…Local political figures have called for a potentially large protest against the Zimbabwean government and corruption on July 31 while others have called for counter-protests.
There is a real possibility for clashes between the opposing groups of protesters and security forces.
Past demonstrations have been met with aggressive tactics by police to suppress protests.
Crackdowns by security forces in high-density areas leading up to and immediately following civil disturbances and internet/social media interruptions are possible.
STATEMENT BY ZUPCO ON COVID-19 SITUATION AT THE ZUPCO WILLOWVALE DEPOT AND BELVEDERE HEAD OFFICE
The Ministry of Health and Child Care conducted a screening exercise at Willowvale Depot on 29th July 2020.
Nine (9) ZUPCO employees, most of them from Cash Office were unfortunately found to be COVID-19 positive. One (1) other employee at Belvedere Head Office has also tested positive.
The usual procedures by the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been taken. Testing will continue to cover other staff.
It is worthwhile to note that ZUPCO continues to spray/disinfect each bus/omnibus daily.
We shall ensure temperature checks, hand sanitization and the wearing of face masks by both passengers and crews are enforced.
All efforts are underway to ensure continuity of service by ZUPCO.
As we fight this pandemic we once again encourage our passengers, stakeholders and nation at large to take all necessary precautions to curb the spread of Covid-19. Thank you for your continued support.
HIGHLANDERS have joined the South African football family in mourning the passing of Orlando Pirates super fan Mandla Sindane, popularly known as Mgijimi.
According to his brother Johannes Thembinkosi Sindane, Mgijimi died in his sleep on Monday night and his body was only discovered on Tuesday at his place in Empumelelweni, Emalahleni.
Tributes have been pouring in for the colourful fan, who followed Orlando Pirates wherever they played.
Bosso have joined the rest of the African football community in mourning Mgijimi.
“Highlanders Football Club would like to convey their most heartfelt condolences to Orlando Pirates FC and thier chairman Dr Irvin Khoza following the recent death of Mandla Sindane, popularly known as Mgijimi.
Mgijimi was renowned for his colourful, passionate and energetic presence at just about any Orlando Pirates match.
To us, the death of Mgijimi is not only a blow to the Sindane family and Orlando Pirates FC, but to football in general, for the simple fact that football is the biggest beneficiary of such passion,” reads the Bosso statement.
Bosso also consoled Khoza, who recently lost his wife Matina Elsie Khoza.
“It is sad that the passing on of a staunch fan and significant member of the club comes at a time when Dr Khoza and his bigger Orlando Pirates family are still mourning Dr Khoza’s wife, Matina Elsie Khoza who passed away a few days ago.
“As we take this opportunity to mourn Mgijimi and uMama Elsie Khoz, we would like to console the immediate families of the deceased and the bigger Orlando Pirates family, by saying, may you find comfort from the good Lord we serve-Chronicle
Mwenezi East MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chairman George Makonzo today was illegally arrested by ZRP Mwenezi on capricious allegations that he posted a tweet calling for citizens to protest against corruption on 31 July.
Makonzo’s arrest add up to a high number of MDC Alliance supporters who have illegally rounded up by the panic stricken regime ahead of 31 July protests.
It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa regime do not respect freedom of expression nor freedom of opinion.
In this information superhighway era, it will be injustice to this generation and generations to come for us to keep tight lipped while our basic rights are trampled upon.
The regime must know that 31 July is a reality and we never ever relent until real criminals stealing the national cake on our behalf go!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
By Nomusa Garikai | This Zanu PF regime blatantly rigging the corona virus statistics with disastrous consequences to us all!
“The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained
numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and
verifiability,” stated the EU Zimbabwe 2018 Election Observer Mission final
report.
“(In the period 9 June to 25 July 2020) We have recorded 8 deaths out of
60 patents who were admitted in the red zone,” a source at Parirenyatwa
Hospital told New Zimbabwe.
“Of the bodies that were brought in dead, 13 tested positive for Covid-19.”
So, Parirenyatwa Hospital alone (not counting the covid-19 deaths from
any of the other hospitals in Harare such as Harare Hospital, Avenues
Clinic, Chitungwiza Hospital, Wilkins Hospital, etc.) had 21 deaths.
And yet as of today Tuesday 28th July 2020 Zimbabwe had a total of 40
corona virus related deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Child
Care. The breakdown by Province was as follows:
Harare Province 10
Bulawayo Province 17
Manicaland Province 4
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has described Patrick Chinamasa as a failed and dangerous Zanu PF appendage.
Biti was responding to Chinamasa’s remarks at news conference on Monday.
Chinamasa accused Biti of “biting the hand that fed him” by continuously fighting against the ZANU PF government.
At the press conference, Chinamasa took an unprecedented swipe at Biti accusing him of being a puppet of the West.
“I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa said.
“But my disappointment is that he uses money that Zanu PF used to educate him to undermine the revolution to be a puppet and often I wonder how such an intelligent person cannot realise that he is being duped by his handlers. It is a pity.”
However, Biti hit back at Chinamasa, describing the former Justice Minister as a failed, dangerous Zanu PF appendage.
“Patrick Chinamasa is a failed but dangerous Zanu PF appendage. He is a sadistic, ruthless and cunning apparatchik without any restraint or limits,” he said.
“Part of his insane zeal comes from the fact that he did not participate in the liberation struggle, was hiding in a law firm. We reject the insane and unbalanced remarks of Chinamasa, a political ramshackle that needs to retire.”
Our expression of disgust against corruption and looting will start simultaneously and spontaneously at the same time on the 31st of July within our localities at a ward level and expand to the district level. Hapana anofanira kusara mumba. We are strong ? at a local level than imagined. This will overstretch the oppressor’s machinery. You now all know the time. I will lead from the front from a certain locality in Harare.
At all the Zimbabwe embassies throughout the world by 10am you must have stormed at the place. I am so delighted that you have send me permissions authorizing you to express ourselves and logistical arrangements in place. Zimbabwe is speaking.
Farai Dziva|Leading human rights organization, ZIMRIGHTS is pushing for the prosecution of Zanu PF spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.
See statement below:
ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE 28 JULY 2020
Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.
In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.
ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.
ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.
“Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha(teacher) kako” and he burst into loud laughter.
Perrance Shiri
By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS | Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .
It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.
However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.
However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.
Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.
Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.
“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.
“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.
“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.
“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.
Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric Isaac Makomichi has been summoned to the CID law and order section for urging Zimbabweans to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
In a tweet last week, Makomichi urged Zimbabweans to pray for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence.
Makomichi has been accompanied by his lawyer Martin Mureri to the CID Law and Order offices.
“They called me today and advised me to visit their offices for an interview.
I don’t know what the issue is about.Last week I urged the people of Zimbabwe to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
As a preacher of the word, it is my duty to pray for citizens – despite their political orientation,” said Makomichi.
Makomichi has also been targeted by state agents for sympathizing with MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday warned that the security forces “will be vigilant and on high alert” to deal with any attempts to destabilise the constitutionally-elected Government or create a public health disaster by mass breaching of the lockdown.
Addressing the 342 Zanu-PF Politburo session yesterday, Mnangagwa said the planned insurrection, which can be linked to past schemes to destabilise the nation, such as the January 2019 protests and the August 2018 post-election violence, will not be allowed to happen this time around. He said with the country set to remember its sons and daughters who paid the ultimate price to free Zimbabwe and bring about the obtaining peace, Zanu PF is emboldened and inspired by the upcoming Heroes Day commemorations due in August and will defend the prevailing peace. “We will equally defend our independence and sovereignty to the letter and not betray the fallen heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. I want to warn the organisers of this ill-fated demonstration that our security services will be vigilant and on high alert to appropriately respond to their shenanigans. I urge all patriotic and law abiding citizens to shun these malcontents and reject their divisive and ruinous plan” he said.
He further said the Politburo meeting was being held against the backdrop of multiple threats to democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, independence and nationhood from terrorist organisations that masquerade as opposition parties and activists. “It must never be in doubt that the objective of these rogue Zimbabweans acting in cahoots with foreign appendages, supporters, and financiers, is to stage an insurrection to overthrow our democratically elected Government”.
Furthermore, Mnangagwa said in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, their planned July 31 demonstration is a threat to the safety and security of the people and the people’s right to life.
So far Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe are spiking with 2 817 positive cases and 40 deaths by Tuesday evening. To curb the spread of the global pandemic the country is presently observing a lockdown and restrictions that limit people movements. Under the regulations to curb the spread of the pandemic, public gatherings of more than 50 people are outlawed, wearing a face mask is compulsory and a dusk to dawn curfew is being observed.
Notwithstanding the country’s opposition parties’ insatiable appetite for violence, Mnangagwa commended the party leadership and respective departments for the visibility and clarity with which the party is articulating its policies and position. He assured Zimbabweans that the Government will continue to act in the public best interest at all times. “All sectors of our economy are accelerating the implementation of programmes to improve the livelihoods of our people as we gear towards the achievement of an upper middle income society by 2030. – Herald
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric Isaac Makomichi has been summoned to the CID law and order section for urging Zimbabweans to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
In a tweet last week, Makomichi urged Zimbabweans to pray for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence.
Makomichi has been accompanied by his lawyer Martin Mureri to the CID Law and Order offices.
“They called me today and advised me to visit their offices for an interview.
I don’t know what the issue is about.Last week I urged the people of Zimbabwe to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
As a preacher of the word, it is my duty to pray for citizens – despite their political orientation,” said Makomichi.
Makomichi has also been targeted by state agents for sympathizing with MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
I am very saddened by the death of Rtd Air Marshal Perrence Shiri.
I ask myself why such a wonderful and unique man would die so soon.
I have learnt a lesson. Procrastination is the thief of time. God gave me enough time to punish Perrence Shiri myself but l procrastinated.
I can’t forgive myself that he has died without me having a hand in his death.
I pray to God for a second chance, resurrect him and expose him to my desire to punish him.
It’s a pity that l can’t be allowed to have his body near me, otherwise l would kill him again.
Those who do not know this man-he was at the front line during the Matebeleland massacre crusade that saw 30 000 people plus heading to mass graves Perrence, famed for his hobby of slicing open pregnant women to “stop the birth of more dissidents” thought he was larger than life.
During his lifetime, he enjoyed the protection of both his paymasters, Robert Mugabe and his successor Emerson Mnangangwa.
Unfortunately they failed to protect him from the long arm of death that could grab him as they watched.
My brother Pee, please, come back and give me a chance to kill you myself the way you used to slaughter people in Matebeleland.
THERE will be no public gatherings during the Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day holidays and commemorations will be held online to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 10 and August 11. Traditionally, the public gathers at national and provincial level to commemorate the two significant days to honour the country’s heroes as well as recognise the work done by the Defence Forces in protecting the nation.
However, Covid-19 which is rapidly spreading in the country has seen Government imposing a national lockdown to contain the virus.
Cabinet yesterday approved that public gatherings for Heroes and Defence Forces Days be suspended as the country did with the Independence Day commemorations in April.
In April, President Mnangagwa delivered a televised Independence Day message and there were no public gatherings.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 26th post-Cabinet briefing yesterday said the days will be observed virtually.
She said Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme “remembering our heroes” while Defence Forces Day will run under the theme “ZDF: Celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people”.
“The virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a national fabric which is set to be launched on 10 August.
“On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process,” the Minister said- Chronicle
THERE will be no public gatherings during the Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day holidays and commemorations will be held online to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 10 and August 11. Traditionally, the public gathers at national and provincial level to commemorate the two significant days to honour the country’s heroes as well as recognise the work done by the Defence Forces in protecting the nation.
However, Covid-19 which is rapidly spreading in the country has seen Government imposing a national lockdown to contain the virus.
Cabinet yesterday approved that public gatherings for Heroes and Defence Forces Days be suspended as the country did with the Independence Day commemorations in April.
In April, President Mnangagwa delivered a televised Independence Day message and there were no public gatherings.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 26th post-Cabinet briefing yesterday said the days will be observed virtually.
She said Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme “remembering our heroes” while Defence Forces Day will run under the theme “ZDF: Celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people”.
“The virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a national fabric which is set to be launched on 10 August.
“On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process,” the Minister said- Chronicle
Over nine (9) Zimbabwe Passengers Company (ZUPCO) employees have tested positive for coronavirus, an official has said.
In a statement, ZUPCO Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Evaristo Madangwa revealed that the majority of the employees who tested positive were from the cash office.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa say the July 31 anti-government demonstrations are a threat to the safety and security of Zimbabweans, as such law enforcement agencies will be on high alert to thwart any violent disturbances.
The government views the planned marches as a disguise to unconstitutionally remove it from power.
President Mnangagwa said the demonstrations were also a threat to Zimbabwe’s democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law.
He described those behind the demonstrations as terrorists masquerading as opposition parties and activists.
“It must never be in doubt that the objectives of these rogue Zimbabweans, acting in cahoots with foreign appendages, supporters and financiers, is to stage an insurrection to overthrow our democratically elected government,” he told the ruling Zanu PF party politburo meeting on Wednesday.
“Furthermore, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic their planned July 31 demonstration is a threat to the safety and security of our people and the people’s right to life. The planned insurrection of 31 July 2020 is connected to the violence and destabilisation that opposition elements has fomented since 2018 including the 1st of August 2018 violence and the 14-16 January violent disturbances which led to the loss of lives.
“Emboldened and inspired by the upcoming Hero’s day and Defence Forces Day commemorations, Zanu PF as the people’s party will never standby and allow our people to be put in harm’s way. We will equally defend our independence and sovereignty to the letter and not betray the fallen heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice.”
President Mnangagwa added: “I want to warn the organisers of this ill fated demonstration that our security services will be vigilant and on high alert to appropriately respond to their shenanigans.”
Our expression of disgust against corruption and looting will start simultaneously and spontaneously at the same time on the 31st of July within our localities at a ward level and expand to the district level. Hapana anofanira kusara mumba. We are strong ? at a local level than imagined. This will overstretch the oppressor’s machinery. You now all know the time. I will lead from the front from a certain locality in Harare.
At all the Zimbabwe embassies throughout the world by 10am you must have stormed at the place. I am so delighted that you have send me permissions authorizing you to express ourselves and logistical arrangements in place. Zimbabwe is speaking.
SEVEN babies were stillborn at Harare Central Hospital in Zimbabwe on Monday night after urgent treatment was delayed because of staffing issues, two doctors have confirmed to the BBC.
Nurses are on strike nationwide because of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other concerns, and the maternity wards were overwhelmed.
One doctor said Monday’s deaths were “the tip of the iceberg”.
The health sector has recently been hit by a Covid-19 procurement scandal.
It is alleged that multi-million dollar contracts were awarded to buy supplies at inflated prices – and the health minister has been sacked over the allegations.
A leaked government response to senior doctors, who wrote to complain about conditions and to threaten strike action, acknowledged “challenges” in hospitals, an “increase in poor outcomes” and a serious shortage of medical supplies because of a lack of foreign currency, but urged medical staff “to reconsider your intention of withdrawing services”.
‘Repeated every day’
The deaths at Harare Hospital first were first published by Dr Peter Magombeyi, who tweeted, “We have been robbed of our future, including our unborn babies. Please stop the looting.”
Two doctors with direct knowledge of the situation at Harare Central Hospital confirmed to the BBC that on Monday night eight Caesarean section operations were performed. Seven of the babies were stillborn.
“There was very, very late intervention,” said one doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity because he did not have official permission to talk to the media.
“Two of the mothers had ruptured uteruses and needed early operations. The other operations were done because of obstructed labour, but were not done on time so the babies died, stuck in their mothers’ pelvises.” The doctor described “dire” scenes at Harare’s two main state hospitals, with only a handful of nurses and doctors at work because of a strike.
Many of the capital’s smaller clinics have also been affected, or closed, by industrial action which began in June, prompting many pregnant women to come to Harare Hospital, overwhelming the maternity ward.
“These are not isolated incidents. This is repeated every day and all we can do is watch them die. This is torture for the families, and for the junior doctors,” said a second doctor.
The doctors spoke of a serious shortage of PPE equipment as well as drugs to treat eclampsia, and blood supplies needed to treat haemorrhages during births.
“There is a skeleton nursing staff – mostly senior matrons who cannot go on strike. But they’re not able to cope,” said the first doctor.
“Doctors are trying, but they’re very tired. And junior doctors are not experienced in terms of identifying complications [during pregnancy].”
In a statement, Zimbabwe’s Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the situation in hospitals as “grave,” and “beyond dire”.
“Our women are suffering and we believe that all stakeholders, the government, medical practitioners, civil society and individuals must act to save the voiceless mothers and babies.”
There are rising tensions in Zimbabwe, with hyperinflation strangling the economy, and protests against Zanu-PF, the party that has run the country since independence, planned for Friday.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, CDE EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF AIR CHIEF MARSHAL (Rtd) PERRANCE SHIRI, MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, 29TH JULY, 2020.
I learnt with utter shock and a deep sense of grief of the death early this morning of Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, our Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, after a short illness.
A stalwart of our war of National Liberation, Cde Shiri ranked high among our leading Zanla Field Commanders whose contribution to the National Liberation Struggle was simply valiant and outstanding.
His commitment to the liberation of his country and his people amply showed when he, alongside our Vice President, General C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, abandoned his studies at Mount Saint Mary’s Mission School in Wedza in 1973 and defied all odds to join the Liberation Struggle at a very tender age.
Once fully trained and battle-hardened, the late Cde Shiri rose through the ranks to became the overall commander of the Tete Province, one of the hottest fronts in the war.
ServicesBuildingHomeGroceries DatingJobsCommercialHealth Under his command, several spectacular missions against the enemy were carried out, among them the 1978 blasting of oil tanks in the then Salisbury, itself the heart and citadel of settler power.
Indeed that military action which was undertaken by a specialized ZANLA Unit which he mentored, reverberated well beyond the immediate theatre of war and proved a turning point in our Struggle for National Liberation.
After the Struggle, he would continue serving his country in the Military, including playing a salutary role in the Integration Process by which erstwhile warring armies were re-oriented and re-moulded into a cohesive National Army.
Later, he would be re-deployed to the Airforce of Zimbabwe, becoming our second indigenous Airforce of Zimbabwe Commander, after the late Cde Josiah Tungamirai.
While he discharged his onerous command duties, he still found time to further his education, in the process acquiring in the fields of Business and Development.
Always focused, hardworking and hands-on, the late Minister Shiri was key to revamping our food sector by ensuring our farmers were fully mobilized, motivated and supported to mechanize, modernize and climate-proof our agriculture for sustainable national food security.
Barely a month ago, we launched an agricultural equipment initiative he concluded with an American company, John Deere.
Except for his untimely demise, we would have launched yet another of his many initiatives on mechanization, this time with the Republic of Belarus.
It was also during the short-lived ministerial tenure that he reached out to, and opened negotiations with, former white commercial farmers with a view to breaking the impasse over the age-old National Land Question.
Only this morning, we signed a historic agreement with the former farmers, itself a crowning moment for his tireless efforts.
Sadly as fate would have it, he would not live to witness this historic moment!
We will miss him sorely.
On behalf of the Party, Zanu-PF, Government, the Zimbabwe Defence Force of which he was a long-standing member, my family and on my own behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Shiri Family, especially his children who now stand orphaned.
As they go through the painful motions of deep grief, I urge them to find comfort and solace in the distinguished role and career of continuous service which their father gave to his country.
He remains our hero together, making his demise a blow we all keenly feel and share.
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has temporarily closed its Head Office and Harare Region Branch after eleven (11) staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
In a statement, the national examinations body revealed that the offices will be closed from Wednesday 29 July 2020 to Monday 3 August 2020, with normal business activity expected to resume on Tuesday 4 August 2020.
We publish the ZIMSEC statement in its entirety below:
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ZIMSEC OFFICES
We would like to advise all our valued clients and stakeholders of the temporary closure of our ZIMSEC Head Office and Harare Region Branch from Wednesday 29 July 2020 to Monday 3 August 2020. Normal business activity is expected to resume on Tuesday 4 August 2020.
This closure is to facilitate thorough disinfection of our offices as a precautionary measure to mitigate against the spread of COVID 19.
This measure has been taken after 11 members of staff tested positive to the virus. The 11 members were subjected to the Rapid Diagnostic Test and we await the results of the PCR tests.
The affected members are being attended to in line with the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care guidelines.
ZIMSEC, like other establishments, has not been spared by the COVID 19 pandemic therefore to ensure the safety of our staff and stakeholders, mandatory testing is being conducted for all personnel.
Clients in need of Certifying statements of Results, Verification of Results and Study materials are able to access these facilities and process them on-line from the comfort of their homes through our website, www.zimsec.co.zw.
By A Correspondent- Harare residents have complained over unfair distribution of subsidised roller meal which they claimed favoured uniformed forces and government officials.
The residents made the claims to Harare residents Trust (HrT), and also implored the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) to avail sufficient roller meal to retail shops in residential areas.
They want the roller meal to be sold at affordable prices to allow for fair and transparent competition among the different brands of mealie-meal on the market.
“Most residents told the HrT in community engagements that they are disappointed and frustrated by the current mealie meal distribution system that favours the uniformed forces and other government-linked officials,” the HrT said in a statement.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing a serious shortage of subsidised roller meal for the past year. The situation deteriorated during the COvID-19 lockdown with residents queuing for the staple food, raising fears of the spread of the deadly virus.
“Ordinary residents have claimed that the subsidised mealie-meal was being distributed to bigger supermarkets, but tuck shops and small shops were denied access,” HRT said.
“This has worsened the availability of cheaper and preferable mealie-meal to the majority of residents who live in the high density residential suburbs.”
The lobby group added:
“The majority of the suburbs do not have bigger supermarkets, so residents there depend on tuckshops and small businesses for their requirements.
“However, under the existing COvID-19 lockdown regulations, most of the small businesses and tuckshops have been forced to close shop. Moreover, even when they open, they do not receive the subsidised mealie-meal.”
The residents also accused managers of big retail outlets of channelling the roller meal to the black market, selling it for as much as US$4 per 10kg packet.
“Therefore, when residents spend longer hours waiting outside big supermarkets to be served, they are always told that the stock has been all sold,” the lobby group said.
“Yet they see the soldiers, police, war veterans and other politically connected organisations and individuals accessing huge quantities of the much sought product that they resell on the parallel market.”
The trust, however, argued that the current pricing of the subsidised mealie-meal promoted corruption.
The HRT urged the authorities to consider a pricing model that was both sustainable and fair to all stakeholders.
By A Correspondent- First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was yesterday involved in an accident along the HarareBindura Highway after a motorist rammed into her Toyota Land Cruiser she was travelling in and it overturned.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba confirmed the accident and said no one was injured.
“The First Lady was involved in a traffic incident after a motorist panicked and rammed into her car,” Charamba said.
“The motorist rammed into the First Lady’s vehicle on the driver’s side, forcing the vehicle to overturn. We thank God that the First Lady and the driver escaped unhurt and equally the motorist was not hurt. We are very lucky that the whole incident did not cause injuries, let alone deaths.”
It was not immediately established where the First Lady was headed, but she has been traversing the length and breath of the country for her charity work.
Mnangagwa has been to different parts of the country meeting people in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak despite calls for people to stay at home as part of measures to combat the deadly pandemic.
Those interviewed described how her motorcade, which included a Land Cruiser, a Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux, was speeding while forcing other road users out of the way.
This, observers said, resulted in one of the drivers panicking, causing the accident.
Mnangagwa was hurriedly whisked from the scene.
Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to get information on the accident.
This is not the first time she has been involved in an accident.
In April, the First Lady lost her aide, Albert Vunganai, while three others were injured after a vehicle which was part of her convoy overturned on a rocky embankment near Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central.
By A Correspondent- The daughter of Covid-19 denier Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has revealed that she was “scared” after catching the virus.
Zimbabwe’s defence minister claimed in March – as the disease brought death and economic ruin in Europe and the United States before Zimbabwe had its first case – that the virus was God’s punishment on countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Her daughter Tanya Rozina Rushesha has now revealed that she feared she was going to die from the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.
“For you to be reading this you are either a friend or family member… I had Corona. I’m proud to say I have been cleared,” Tanya wrote on Facebook Tuesday night.
“I’m grateful to everyone who was there for me. I acted like a warrior but inside I was scared,” she added.
Tanya is Muchinguri-Kashiri’s child from her first marriage to Tapuwa Rushesha, with whom she had two children.
Muchinguri-Kashiri was condemned back in March and accused of undermining government messaging on Covid-19 prevention after claiming that it was a disease sent by God to punish western countries.
“The coronavirus is the work of God punishing countries that imposed sanctions on us,” Muchinguri told a Zanu PF meeting in Chinhoyi. “They’re now keeping indoors. Their economies are screaming, just like they did to ours. (Donald) Trump should know that he is not God.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba also claimed on Twitter that the coronavirus was a “disease of affluence.”
The first coronavirus case was reported in Zimbabwe just days later on March 20, and the virus had infected 2,817 and killed 40 on Tuesday.
Parliament was suspended this week after two MPs tested positive for the virus. On Wednesday, it was announced that agriculture minister Perrance Shiri had died from Covid-19.
Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga reportedly spent the past week in a private hospital, battling the virus.
Detained freelance journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono’s bail appeal which was due to be heard on Wednesday has been postponed to Thursday.
Chin’ono, who was arrested last week was charged with inciting public violence, filed an appeal for bail at the High Court on Monday after being denied freedom by Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna.
Nduna remanded the award-winning filmmaker in custody to August 7 this year, citing that he was a danger to the public and would violate the law if released.
Chin’ono’s legal representatives, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) tweeted:
False start to bail hearing of Hopewell Chin'ono as record of proceedings from Magistrates Court hasn't been brought to High Court pic.twitter.com/z5tteaBMEZ
The bail appeal hearing for Hopewell has been postponed to tomorrow because the record from the Magistrate Court hasn’t been sent to the High Court. The judge hasn’t seen it. That’s Zimbabwe’s justice system, delaying tactics from the state!
The State alleges that Chin’ono used social media to incite the public to engage in street protests on July 31, under the guise of fighting top-level corruption.
Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe has warned that those disregarding Government warning on planned 31 July demonstrations will be met by the full wrath of the law.
Addressing Journalists Harare, Kazembe said the planned July 31 demonstrations are banned and people should continue with their day to day duties.
“Government wishes to let the people of Zimbabwe know that the intended reckless ‘demonstrations’ of 31 July 2020 are banned and that the people should continue to enjoy their peace and security on the day. Anyone who disregards this warning and proceeds to join the planned insurrection to steal power, will be met by the full wrath of the law,” said Kazembe
The Minister said the demonstrations are not about anti-corruption but were a regime change agenda by the opposition MDC Alliance.
“Government rejects that 31 July is about anti-corruption or about other well-meant intention. Government has already demonstrated its unflinching commitment to fight against corruption. 31 July is a planned insurrection and a naked, illegal and unconstitutional attempt to seize power. It is about the MDC Alliance attempting to seize power and violently overturn the people’s verdict of 31 July 2018” said the Minister
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner General, Godwin Matanga has said police have not received notification of the demonstrations and none of those sought by police have showed up.
“As far as I know there was no notification of the demonstration from the organisers. Even those on the police wanted list have not shown up.” said Matanga
The Government warning comes at a time political activists mainly from the opposition are in hiding amid reports that some have been receiving threats from unknown people.
I am based in Mashonaland Central Mazowe district and would like to raise my concern about COVID 19 suspects handling , testing and reporting.
Mashonaland Central is being reported as one of provinces with low cases of COVID- 19 but i believe this is not the true position.
The current state of affairs in health facilities is that people are not properly being tested and those suspects who present themselves with covid symptoms are returned home without being tested and advised to self isolate at home.
No-one follows them to check their status. This means if the suspect is positive he/she will continue spreading the virus at home.
The health officials who would have attended him/her are not being tested and the probability of further spreading is high among healthworkers themselves.
At Tsungubvi Polyclinic in Glendale a suspect went to the facility coughing heavily and having difficulties in breathing. Moreso, his temperature was elevated and had diarrhoea.
It is said he had travelled from Mvuma aboard a truck from South Africa with other 7 occupants the previous week. So the signs and symptoms and history of travel clearly points that the boy could be positive for coronavirus.
He was returned home after spending 2 days at the health facility sharing facilities such as toilets and accomodation with other health workers despite him being a suspect.
The district officials did not come to collect him and take him to the isolation centre at hospital. He has not been tested to date, his status is uknown and the clinic was not fumigated.
So if he is positive, it means most health officials are now at risk.
I am so concerned that if this is what is happening in the province then the figures are not a true reflection of what is on the ground.
May the Provincila Medical Director of Mash Central Dr Tshuma follow up on this Glendale suspect case because we are now afraid of visiting the health facility because we now don’t know the status of the boy and nurses.
Mgcini Sibanda who spent most of his senior career playing in the Botswana Premier League has died.
He was 31 years old.
The Zimbabwean midfielder was reportedly unwell for some weeks and passed away on Tuesday.
Sibanda moved to Botswana at a young age to join FC Satmos. He went on to play for Orapa United where he won the Mascom Top 8 in 2016, Security Systems and BDF XI, in the top-flight.
The midfielder returned home last year after suffering a long term injury and was unattached to any club at the time of his death-Soccer 24
By Robert Sigauke- Today I woke up thinking of a certain event that touched my heart a few years ago. This is a true story, and I believe the person concerned would find no qualms in me sharing the story. This is a story of salvation, of redemption, a story of thanksgiving.
Gogo was arrested for committing a certain crime, then charged and jailed. She went into prison as an early middle aged woman, full of life, and hope. Despite, this was the beginning of a long story of despair, hopelessness and bitterness.
She saw how at first, with plastic bags full of fresh supplies, friends and relatives flocked to the prison to visit her in empathy. Gogo was not living a life of crime before her imprisonment, it so happened in one of those unfortunate moments where one’s emotions and actions go against the grains of the law.
Due to the gravity, her stay behind bars was going to be long, there was no parole. As the weeks and months turned into years, the number of people coming to visit Gogo kept decreasing.
Few people might have experienced firsthand, but sure most of us have heard how most prisons in Zimbabwe are at the top of infamy in terms of deteriorated human conditions.
Yes economic hardships played a huge role in the number of her visitors decreasing, but for someone confined in a jail cell, the mind is quick to be colonised by thoughts of rejection.
More years passed and even the closest family members no longer visited Gogo. A few showed face once in few years, but some completely forgot all about her. Some of her grandchildren were born and grew up into early adulthood without even seeing her face.
Hope faded through the years, her anguish in seeming rejection, Gogo resigned to the fact that this would be all there is to about her life story on this earth.
Old age, collapsed living conditions in prison, stress and depression causing poor health, rejection – She accepted this will all end with a pauper’s burial by the Prisons Department.
Well wishers from different church, women and donor organisations would come sometimes and bring supplies. This was something big to look forward to for most inmates.
She remembers how one November afternoon, a church organisation came and prayed with her and others to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, they said. Gogo’s hope was all done and dusted.
Fast forward to February the next year, Johannesburg, the master of ceremony for that day’s Sunday service announced the end of the sermon. He asked one of the pastors to come forward and close with a prayer.
A small and frail looking old woman jumped from her seat and raced to the podium as fast as she could. She begged the MC to allow her to say a few words before the closing prayer.
Not sure what to do, the MC looked at the pastors who, nodded to him to give the old woman a chance to speak. As the congregation were now holding handbags and rounding up children in closure, they stopped to listen in curiosity.
“People of God, I am sorry for taking your time. I have very few words, but it is important that I say them. I arrived late because I am coming by bus from Zimbabwe and soon after this service, I am getting the evening bus to go back to Zimbabwe. I was in prison since my early adulthood. I stayed there for many years until this old age.
Some of my grandchildren were born whilst I was inside; they are now married and have their own children. Some women from this church came to the prison 2 months ago on an outreach program.
They listened to our stories, and offered us support, sympathy and even helped some of us to accept the Jesus Christ we always heard about. A few weeks after they left, the President announced an amnesty.
I was one of the beneficiaries and I was consequently released few weeks back. I asked one of my grandchildren to come with me to Johannesburg and look for this church.
It is my first time in this city and I came all this way to say thank you for the prayers when you came to see us in prison. Jesus indeed set me free.
I am not here to say I did not commit a crime, I did it out of rage and life hardships. But I am here to say thank you for helping me to meet Jesus. I have found the Light, the Truth and the Way.”
Brothers and Sisters, may we all find the Light, the Truth and the Way in Jesus Christ.
Robert Sigauke is a fellow servant in the Lord. He writes from Johannesburg.
Norman Mapeza has been linked again with a return to the South Africa Premier Soccer League.
The Zimbabwean gaffer left top-flight club Chippa United in March after five months in charge. He was quickly reported to be wanted by AmaZulu, but the Durban-based outfit rubbished the rumours.
Now, following the departure of Alan Clark at Black Leopards, the 47-year old has been lined up as a potential candidate to take over the team, according to KickOff.com.
Leopards are also said to have identified another former Chippa United coach, Dan Malesela for the vacant post.
“Norman Mapeza and Dan Malesela are some of the names that have been discussed, but there is nothing formal at the moment,” an unnamed source told the publication.
“In the meantime, Morgan Shivambu will be in charge while the club continues to search for the new coach.”
Clark handed in his resignation letter at Leopards on Tuesday morning after receiving a coaching opportunity in Europe-Soccer 24
By A Correspondent- Workers at Pick n Pay headquarters in Avondale were reportedly picked up on the pretext that they are COVID-19 positive and rushed to Wilkins Infectious Hospital.
According to sources privy to the development, the workers were said to be COVID-19 positive despite that no tests were done on them prior to the move.
Said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity:
“People were picked up and told they have COVID-19. But only people who were HIV positive and asthmatic were taken. Not that they were COVID-19 positive.
A colleague was worried that the asthmatic person will die after being subjected to the deplorable conditions at Wilkins Hospital.
To make things worse they were taken to Wilkins where there is no care. It is said that they are just now taking people so they prove that COVID-19 numbers are climbing up. This has to be exposed.”
Relegated Bournemouth are planning to take legal action against Aston Villa’s survival in the English top-flight, Soccer24 has learnt.
Eddie Howe’s men went down to the Championship on the last day despite beating Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park while Villa, who three weeks ealier were 7 points adrift of safety, survived after their 1-1 stalemate with David Moyes’ West Ham.
The turning point in the season however, was a mistake made by Hawkeye, the company in charge of goal line technology, which resulted in a legitimate goal not being allowed to stand during the Aston Villa- Sheffield United goalless draw at Villa Park on June 17.
In the 41st minute of the clash, which ushered-in the return of the Premier League from the Covid-19 enforced break, Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to have dragged the ball over the goal line but goal-line technology ruled no goal, despite the ball appearing to have clearly crossed the line.
Referee Michael Oliver did not get the signal to indicate a goal and the company admitted there was an error and the ball did cross the line.
As a result, Bournemouth, according to UK-based publication The Telegraph want to sue the company and have the result of the game overturned.
If they are successful in doing so, Villa would now have 34 points, not the 35 they finished with, and since Bournemouth finished with the same number of points, they would be ones to stay in the Premier League because of a superior goal difference- Soccer 24
BREAKING: State has just announced they’re proceeding to try the abducted MDC3: Joana, Cecilia, & Netsai on 31st July”20. The now say that they are ready to go for trial despite previously postponing everything to 13thAug @ZLHRLawyers@JoanaMamombe@ceechimbiri2@advocatemahere
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has described Patrick Chinamasa as a failed and dangerous Zanu PF appendage.
Biti was responding to Chinamasa’s remarks at news conference on Monday.
Chinamasa accused Biti of “biting the hand that fed him” by continuously fighting against the ZANU PF government.
At the press conference, Chinamasa took an unprecedented swipe at Biti accusing him of being a puppet of the West.
“I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa said.
“But my disappointment is that he uses money that Zanu PF used to educate him to undermine the revolution to be a puppet and often I wonder how such an intelligent person cannot realise that he is being duped by his handlers. It is a pity.”
However, Biti hit back at Chinamasa, describing the former Justice Minister as a failed, dangerous Zanu PF appendage.
“Patrick Chinamasa is a failed but dangerous Zanu PF appendage. He is a sadistic, ruthless and cunning apparatchik without any restraint or limits,” he said.
“Part of his insane zeal comes from the fact that he did not participate in the liberation struggle, was hiding in a law firm. We reject the insane and unbalanced remarks of Chinamasa, a political ramshackle that needs to retire.”
By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS | Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .
It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.
However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.
However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.
Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.
Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.
“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.
“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.
“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.
“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.
Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.
Farai Dziva|Suspected state security agents are trailing MDC Alliance members in the ancient city of Masvingo as political tension rises before July 31 protests.
Soldiers also intimidated residents of the ancient city.On Monday troops from 41 brigade marched along the streets of Mucheke Suburb in a move meant to intimidate residents- according to political observers.
On Tuesday morning soldiers marched along the streets of Rujeko Suburb.
According to residents of the city of Masvingo, the soldiers marched without wearing masks and they did not observe the recommended “social distancing.”
Below is a statement from the MDC Alliance :
Today (Tuesday) Masvingo security personnel visited the houses of Masvingo Urban MDC Alliance district chair Mr Murangamwa Chanyau and Masvingo urban district organ Mr Peacemaker Mapope.
The security personnel visited MDC Alliance national youth organizer Mr Godfrey Kuraone’s residence in Masvingo.
It is a day commemorated to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis. It is an opportunity to step up national and interactive efforts on hepatitis.
It’s to encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
Theme: “Hepatitis free future” with a strong focus on preventing Hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that causes a range of problems that may progress to chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be parasitic, bacteria, viral, autoimmune (body attacking itself) or genetic.
However of all the causes viral causes are the most common and most fatal.
Of the viral causes hepatitis A, B, C, D, E are the commonest.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine preventable hepatitis transmitted via feacal-oral. It is a contagious disease. People infected presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue, malaise.
It is usually self limiting and treatment is symptom management. It does not usually cause chronic complications.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by body fluids or blood products, sharing needles and syringes and by sexual intercourse.
Infected people presents with fatigue, poor appetite, yellow eyes, abdominal pain. This type of hepatitis can be prevented as there is a vaccine available. Anyone at any age can get the vaccine. In Zimbabwe children are vaccinated at the age of 6, 10 and 14weeks.
Treatment can be with antivirals but it usually progress to cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C virus is also transmitted by body fluids, blood products, sharing needles and syringes and sexual intercourse.
Symptoms and signs are usually the same as those of Hepatitis B.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but can be treated with antivirals. It also progress causing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Hepatitis D occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B.
Transmission, signs and symptoms are the same as hepatitis B. If vaccinated against Hep B it also protects against Hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E istransmitted via feaco-oral route usually in shell fish, raw pig. There is no vaccine available.
Also self limiting and chronic complications are not common.
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Farai Dziva|Two concerned Zimbabweans have challenged the Zanu PF administration to stop the persecution of suffering citizens.
See statement below:
Our nation has degenerated into a banana republic dominated because of criminal elements.
To our surprise our government has become a monster such that everyone is living in fear. In short we are under siege, we are oppressed and we can’t breathe.
The recent arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono depicted the extent of lawlessness that we have been plunged into by the so called second republic.
Clearly the state has no case to answer on this one despite the amount of propaganda and spin doctoring.
The government has only one option to gain favour from the people and that is uprooting corruption and revive economy, honestly if they cant do this they must not expect the Zimbabweans to support is evil agenda of destroying the future of million lives.
To this day no amount of propaganda will rescue the governments incompetence.
People are not fools, right now the lockdown restriction is another evidence of the regimes incompetence.
The government has failed to put effective measures to deal with returnees which saw the country being hit with the increase of infections.
Instead of focusing on fighting the pandemic they are busy fighting the voices of the people in the name of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono.
Free Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono, their crime is standing for the people CorruptionMustFall FreeJacob FreeHopewell
By A Correspondent- Mbembesi villagers are living in constant fear of violent illegal gold panners, popularly known as MaShurugwi, who have reportedly invaded the area and are digging around homesteads and gravesites in search of the precious metal.
The gangs, which are reportedly armed with axes and machetes, are defying the COVID-19 lockdown measures as they unleash a reign of terror in Mbembesi, about 50km out of Bulawayo along the Harare highway.
They have also dug near Chief Ndondo’s homestead.
There are reports that the panners are digging underneath the road network in the area, rendering them unsafe for vehicles.
Villagers say they are hopeless as any challenge to the gangs is met with violence.
Chief Ndondo yesterday confirmed that the illegal gold panners had become a menace in his area.
He admitted they were digging close to his homestead, but denied the desecration of graves.
“The issue of digging of gravesites appears to be untrue, but the illegal gold panners are a menace,” Chief Ndondo said.
“They have dug under our main roads and it is now dangerous for motorists to travel. We have reported to the police, but they kept on saying they didn’t have transport.” He added: “They (MaShurugwi) have caused a lot of damage. We are appealing for help to curb their criminal activities. It should not take long for police to act on an issue like this.”
A villager in Mbembesi, Nkululeko Majola, said the situation was volatile in the area. He appealed for the intervention of security forces.
“They have no respect of sacred places in our area. They are even digging in gravesites. You can imagine the kind of people we are dealing with. Right now, they are digging in our fields close to our homesteads. If you try to approach them, they turn very violent. We are living in fear,” he said.
Majola said as villagers, they were appealing to government to deploy soldiers to the area to restore order as they also fear the spread of COVID-19.
“These people come from different places, some of them from areas which have high number of cases of COVID-19 positive people. They also don’t adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures as they don’t have protective equipment. They mingle with locals at the business centre and they could spread of the deadly virus,” he said.
MaShurungwi have been causing chaos in Matabeleland during the lockdown period, especially in Gwanda, where they have reportedly robbed several mines, leaving a number of miners injured.
Farai Dziva|Leading human rights organization, ZIMRIGHTS is pushing for the prosecution of Zanu PF spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.
See statement below:
ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE 28 JULY 2020
Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.
In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.
ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.
ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.
It is a day commemorated to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis. It is an opportunity to step up national and interactive efforts on hepatitis.
It’s to encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
Theme: “Hepatitis free future” with a strong focus on preventing Hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that causes a range of problems that may progress to chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be parasitic, bacteria, viral, autoimmune (body attacking itself) or genetic.
However of all the causes viral causes are the most common and most fatal.
Of the viral causes hepatitis A, B, C, D, E are the commonest.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine preventable hepatitis transmitted via feacal-oral. It is a contagious disease. People infected presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue, malaise.
It is usually self limiting and treatment is symptom management. It does not usually cause chronic complications.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by body fluids or blood products, sharing needles and syringes and by sexual intercourse.
Infected people presents with fatigue, poor appetite, yellow eyes, abdominal pain. This type of hepatitis can be prevented as there is a vaccine available. Anyone at any age can get the vaccine. In Zimbabwe children are vaccinated at the age of 6, 10 and 14weeks.
Treatment can be with antivirals but it usually progress to cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C virus is also transmitted by body fluids, blood products, sharing needles and syringes and sexual intercourse.
Symptoms and signs are usually the same as those of Hepatitis B.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but can be treated with antivirals. It also progress causing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Hepatitis D occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B.
Transmission, signs and symptoms are the same as hepatitis B. If vaccinated against Hep B it also protects against Hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E istransmitted via feaco-oral route usually in shell fish, raw pig. There is no vaccine available.
Also self limiting and chronic complications are not common.
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS | Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .
It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.
However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.
However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.
Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.
Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.
“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.
“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.
“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.
“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.
Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.
Farai Dziva|Leading human rights organization, ZIMRIGHTS is pushing for the prosecution of Zanu PF spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.
See statement below:
ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE 28 JULY 2020
Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.
In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.
ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.
ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.
By A Correspondent- In an internal correspondence to staff members, the broadcaster’s acting chief executive officer Ms Helliate Rushwaya said the broadcaster would be implementing contact tracing, disinfection and testing measures from today.
“We learnt today, Tuesday 28th July 2020, that one of our colleagues has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. The member of staff is based at ZBC Pockets Hill and last reported for duty on 16th July before taking time off. This is obviously worrying news for the individual concerned and we wish them a quick recovery.
“We would like to notify all staff that as a result of this development, staff on duty will be tested at Pockets Hill on Wednesday 29th July 2020. This will be be in addition to the pre-scheduled disinfection of Pockets Hill premises taking place on the same day,” the statement read.
As the measures took effect, normal programming would be disrupted while those that can work from home are expected to do so.
“For health, safety and well-being of all stage it our primary concern. For this reason, going forward, all staff with remote work capabilities are expected to work from home. Only critical staff are expected to report for work. Staff should consult with their managers for addition instructions and for any questions or concerns. Normal programming from Pockets Hill for both Radio and Television will be affected until further notice.”
By Antony Taruvinga| For the first time in the history of the country, we all have the equal chances of dying.
I am not going to mourn the death of a man who presided over the killing of over 20 000 Zimbabweans in Matebeleland region.
It was a massacre non of us would want to remember. I am angered that COVID-19 whisked him away before he could be afforded the opportunity to stand trial in a New Zimbabwe court of law.
God has a way of punishing the evil.
Maybe it’s God’s justice and if this pandemic could claim more of the same, our struggle for a New Zimbabwe would then be a walk in the park.
Never thought with all the ill- gotten wealth they possess, this flue like pandemic would claim their lives.
The innocent people who died in Matebeleland died a painful death. No one must be allowed to kill and get away with it.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric Isaac Makomichi has been summoned to the CID law and order section for urging Zimbabweans to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
In a tweet last week, Makomichi urged Zimbabweans to pray for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence.
Makomichi has been accompanied by his lawyer Martin Mureri to the CID Law and Order offices.
“They called me today and advised me to visit their offices for an interview.
I don’t know what the issue is about.Last week I urged the people of Zimbabwe to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.
As a preacher of the word, it is my duty to pray for citizens – despite their political orientation,” said Makomichi.
Makomichi has also been targeted by state agents for sympathizing with MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister, Air Marshal Perence Shiri was born on 11 January 1955 in Gweru.
Born Bigboy Samson Chikerema, the name Perrance Shiri seems to have been his nom de guerre.
He died Wednesday aged 65.
Shiri joined ZANLA in 1973 and rose through the ranks to become member of the High Command in 1977.
He then joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980, attained Brigadier rank in 1982 before he was transferred to Airforce as Air Commodore in 1984 and became a Commander from 1992 -2017.
Became Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement from November 2017 to date.
During his tenure as the commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Shiri was also a member of the Joint Operations Command which exerted the day by day control over Zimbabwe’s government.
Shiri was a cousin to the late President Robert Mugabe.
It is reported that he called himself Black Jesus, because according to an anonymous claim on BBC Panorama documentary “The Price of Silence”, he “could determine your life like Jesus Christ. He could heal, raise the dead, whatever. So he claimed to be like that because he could say if you live or not.”
A liberation war veteran, Shiri’s chequered past saw him commanding the army’s Fifth Brigade unit that carried out the 1980s massacres of thousands of civilians in western Zimbabwe as the government sought to quell an insurgency.
From 1983 to 1984, the Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade, under Shiri’s command, was responsible for a reign of terror in Matabeleland known as Gukurahundi.
Over 20k people lost their lives during Gukurahundi while thousands more were tortured.
Despite this, in 1986, Shiri was granted a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.
In 1992, Shiri was appointed as the commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, taking over from Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shiri was reported to have organised farm invasions by war veterans. However, these claims were not corroborated neither were they denied by Shiri, who was a very reserved individual who never disclosed much about his personal or political life.
When Zimbabwe was hit by food shortages in 2002, Mugabe dispatched Shiri to South Africa to purchase maize in a move that was backed by a credit note for the equivalent of £17 million from the Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi.
With the Mugabe government facing increasing problems, the Zimbabwean media reported in February 2007 that Shiri was regularly attending General Solomon Mujuru’s unofficial meetings with other senior military commanders and some political leaders. These meetings had discussed forcing Mugabe to the polls in 2008 with a view to his replacement as president.
Zimbabwean lawyers and opposition politicians in 2008 accused Shiri of being the man behind the military assaults on illegal diggers in the diamond mines in the east of Zimbabwe.
Shortly before the disputed 2008 harmonised presidential election Shiri, along with other Zimbabwean Defence chiefs, held a press conference where they stated that defence and security forces had been deployed across the country to maintain peace and order in a remark aimed against the Movement for Democratic Change.
In 2002 the European Union barred Shiri from entering the EU and on 6 March 2003, George W. Bush ordered the blocking of any of Shiri’s property in the United States.
There was on Shiri’s life on 13 December 2008, when he was accosted by unknown people who shot at his car while he was on his way to his farm in Marondera.
The police reported that Shiri got out of his car thinking that one of his car tyres had burst and he was shot in the arm.
It has been speculated that the assassination attempt may have been a response to Shiri’s attacks on illegal diamond miners in 2008 or because of his role in Gukurahundi in Matabeleland in the 1980s.
In October 2013, Shiri’s only son, Titus Takudzwa Chikerema, died aged 21. Nothing is known about his mother’s identity or her whereabouts.
Shiri, allegedly helped plot the ouster of Robert Mugabe in the 2017 coup.
Two government sources said he died in the early hours of Wednesday.
Shiri was said to have gone into isolation then at some point he ended up being admitted in hospital where he met his demise.
While Shiri was certainly a commanding figure because of his expansive liberation war credentials, top government posts and his far reaching influence, little was known about his personal life.
No-one has ever seen Shiri’s spouse in the media or during public appearances. Shiri always rocked up solo prompting speculation that he was a divorcee but whose wife no-one knows about.
By A Correspondent| Zanu PF Youth League has urged party members not to wear regalia on 31 July saying they have unearthed a plan by the opposition to wear Zanu PF regalia during the planned demonstrations set for Friday.
In a statement, Zanu PF Youth League Acting Deputy Secretary, Tendai Chirau said the plot is meant to “hoodwink unsuspecting citizens and demonize the name of the revolutionary party by creating a false image of som ZANU PF members participating in the their heinous design for the benefit of their handlers.”
Chirau added that, “I hereby encourage all our Zanu PF Youth league members not to wear their party regalia on the 31st of July 2020 in order to expose and totally invalidate the enemy’s plot.”
I am now at Harare Central Police station to make a report against Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence as of Section 37 of the Criminal code.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- “I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa told journalists at Zanu PF headquarters in Harare Monday.
“But there you have him doing the bidding for his masters very well where he wrote to the World Bank not to give us Covid-19 related finances and resources and we have not received such resources.
“Zanu PF, therefore, appeals to our people not to be misled by the MDC Alliance malcontents whose preoccupation is to see our people and the economy suffer.”
Chinamasa should know that Zanu PF cannot have its cake and eat it too! He only showered Tendai Biti with praise for the purpose of building Biti as a credible opposition whose words would have influence IMF. The truth is Tendai Biti is a corrupt, incompetent and overrated opposition politician with a well-documented track record of failures. He has no intellectual or political credibility and no political influence. Of all the people, Patrick Chinamasa should know this since he played the leading role in celebrating Biti and his MDC’s friends’ breath-taking incompetence at the end of the 2008 GNU! record better than anyone else.
The IMF, WB and many other international financial institutions stopped giving Zimbabwe financial assistance back in the late 1999 when it was clear the country was failing to service’s mounting debt. Zimbabwe’s reputation as a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent and vote rigging thugs have forced investors and lenders alike to shy away from doing business with the country. It is therefore rich to blame the WB’s recent decision to deny Zimbabwe financial assistance on Tendai Biti.
Chinamasa knows that Tendai Biti is not clever at all! If Biti or anyone of his follow MDC leaders had even the common sense of a village idiot then they would have implemented at least one democratic reform during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Not even the repeated nagging by SADC leaders to implement the reforms could get the MDC leaders to anything.
Of course, Patrick Chinamasa joined his leader, Robert Mugabe, and all the other Zanu PF leaders in celebrating their party’s greatest political revivals. Having signed the 2008 Global Political Agreement, agreeing to the implementation of the raft of democratic reforms designed to dismantle the Zanu PF dictatorship; no one would have believed Zanu PF would emerge at the end of the GNU with all its dictatorial powers untouched! No one!
When SADC leaders tried a last minute attempt to have the 2013 elections postponed to allow for the reforms to be implemented; it was Chinamasa himself, as then Minister of Justice, who reminded the diplomats that elections could not be postponed to allow reforms when no reforms proposals had ever been submitted in the five years of the GNU. It was MDC’s, not Zanu PF’s, fault that not even one reform proposal had been submitted.
Chinamasa and his Zanu PF cronies celebrated Tendai Biti and his MDC friends’ breath-taking incompetence in failing to submit even one token reform proposal in five years of the GNU. Chinamasa said nothing about respecting Biti’s “intellectual prowess” then!
Zanu PF’s contempt for the opposition is malicious, so malicious the party has stripped all its political opponents of their freedoms, rights and humanity. And all the ordinary Zimbabweans who have dared support the oppositions have been cloaked in the opposition’s colours and in turn stripped of their freedoms, etc.
“Zanu PF’s relationship with the people is watered with blood, it is unshakable. The party and its leadership will never allow this to happen. We will never allow any malcontents to take over this country,” Chinamasa fumed.
Since granting the ordinary people their right to free, fair and credible elections could resulted in election “malcontent opposition” it is therefore clear why Zanu PF has never ever allowed the people to exercise a free and democratic vote.
Zimbabwe has gone from a middle-income nation in 1980 with a robust and promising economy to one of the poorest nations today. Four decades of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption has left the country in economic ruins with unemployment a nauseating 90% and 34% of the people now living in abject poverty.
The nation has been stuck with the corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF regime for all these 40 years because the party rigged the elections to stop the people removing its leaders from office.
The right to a meaningful say in the governance of one’s country is a birth right, a universal right acknowledged in the UN Universal Human Rights. In Zimbabwe the right to free elections is now more that just a right, it is the only way the nation has to end the criminal worse of the country’s material resources that has left millions in abject poverty and hopelessness and despair.
After four decades of being denying one’s freedoms and rights, of being treated like a malcontent with no meaningful say in the governance of the country, of being forced into a life of hopelessness and despair; it is high time the people of Zimbabwe stood up to Zanu PF and reclaimed their rights and humanity!
The people of Zimbabwe must stand-up to this Zanu PF dictatorship and demand their right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country. The people must reject continued denial of their freedoms and rights under the nonsensical guise an unshakable “Zanu PF’s relationship with the people is watered with blood!”
Zanu PF does not have a divine or otherwise right to govern the country. The right to govern the country must be derive from the people of Zimbabwe in a free, fair and credible elections and not other source.
Zanu PF failed to hold free, fair and credible elections in July 2018, the party has no mandate to govern, the regime is illegitimate and must step down. After 40 years of holding this nation to ransom, enough is enough. Zanu PF must step down and no amount of Zanu PF threats will deter the nation from demanding change.
Zimbabwe’s government signed a $3.5 billion deal to compensate white commercial farmers who were evicted from their land two decades ago.
The agreement is a turning point in a dispute that tipped the southern African nation’s economy into freefall by slashing food production and export income, and incurred sanctions from the U.S. and European Union.
“Today marks a huge milestone,” Andrew Pascoe, president of the Commercial Farmers Union that represents the white farmers, said Wednesday at a signing ceremony in the capital, Harare. “As Zimbabweans, we have chosen to resolve this long-outstanding issue.”
It’s unclear how the compensation will be funded, at a time when Zimbabwe is in the midst of an economic crisis. The country is battling inflation of more than 700% and dealing with shortages of currency, fuel and food with over 90% of the population out of formal employment.
A committee has been formed by the government, farmers and donors to raise funding for the compensation, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said at the ceremony.
Zimbabwe has endured intermittent food shortages since the government began the often-violent program that seized most white-owned, large-scale farms from 2000. Zimbabwe’s rulers maintain that the land was taken forcibly during colonial times and needed to be returned to Black residents.
The compensation agreement is for improvements and assets on the more than 4,000 farms that were seized and doesn’t pertain to the land itself, Ben Gilpin, a director of the CFU, said earlier this month.
“This momentous event is historic,” President Emmerson Mnangagwa said at the ceremony. “It brings closure and a new beginning.”
The government of Zimbabwe has responded to a notice by senior doctors that they were withdrawing services over a number of issues including the inadequacy of personal protective equipment.
We present the response in full below.
The Executive, Senior Hospital Doctors Association
Attention: Dr S Nyaguse – Chiurunge Ref: Ministry of Health and Child Care P 0 Box CY1122 Causeway HARARE RE: NOTICE TO WITHDRAW FROM OFFERING SERVICES Reference is made to your letter dated 14 July 2020 addressed to the Acting Honourable Minister with regards to the above and a meeting held on the 27th of July 2020 to discuss the issues raised in your letter.
Below is the detailed response of the issues which you raised: 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); It is noted that the demand for PPE is continuing to rise in sync with the rising number of Covid-19 cases. The procurement and distribution of PPE is a continuous process and not an event as the consumption rate is very high. PPE is the biggest cost driver in the prevention and containment of COVID-19. While efforts are in progress to expand local production of some of the items which will reduce pressure on resources required to import other products that are not produced locally, the Ministry is currently working with NatPharm to procure additional PPE and expeditiously distribute it to all stations. The latest PPE stock status shows that we have just over a month’s supply of PPE at the current usage rate.
As at 28 July 2020, a total of 253 health workers including student nurses had tested positive for COVID-19. The Pharmacy Directorate is finalizing the quantification of PPE requirements for submission to the Resource Mobilization Committee of the Ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19.
Please find attached the stock status as at 27 July 2020.
2. COVID-19 Testing of hospital inpatients Testing continues to be a challenge. Health Workers are struggling to provide services to clients without COVID-19 tests being carried out in the face of inadequate PPE. There has been an increase in poor outcomes in all departments as clients go unattended as a result of limited testing capacity. The Ministry has since written to all public and private institutions directing them to set up patients under investigation units (PUI Units) to facilitate timely attendance to patients seeking care.
Whilst COVID-19 testing has been decentralized, challenges continue to be faced on availability of some consumables such as Gene X-pert cartridges which are scarce on the international market. Donations of PCR testing kits were also received but our testing capacity is limited by the shortage of viral transport media VTM and swabs among other items which include boosting human resources. In that reign the Ministry is planning to recruit laboratory trained staff.
3. Medicines, medical sundries and medical equipment The availability of drugs, medical products and equipment is a direct function of the availability of forex, as over 90% of medicines are imported. Collectively we have not demonstrated capacity to produce our own drugs and equipment locally the high import bill for medicines and medical products. Covid-19 derailed the procurement processes that were in progress as resources had to be diverted to the pandemic. The new Ministry realigned staff is hitting the ground running to:
a. Establish requirements and priorities;
b. Establish the available resources both in local and forex; and
c. Initiate the procurement processes and follow up on existing commitments.
4. Payment of salaries in USD The Health Service Board with the guidance of the Acting Hon Minister have made submissions to Treasury to review Health Worker Packages. However, the Government is not in a position to pay salaries in USD. Full US dollarization of the economy is a tried, tested and failed concept. By February 2018 the country was dry of the US Dollar with citizens sleeping at the banks to withdraw their deposits to no avail. Foreigners also descended on Zimbabwe in search of the easily accessible US Dollars in addition to locals also externalizing their US Dollar reserves. There is absolutely nothing to stop that from happening again. Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity. We have to be innovative and explore other ways of resolving these challenges.
a. The US Dollars is American currency printed by the Federal Reserve and is not printed for free for other countries; b. Other countries can only access the USD through international trade of goods and services;
c. The USD reserves generated by the Zimbabwean economy are not adequate to sustain import obligations such as fuel, food because of droughts and natural disasters, electrical power following droughts resulting in reduced generation, medicines and medical products aggravated by Covid-19, industrial and agricultural machinery just to mention a few. Diverting the limited USD forex to paying salaries is suicidal for the economy and social services provision.
d. Printing the ZWL$ without consideration to the economic fundamentals is inflationary and Zimbabweans are experiencing the horrors of a second wave of hyperinflation.
A measured approach in improving salaries and buying power of the currency is recommended as evidenced by some of the efforts which include the under listed:
i) The Government reviewed salaries by 5o% and paid a USD 75 denominated civil services Nostro card to Health Workers.
ii) A request for an upward review of the COVID-19 Risk Allowances was submitted to Treasury. (The Health Workers had requested for 400, 500 and 600 USD equivalent.)
iii) Use of arbitration to address sticky salary issues. 5. Payment of Clinical Allowances The payment of allowances to University of Zimbabwe Consultants was approved in principle.
To this end, the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has been processing payments pegged at an agreed RTGS3,50o per consultant per month.
Payments for March 2020 were made on the 3. of April 2020, whilst payments for April 2020 were made on the 3rd of June 2020 with payments for May and June having been processed on the 17th of July 2020. Whilst noting the payments, concern was raised on having Parirenyatwa meet the bill noting that the revenues inflows have declined since the onset of COVID-19.
6. Other emerging issues
a. Donor funded allowances from the Health Development Fund The HDF has set aside a budget of USD2 million to cover all Health Workers. Guided by presence at work this might cover only up to two months.
The Ministry has however opted for this amount to be used for procurement of PPE. b. Dual employment for University of Zimbabwe Consultants Concern raised by UZ-CHS over inconsistencies on the dual employment is noted. This issue has since been brought to the attention of the Honorable Minister and will be addressed as part of the ongoing restructuring of the public health sector.
It is hoped that the above responses answer the questions raised in your correspondence and we pray that you will reconsider your intention of withdrawing services with effect from after duty on the 29th of July 2020.
V SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE: Dr G. Mhlanga ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE Cc Hon Acting Minister of Health and Child Care: Prof. dr. A Murwira
Hon Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care: Dr J Mangwiro
Executive Director, Health Service Board: Ms R R Kaseke
Perrance Shiri was born Bigboy Samson Chikerema on 11 January 1955.
He joined ZANLA in 1973 and rose through the ranks to become a member of the High Command in 1977. At independence in 1980, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and attained Brigadier rank in 1982.
He was transferred to Airforce of Zim as Air Commodore in 1984. In 1986, Cde Shiri was granted a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.
In 1992, Cde Shiri was appointed as the commander of the Air Force of Zim, taking over from Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai. Rt. Chief Air Marshal Shiri was in command of the Zimbabwean troops at the start of the Second Congo War.
By A Correspondent| Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s bail hearing that was set for Wednesday at the High Court has been postponed to tomorrow (Thursday) due to the absence of record of proceedings from the Harare Magistrates Court, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has said.
Chin’ono was denied last week Friday bail at the Harare Magistrates Court forcing his lawyers led by Beatrice Mtetwa to file a High Court appeal.
The hearing for the appeal had been set for today but had to be postponed to tomorrow.
“False start to bail hearing of Hopewell Chin’ono as record of proceedings from Magistrates Court hasn’t been brought to High Court,” ZLHR said.
Chin’ono was arrested on charges of inciting public violence.
By Problem Masau| As dusk dawns, 88-year-old Paulina Mapako sits on a bench outside her home preparing her evening meal in Katsande Village, Mutoko. Frail but still strong with a memory of an elephant, she narrates how her life have been transformed by Mathias and Mildred Madziyanzira who set up their gold milling company called MilMath Milling at Makosi Shops in 2012.
“They are God-sent”- said Gogo Mapako with a chuckle exposing her toothless mouth, “Ever since my husband died, they have been assisting me,”.
“As you can see I am preparing my evening dinner and the mealie meal and the cooking oil actually came from them,” she said.
Gogo Mapako revealed that the company was also constructing her house.
“They are constructing a new house for me,” she said. Gogo Mapako’s case is not in isolation.
Mathias and Mildred who rose to prominence through preaching the gospel know too well that helping orphans, widows and the needy is part of the Jesus’ great commission.
Gogo Mapako with a chuckle
“The company has identified the vulnerable in the community and is assisting with groceries. We have also identified children with school fees needs,” said the company’s general manager Nago.
“We are grateful to MilMath for sinking the boreholes in our area. Unlike in other areas, water is readily available here,” said Eureka Katsande as she fetches water in Katsande Village.
“As part of our social corporate responsibility we have sunk a total of 16 boreholes,” said Mathias Madziyanzira. Many youths who could have followed the great trek of going to South Africa or Harare have found themselves employed at the mill. “ Our policy is that for general labour, we employ the locals. Most youths have been employed here. We only hire outside if it’s skilled labour,” said Madziyanzira.
While most rural stores are developing into white elephants and ghost shops, Makosi shopping area deep down in Mutoko is flourishing and blossoming.
“This area is starting to enjoy the ripple effects of our investment here. When we first set up here, the area was deserted with no meaningful activities. Today it’s like a town and there is a beehive of activities,” said Mildred Madziyanzira.
A modern settlement is developing in the area as people troop for the gold rush found in the area.
We publish below the various reactions posted by Zimbabweans on the social media following the announcement that former Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died.
Very sorry & sad to hear this. Met him many times & discussed way forward in improving agriculture & food security, who was very receptive to many suggestions. Most sincere condolences & prayers .
The death of Perence Shiri is a lesson to the surviving looters that by looting resources for the country’s health sector they will equally be looting the breathe of life. Theirs included!#ZanupfMustGo
— Tererai Obey Sithole (@TereraiSithole) July 29, 2020
Sadly, a lot more of these people who actively participated in these atrocities remain in gvt; enjoying taxpayers money. Many will still depart without facing for these crimes, or at the very least, letting the nation know what really happened. Sad.
One thing I like about this Covid is that it came from China their friends, secondly they can’t run away from it …thirdly they can’t shoot anyone because of it …Let’s hope it wipes out the entire Zanu pf5
It's tragic that Perence Shiri has departed without facing justice over the gukurahundi atrocities he committed in Matabeleland & Midlands provinces in the 1980s; nor telling the truth about those atrocities to help heal the nation. May God rest Shiri's victims in eternal peace! pic.twitter.com/gi8WxuFopZ
HARDCORE-BYO@Mr_Sipho10: Then someone says ‘condolences’! Zimbanje.
Perrance Shiri was the commander of the 5th brigade regiment that killed more than 20 000 civilians in Matland and Midlands.He was never arrested but instead he was promoted for his ruthlessness .May his soul never know peace even in death and whoever worked with him must perish pic.twitter.com/CTDO6BKvtX
Tinashe Chikara @kor3sp0ndentTembo_1: My heart bleeds for what the people of lower gwelo and mateleland suffered at the hands of these war mongers. The worst part is the blatant denial by these criminals of it ever happening yet the graves and witnesses are there to prove it happened. We need closure and retribution
njabulo dhlamini@njabulodhlamin3: Sometimes God takes time to reply but today our prayers are answered
Mčuphié@blackpage91: commander of the 5th brigade that wreaked havoc in Matebeleland during the early 1980s Gukurahundi left more than 20 000 innocent civilians dead. It is alleged that he officially opened it by skinning a pregnant woman alive and pulled out the foetus…to hell with Perrence Shiri
Also please prioritize hospitals if we can lose a minister what more of our people .It clearly shows we have poor hospital equipment and please pay nurses and doctors .Fix the country Mr President . Implement your manifesto ,u promised new hospitals silindile.
No Man’s Land@sg_samli: At times we behave like one day we will not die, causing untold suffering to other people. I pray that when i die people dont celebrate my death like this.
Assalam Alaikum@Aalimmufa: May we and our future leaders never inherit this kind of legacy.
Danny Zembe@dannyzembe: Its regretable that he has gone to the grave without ever giving his version of the 5th brigade’s time in Matebeland. What I know is that they must be an explanation to the actions taken. Its important for insiders to give us insight into the psychology of the 5th brigade.
Beke Bk@beke_bk: Where can I get this documentary
The Military Junta is full of individuals with pre-existing conditions or what we call comorbidities in medical terms & COVID will not spare them. They must repent these people otherwise vanopera rumwe rumwe. The presidium itself has 100% candidates for Heroes Acre. Look at them
My greatest worry is that ths evil man who was a foot soldier of a evil system died without facing justice.Victims needed closure.May his soul never rest,he destroyed an entire generation whose lives wil nver be the same.Death is the only equaliser in life.Why dd he change name?
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has officially signed a US$3,5 billion compensation agreement with dispossessed white farmers under land reform.
The compensation is not for the land itself.
GLOBAL COMPENSATION DEED Entered into by and between
REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE Represented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and
(1) COMMERCIAL FARMERS UNION OF ZIMBABWE Represent. by Andrew John Pascoe and FARMERS
(2) THE SOUTHERN Represented by Cedric Robert Wilde AFRICAN and
(3) THE VALUATION CONSORTIUM (PRIVATE) LIMITED Represented by Anthony Meld Purkis IN RESPECT OF THE COMPENSATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND COMPULSORILY ACQUIRED FOR RESETTLEMENT PURPOSES
Global Compensation Deed
The issue has been outstanding since two decades ago when the state authorised the violent grabbing of land from then-owners – white farmers.
The land reform programme soiled Zimbabwe’s relations with the Western international community with the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union and their allies imposing sanctions on the country’s ruling party, companies and individuals linked to it and senior officials.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has notified its members that all vacations and off and leaves have been cancelled except for those on maternity leave.
The notice stated that police officers will be deployed on the 31st of July. Reads the notice:
ALL FORMS OF TIME OFFS AND OCC LEAVE AND VAC LEAVE ARE CANCER ED BY THE COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF POLICE CMM SERVE FOR THOSE WHO ARE ON MATERNITY LEAVE STOP ALL MEMBERS TO BRING THEIR OWN BEDDING ON THE 30TH DAY OF JULY 2020 (THURSDAY) PREPARED TO SLEEP AT STATION ON STANDBY FOR BRIEFING AND A DEPLOYMENT TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE 31ST DAY OF JULY 2020 AT 0300 HRS.
The development comes at the backdrop of opposition anti-corruption protests slated for the 31st of this month.
The state has since discouraged the citizenry from participating in the protests which it says violate lockdown restrictions.
Some of the organisers, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested while others have been put on the police’s long list of wanted people.
PORT ELIZABETH– The Sword of Damocles is all now but hanging over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s head, amid reports that a Zanu PF politburo faction has ditched the president, and switched sides to privately endorse Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, to replace him as leader, Spotlight Zimbabwe, can exclusively reveal.
The Zanu PF politburo, is a 49-member highest decision making body, which formulates and decides policy for the former liberation movement.
According to government insiders who spoke to Spotlight Zimbabwe on Monday, the disclosures have sent cold shivers running down Mnangagwa’s spine, after he is said to have received intelligence last week that the “rebel politburo members”, are allegedly working with the military and plotting to recall him from office, or impeach him for alleged corruption involving billions of dollars, in a worst case scenario.
Ironically, the ruling party has called for an ordinary session of the Politburo today at the party headquarters in Harare. Without stating the agenda of the meeting, Acting Secretary for Information and Publicity, Patrick Chinamasa, in a statement yesterday said:“The Secretary for Administration, Cde Dr Obert Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 29 July 2020 at the party headquarters commencing 1000hrs.”
“The president is in serious panic mode,” said a senior official working for one of the country’s security ministries via mobile phone. “Operatives assigned to furnish him with weekly intelligence briefings, told him last week that there was a fifth column of rebel politburo members inside the party, working with the army to set in motion his recall from office, with the option of impeaching him for corruption involving billions of dollars if he refuses to go.”
Another official close to the ministry of defence, said the ring leader of the rebel Zanu PF politburo members, is a former diplomat who also played an instrumental role in the ouster of former leader, President Robert Mugabe.
“The ring leader and mastermind of the rebel politburo members is a former diplomat. Many people underestimate him, but he’s about to bring Mnangagwa down, after they had a falling out related to business deals. This cunning politician has the ear of military commanders, and is also a closet inner circle of the VP himself. I can also confirm to your publication, that the other key politburo faction members aligned to his camp, are mostly old guard Zanu PF members and former cabinet ministers in Mugabe’s government.”
Spotlight Zimbabwe, reported early this month, that Mnangagwa is likely going to be viciously forced out of power, following revelations that he was resisting to step down through a dignified resignation, leaving the country’s security establishment with no choice but to overthrow him for failing to manage the economy.
Cabinet ministers who spoke to us in confidence last night, indicated that today’s Politburo meeting, was in fact called by Mnangagwa using the secretary for administration, as he is “determined to identify and flush out the suspected rebel elements” inside the party’s highest decision making organ.
“Off course the main agenda is to do with action and security measures to be taken against Friday’s protests. However it is also an opportunity for him, to identify and flush out the suspected rebel elements, during their deliberations if you ask me,” one of the ministers said.
Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, who is at the forefront in calling for street protests against corruption on Friday, has claimed that organisers of the protest, are getting a lot of support from Zimbabweans who are members of Zanu PF, civil society, in business, in the police, and in the military.
Ngarivhume has since been arrested, and is facing charges of inciting public violence. The oppositon politician has been denied bail and remanded in custody to the 7th of August 2020.
Perence Shiri is a man who operated in the Gaza front line during the liberation war, this area was largely Mashonaland central, he became some sort of legend and hero in the Mashonaland Central province. It came as no surprise that he was appointed as political head of Mashonaland Central in ZANU PF. The people of Mashonaland Central were thrilled as their liberator and hero had been assigned to lead the province in an economic revolution. Little did they know that the man who had championed liberation had turned killer, greedy oppressor, and suppressor of the People’s freedoms. Mashonaland Central is most probably the only province were Perence Shiri was viewed as a liberator, his role in Gukurahundi made him public enemy in Matebeleland provinces and other areas. Mashonaland Central gave him the benefit of the doubt and welcomed him because of his role in the province during the liberation struggle.
The People of Mashonaland Central had faith and hope in Perence Shiri only to be left with egg on their faces, as their hero turned out to be a zero.
Perence Shiri has presided over the destabilisation of zanu pf in Mashonaland Central. He equally presided over the looting of resources in Mashonaland Central, disenfranchising bona fide sons and Daughters of Mashonaland Central.
A British Rhodesian sell out
Some have labeled Perence Shiri as a fake hero. They labeled Perence as a fake hero after the military commander behind the worst atrocities of Robert Mugabe’s rule in Zimbabwe was invited to study at the British Ministry of Defence’s most prestigious college.
The invitation came barely a year after Perence Shiri led the fifth Brigade a force that committed the most serious crimes against humanity in Zimbabwe.
Shiri commanded the 5th Brigade which carried out a reign of terror in Matabeleland during 1983 and 1984. The slaughter claimed thousands of civilian lives and thousands more were tortured. This brigade left a huge black dent on Mugabe’s rule, Perence Shiri single-handedly ruined Mugabe’s legacy through 5 Brigade and the orders he gave on the ground.
Despite this, in 1986, Shiri took up a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, an institution that describes itself as “the senior Defence academic institution in the United Kingdom. The most prestigious institution of its kind in the world”. Comrades wondered why Perence Shiri took up the offer, some questioned if he had been loyal to the revolution or the British were finally rewarding their mole.
BMATT commander General Sir Edward Jones, who commanded the British Military Advisory and Training team from 1983 to 1985, tells spoke highly of Perence Shiri he said: “Undoubtedly he was the man who was going to be important in Zimbabwe and I think it was important that we should influence him positively in so far as we could.” This statement by a British General exposed Perence Shiri as a double agent who had been under British influence. Questions remain unànswered on who was selling out comrades during the liberation struggle, is it not British Rhodesian boy Perence??
The black history
Perence Shiri who is known as “Black Jesus” Shiri went on to command the Zimbabwe Airforce. He took over from Josiah Tungamirai who ran a professional and organised entity that could account for resources allocated. Perence Shiri on the other hand as air force commander was a law unto himself, accountable to no one not even General Zvinavashe.
Perence Shiri is single-handedly responsible for all the blemishes on Mugabe’s rule. Perence Shiri led the initial disorganized farm invasions by war veterans together with Chenjarai Hundzvi, which destroyed the breadbasket status of Zimbabwe. Many white farmers are said to have been killed during the period at the instruction of Shiri.
Perence Shiri’s operations were ruthless and chaotic that it comes as a shock to have him as a full minister in a new dispensation cabinet.
Eyewitnesses say During the campaign of terror in Matabeleland in 1983 and 1984 he was known as “Black Jesus”, Shiri selected women in Silobela village in 1983 to be taken away to be raped, and to another who saw Shiri beat an old man unconscious.
The same character was expressed in the violent and unruly land reform program that was directed by Perence Shiri.
2008 Perence Shiri commanded forces that tortured people for voting for Tsvangirai, Perence Shiri is single-handedly responsible for the violence that rocked Zimbabwe in 2008. Legend has it that he personally tortured Morgan Tsvangirai in the dark rooms of Harare central police station.
Jumbo mine The ruthless hand of Perence Shiri has been visible in the decay of Mashonaland Central.
Godfrey Tsenengamu has every right to be furious at the political leadership over the events at Jumbo mine. Young people have been digging for gold at Jumbo mine for years and there were no reports of machete gangs or violence at the mineral-rich mine.
Things changed when Perence Shiri invited outsiders who planted machete gangs at Jumbo mine so that Kazembe Kazembe as Minister Home Affairs would deploy a crack team and drive the sons of Mashonaland central out of Jumbo mine paving way for outsiders who only want to loot the resources of Mashonaland Central without giving opportunities to the Sons and Daughters of the province.
Godfrey Tsenengamu failed to deal with Perence Shiri and Kazembe Kazembe ad they were his political seniors in the province, he opted to hammer the beneficiary of their actions who happens to be Kuda Tagwirei.
Kenneth Musashi could have turned Jumbo mine into an opportunity hub for all sons and Daughters of Mashonaland Central but the greedy cabal of Perence Shiri, Kazembe Kazembe and Mai Mavhunga chose to empower Tagwirei ahead of Musanhi, Tsenengamu and sons of Mashonaland Central.
Land Farms are grabbed on a daily basis, Mashonaland Central war veterans have been kicked off their productive lands, the youth have displaced and even heavyweights such as Saviour Kasukuwere are under attack on their own farmland.
Perence Shiri is using his Ministry of Lands and Agriculture position to punish those who do not support his agenda and that of his lackey Kazembe Kazembe.
Mashonaland Central has lost all hope that Perence Shiri has the best interests of the province and its people at heart. The people of Mashonaland Central have tried to voice their displeasure. They have demonstrated their anger and frustration through boycotting ZANU PF programs in Mashonaland Central and at the National level.
The People refuse to participate in party programs when their sons and Daughters such as Chen Chimutengwende are sidelined from issues pertaining to the province, kingpins such as Kenneth Musanhi are treated as outsiders, Nicholas Goche is reduced to an ordinary party member when he has invested his time and life towards the development of Mashonaland Central.
Development Economic development in Mashonaland Central has slowed down drastically. The people now feel the need for proper representation at the National level. Mashonaland Central brings significant numbers and votes to the ZANU PF table, yet the province has been relegated to a third class citizen’s province. Perence Shiri, Kazembe Kazembe and Mai Mavhunga have failed to stand for and initiate development programs for the people of Mashonaland Central. They serve their own personal interests and advance the interests of outsiders such as Kuda Tagwirei at the expense of the sons and Daughters of Mashonaland Central.
Unity Perence Shiri as a liberator and father figure should be uniting the people of Mash Central. Unfortunately, he and Kazembe Kazembe have arrogantly cast aside those who are popular at grassroots level. They have incapacitated genuine war vets who have popular support, they imposed an unelectable provincial commissar upon the people, further driving a wedge between the people of Mashonaland Central.
Perence Shiri is a failed leader who needs to go to the Chitepo School of ideology to get a refresher course on the ideals of the struggle and tactics of “gutsaruzhinji”.
Perence Shiri and Kazembe Kazembe need to wake up and smell the coffee before ZANU PF loses all the support it has enjoyed since the days of Ushewokunze, Border Gezi, Elliot Manyika and Saviour Kasukuwere.
Mashonaland Central needs political intervention and it is time that the Presidium took the concerns of the people seriously. Mashonaland Central is an important province in the political and agricultural puzzle of the Zimbabwe matrix. Political negligence and indifference to the will of the people in Mashonaland Central is suicidal and will haunt this administration sooner rather than later.
Classified as Gukurahundi architects Perence Shiri and Robert Mugabe
Social media users in Matabeleland are unanimously celebrating the death of Agriculture Minister Perence Shiri who was the commander of the merciless Gukurahundi battalion in the mid eighties.
The battalion butchered way over 20 000 people in the region over a period of Four years to the 1987 unity agreement.
Prominent media personality and voice of the region Zenzele Ndebele is amongst the hundreds that have posted on social media expressing their relief on the death of the man who was known as Black Jesus during the dark days.
A lot of women were raped by soldiers under the command of this man, Lots of children were left orphans coz of this man. A lot of women are widows coz of this man. He was the face of Gukurahundi.His brutality was unmatched. Our morden day Hitler. He was merciless # Asakhe pic.twitter.com/57t19QX4mD
ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Godwin Matanga says demonstrations which are being planned for July 31 are illegal and warned that law enforcement agents are ready to enforce the law.
The ZRP chief urged Zimbabweans to disregard the anti-government protests saying they are illegal and not in line with COVID-19 regulations announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“My advice on the so called demos is that people should stay safe at their homes and observe all COVID-19 measures, the police will be ready to deal with anyone found breaching the regulations,” Commissioner General Matanga said.
Turning to enforcing Covid-19 regulations, the ZRP chief assured the public that ZUPCO has been engaged to provide transport in line with the current dusk-to-dawn curfew.
“For people who will be leaving their workplace after 15:00 hours, and find it difficult to secure transport, we are engaging ZUPCO so that enough buses are availed to ferry people home on time to avoid being caught during curfew times,” he said
The call for the public to desist from engaging in illegal demonstrations comes as the police are clamping down on perceived organisers of the demonstration.
ZBC have just announced that their Pocketshill studio has recorded a case of Covid-19 and will be disrupted for disinfection.
Below is the broadcaster’s notice on Twitter this morning.
LATEST: ZBC wishes to advise that a positive #Covid-19 case has been confirmed at Pockets Hill. @MoHCCZim guidance on contact tracing, disinfection and testing being implemented. Visitors not allowed until further notice and normal programming will also be affected. @nickmangwana
Tendai Biti, the MDC co-vice president has responded to Zanu PF acting spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa who early this week accused him of biting the hand that fed him by continuously fighting against the ZANU PF government.
At a press conference on Monday, Chinamasa took an unprecedented swipe at Biti accusing him of being a puppet of the West.
“I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa said.
“But my disappointment is that he uses money that Zanu PF used to educate him to undermine the revolution to be a puppet and often I wonder how such an intelligent person cannot realise that he is being duped by his handlers. It is a pity.”
However, Biti hit back at Chinamasa, describing the former justice minister as a failed, dangerous Zanu PF appendage.
“Patrick Chinamasa is a failed but dangerous Zanu PF appendage. He is a sadistic, ruthless and cunning apparatchik without any restraint or limits,” he said.
“Part of his insane zeal comes from the fact that he did not participate in the liberation struggle, was hiding in a law firm. We reject the insane and unbalanced remarks of Chinamasa, a political ramshackle that needs to retire.”
I am deeply saddened to inform the Nation of the death of the Minister of Agriculture, Air Chief Marshall (rtd) Perrance Shiri, a long time friend and colleague. Cde Shiri was a true patriot, who devoted his life to the liberation, independence and service of his country. May his soul rest in peace.
…Mnangagwa announced saying: “I am deeply saddened to inform the Nation of the death of the Minister of Agriculture, Air Chief Marshall (rtd) Perrance Shiri, a long time friend and colleague….
Perrance Shiri
I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP ??
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) July 29, 2020
Watch video downloading below.
By A Correspondent | Amid the Nyuchi sensation that has gripped the country, the general who has killed thousands of innocent Zimbabweans, Perrance Shiri has died.
The development comes barely 2 days after his driver passed away from COVID-19.
He briefly communicated with ZimEye last night and then his phone suddenly went offline at 2.34am.
The report was confirmed by several nepirced including the Information Secretary Nick Mangwana and the Norton MP Temba Mliswa, the latter who announced saying:
“I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more.
“A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP. “
Nick Mangwana tweeted saying, he was a legend.
Meanwhile Mnangagwa announced saying: “I am deeply saddened to inform the Nation of the death of the Minister of Agriculture, Air Chief Marshall (rtd) Perrance Shiri, a long time friend and colleague.
“Cde Shiri was a true patriot, who devoted his life to the liberation, independence and service of his country. MHRIP”
Among their grievances was a demand that they be given adequate protective equipment (PPE) in the face of rising numbers of patients with the coronavirus. The lack of PPE has seen many health care workers testing positive. The doctors also demanded that their be paid in USD dollars.
While the government has sought to explain away some of these grievances the demand to be paid in USD dollars was rejected outright.
We publish below the full response by goverment:
The Executive, Senior Hospital Doctors Association
Attention: Dr S Nyaguse – Chiurunge Ref: Ministry of Health and Child Care P 0 Box CY1122 Causeway HARARE RE: NOTICE TO WITHDRAW FROM OFFERING SERVICES Reference is made to your letter dated 14 July 2020 addressed to the Acting Honourable Minister with regards to the above and a meeting held on the 27th of July 2020 to discuss the issues raised in your letter.
Below is the detailed response of the issues which you raised:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); It is noted that the demand for PPE is continuing to rise in sync with the rising number of Covid-19 cases. The procurement and distribution of PPE is a continuous process and not an event as the consumption rate is very high. PPE is the biggest cost driver in the prevention and containment of COVID-19. While efforts are in progress to expand local production of some of the items which will reduce pressure on resources required to import other products that are not produced locally, the Ministry is currently working with NatPharm to procure additional PPE and expeditiously distribute it to all stations. The latest PPE stock status shows that we have just over a month’s supply of PPE at the current usage rate.
As at 28 July 2020, a total of 253 health workers including student nurses had tested positive for COVID-19. The Pharmacy Directorate is finalizing the quantification of PPE requirements for submission to the Resource Mobilization Committee of the Ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19. Please find attached the stock status as at 27 July 2020.
COVID-19 Testing of hospital inpatients Testing continues to be a challenge. Health Workers are struggling to provide services to clients without COVID-19 tests being carried out in the face of inadequate PPE. There has been an increase in poor outcomes in all departments as clients go unattended as a result of limited testing capacity. The Ministry has since written to all public and private institutions directing them to set up patients under investigation units (PUI Units) to facilitate timely attendance to patients seeking care.
Whilst COVID-19 testing has been decentralized, challenges continue to be faced on availability of some consumables such as Gene X-pert cartridges which are scarce on the international market. Donations of PCR testing kits were also received but our testing capacity is limited by the shortage of viral transport media VTM and swabs among other items which include boosting human resources. In that reign the Ministry is planning to recruit laboratory trained staff.
Medicines, medical sundries and medical equipment The availability of drugs, medical products and equipment is a direct function of the availability of forex, as over 90% of medicines are imported. Collectively we have not demonstrated capacity to produce our own drugs and equipment locally the high import bill for medicines and medical products. Covid-19 derailed the procurement processes that were in progress as resources had to be diverted to the pandemic. The new Ministry realigned staff is hitting the ground running to:
a. Establish requirements and priorities;
b. Establish the available resources both in local and forex; and
c. Initiate the procurement processes and follow up on existing commitments.
Payment of salaries in USD The Health Service Board with the guidance of the Acting Hon Minister have made submissions to Treasury to review Health Worker Packages. However, the Government is not in a position to pay salaries in USD. Full US dollarization of the economy is a tried, tested and failed concept. By February 2018 the country was dry of the US Dollar with citizens sleeping at the banks to withdraw their deposits to no avail. Foreigners also descended on Zimbabwe in search of the easily accessible US Dollars in addition to locals also externalizing their US Dollar reserves. There is absolutely nothing to stop that from happening again. Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity. We have to be innovative and explore other ways of resolving these challenges.
a. The US Dollars is American currency printed by the Federal Reserve and is not printed for free for other countries; b. Other countries can only access the USD through international trade of goods and services;
c. The USD reserves generated by the Zimbabwean economy are not adequate to sustain import obligations such as fuel, food because of droughts and natural disasters, electrical power following droughts resulting in reduced generation, medicines and medical products aggravated by Covid-19, industrial and agricultural machinery just to mention a few. Diverting the limited USD forex to paying salaries is suicidal for the economy and social services provision.
d. Printing the ZWL$ without consideration to the economic fundamentals is inflationary and Zimbabweans are experiencing the horrors of a second wave of hyperinflation.
A measured approach in improving salaries and buying power of the currency is recommended as evidenced by some of the efforts which include the under listed: i) The Government reviewed salaries by 5o% and paid a USD 75 denominated civil services Nostro card to Health Workers. ii) A request for an upward review of the COVID-19 Risk Allowances was submitted to Treasury. (The Health Workers had requested for 400, 500 and 600 USD equivalent.) iii) Use of arbitration to address sticky salary issues.
Payment of Clinical Allowances The payment of allowances to University of Zimbabwe Consultants was approved in principle. To this end, the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has been processing payments pegged at an agreed RTGS3,50o per consultant per month. Payments for March 2020 were made on the 3. of April 2020, whilst payments for April 2020 were made on the 3rd of June 2020 with payments for May and June having been processed on the 17th of July 2020. Whilst noting the payments, concern was raised on having Parirenyatwa meet the bill noting that the revenues inflows have declined since the onset of COVID-19.
Other emerging issues
a. Donor funded allowances from the Health Development Fund The HDF has set aside a budget of USD2 million to cover all Health Workers. Guided by presence at work this might cover only up to two months. The Ministry has however opted for this amount to be used for procurement of PPE. b. Dual employment for University of Zimbabwe Consultants Concern raised by UZ-CHS over inconsistencies on the dual employment is noted. This issue has since been brought to the attention of the Honorable Minister and will be addressed as part of the ongoing restructuring of the public health sector. It is hoped that the above responses answer the questions raised in your correspondence and we pray that you will reconsider your intention of withdrawing services with effect from after duty on the 29th of July 2020.
Signed SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE
Dr G. Mhlanga ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE Cc Hon Acting Minister of Health and Child Care: Prof. dr. A Murwira Hon Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care: Dr J Mangwiro Executive Director, Health Service Board: Ms R R Kaseke
A 27-year-old Gweru man has been arrested for allegedly fatally assaulting his 16-year-old sister using a belt and a cord after accusing her of being promiscuous.
At one time, Terrence Tarisai of Clifton Park in Gweru, the court heard, took a break from assaulting his sister Tryphine when she asked for water since she was feeling weak.
After she drank the water, Tarisai allegedly continued to assault her leading to her death.
This was heard when Tarisai appeared before Gweru magistrate Mr Thomas Gurajena facing one count of murder.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to August 7.
Mr Gurajena advised him to apply for bail at the High Court. It is the State case that last week on Thursday at around midday in Clifton Park, Tarisai allegedly assaulted his sister Tryphine all over the body using a belt and a cord.
He was accusing his sister of promiscuity.
After the assault, the deceased complained that she was feeling cold and was put on a bed where she lay down. At around 3PM, it was discovered that she had died and a report was made to the police leading to Tarisai’s arrest.
The deceased sustained bruises on her back, arms and legs as a result of the assault by her brother.
Since the closure of Parliament on Monday, two Members of Parliament, Pretence Shiri of ZANU PF and Masango Matambanadzo, popularly known as The Blackman, of National Patriotic Front have died.
Lands and Agriculture minister Shiri died this morning. The development was announced by Norton legislator (independent) Temba Mliswa on social media.
Shiri missed cabinet on Tuesday with reports suggesting that he had been admitted to a local hospital after his driver had died of the coronavirus.
Mliswa posted on Twitter:
I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP
*Rtd. Chief Air Marshal Shiri, gone to join his late son Tito….. my sincerest condolences
Mliswa, however, did not reveal the cause of death although it is suspected that he succumbed to the novel virus.
His death follows the suspension of Parliament on Monday after two legislators tested positive for the coronavirus.
Blackman, who was popular for philanthropic work and a practical hands-on approach to empower residents in Kwekwe, died on Tuesday morning at his Amaveni home.
A family spokesperson, Ms Angela Nyathi confirmed Blackman’s death.
“He passed on early this morning,” she said before emotions got the better of her and broke down.
Blackman had been unwell for some time and was in December last year flown to China on a medical emergency due to suspected food poisoning.
Blackman who was popular for addressing the needs of vendors, flea marketers and the underprivileged, will be remembered for walking across town listening to people’s concerns.
Mr Paul Chomukona, an Amaveni resident, said Backman was a humble legislator who would spend nights at residents’ funeral wakes.
“Blackman was a people’s person. He knew that his power was within the people, He would listen to every concern, even those raised by the least regarded person. So far, he is the only MP I know who could spend the whole night with mourners at a funeral wake,” said Mr Chomukona.
He said the late MP was a pillar of strength and was always available whenever needed.
Zimbabwe on Tuesday 28 July recorded four (4) coronavirus related deaths bringing the total number of fatalities to forty (40).
The development was announced by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in a statement that observed that the quartet was from Manicaland, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East provinces.
The deceased were three males, 2 aged 40 and one aged 59 and a female aged 50.
Meanwhile, the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 2817 after 113 new cases were recorded. Of the new cases, 112 are local while the remainder is a returnee from South Africa.
Recoveries are at 604 after 62 new recoveries were recorded.
A Mberengwa woman died on the spot after her ex-lover allegedly struck her with a pickaxe on the head following a misunderstanding over the upkeep of their child.
Precious Zhou (39) died last Friday following the aggressive attack by Washington Ndlela (45) of Damsite Village under Chief Bvute.
Midlands Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the incident.
“A 45-year-old man from Mberengwa struck his ex-lover once with a pick in the head and she died on the spot,” said Asst Inspector Goko.
He said Zhou met Ndlela and the two went to her home. “An argument arose about the upkeep of their child. Ndlela took a pick and struck Zhou once on the head and she died on the spot. Ndlela then fled the scene,” said Asst Inspector Goko.
He said Zhou’s friend, Precious Mavhundutse, found the body lying in a pool of blood.
The untimely death of Kwekwe Central Constituency legislator Mr Masango Matambanadzo, popularly known as Blackman, has not only left residents shell shocked but poorer.
Blackman, who was popular for philanthropic work and a practical hands-on approach to empower residents in Kwekwe, died on Tuesday morning at his Amaveni home.
A family spokesperson, Ms Angela Nyathi confirmed Blackman’s death.
“He passed on early this morning,” she said before emotions got the better of her and broke down.
Blackman had been unwell for some time and was in December last year flown to China on a medical emergency due to suspected food poisoning.
He was in his second term as legislator for the constituency he first won in 2013 after thumping MDC Alliance’s Blessing Chebundo.
Blackman who was popular for addressing the needs of vendors, flea marketers and the underprivileged, will be remembered for walking across town listening to people’s concerns.
Mr Paul Chomukona, an Amaveni resident, said Backman was a humble legislator who would spend nights at residents’ funeral wakes.
“Blackman was a people’s person. He knew that his power was within the people, He would listen to every concern, even those raised by the least regarded person. So far, he is the only MP I know who could spend the whole night with mourners at a funeral wake,” said Mr Chomukona.
He said the late MP was a pillar of strength and was always available whenever needed.
Mrs Evelyne Gazimbi a flea market operator described Blackman as a man of action.
“I remember at one time when we were having problems with council over operational licences, we rushed to him and he called the resident Minister there and then. He did not want issues that would remain hanging. As flea market operators we have lost a shield, one we would always rush to in times of need,” she said.
Kwekwe Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Mr Alex Homela also described the late Matambanadzo as one who served Kwekwe with all due diligence.
“He knew no political affiliation when it came to serving the people of Kwekwe. He would mix with everyone and help residents without looking at political background,” said Mr Homela.
He said Matambanadzo was a philanthropist even before he became legislator.
“He started philanthropy work way back when he was still a cameraman. He would save a few dollars and mobilise food for the underprivileged. This work grew even bigger when he was elected into office. We say go well and you have played your part,” he said.
Matambanadzo, a free-spirited legislator, made his name during his time in the ruling party when he won the Kwekwe Central constituency in 2013.
After crossing the floor from Zanu-PF to join the National Patriotic Front, Matambanadzo remained popular in his constituency and it was no shock that he retained the seat in the 2018 harmonised elections becoming the only NPF legislator in the house of assembly.
He once made headlines when he addressed a rally while on the shoulders of one of his aides for close to 30 minutes, proving how popular he was within the populace.
During his tenure, Blackman helped revitalise the constituency through a number of projects.
He also facilitated the purchase of an ambulance that was donated to Kwekwe General Hospital.
His Principal Director, Mr Agritty Dube said while they were not sure what killed Blackman, they strongly suspect food poisoning.
He said Blackman will be buried in Hurungwe tomorrow.
“I have been in liaison with the family members and there is going to be a body viewing at Amaveni Stadium on Wednesday. The body will then be ferried to his farm where there will be an overnight vigil before being taken to Hurungwe for burial,” said Mr Dube.
I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP ??
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) July 29, 2020
Watch video downloading below.
By A Correspondent | Amid the Nyuchi sensation that has gripped the country, the general who has killed thousands of innocent Zimbabweans, Perrance Shiri has reportedly died.
The report comes barely 2 days after his driver passed away from COVID-19.
He briefly communicated with ZimEye last night and then his phone suddenly went offline at 2.34am.
The report was confirmed by the Norton MP Temba Mliswa who announced saying:
I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP
The English Premiership relegation drama, which appeared to have ended on Sunday, could be fought in the boardroom with Bournemouth now considering legal action against Hawk-Eye.
The Cherries finished 18th, on the table, one place and one point below Aston Villa.
However, the failure by Hawk-Eye technology, during the first match of Project Restart between Villa and Sheffield United, when the Blades were denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal, could become a huge legal issue.
Villa keeper Orjan Nyland carried the ball across the line after Oliver Norwood’s cross but play carried on, without a goal being awarded to the Blades.
Referee Michael Oliver received no indication, on his watch or in his earpiece, the ball was over the line and waved play on with the match finishing goalless.
Had the goal been given, and Villa lost that match, with the remainder of the season playing out identically, Bournemouth would have stayed up at Villa’s expense on goal difference.
Bournemouth would have survived relegation after their 3-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season.
Hawk-Eye issued an apology, saying it was the first time their system had failed in over 9 000 matches.
“During the first half of Aston Villa vs Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal-line incident where the ball was carried over the line,’’ the company said.
“The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
“The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost.
“This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9 000 matches that the Hawk-Eye goal line technology system has been in operation.
“Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident.”
By A Correspondent | Amid the Nyuchi sensation that has gripped the country, the general who has killed thousands of innocent Zimbabweans, Perrance Shiri has reportedly died.
The report comes barely 2 days after his driver passed away from COVID-19.
He briefly communicated with ZimEye last night and then his phone suddenly went offline at 2.34am.
The report was confirmed by the Norton MP Temba Mliswa who announced saying:
I’m gutted to just receive news that Rtd. Air Marshal, Hon. Perrence Shiri popularly known as “Gudo Guru” during the liberation war, is no more. A true nationalist & Commander par excellence, the late Shiri was one of the hard working & effective members of Cabinet. MHDSRIEP
Thabani Mpofu is the Director of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit
Extensive land fraud involving councillors and council executives is now suspected to be widespread and the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) is spearheading a nationwide probe on the main urban councils to arrest and prosecute all corrupt elements.
The head of SACU Mr Thabani Mpofu said the illegal land deals recently unearthed in Harare were not peculiar to the capital city alone. Preliminary reports show that probable corruption was also rife in other cities like Mutare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Masvingo.
Mr Mpofu said SACU will work with other investigating arms, the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), to investigate the cases.
“There is a comprehensive investigation into massive corrupt land allocations in most urban cities. We received information that the malpractices noted in the recent Harare land scandal, are also happening in other major urban centres like Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo and Gweru.
“The emerging thread shows that councillors are working with executive council officials to corruptly parcel out or allocate themselves tracts of land. To that end, SACU and all State institutions involved in fighting corruption are now seized with the investigations. There will be no sacred cows. Those caught on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted without fear or favour,” he said.
SACU was appointed by President Mnangagwa in 2018 to collaborate with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other such institutions in the fight against corruption.
It is also responsible for assisting ZACC and other investigative agencies of the State in the perusal and consideration of corruption dockets, subject to the issuance of authority to prosecute by the Prosecutor General.
It also prosecutes corruption cases referred to the National Prosecuting Authority by investigative agencies.
The overall objectives of the unit are to improve efficiency in the fight against all forms of corruption and to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the national mechanisms for the prevention and fight against corruption in accordance with the anti-corruption strategy.
Over a dozen Harare City Council officials, including MDC Alliance Mayor Herbert Gomba, human resources and former housing director Matthew Marara, the city’s town planner Samuel Nyabeze and surveyor Munyaradzi Bowa have been arrested over the $1 million Kuwadzana stands scandal and the efforts to cover up the illegal deal.
Some were arrested for corrupt land deals done in other parts of Harare.
But their arrest could just be a tip of the iceberg of the rot in MDC Alliance run councils countrywide that have been invaded by the party heavyweights to finance their fancy lives, sponsor subversion as well as set a war chest for the 2023 elections.
Top police officers — an Assistant Commissioner and a Superintendent — were arrested together with two junior officers for allegedly covering up for the scandal in their investigations. A chief public prosecutor in the National Prosecuting Authority was also arrested over the scandal after being allocated a stand, allegedly as a pay-off.
Investigations are still ongoing in Harare with indications that more could be arrested over the saga.
Several other politicians have been implicated in the Harare City Council corruption saga, most being members of the opposition MDC-A, which is running the affairs of Harare.
They were allocated stands without following the proper procedure.
As part of the corruption, a process that could take weeks or months to complete would be done in less than two hours, while council resolutions could be fast-tracked to ensure those who were sold the residential stands, often jumped the housing waiting list and had their residential stands in a matter of hours.
Residents in all Harare suburbs, have been complaining for several years that public open spaces on council land, and in particular wetlands, are suddenly rezoned for development without any of the required planning procedures and that a developer suddenly appears. Even if the rezoning was justified, questions arise over how a particular developer for council land is chosen, or allowed in without any competitive bidding.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s former subsidiary, Fiscorp, which handled the Farm Mechanisation Programme between 2007 and 2008, has challenged former legislator, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti and self-exiled former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, to prove that they repaid the loans through which they received equipment under the scheme.
It also emerged that Mr Kasukuwere got an assortment of farm implements and not just two tractors that he claimed to have paid for.
This comes as former RBZ Governor, Dr Gideon Gono, tried to set the record straight saying the programme was not corrupt.
Responding to earlier claims by United Kingdom-based commentator, Dr Alex Magaisa, Dr Gono said last week that the programme, which was carried out during a difficult period, started as a loan and was later changed to a grant after the then Government of National Unity had approved the switch.
And yesterday, former Fiscorp chief executive Mathews Kunaka said no beneficiary was invoiced to repay the equipment and challenged Kasukuwere and Bhasikiti to provide details showing their repayments.
He said Fiscorp never issued invoices and beneficiaries never knew the amount they owed, but only signed for delivery of the equipment.
Kunaka’s response followed claims by Bhasikiti and Kasukuwere, who on Twitter said they repaid their loans.
Commenting on his Twitter handle last week, Bhasikiti said; “Those who are saying farm mechanisation was for free are telling blatant lies. I paid $10 billion for mine, which was worked as the United States dollar equivalent then.”
On his Twitter handle, Kasukuwere said: “I think the RBZ should invoice and collect the money. These are public funds and no one should put up useless defence for looting. I paid for the two tractors that I got and I am happy to receive an invoice from the RBZ if I owe them anything.”
In an interview yesterday, Kunaka said he was not aware of any payment that could have been made for the farm mechanisation, as no valuation had been done at the time of distribution.
He said claims by Kasukuwere to have repaid his loan through a former Fiscorp staffer, Moses Chundu, were preposterous since he was a low ranking official, who served the firm briefly before joining the Office of the then Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, during the inclusive Government.
“I am keen to establish how such payments were made because I am not aware of any,” said Kunaka.
“If they did, they must produce invoice against which payment was made, we will also be keen to see the receipts.
“We would want to know how were the payments made. Was it through a bank transfer, if so, we would want to know the bank and account number into which payment went and date of payment.”
Kunaka said it was strange for one to say payment was made when Fiscorp had not prepared invoices.
The Herald has also seen correspondences from the then Fiscorp general manager, Mrs Winnie Mushipe, professing ignorance about claims by the two politicians that they repaid their loans.
It also emerged that the equipment that Bhasikiti received was worth US$43 496 and he should have paid $217,5 trillion and not $10 billion given the prevailing exchange rate at the time.
Contrary to Kasukuwere’s claims that he paid for his two tractors, The Herald is reliably informed that he got an assortment of farm equipment valued at US$159 208.
Some of the implements Kasukuwere got included a disc harrow T12 (US$13 253), Massey Ferguson tractor (US$42 450), Disc plough (US$8 700), a four-wheel drive tractor (US$24 000), Sprayer Gaspardo (US$16 118), Boom sprayer (US$5 967), Generator 30 KVA (US$5 200), Three disc plough CMEC US$8 200 and a Case tractor (US$35 320.)
Kasukuwere’s brothers also took an array of farm implements.
Stan Kasukuwere got farm implements worth US$423 246.
The implements Stan got included two-disc harrow (US$20 000), a combine harvester (US$206 892), a tractor SAME (US$38 000), another tractor (US$25 405) and another tractor (US$26 654).
He also got a fertiliser spreader (US$16 118) and two seed drill (US$20 000.)
Kasukuwere’s other brother, Tichaona, got equipment worth US$55 291, including a New Holland tractor, two disc harrows and a generator.
Tongai Kasukuwere, another brother of his, got farm implements to the tune of US$396 539, which included six row planter, boom sprayer, combine harvesters, integral seed drill, SAME Explorer tractor, three motor bikes, John Deere wheat head, maize head, Baine standard disc harrow, fertiliser spreader among others.
Kasukuwere’s other brother, Dickson Mafios, got equipment to the tune of US$41 020.
In his clarification last week, Dr Gono said the RBZ Debt Assumption Act did not contain the $200 million under farm mechanisation.
LONDON. — The English Premiership relegation drama, which appeared to have ended on Sunday, could be fought in the boardroom with Bournemouth now considering legal action against Hawk-Eye.
The Cherries finished 18th, on the table, one place and one point below Aston Villa.
However, the failure by Hawk-Eye technology, during the first match of Project Restart between Villa and Sheffield United, when the Blades were denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal, could become a huge legal issue.
Villa keeper Orjan Nyland carried the ball across the line after Oliver Norwood’s cross but play carried on, without a goal being awarded to the Blades.
Referee Michael Oliver received no indication, on his watch or in his earpiece, the ball was over the line and waved play on with the match finishing goalless.
Had the goal been given, and Villa lost that match, with the remainder of the season playing out identically, Bournemouth would have stayed up at Villa’s expense on goal difference.
Bournemouth would have survived relegation after their 3-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season.
Hawk-Eye issued an apology, saying it was the first time their system had failed in over 9 000 matches.
“During the first half of Aston Villa vs Sheffield United match at Villa Park, there was a goal-line incident where the ball was carried over the line,’’ the company said.
“The match officials did not receive a signal to the watch nor earpiece as per the Goal Decision System (GDS) protocol.
“The seven cameras located in the stands around the goal area were significantly occluded by the goalkeeper, defender, and goalpost.
“This level of occlusion has never been seen before in over 9 000 matches that the Hawk-Eye goal line technology system has been in operation.
“Hawk-Eye unreservedly apologises to the Premier League, Sheffield United, and everyone affected by this incident.”
Now, according to talkSPORT, Bournemouth directors will “discuss taking legal action’’ against the firm after finishing in the bottom three. Bournemouth won 3-1 against Everton, on the final day of the season.
Thomas Horton of Football Law, speaking to Football London after the incident, had said Sheffield United could launch legal action, in the event they were denied European football, by the outcome of that match.
“In order for it to even be considered, it would have to come to a point where Sheffield United have missed out on a UEFA club competition position in the league, or even that they have not finished as high up the league as they could have done, because of the two points they’ve missed out on had they won 1-0 against Aston Villa,’’ said Horton-The Herald
CBZ has joined the list of companies that have recorded COVID-19 positive cases and temporarily halted operations.
CBZ reportedly closed 7 Branches after 35 employees tested positive for COVID-19.
This was revealed the Bank’s CEO Blessing Mudavanhu who said:
To date out of over 900 tests conducted, regrettably a total of 35 of our staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
One of our staff members sadly passed away on Sunday 26 July 2020, having also tested positive.
We anticipate opening of these Branches and offices within 48–72 hours for continued business thereafter According to the publication here are the 7 branches that have been closed:
Selous Avenue
Southerton
Kwame Nkrumah Avenue
Highfield
Samora Machel Avenue
Westgate
Robert Mugabe Avenue CBZ which is the country’s largest banks in terms of branches has 50 branches countrywide-Newzwire
ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE 28 JULY 2020
Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.
In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.
ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.
ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.
THERE will be no public gatherings during the Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day holidays and commemorations will be held online to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 10 and August 11. Traditionally, the public gathers at national and provincial level to commemorate the two significant days to honour the country’s heroes as well as recognise the work done by the Defence Forces in protecting the nation.
However, Covid-19 which is rapidly spreading in the country has seen Government imposing a national lockdown to contain the virus.
Cabinet yesterday approved that public gatherings for Heroes and Defence Forces Days be suspended as the country did with the Independence Day commemorations in April.
In April, President Mnangagwa delivered a televised Independence Day message and there were no public gatherings.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 26th post-Cabinet briefing yesterday said the days will be observed virtually.
She said Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme “remembering our heroes” while Defence Forces Day will run under the theme “ZDF: Celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people”.
“The virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a national fabric which is set to be launched on 10 August.
“On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process,” the Minister said- Chronicle
