Own Correspondent|Masvingo based cleric, Isaac Makomichi has urged fellow preachers to pray for Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.

The two were arrested on Monday for allegedly inciting violence.

Makomichi described the call as a spiritual move rather than a political one:

"Prophet" Makomichi Calls For Day Of Prayer For Hopewell Chin'ono, Jacob Ngarivhume. ..https://t.co/VMoEoDE9Tq

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 21, 2020

By A Correspondent- A fake Twitter account named after Kutonga Kwaro singer Jah Prayzah, portrays the artiste turning his back on Emmerson Mnangagwa and demanding the release of journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono.

Chinono was abducted by police officers yesterday and later said to have been arrested and charged.

He slept in a prison cell amid the ongoing COVID pandemic. He is now due to appear in court.

Last night the ZANU PF Director Of Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi hinted that he might be charged for, among other things, espionage.

He told ZimEye,

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1285376438972092417?s=19

Amid all this the parody account has posted demanding Chinono’s release.

It said:

https://twitter.com/jah_prayzah/status/1285490666953420800?s=20

A tenant at number 7532 Tshabalala Bulawayo has been ordered to vacate the house for failing to pay water bills and refusing to vacate when he was given a three months’ notice of vacation.

The pensioner, Ernest Mguni last month took his tenant Oswald Mukada to court seeking an order evicting him from the house after he defied the eviction notice several times which the former had made him sign through the police.

Bulawayo magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu granted the application and ordered Mukada to vacate the house.

“Judgment is granted in favour of the plaintiff in the following terms, the defendant and all those who claim rights of occupation through him are hereby ordered to vacate the plaintiff’s premises being 7532/1 Tshabalala Bulawayo. The defendant shall repair the damaged sockets before he vacates the premises,” Ndlovu ruled.

On July 14, Mguni also obtained a writ of execution granting the deputy sheriff to evict Mukada from the house.

“In the case between the above named parties, the court ordered the ejection of the defendant from the plaintiff’s house. You are authorized and required to eject the defendant from the plaintiff’s house. You are ordered to perform your duties this writ in accordance with the magistrate court rules 1980,” reads the writ of execution and ejectment.

In his founding affidavit when giving notice to Mukada in April, Mguni had submitted that he is the landlord at the house and Mukada is his tenant.

“I am the land lord in the above mentioned house, staying with one tenant. I am based in Harare. I am giving my tenant a notice to vacate my premises as my daughter who is based in South Africa will be coming to stay in my house. She is an asthmatic someone.

So I have been giving notice since March 1 which will be due on June 1. I have other problems that I am facing from this tenant especially in terms of payment at city council. I wish to be assisted by your office,” he submitted.

In an affidavit filed at the court, Mguni said Mukada has stayed at his house for two years.

“I have decided he must evacuate and I gave him three months’ notice. The following are the reasons why I have decided to leave him, my daughter working in SA is having a second abdomen operation. She is asthmatic, she cannot survive in kind of winter in SA. She is coming back. Last year I gave him notice but I later gave them a reprieve because his wife was pregnant. Now his child is grown up, I want them to leave,” he said.

He also said Mukada owes him US$40 for March and April.

Mukada did not opposed the eviction application.

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development has ordered principals of teachers’ colleges, polytechnical colleges and industrial technical colleges to suspend face-to-face lectures on campus.

In a letter addressed to the principals, the permanent secretary in the Ministry, professor Fanuel Tagwira said all students should vacate halls of residence by Friday, 24 July 2020. He wrote:

It is now observed that Covid-19 cases are escalating daily and this may put the lives of students and members of staff in our institutions at high risk.

In view of the foregoing, the Ministry is hereby directing that all tertiary education Institutions, with immediate effect, suspend face-to-face lectures on campus and continue with e-learning.

In this regard, all students should vacate halls of residence by Friday, 24 July 2020.

The Ministry is working flat out to ensure all institutions are adequately resourced with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate access to quality e-learning.

The development comes after the country has experienced a sudden spike in coronavirus cases, with local transmissions cases overtaking imported cases for the first time on Monday.

Meanwhile, the government has deferred the reopening of primary and secondary schools which were scheduled for 31 July due to the health crisis.

Police have taken journalist Hopewell Chin’ono to his Chisipite house to conduct a search for ‘equipment he used to tweet’ inciting people to engage in public violence.

Chin’ono’s legal representatives Beatrice Mtetwa and Douglas Coltart have told the media that the police did not produce a search warranty.

According to sources on the ground, Mtetwa stopped the police from taking his cameras saying it was not covered by the search warranty.

More to follow…

According to an unnamed Checheche resident, soldiers on patrol forced forced vendors to close the green market at the growth point.

The Checheche source said they were moving around enforcing COVID-19 lockdown measures which restrict movement of people in public places.

View pictures of a deserted vendors market at Checheche growth point…

By A Correspondent- Police have warned Bulawayo commuters against boarding private vehicles after it emerged that criminals were now driving around offering transport to desperate commuters and robbing them.

Last week, a city woman was attacked and robbed of her handbag by criminals driving a Honda Fit along the Bulawayo-Harare Highway.

In the same week, another woman lost her car and valuables after giving a lift to three suspects who later robbed her along Matobo Road.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday warned people against boarding pirate taxis.

The commuting public is facing transport challenges after government barred private transport providers from operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue to warn the public to desist from boarding pirate taxis, especially Honda Fit vehicles. They are not safe,” Ncube said.

“Residents must make use of safe public transport available like the Zupco omnibuses to avoid any criminal activities or being robbed of their valuables. In the fight against robberies, the public is advised again to desist from hiking alone, especially in isolated areas.”

One motorist on Friday said he witnessed a robbery at Glengarry along Harare Road.

“One of the culprits was at the bus stop with the woman and he pretended to be hiking. Seconds later, he snatched her handbag and ran into the Honda Fit which suddenly stopped and let him in while the woman gave a chase and got trapped on the door. She was dragged for some metres by the speeding car before she fell off,” the motorist said.

“I gave the woman a lift and we gave chase, but lost the lead near the ZITF [Zimbabwe International Trade Fair].”

Ncube said he had not received a report on the incident.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga and his ministry officials yesterday failed to appear before the Tendai Biti-led Public Accounts Committee to give oral evidence on the Finance Adjustments Bill after officials in the ministry contracted COVID-19.

PAC chairperson Biti told journalists that Guvamatanga had written to Parliament indicating that some Finance ministry officials had contracted the coronavirus and were in quarantine.

The Financial Adjustments Bill is about the US$10,6 billion government over-expenditure incurred from 2015 to 2018 without Parliament approval.

The Finance ministry has now brought the Bill before Parliament to seek condonation (forgiveness) for the over-expenditure.

“As you are aware, today we were supposed to continue with our enquiry on the Financial Adjustments Bill and receipt of oral evidence from the Ministry of Finance secretary Guvamatanga and his officials, but regrettably we received a letter on July 17 2020 from Guvamatanga indicating that they are unable to attend because of a COVID-19 situation at the Ministry of Finance,” Biti said.

“We accept this explanation because we regard the pandemic as a serious matter and because we do not want to expose anyone else to the virus.

“We are going to hold this enquiry in abeyance for a period of four weeks because we want the Ministry of Finance officials to exhaust issues to do with quarantine and isolation and that is why we were generous to say four weeks,” he said.

Biti said on Monday the PAC would begin its investigations into the Zesa Holdings audit by AuditorGeneral Mildred Chiri.

“We will commence enquiries into the audit report on Zesa and its four subsidiary companies on an audit by AG Chiri and PricewaterhouseCoopers for the 2018 audit. The report is very extensive and covers a number of issues including the Dema power plant, and the issue of Wicknell Chivayo’s Intratrek in Matabeleland North. We have invited Zesa officials and the board to give oral evidence,” Biti said.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent| Police details are still stationed inside Hopewell Chin’ono’s house amid reports that they are protecting his documentary filming and editing equipment.

View picture of police officers inside the house…

Walter Magaya sexual assault complainant, Sarah Maruta who shifted stories and began accusing @SundayMailZim and @ZimEye journalists of bribing her to expose Magaya, performs a sudden turn: ndinokumbira ruregero kuna Simba (Chikanza) na Enisia Mushusha.https://t.co/iWYOKU4cFV pic.twitter.com/EsTEFhzvMx

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 21, 2020

Watch the live video loading below…….

By A Correspondent- Leading retail chain, OK Zimbabwe Limited, has announced the temporary closure of Bon Marche Mt. Pleasant after a female guard manning the premises tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus which causes the respiratory illness called COVID-19.

In a letter addressed to all branches and head office units, the company’s Chief Executive Officer A. E Sivavora said the temporary closure of the Mt Pleasant Bon Marche branch was to allow essential decontamination processes. The letter read:

Temporary Closure of Bon Marche Mt. Pleasant

I write to notify you all that Bon Marche’s Mt Pleasant branch is closed temporarily in order to carry out essential decontamination processes.

This became necessary after our outsourced security service provider informed us that a female guard, who was posted at the store until Thursday, 16th July 2020, tested positive for the COVID-19 over the weekend. She has not been at the store since 16 July 2020 and is now in quarantine.

We have contracted a specialist company to deep clean and thoroughly disinfect the premises as a measure to ensure decontamination.

All team members in and service providers of the store are in the process of being screened and tested for COVID-19.

We have taken these steps to ensure that the health and safety of our employees, service providers and customers are safeguarded.

It is incumbent on all of us to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions as per the guidelines to control and contain the spread of COVID-19.

We should ensure that all staff, service providers and customers have their body temperatures checked and hands sanitized at entry points to our premises as well as ensuring that they wear face masks at all times.

We will update all stakeholders on the results of the COVID-19 tests being carried out and hope to resume the store operations with minimum delay after full decontamination of the store.

OK Zimbabwe Limited Chief Executive Officer

President @nelsonchamisa poetically narrating how WUTAUNASHE and other @ReserveBankZIM" pastors tried to force him to bend his neck. pic.twitter.com/0KnlOwtawj

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 20, 2020

By Amnesty International| Authorities in Zimbabwe are continuing their crackdown on dissent with the arrest of a prominent journalist, who exposed a multi-million dollar scandal involving government officials, and a political activist, who called for a nationwide protest against corruption on 31 July, Amnesty International said today.

Hopewell Chin’ono, an investigative journalist, and Jacob Ngarivhume, an activist who called for the 31 July demonstrations, were arrested earlier today in Harare. Chin’ono has been exposing alleged corruption, including in the procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies.

“The arrests of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume are designed to intimidate and send sending a chilling message to journalists, whistleblowers and activists who draw attention to matters of public interest in Zimbabwe,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

“Zimbabwean authorities must stop misusing the criminal justice system to persecute journalists and activists who are simply exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The authorities must stop using the police and courts to silence dissent.”

Local human rights defenders have raised concerns that the police will be targeting any activists who are suspected to be behind the planned protest against alleged corruption. The protest has been trending under the hashtag #31July.

“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume. They have committed no crime – no one should be detained for peacefully protesting or reporting on allegations of corruption.” 

Hopewell Chin’ono was arrested in the morning of 20 July at his home in Harare. Police forced their way into his home and intimidated his domestic workers before arresting him. The journalist was detained after reporting allegations involving US$60 million worth of contracts awarded to companies at inflated prices for COVID-19 supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment, by the Ministry of Health.

Jacob Ngarivhume, who was also arrested today, is the leader of Transformation Zimbabwe, a local Non-Governmental Organization.  He is suspected of being one of the organizers of the 31 July protests planned against corruption later this month.

By A Correspondent- The MDC-A Bulawayo Provincial Youth Acting Organising Secretary, Kelvin Moyo has been summoned by the (ZRP) Law and Order.

The development comes amid revelations that there were several abduction attempts on Moyo in the last 30 days.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

By A Correspondent- Pro-democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza says her home is under constant surveillance by unknown vehicles and people who only leave when she leaves home.

The 21-year-old, a  member of WeLead Organisation for Young People, has been arrested twice by police in the past few weeks for her indefatigable campaign against proposed constitutional amendments.

Following her arrest in Harare on Monday last week alongside Youngerson Matete aged 29 years and Prince Gora aged 24 years, police seized her phone and have kept it up to now. She posted on Twitter:

So that it is on record, there are still vehicles that show up outside my home. There are still people who show up and only leave when I leave home. All people in Zimbabwe should be on high alert. Something is cooking but we can not be afraid. We must love this country.

… ZRP and the state are desperate. Last week with no warrant to confiscate our phones, they forced us to surrender them upon our arrest and almost arrested our lawyer who was demanding them back. To date they still have them. Those people are thugs.

Zimbabwe’s so-called new dispensation has launched a crackdown on pro-democracy activists, trade unionists, opposition politicians, prominent journalists and human rights lawyers, saying “no-one is above the law”.

By Jane Mlambo| Independent legislator Temba Mliswa has castigated government run medical facilities for concealing COVID-19 positive cases, alleging that a matron at a Norton hospital tested positive to the pandemic was allowed to continue with work as her case was concealed from the public.

In a Twitter thread, Mliswa said government run facilities were privately diagnosing and treating positive cases while concealing the status from the public.

He urged the Norton community to exercise extreme caution when visiting the hospital.

“It seems like some members of the local Govt medical fraternity are using the COVID-19 pandemic to unscrupulously make money. They’re privately diagnosing & treating positive cases whilst clandestinely concealing the status

“They’re not declaring the numbers publicity as demanded of their roles. Worse still, these individuals who test positive are roaming the streets freely at the risk of infecting the community at large.

“Just recently, the matron of Norton Hospital tested positive but the information was kept secret, she continued attending work. I therefore urge members of the community and staff alike to exercise extreme caution when visiting Norton Hospital,” said Mliswa.

The past weekend began a chapter in the history of Mashonaland Central province. Various districts began their own campaign dubbed the  #TanonokerwaNeElection.

The people of Mashonaland Central are demanding elections for a substantive Provincial Executive Committee. Kazembe Kazembe the ZANU PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairman does not want elections in the province because he was coopted to the post without a single vote cast in his favour.

Kazembe Kazembe is an unknown entity in Mashonaland Central. He would lose a free and fair election for the provincial chairmanship post on any given Sunday.

Kazembe Kazembe is justifiably in panic mode as the province demands elections as part of the restructuring exercise. ZANU PF members from the province boldly stated that “Tanonokera ne Election”.

Kazembe Kazembe has been the most unpopular provincial chairman in Mashonaland Central. Party members generally agree that Kazembe Kazembe was not elected to the post of chairman, he was merely co-opted after the ouster of  former G40 aligned chairman Dickson Mafios. Therefore he has overstayed his welcome.

To add salt to injury Kazembe Kazembe has failed to earn the trust and respect of the electorate in Mashonaland Central. This is not the first time that Mashonaland Central has called for provincial elections. War Veterans also made similar calls in 2019 after Kazembe Kazembe had been accused of undermining war Veterans and disrespecting the ethos of the liberation struggle. Some war veterans are disgruntled by Kazembe Kazembe’s leadership and have openly called for Kazembe’s ouster.

It came as no surprise that Kazembe Kazembe called for an Emergency Provincial Coordinating Committee PCC meeting in Mashonaland Central over the weekend and he did not invite the media to cover the event.

In the meeting the beleaguered Provincial Chairman Kazembe Kazembe who was visibly in panic mode tried to plant the idea of a James Makamba expulsion from the party.  

Kazembe Kazembe is frustrated by the growing support and endorsements that James Makamba is receiving.

ZANU PF Provincial members who attended the meeting were disappointed that the Provincial Chairman had called them to discuss petty politics at a time when Zanu-PF faces more pressing matters such as the Covid-19 pandemic as well the impending 31 July demonstrations.

It is my humble opinion that the people are demanding elections because the incumbent chairman has created a vacuum which has to be filled.

Kazembe Kazembe has not been on the ground to meet with structures neither has he organised any successful party programs or events in the province, he enjoys the title but does not carry the responsibilities which goes with the title.

 Kazembe Kazembe has failed on 5 occasions to mobilise attendance for Presidential rallies in the province. The most famous and dismal failure being the first Presidential rally after the harmonised elections. The party’s national Commisariat made the error of entrusting Kazembe Kazembe with the honour of hosting the first “Thank you rally” when he has failed to hold his own victory celebrations in Mazowe West. A chairman who cannot command programs in his own back yard will never command programs at provincial level.

Kazembe Kazembe cannot hold a celebration event in his constituency because his victory was marred in controversy as the Mazowe West primary elections were the most violent and chaotic ZANU PF primary in the past election cycle. Kazembe Kazembe faced stiff competition from challengers who had more support than him. The primary election was refused a rerun after allegations that the deposed National Political Commissar had been compromised and could not fairly adjudicate over the Mazowe West issue.

ZANU PF won all constituencies in Mashonaland Central though the party has failed to host events with huge numbers. Mashonaland Central has been outclassed by Bulawayo province which does not have a substantive provincial executive and is also predominantly an MDC stronghold. Bulawayo province has hosted rallies and meetings at different levels which have been well attended.

Enter James Makamba

James Makamba is viewed as a major threat to the Kazembe Kazembe kingdom. James Makamba is a man who was persecuted by Robert Mugabe and lost properties as well as a business during the Mugabe era. Makamba feared for his life and relocated to South Africa where he lived in exile until November 2017.

The new dispensation gave back Makamba’s businesses and properties in clear demonstration that Zimbabwe was open for business and that Makamba was a friend of the second Republic.

Kazembe Kazembe fears that Makamba has the ear of the Presidium as well as the support of the people on the ground. Which puts Kazembe at a disadvantage as he only has the ear of the Presidium without the people’s support or confidence.

Recently Kazembe Kazembe teamed up with Douglas Mahiya to create their own war Veterans wing as Kazembe tried to empower the few war Veterans who are loyal to him. Other war Veterans questioned the move and the authority of Douglas Mahiya to hold such elections without liaising with the War Veterans Provincial Executive.

All districts in Mashonaland Central are backing James Makamba and indications are that ZANU PF Mashonaland Central will head to the annual people’s conference with a new Chairman.

The people of Mashonaland Central are loud and clear Tanonokerwa ne Election. Kazembe ‘s days in office are numbered.

Mzarabani District
Mashonaland Central

263chat

Four staff members at the Milton Park Medical Centre tested positive of Covid-19 yesterday following a wholesale testing of its staff members having been notified that a doctor who had visited the facility a day earlier had tested positive, 263Chat has learnt.

The 24-hour hospital that specializes in surgical, medical and pediatric treatments has since sent the four members of its staff into quarantine and disinfected the facility.

“It was brought to our attention that a Doctor, who had visited our hospital, and other facilities, has tested positive for COVID-19,” the hospital said in a statement last night.

“In addition to existing stringent measures, a proactive decision was made by management, to test all members of staff that work at Milton Park Medical Centre, for the continued safety of both our patients and staff. The hospital is being disinfected to the highest standard,”

“4 members of staff have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now in quarantine, having been referred to the City Health Department. The members of staff are all self- isolating at home and are not requiring medical attention. All staff now working at the hospital have tested negative for COVID-19, and staff will be re-tested as appropriate. All patients being admitted to the hospital are required to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to admission and are only admitted with a negative result,” it said.

The development comes at a time Covid-19 cases in the country have skyrocketed in the past few weeks reaching 1 713 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

Government has since announced plans for the country to revert to total lockdown as authorities try to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Critics have blamed government’s lukewarm response to scale up testing across the country in order to ascertain a true picture of transmissions.

By A Correspondent- As the economy continues to tank amid rampant public sector corruption, opposition parties have upped the ante by mobilising for July 31 anti-government protests.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi however, has warned that government will introduce new measures, including a law which treats organisers of demonstrations as terrorists.

In an interview with the He speaks to Daily News’ Blessings Mashaya, and below are excerpts of the interview.

Q: The opposition and pro-democracy groups have said they will hold protests on July 31, what’s your take on this constitutionally-guaranteed right?

A: What I can say is that in March, the president announced a state of public emergency because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Pursuant to that, we then had a 21-day lockdown. After that we have had some relaxations to allow certain businesses to operate while we are observing laid-down guidelines.

What we have observed is that within the medical fraternity itself, there is no convergence of opinion as to the nature and extent of the spread of the pandemic and its effect on all of us. Because of that, the general feeling is that we must be extremely cautious and heed whatever medical advice we are given to help contain the spread of the lethal virus.

Firstly, because of the need to control the disease, the movement of people will be restricted, hence you saw worldwide lockdowns were instituted, that is limitation on the fundamental right to free movement and it’s allowed in our constitution and in all the democracies to say where you are faced by a general public health issue that necessitates that you limit the movement of people.

It’s a justifiable limitation of a right. That is what was done: the movement of people was restricted and certain other freedoms. Now you find certain individuals pursuing their agenda of demonstrating in the middle of the pandemic.

If you try to analyse that thinking, you then realise that the agenda is not to serve the people, but rather to make sure that our people die and hence it is something that cannot be tolerated. Any lawful government worth its salt will not condone such behaviour…

We will ensure that courts are there to deal with the violators of Covid-19 regulations, that they are prosecuted and sent to jail.

Q: People are going to demonstrate against corruption, is this wrong?
A: What is happening is that they called themselves the Movement for Democratic Change and they prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are not democratic to the extent that they want to fight each other at a funeral. If you are very democratic you must follow your own constitution.

There has not been any member of the First Family that has been implicated in any deal. I will put it to you that I have people that come to me requesting selfies, so is it a crime for the president to have a picture taken with the generality of the people.

All presidents everywhere do it and we as ministers do it so, if somebody has a photo taken with me and is arrested the next minute, does it make me a criminal?

Q: Have you done enough as a government to end this corruption?
A: Let’s give credit to what has happened recently. There was an outcry, and justifiably so, that people were being arrested and nothing was happening, but recently we have seen some movement, some convictions, acquittals that is the due process of the law. If somebody is arrested, he is entitled to an acquittal or a conviction.

I think in the last month or so, we have seen very good progress in the manner in which the courts are dealing with corruption cases, even our prosecution is doing a good job. We have had some convictions coming up.

That is the way it should be. What was worrying was this trend of postponement, but now we are seeing people going to court, trial dates being set, convictions and acquittals … I think we are now moving in the right direction with regards to cases that are before the courts.

Q; You gave the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC $7,4 million last week instead of MDC Alliance, why?

A: I think what they must do is to follow the due process of the law. We are subject to the law … and the Constitution of Zimbabwe. As a government, we never went to court, when they were doing their things together writing to us to say this is how we want it done.

We have always abided by that. We then got a judgment that was very clear and it’s not up to me to then challenge the court judgment. If they are aggrieved by whatever actions I have taken, they have to go to the court and appeal against that decision, but as far we are concerned, what we have done is above board.

Q: But some are saying you are just trying to weaken Chamisa?  
A: We believe they should sort themselves out without involving us because we are not the ones who complained about the lack of constitutionalism and rule of law in the MDC and violation of their constitution. They took each other to court. How can I side with someone when I am not the author of their problems? 

The author of their problems is their disregard for the rule of law like what they are now doing at each and every turn. They disregard the rule of law and they cause chaos and anarchy and apportion blame on us.

-DailyNews

watch the live video loading below……

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition condemns the arrests of prominent journalist Hopewell Chino’no and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume. Chin’ono was arrested by eight state security agents today who violently besieged his home breaking the front door glass to gain entry into his house.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have since released a statement confirming Chin’ono’s arrest. Hopewell together with Ngarivhume have been charged with allegations of Contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law [Cordification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence’’. 

We are concerned about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and we urge the government of Zimbabwe to stop the arrests and persecution of journalists and activists exercising their constitutional rights.

The barbaric actions of the state security agents is a clear violation of the constitution and have no place in a democratic society.

We thus reiterate our call to regional bodies like SADC and the African Union to intervene meaningfully with a sustainable solution for Zimbabwe. 

 The Zimbabwean government continues to undermine every effort that brings about reform to bring the country back to a democratic path and a chance to rebuild.

Issued by: Marvellous Kumalo
Spokesperson 

Workers at the National University of Science And technology have declared that they can no longer afford reporting for duty due to Incapacitation.

See the workers letter to their employer below.

Own Correspondent

President Mnangagwa yesterday received at State House a range of personal protective equipment and testing kits from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Receiving the equipment, Mnagagwa admitted Zimbabwe lacked capacity to fight the Covid-19 pandemic due to its poor health systems.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe has both a fragile economy and health system which hinder authorities from effectively fighting the global health calamity.

“We in Zimbabwe, we have a very fragile economy and a very fragile health system. Therefore, our capacity to fight the pandemic is inhibited by the fact that we have a fragile economy and a less developed health care service,” said Mnangagwa.

With the background of massive corruption in the Covid-19 donations, Mnangagwa was quick to try and calm the South African delegations.

“Be assured that these will be put to good use. We have developed a system of transparency and accountability where every single donation must be recorded and disbursement of such equipment must also be recorded and published so that everybody knows that everything that comes is put to excellent use. So my brothers and sisters from DBSA I want you to carry a message of gratitude,” said President Mnangagwa.

He commended South Africa through President Cyril Ramaphosa for the good gesture, saying despite Pretoria being the epicentre of the Southern African pandemic, it was kind enough to donate to a neighbour.

“We feel extremely happy that our brothers across Limpopo, despite severe attacks in your country found it befitting to assist us to mitigate the impact of the pandemic,” said President Mnangagwa.

“This pandemic knows no boundary, race or level of economic development; it is devastating across countries. We in Zimbabwe have a fragile economy and health system, so our capacity to fight the pandemic is inhibited by that,” he said.

Some of the items donated were 6 000 PCR test kits, 100 000 surgical masks, 18 000 face shields, 200 000 pairs of examination gloves, 50 000 surgical gowns, 4 000 medical suites and 11 000 goggles.

Former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Temba Mliswa, who is the current legislator for Norton, has pledged to assist members of the Chakabvure Methodist Church in Shurugwi to complete a church building which is under construction.

Mliswa said he will use proceeds of the land reform programme and the Farm Mechanisation Scheme to assist the Methodists.

This follows an expose on Saturday by University of Kent law professor Alex Magaisa on how Zimbabwe’s governing elite gave each other farming implements worth millions of United States dollars at taxpayers’ expense in 2007/08 under the controversial Farm Mechanisation Programme.

He said:

Yesterday [Sunday] I attended church Chakabvure Methodist Church, Gamwa Section, Shamba Circuit, under the Methodist Church of Zimbabwe.

I’ve pledged to assist in completing the church building with proceeds of the land reform, supported by the mechanisation programme at my farm.

As a proud beneficiary of various empowerment initiatives implemented by the late former President RGM, I will do my part in ploughing back to the community and in this instance enlarging the Kingdom of God. The next 3 months will see a transformation at this church.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Temba Mliswa is one of top political figures in the country who benefited from a controversial US$200 million RBZ loans.

The beneficiaries were initially expected to pay for the implements but later the government took over the debts.

A Twitter account belonging to Zimbabwean prominent journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono was deleted on Monday, assumably after his arrest in the morning.

It is not yet clear as to who is responsible for the removal of the account.

According to the police, Chin’ono was arrested in connection with allegations of Contravening Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence.’

The corruption whistle-blower has recently been leading an anti-corruption crusade which exposed a procurement scandal involving Drax International and the ousted Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo.

State Media

ECONET Wireless is challenging the magistrates’ court’s decision to grant police a search and seizure warrant last week to enable investigations into suspected money laundering activities.

The company is also accused of creating fictional mobile money and converting it to cash to facilitate buying of foreign currency on the black market and shipping the money out of Zimbabwe.

The magistrates’ court on Friday granted police the search and seizure warrant on the basis that the State security had claimed it was investigating the mobile telephone service provider for suspected money laundering.

In a case filed at the High Court yesterday, under a certificate of urgency, Econet listed the Commissioner-General Police, police officer Mkhululi Nyoni and magistrate Mr Richard Maboa, as respondents.

Econet argued the search warrant would violate right to privacy and wants it to be set aside pending the finalisation of the matter.

“The warrant of search and seizure is unlawful and constitutes a violation of the applicant’s (Econet) right to privacy and also the right to privacy of the applicant’s subscribers. The warrant of search and seizure is also widely and generally couched that it is susceptible to being set aside,” said Econet in its papers.

In the warrant of search and seizure police want Econet to disclose its customers’ details and records of all transactions conducted within the first half of 2020.

ZBC

A Parliamentary Portfolio Committee has recommended the closure of at least five tollgates which are operating before completion to ensure accountability.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development has embarked on a countrywide assessment of tollgates and Vehicle Inspection Department depots to evaluate the implementation of funded projects.

Speaking at the Umpfurudzi Toll Gate along the Bindura-Mt. Darwin highway which has been operating before its completion, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Honourable Oscar Gorerino recommended closure of such facilities to ensure accountability and transparency.

“We want the department of roads to come and answer some of these issues. Last time we had a heated argument with them at parliament that people are complaining about the kind of set up that we have. There about 4 to 5 tollgates like this countrywide and we have noted several things.

“There is not enough security. Even if it’s raining the toll gate will be open. Any harsh conditions you won’t see workers here. Secondly, you can’t account for what they collect here because there are no cameras here so a person can decide to pay or not to pay or declare or not to declare so I think these toll gates are being operated at a loss this is why we have recommended for them to be closed. At least build infrastructure first and start operating …,” he said.

The team also visited Shamva and Eskbank toll gates.

During the tour, parliamentarians are assessing issues raised in the ZINARA audit report and projects funded by the administration to the tune of 12 million United States dollars.

The MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe and the Zimbabwe People Party (ZPP) have distanced themselves from the July 31 planned protests.

MDC national chairperson Morgen Komichi questioned the rationale of the protests at a time when the country is grappling with a global pandemic and its devastating impact on lives and livelihoods.

“I don’t know the rationale of this, but this does not smell good. Why put people’s lives at risk for money, why the protests now? As the MDC we will not be part to the charade,” said Mr Komichi.

In a letter to its members, the ZPP said it will not be part to the planned demonstrations because Mr Ngarivhume did not inform other opposition parties of the safety measures that will be taken to protect the marchers and that he has not sought clearance from the police as is required under the country’s laws.

“The ZPP guidelines values the safety of members and Zimbabweans at large and in the absence of Covid-19 safety precautions and guidelines from Mr Ngarivhume, it is hence very difficult for ZPP members to take part because their safety is not guaranteed.

“Mr Ngarivhume has also not shown us police approval for the demonstration and issues of police escort for the demonstration,” read the statement in part.

Pointing to incidents of violence synonymous with past opposition protests, ZPP said it will not partake in protests that did not fall within the ambit of the law.

In its statement, the ZPP said on its life part demonstrations are only a measure of last resort and therefore it will not be stampeded into backing subversive plots of some power hungry parties

“The ZPP policies and guidelines put demonstrations as a last resort measure which is undertaken after all efforts have been exhausted. We have not seen any efforts to correct the current situation in Zimbabwe from Mr Ngarivhume, and as a result ZPP members cannot take part in the demonstrations. We believe in exhausting peaceful means first before engaging in violent methods. All demonstrations in Zimbabwe ended in ugly violent scenes due to poor planning by the organisers,” read the statement.

State Media

Mechanisation and irrigation projects initiated by Government are not for free and beneficiaries will be expected to pay back loans, with all loans being issued through banks using banking criteria of creditworthiness, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri said yesterday.

Minister Shiri said only farmers with a proven track record and capacity to pay back loans will benefit from the Government-initiated mechanisation and irrigation programmes now being spearheaded through banks.

Government was able to help get the best pricing and supply, but financing was through individual deals between banks and farmers.

Under the Second Republic, mechanisation and irrigation programmes include the John Deere facility and the Belarus irrigation facility and these are all based on cost recovery.

The John Deere Mechanisation facility, which is aimed at achieving the Agricultural Recovery Plan, is meant to ensure Zimbabwe achieves self-sufficiency in the production of cereals.

The facility included tractors, combine harvesters, planters, disc harrows, boom sprayers and trailers, among other implements.

Under the Agriculture Recovery Plan, it is expected that 5 000 capable farmers with a proven track record on cereal production will be contracted.

The farmers will be supported through access to irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation and input support as well as enhanced extension services.

Minister Shiri said the selection of beneficiaries is now based on creditworthiness of farmers as assessed by banks and no one will interfere. Banks will use their know-your-customer systems.

“We have roped in banks and everything is now in the hands of banks. We are working with CBZ, Stanbic Bank and Agribank. Agribank will also be establishing a special equipment leasing vehicle for the purposes of mechanisation service provision for combine harvesters,” he said.

Minister Shiri said Government had deliberately come up with policy to ensure accountability and transparency. The payment modalities and terms will be up to the banks.

Government could chip in to support productive sectors such as the agriculture sector, but programmes such as the Command Agriculture and the Presidential Inputs scheme should complement the initiatives of an individual farmer.

“There is no free lunch under the Second Republic. Government is taking advantage of its reach and negotiating capacity to get equipment for farmers at reasonable prices and farmers are expected to pay.

“There is no free lunch. The projects are on a cost recovery basis,” he said.

Government is ready to help capacitate farmers so the country are able to produce enough food to meet the national requirements with a surplus for export.

The agriculture sector employs 70 percent of the country’s population, produces raw materials for the manufacturing industry and contributes immensely towards the Gross Domestic Product and foreign currency earnings.

Said Minister Shiri: “The responsibility of equipment of farmers lies with the farmers.

“For instance, tobacco growers are getting 50 percent of their earnings in foreign currency. This is not for luxury, but resources that should be channelled towards building greater capacity.”

Government has entered into a number of contracts with suppliers of equipment. For irrigation, Pedstock has been engaged on a number of centre pivots.

This comes as local transmissions are spiking, with the total number now at 872 since Zimbabwe confirmed the first case on March 20.

In total, Zimbabwe has confirmed 1 713 Covid-19 cases, from which 841 were confirmed among returnees, mainly from South Africa.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care yesterday said 102 cases tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday.

Forty-two of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases and investigations are underway to establish the source of infection for 39 others.

Covid-19 deaths have also risen to 26, following a community death recorded yesterday from Matabeleland North Province that was confirmed by post-mortem.

OK Zimbabwe on Monday announced that it had closed its Bon Marché branch in Mt Pleasant to allow decontamination after one of its security guards tested positive over the weekend.

OK Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Alex Siyavora said although the security guard had not been to the store since July 16, all team members in and service providers of the store were in the process of being screened and tested for Covid-19.

“We have taken these steps to ensure that the health and safety of our employees, service providers and customers is safeguarded.

“We take this opportunity to assure all our stakeholders that the situation is under control,” said Mr Siyavora.

The store will be reopened after full decontamination has taken place.

Zvishavane District Hospital has suspended admissions and other health care services after 25 workers, most of them nurses and three officials from the district Registrar’s Office attached to the institution, tested positive to Covid-19.

Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, Larry Mavima, who is also the provincial Covid-19 taskforce chairperson, said 29 samples were taken at Zvishavane District Hospital last week after some health care workers had tested positive.

“On the 13th of July 2020, Zvishavane District Hospital received eight PCR positive results of which two were of health care workers.

“These results prompted the testing of other health care workers and other probable contacts within the hospital on the same day.

“The hospital received the results today 20 July 2020 and 25 out of 28 health care workers tested positive. There are three staffers from the district registrar’s office who also tested positive,” said Minister Mavima in a statement yesterday.

He said the hospital was now under quarantine with investigations underway to establish the source of the infections.

Minister Mavima said health authorities in the province were now tracking down contacts of the 28 positive cases, including visiting their homes in and around Zvishavane.

“Investigations are underway to establish the source and the pattern of transmission of the infections. Measures being taken include contact tracing and testing of other members within the institution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Mavima said three healthcare workers at Claybank Private Hospital in Gweru have tested positive.

About 29 people, mostly health workers were in quarantine at the private institution after a diseased patient who was admitted at Claybank, tested positive to Covid-19.

“The tests at Claybank Hospital were received today (yesterday) and only three out of 29 have tested positive,” he said.

State Media

As the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe passed 1 700 yesterday, with more than half the patients infected within the country, the Government has decided that only civil servants providing essential services should now report for work while Chinhoyi University of Technology should close after a lecturer tested positive.

After a meeting of the national Covid-19 taskforce, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the two decisions were a reaction to the rising number of local infections and deaths.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Health and Child Care show that 133 new infections were confirmed on Sunday, 116 of them local, and 102 new infections yesterday, 81 of them local infections within Zimbabwe including one death in Matabeleland North found after a routine post mortem test.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 1 713 with 26 deaths. But the growing trend is of more community infections rather than imported infections found in quarantine centres, the total number now confirmed to have been infected within Zimbabwe is 872, with those returning residents being found positive while in quarantine numbering 841. For the first time local infections outnumber those among returnees.

Bulawayo is still the worst hit province and city, with 490 of the local infections and 12 of the deaths, with Harare on 212 local infections and eight deaths.

So far 472 people are confirmed as recovered.

Speaking on the taskforce decisions, Minister Mutsvangwa said: “The taskforce directed that only those civil servants who were approved by the Public Service Commission to provide essential service should report for work, with the rest remaining in lockdown. The taskforce also received a presentation on the distribution of local positive cases across the country, which cannot be linked to an identifiable source. While these positive cases are dotted throughout the country, they are mostly concentrated in Bulawayo and Harare.”

The closure of Chinhoyi University of Technology followed standard policy.

“Following the recorded infection at the Chinhoyi University of Technology and in line with the guidelines for the re-opening of universities and colleges, the taskforce resolved that the said institution undertake all necessary and sensible steps to close,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Several private companies, finding an infection or cluster of infection in a business unit have followed the same policy, closing the unit temporarily while full disinfection and testing is done before there is any decision to reopen the unit.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana says that the country’s security arms will treat every citizen equally in investigating any criminal cases as no person, regardless of profession, is above the law.

The buyoant Mangwana said this in reference to Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume and political activist Hopewell Chin’ono who were arrested on Monday on allegations of inciting public violence.

“There is no profession which is above the law. Journalists are not above the law. Lawyers are not above the law. Doctors and nurses are not above the law. Politicians & bankers are not above the law. Anyone suspected to have committed a crime should be subjected to due process”.

He said that no one will be arrested for doing his or her job, but if anyone breaks the law, regardless of political station, he/she will be treated fairly before the law.

“Embassies have to respect the laws of the hosting country. Zimbabwe’s judicial system does not have a jury system and it certainly has not appointed any embassy as a juror to assess cases under our processes to come up with premature verdicts.

“Nobody is above the law including those who work closely with foreign countries as resource persons or agents. We should allow the law to take its cause,” said Mr Mangwana.

Ngarivhume and Chin’ono are among a group of activists who are planning the July 31 demonstrations against corruption.

TRANSFORM ZIMBABWE PRESIDENT, JACOB NGARIVHUME ABDUCTED
AT GUNPOINT BY POLICE DETAILS

Transform Zimbabwe party is greatly incensed by the abduction of President Jacob Ngarivhume
from Waterfalls this morning. Five individuals in full riot combat attire forcefully dragged
Ngarivhume into a white Toyota Quantum which did not have any police insignia while two
individuals where pointing guns at him threatening to shoot should he resist being chained.

Ngarivhume was walking in his neighbourhood with an aid at the time of the abduction which
was around 1110hrs. The abduction occurred in full view of terrified neighbours.

The individuals
who abducted Ngarivhume had no warrant of arrest, did not inform him at the time of the
abduction why they were abducting him and used excessive force including pointing guns at
him. Ngarivhume was allowed to communicate his whereabouts after an hour, to which it was
then discovered that he was detained at the central police station.

The police detained
Ngarivhume for more than five hours without any charge. His lawyers were only allowed access
a few hours into the detention.

Police ultimately charged Ngarivhume with inciting public
violence emanating from a presser which was held on 16 July 2020 at the media Centre where
Ngarivhume echoed a clarion call for the masses to demonstrate against corruption and grand
looting on the 31st
of July.

Ngarivhume is the convener of the 31st
July demonstration against
corruption and looting while also calling for United States dollar salaries for all civil servants.

The desperate Mnangagwa government has resorted to arresting law abiding citizens while
established criminals perched in high offices are left walking scot-free. The struggle for a free
and progressive Zimbabwe will not be stopped by any fear mongering tactics of the regime.

Transform Zimbabwe believes that the arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume has become fuel for the 31st
July demonstration.

Transform Zimbabwe would also like to express utmost disgust at the abduction of journalist
Hopewell Chin’ono from his house today.

The attack on Hopewell, a journalist, shows the
regime will not stop at anything in their quest to muzzle prodemocracy voices. The people will
ultimately prevail.

Transform Zimbabwe demands the immediate release of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell
Chin`ono from illegal detention.
Transform Zimbabwe Communications
Communications Secretary

HandeiVanoenda, AsambeniAbahambayo
Transform Zimbabwe www.tz.co.zw @TransformZim; @jngarivh

20-07-2020

MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Deputy National Local Governance Secretary, Clr Arnold Batirai Dube is fearing for his life after state agents attempted to abduct him last night.

Four men in a white Nissan cab tried to bundle Clr Dube into the car at his gate but fortunately the Bulawayo MDC Alliance Youth leader managed to escape.

Clr Batirai is currently seeking refuge at a friend’s place.

This is not the first time Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimate regime has used uncouth means in face of public outburst.

Just as they have done ahead of January 2019 demonstrations, the panic stricken regime is at it again ahead of 31 July impending protests.

We shall not relent!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

You can't then use the cover of journalism or the cover of media to commit crime… Where is the @usembassyharare when kombi touts… are arrested? …The US embassy … has just murdered a black American…" says @ZANUPF_Official 's Director @TafadzwaMugwadi … @misazimbabwe pic.twitter.com/4zHfVRFexD

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 21, 2020

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary for Recruitment, Kerina Murwira, was laid to rest in Mutare on Sunday.

Thousands of party members attended the funeral.

“MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary for Recruitment, Kerina Murwira, was laid to rest in Mutare yesterday.

She will be greatly missed by the Youth Assembly and the entire MDC family,” the party said in a statement.

MDC Alliance National Organising Secretary, Amos Chibaya also attended the funeral.He described Murwira as a dedicated and hardworking party cadre.

Farai Dziva|Leading human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa has confirmed suspected state security agents raided veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and abducted him.

According to Mtetwa, the state agents did not produce a warrant of arrest.

The suspected government agents raided Chin’ono’s house on Monday morning.

The United States Embassy in Harare has also denounced the abduction of Chin’ono.

“We have learned [Zimbabwe Republic Police] officials are at Hopewell Chin’ono’s home now and are deeply concerned for his welfare.
President @edmnangagwa noted the important role investigative journalists, like @daddyhope, play in shedding light on corruption.

Political intimidation of the press has no place in democracies,” the US Embassy in Harare tweeted.

Chin’ono was arrested because of his active role in revealing corruption by State officials and this has evidently riled ruling ZANU PF functionaries.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ZANU PF Director Of Information @TafadzwaMugwadi has told ZimEye in a debate tonight that the below video is why, according to him, @daddyhope must be charged for inviting a violent overthrow of the govt.@pressfreedom | IS THIS 10 SEC CHOPPED CLIP A CRIME? https://t.co/6upqoZpeqD pic.twitter.com/GgZaMyRT3Z

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 20, 2020

Farai Dziva|Police are blocking lawyers from seeing Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume, who has been arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

See below Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights twitter threads:

“We have deployed lawyers to offers emergency legal support services to opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, who is at Harare Central Police Station after he was taken by the police.”

Ngarivhume has in recent weeks protested against corruption in Zimbabwe.

At Harare Central Police Station, lawyers being denied access to their client.”

“@ZLHRLawyers
has deployed lawyers to offer emergency legal support services to journalist
@daddyhope
, who has been taken from his residence by
@PoliceZimbabwe
& is presumably being driven to Harare Central Police Station
@SAHRDNetwork

In recent weeks,
@daddyhope
has been criticised by both state anenge non-state actors for freely expressing himself.

Lawyers being denied access to
@daddyhope
at Harare central police Station.”

One hundred and thirty-three (233) cases tested positive for COVID-19 today.

These include returnees from South Africa (17) and 216 local cases who are isolated.

Twenty-two (22) of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases.

Investigations are underway to establish the source of infection for the other 94 cases.

Thirty (30) new recoveries were reported by Midlands Province (28) and Mash East Province (2) Today 197 RDT screening tests and 802 PCR diagnostic tests were done.

The cumulative number of tests done to date is 101 375(59937 RDT and 41 438 PCR) Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak on 20 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 1611; recovered 472 active cases 1114 and 25 deaths.

Seeing this @euinzim tweet one would be anxious on whether Zimbabwe is an Independent Republic or a district under @euinzim. Honestly how does the EU assume role of the Jury to demand the release of a person arrested lawfully? Zim is a Sovereign State & laws of Zim apply here! https://t.co/lYIRqsKedy

— ZANU PF (@ZANUPF_Official) July 20, 2020

TRANSFORM Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume and political activist Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested on charges of allegedly inciting public violence.

The pair is allegedly linked to the July 31 planned protests.

In a statement, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe and Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested in connection with allegations of contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with section 37 (1) (a) (i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence,” he said.

The duo is set to appear in court soon and is currently in police custody.

Questions have arisen on just when Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono should have been picked up by the police after the police issued a statement on the arrest dated a day after their day of arrest.

Breaking News :

My wife being chased by three motor vehicles without number plates on her way from the church. They wanted to block her and she suddenly turn into tiny corridor which they didn't expect. They went on a chase allover Zengeza.

— HON Job Wiwa Sikhala (@JobSikhala1) July 20, 2020

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

THE MDC-T has appointed new chief whips with Paurina Mpariwa becoming the party’s Chief Whip in the National Assembly taking over from Prosper Mutseyami who was recalled from parliament last month.

The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi. Mpariwa (Proportional Representation) will be deputised by Makoni Central representative David Tekeshe.

“I have to inform the House that Honourable Paurina Mpariwa has been appointed as the new National Assembly Chief Whip for the MDC-T party replacing the former MP, Honourable Prosper Mutseyami. Consequently, in terms of Section 151 (f) of the Constitution, Honourable Mpariwa becomes a Member of the Standing Rules and Orders Committee.

“She will be deputised by Honourable D. Tekeshe who replaces Honourable Nomathemba Ndlovu who was also recalled by the MDC-T party,” Gezi said.

In Senate, the MDC-T has appointed Mr Tichinani Mavetera as the new Senate Chief Whip taking over from Ms Lillian Timveous, who was also recalled from Parliament.

Mpariwa and Mr Mavetera automatically become members of the Standing Rules and Orders Committee. The duty of chief whips is to secure the attendance of members of a party for voting and all other necessary occasions where attendance of the party’s MPs is crucial.

The MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe has recalled nine senators and 12 National Assembly representatives following a Supreme Court ruling that made her the legitimate leader of the opposition party.

The ruling dethroned Mr Nelson Chamisa who had illegally taken over the leadership of the party following the death of founder president Morgan Tsvangirai. The recalled MPs were nominated by the MDC-T to fill seats won by the umbrella MDC-Alliance, formed as an electoral pact between several political parties to contest the 2018 elections.

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

The arrest of investigative journalist Hopewell Chin'ono for unearthing corruption reminds us that press freedom is pipe dream in Zimbabwe. As in the dark Mugabe days, if journalists unearth bad governance, they are persecuted. ED has failed to walk the talk on media reforms. pic.twitter.com/ZPn3wA67RN

— Fadzayi Mahere?? (@advocatemahere) July 20, 2020

Heal Zimbabwe condemns the arrest of journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono on 20 July 2020. According to Beatrice Mtetwa,the lawyer representing Chin’ono, the journalist was abducted from his home after eight state security agents broke the glass front door to gain access into his house. The state agents did not produce any warrant of arrest and refused to produce any identification documents. Before his arrest, Chin’ono recorded a moment of his arrest and from the video, some men could be heard harassing the journalist and directing him to put down his phone.

Chin’ono has been at the centre of exposing state corruption and on numerous occasions demanded transparency and accountability in the administration of public funds. Heal Zimbabwe notes that this strategy by government to arrests activists is not new as in the past the state has used arrests to intimidate and silence activists. Some of the activists who have been arrested and languished in prison include Heal Zimbabwe Director, and Rashid Mahiya, who in February 2019 was charged with plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government as defined in Section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. This approach by government further sets government on a collision course with citizens who have been demanding an end to corruption especially within government. The arrest of Chin’ono came hours after police also arrested Transform Zimbabwe President, Jacob Ngarivhume, the convener of the 31 July 2020 demonstration against corruption. Heal Zimbabwe is gravely worried over these targeted arrests and views them as an attempt to quell voices of citizens in demanding transparency and accountability from the government.

In light of this, Heal Zimbabwe implores government to create a conducive environment for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms that are exclusively provided for in the Bill of Rights (Chapter 4 of the constitution). The state must also demonstrate political will to adhere to principles of rule of law and democracy that outlaw the use of abductions. Added to this, government must also stop criminalising the work of activists as their contribution to the attainment of democracy in any given society is key.

Source: Heal Zimbabwe

By A Correspondent- The ZRP has confirmed the arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono Monday morning.

His lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa visited Chin’ono’s Chisipite home in Harare after the journalist issued an SOS saying “they (CIOs)” had surrounded his home.

Below is the ZRP statement dated Tuesday 21 July 2020:

Watch the live video loading below…..

https://youtu.be/iLRTLZbhCOA

The Treasurer General of the opposition MDC Alliance, David Coltart has claimed that he was told that the arrest of Hopewell Chin’cono on Monday was being opposed by a faction in the ruling ZANU PF.

Chin’ono was arrested after he exposed corruption by government officials and departments. Posting on social media following Chin’ono’s arrest, Coltart said:

I’ve just been informed by a reliable source that @daddyhope is safe & that this is being done by one faction of the government, but it’s an action not supported by others in authority. No prizes for guessing which part of the regime is hurt by his revelations.

 David Coltart

BREAKING: State agents are right now camped at Hon Job Sikhala's house seeking to arrest him. What crime has Hon Sikhala committed @nickmangwana @PoliceZimbabwe @Jamwanda2 ?

@IPUparliament @ParliamentZim @MdcallianceZ @nelsonchamisa @ZimRights1 @zhrc365

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 20, 2020

Allowing journalists to do their work is vital in the fight against corruption.

The arrest of @daddyhope today is part of a worrying trend against free speech in #Zimbabwe.
@edmnangagwa @MinisterSBMoyo @PoliceZimbabwe #FreeHopewell pic.twitter.com/TE6YlOp5ro

— Dutch Embassy Harare ?? (@NLinZimbabwe) July 20, 2020

ZimRights has issued a statement following the arrest of Zimbabwean journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume allegedly for speaking against corruption by government officials. We present ZimRights’ twitter thread below.

When ordinary people speak out against corruption, violence & state terrorism, they are being GOOD CITIZENS. They are speaking on behalf of ALL OF US. When the state starts targeting these individuals for SPEAKING OUT, we know its a matter of time before they come after all of us

#STATEMENT: The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) notes with concern the arrest of Transform Zimbabwe President Jacob Ngarivhume who is the convener for the 31 July Protest and Journalists Hopewell Chin’ono who has been exposing government corruption on social media.

Ngarivhume has been calling on Zimbabweans to exercise their right to demonstrate on 31 July against corruption, poverty and failure by government to address the economic problems in the country that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 induced lockdown. #FreeJacobNgarivhume

ZimRights understands that Ngarivhume is in police custody. Chin’ono’s arrest has been documented in a video circulating on social media in which the police officers instruct him to stop using his mobile phone.

Chin’ono has been complaining about harassment and threats he has been receiving after exposing the Drax International deal that sucked in Ministry of Health and could have led to the dismissal of Health Minister Obediah Moyo.ZimRights reminds the government that the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees the right to demonstrate and also free expression and the right to information for citizens to speak out as protected by the Constitution.We have always noted that when citizens expose corruption, they are being good citizens and their work must be protected. When journalists raise key human rights issues, they do so on behalf of all of us.

As a grassroots human rights advocacy group, whose members are suffering the effects of corruption, we stand in solidarity with Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinon’ono. We reiterate that corruption is a human rights issue.

Watch the live video loading below……..

MISA Zimbabwe

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was on 20 July 2020 arrested around 11:00hrs at his home in Harare and taken to Harare Central Police Station.

Chin’ono posted alerts on his social media platforms which read: Police and State agents are harassing my workers at home! They are breaking into my home. Alert the world!” He then subsequently went live on Facebook showing the police entering the room he was in before he was asked to put his phone away.

Meanwhile, MISA Zimbabwe through its Media Lawyers Network deployed lawyer, Chris Mhike, who upon arrival at his home was advised that the journalist had been arrested by eight police officers and taken to Harare Central Police Station.

MISA Zimbabwe was still to ascertain the circumstances pertaining to his arrest as he had not yet been charged at the time of the writing of this alert.

By A Correspondent- CIOs have raided a Kadoma Progressive Residents association meeting and abducted the leader, Mr Tafadzwa Goliati.

The meeting held at Rimuka Hall, was with the local MP. Muchi Chinyanganya to update the residents on the CDF fund uses during to the COVID crisis.

The MP was addressing residents announcing that he now has the funds and so he needs input on how to spend it.

Goliati was violently abducted by the men numbering three. He was physically dragged from the hall.

Rimuka hall is situated just next door to the Kadoma police station. The officers who took Goliati are well known CIO officers familiar to many in Kadoma, a source told ZimEye.

One of the officers is known by the surname, Chikondowa.

Goliati’s whereabouts could not be established at the time of writing.

– More to follow….

By A Correspondent- Shadowy pressure group,Chapter 2 Movement has warned that Government needs to get its hands off anti-corruption crusaders and those who have been vocal against the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Chairman of Chapter 2 Movement Bulawayo branch Mgcini Ncube said the government of  Mnangagwa should resolve issues and not crack down on those who are speaking against abuse of power, corruption and maladministration.

“The arrest of Hopewell Chin’ono is a step too far. We warned the government to get its hands off those who speak against government. Frank Buyanga came out and exposed Delish Nguwaya’s relationship to the first family and abuse of power in his child custody case.

“Hopewell Chin’ono exposed the Drax issues which also involved Delish Nguwaya, while Shingi Munyeza has been vocal against occult practices and maladministration in Mnangagwa’s government.” Ncube said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume.

The two were arrested on Monday.

Below is the police statement:

ZRP PRESS STATEMENT
21 JULY 2020

ARREST OF JACOB NGARIVHUME AND HOPEWELL CHIN’ONO

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe and Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested in connection with allegations of Contravening Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence’:
The duo will appear in court soon and are currently in police custody.

Police have finally charged 31 July protest convenor Jacob Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono with incitement to participate in public violence as contained in Section 187 (1)(a) as read with Section 37 (1)(a)(i) of the criminal law [Codification and Reform] Act, Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has confirmed.

Below is the police statement;