward, we are basically going to see more purges,” a party source said.

Another source revealed that the strategy, if not well handled, could backfire for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“There has always been an agenda by remnants of G40 to reform President Mnangagwa out of Zanu-PF by tampering with base structures. So this can now be an opportunity to sideline his loyalists on false accusations,” the source added.

“That has already happened in Midlands where his nephew Esau Natare was suspended on flimsy grounds, while Godwin Gomwe in Harare almost fell by the way side under the same plot.”

Party acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was not picking calls, while youth leader Tendai Chirau declined to comment.

“Kindly talk to Matabeleland North leadership,” Chirau said.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North youth league deputy leader Elizabeth Masuku confirmed the suspension.

“The chair was found with some money coming from crooks and the #Tajamuka crew. So he was suspended pending investigations and appearance before a disciplinary committee. As you know, in our party, there are processes which follow one’s suspension,” she said.

By A Correspondent- Doctors in the private sector have called for assistance with medical equipment including personal protective equipment (PPEs) which is now inadequate due to large numbers of patients seeking medical attention.

Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association interim president Johannes Marisa said the citizenry is being forced by the collapse of the local public health system to seek medical assistance in private health institutions.

Speaking to NewsDay, Marisa said:

Private practice has equally been affected by issues pertaining to PPE and finances. So many surgeries and clinics have found the going very tough in terms of patient management as patients flock to private practice as public health institutions are dysfunctional at the moment.

It is unfortunate that with the unavailability of affordable and easy testing, many are going for long without being detected of COVID-19, making it a life-threatening risk on the part of the private practitioners who have lately assumed the number one position on the frontliners’ list.

He appealed to the corporate world to help with PPEs to medical staff both in the private and public sectors.

This is happening when health caregivers in the public sector are downing tools over poor salaries and working conditions.

-Newsday

As the MDC trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were doing their mandatory reporting, police at the Harare Central Police station have this morning announced to them that they must report to court on 6 August for trial.

UPDATE – Police have told the MDC trio the magistrate has requested to see them right now.

It's said the emergency hearing at the Rotten Row magistrates court is for the correction of the trial date. Earlier on they were told the date is now 6th Aug 2020 @dewamavhinga https://t.co/LlzLaoWzan

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 5, 2020

-MORE TO FOLLOW

By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has hiked the price of fuel effective today Wednesday 5 August 2020.

According to ZERA, Diesel will now be sold for ZWL$83.36 while petrol is now pegged at ZWL$93.15.

There have been complains that ZERA is now prioritizing service stations selling in foreign currency while neglecting those selling in local currency which is very scarce.

Police should have acted promptly over complaints that Delatfin Investments (Pvt) Limited director Felix Munyaradzi was involved in double allocation of residential stands in Sandton, Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna said yesterday.

He said the failure to act by the police was tantamount to misconduct as action should have been taken when the reports were initially made at Marlborough Police Station last October.

He made the comments as he rejected Munyaradzi’s bail application on four counts of fraud.

“The police could be accountable for misconduct, as they kept the matter without action after it having been reported in 2019. Something should have been done over the said period,” he said.

Mr Nduna said there was a possibility that Munyaradzi could interfere with investigations since most of the evidence lies at his company.

Rejecting the application for bail, the magistrate said he considered the relationship between the accused and his employees, since receipts and records are with his employees.

“There is need to ring-fence that evidence and that can only be achieved by remanding the accused in custody.”

Mr Nduna remanded Munyaradzi in custody to August 8, 2020 for his routine remand.

The State led by Mr Michael Reza had opposed Munyaradzi’s bail application saying he was likely to abscond, as more than 50 complaints had been raised against him.

Mr Reza called the investigations officer Superintendent Misheck Ngorima, who expressed fears that Munyaradzi would interfere with investigations.

Munyaradzi, through his lawyer Wellington Pasipanodya, cross-examined Supt Ngorima and filed written submissions.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has reportedly launched a massive witch hunt for party leaders who joined forces with civil society groups to stage the July 31 anti-corruption protests, and is systematically axing them, Southern Eye has heard.

On Monday, the axe fell on Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial youth leader Tamuka Nyoni, who was suspended on allegations of working against the party.

Nyoni was suspended for alleged links with the Promise Mkwananzi-led pressure group, #Tajamuka/Sesijikile.

This came shortly after politburo member Claveria Chizema was suspended last week on allegations of illegal possession of anti-government fliers which were recovered from her home.

“What we are seeing is that the party top leaders believe the opposition parties and other organisations which are anti-government have devised a way of working with our internal structures. So going forward, we are basically going to see more purges,” a party source said.

Another source revealed that the strategy, if not well handled, could backfire for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“There has always been an agenda by remnants of G40 to reform President Mnangagwa out of Zanu-PF by tampering with base structures. So this can now be an opportunity to sideline his loyalists on false accusations,” the source added.

“That has already happened in Midlands where his nephew Esau Natare was suspended on flimsy grounds, while Godwin Gomwe in Harare almost fell by the way side under the same plot.”

Party acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was not picking calls, while youth leader Tendai Chirau declined to comment.

“Kindly talk to Matabeleland North leadership,” Chirau said.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North youth league deputy leader Elizabeth Masuku confirmed the suspension.

“The chair was found with some money coming from crooks and the #Tajamuka crew. So he was suspended pending investigations and appearance before a disciplinary committee. As you know, in our party, there are processes which follow one’s suspension,” she said.

-Newsday

STATE MEDIA: Scores of commuters in Bulawayo were left stranded yesterday as fuel shortages grounded most of the Zupco fleet.

The city has been facing acute fuel shortages which the Ministry of Energy and Power Development said was a nationwide crisis owing to foreign currency shortages.

Fresh transport problems started on Monday afternoon as there were very few buses and kombis servicing routes and many people opted to walk home.

At 6pm yesterday, which marks the start of the lockdown curfew, people were still queuing at some Zupco ranks waiting for transport, while a number of people walked home to suburbs as far as Cowdray Park.

Commuters who spoke to Chronicle said they expected better service from the bus company, which effected a 100 percent fare hike on Saturday.

Bus fare went up from $4 to $8, while a ride on the Zupco kombi now costs $16, from $8.

Yesterday morning, there were many people at bus stops in suburbs such as Sizinda, Tshabalala and Nkulumane, but buses and kombis were in no-show.

At around 9am, a few kombis came, but were overwhelmed by the high number of commuters needing transport.

Efforts to get a comment from Zupco chief executive officer Mr Evaristo Madangwa were fruitless as he was not responding to calls while Zupco Southern Region manager Mr Tinei Rwasoka was also not available for comment.

A Zupco official in Bulawayo who spoke on condition of anonymity said the fuel problem is caused by challenges accessing foreign currency.

“Foreign currency is the major problem, we need about 210 000 litres of fuel per week. Right now we got delivery of 40 000 litres, while another 100 000 is expected from Harare. It’s a difficult situation but the situation will improve soon,” said the source.

A Zupco kombi driver who identified himself as Phila Nkomo, plying the Sizinda-Tshabalala- City centre route, said they had been promised deliveries today.

“This could be my last trip. I’m running low on fuel, and there’s no chance of refuelling today, but at the depot they said maybe tomorrow (today), as a tanker is expected. But they just said maybe. It was not definite,” he said.

Commuters said they were worried about failing to get transport on their way back from the city centre after the curfew time had lapsed.

Ms Thelma Dube, a cashier at a local supermarket said she had run late for work but was assured by the fact that her colleagues had also reported having transport problems.

“I am supposed to be at work by 7 am daily. But right now, it’s past nine and I am still at the bus stop. I’m worried that I will have the same problem on my way back until curfew time starts. I may not have a problem in town as I wait at the rank with many people. But when I arrive in the township after six, I may get into trouble if I bump into police officers or soldiers and they won’t buy my story of having transport problems,” she said.

Another commuter, a health worker, who declined to identify herself, said she was late for her shift at a hospital where she was on day duty.

“Already I’m dragging my feet to work due to the ongoing crisis. The transport problem is worsening the situation. I’m considering just going back home and calling it quits for the day,” she said.

Said Mrs Linet Mhlanga: “The transport situation is affecting us seriously more so for us women who have to attend to house chores like bathing and cooking but I am tired. This issue must be addressed once and for all.”

-State Media

My Fellow Zimbabweans,

The world is in crisis. Borders have been closed, trade has ceased and businesses negatively impacted by the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. The virus breaches borders, and knows no boundaries. This is the time when many in our country are looking for answers.

Your cries are not unique to our country, region or our continent. As elected leaders, we have to take the responsibility of providing solutions, ensuring stability and setting direction in the midst of it all.

The New Dispensation came with the clear goal to improve the plight of the majority of our people, through an elaborate agenda to reform, restructure and rebuild, towards the achievement of Vision 2030. Undoubtedly, my Administration has faced many hurdles and attacks since its inauguration.

These included the divisive politics of some opposition elements, the illegal economic sanctions, cyclones, droughts and more recently, the deadly Covid19 pandemic. Added to this, is economic aggression, local currency manipulation and detractors who fear the inevitable imminent success of our reforms.

All this was meant to undermine our projected economic growth and stability. As a result, we have had to constantly recalibrate our compass to ensure that we remain on course, and that the standard of life of the majority in our society gets better and better.

The direction we desire remains unchanged. Our goal remains clear and stable. Forward ever! This is the goal of peace, unity, stability, development, progress and prosperity.

Although our progress has been slowed down, rest assured that we shall achieve our objectives. We will overcome. We will defeat the attack and stop the bleeding of our economy. We will overcome attempts at destabilisation of our society by a few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors.

The reforms, opening up, liberalisation and modernisation we began shall continue with accelerated pace. Those who promote hate and disharmony will never win. The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out.

Good shall triumph over evil. Fellow Zimbabweans, To achieve the prosperity we deserve, let us all unite, working together towards a common goal and dealing with each other in honesty and love. We make no apologies for fixing our systems across the socio, economic and political spectrum.

Accountability and transparency will keep on being enforced in every facet of our society. These values are, after all, the DNA of the Second Republic and must permeate all our institutions. Our political reforms have equally been guided by these twin concepts. We repealed and replaced POSA and AIPPA in the spirit of these ideals.

The new legislation, the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act (MOPA), was created after much deliberation and consultation.

My Administration remains committed to enhancing cooperation with friends and partners in the international community, as we entrench democracy and the rule of law within our jurisdiction. In this regard, we will continue to strive to achieve the delicate balance between the maintenance of peace and security on the one hand and protecting civil liberties and individual rights, on the other.

In all circumstances, public officials and the security services will carry out their duties with appropriate astuteness and resolve. The protection of the right to life is paramount, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and machinations by destructive terrorist opposition groupings.

Our Monetary and Fiscal authorities will continue to work tirelessly to tame the economic turbulence we face.

We commend international financial partners who continue to provide invaluable expertise in this regard. Opportunities are being created across all economic sectors. The development agenda we began is taking shape in line with Vision 2030, and incorporates the youth and marginalised of our country, leaving no one behind.

Levelling of the economic development playing field is ongoing through our devolution policy. Reforms related to opening up the economy, and to empowering entrepreneurs as well as unleashing the creative potential of the private sector and SMEs, are bearing fruit.

Corruption at all levels must stop. Meanwhile, let us be consistent in all that we do. Through persistence and hard work, we will achieve a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Zimbabwe has to get back to working efficiently again. Vision 2030 will become a reality. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to succeed. Fellow Zimbabweans, The dark forces, both inside and outside our borders, have tampered with our growth and prosperity for too long. They have thrived on dividing us. Let us as a people embrace the call for patriotism, hard work, transparency, accountability, love, unity and peace.

Now is the time to embrace the opportunities before us with optimism and determination to transform and modernise our society. The door to the old manner of doing things is shut. The corrupt way is closed.

Let us therefore pledge, individually and collectively, to defend our country, to be productive, to grow our economy and never to tear our motherland apart by dividing its people. In unison we must proclaim that “Enough is enough. This is Zimbabwe, our Motherland and we will defend her from any form of attack.”

As your President, I vow to continue working harder and walking the talk towards the Vision we have set out.

Let us together cultivate a society of hope, and not despair; of inspiration instead of desperation. Unity in place of disunity, love in place of hate, and peace instead of disharmony and instability.

Drawing inspiration from our departed brave heroes and heroines, let us pursue with renewed fortitude and zeal, the journey we begun of reforming and rebuilding our motherland.

Emboldened by the tenacity that inspired our heroes to wage a war for our Independence, sovereignty, and the freedoms we enjoy today; let Zimbabwe strive towards a prosperous future. Now is the time to look forward, as one people-a united people.

Let us press on, with vigour and hope; hand-in-hand, being each other’s keepers. In unity and love nothing is impossible. Forward ever, backward never.

God bless you all. God bless Zimbabwe.

I thank you.

By A Correspondent- At least 20 nurses at Maphisa District Hospital in Matabeleland South province tested positive for coronavirus this week, sending the settlement, predominantly occupied by civil servants, gold miners and panners into a panic mode as some residents had contact with the affected health workers.

Provincial medical officer Rudo Chikodzore yesterday had not responded to questions sent to her before going to print.

However, a source in the health sector confirmed that 20 nurses tested positive, with one of them infecting her husband who works for a non-governmental organisation in Gwanda.

“Over 20 nurses are in self-isolation after the tests. The district is now a health time bomb because of the presence of a high number of gold panners who patronise the business centre,” he said.

This came as Agribank closed its Maphisa branch after an employee also tested positive to the virus.

In a memo to stakeholders and accountholders, Agribank said: “One of our staff members at Maphisa tested positive for COVID-19 following a routine test. The employee is stable and is now under isolation. The local COVID-19 rapid response team is now handling the matter as prescribed by the of Health and Child Care ministry and the World Health Organisation guidelines.

“Accordingly, a decision has been made to temporarily close Agribank Maphisa branch to allow disinfection to be conducted at the premises.”

The bank said this had now resulted in the rest of staff at the affected branch being sent on a 14day self-quarantine and compulsory polymerase chain reaction tests to ascertain their COVID-19 status.

Agribank said the branch’s reopening depended on consultations with the Matobo district COVID-19 rapid response team.

-Newsday

In his new role at the helm of the Health ministry, VP Chiwenga has been appointed to "stabilise, restructure and reform" the national healthcare system. Do you think that VP Chiwenga has the capacity to deliver?.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 5, 2020

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday appointed his deputy Constantino Chiwenga as the new health minister, tasking him with reforming a decaying health sector amid a rise in Covid-19 infections and strikes by health workers.

Chiwenga replaces Obadiah Moyo who was removed from the post last month after allegations of corruption.

In April 2018, Chiwenga, in his capacity as head of the social services cluster, summarily dismissed an estimated 16 000 striking nurses after they rejected a plea from government to return to their posts, while negotiations for a salary adjustment continued.

This came after management at most major hospitals also joined the nurses’ industrial action.

Chiwenga, at the time, said the drastic measure was taken after the nurses continued with their strike which he alleged was now politically motivated even as Treasury had disbursed $17 114 446 to cover the outstanding salary arrears for nurses.

In his new role, Chiwenga will be required to “stabilise, restructure and reform” the national healthcare system, the government said in a statement.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) immediately criticised the appointment, saying Chiwenga was not the right man for the job in a time of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The appointment of an unqualified sick man who’s routinely airlifted abroad for medical care is a slap in the face to Zimbabweans who deserve proper leadership during this Covid-19 pandemic. We object to this gross display of incompetence,” the MDC Alliance said in a statement.

On Monday, Mnangagwa named one of his army doctors Jasper Chimedza as the ministry of health’s new permanent secretary, after Zimbabwe went without one since May when Agnes Mahomva was reassigned following repeated clashes with Moyo.

Zimbabwe has recorded more than 4,000 Covid-19 cases and 80 deaths and health officials say infections will continue to rise for sometime.

Chiwenga spent four months in China receiving medical treatment for an unknown illness until November last year. He has returned three times since then for medical check-ups, according to government officials.

Chiwenga has previously taken a hard-line on striking doctors, once calling them “skilled technicians or labourers whose knowledge fits them for an occupation but not a profession”. He said this while threatening a law change to to ban doctors from going on strike.

-Reuters

South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party has hit back at Norton legislator Temba Mliswa for trying to silence Julias Malema from speaking on the current Zimbabwean problems saying he at one time frequented their offices pleading for assistance to dethrone former President Robert Mugabe.

Mliswa has responded to Malema’s tweet in which he called for the closure of the Zimbabwean embassy in South Africa, saying he should allow Zimbabweans to sort out their own problems without external influence.

But Malema’s deputy Shivambu shot back saying Mliswa was changing principles for his own convinience by seeking to silence EFF which he equally approached for assistance to fight Mugabe.

“Aren’t you the same @TembaMliswa who frequented our offices in Johannesburg pleading for assistance with the Zimbabwe when President RG and the G40 faction isolated you? Don’t change principles for convenience. We will speak against Mnangagwa in the same way we spoke on Pres RG,” said Shivambu.

Malema had tweeted that, “We call for the removal of the Zimbabwean Embassy in SA until they restore the human rights in that country. Failure to do so, we will prevent any official from the Zimbabwean government from participating in any gathering in SA until they respect ordinary Zimbabweans.”

In his response Mliswa said, “To my brother @Julius_S_Malema I say please allow us the room to deal with our issues whilst you focus on your own. I’m very much against abductions and am for constitutionalism and sincerely believe that as a country we can ride this rough patch out.”

Namatai Kwekweza has won the prestigious Next Generation Foresight Practitioners award that has also landed her a spot as a fellow on the panel of 2020 School of International Futures.

Kwekwedza won the award for driving a youth-friendly constitutional and governance reforms campaign in Zimbabwe according to the Next Generation Foresights organisation.

This was revealed by the organisation on its website.

The organisation revealed that Namatai received the Walkabout Prize which is a prize given to practitioners aged between 18 and 25 for doing great things to create a better future.

She beat 15 other contestants to win the prize which also includes $5000 prize money.

Announcing Namatai and another winner for the Walkabout Prize, the organisation said:

“The Walkabout prizes were won by Finn Strivens from the UK for his work using participatory methods to help young people and non-scientists to engage with science, and Namatai Kwekweza from Zimbabwe, for her work to to drive youth friendly constitutional and governance reforms in Zimbabwe and disrupt ageist narrative frameworks.”

The Walkabout prizes are a new initiative for NGFP2020, designed for 18-25 year olds. Winners are recognised for their work in advocating for future thinking and change in their communities.

Each of the other NGFP Fellows receives a Special Award for their work in a particular sector or geography.

“This year we awarded seventeen special awards to outstanding individuals or team participants from different sectors or geographies, and we are delighted to be able to support the Africa and Asia Fellows with USD 5,000 in funding.”

Namatai was headlined for protesting against the government’s human rights abuses and has been arrested more than once for her activism.

More: Next-Generation Foresights 

Former DA leader and One South Africa Movement Chief Activists Mmusi Maimane have written to the South Africa International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor asking the latter to formally ask the Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi to explain the human right abuses happening in Zimbabwe. Maimane said South Africa could not turn a blind eye to the plights of Zimbabwe as the AU leader of the moment.

Read Mmusi’s full letter to Pandor below:

Hon. Naledi Pandor

Minister of International Relations S. Cooperation OR Tombo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Rd. Rietondale. Pretoria

04 August 2020

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN ZIMBABWE: ONE SA URGES MINISTER PANDOR TO ISSUE A PEMARCHE ON ZIMBABWEAN AMBASSADOR DAVID HAMADZIRIPI

Dear Minister Pandor

I write to strongly urging that a demarche be Issued on Zimbabwean Ambassador David Hamadziripi by the South African government in fight of the flagrant human rights abuses by the ZANU-PF led government in Zimbabwe.

The purpose of issuing a demarche is to demand a full explanation from the ambassador os to the unfolding human rights crisis in Zimbabwe and o commitment to ending these atrocities at once. Disturbing reports of violence, intimidation. torture and detention without trial being carried out by the Zimbabwean government against citizens, opposition voices and journaists cannot go unchallenged.

Following Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s national address today, in which he sought to blame “western powers” for the country’s current woes. the people are Zimbabwe are left in fear and without answers.

As a leader in the SADC region. South Africa cannot turn a bind eye to such atrocities. Quiet diplomacy allows injustices to continue unabated. Now is the time for South Africa to regain its moral voice on the continent and denounce such actions perpetrated by the Zimbabwean government.

Until this point. current African Union (AU) chairperson. Cyril Ramaphosa has foiled in implementing the AU’s mandate “to promote and protect human rights on the continent” as per Article 3(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. As DIRCO Minister. I implore you to act decisively on behalf of the South African government and issue a demarche at once.

South Africa must champion and protect democrocy in the region and on the continent. The actions of the Mnangagwa government are that of a liberation movement that continues to oppress its people.

There is no time for ambiguity. The South African government must speak out and condemn the violent, inhumane and undemocratic actions of the ZANU•PF government in Zimbabwe and demand an end to such conduct.

I look forward to your response.

Yours Faithfully

Mmusi Maimane

Chief Activist: One South Africa Movement

Zimbabwe Energy Regulator Authority has hiked the price of petrol and diesel with effect from today the 5th of August 2020. A statement published by ZERA announcing the price hike states that motorists will fork out $93.15 for a litre of petrol while those with diesel engines will part with $83.36 for a litre of the precious liquid.

The USD prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged at $1.28 and $1.09 respectively.

State Media

SCORES of commuters in Bulawayo were left stranded yesterday as fuel shortages grounded most of the Zupco fleet.

The city has been facing acute fuel shortages which the Ministry of Energy and Power Development said was a nationwide crisis owing to foreign currency shortages.

Fresh transport problems started on Monday afternoon as there were very few buses and kombis servicing routes and many people opted to walk home.

At 6pm yesterday, which marks the start of the lockdown curfew, people were still queuing at some Zupco ranks waiting for transport, while a number of people walked home to suburbs as far as Cowdray Park.

Commuters who spoke to Chronicle said they expected better service from the bus company, which effected a 100 percent fare hike on Saturday.

Bus fare went up from $4 to $8, while a ride on the Zupco kombi now costs $16, from $8.

Yesterday morning, there were many people at bus stops in suburbs such as Sizinda, Tshabalala and Nkulumane, but buses and kombis were in no-show.

At around 9am, a few kombis came, but were overwhelmed by the high number of commuters needing transport.

Efforts to get a comment from Zupco chief executive officer Mr Evaristo Madangwa were fruitless as he was not responding to calls while Zupco Southern Region manager Mr Tinei Rwasoka was also not available for comment.

A Zupco official in Bulawayo who spoke on condition of anonymity said the fuel problem is caused by challenges accessing foreign currency.

“Foreign currency is the major problem, we need about 210 000 litres of fuel per week. Right now we got delivery of 40 000 litres, while another 100 000 is expected from Harare. It’s a difficult situation but the situation will improve soon,” said the source.

A Zupco kombi driver who identified himself as Phila Nkomo, plying the Sizinda-Tshabalala- City centre route, said they had been promised deliveries today.

“This could be my last trip. I’m running low on fuel, and there’s no chance of refuelling today, but at the depot they said maybe tomorrow (today), as a tanker is expected. But they just said maybe. It was not definite,” he said.

Commuters said they were worried about failing to get transport on their way back from the city centre after the curfew time had lapsed.

Ms Thelma Dube, a cashier at a local supermarket said she had run late for work but was assured by the fact that her colleagues had also reported having transport problems.

“I am supposed to be at work by 7 am daily. But right now, it’s past nine and I am still at the bus stop. I’m worried that I will have the same problem on my way back until curfew time starts. I may not have a problem in town as I wait at the rank with many people. But when I arrive in the township after six, I may get into trouble if I bump into police officers or soldiers and they won’t buy my story of having transport problems,” she said.

Another commuter, a health worker, who declined to identify herself, said she was late for her shift at a hospital where she was on day duty.

“Already I’m dragging my feet to work due to the ongoing crisis. The transport problem is worsening the situation. I’m considering just going back home and calling it quits for the day,” she said.

Said Mrs Linet Mhlanga: “The transport situation is affecting us seriously more so for us women who have to attend to house chores like bathing and cooking but I am tired. This issue must be addressed once and for all.”

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has, with immediate effect, been appointed the new Minister of Health and Child Care by President Mnangagwa

VP Chiwenga takes over from Dr Obadiah Moyo who was sacked last month for inappropriate conduct.

In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said in appointing VP Chiwenga, President Mnangagwa noted the urgency needed to stabilise the health delivery system in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic where the country has registered an acute surge of cases.

The 63-year-old former army general has for the last two years been sporadically disappearing from the public eye on medical grounds.

Chiwenga as recently as a few weeks back was rushed to China for magical attention.

George Charamba, the spokesman for the presidency, said: “I can confirm that the vice president left for China for his medical check-up. Obviously, we can’t say how long that will take because that will depend on what experts say. But he is out of the country.”

He has since returned into the country.

Chiwenga spent the greater part of last year in hospitals in South Africa, India and China, where he received treatment for more than six months.

He told friends when he returned home in December that he had been treated for esophageal stricture, the abnormal narrowing of the esophagus which causes patients difficulties in swallowing and leads to dramatic weight loss.

Before his latest trip, he had returned to China at least once since December for what Charamba described as a “routine medical check-up”. The latest flight, however, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic whose epicentre is China, would suggest that Chiwenga has a medical emergency that could not wait.

The Zanu PF Youth League in Matabeleland North has suspended its chairman Tamuka Nyoni and another provincial member on allegations of receiving money from Tajamuka/Sesjikile to take part in the July 31 demonstration which was eventually foiled by a heavy army and police presence right round the country.

According to the party, some of its members were allegedly paid undisclosed amounts of US Dollars to mobilise within ZANU PF for people to march against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The youth league convened an urgent provincial executive meeting at the party’s Lupane office on Monday, where it was resolved that Nyoni and Elmer Sibanda be suspended from the party and the executive.

“Since it was clear that Cde Tamuka Nyoni was personally involved in organising demonstrations to unseat the Zanu PF government led by His Excellency, Cde E D Mnangagwa in conjunction with Tajamuka and other retrogressive organisations, he violated provisions of article 3 section 18 (1) to (5) of Zanu PF constitution.

“Therefore, provincial chairman of the youth league Tamuka Nyoni be issued with a prohibition order and be suspended from performing his duties as the provincial chairman pending the outcome of disciplinary hearing.”

The meeting also resolved that Nyoni returns all party property in his possession, while the league’s national vice secretary for legal affairs Sithandazile Moyo will be acting provincial chair.

The provincial youth league has recommended that the national executive discipline Nyoni and Sibanda.

Several other party members were also pointed out as having been paid by #tajamuka.

The full list of people suspected to have been paid by Tajamuka protest organisers include from Harare Gibson Sanyika, Samuel Goja Shangwa, Brian Chikato, Abel Rodgers, Constance Kapuya, Robson Nyamwenda, Casper Miti, Jepherson Manyama, Casper Nyakujipa, Charlene Chatambudza, Bigboy Dominic, Jameel August Msusa and Courage Karanda.

From Bulawayo are Biggie Mavhurere, Sehliselo Sibanda, Thabani Zhou, Edward Chigovanyika, Tendai Chibi, Kenias Nyevedzanai and Marko Mako while from Chitungwiza are Cecilia Banda, Paida Zuze, Kirison Chidembo, Dorothy Mushore, Calvin Ibrahim Karanda, Nkululeko Mpofu and Siphiwe Murombo.

Others are from Matabeleland North Nyoni, Sibanda, Busani Ncube of Victoria Falls, Mbuzibede Munkuli of Hwange, Vincent Sibanda of Plumtree, Tapiwa Takura of Mhondoro Ngezi, Mathew Mupandasekwa of Norton, Obert Karambamuchero of Beitbridge, Trust Calvin Goremusandu of Rusape, Mackswell Basiyavo of Mvurwi, Elias Gumiso of Kwekwe, Simbarashe Mufandaedza of Gweru, Kudakwashe P Simbaneuta of Chinhoyi, Arnold T Musorowenzou of Mutare, Edward Muranganwa of Goromonzi, Chamunorwa Muzangaza who Mazowe ward 14 councillor, Stuart S Nyevedzanai of Gutu, Karen Manyara of Hopley Farm and Benson Banda.

Zimbabwe has introduced a second foreign exchange auction this time to cater for small and medium enterprises.

The auction will accept minimum bids of US$2 500 and maximum bids of US$20 000 and will kick of this Thursday.

Zimbabwe introduced the foreign exchange system to allow market rates to operate on 23 June with minimum bids of US$50 000 and maximum bids of UUS$500 000.

The Zimbabwe dollar kicked off at $57.36 and was down to $80.47 at today’s auction, the seventh auction.

According to a statement by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe bidders with positive balances in their nostro accounts that are equal or more than the foreign exchange that they want will be rejected.

Bidders must provide sufficient details of the purpose of the funds and description of goods or services to be paid for.

The current auction has narrowed the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates.

The second auction is likely result in a further narrowing of the gap and should ultimately see the Zimbabwe dollar slowly firming against the greenback.

The MDC Alliance has welcomed President Nelson Chamisa who has been on compassionate leave also known as bereavement leave following the death of his mother Gogo Alice Chamisa last month.

Below is the party’s statement in full.

STATEMENT ON THE RETURN OF PRESIDENT NELSON CHAMISA

The MDC-Alliance welcomes back President Nelson Chamisa from his leave of absence.

President Chamisa took time to mourn his beloved mother and, shortly after, the sudden death of his uncle.

President Chamisa will resume his official duties on Friday 7th August. The People’s President extends his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the loving people of Zimbabwe and beyond for standing with the family during this difficult family tragedy.

The winds of change are calling. Zimbabwean Lives Matter. It’s time to win Zimbabwe for change.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has gone out on spree trying to defend his government’s failures claiming that he will in the end emerge victorious.

Mnangagwa blamed his failures on several hurdles in the form of natural disasters, successive droughts, divisive opposition politics and foreign economic aggression, he said.

In a surprise Address to the nation at State House on Tuesday morning, Mnangagwa noted that although the Second Republic made it crystal clear upon assumption of office that its mission was to improve the plight of the majority, through an elaborate agenda of reform, restructuring and rebuilding towards achievement of Vision 2030, hurdles have been strewn along the way.

He urged the nation to “cultivate a society of hope and not despair, of inspiration and not desperation, unity and peace and not disunity and love instead of hate”.

“The New Dispensation came with the clear goal to improve the plight of the majority of our people, through an elaborate agenda to reform, restructure and rebuild, towards the achievement of Vision 2030. Undoubtedly, my Administration has faced many hurdles and attacks since its inauguration.

“These included the divisive politics of some opposition elements, the illegal economic sanctions, cyclones, droughts and more recently, the deadly Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Mnangagwa said the country will overcome.

“Added to this, is economic aggression, local currency manipulation and detractors who fear the inevitable imminent success of our reforms.All this was meant to undermine our projected economic growth and stability. As a result, we have had to constantly recalibrate our compass to ensure that we remain on course, and that the standard of life of the majority in our society gets better and better. The direction we desire remains unchanged. Our goal remains clear and stable. Forward ever!

“This is the goal of peace, unity, stability, development, progress and prosperity. Although our progress has been slowed down, rest assured that we shall achieve our objectives. We will overcome.We will defeat the attack and stop the bleeding of our economy. We will overcome attempts at destabilisation of our society by a few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors.

“The reforms, opening up, liberalisation and modernisation we began shall continue with accelerated pace. Those who promote hate and disharmony will never win. The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out. Good shall triumph over evil,” he said.

The President, in his speech, implored Zimbabweans to work together in unity and love so as to disarm the dark forces both within and outside the country’s borders that thrive on disunity.

“The dark forces, both inside and outside our borders, have tempered with our growth and prosperity for too long. They have thrived on dividing us. Let us as a people embrace the call for patriotism, hard work, transparency, accountability, love, unity and peace.

“Now is the time to embrace the opportunities before us with optimism and determination to transform and modernise our society. The door to the old manner of doing things is shut. The corrupt way is closed.

“Let us therefore pledge, individually and collectively, to defend our country, to be productive, to grow our economy and never to tear our motherland apart by dividing its people. In unison we must proclaim that “Enough is enough. This is Zimbabwe, our Motherland and we will defend her from any form of attack,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases have risen to 4421 after 146 local cases were recorded on Tuesday.

The new cases include one death, a 22-year-old male from Bulawayo Province. The new fatality brings the total number of known deaths in the country to 81.

Recoveries increased by 181 bringing the total to 1238.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Child Care indicated that Bulawayo Province recorded more cases (69) this Tuesday than any other province.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader, Lovemore Madhuku who is also a leading Constitutional law expert in the country has defended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as substantive Minister of Health.

Madhuku said there is precedent as the Concourt has already dealt with this issue before.

In 2014, when the then VP Emmerson Mnangagwa remained Minister of Justice, the NCA took  President Mugabe to the Concourt and the court ruled that Sections 99 and 103 of the Constitution must be read together.

“The Concourt has already dealt with this issue.  In 2014, when the then VP ED remained Minister of Justice, the NCA took  President Mugabe to the Concourt raising exactly the arguments being debated now. The Concourt said secs 99 and 103 must be read together,” said Madhuku.

https://twitter.com/ProfMadhuku/status/1290702841645064192?s=19

“There are no short stories in law. The Concourt has previously said it is constitutional. It is most likely to say so again. That is the shortest I can go.”

https://twitter.com/ProfMadhuku/status/1290708026417192966?s=19

ZANU PF party has strongly disputed media claims that its National Chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, tested positive for Covid-19.

In a tweet yesterday, the revolutionary party said: “Let it be known that this is not only false, but misleading. While this pandemic is merciless with no regard to age or rank, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri is healthy, doing her duty in the #Covid-19 National Taskforce in fulfilment of the mandate given by HE President Mnangagwa.”

Oppah Muchinguri is on record for claiming that the killer disease was God’s punishment on white people for ill treating black people.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has challenged the viral #zimbabweanlivesmatter directed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s human rights violations.

Mangwana pointed to the fact that Zimbabwe kept its borders open for its returning citizens some of whom were coming from countries like South Africa where there are subjected to xenophobia and all forms of atrocities that include the chilling necklacing.

Mr Mangwana

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, thousands of Zimbabweans have been brought home because Zimbabwean lives matter. We are suffering because of this Covid-19 pandemic. The country even chartered planes to bring its citizens because our people matter,” said Mr Mangwana.

MDC Alliance Treasurer General David Coltart who is also a renowned lawyer says the appointment of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Health Minister is against the country’s laws.

See tweet below:

Mr Mnangagwa in appointing General Chiwenga as Minister of Health whilst he is also Vice President is in breach of section 103 of the Constitution. This is yet another flagrant breach of the Constitution. One wonder what type of legal advice is being given. #ZimbabweanLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/LbPMl5ikPJ

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) August 4, 2020

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has, with immediate effect, been appointed the new Minister of Health and Child Care by President Mnangagwa

VP Chiwenga takes over from Dr Obadiah Moyo who was sacked last month for inappropriate conduct.

In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said in appointing VP Chiwenga, President Mnangagwa noted the urgency needed to stabilise the health delivery system in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic where the country has registered an acute surge of cases.

The appointment of VP Chiwenga comes a day after President Mnangagwa appointed Air Commodore Jasper Chimedza as Secretary for Health and Child Care.

Air Commodore Chimedza is the former Director-General Health Services for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and his appointment was with immediate effect

STATEMENT ON THE RETURN OF PRESIDENT NELSON CHAMISA

The MDC-Alliance welcomes back President Nelson Chamisa from his leave of absence.

President Chamisa took time to mourn his beloved mother and, shortly after, the sudden death of his uncle.

President Chamisa will resume his official duties on Friday 7th August.

The People’s President extends his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the loving people of Zimbabwe and beyond for standing with the family during this difficult family tragedy.

The winds of change are calling. Zimbabwean Lives Matter.

It’s time to win Zimbabwe for change.

Fadzayi Mahere

National Spokesperson

Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 4421 after 146 local cases were recorded on Tuesday.

The new cases include one death, a 22-year-old male from Bulawayo Province.

The new fatality brings the total number of known deaths in the country to 81.

Recoveries increased by 181 bringing the total to 1238- Ministry of Health and Child Care

Police should have acted promptly over complaints that Delatfin Investments (Pvt) Limited director Felix Munyaradzi was involved in double allocation of residential stands in Sandton, Harare regional magistrate Mr Ngoni Nduna said yesterday.

He said the failure to act by the police was tantamount to misconduct as action should have been taken when the reports were initially made at Marborough Police Station last October.

He made the comments as he rejected Munyaradzi’s bail application on four counts of fraud.

“The police could be accountable for misconduct, as they kept the matter without action after it having been reported in 2019. Something should have been done over the said period,” he said.

Mr Nduna said there was a possibility that Munyaradzi could interfere with investigations since most of the evidence lies at his company.

Rejecting the application for bail, the magistrate said he considered the relationship between the accused and his employees, since receipts and records are with his employees.

“There is need to ring-fence that evidence and that can only be achieved by remanding the accused in custody.”

Mr Nduna remanded Munyaradzi in custody to August 8, 2020 for his routine remand.

The State led by Mr Michael Reza had opposed Munyaradzi’s bail application saying he was likely to abscond, as more than 50 complaints had been raised against him.

Mr Reza called the investigations officer Superintendent Misheck Ngorima, who expressed fears that Munyaradzi would interfere with investigations.

Munyaradzi, through his lawyer Wellington Pasipanodya, cross-examined Supt Ngorima and filed written submissions-The Herald

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By A Correspondent | There was drama when a self confessed CIO agent was caught with a cellphone inside her underwear after prowling the MDC three, Joana, Cecilia, and Netsai near the Harare Central Police station.

The incident happened yesterday at around 2.20pm.

The trio’s lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu told ZimEye how at approximately 1420hrs on 3 Aug 2020, the CIO agent in the yellow mask (pictured) was trailing the trio after they had gone to the police to comply with their reporting obligations.

She was caught taking them pics, recording short videos and sending to CIO whatsapp groups. She refused to comply with legitimate demands to delete the footage she had taken and defied police directives to that effect, insisting she was a CIO agent and demanded to see the officer in charge. She further demanded to be taken to CID Law and Order but the trio kept insisting that she delete her footage. The DISPOL subsequently came and caused the pics footage to be deleted and said he was seizing the phone for further investigations from the CID cyber lab. He also made sure a report was recorded in the occurrence Book.

He also advised that the CIO agent was being detained for an undisclosed offence.

She was however set free and seen taking away in the Mazda vehicle with ZANU PF branded material.

DO YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN?

PICTURES BELOW

Farai Dziva|Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has blamed what he called dark forces for the economic crisis in the country.

At a time his government is terrorizing opposition members, Mr Mnangagwa has called for unity, love and tolerance.

Below is part of Mr Mnangagwa’s brief SONA:

We will defeat the attack on our economy. We make no apology for fixing our economy across the political, social and economic spectrum.

We wil continue to strike a balance between peace and stability and protection of civil rights on the other hand.

Reforms that will open up the economy and help entrepreneurs are bearing fruits.
Corruption at all levels must stop.

The dark forces inside and outside our borders have tempered with our growth and development for too long. Let us embrace patriotism, accountability, love and unity.

Let’s defend our country and develop it and not tear it apart by dividing it’s people.

Farai Dziva|Honourable Job Sikhala has urged Zimbabweans to remain focused and united in spite of efforts by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to suppress the will of the people.

Below is Honourable Sikhala’s statement :

THANK YOU SOUTH AFRICANS, AFRICA AND THE WORLD :

BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala
31st July
Movement.

We the citizens of Zimbabwe take this opportunity to thank the people of South Africa in their various designations, Africa and the world at large for the unprecedented support of Zimbabweans on their tears and sorrows.

The concept of Human rights is universal in character and the people of Zimbabwe have suffered torture, abductions, assassinations for too long a time at the pleasure of the authorities.

From 1980 to present we have never enjoyed happiness in our country of birth.

Speaking against the injustices of the oppressive system became a license to death, torture, abduction and sorrow. We have been sorrowful enough. Enough is enough. Thank you South Africa, Africa and the world.

The 31st of July peaceful expression by the citizens of Zimbabwe in their diversity, invited unprovoked violence against the citizens. The trend Zimbabweans have been exposed to, since 1980 hence #ZimbabweanLivesMatter.

Agencies of the oppressor attempted to trivialize the suffering of our people by attempting to dilute the cry of the world against the injustices upon the people of Zimbabwe by pointing to sanctions.

History has recorded the truth.

There are citizens at the present moment including myself who are being hunted by gun-toting thugs for no apparent reason. Prayers are pouring from all corners of the world. The crime alleged is, why we are speaking against corruption and looting.

Our brothers Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume are suffering under incarceration for merely speaking against corruption and looting. Those who are corrupt and looting are smiling in their homes, whilst those speaking against the vice are sleeping in the bushes hiding from harm awaiting them.

Our Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions President Peter Mutasa is in hiding.

So are leaders at all levels in social movements, Obert Masaraure, Jim Kunaka, Godfrey Tsenengamu, Stephen Chuma, Obey Sithole, Ostallos Siziba, Denford Ngadziore, Makomborere Haruzivishe, Allan Moyo and myself are being hunted by gun-toting thugs.

The problems facing Zimbabwe cuts across any form of politics. If our grievances are answered we will go back and stay with our families. STOP Looting. STOP Corruption. STOP Abductions.

STOP Torture. STOP Violence against Citizens. STOP All Forms of Human Rights Abuses.

The week of 10th August to the 15th will be a week of expression. We will not stop raising these issues as long as they are not addressed.

The society of happiness is our dream. Dear Zimbabweans, we shall triumph. Victory is on the horizon. No one will stop an idea whose time has come.

Speak Zimbabwe Speak
Say NO to Looting
NO to Corruption
NO to Abductions
NO to Torture
NO to all Forms of Human Rights Abuses.

ZimbabweanLivesMatter.

Farai Dziva|Harare South MP Tongai Mnangagwa has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mnangagwa, quoted by Open Parly said:

” COVID-19 is real, is painful and people must exercise precautions in order to stay safe.

It is with great dismay that I have to deliver this news to you my friends and colleagues. I have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and I am appealing to everyone who has been in contact with me to take precautionary measures and get tested and/or go into isolation whilst practicing all the safety precautions.”

“This is not something easy, it deters you from your loved ones and also affects the people around you that love you.

Its is not a situation I would want anyone to be in…. Its a painful road, having to get up each day and hope to make it to the next.

I sometimes experience pain that is so excruciating that I feel like letting go. This disease has taken away our loved ones and continues to do so and this is sad.

It would not be fair for me not to open up because I know I work with a lot of people and I do not want to see them lose their lives. I also owe it to the electorate who voted for me to get into Parliament to represent them.”

Farai Dziva|Harare South MP Tongai Mnangagwa has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mnangagwa, quoted by Open Parly said:

” COVID-19 is real, is painful and people must exercise precautions in order to stay safe.

It is with great dismay that I have to deliver this news to you my friends and colleagues. I have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and I am appealing to everyone who has been in contact with me to take precautionary measures and get tested and/or go into isolation whilst practicing all the safety precautions.”

“This is not something easy, it deters you from your loved ones and also affects the people around you that love you.

Its is not a situation I would want anyone to be in…. Its a painful road, having to get up each day and hope to make it to the next.

I sometimes experience pain that is so excruciating that I feel like letting go. This disease has taken away our loved ones and continues to do so and this is sad.

It would not be fair for me not to open up because I know I work with a lot of people and I do not want to see them lose their lives. I also owe it to the electorate who voted for me to get into Parliament to represent them.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the nation to move forward as a united force so as to transform and prosper the nation.

Speaking in a surprise state of the nation address at the State House Tuesday morning, Mnangagwa said people should shun divisive elements trying to derail the achievements made so far by his second republic.

“Although our progress has been slowed down, be rest assured that we shall achieve our objectives. We will overcome, we will defeat the attack and stop the bleeding of our economy, we will overcome attempts at destabilisation of our society by a few Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors,” said Pres Mnangagwa.

He said the second republic has faced several challenges from the time it took office. The president said some of these challenges are divisive politics, illegal sanctions by the west, droughts, cyclone Idai and the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

President Mnangagwa emphasised that the second republic will remain guided by pillars of accountability and transparency as it pursues political and economic reforms.

He added that his government will continue to draw inspiration from the departed and living heroes as it thrives to achieve peace and stability.

The president said the vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy will be archived despite divisive forces working inside and outside the country’s borders to derail it.

ZIMBABWE’s laws are there to safeguard the rights of all citizens and not only opposition parties, Zanu PF secretary for Commissariat Victor Matemadanda has said.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Matemadanda said the Government’s primary responsibility was to prevent violence and uphold constitutionalism.
“We are a constitutional republic where the law is there to protect the rights of all citizens and not only opposition political parties,” said Matemadanda.

“In every constitution the world over, it is provided that there shall be a defence and security force whose work is clearly expressed. It is the duty of any elected government to defend and protect property. No Government will fold its hands while the opposition gangs up to overthrow it.”

He warned the opposition to stop seeking attention from their handlers through tarnishing the image of the country and its leadership.

“We have led protests ourselves, the biggest ever and we led from the front, we never sacrificed other people for our benefit. In fact, we protected our people and offered ourselves.

“The opposition is confused because right now they say everything went according to plan, they never wanted to get onto the streets but to cause work stoppage.

“Why didn’t they tell their supporters that?” queried Matemadanda.

He urged Zimbabweans not to take MDC-A drama queens and kings seriously since they are only interested in enriching themselves.

“To send videos while hiding in the bush is serious drama and not fighting for the people. No one goes to war and expects to win it while hiding,” he said-The Herald

ZANU-PF secretary for administration, Dr Obert Mpofu has joined a number of key political leaders inclusive of President Mnangagwa to open an official Twitter account.

Dr Mpofu who has been actively engaging his followers through his handle @DrObertMpofu said this was a platform for him to share authentic information on the country’s political landscape.

He said while he had suffered abuse on social media, his Twitter page gave him an opportunity to counter fake news that was being peddled about the country’s political and economic landscape.

“Due to the COVID-19 crisis we find ourselves disengaged from the people. So social media gives us room to make contact with people and have blow to blow exchanges on important national issues.

“So the idea is to use this space to share authentic information on issues surrounding our politics and information on the economy. Our absence here has caused national debate to be arrogated by reactionaries and imperialist handled propagandists,” said Dr Mpofu.

He said he was following in the steps of President Mnangagwa who is also active on social media platforms and is constantly engaging the public on various topics.

Dr Mpofu said the prime aim has been to bridge the gap between politicians and the people.

“We need to be where the young and the old are. Our national debates are on such platforms and as the Secretary for Administration of the ruling and a prominent party of liberation, it’s imperative for me to engage all Zimbabweans across the political and ideological divide.

“Therefore, as leaders in the ruling party we must all emulate President Mnangagwa and make use of the democratic social media dialogue spaces. This is the trend across the world. The days of conventional communication are coming to their end,” he said.

He further noted that through social media one gets to engage on various ideas and share varying points of dissent beyond petty prejudices.

Dr Mpofu also took a swipe at falsehoods being peddled on social media that he was bed ridden after contracting the Covid-19 pandemic, which he said was not true.

He recently went into self-quarantine after attending a conference for global political parties in Tanzania.

“The gross stigmatization is as if being infected and affected by COVID 19 is a taboo. I am actually encouraging members of the public to constantly have regular tests as I have been doing since the outbreak of the COVID-19.

“As it stands, my entire family has gone through similar routines of constant COVID 19 testing,” said Dr Mpofu.

263 chat

Former Zanu PF national youth political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu has claimed that the July 31 protest achieved its goals despite claims that it flopped.

The firebrand ex Zanu PF member said the demonstration had achieved its targets a day before because the authorities punished as evidenced by the number of measures they implemented ahead of the protests.

“The intention of any peaceful protest is to get the attention of the authorities to the issues you would be raising and the 31st July demo achieved that. In fact we achieved even before the day. The authorities panicked and they had to conduct countless pressers, clear the CBD, shutdown every city and growth point, issue threats, unleash terror gangs, mount national roadblocks, impose curfews, launch manhunts, unleash the police and army in every residential area and many other things. It shows they got our message as all this was a response to our planned protests. So the 31st achieved in regards to what a peaceful protest has to achieve” said Tsenengamu.

Despite the proposed procession not taking off he said there is going to be more pressure till they achieve however, he did not reveal their next plan but said there is always another plan.

“More pressure and more pressure till we achieve. Will cross the bridge when we get there. There is always plan B, C, D and E if plan A fails” he said.

Meanwhile he dismissed as hogwash reports that they had vanished with funds after the proposed July 31 demonstration flopped.

“That is absolute nonsense. It’s hogwash. I know nothing about that because I didn’t receive or seek any donation from anyone. This is creation of the regime and its propaganda machinery meant to soil my name. I am not a mercenary and they know that.

“I do things out of conviction and not for monetary or material benefits. When I was Commissar in ZANU PF I had many benefits and privileges that include a good salary and an off road vehicle but I had to choose my conscience over convenience. These are desperate schemes from panic looters and their enablers. Who in their normal senses would fork out half a million and for what? It makes no sense,” said Tsenengamu.

The protests failed to take off after police and army cordoned all entry points into Harare Central Business District and other hot spots in the country.

263chat

State Media

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has assured Zimbabweans that given a chance the country will overcome present challenges wrought by both natural disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and also illegal sanctions and theft he called the divisive politics of unpatriotic opposition parties.

In a State of the Nation Address at the State House, President Mnangagwa said despite present challenges the country’s goal towards achieving Vision 2030, under his leadership, remained unchanged.

“The New Dispensation came with the clear goal to improve the plight of the majority of our people, through an elaborate agenda to reform, restructure and rebuild, towards achievement of Vision 2030. Undoubtedly, my Administration has faced many hurdles and attacks since inauguration.

“These included the divisive politics of some opposition elements, the illegal economic sanctions, cyclones, droughts and more recently, the deadly Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Notwithstanding the several challenges, both natural and those fashioned by people, the President said Zimbabwe remains on course towards becoming a middle income country by 2030.

“The direction we desire remains unchanged. Our goal remains clear and stable. Forward ever,” he said.

Rapper Stunner (real name Desmond Chideme) who was critically ill and hospitalised for weeks has been discharged and wants people to know one thing, that Covid-19 is real.

Although his ailment was not made public, Stunner this weekend took to his Instagram account to share a saucy image and advise people that he is out of danger, but with a crucial message.

He advised people to protect themselves from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic whose cases in the country are on the rise.

“The funny thing about Covid is that people think varikuitirwa hutsinye muma road nemabhawa (people think they are being treated unfairly by being given restrictions on movements and the closure of bars).

“They are even organising house parties to substitute bars . . . the biggest mistake is thinking we won’t get it from people we know or our relatives or rich people. Covid is not selective and cowards live longest,” wrote Stunner.

His message came at a time when rumours were doing the rounds that several people who patronised a party in Bulawayo’s affluent suburb, Burnside last month contracted the coronavirus with some allegedly succumbing to it.

Well aware of the seriousness of the disease, also likely due to the treatment he got at the hospital as all patients are being treated with extra caution in case they have the virus, Stunner said he did not allow visitors while in hospital.

“I didn’t allow visitors at the hospital even though many of you wanted to come through.

You didn’t know what my illness was and you were still by the doorstep and same way, I didn’t know what you’d bring in. Covid is real guys and it’s killing people. I’m 100% fit and still practising safety at home,” added Stunner-Chronicle

A 32-year-old man from Mwenezi in Masvingo Province has been hurled before the courts after he was arrested by ZRP officers for tweeted that the president who is sometimes referred to as the crocodile’s true colours had been shown, The Zimbabwean reports.

George Makonzo was charged with criminal nuisance and incitement as he stood before Mwenezi Magistrate Honest Musiiwa.

It is the state’s case that:

Makonzo used an unknown gadget to post some comments on Twitter on Friday 24 July 2020 saying; “It’s no longer business as usual for E.D, now the whole world knows the true colours of a crocodile we are dealing with.Makonzo also reportedly tweeted that; “Hopewell will be remembered for the great job he is doing while those corrupt ones trying to run but they will have nowhere to run to. That day will come.”

Prosecutors are alleging that Makonzo intended to cause nuisance and disrupt peace and demonstrate against President Mnangagwa’s government. Masiiwa remanded him out of custody on $1 000 Bail and ordered him to report at a local police station once a fortnight till his trial starts on 27 August 2020.

 The Zimbabwean 

MDC-T acting secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has reportedly shut out acting party president Thokozani Khupe and her loyalists from Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House (previously known as Harvest House) as power struggles intensify after the opposition movement failed to hold an extraordinary congress to elect a substantive president on July 31.

Police last week barred Khupe from holding the elective congress ordered by the Supreme Court in March citing the spike in COVID-19 local transmissions and lockdown regulations which prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people.

Mwonzora was set to challenge Khupe at the congress for the presidency.

“Mwonzora’s campaign has resorted to violence … people who are not aligned to his faction are being prevented from entering Harvest House. Khupe’s aides are being beaten up every time at Harvest House,” a source said.

“People like the chief of protocol Kudzanai Mashumba, senior member Fungai Masaiti, finance director Toddy Sithole now work from home after being prevented from entering Harvest House by youths who accused them of supporting Khupe. Some women contracted to clean the presidential wing at harvest house were also beaten up by Mwonzora’s people.”

But Mwonzora dismissed the reports and insisted he would stand for the position of president at the congress.

“The reports that I have turned violent in my campaign are false and malicious. They are being peddled by people who want to denigrate the young women and men who helped to secure Harvest House. We have not victimised anyone. There is no need for us to resort to uncouth means,” he said.

Khalipani Phugeni, the MDC-T acting deputy spokesperson, however, revealed that the party was investigating cases of violence against Khupe’s aides.

“What I know is that some aides of Dr Khupe have been prevented from entering Harvest House and, at times, they have been manhandled,” he said.

“So we have directed our chief of staff to investigate the issues of violence and present a report about that at our next standing committee meeting. That report has not come, but when it does, I will give additional comments.”

— NewsDay

Own Correspondent

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition celebrated its 19th Anniversary on Tuesday, Watch the county’s biggest civil society consortium discuss the journey travelled so far under the topic, Redefining the National Question and the struggle for a Democratic Zimbabwe

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POLICE in Mashonaland East province are keen to arrest a Buhera man who allegedly killed his employer during the former’s employment as a domestic worker at a Chivhu village.

Police provincial spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed they were looking for Jacob Ruben Chapanduka (age not given) who hails from Nyashanu area in Buhera.

Chapanduka was employed as a domestic worker by Rosemary Ndava (60) of Kuvarega Village under chief Neshangwe in Chivhu.

According to police, on the fateful day, July 15 this year, Ndava retired to bed at around 2100 hrs with her five-year-old grandson whom she lived with, whilst Chapanduka also went to his own bedroom which is about 20 metres away.

However, the following morning, her grandson woke up at around 0700hrs to find her grandmother was not in the room with him.

The grandson is said to have gone to a neighbour Tambudzai Ebbah’s homestead where he was told to calm down as the grandmother could have gone to the fields.

Two days later, Ebbah reportedly called the deceased’s husband Ezekeil Chakauya who at the time was in Gweru and informed him his wife and their domestic worker were missing.

Ebbah later teamed up with the deceased Ndava’s husband to conduct a search for the missing duo.

They then came across the body of Ndava lying lifelessly in the bedroom of their domestic worker.

“The body had both legs tied with an electric cable, both hands were tied with a black head, was wrapped with a white cloth,” said Inspector Mwanza.

The police spokesperson also confirmed the body had a cut on the head which he said could have been inflicted by the suspect using a sharp object.

The body was later taken to Sadza District Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

Said Inspector Mwanza, “We are appealing to members of the public who may have whereabouts of the suspects to report at any nearest police station.

“It is also crucial for people to make use of police screening process when employing people for the work so that they know if they have any criminal past.

“It also assists police in making investigations once the identity and criminal past of a suspect are known.”

Shocking reports suggest that Zimbabwean Football superstar Marvellous Nakamba might be on his way out the Aston Villa door after he spent 1 year at the EPL team, The Boot Room reports.

Fotomac, a Turkish news outlet claims there is interest from Turkey’s Trabzonspor who reportedly want to sign Nakamba on loan this summer should Aston Villa offload him ahead of the next season.

Nakamba who was bought for €12 million from Club Brugge in July last year had indicated that he is happy at Aston Villa and he had no plans of leaving. However recent reports indicated that Trabzonspor might actually offer him a route away from Villa Park on a temporary basis.

More: The Boot Room 

Results of today’s foreign currency auction has seen the Zimbabwean dollar further plummet to ZWL$80 from last week’s ZWL$76.76.

According to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, 237 bids were received with 36 being rejected.

ZIMBABWE’S Covid-19 death toll has risen to 80 with 154 more people testing positive, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4 075 cases.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, all the recorded 154 new cases are local transmissions.

72 of the cases were recorded in Harare and 50 in Bulawayo.

“As at August 3 2020, Zimbabwe had 4 075 confirmed cases including 1 057 recoveries and 80 deaths. Today 154 more people tested positive and these are local transmissions who are isolated,” reads the statement.

“Today we regret to report 10 facility deaths which include four females and four females from Harare province, one male from Mashonaland West and one male from Matabeleland South Province.”

Bulawayo province now has a cumulative total of 996 cases and 20 deaths, Matabeleland South has 430 cases with two deaths while Matabeleland North has 60 cases with two deaths.

BREAKING: As ZimEye accurately predicted last week, Emerson Mnangagwa has appointed the coup military general Constantino Chiwenga, the country's new Health Minister. Chiwenga takes over from Mnangagwa's cousin Obadiah Moyo who was fired over the 60 million Drax Scandal. -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/Sh6Kc7Hh8a

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 4, 2020

Urban MDC-A Ward 4 Clr Godfrey Kurauone, who is facing charges of criminal nuisance and barricading traffic along Mashava-Zvamahande road on Friday, has been denied bail.

Clr Kurauone yesterday appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Ms Patience Madondo who denied him bail, despite frantic efforts by his lawyer Mr Dereck Charamba to be granted such.

He was then remanded in custody pending trial on August 18, 2020. Kurauone allegedly posted a video of a song in which he is calling for immediate removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

He also burnt tyres along the Mashava-Zvamahande road disrupting the smooth flow of traffic. Kurauone was arrested by officers from the Law and Order Section while he was reporting at the Police provincial headquarters in fulfilment of his bail conditions for a similar case.

By Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed his deputy Constantino Chiwenga to the position of Minister of Health and Child Care to replace Obadiah Moyo who was fired after being arrested on corruption charges.

In a statement from the Chief Secretary to the President Dr Misheck Sibanda, he said Mnangagwa noted the need to “stabilize, restructure and reform the National Health Delivery System to better cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the process ensuring a quick turn-around in national healthcare.”

Farai Dziva|Firebrand EFF commander, Julius Malema has called for the immediate closure of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in South Africa following the gross violation of human rights by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Malema also said Zanu PF officials should be barred from attending any gathering in South Africa until they respect ordinary Zimbabweans.

“We call for the removal of the Zimbabwean Embassy in SA until they restore the human rights in that country.

Failure to do so, we will prevent any official from the Zimbabwean government from participating in any gathering in SA until they respect ordinary Zimbabweans,” said Malema.

“We make no apologies for fixing our systems across the socio, economic and political spectrum.”

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Farai Dziva|Honourable Job Sikhala has urged Zimbabweans to remain focused and united in spite of efforts by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to suppress the will of the people.

Below is Honourable Sikhala’s statement :

THANK YOU SOUTH AFRICANS, AFRICA AND THE WORLD :

BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala
31st July
Movement.

We the citizens of Zimbabwe take this opportunity to thank the people of South Africa in their various designations, Africa and the world at large for the unprecedented support of Zimbabweans on their tears and sorrows.

The concept of Human rights is universal in character and the people of Zimbabwe have suffered torture, abductions, assassinations for too long a time at the pleasure of the authorities.

From 1980 to present we have never enjoyed happiness in our country of birth.

Speaking against the injustices of the oppressive system became a license to death, torture, abduction and sorrow. We have been sorrowful enough. Enough is enough. Thank you South Africa, Africa and the world.

The 31st of July peaceful expression by the citizens of Zimbabwe in their diversity, invited unprovoked violence against the citizens. The trend Zimbabweans have been exposed to, since 1980 hence #ZimbabweanLivesMatter.

Agencies of the oppressor attempted to trivialize the suffering of our people by attempting to dilute the cry of the world against the injustices upon the people of Zimbabwe by pointing to sanctions.

History has recorded the truth.

There are citizens at the present moment including myself who are being hunted by gun-toting thugs for no apparent reason. Prayers are pouring from all corners of the world. The crime alleged is, why we are speaking against corruption and looting.

Our brothers Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume are suffering under incarceration for merely speaking against corruption and looting. Those who are corrupt and looting are smiling in their homes, whilst those speaking against the vice are sleeping in the bushes hiding from harm awaiting them.

Our Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions President Peter Mutasa is in hiding.

So are leaders at all levels in social movements, Obert Masaraure, Jim Kunaka, Godfrey Tsenengamu, Stephen Chuma, Obey Sithole, Ostallos Siziba, Denford Ngadziore, Makomborere Haruzivishe, Allan Moyo and myself are being hunted by gun-toting thugs.

The problems facing Zimbabwe cuts across any form of politics. If our grievances are answered we will go back and stay with our families. STOP Looting. STOP Corruption. STOP Abductions.

STOP Torture. STOP Violence against Citizens. STOP All Forms of Human Rights Abuses.

The week of 10th August to the 15th will be a week of expression. We will not stop raising these issues as long as they are not addressed.

The society of happiness is our dream. Dear Zimbabweans, we shall triumph. Victory is on the horizon. No one will stop an idea whose time has come.

Speak Zimbabwe Speak
Say NO to Looting
NO to Corruption
NO to Abductions
NO to Torture
NO to all Forms of Human Rights Abuses.

ZimbabweanLivesMatter.

By A Correspondent- A 32 year-old man from Mwenezi in Masvingo Province has been hurled before the courts after he was arrested by ZRP officers for tweeting that the president who is sometimes referred to as the crocodile’s true colours had been shown, The Zimbabwean reports.

George Makonzo was charged with criminal nuisance and incitement as he stood before Mwenezi Magistrate Honest Musiiwa.

It is the state’s case that:

Makonzo used an unknown gadget to post some comments on Twitter on Friday 24 July 2020 saying; “It’s no longer business as usual for E.D, now the whole world knows the true colours of a crocodile we are dealing with.Makonzo also reportedly tweeted that; “Hopewell will be remembered for the great job he is doing while those corrupt ones trying to run but they will have nowhere to run to. That day will come.”Prosecutors are alleging that Makonzo intended to cause nuisance and disrupt peace and demonstrate against President Mnangagwa’s government.

Masiiwa remanded him out of custody on $1 000 Bail and ordered him to report at a local police station once a fortnight till his trial starts on 27 August 2020.

-TheZimbabwean