By A Correspondent- A senior lecturer at Lupane State University (LSU) has been accused of allegedly demanding sex from students in return for university-facilitated trips that pay up to US$30 a day in allowances.

Dr Thulani Dube is the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and also senior advisor of the University Christian Union. Dube worships at a city church and holds a senior position.

A student that he was allegedly having ‘‘sexcapades’’ with before their love turned sour said Dube would select female students that he targeted to be in between the sheets with, and a few male students.

“Most of the students that he pounces on are in the Climate Change Club who work with him as research assistants. He would select female students that he targets to have sexual sojourns with and a few male students. He would propose love during the trip. It becomes difficult to turn down his sexual advances because of fear of being dropped from the next trip and losing out on the US$30 per day. That is equivalent to someone’s salary,” she said.

The student revealed that two students (names supplied) raised a red flag about the issue after he dropped them from the trips.

“Two students who complained to him about his sexual affairs with other students were dropped from the trips,” said the student.

The student alleged Dr Dube was involved in affairs with four students who have benefited from conferences like the Climate Change Conference and Climate Change Research Project.

B-Metro is in possession of chats Dr Dube allegedly exchanged with one of the students, Elaine, who is pursuing a Development Studies Degree.

In the chats in which the lecturer complained that a friend was spreading rumours that he was madly in love with a student on attachment, the two chat about meeting and enjoying each other’s company and also ensuring that their secret was not known to a Phiri as “the whole university will know”.

Elaine strongly denied that she was involved in a sexual relationship with Dube: “I’m not in a relationship with him and if you write that I will sue you.”

When this reporter told her that this publication was in possession of the chats she exchanged with Dr Dube she said: “Where can we meet? I want to see the chats. I can’t come to your workplace.”

Another student who is privy to Dr Dube’s shenanigans said one of the female students was even seen driving his car.

“One of the students was seen driving his car around campus during the weekend because most of the students would have travelled to Bulawayo,” the student said.

B-Metro contacted Dr Dube on Monday last week but he terminated the calls and ignored WhatsApp messages sent to him.

On the following day he responded through a WhatsApp message: “The truth is this is a politically-motivated story. There is no truth at all behind it. As you may be aware the university Pro-Vice Chancellor (name supplied) is moving to Gwanda State University. The next line of leadership to fill up the gap is at my level. There is a group of people who have come up with a strategy to soil my name for a position I’m not even interested in.”

He added:

“They are keen to ensure that my reputation is destroyed so that I don’t compete for this post. The issue is that I’m entangled in a political storm where stories are created to soil my name. The people that know me will know if there is substance or not to the story. In short I know nothing about the story.”

Last week B-Metro tried to get a comment about the chats he exchanged with Elaine but he ignored the messages sent to him and he would terminate calls.

On Tuesday B-Metro managed to get hold of him through his wife’s phone and he said: “I responded in a chat. I don’t have a comment.”

When this reporter probed further he said:

“You will get a response from my lawyers.”

Asked for the contact details of the lawyers so that the reporter could get a comment from them he said: “I will not give you the cellphone number of my lawyer, please ngicela utshiyane lami (Please leave me alone).”

By A Correspondent- The misery of a Bulawayo man who forced-marched his wife to the house of a local prophet she had allegedly consulted to make him fail to sustain an erection each time he tried to have s_ex with his mistresses ended when his shrunk manhood was brought to life.

The embarrassed man only identified as Manjoro, caused quite a stir about a fortnight ago when he stormed Prophet Mduduzi Dube, popularly known as Black Elisha’s house demanding to meet him while complaining that he had rendered him impotent in bed by “locking” his privates at the instigation of his jealous wife.

But the restoration of his sexual agility reportedly came with a strict condition that his equipment should be used to entertain his wife ONLY.

It emerged that Manjoro approached Black Elisha, founder of the Christ Life Generation Church in Old Magwegwe, after suspecting his livid wife of consulting the latter to curse his manhood.

After the curse his manhood reportedly refused to report for duty whenever he wanted to have sex with his mistresses.

In performing the locking ritual, Black Elisha reportedly instructed Manjoro’s wife to bring a padlock and her husband’s underwear. This was designed to render her husband’s organ unable to perform on any other woman except her.

According to a source, Black Elisha “confessed” on Saturday last week during a mountain prayer service that he “reversed” Manjoro’s bedroom humiliation using his “Spiritual Padlock” healing.

“He told all the congregants that accompanied him to a mountain prayer service that the man who had visited him at his house to reverse the curse which he had administered on his manhood had received his miracle for his manhood to function well again but on his wife only,” said the source.

The source said Black Elisha who is now popular with his “Spiritual Padlock” healing sternly charged Manjoro that if ever he tried to bed another woman his amorous ways would be tamed for life.

When B-Metro visited Black Elisha’s house in Mpopoma suburb, there was a handful of people mostly women waiting to see him. They were, however, too shy to be identified.

Black Elisha who refused to reveal the secret behind his “Spiritual Padlock” healing told B-Metro that it was God’s power that “healed” Manjoro.

“This is the gift I got from God. I don’t use juju but only anointing water. His (Manjoro) erection problem was resolved after I prayed for him. This is also a sign that besides healing people of different ailments, I’m also providing stability in homes. Despite the numerous temptations, couples should remain faithful and loyal to each other,” warned Black Elisha.

He, however, refused to disclose Manjoro’s contact details saying confidentiality was central to the preservation of trust between prophets and their clients.

Black Elisha is, however, no stranger to controversy.

He sparked controversy late last year when he sensationally prophesied that he had seen a vision of two local “prominent” prophets falling from grace after being haunted by allegations of adultery.

WARRANT OF SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Issued In terms of Section 49 (b) and 50(1) (a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9 07) as read with section 288 of the said Act

TO THE PEACE OFFICERS AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE LAW, PROPER TO THE EXECUTION OF CRIMINAL WARRANTS

WHERE AS. from information taken upon oath before myself. there are reasonable grounds for believing that ECONET WIRELESS (PVT) LIMITED is in possession or control of documents information or records which are required in order to afford evidence in a criminal docket and that are necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of Money Laundering as defined in section 8(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of crime Act chapter 9.24: to examine the documents and records and make extracts from and copies of all such documents and records

Section 50 (1) (a) reads:

‘ an article referred to in Section forty-nine shall be seized only by virtue of a Warrant issued-

(a) By a Magistrate or Justice of Peace if it appears to the Magistrate or Justice from information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any such article is in the possession or under the control of any person, or upon or in any premises. within his/her area of Jurisdiction;

It is therefore directed that ECONET WIRELESS (PTV) LIMITED should within 7 working days provide the following 0 A list of all subscribers/customers both registered and unregistered in the Econet Wireless (Pvt) Ltd database with full subscriber details for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

ii) Summary of transient e-money/airtime credit service posted on the platform through airtime loans for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

ill) All financial statements for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 showing the entire inflow and outflow monetary transactions.

These are, therefore, in the State’s name to command you to proceed to ECONET WIRELESS ZIMBABWE therefrom immediately obtain and take into your custody the above-mentioned documents, records. or information take them to a police station or other place of safety until the matter is finalized or until you further receive further orders from Court

ServicesBuildingHomeGroceries
DatingJobsCommercialHealth
Issued In terms of Section 49 (b) and 50(1) (a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9:07) as read with section 288 of the said Act

TO THE PEACE OFFICERS AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE LAW, PROPER TO THE EXECUTION OF CRIMINAL WARRANTS

WHEREAS from information taken upon oath before myself, there are reasonable grounds for believing that ECONET WIRELESS (PVT) LIMITED is in possession or control of documents. information or records which are required in order to afford evidence in a criminal docket and that are necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of Money Laundering as defined in section 8(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act chapter 9:2 4:to examine the documents and records and make extracts from and copies of all such documents and records.

Section 50 (1) (a) reads: -….an article referred to in Section forty-nine shall be seized only by virtue of a Warrant issued-(a) By a Magistrate or Justice of Peace if it appears to the Magistrate or Justice from information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any such article is in the possession or under the control of any person or upon or in any premises, within his/her area of jurisdiction:

It is therefore directed that ECONET WIRELESS (PTV) LIMITED should within 7 working days provide the following.. i) A list of all subscribers/customers both registered and unregistered in the Econet Wireless (Pvt) Ltd database with full subscriber details for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

ii) Summary of transient e-money airtime credit service posted on the platform through airtime loans for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

iii) All financial statements for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 showing the entire inflow and outflow monetary transactions.

These are, therefore, in the State’s name to command you to proceed to ECONET WIRELESS ZIMBABWE therefrom immediately obtain and take into your custody the above-mentioned documents, records or information take them to a police station or other place of safety until the matter is finalized or until you further receive further orders from Court.

Issued In terms of Section 49 (b) and 5 0(1) (a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9-07) as read with section 288 of the said Act TO THE PEACE OFFICERS AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE LAW, PROPER TO THE EXECUTION OF CRIMINAL WARRANTS

WHEREAS from information taken upon oath before myself. there are reasonable grounds for believing that ECONET WIRELESS (PVT) LIMITED is in possession or control of documents. information or records which are required in order to afford evidence in a criminal docket and that are necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of Money Laundering as defined in section 8(1)(a) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of crime Act chapter 9•24.to examine the documents and records and make extracts from and copies of all such documents and records

Section 50 (1) (a) reads ‘ an article referred to in Section forty-nine shall be seized only by virtue of a Warrant issued-(a) By a Magistrate or Justice of Peace if it appears to the Magistrate or Justice from information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any such article is in the possession or under the control of any person. or upon or in any premises, within his/her area of jurisdiction, It is therefore directed that ECONET WIRELESS (PTV) LIMITED should within 7 working days provide the following: ? A list of all subscribers/customers both registered and unregistered In the Wireless (Pvt) Ltd database with full subscriber details for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

ii) Summary of transient e-money/airtime credit service posted on the platform through airtime loans for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

iii) All financial statements for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 showing the entire inflow and outflow monetary transactions.

These are, therefore, in the State’s name to command you to proceed to ECONET WIRELESS ZIMBABWE therefrom immediately obtain and take into your custody the above-mentioned documents, records, or information take them to a police station or other place of safety until the matter is finalized or until you further receive further orders from Court CID Asset Forfeiture Unit ER 62/202Q Statement ”

AFFIDAVIT

I, Mkhululi Nyoni NR 29-152573 0 58, do hereby make oath and swear that:

1. I am a Detective Inspector and Officer In Charge CID Asset Forfeiture Unit, Northern Region. I am the Investigating Officer in a case of Money Laundering C/s 8(1) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act 9:24.
2. I have reasonable grounds to suspect that Econet Wireless (Pvt) Ltd is involved in Money laundering activities in violation of section 8(1) (a) (b) ARW section 8(6) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24). 3. On 9 July 2020, information was received to the effect that during the period extending from 01 January 2020 to 30 June 2020, ECONET WIRELESS (Pvt) Ltd and its subsidiaries have been fraudulently creating and issuing non-attributable and non-auditable individual subscribers merchants briers and agent which they credited with huge sums of money and distributed to their runners through their trust accounts. The runners would in turn buy foreign currency from the black before being externalized.
3. It is against this background that it is suspected that the accused is laundering the proceeds of crime.
4. I, therefore, apply for the following: -a) A list of all subscribers/customers both registered and unregistered in the Econet Wireless (Pvt) Ltd database with full subscriber details for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

b) Summary of transient e-money/airtime credit service posted on the platform through airtime loans for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

c) All financial statements for the period 2 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 showing the entire inflow and outflow monetary transactions.

JEALOUSY MAWARIRE REBUKES TALENT CHIWENGA OVER ACCIDENT CLAIMS

1) We note, with concern, the attempt, by Talent Chiwenga’s church, to assume the duty of the police, VID & even the courts, to preside over a matter, that surely shld be b4 the courts since the accident claimed 3 lives.

2)While we are not experts in analysing accidents,we note,in the church statement,a deliberate omission of a huge contribution to that head-on collision, which is the absence of clear markings at the Norton tollgate of the transitioning from a single carriage into a dual carriage

3)No attempt was made,in the interest of fairness & safety of other road users today,to explain that while the Byo-Hre road dualisation is starting at the Norton tollgate, the tollgate covers only the old section, hence when travelling from Byo,the rd is a single carriage meaning

4)when one is driving from Byo u get into the tollgate on a single carriage but exit the tollgate already in a dual carriage meaning automatically the lane u were using from Byo becomes a wrong lane just at the tollgate exit.There are no carriage marks to indicate this transition

5)There are no barricades to avoid traffic from Bulawayo proceeding through a wrong lane. This is information the Norton traffic police gave to family members of those who were involved in the accident & am sure the church got that info as well.

6) This info wasn’t given, just to explain how the accident happened, but also to warn us when travelling to the scene to avoid a similar collision. When we went to the scene around 10pm, the police insisted we drove to the extreme left to avoid the fate that befell our relatives

7)As a family,thru a relative in the parliamentary portifolio committee on transport, we raised a complaint to the Min of Transport on the lack of clear transitioning markings at the tollgate.While this wld not help our already deceased relatives, it will help the motoring public

8) In the presence of such information, we wonder why the church, a supposedly religious & charitable organisation, deliberately, or otherwise, doesn’t inform the public of that info which even the Norton traffic police is complaining about. As a family we also believe

9)the church shld have contacted us as a bereaved family,if not to convey their condolences,but to inform us of allegations they’re now laying against our deceased relatives. My bro who was driving the white car had his drivers licence on him & a phone police used to contact us

10)I also posted here that the person involved in the accident was my brother & if the church is making allegations against him, it is really fair that they contact us since he is no longer alive to answer to their allegations.

11) It is quite unfair to suggest that an educationist, owner of Prestige Secondary & Primary schools in Bulawayo, his wife & a Harare lawyer, Mr Makopa, who also perished in the accident, were on a suicidal mission to harm Chiwenga & kill themselves in the process.

12)Such allegations r not only callous,but do not even rise to the level of nonsense. As a family we have also registered disquiet, as to why a driver involved in a fatal accident was immediately extracted from the accident scene by non-medical staff b4 police attended the scene.

13) My brother, his wife & Mr Makopa were taken alive to Norton Hospital & Mr Makopa was then transferred to Harare where he unfortunately passed on early Tues while my brother & his wife unfortunately succumbed to injuries while being attended to at Norton hospital.

14)While we r not legal experts, we’re just surprised why the driver of the other car was wisked away from the accident scene “by a well-wisher” & also question the legality of such an act. Ordinarily that wouldn’t have concerned us but it matters when same driver, on the night

15)of the accident,was in a state of mind to begin circulating infor alleging our relatives, who passed on in the accident involving the car he was driving,were state security agents after his life.We r also interested, as he is,to know the identity of the car & driver he alleges

16)was chasing him from Kuwadzana roundabout, caz that detail has effect on the way he was driving & consequently the head-on collision & the failure, by the 2 drivers, to avoid an imminent collision. We are also interested to know why he didn’t drive into either

17) Kuwadzana or Norton police stations to alert Police cars revolving light that he was being trailed? We are of the opinion such a measure would have helped him avoid collision with our relative & may be our relative cld have met other responsible drivers to alert him he was on the wrong lane.

18)While it wldnt have helped us or our deceased relatives we also believe, as part of ubuntu, the driver of the car involved in the accident with our deceased relatives, shld have contacted us since we understand he is alive. We had to know who he was thru his social media rants

19) and a piece of paper we found around the wreckages which I attach here. We thought it was in his interest, as is ours, to know the parties involved in the accident b4 his rantings on social media. A young lawyer’s life was lost in the accident, Presige group of schools lost

20) two directors in the accident & families lost breadwinners, relatives & friends in that unfortunate accident & were expected responsible citizens, let alone supposed church pple, guided by the Spirit of Truth, to act responsibly & not use the demise of our relatives

21)to feed into their paranoia & conspiracy theories. My brother & his wife were travelling for the burial of our sister on Tuesday morning when they met their deaths Monday evening & as a family we ended up with 3 bodies to bury. That alone took a huge toll on us emotionally

22)the least we expected from a party to the Collision symbol was to act responsibly after contacting our family.But since we’re different beings with different aspects, temperaments, psychological & mental states, we have no choice but to live with extremities & absurdities life threw on us.

23) While we don’t want to be conspiracy theorists like Chiwenga & his church, we are naturally bound to ask why Talent Chiwenga is always involved in fatal road traffic accidents where 3 people die.Last year it was his wife,Mai Vhurumuku & a church member, this year it’s my bro

24)his wife & a harare lawyer. In normal jurisdictions,the mental state, driving competency & psychological disposition of a common denominator in such fatal accidents is investigated,we can’t have a single being competing with Covid-19 in killing pple thru road traffic accidents

You cant stoop so low to defend the accident whose circumstances you do not understand! Please desist from this tendency of making everyone who speaks against Emmanuel Makandiwa a Target! Let Makandiwa Fight his own Wars. This is pathetic and embarrassing from you!
No photo description available.

Ministry of Information secretary, Nick Mangwana says two brothers who returned recently from South Africa have infected eight family members with coronavirus after escaping from the NSSA quarantine centre in Beitbridge.

“Wiseman Ngwenya and Morgan Ngwenya absconded from Beatrice quarantine centre and went home to Madulo Village in Ward 1,” Mangwana said.

“Yesterday (Thursday), tests were done on their family members. Eight out of 18 family members tested positive. These are children below 10 years save for one who is 15 years.”

Mangwana added; “(In) Masvingo, 14 Malawians who had been quarantined at Mushagashe (Training Centre) were repatriated to Malawi yesterday (Thursday). Twelve had been intercepted by police at Nyanda Block along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway. Four had been intercepted at Gokomere when their truck broke down. Two escaped from Mushagashe.”

“The threat to our existence is real, in Gweru, we have 26 contacts to a deceased patient who was admitted at a local hospital for another ailment but later tested positive to Covid-19. Tests are being carried out to ascertain the status of the contacts,” added Mangwana.

State Media

A Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer on night duty at Whawha Medium Prison allegedly plunged to his death from a guard tower that is over 30 metres high.

Sources said Correctional Officer Grade 1 Joseph Makwenya fell from the tower between 3AM and 6AM yesterday.

Prison sources said no one knows what really happened as his lifeless body was only discovered around 6AM by another correctional officer who had gone to the tower to take over watch duty.

The source said CO Makwenya’s head had a crack and there were blood clots on the ground.

ZPCS national spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi said investigations into the death were underway.

“I can confirm that we lost a correctional service officer from Whawha Medium Prison who allegedly died while on duty at the guard tower. His lifeless body was discovered yesterday morning by fellow officers. We are awaiting post mortem results and we have since launched our own investigations to understand what happened,” said Supt Khanyezi.

She said ZPCS had lost a dedicated officer.

“We are so saddened by this occurrence; we lost a dedicated officer and we want to know what happened. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and kids,” said Supt Khanyezi.

ZPCS sources said CO Makwenya was alone when he made his way to the guard tower to take on his duties.

They said the tower is steep and he could have slipped and fell to his death.

“It was around 3AM when he made his way to the guard tower. We don’t know what happened from that time until his body was discovered around 6AM some three hours later by another correctional officer who was supposed to relieve him and take over the watch tower duties.”

Independent

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has instructed Treasury to urgently buy a fleet of brand new vehicles for the police, including all-terrain troop carriers, water cannons, buses and equipment used by riot police.

This urgent procurement request comes as the restive population gears for the July 31 demonstrations organised by the opposition to protest against corruption.

Senior government officials told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Mnangagwa, in a top-level meeting on Tuesday, instructed Ncube during a fiery debate on how to contain the Covid-19 pandemic to arm and equip the police so that they can effectively enforce the restriction measures.

Covid-19 cases have increased sharply in recent weeks, prompting public health experts to warn that the country was hitting a peak characterised by higher mortality and rising infection numbers.

Official sources said soon after Vice-President Kembo Mohadi — who chairs the national Covid-19 taskforce — presented a gloomy report, Mnangagwa asked Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe why the police were failing to effectively enforce the level two lockdown rules.

Mnangagwa, the sources said, expressed concern over the flooding of streets in major cities and towns, against the restrictive measures which prohibit “unnecessary movements”.

Kazembe is said to have replied that from his engagements with Zimbabwe Republic Police bosses, it had emerged that police were hampered from enforcing the lockdown rules by a lack of vehicles and fuel.

“Basically, there was an intense discussion over the proliferation of Covid-19 cases in the country over the past few weeks. All members agreed that the current level two was not sustainable and we needed to be stricter in enforcing the lockdown if we are to avoid a total catastrophe. Everyone blamed the police for the failure since people are now moving around so freely as if there is no deadly pandemic in our midst,” an official said.

“So as this discussion went on, the President himself took issue with Kazembe and asked him to explain what the problem really was. Mnangagwa said from what is obtaining on the ground, it appears there is general fatigue in terms of efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus. People are not following the lockdown rules and are highly mobile.

“In his response, Kazembe told the meeting that he has held meetings with senior police officers over the same concerns in the past two weeks and one thing which they have consistently raised as being the biggest hindrance was the shortage of vehicles and lack of fuel. He said ZRP bosses have indicated to him that they are relying on a handful of old trucks which suffer frequent breakdowns.

“He also said they indicated that they were in need of a new fleet of smaller cars in addition to trucks as well as related crowd control equipment in the event some turn rogue. Kazembe also told the meeting that the ZRP bosses indicated in their meetings that, in addition to the vehicles, they would also require constant supplies of fuel in order to be able to move around.

“So after he had spoken at length, the President then gave an instruction to Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to treat the matter as a case of emergency and avail funds for the purchase of the vehicles for the police and related equipment which allows them to enforce the lockdown regulations more efficiently. He (Mnangagwa) was saying it’s better to spend on these vehicles if they are going to help save lives. He also indicated that the informal sector will soon be closed since it has been identified as the biggest driver of Covid-19 cases.”

Officials further said consultations have already begun to establish how many vehicles the police would require and determine the amount of money to be released by Treasury.

Mnangagwa’s administration has been widely criticised for its misplaced priorities in terms of expenditure.

It continues to splurge millions of United States dollars on luxury vehicles for ministers, legislators, army officials and senior bureaucrats.

According to another source, Mnangagwa also took to task the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima over the situation in public hospitals and clinics, which are virtually deserted because of a long-running strike by nurses and doctors.

The government tried to appease health workers, along with the rest of its workforce, by increasing their monthly salaries by 50%, in addition to a monthly US$75 Covid-19 allowance for three months. Civil servants’ representatives rejected the offer as paltry and vowed to press on with the strike.

“Mnangagwa basically wanted to know why it was taking too long for Mavima to conclude the tripartite negotiations so that things can start moving. He indicated that government only offered them the US dollar allowance because he hoped that by then the TNF (Tripartite Negotiating Forum) negotiations would have been concluded,” the official said.

Mavima reportedly said in response that the negotiations between the government, labour and business are ongoing and would hopefully conclude soon.

“The minister said we are still in negotiations and an agreement was yet to be reached. He said he was still negotiating with civil servants’ representatives and hoped to conclude those negotiations as soon as possible,” the source said.

POLICE and other security services are tightening enforcement of the existing lockdown regulations following the spike in local infections, with special attention already seen on dealing with face-mask wearing, unnecessary movement and unlawful gatherings such as backyard parties.

There has been a rapid increase of people infected within Zimbabwe which spiked to 654, when before the last fortnight almost all confirmed cases were of people infected outside the country and those who were tested in quarantine centres.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to cooperate.

“The police are disturbed by the number of people who are being arrested for failing to wear face-masks, making unnecessary movements and unlawful gatherings.”

AsstComm Nyathi said on Thursday,about 478people were arrested for violating lockdown measures, with the majority, 304, arrested for failing to wear face masks.

“There is an increase in the number of people in the high density surbubs with shebeens and backyard beer drinking binges becoming commonplace.”

Meanwhile, Asst Comm Nyathi said since June 1, a total of 79 cross border truck drivers were arrested for contravention of national lockdown regulations.

The total number of people reported escaping from quarantine centres is now 268 while those arrested remain at 29.

He called on everyone to play a role minimising the spread of the pandemic. The number of people arrested for violating lockdown regulation has topped the 100 000 mark with most of the people having paid admission of guilt fines ranging between $200 and $500.

A total of 101 845 people have been arrested for lockdown-related offences since the lockdown began.

Harare is topping the list with 20 970 arrests followed by Manicaland with 19 634 and Bulawayo with 15 034.

Police are also targeting illegal passenger services. So far, 2 534 pirate kombis and mushika-shika have been impounded countrywide for carrying paying passengers in defiance of the lockdown regulations and 78 truck drivers arrested for carrying passengers.

By Masimba Mavaza- A very sad day ended badly for the Madzingira family in Harare.  A couple was killed in a car crash while driving to a funeral of their sister who had passed on suddenly in Harare Zimbabwe.

Sam Madzingira was coming from Bulawayo to Harare for the funeral of his sister Mrs Felistas Dimairo who had passed on after few hours of complaining of dizziness.

Mr Sam Madzingira was driving a Mercedes Benz C class series when his car was involved in a head on collusion with The Controversial Prophet Talent Chiwenga just after the Norton Toll gate towards Harare.

Watch the live video loading below as Norton MP Temba Mliswa speaks on the accident which occured in his constituency……

Their car collided with a Landrover Discovery being driven by Talent Chiwenga killing them both on the scene.

Sam Madzingira has founded several schools which he was operating under a trust Turnup Enterprises, he was a director.  His school had classes up to A level enrolling over a thousand students per year.

Madzingira oversaw a construction equipped well with the teachers’ staff rooms, headmaster/deputy headmaster’s office, reception, pupils’ toilets and classroom blocks already complete. The school’s construction project is being bankrolled by Madzingira’s Turnup study pack and it has become a state of the art school. 

This New Bulawayo secondary school, Prestige High, in Cowdray Park suburb, opened its doors in January 2015. Madzingira was the school’s founder. Talking in 2015 Turnup Enterprises director Sam Madzingira, said the school would have nine blocks with three classes each.

The school, which will go up to A-Level, will accommodate up to 720 pupils.

Madzingira started building the school in September 2013 and over $300,000 had been used so far for the construction. It was completed by January 2014.

Madzingira and his wife were merging onto a highway from the toll gate they collided with a car being driven by the self proclaimed prophet Mr Talent Chiwenga who quickly blamed the CIO for his accident.

Without verifying the issues Talent Chiwenga flooded the social media with rhetoric and shameless accusations accusing The educationist Madzingira for being CIO.

“Those two Madzingira and his wife Only wanted one thing that they wanted to educate every Zimbabwean. The two of them had so many dreams. Mr Madzingira had hoped to open a University and impart knowledge and deliver education to as many people as possible.

Mr Mpofu a parent of a student from Madzingira’s school fumed and said ” these false prophets like Chiwenga must be ashamed of themselves. Chiwenga should have known better before he rushed to the press and social media accusing Madzingira and his wife to be CIOs.

Mrs Nodumo Siza a former officer in the president’s office said Zimbabwean intelligence service will never sacrifice officers for Talent.

Talent Chiwenga is the incarnation of the devil.  He is vile and an attention seeking liar. God should have shown him that the people he killed were just a bereaved couple on their way to the funeral

Madzingira and wife died at the scene. The man driving the Land Rover was unharmed. It is a shame that he flooded the social media with self aggrandising paranoiac statements.

“The Madzingira family witnessed their own worst nightmare,” “That’s an image that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.” Said Silas Mbambo who was the first to attend the accident.

“I won’t forget it. It will never go away. I will see that truck hit the Merc spinning it around and killing them every night of my life, the rest of the time that I’m on earth.”

Mr Madzingira and his wife were buried yesterday in Zaka SVINA Village under Chief Benzi. while Mrs Dimairo was buried in Harare on Tuesday.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

The preacher Talent Chiwenga’s church has in a report alleged that the motorist he collided with at the Norton tollgate, were state agents attempting to kill him, but these were just civilians who are MDC Alliance supporters, the party’s spokesperson during the last election period, speaks. Advocate Jacob Mafume narrates that the couple in the car, and a young lawyer, were actually on their way to his house at the time, to sleep there for the night. He also complains saying the church should have engaged the family of the deceased before releasing a ‘half baked’ diagram which has visuals cut in half at the tollgate. VIDEO LOADING BELOW ..

State Media

A nine-month-old baby from Maphisa in Matabeleland South Province who allegedly travelled to Bulawayo with her mother last week has died of Covid-19, becoming the first child in the country to succumb to the virus.

The baby was admitted to Maphisa District Hospital last Friday with severe pneumonia and died the following day.

It was only discovered that she had succumbed to Covid-19 after her death through a post-mortem and was buried on Wednesday at the family’s rural home in Silawa, Maphisa.

Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health and Child Care have shown that the child travelled to Bulawayo with her mother some time last week.

The mother who lives in Garikai Houses in Maphisa has now been placed under isolation at her home.

Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzore said this was the first Covid-19 related death of a child recorded in the country.

“As Matabeleland South Province we recorded a Covid-19 death of a nine-month-old female baby from Maphisa area in Matobo District.

“The child died on Saturday at Maphisa District Hospital after she was admitted with severe pneumonia. A post-mortem was then conducted and it revealed that the child had succumbed to Covid-19. These results came in yesterday (Tuesday),” said Dr Chikodzore.

“Investigations have shown that the child travelled to Bulawayo some time last week and upon returning she fell ill. This is a local transmission case. We have started making follow ups and we have informed authorities in Bulawayo and we are making follow ups to find the addresses of the people they visited while in Bulawayo.

“We are also tracing contacts within the local community. We have been recording cases of children testing positive for the pandemic across the country but this is the first death.”

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said it regretted the baby’s death.

A senior health official who has been directly handling the matter said they have been struggling to get information from the bereaved family as they have not been co-operative. He said the authenticity of some of the information is questionable.

The official also said members of the family were also giving contradicting explanations on issues surrounding the death of the baby and the travel history.

“This family has been giving us problems when it comes to supplying us with information as they are not forthcoming.

“It might take us longer to gather all the details as we also have to consider that this is a bereaved family and we have to be patient with them,” said the official on condition of anonymity.

The mother of the late child said her daughter was buried under strict supervision by Ministry of Health and Child Care officers and there were about 20 people. She said the burial was conducted in line with the Covid-19 regulations.

The woman said she had been placed under isolation at her home for the next 14 days, but had not yet been tested for Covid-19.

She said she was advised to contact health officials once she experiences any pain.

The bereaved mother said she however, does not believe that her child succumbed to Covid-19 as reported by health officials.

She also said they had not travelled to Bulawayo as alleged.

“My child was born with an asthma problem and when I took her to hospital, she had experienced an asthma attack. Unfortunately, she died the following day and all I know is that it was because of an asthma attack and not Covid-19.

“I don’t understand how my child could have contracted this virus as we have not been mobile since the outbreak was reported and the lockdown was introduced,” she said.

“We stay in Maphisa and that’s where we have remained over the past months without travelling.

“We last travelled to Bulawayo before the lockdown came into effect. My husband has been away for some time.

“I don’t understand how they could say my child succumbed to the pandemic. I’m not aware that my child was tested for Covid-19 or that a post-mortem was conducted.”

Chief Justice Luke Malaba has instructed High Court and Labour Court judges to submit to his office all judgements before they are handed down.

The move has attracted backlash on social media with people expressing concern that this could be used to take away Judges independence.

Read Malaba’s circular below:

Following concerns raised about the manner in which judgments are handled after being handed down it is hereby directed as follows:

i. No judgment should be handed down when it is not yet ready to be distributed.

ii, Once a judgment is handed down it shall not be withdrawn for any reason. Handing down of a judgment is evidence that the judgment is ready for access by the parties and members of the public.

iii. All judgments handed down must be immediately accessible to the Registrars, litigants and the public.

iv. Before a judgment or an order of the High Court or Labour Court is issued or handed down, it should be seen and approved by the head of court or Division.

v. The practice of issuing orders with the undertaking that reasons will follow is to be desisted from forthwith. Only the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court can issue such orders as they are courts with final jurisdiction. The only exception is when a Judge will be dealing with a point in limine. Such an order will be appropriate as it enables the court to expeditiously finalise the main matter.

vi. For the avoidance of doubt, it is proper for a Judge when dealing with a point in limine to give an order and advise that the reasons will be stated in the main judgment.

vii. Where a Judge decides to issue an order in an ex tempore judgment, he or she must ensure that the reasons given are  comprehensive on the understanding that they will be accessible to the parties, the Registrar and members of the public.

3. All heads of courts are advised to bring this information to the attention of all Judges.

By A Correspondent- A 51 year old Glendale man was sentenced to 16 years in jail by Bindura regional magistrate Gloria Takundwa on Thursday after he was caught raping his 12-year-old neighbour.

Moses Jimu of Major Brown farm, Glendale will spend 13 years effective after the magistrate conditionally suspended 3 years.

Prosecutor Ngoni Kaseke told the court that sometime in November last year the rapist called the complainant to his house and raped her before buying her silence with $2 bond.

The matter came to light on November 24 when the complainant’s uncle received a tip-off that  Jimu had called the complainant in his house.

The uncle stormed in the house and caught Jimu pants down raping the complainant.

He escorted the complainant to the police station leading to the arrest of Jimu.

The complainant was medically examined at Concession hospital.

ZANU PF acting deputy secretary for Youth Affairs Tendai Chirau has hailed President Mnangagwa, for the measures his administration is taking to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a national executive meeting of the Youth League in Harare yesterday, Chirau said the measures, which include various levels of lockdowns and other strict restrictions, demonstrated astute leadership that was sensitive to the need to preserve life.

Chirau’s sentiments come as the country’s Covid-19 cases are shooting up on a daily basis and deaths increasing. As of Friday, goverment recorded the national tally at 1420 with 21 deaths.

He said while Government and the ruling party continued to encourage citizens to take preventative measures to combat Covid-19, the ultimate responsibility to prevent the pandemic lay with every Zimbabwean.

“To this end, I encourage all Zimbabweans to embrace lockdown measures put in place by Government for these measures are meant to protect the masses. The Youth League will also not stand by and watch lockdown measures being violated and I urge all our members to report all persons who violate lockdown measures,” said Cde Chirau.

“The Covid-19 pandemic brings new and unique livelihood challenges for young people.

“It is critical that as revolutionary members of the party, the youth remain united and continue to work together in shaping the desired destiny of our generation.

“The seriousness of this disease outbreak compels us to think outside the box and even imagine our further progress without the box, as we adapt to new realities and possibilities.

Virtual meetings, for instance, are just a tip of the iceberg in terms of the new approaches and mechanisms for survival and development we have the potential to exploit.

The league warned opposition parties against destabilising the country by planning illegal demonstrations.

“We are more than doubly aware that these attempts to cause mayhem in the country are part of a broader sponsored regime change strategy that has in the past, yielded nothing but violence,” said Chirau adding that the only acceptable path to political power in Zimbabwe was through elections.

By A Correspondent- A 9 Months old baby from Maphisa Matabeleland South reportedly died due to COVID-19 last week.

According to the publication, the child had travelled to Bulawayo with her mother and was later on admitted at Maphisa District Hospital with severe Pneumonia and died the following day, becoming Zimbabwe’s first infant to die due to the novel coronavirus.

It was confirmed she had died due to the virus during postmortem. The death was confirmed by Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Officer Dr Rudo Chikodzore who said this to the publication:

As Matabeleland South Province we recorded a Covid-19 death of a nine-month-old female baby from Maphisa area in Matobo District.

The child died on Saturday at Maphisa District Hospital after she was admitted with severe pneumonia. A post-mortem was then conducted and it revealed that the child had succumbed to Covid-19. These results came in yesterday (Tuesday),” said Dr Chikodzore.

Investigations have shown that the child travelled to Bulawayo some time last week and upon returning she fell ill. This is a local transmission case. We have started making follow ups and we have informed authorities in Bulawayo and we are making follow ups to find the addresses of the people they visited while in Bulawayo.

We are also tracing contacts within the local community. We have been recording cases of children testing positive for the pandemic across the country but this is the first death.

7 other people including politician and businessman Keith Guzhah have tested positive for COVID-19 posthumously and the ministry says the cases are being detected during postmodern because its standard procedure to test for COVID-19 during postmodern.

-statemedia

A large group of streets in Bulawayo, Bindura, Chegutu, Chipinge, Gweru, Harare, Masvingo and Mutare, largely named after colonial figures have had their names changed yesterday to national heroes or leaders of countries allied to the liberation movements.

The changes were gazetted by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo in Statutory Instrument 167 of 2020.

The change of names follows a Cabinet decision that was made last year in November.

Notable among the changes is the renaming of Enterprise Road in Harare to Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road.

VIEW COMPLETE LIST HERE

Besides Enterprise Road being named after President Mnangagwa, roads in other towns now bear Mnangagwa’s name.

They include Sixth Avenue in Bulawayo, A5 Road in Kwekwe, Main Street in Gweru, Chipinge Main Street, Etherton Road in Bindura, Edgar Peacock Road in Mutare, Henry Hartley Road in Chegutu and Hughes Street in Masvingo.

Some of the streets whose names changed in Harare are Speke Avenue, which changed to Agostinho Neto Avenue, Angwa Street to Sir Seretse Khama Street, Third Street to Patrice Lumumba Street, Rezende Street to Julia Zvobgo Street, Selous Avenue to John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Cameron Street to Joseph Msika Street, while the stretch from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Manyame Air Base is now called Josiah Tungamirai Drive, and Kirkman Drive is now known as Solomon Mujuru Drive.

In Bulawayo, the stretch from Fourth Avenue through to Seventh Street up to King George has been renamed John Landa Nkomo Avenue, Collenbrander Avenue is now Lookout Masuku Avenue and Victoria Falls Road is Mosi-Oa-Tunya Road.

Fort Street through to Bellevue Road up to Plumtree Road has been renamed Benjamin Burombo Street.

Some of the Government buildings whose names have been changed include the New Government Composite Office Building in Harare which will now be called Mgandane Dlodlo Building; Harare Central Hospital is now Sally Mugabe Central Hospital; Immigration Building in Harare has been named to Chingaira Makoni Building; Defence House to Hashim Mbita House; CID Headquarters Building to Ethan Dube Building and Central Registry Building to Muchecheterwa Chiwashira Building.

By A orrespondent- Polices bosses reportedly ordered their subordinates to destroy the ZRP financial records during the 2017 November Coup code-named operation restore legacy that toppled former president Robert Mugabe.

According to the publication, the records were loaded into a Nissan UD truck and were destroyed at the Chikurubi Camp by fire.

The records according to the publication would have been used to investigate the then police boss and his relatives who are now being accused of siphoning public funds into their companies and buying assets which are on the verge of being forfeited by the state.

This was revealed in a sworn affidavit being used by the NPA in the Chihuri’s case by one Constable Ellison Mutivayo who reportedly said he was responsible for typing in the office of the then Staff Officer Ordinance. Mutivayo said he was instructed to type the order to destroy 20 sets of selected records which were then taken by a lorry for destruction:

All sections like receipt bay, bulk store, stores office, buying office, cardex office, loan office, dispatch carding, issues and discharges, took the books to his office. The Staff officer did the selection of files with the administrator and brought them to my office where I was ordered to type out a destruction order in respect of the selected books. The books were more than 20 in number.

According to the publication, an assistant inspector then arrived driving a UD lorry, the policeman and others had to load the books detailed for destruction and the truck drove off to Support Unit in Chikurubi where they were destroyed by fire. Chihuri is yet to respond to the allegations that PGHQ destroyed files that could have been used in his case.

MDC-Alliance officials have been accused of forging affidavits of legislators in a court application that has since been withdrawn as the battle for control of the opposition party takes another nasty twist.

Branding the MDC-Alliance led by Mr Nelson Chamisa as a “bunch of criminals”, MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said law enforcement should step in and arrest the “crooks” masquerading as democrats.

And in the ensuing battle for control of the opposition party, Dr Thokozani Khupe and her allies who include Mr Mwonzora, have been calling the shots, including recalling MPs who were refusing to abide by the Supreme Court ruling.

In a fresh bid to stop the culling, the Chamisa camp approached the High Court, but Mr Mwonzora claimed that their initial application was premised on forgery and should be investigated.

“Their application was accompanied by forged affidavits. The MPs were made to sign blank affidavits without anything. If you look at the affidavits that were filed in the main original body and the tail end is where the applicant signature is, it’s a photocopy that was forged. We also had Members of Parliament who were disowning the affidavits,” said Mr Mwonzora.

“I raised that with some of the MDC-A people and they said they had no idea; that is when we realised that the whole application had been forged. I got in touch with a number of MPs and they professed ignorance of the application. I think it was withdrawn specifically because of that,” said Mr Mwonzora.

Mwonzora claimed that the High Court application was designed to demonstrate that the MDC A was still in control of legislators in parliament.

“They wanted to present that they still have 51 members of Parliament. That is the impression they wanted to create because right now they have less than 15 MPs sympathetic to them out of 111.

“They wanted to give an impression that MPs were behind them and against us. It was simply political posturing, an awkward political manoeuvring that confirms our earlier assertion that these people are criminals. They are crooks who forged the succession. They try to forge papers of ownership of Harvest House. They now have forged this application who ought to be prosecuted,” said Mr Mwonzora.

MDC-A lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama confirmed that they withdrew the case, but on the grounds that it had been filed as an urgent application.

“We withdrew the case because we saw that we could run around issues of urgency. So we withdrew it and we will file it as an ordinary application. However, I don’t think it is possible to forge someone’s signature. As far as I know, it did not happen,” said Mr Muchadehama.

He, however, could not say how many people had signed the affidavits that will be filed as an ordinary application at the High Court, where legislators are challenging Dr Khupe’s legitimacy to recall them from Parliament.

Source: State Media

State Media

Financial records at Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) were reportedly loaded into a Nissan UD truck on the instruction of then police bosses and destroyed by fire at Chikurubi Camp during Operation Restore Legacy in 2017, allegedly to cover up corrupt procurement and other illicit payments.

The destruction of the records, according to investigations, was not done in accordance with the law and was allegedly designed to destroy evidence that could be used in the present investigations into former Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri and his relatives.

Affidavits by four police officers in the police procurement section stated how pages of files involving companies linked to relatives of top police officers, including Chihuri, were pulled out and burnt. The affidavits also narrates how some senior officers instructed juniors to replace the pages in question with alternative and probably fake documents in a bid to erase any incriminating evidence.

The companies in question were allegedly awarded tenders without following procedure and it is suspected they might have received money without providing goods and services.

Some of the documents which were doctored and burnt include records for Mastaw Investments where Chihuri was a manager and his wife Isobel was managing director. Chihuri’s brother-in-law Aitken Khan was operations manager for the same company.

Documents for Croxile Investments where Isobel was general manager were, according to the investigations, allegedly tampered with.

Other records for Adamah Enterprises and Nodpack Investments where Isobel was general manager were also reportedly destroyed.

Documents for Rewstand Enterprises owned by Mrs Abigail Billie Makono, wife of a top police officer Assistant Commissioner Makono and her sister Beaula Billie, were also allegedly tampered with.

Rewstand had the tender to supply tents and clothing material.

Adamah had the tender to supply cap drab, blue hats for female officers and clothing material while Mastaw and Croxile would supply tents.

Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi, is also on record as saying there was a reasonable basis to suspect Chihuri of instructing some senior officers to spearhead the destruction of records relating to his family companies as he was then still in charge.

Constable Ellison Mutivayo who was responsible for typing in the office of the then Staff Officer Ordinance said he was instructed to type out an order to destroy 20 sets of selected records which were immediately ferried in a lorry for destruction.

“All sections like receipt bay, bulk store, stores office, buying office, cardex office, loan office, dispatch carding, issues and discharges, took the books to his office. The Staff officer did the selection of files with the administrator and brought them to my office where I was ordered to type out a destruction order in respect of the selected books. The books were more than 20 in number.”

An assistant inspector then arrived driving a UD lorry; the policeman and others had to load the books detailed for destruction and the truck drove off to Support Unit in Chikurubi, said Cnst Mutivayo in his sworn affadavit.

Another officer, Cst John Shoko, said he was ordered to pluck out some pages from the goods received register which were also burnt.

Sergeant Tamirirashe Matutu, who worked at the buying office, said Supt Munemo visited their office and asked for files in respect of Rewstand, Adamah, Mastaw, Nodpack and Croxile which he took to his office.

“He came back and took used up goods received registers from the safe where they were kept. He also took another goods received register from receipt bay section to his office. After an hour, he came back with pages which had entries of receipts in respect of the above mentioned companies, folded and marked while others were detached.

He said that he had been instructed by a Senior Assistant Commissioner to remove the marked pages. “He gave us blank pages of the registers and instructed us to rewrite the entries excluding those for the above mentioned companies which were left blank. Those blank spaces were filled in with false information and later cancelled.

“Supt Munemo then took the registers and asked Cst Shoko to accompany him to Police Printers for rebinding. All this happened when the overall officer-in-charge Chief Inspector Gavaza was on occasional leave,” said Sgt Matutu.

Assistant Inspector Nelson Phiri said at one point, the goods received register at the buying office went missing, only to find it a week later in the company of Cst Shoko who was busy plucking out pages and rewriting the information on the superiors’ instructions.

“On Wednesday 22 November 2017, I entered the Buying Office while searching for the missing book.

“I then found Cst Shoko with the goods received register on his table. I observed that he had a bunch of blank papers of the goods received register. He was busy re-writing the entries and other information.

“When I asked him why he had taken my book, he made a statement that he had been instructed by the Staff Officer Supt Munemo to rewrite new pages and removing all entries with information of deliveries of companies namely; Adamah, Croxile, Rewstand, Mastaw and Nodpack,” reads Asst Insp Phiri’s affidavit.

A week later, Asst Insp Phiri said he discovered that pages related to the five companies had been removed and replaced with newly doctored ones.

“I noted that pages which had entries and information of the aforementioned companies had been plucked out and replaced by newly re-written pages. The books had been bound anew to appear as if everything was still intact,” reads Asst Insp Phiri’s statement.

The re-written entries, according to the police officers, now had forged signatures, force numbers and names of officers who once worked in the receipt bay office.

By A Correspondent| Tajamuka/ Sesjikile leader Promise Mkwananzi has appealed to Telecel to help him identify the owner of a particular mobile number that is being used by an unknown person to issue death threats on him.

Mkwananzi, who has thrown his weight behind the forthcoming July 31 protest and whose organisation has started mobilising citizens to come out in their numbers on July 31 said the number 073 207 1086 is being used to threaten him with death.

He said:

“This number is calling threatening to kill me. Telecel Zimbabwe help me identify who this person is.”

Independent

SEVEN National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) bosses have been fired as the company reels from allegations of multi-million dollar corruption involving the acquisition of medicines and equipment meant for the Covid-19 pandemic response.

Those who have been fired are managing director Flora Sifeku, operations manager Charles Mwaramba, finance manager Rolland Mlalazi, human resources manager Walter Nhau, regional manager Raguel Mthombeni, stores pharmacist Rumbidzai Kanhema (Matambanadzo) and Bridget Kumapenda.

NatPharm is mandated with the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical equipment for public health institutions.

Some of the managers were implicated in the Drax International LLC US$60 million Covid-19 medicines supply scandal.

They were arrested and face charges of criminal abuse of office.

Sifeku, Mwaramba and Mlalazi were arrested early this month and are being accused of processing government procurement without following proper tender procedures.

In a July 14 internal email with the subject head “Termination of contracts for some managers”, acting managing director Zealous Nyabadza said the seven have been dismissed from their posts with immediate effect. This email serves to inform you that the following managers have been dismissed from NatPharm with immediate effect,” Nyabadza said, without elaborating.

An unprecedented purge has already seen several Ministry of Health officials and chief executive officers of major referral hospitals being fired.

Yesterday, several senior managers at the Health Services Board were also either relieved of their duties or transferred.

“This is part of the large-scale purging of those perceived to be involved in the controversial cases surrounding the procurement of medical supplies and Covid-19 equipment. In fact, more of these senior people are going to fall by the wayside going forward,” an official said.

First to fall was former Health minister Obadiah Moyo, who was fired on July 8 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for what he deemed behaviour inconsistent with a member of cabinet.

Moyo was arrested last month after an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. He was freed on bail and returns to court on July 31.

Moyo is facing charges of corruption and criminal abuse of office over his role in a deal with Drax to supply personal protective equipment and Covid-19 test kits. If convicted, he faces a fine or up to 15 years in prison.

A representative of Drax, Delish Nguwaya, was also arrested and is facing charges in connection with the contract.

Nguwaya is also on bail. His company has, however, denied wrongdoing and has written to the government protesting the cancellation of the procurement deal.

Apart from the Drax controversy, the Ministry of Health has also been accused of mishandling the procurement of Covid-19 materials through a Namibian-based company, Jaji Investments.

Both deals were concluded without the approval of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The Drax deal was cancelled after journalists exposed the transaction, sparking public outrage.

The Health Service Board last week fired chief executive officers of central hospitals, while directors in the Ministry of Health were sent on forced leave as part of what was termed a restructuring exercise.

Those fired are Ernest Manyawu (Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals), Tinashe Dhobbie (Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, formerly Harare Central Hospital), Enock Mayida (Chitungwiza Central Hospital), Nonhlanhla Ndlovu (United Bulawayo Hospitals) and Leonard Mabhandi (Ingutsheni Hospital).

The ZANU PF National Youth Executive held its second national executive council meeting this Friday at the party headquarters in Harare, where Acting Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, Tendai Chirau called for Zimbabwe to stand “against subversion of their will.”

“As ZANU PF Youth league, we register our preparedness to stand in resolute defence of legitimate national interests, in defence of innocent breadwinners and their dependents who are being threatened with disruptive, senseless violence and injury. We further reiterate our conviction that the only acceptable path to political power in Zimbabwe is through the plebiscite.

“In the 2018 elections, the voice of the majority emphatically spoke in favour of ZANU PF running the country until 2023. The threats to remove the Government that we hear are unconstitutional and we remain ready to defend the constitution of Zimbabwe and accordingly warn all putschist elements to hold their peace,” he said.

Chirau also raised concern that the people who are agitating for a demonstration are the same people who bad mouth the country to foreigners and then come back to lay blame on the government.

“We will therefore not entertain any form of retrogressive opportunism, which is in many predictable ways, similar to the coordinated anarchy of 1 August 2018 and January 2019, which should never be repeated. We are tired of merchants of regime change abusing the universal right to demonstrate and wish to remind them that such right is subject to limitations in defence of national security,” he said.

Own Correspondent

58 people tested positive for the corona virus this Friday.

Of the 58 people, 48 are local cases and 10 are returnees from South Africa.

In a daily Covid-19 update the Ministry of Health and Child Care said, “32 of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases. Investigations are underway to establish the source of infections for the other 16 cases.”
One more person has succumbed to Covid-19, the total now stands at 24.

“Today we regret to report 1 death at facility level in Bulawayo Province. The death is a 19-year-old male who tested positive for Covid-19 and had a co-morbidity.”

Cases continue to rise in Bulawayo, with 27 local cases being recorded yesterday, the total number of confirmed cases in the province is the highest in the country. The province accounts for 31% of all the cases in Zimbabwe.

Bulawayo has 446 confirmed cases, 411 local transmissions, 35 imported cases, 88 recoveries, 347 active cases and 11 deaths.

A total of 99 701 tests have been conducted since the onset of the outbreak in March this year.

The opposition MDC Alliance Youth League Assembly National Secretary for Recruitment Kerine Murwira has died.

The development was announced by the party on its social media pages. The party, however, did not reveal the cause of death. The party tweeted:

The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has been robbed of a committed & hardworking fighter, Kerine Murwira, who was the National Secretary for Recruitment. Mourners are gathered in Dangamvura & burial has been slated for Sunday.

By Jane Mlambo| A militant grouping Tajamuka/Sesijikile yesterday visited Epworth as it warms the ground ahead of the 31 July protests against corruption.

The grouping Spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi urged Zimbabweans to speak out against corruption and bad governance by participating in the planned action.

He accused Zanu PF of looting every resource in the country saying 31 July was the end of it all.

“We are putting Mnangagwa and the criminals surrounding him on notice, only a few days left, on the 31st Garai marongedza, takura mikwende yako unange where ever you come from, ” said Mkwananzi while addressing Epworth youths.

31 July protests coordinator Jacob Ngarivhume earlier this week said the COVID-19 pandemic was not going to deter the people from proceeding with the planned action.

MASVINGO – A 26-year old woman from Zimuto near Masvingo forced her one-year-old baby to drink poison before gulping the liquid herself and the two died within an hour of admission at Masvingo Provincial Hospital on Friday.

The Mirror is informed that Ruramai Mbombi of Nduru Village under Chief Zimuto took her own life following a squabble over dwindling finances with her husband Max Musariri (37).

The baby died at around 8am on Friday while the mother died at 9am after taking the poison the same day.

Masvingo Police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the case and urged families to solve disputes amicably by consulting the Police or church and local leadership.

The couple had the misunderstanding on Thursday evening and Musariri woke up at 5am on Friday morning after hearing his wife coughing outside the house.

Mbombi allegedly told Musariri that she was ready to die.

Musariri rushed Mbombi and the baby to Zimuto Clinic where they were transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital-
Credit :Masvingo Mirror

By A Correspondent- Harare’s Glaudina suburb has recorded another COVID-19 death, ZimEye can exclusively reveal.

The man, who worked at a local sugar refinery company died Friday morning at his home where he was recuperating in self quarantine.

Neighbours had to break the windows of the house where the man was after his wife who is in Bulawayo asked a neighbour to check on her husband whom she said was not picking up her calls since yesterday.

Said the source:

“Everyone was equally afraid to get closer to the corpse because he was a COVID-19 known case. So when the community members broke the windows, no-one got close to the corpse for fear of contracting the virus.”

The source narrated how the community tried in vain to call the publicised COVID 19 toll free numbers.

“We called the numbers that were publicised by the Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa but no one was picking up the call. We tried it for over 2 hours while some of the community members went to report the death at a local police station.”

The source said they went to Dzivarasekwa police station where they noted that the police were not properly equipped to deal with COVID-19 deaths.

“They had a car but no fuel to start with. What was even baffling is that the police officers had no PPEs so most of the police details were reluctant to attend to the corpse.”

The source told this publication that the officer in charge at Dzivarasekwa police station assisted the community members to contact City of Harare’s rapid response team who quickly attended to the dead man.

However, the City of Harare did not fumigate the house where the man died.

Added one Masunda:

“Nothing was done to fumigate the house and they just collected the body and left. We engaged Dr Prosper Chonzi who was very rude to us.

He told us that the City of Harare does not have the capacity to fumigate the house and that there was nothing that they can do. He even said we should stop troubling him as he had received over a 100 calls from concerned residents.

Dr Chonzi’s conduct is not reflective of a public official. He is an arrogant man who should just call it quits becuase he does not have the skills to deal with the public. Rather than giving us the way forward, he was just very rude.”

Efforts to get a comment from Dr Chonzi were futile by the time of writing.

There are reports that the government has finally disbursed the USD75 promised to civil servants last months but they are now faced with the dilemma on how to access the money as they do not have bank cards to use in shops while banks are said to be refusing to give them hard cash.

Government last month promised to give civil servants a flat USD75 which they can use to buy in shops but it appears most if not all of them do not have Foreign Currency Account cards.

Posting on Twitter, vibrant teachers union PTUZ, questioned government its members could do to access their money in light of the challenges of banks refusing to give them cards.

“Now that gvt has paid $75, nobody knows how that money is used. Banks say they won’t give cash, won’t give cards, with some “advising”clients to liquidate into RTGS at bank rate. Come here @MthuliNcube , @Jamwanda2 and @nickmangwana,” said PTUZ.

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has distanced itself from social media allegations that it is backing a deceitful plan by the opposition to effect regime change on July 31 under the guise of denouncing corruption.

ZDF noted with concern false accusations peddled on social media that it said was intended to cause alarm and despondency within the nation.

This comes as security chiefs in June warned of a plot by some opposition parties, working with foreign embassies in Zimbabwe and private media to undermine the authority of the Government, saying that those engaging in treasonous acts would be punished.

In a statement, Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda dismissed the allegations as a figment of social media websites imaginations and not of the ZDF.

“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) notes with concern the concerted efforts by some sections of the private media, which are bent on dragging the ZDF into their political scheming. This is evidenced by an online news item titled, ‘Military backing demo’ published by Transform Zimbabwe on Chimurenga Radio on 13 July 2020. On the same day there was another publication by ZimEye in their article, ‘The army has been used settle politics’ and that the ZDF and ‘other security structures are literally used to silence, remove and oppress the people of Zimbabwe in a bid to keep ZANU PF in power’.

“Further to this scheming, ZimEye on 05 June 2020, claimed that the ZDF had helped the MDC-T, led by Thokozani Khupe to reclaim Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, formerly Harvest House, from the MDC-Alliance. These claims and assertions are the work of very fertile imagination of the authors of these articles, which members of the public should dismiss with the contempt they deserve. They are aimed at unfairly using the security establishment to drum up support for their planned illegal anti-Government protests.

“It should be noted that, as a professional, loyal and patriotic Defence Force, the ZDF does not involve itself in anti-people activities that are designed to achieve anti-Government political and economic objectives by some malcontents within our citizenry,” he said.

The ZDF Commander added that the country’s military is guided by Section 212 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which mandates the Defence Forces to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security and interests and its territorial integrity and to uphold this Constitution, “and not in shenanigans as those purveyed by the authors of the articles mentioned above”.

-State Media

Mnangagwa promises full electricity in 2023 | TRUTH or UTTER NONSENSE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 18, 2020

Zimbabwe will have enough power to push forward its rapid industrialisation from 2023 and is poised to become an exporter of electricity as new coal and coal gas generation capacity being planned or commissioned by private and public initiatives in Hwange come on stream.

This emerged when President Mnangagwa concluded his two-day working visit of coal projects here that saw him touring eight power concerns.

Zimbabwe imports power from South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s Hydroelectrica de Cahora Bassa after a 30-year hiatus when no new generation capacity was installed.

Power projects visited by the President on Thursday and Friday are expected to feed an additional 3 000MW into the national grid upon envisaged completion by 2023.

The power is not only sufficient for the country’s present needs, but will also suffice for an industrialised Zimbabwe as envisaged by the economic growth that is being planned in line with Vision 2030 that is set to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy.

The projects themselves, are designed to support the country’s industrialisation drive by generating the required electricity.

Crucially, the projects will also play a critical role in Government’s devolution strategy which is aimed at improving standards of living, creating jobs and generating wealth in the provinces.

Speaking here yesterday, President Mnangagwa noted that employment creation will be accelerated for the benefit of local communities. With some of the projects being foreign-owned, the President implored the companies to prioritise using the local workforce in line with Government policy.

“You (Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube) are spending hundreds of millions a month importing power when we have everything to produce power in this country,” said the President during the tour of Zambezi Gas and Coal Mine.

“Yesterday, where we visited and the general picture I have been given now, is that we should be energy sufficient by 2023 because we have everything. We have the coal, we have the gas in Zimbabwe . . . None of us here will live beyond the volumes of coal we have,” said the President.

With the projects being dominated by companies of Chinese origin, the President also highlighted that this was a result of his visit to China in April 2018, where he got the backing and support of his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping.

Although the President assured all the companies he visited of Government’s total support, he reserved special mention for the locally owned duo of Zambezi Gas and Makomo Resources.

He said he was particularly pleased by the progress being made by the two and noted that they have an added advantage in that their profits will not be repatriated to foreign countries.

He also challenged the two to draw and follow extensive expansion road maps.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando who accompanied the President said the visit had showed that the coal sector is poised to become the first to attain its target under the US$12 billion mining industry set for 2023.

President Mnangagwa speaks to Makomo Resources director Mr Raymond Mutokonyi (right) during a tour of the company

The sector is envisaged to contribute US$1 billion by the 2023 milestone.

“The coal and hydrocarbon sector had been allocated to achieve US$1 billion, but all indications are that it will not only be the first to achieve but will exceed the US$1 billion,” said Minister Chitando.

“This visit by His Excellency has now clearly demonstrated that Zimbabwe is well on course to move from being an importer of power but a net exporter of power,” he said. -Herald

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Secretary for Recruitment, Kerina Murwira has died.

Murwira passed on after a short illness.

In a statement MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba said:

It is with sadness and heavy heart that I announce that we have lost our National Secretary for Recruitment in the Youth Assembly Kerina Murwira who had suffered short illness and was admitted in hospital.

Arrangements for burial will be communicated soon.

May her soul Rest in Peace

The head of government business in Parliament, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi while responding to Bulawayo East MP Ilos Nyoni’s question in Parliament this week said the government had no plans of abandoning the Zimbabwe dollar which has greatly depreciated in value since its infamous debut on 24 June 2019.

Nyoni had asked if the government was aware that people were now preferring the USD to the depreciating Zimbabwe dollar.

Ziyambi said:
Government has no desire to abandon the Zimdollar. The MP is aware that when COVID-19 came, the Minister of Finance allowed the use of free funds.

There was no pronouncement to say that we are going back to the US dollar that we do not produce. Our desire is to stabilise our currency so that the earnings of our people are not eroded. At no point are we going to abandon the idea of our currency.

The Minister repeated the same answer when Tendai Biti asked him:

The Ministry of Transport through Statutory Instrument 161/2020 has announced that all vehicle number plates must be paid for in US dollars, and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe through its auction floors is trading in foreign currency and has obliged all shops to display prices in US dollars and local currency and so are we going to officially dollarise?”- NewsDay

By Fanuel Chinowaita Kasiyamhuru| Today is one of the darkest day as i heard the untimely death of Kerine Murwira.

Kerine was my sister and a comrade in the Movement for Democratic Change.

She died today due to serious headache.

It is very painful that I will not be able to attend her funeral due to long distance and Lockdown.

Anyway, let me take this time to say very little things I know about Kerine. When it comes to politics, she was steadfast and so principled.

She is someone I always consulted and her advices made me strong. She always said, “usazviise muhana sterek mwana waMai, let’s soldier on kusvika Zimbabwe yasununguka.”

Her presence made the struggle real and stronger. She was a force in Manicaland and Zimbabwe as a whole.

You will always be remembered Keri.

Pese peairwara aindiudza kuti mwana waMai ndarwara, but this time she did not say any word. The last time I talked to her she said, “mwana waMai ita plan and see how I can reach that side.” Sad, she just go without saying good bye!!!

Nguva iyi yandirwadza.

To Tyne, please take care of Kupa and Nenyasha. To our lovely and caring mother, be strong….chemai netariro…chengetaiwo vazukuru vemasiirwa naKerine.

Rest in Power Kerine. We will meet again.

By A Correspondent- A Harare man died from COVID-19 Friday in Glaudina suburb, Harare, ZimEye can exclusively reveal.

The man, who worked at a local sugar refinery company died at his home where he was recuperating in self quarantine.

The sugar refinery company where he was working has reportedly closed and sent all it’s workers to a local health institution for COVID 19 tests and self quarantine following this incident.

Neighbours had to break the windows of the house where the man was staying after his wife who is in Bulawayo asked a neighbour to check on her husband whom she said was not picking up her calls since Thursday.

Said the source:

“Everyone was equally afraid to get closer to the corpse because he was a COVID-19 known case. So when the community members broke the windows, no-one got close to the corpse for fear of contracting the virus.”

The source narrated how the community tried in vain to call the publicised COVID 19 toll free numbers.

“We called the numbers that were publicised by the Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa but no one was picking up the call. We tried it for over 2 hours while some of the community members went to report the death at a local police station.”

The source said they went to Dzivarasekwa police station where they noted that the police were not properly equipped to deal with COVID-19 deaths.

“They had a car but no fuel to start with. What was even baffling is that the police officers had no PPEs so most of the police details were reluctant to attend to the corpse.”

The source told this publication that the officer in charge at Dzivarasekwa police station assisted the community members to contact City of Harare’s rapid response team who quickly attended to the dead man.

However, the City of Harare did not fumigate the house where the man died.

Added one Masunda:

“Nothing was done to fumigate the house and they just collected the body and left. We engaged Dr Prosper Chonzi who was very rude to us.

He told us that the City of Harare does not have the capacity to fumigate the house and that there was nothing that they can do. He even said we should stop troubling him as he had received over a 100 calls from concerned residents.

Dr Chonzi’s conduct is not reflective of a public official. He is an arrogant man who should just call it quits becuase he does not have the skills to deal with the public. Rather than giving us the way forward, he was just very rude.”

Efforts to get a comment from Dr Chonzi were futile by the time of writing.

By A Correspondent| Hundreds of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries followers recently besieged their leader Prophet Walter Magaya’s  offices in Cape Town, South Africa, demanding refunds following a botched stands deal.

The followers said they wanted their money back since nothing had materialised three years after paying deposits.

Through Planet Africa, the investment arm of Prophet Magaya’s church, the followers were asked to pay varying deposits into a housing scheme.

In a grey agreement of sale, the investors (who are named as partners in the agreement) were informed that the stands’ sizes and prices were to vary and would be determined after the sub-division of the land.

-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Harare’s Glaudina suburb has recorded another COVID-19 death, ZimEye can exclusively reveal.

The man, who worked at a local sugar refinery company died Friday morning at his home where he was recuperating in self quarantine.

Neighbours had to break the windows of the house where the man was after his wife who is in Bulawayo asked a neighbour to check on her husband whom she said was not picking up her calls since yesterday.

Said the source:

“Everyone was equally afraid to get closer to the corpse because he was a COVID-19 known case. So when the community members broke the windows, no-one got close to the corpse for fear of contracting the virus.”

The source narrated how the community tried in vain to call the publicised COVID 19 toll free numbers.

“We called the numbers that were publicised by the Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa but no one was picking up the call. We tried it for over 2 hours while some of the community members went to report the death at a local police station.”

The source said they went to Dzivarasekwa police station where they noted that the police were not properly equipped to deal with COVID-19 deaths.

“They had a car but no fuel to start with. What was even baffling is that the police officers had no PPEs so most of the police details were reluctant to attend to the corpse.”

The source told this publication that the officer in charge at Dzivarasekwa police station assisted the community members to contact City of Harare’s rapid response team who quickly attended to the dead man.

However, the City of Harare did not fumigate the house where the man died.

Added one Masunda:

“Nothing was done to fumigate the house and they just collected the body and left. We engaged Dr Prosper Chonzi who was very rude to us.

He told us that the City of Harare does not have the capacity to fumigate the house and that there was nothing that they can do. He even said we should stop troubling him as he had received over a 100 calls from concerned residents.

Dr Chonzi’s conduct is not reflective of a public official. He is an arrogant man who should just call it quits becuase he does not have the skills to deal with the public. Rather than giving us the way forward, he was just very rude.”

Efforts to get a comment from Dr Chonzi were futile by the time of writing.

Watch the live video loading below……

Public statement by Jesus Revelation Ministries: An update of the accident involving Apostle T F Chiwenga and colleagues which happened on the 13th of July 2020 in Norton around 1930 hours.

We seek to notify the whole family of Jesus Revelation Ministries in Zimbabwe and abroad, the Nation of Zimbabwe at large, and the whole world in general, that Apostle T F Chiwenga and the two brethren were involved in a car accident on 13 July 2020 at around 1930 hours while travelling from Harare along Bulawayo road. The accident happened at 3.8 kilometer-peg before Norton tollgate. Apostle T F Chiwenga was driving in a Land Rover Discovery 4 and was intercepted into a head on collision by a Mercedes Benz Sedan with registration number plate AED 7059 which emerged against the one-way traffic. The evidence on the scene shows a dismal collision steered by the driver of the Mercedes Benz which was travelling against the one-way traffic in the highway.

Apostle T F Chiwenga was quickly taken from the scene of the accident and rushed to the hospital by a well-wisher.

After receiving information about the accident, we tasked a team to visit the scene and came up with details of what could have probably transpired. To clarify our position, attached to this statement is a diagrammatic representation and pictures. Our statement is also supported by interviews of the persons involved in the accident.

According to the sketch diagram attached along with this statement, it shows a deliberate, well-calculated intentional plan to murder Apostle Chiwenga in a brutal car crush. While the possible intension was to cause the vehicle in which Apostle Chiwenga was travelling in to veer out of the way unto a possible plunge or overturn, instead there was a head-on collision. It is reported that the casualty resulted in the unfortunate death of two people who were in the Mercedes Benz while the other one was critically injured. By the time of the report we are not sure of the condition. The Ministry sincerely sympathizes with the bereaved families and relatives of the deceased following the sad passing on of their loved ones.

Further to our observation, Apostle T F Chiwenga and the two colleagues who were involved in the collision testified that they realized that their vehicle was being stalked by a Toyota Hilux from Kuwadzana roundabout. The same vehicle overtook them moments before the incident and is labelled in the diagram as car D. The vehicle involved in the head-on labelled as car B was travelling against the one-way and had its lights switched off. The vehicle only appeared within an estimated 20 meters distance. According to Apostle, there was another vehicle (Car C in the diagram) travelling adjacent to Car A at the time of the impact, making it difficult to avoid an eminent head-on.
All this evidence has compelled us to believe that this fatal collision was not natural but it was a skimmed project.
Our concern as Jesus Revelation Ministries is the deliberate delay, concealment and holding back of the release of the information about the accident by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Also, there are certain media houses and journalist who have partially released details of the accident without other important details including the names of those who died from the head-on collision caused by a car travelling against a one-way. On the contrary, on 12 June 2019, when Apostle Chiwenga was involved in an almost similar car accident in which three brethren from Jesus Revelation Ministries passed on, the police urgently released the details of the victims and circumstances of the accident within an hour. We expected ZRP to give the full details of the account as is their norm.
As Jesus Revelation Ministries, we are not surprised by the developments of this planned murder as preempted in the public statement by Apostle T F Chiwenga exposing an operation by the government to abduct and murder him. The details of the statement made on the 10th of July 2020 and published on the 11th of July 2020 are available on the following link. https://youtu.be/tNUNerwmGa4 The murder attempt happened barely three days after the statement. Further to that, Apostle T F Chiwenga was being stalked ten days before the unfortunate man-made disaster, and the complaint is echoed in Apostle Chiwenga’s sermons preached in the past six months.
The sentiments in the State media of late as also reiterated by the President in his Party’s Politburo meeting address were threatening and in some instances Apostle T F Chiwenga’s name was mentioned among people they accused of inciting violence and uproar. Such information coupled with the evidence on the scene made it difficult for us to believe that the State is not involved.

Jesus Revelation Ministries is aware of the State’s targeted campaign to attack Apostle T F Chiwenga and Jesus Revelation Ministries because of the bold rebuke and counsel against sin, corruption, and all manner of evil doings without respecting persons. (John 16 v 7-9, Ezekiel 2 v 6-7, Acts 10 v 34-35, Romans 2 v 11)
However, the gospel is not preached on man’s terms but God speaks to his creatures using his own choice vessels in His manner and fashion. (Daniel v 4 v 34-35)
We call on the nation of Zimbabwe, civic societies, Human Rights organizations and the International Community to condemn these barbaric acts perpetrated on innocent citizens by our Government.

Brethren all over the world must pray for Apostle T F Chiwenga and the other brethren during these difficult times. In the meanwhile, let people be calm and comforted at heart as the condition of Apostle T F Chiwenga and that of two other brethren is stable and well monitored. Any developments will be communicated.

Thank you

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe and the officer-in-charge of St Mary’s Police Station have been jointly ordered to pay over $16 000 to a Chitungwiza woman who was shot by a police officer at a roadblock in 2018.

High Court judge Justice Edith Mushore on July 8 ruled that the trio pay US$16 788,75 for damages to Loveness Chiriseni, the victim of the shooting. Justice Mushore ruled that the police officer who shot Chiriseni was reckless.

She said:

The plaintiff was an unarmed, non-threatening passenger in a vehicle. It is undeniable that the police had no basis per the constitutional provisions to fire a weapon at a civilian target.

If it was his intention to stop the driver of the vehicle from proceeding through the roadblock, he ought to have fired a warning shot into the air.

The police officer deployed unbridled excessive force which was not justifiable and thus failed to exercise his constitutionally imposed duty of care which he owed the plaintiff.

The shooting incident occurred on August 19, 2018, at a police roadblock at the intersection of Seke and Delport Road.

Officers from St Mary’s Police Station, who had mounted the roadblock, fired shots at an unregistered private vehicle which was being driven by one Lloyd Sibanda into town after he had failed to stop.

Chiriseni, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was hit on her right buttock.

She was taken to St Mary’s hospital for treatment and endured out-patient care daily for three months and incurred transport costs, trauma, depression, and anxiety.

Daily News

The writing of this year’s November public examinations will be determined by the extent Zimbabwe contains tCovid-19 infection, legislators heard today.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema said he could not tell with certainty whether students in Grade Seven, and in O-level and A-level forms would write their November examinations, following a decision to defer the reopening of schools for examination classes, originally scheduled for July 28, in light of the rising number of confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The deferment of schools opening by Cabinet this week was part of measures that include postponement of further opening of economic sectors, localised lockdowns in hotspots and more testing in areas where infections are spiking.

Minister Mathema was responding to questions from legislators during the question and answer session in the National Assembly yesterday.

Masvingo Central MP, Cde Edmond Mhere (Zanu-PF), had asked what would become of the pupils due to write examinations this year following the deferment of reopening of schools.

Until very recently, almost all infected people were returning citizens and residents and these infections were discovered in quarantine centres.

But the number of internal infections has been rising in recent weeks, a development that requires strong measures to be taken to deal with the menace.

Responding to another question, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, said uniform fees would be charged for all tertiary students regardless of whether they were conducting e-learning or were on campus.

Zengeza West MP Mr Job Sikhala had asked if pupils doing e-learning would pay the same fees with those on campus.“Students are not paying for a particular way of learning but are paying for delivery of content. The method of delivery does not matter, whether it is by radio, internet, video, e-learning or on campus,” said Prof Murwira.

Meanwhile, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi reiterated that Zimbabwe will continue to use the Zimbabwean dollar.

“Government has no plans whatsoever to abandon the Zimbabwean dollar. Rather, we are working towards a view that it becomes the sole currency of trading,” said Minister Ziyambi.

Responding to another question, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister, Davison Musabayana, said Government had engaged a local financial institution to help with advancing a loan facility to Zimbabweans abroad who had failed to raise funds to return home due to lockdown-induced challenges.

He said his Ministry was working tirelessly to help those keen to return so much that two staffers from the Ministry had tested positive to Covid-19 while assisting some returnees.

As of 15 July 2020, Zimbabwe had 1 089 confirmed cases, including 395 recoveries and twenty (20) deaths.

In its daily COVID-19 (coronavirus) update, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said:

Twenty-five (25) cases tested positive for COVID-19 today. These include returnees from South Africa (3) and 22 local cases who are isolated.

One (1) of the local cases is a contact of a known confirmed case.

Investigations are underway to establish the source of infection for the remaining 21.

Today 2009 RDT screening tests and 603 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to date is 95 860 57 236 RDT and 38 624 PCR).

Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak on 20 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 1 089; recovered 395, active cases 674 and 20 deaths.

State Media

Tanzanian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Professor Emmanuel Mbennah says President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver Zimbabwe to the promised land because of his clear economic vision, his tough anti-corruption stance and his sound re-engagement drive.

In an interview with State Media, Prof Mbennah, whose country recently became an upper middle class economy, said President Mnangagwa has laid a solid foundation that will make Zimbabwe the Jewel of Africa.

“I really commend President Mnangagwa for the works he is doing. He is focused on the progress of the country, obviously, the challenges are not few, but he is working very hard.

“Some things that I can identify with Tanzania is the ardent fight against corruption. It does not matter who it is. If anyone is found on the wrong side of the law, action is taken, people are arrested and taken to court and that is very much what Tanzania has done especially during the tenure of President Magufuli.”

Corruption, Prof Mbennah said, was a problem in many countries and President Mnangagwa was doing all he could to show his resolve in dealing with the scourge.

Prof Mbennah said it is incumbent upon the country’s populace, including those in the opposition to be united.

“My call to the people of Zimbabwe is to rally behind the President and support him because he means well for the country. He gives his best and success will come and we are already seeing the signs, but people of Zimbabwe including those in the opposition will have to support the President,” he said.

“In Tanzania we have opposition parties, but it is very clear that people in the opposition consider Tanzania first. We may have different ideas and different ideologies, but we are here to give everything to the development of the country.

“My appeal to the people of Zimbabwe is build Zimbabwe, don’t pull it down, you don’t have another Zimbabwe. Building means building, you cannot be destroying one side and say you are building. There are a lot of things I see on social media that are destructive (and) will not take Zimbabwe forward.”

On patriotism, Prof Mbennah said it was obligatory for every Zimbabwean not to speak ill or his or her country. He said Zimbabwe was endowed with a highly-educated populace, hardworking and very intelligent.

“If the people put their heads together Zimbabwe will be a shining star not only in the region, but also internationally. My appeal to Zimbabwe is to keep working hard and for everyone to stand behind the President. The opposition should also contribute towards building Zimbabwe.

“We need to be wise in dealing with those who purport to be our friends. They are only friends because they want to benefit. There are so many good friends that Zimbabwe can count on and not those who are working against the Government,” said Prof Mbennah.

“The efforts of the Second Republic are very clear. Efforts of re-engagement are bearing fruits and most world nations are coming closer to Zimbabwe including the UK. The recent lifting of sanctions against some banks is also a good sign for Zimbabwe”.

Own Correspondent

MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa’s appointment of firebrand lawyer and party politician Fadzayi Mahere as spokesperson of the main opposition has been overwhelmingly endorsed by members of the public.

Mahere, replaced Daniel Molokele at the end of May as part of the opposition chief’s attempts to sharpen the MDC Alliance’s National Standing Committee which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the party.

Although some people considered her a late comer into the MDC fold, having contested the 2018 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate, an overwhelming majority of respondents in a ZimEye.com poll endorsed her appointment.

Below is the result of the poll which puts to rest the debate on whether Chamisa blundered in appointing Mahere.

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1282624096682086401?s=19

State Media

A MEMBER of the human trafficking syndicate which trafficked six women into virtual slavery in Kuwait between 2015 and 2016 by promising them good jobs as maids, was on Monday jailed for 10 years by a Harare magistrate.

James Marodza was jailed by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande, who convicted him of six counts of human trafficking after trial.

Mrs Makwande said Marodza’s acts infringed on the rights and freedoms of the six women.

Evidence during the trial showed that the six had their passports confiscated by their employers on arrival in Kuwait, that they were forced to work up to 22 hours a day.

They were called “khadama”, which means slave and were prevented from communicating with anyone else, including their families.

Mrs Makwande said the “horrific testimonies” that were given by the six women during Marodza’s trial entailed that some of them will never live a normal life in future.

They were rescued by the Government which had to investigate, help them escape, process temporary travel documents and then arrange for them to fly home.

“The Government had to intervene and send people to investigate on the conditions that the women were living in while in a foreign land,” said Mrs Makwande. “The Government had to make sure that the women returned home by processing temporary travel documents through the embassy.

“This means that he (Marodza) prejudiced the Government and also left the country in the spotlight over the offences.”

Mrs Makwande noted that there was serious violations of the women’s liberties, freedom of association and movement during the time they were enslaved in Kuwait.

“That alone shows the seriousness of the offence that he is facing and it calls for imprisonment,” said Mrs Makwande, before jailing Marodza for 10 years.

The State, led by Mrs Netsai Mushayabasa, proved that between December 2015 and March 2016, Marodza unlawfully and intentionally recruited unsuspecting victims to Kuwait using Facebook and WhatsApp platforms. He misrepresented to the women that housemaids in Kuwait were paid handsomely, before sending them pictures of some girls he said were well paid in the Middle East country.

The victims sent their medical examination certificates and police clearances to Marodza and communication was through a WhatsApp number.

CONSUMERS are expecting the 2020 mid-term fiscal policy review to increase the income-tax-free thresholds and stabilise prices for basic goods and services.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the terms of spending patterns, with government reallocating resources in order to provide safety nets for vulnerable communities.

With the 2020 mid-term budget review being set for presentation by the minister of finance and economic development, Professor Mthuli Ncube on Thursday, consumers are anticipating treasury will introduce measures to restore buying confidence, price stability and improve disposable incomes.

“Ndozvatamirira kuti tione kuti zvinofamba sei kuitira kuti economy ienderere mberi, mari ngaitenge zvakasiyana siyana,” (we are waiting to see if any measures will be put in place to ensure money retains its buying power) said a consumer.

Some consumers are also expecting reforms to create business-friendly systems that can result in certainty on pricing models.

Clarity regarding currency transactions and exemptions of tax structures is also under the spotlight ahead of the mid-term budget review.

The mid-term fiscal policy review will be presented at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has had its effects in terms of the government’s set economic targets. There are also possibilities that the government will review expenditure estimates, revenue inflows, and economic outlook, among others.

Furthermore, it is being presented when the government is focusing on restoring food security as well as ensuring that most firms get relief packages.

With inflation having eroded most of the macro-economic fundamentals, analysts await to sees how the government will focus on restoring productivity.

However, the key highlight is the current foreign exchange auction system in which the treasury is also being anticipated to provide an impetus as to how it can stabilise overall economic systems.

Generally, consumers being the most heavily hit by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, fiscal authorities are left with nothing apart from relief packages.

State Media

Zanu PF Mashonaland West Province is considering recommending liberation hero status for its former vice chairman, legislator, businessman and indigenisation and economic empowerment activist, Keith Guzah who died at his home in the early hours of yesterday.

He was 57.

Central Committee member and Zvimba South legislator Dr Phillip Chiyangwa said liberation war status will be a befitting honour for the economic empowerment advocate.

“Keith did so much in fighting for black economic empowerment and we are recommending liberation hero status,” he said.

“He also did a lot as vice chairman of the party, Zanu PF. This will not be a new thing because another black economic empowerment proponent Peter Pamire was accorded the same status after his death in 1997.”

“When he contested in the Hurungwe West constituency by-election, I was his campaign manager and funder. He was our vice chairman in the Zanu PF provincial executive. He did a lot for the empowerment of people.”

Guzah participated and won in a fiercely contested Hurungwe West by-election against the then incumbent, but now expelled former Zanu PF provincial chairman Mr Temba Mliswa in 2016.

His daughter Nicole said the death came as a shock to many people, adding that her father died after complaining of having difficulties in breathing.

His body, she said, was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for further tests to determine the cause of death.

She described her father as a calculative person who had a passion and drive to succeed.

“I don’t have anything concrete about his final moments besides that he was having trouble breathing for the past few weeks and had been tested for Covid-19 twice and the results were negative,” said Nicole.

“Dad was a self-made man who demanded respect and got it because he was determined and very intelligent.”

Zanu PF members and legislators who worked with Guzah in the 8th Parliament expressed shock at his sudden death.

Mourners are gathered at Number 6 Fairview Close, Greendale, Harare.

TWENTY FOURTH POST-CABINET PRESS BRIEFING

14TH JULY 2020

1. ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

The Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19, Honourable Vice President K.C.D. Mohadi, presented the weekly Report on the National Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, which was adopted by Cabinet. Cabinet was informed that, out of the ninety-one thousand one hundred and three (91 103) tests conducted throughout the country, one thousand and thirty-four (1 034) were confirmed COVID-19 positive, compared to the seven hundred and thirty-four (734) cases reported on 6 July, 2020. The number of those who have recovered has increased from the previously reported one hundred and ninety-seven (197) to three hundred and forty-three (343), while deaths have increased from nine (9) to nineteen (19). This leaves the number of active cases at six hundred and seventy-two (672). Bulawayo and Harare Metropolitan Provinces have recorded the highest number of deaths with seven (7) and eight (8) deaths, respectively.Of the one thousand and thirty-four (1 034) confirmed cases, seven hundred and twenty-five (725) were imported from countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America with returnees from South Africa and Botswana contributing the most cases. This means the total number of locally transmitted cases now stands at three hundred and nine (309) cases.

Cabinet is disturbed by the spike in COVID-19 locally transmitted cases and the number of deaths recorded. To curb the increase in transmissions as well as deaths from COVID-19, the following measures were adopted: (a) that the current lockdown restrictions will be tightened, while localised lockdowns are introduced in hotspot areas and further opening up of the economy is halted; (b)that testing in communities with high cases of local transmission such as Bulawayo will be increased; (c) that the re-opening of schools shall be deferred pending a review of the situation, while the writing of public examinations continues;(d)that private schools that have already opened without permission will be penalized; (e) that Government shall have the sole responsibility for inter-city travel for those that really require to travel especially to seek medical attention; and (f) that two (2) buses will be availed to transport those that test positive from Beitbridge to their respective provincial isolation centres.

Cabinet also noted and approved the ongoing restructuring of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Cabinet further noted with concern that some members of some religious sects have gathered in their numbers in Manicaland Province for their yearly retreat, in contravention of COVID-19 regulations that prohibit gatherings of more than fifty (50) people. This poses high risk to the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, Cabinet directed that the gathering should disperse forthwith.

Let me also take this opportunity to report that His Excellency the President will announce comprehensive measures on the way forward regarding the country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

2. 2020 MID-TERM BUDGET AND ECONOMIC REVIEW AND UPDATE ON THE STATE OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR AND MONETARY REFORMS

Cabinet received and approved a presentation from the Minister of Finance and Economic Development on the 2020 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review and Update on the State of the Financial Sector and Monetary Reforms. Full details of the proposed measures will be made in Parliament on Thursday, 16th July, 2020.

3. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF PAYING INCENTIVE ON MAIZE DELIVERIES

Cabinet has extended the period over which farmers will receive the 30% incentive for delivering maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) from 31st July 2020 to the 31st August 2020. Farmers are urged to liaise with their nearest GMB depots and Agricultural Extension Officers for assistance in the transportation of their produce.

4. PROPOSED STRATEGIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE II OF THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REFORMS

The Ministers of Mines and Mining Development; Energy and Power Development; Local Government and Public Works; and Finance and Economic Development presented to Cabinet on proposed strategies for the implementation of Phase II of the Ease of Doing Business Reforms.

a) Ministry of Mines and Mining Development

The Ministry is finalising amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act to bring the legislation in line with internationally competitive, modern, friendly and supportive law. The amended Act will help enhance investor confidence.

The Ministry is also implementing the Mining Computerised Information Management (cadastre) System (MCIMS) to speed up registration of mining title and minimising disputes through correctly positioning mining titles.

b) Ministry of Energy and Power Development

The Ministry has put in place measures for reducing and standardising connection and application procedures. These include: Standardised reporting from Regions on Reliability indices; Compensation to customers for damaged equipment due to voltage fluctuations; Quality control of customer wiring; and availability of connection material.

c) Ministry of Local Government and Public Works

The Ministry has introduced the following reforms: (a) the Construction Permit is now obtainable within 136 days as opposed to the earlier 208 days; (b) duration of local authorities response to application for construction reduced from 35 to 14 days; (c) One-Stop Shop plan introduced and approval sessions being held twice a week; (d) the number of inspections of stages during construction were reduced from 7 to 4 thereby reducing the overall time and cost of construction. Work to further improve the doing business environment is in progress.

d) Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

The Ministry in consultation with line Ministries and stakeholders has identified the following areas, among others for reform:

Implementation of the Collateral Registry

Lack of immovable collateral security by mainstream lenders remains a major challenge. In order to address this challenge, Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has taken initiative to establish a collateral registry for moveable assets, with a view to expanding the range of assets that qualify as collateral security. The movable assets to be used as collateral will include, but not limited to: Agricultural and industrial equipment; inventory and raw materials; vehicles; households items; and agricultural products (livestock, poultry, crops), among others.

Paying Taxes

Paying tax reforms are centred on creating a conducive environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by minimising costs and time spent during payment of tax obligations to the Fiscus.

Trading Across Borders

Trade facilitation is a crucial element in enhancing ease of movement of commercial cargo and travellers. The reforms involve automation, which will enhance efficiency of tax administration. Plans are at an advanced stage on the implementation of an Electronic Single Window system whereby payment of fees, charges, levies for services offered by Agencies are done through the electronic platform.

Creating a Conducive Environment for SMEs

SMEs have the potential of becoming an anchor to growth and development of the economy, through their contribution to employment creation, poverty alleviation, economic empowerment and participation of previously disadvantaged groups, such as women and the youth. The key strategy would be the creation of a conducive environment for the sector through a Simplified Tax Regime.

State Media

The Zimbabwe dollar eased by a modest 4.6 percent to $68.88 from $65.80 in the fourth foreign currency auction yesterday with the range between the top bid and the lowest successful bid falling to $20 as bidders continue to make ever more accurate calculations over pricing.

This growing expertise in price discovery saw the top bid falling to $85, from the $100 in the first auction, $92 in the second and $90 last week. The lowest bid in yesterday’s auction was $40, but the lowest allotted bid was $64.20, with all bidders below that price missing out as higher bidders had exhausted the foreign currency on offer.

Successful bidders pay what they offer, so if they manage to bid below the weighted average and still miss the cut off they get a bargain and if they bid above their currency is more expensive, although their bid is guaranteed to be successful.

The small gap between the lowest allotted bid and the weighted average suggests that most bids were in an even tighter range than the top bid suggests, possibly something like $64.20 to $72.

The total number of successful bids amounted to 230, with another 59 rejected, because they were too low or because bidders had some fault in their bid.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe disqualifies bids that are for goods and services not on the priority import lists, with category 1 imports sharing 70 percent of the available currency and category 2 imports sharing the other 30 percent.

Bidders also have to have cleared by deadline their CD1 export forms and their bills of entry from previous imports and will not be allowed to bid if they have sufficient cash in their foreign currency accounts to meet their desired import payments.

The value of total of bids recovered from US$15.8 million last week to US$18.719 million, while successful bids increased to US$15.98 million, up from US$13.6 million last week.

Increasing demand on the auction is seen as growing confidence in the system.

Economist and advisor to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Eddie Cross, said although the auction managed to meet industry’s foreign currency requirements, banks are still not coming to the party.

“We are disappointed that banks did not come to the market, again. Foreign exchange supply should not be left to the RBZ. We know that banks are trading foreign currency and they should participate in the auction,” he said.

“In terms of today’s (yesterday) auction, we managed to meet all of industry’s requirements, and it’s having an impact. Already you can sense that prices are stabilising.”

The increasing shift of industry players to the auction system has dried out activity on the parallel market, which has also helped to contain inflationary pressures as firms no longer ‘forward price’ their goods and services according to a phantom rate.

Commenting on his Twitter handle, industrialist Busisa Moyo, said the foreign currency auction system should move towards a market-determined rate.

“The auction is still at infancy but needs to gradually move towards a market rate,” he said.

“A framework where demand for Zimbabwe dollars is high — taxes, duties paid in local dollars will create a desire to sell. This framework doesn’t exist at the moment, but it will come.”

In line with indications that at least 70 percent of foreign currency will be allocated to industry, the majority of the hard currency in yesterday’s auction went to raw materials, machinery and equipment. These segments accounted for US$8,63 million.

Retail and distribution accounted (including food and beverages) for US$2,47 million, while consumables (including spares, tyres and electricals) accounted for US$1,41 million, and pharmaceuticals and chemicals accounted for US$1,26 million.

Services (including loans, dividends and disinvestments) accounted for US$900 526, while paper and packaging accounted for US$761 500, and fuel, electricity and gas accounted for US$528 200.

Prices of goods and services are expected stabilise in the short-term before declining in the medium to long-term, industrialists and economic analysts have said.

President Mnangagwa has noticed that price stability was now returning and few items have risen in price in the last three weeks with the first price reductions, albeit modest, now being seen.

“As Government, we envisage a situation where foreign currency resources and raw materials are improved for the productive sector as this will result in increased availability and affordability of goods as well as the creation of jobs,” said the President.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president, Mr Denford Mutashu, told The Herald that the foreign currency auction system had started well with manufacturers, suppliers and the retail sector accessing a huge chuck of forex.

“We are quite happy with the current price stability on the market that has seen some prices of commodities such as bread being reduced,” he said.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) chief executive officer, Mr Christopher Mugaga, said Zimbabweans must be patient but that prices would be tracking the auction rate as stocks were renewed.

“It’s too early to expect the foreign currency auction system to have a full impact within the economy (but) in the medium to long-term, from the fourth quarter of 2020 going forward, we might see the market responding to the auction,” he said.

Economist Mr Persistent Gwanyanya said stability has been restored in the market.

“The set-up has stabilised the current system in the country. It has also stabilised the prices in the market to the extent our currency was now under attack and inflation, which is largely linked to the exchange rate volatility, was also going out of hand,” said Mr Gwanyanya.

Already, the forex auction system has helped in rebuilding market confidence, improving access to foreign currency and helping stabilise the exchange rate while speculative activity on the black market could subside significantly.

State Media

The reopening of schools for examination classes scheduled for July 28 has been deferred in light of the rising number of confirmed Covid-19 infections which reached 1 064 yesterday, with infections within Zimbabwean communities rising fast.

The deferment by Cabinet yesterday was part of measures that include postponement of further opening of economic sectors, localised lockdowns in hotspots and more testing in areas where infections are spiking.

Until very recently, almost all infected people were returning citizens and residents and these infections were discovered in quarantine centres. But the number of internal infections has been overtaking the imported infections in many recent daily reports.

Yesterday the Ministry of Health and Child Care announced another 30 infections, 14 among returning residents and 16 within Zimbabwe. While seven of these 16 were contacts of known cases, efforts are now being made to find the sources of the other nine.

The latest death is a child in Matabeleland South who was admitted to hospital on Saturday with pneumonia. This takes the cumulative total to 20. But a large batch of confirmed recoveries in Bulawayo (49) and Matabeleland North (3) has taken the cumulative number of confirmed recoveries to 343.

South Africa has now seen 4 172 deaths from 287 796 cases, the ninth worst number of confirmed cases in the world and is easily the most severely hit country in Africa.

Announcing the deferment of schools re-opening yesterday after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had adopted the recommendation of the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Committee on Covid-19 as part of a tightening of current lock-down measures.

The recommendation was in a report presented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the committee chairperson.

“The re-opening of schools shall be deferred pending a review of the situation, while the writing of public examinations continues; private schools that have already opened without permission will be penalised,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa noted the restrictions in the fight to contain the spread of the pandemic will not be relaxed and President Mnangagwa “will announce comprehensive measures on the way forward regarding the country’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak”.

The Government was concerned with the increase in the numbers of Covid-19 cases and among the measures adopted will be a tightening of the current lockdown restrictions, with localised lockdowns in hotspot areas.

The further opening up of the economy has been halted; testing in communities with high cases of local transmission such as Bulawayo will be increased; and Government shall have the sole responsibility for inter-city travel with priority given to those seeking medical attention.

Two buses will be allocated to transport those returning from South Africa, the regional epicentre, that test positive in Beitbridge to isolation centres near their homes.

Cabinet also noted and approved the ongoing restructuring of the Ministry of Health and Child Care. There have been staff transfers and movement in the ministry following the departure of Dr Obadiah Moyo who was replaced by Professor Amon Murwira in an acting capacity.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Government is worried by those who are not adhering to the prescribed guidelines and cited the ongoing gathering in Manicaland of members of the Marange Apostolic sect in contravention of lockdown regulations.

“This poses high risk to the spread of Covid-19. Accordingly, Cabinet directed that the gathering should disperse forthwith,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Meanwhile, Cabinet received and approved a presentation from Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube on the 2020 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review he will present tomorrow.

The minister is expected to update the nation of developments have occurred in the economy following the presentation of the $8.16 billion 2020 national budget last year.

Villagers in Maphane Village, Ward 7 of Gwanda North have told ZimEye.com that they are living in fear after the mother to a Bulawayo man who died of Coronavirus last week sneaked back into the village.

The man who became Zim Covid-19 deaths case number 9 died in Bulawayo on Sunday last week after being diagnosed with Coronavirus.

According to the villagers, the mother was in Bulawayo with the family when her son passed on. Reports further indicate the widow has also since tested positive for the virus.

Efforts to get a comment from the Bulawayo Provincial Covid-19 task team are still underway.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance structures in Mashonaland West Province are still intact, it has emerged.

“Busy weekend here in Mash West. This is Hurungwe West ward 16 Karambazungu structure program meeting.

We are busy building, strengthening and inspiring our grassroots structures.

This constituency has 6 very big wards with 43 polling stations, it’s business as usual here,” the party said in a brief statement.

Farai Dziva|Advocate Nelson Chamisa has appointed Professor Welshman Ncube as the acting president of the opposition party.

According to MDC Alliance presidential spokesperson, Dr Nkululeko Sibanda, the appointment is with immediate effect.

See statement below:

RE: APPOINTMENT OF MDC-ALLIANCE ACTING PRESIDENT

The President of the MDC Alliance Advocate Nelson Chamisa has, with immediate effect, appointed Vice President Professor Welshman Ncube to act as President.

This appointment is in line with the rotational Acting appointments of the office.

Prof Ncube will act as President till advised otherwise.
I thank you,
Dr Nkululeko Sibanda

13 July 2020

Wezhira Munya

MDC Alliance National youth organiser and Masvingo Urban ward 4 councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s bail application will be heard on Wednesday 15 July 2020.

Councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s lawyer advocate Martin Mureri of Matutu and Mureri legal practitioners said, “Today, 13 July 2020 I have filed an appeal against refusal of bail pending trial at Masvingo High court. The matter will be heard on Wednesday, 15 July 2020 at 9am at Masvingo High court. “

On the 7th of July 2020, Masvingo Magistrate P. Madondo refused to give bail to MDC Alliance youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone.

Godfrey Kuraone is accused of undermining authority of or insulting president as defined in section 33 (2) (a) of the codification and reform act chapter 9:23.

The offence is allegedly to have been committed on 26 June 2020, in Masvingo.

In addition, the human rights lawyer, Advocate Martin Mureri said, “We hope the high court judge will grant Councillor Godfrey Kuraone bail.”

However, MDC National youth organiser Kuraone denies the allegations and argues that he has not committed the said crime.