Zimbabwe Thursday recorded 12 new Covid-19 deaths, bringing to 53, the total number of fatalities, the Health Ministry announced in its daily coronavirus update.
“Today (Thursday) we report the results of 12 deaths which occurred from 13 – 20 July 2020 in the community and on admission to casualty departments at Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe hospitals after investigations and postmortems were done,” the ministry said.
“These include nine males and two females all from Harare and had respiratory symptoms. The deaths from Midlands province is a male aged 58.
“Two hundred and thirteen tested positive for Covid-19 today. These include 205 local cases and eight returnees from South Africa who are isolated. As at 30 July, Zimbabwe had 3 092 confirmed cases, including 924 recoveries and 53 deaths,” the ministry stated in its update.
AS Covid-19 cases rise in Zimbabwe, there are major risks to the country’s prisons and detention centres.
These facilities are often unsanitary, overcrowded, and have no running water in cells for detainees to comply with hygiene practices recommended to stem the spread of the disease.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of July 28, Zimbabwe had 2 817 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 40 deaths. And the situation in the country’s prisons and jails could get worse.
Many detainees, like anti-corruption activists Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume, are stuck in congested pretrial detention facilities. Others are arbitrarily detained for simply speaking out or otherwise exercising their rights.
In March, the government acknowledged that Zimbabwe’s prisons, with a capacity for 17 000, had a population of 22 000. Between March and June 2020, the government released 4 208 prisoners under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s amnesty, but too many remain behind bars to allow for social distancing.
Three lawyers who visited prisons in Harare last week told me that although masks are issued at prisons, many inmates and some wardens do not use them partly due to lack of information on protecting against Covid-19.
They confirmed that at least three staff at Prison Headquarters and the Chikurubi officers’ camp had tested positive for Covid-19.
The United Nations Standard Minimum Rule for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules) states that prisoners should enjoy the same standards of health care available in the community.
Zimbabwean authorities should take immediate steps to provide detainees with adequate medical care and facilities to protect them from Covid-19. Zimbabwe should consider an increased reduction of the prison population through supervised or early release of low-risk detainees including those for release soon, those in pretrial detention for nonviolent and lesser offences, or whose continued detention is similarly unnecessary or unjustified.
The government should publicly disclose plans to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection in its facilities and steps it will take to contain the infection and protect prisoners, staff, and visitors.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, established under the Constitution to, among other things, carry out monitoring and inspection visits to prisons and other places of detention, should intervene to inspect and monitor compliance with Covid-19 measures to protect the health of detainees.
Details coming in indicate that the former Premier Soccer League chief executive, Chris Sambo succumbed to the deadly Coronavirus on Wednesday.
Sambo died at Parirenyatwa Hospital where he had been admitted after complaining of breathing problems.
“He was admitted at Parirenyatwa hospital after showing symptoms of Covid-19. He tested positive but he seemed to have been recovering well but they don’t know what happened all of a sudden and he passed away on Wednesday evening,” a relative revealed.
Sambo becomes local football’s first known Covid-19 fatality.
Neither MDC Alliance nor MDC-T can receive any of the $7.5 million political funding under the Political Parties Finance Act until a resolution on the ongoing legal battle over which formation is entitled to the money is settled, the Supreme Court has ruled.
The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance and the Dr Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T are embroiled in a vicious legal battle over the control of the opposition MPs and Senators elected in 2018, and thus the $7.5 million to be paid under the Political Parties Finance Act.
MDC Alliance successfully applied for an interim order before Justice Priscilla Munanfati-Manongwe at the High Court in May, to block to the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T from receiving the disbursement.
The alliance had sued the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Finance and Economic Development — who then appealed against the judgment of Justice Munangati-Manongwa at the Supreme Court.
There, a panel comprising Justice Chinembiri Bhunu, Justice Tendai Uchena and Justice Alfas Chitakunye partially allowed the appeal, but with the consent of both parties’ legal counsel blocked both formations from receiving the money until the underlying legal dispute is settled.
Under the Political Parties Finance Act, all parties that poll more than 5 percent of the vote in a general election share the sum budgeted for political parties each year in proportion to their votes. By-election results can alter those proportions.
The critical legal issue is whether the MDC-A was simply an electoral alliance, or a full party in its own right.
If it was just an alliance with the MDC-T as its main partner, then the decision of the Supreme Court earlier this year would have major significance. The Supreme Court then declared Mr Chamisa’s leadership of the MDC-T when the Alliance was formed to be illegitimate and ordered that the 2014 leadership, headed by Dr Khupe, was the legitimate interim leadership by MDC-T rules, but it had to hold an election within three months to choose the leader of the party. That congress, which was scheduled to take place today, was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After the Supreme Court ruling, Dr Khupe moved to take control of the opposition, recalling a number of MDC Alliance legislators from Parliament and several councillors sympathising with Mr Chamisa on the basis that these had been the MDC-T’s nominees in the MDC-A line-up.
There are now two contradictory High Court rulings. In her ruling, Justice Munangati-Manongwa acknowledged the MDC Alliance as a political party with capacity to sue and be sued, which is contrary to the findings of another judge of the same court, Justice Tawanda Chitapi, who ruled that MDC Alliance does not legally exist as it is just an electoral pact.
The Supreme Court will now probably have to be asked to make a definitive ruling on the status of the MDC-A and whether those elected under the MDC-A name in 2018 belong to the MDC-A or belong to the underlying formations, including the MDC-T, that came together in the MDC-A.
There could be another legal battle over MDC-T assets that were taken over by the MDC-A on the say so of the then MDC-T executive led by Mr Chamisa, an executive now found to have been improperly formed by the MDC-T’s own rules.
Depending on how the legal battle progresses, several alternatives present themselves. It could be found that the MDC-A is a political party that came second in the 2018 elections, but was not entitled to take over MDC-T assets. Or it could be found that the MDC-A is simply an electoral alliance of several parties that presented a single presidential candidate and a single candidate in each constituency election, but has no control over the successful candidates. There are other options that may come to the attention of judges trying to disentangle the legal minefield.
Melanie Robinson, the British ambassador, has called for restraint from both the state security and citizens in the citizens demonstrations set to take place in major cities today.
Robinson said on Twitter she was concerned by “toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe.”
The Zimbabwean goverment and the ruling ZANU PF party have in the last two weeks been using very strong language threatening citizens intending to take part in the demonstrations.
A day ahead of the demonstrations, on Thursday, after midday, downtown Harare was largely empty.
In Gweru and Masvingo, vehicles were being turned away from entering the CBD.
A police statement said no demonstrations would be allowed.
“All security arms of government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any other means,” it said.
Robinson tweeted as follows:
Concerned by toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe this week following calls for protests on Friday. Call for calm and restraint on all sides.
Police officers on Thursday raided and ransacked the home of ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu in Zimbabwe’s second city of Bulawayo reportedly looking for information on subversive materials linked to the 31 July protests.
According to a warrant of search and seizure, the police said they were looking for mobile phones, cameras, computers and any subversive materials that were likely to be used in today’s planned demonstrations, which the law enforcement agents have said are illegal.
The police said they believed Mathuthu was organising and advocating for the demonstrations adding that he was using his mobile phone to encourage people to demonstrate.
Mathuthu was not at his home when the police arrived. The police have since picked up his young sister Nomagugu and detained her at the Bulawayo Central Police station.
MISA Zimbabwe has since deployed lawyer Nqobani Sithole to assist both Mduduzi and his sister.
The raid on Mathuthu’s home follows a similar one at the Harare home of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who was arrested on 20 June. Chin’ono is in custody after he was denied bail on charges of inciting public violence in terms of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
A 26-YEAR-OLD miner has been arrested for allegedly raping a 62-year-old woman after she turned down his love proposal.
Proud Ndebele who works at a mine in Sun Yet Sen was not asked to plead when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a rape charge. He was remanded in custody to August 27 for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Silent Shoko said Ndebele met the elderly woman while she was on her way home on May 30 and proposed love to her.
“On 30 May at around 6PM the complainant was on her way home from Sun Yet Sen Business Centre in Kezi when she met Ndebele. He proposed love to the complainant and she turned him down. The complainant left the accused person standing along the footpath and she proceeded home,” he said.
“On the same night at around 7PM Ndebele arrived at the complainant’s place of residence and found her cooking in her kitchen hut. He approached the complainant and requested to have sexual intercourse with her but she refused and ordered Ndebele to leave her homestead. This didn’t go down well with Ndebele who then slapped the complainant several times on her face and threatened to kill her if she didn’t give in to his demands.”
Mr Shoko said Ndebele then ordered the complainant to lie down on the kitchen floor and he raped her.
“During the process the complainant tried to fight off the accused person by scratching him on the face but he did not stop and instead burnt the complainant with a piece of firewood,” he said.
After committing the crime, Ndebele fled and the complainant went to inform her neighbour.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the accused person. –Chronicle
The ruling ZANU PF party has accused some senior officials of “burning mid-night candle” in an attempt to cause disharmony between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Vice Presidents, Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.
Reading a statement after a politburo meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, acting national spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa singled out Claveria Chizema for allegedly keeping fliers in her home carrying a message purporting that there was an impending coup in the party.
Said Chinamasa: The posters had a message that there was a coup coming and had the names of the people who were behind the coup, but these posters had false information.
She failed in her duties as a senior member of the party when she did not report this to the party security or national security and, therefore, she has been suspended to pave way for investigations.
Chizema was suspended from the politburo yesterday because of the fliers.
In the statement, Chinamasa warned party officials reportedly colluding with outsiders to divide the party that they will be dealt with in line with the standing rules of the party’s supreme constitution- NewsDay
SECURITY FORCES ISSUES STERN WARNING ON ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to conduct their day to day and normal activities in a peaceful atmosphere and cooperate with police and other security service members who are maintaining law and order in the country.
All security arms of Government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any other means.
We reiterate that no demonstrations will take place in Zimbabwe on 31st July 2020.
Those who decide or disregard the law, particularly National COVID- 19 regulations will have themselves to blame.
Police are aware of various attempts to incite the public through the social media with one group calling itself “31 July Peaceful Demonstrations [3]” threatening to burn a service station in Mvuma on 31st July 2020, and barricade the Harare -Masvingo highway and all roads leading to police stations.
The group is led by a group administrator with the cell number +27653302446 and has 249 group members with some claiming to be in possession of firearms. These will be regarded as terrorists.
The security services are also aware of these groups that they are spreading fake news that the security services are in support of the 31st July 2020, illegal demonstrations.
These are blatant lies, meant to confuse the public, cause alarm and despondency in the security services.
The security services remain resolute in defence of the country’s security and the safety of all Zimbabweans.
The public is also urged to report any incidence of intimidation, incitements or threats to their nearest police station or members of the security forces who are conducting patrols in their local areas.
[NYATHI. P] Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and International Relations) To the Commissioner-General of Police Police General Headquarters
The ruling ZANU PF party has accused some senior officials of “burning mid-night candle” in an attempt to cause disharmony between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Vice Presidents, Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.
Reading a statement after a politburo meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, acting national spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa singled out Claveria Chizema for allegedly keeping fliers in her home carrying a message purporting that there was an impending coup in the party.
Said Chinamasa: The posters had a message that there was a coup coming and had the names of the people who were behind the coup, but these posters had false information.
She failed in her duties as a senior member of the party when she did not report this to the party security or national security and, therefore, she has been suspended to pave way for investigations.
Chizema was suspended from the politburo yesterday because of the fliers.
In the statement, Chinamasa warned party officials reportedly colluding with outsiders to divide the party that they will be dealt with in line with the standing rules of the party’s supreme constitution- NewsDay
ZANU PF yesterday suspended the party’s secretary for Health Cleveria Chizema for further investigation after the security department presented a report on how internal forces are fomenting discord in the party working with some senior officials.
Speaking after the 342nd session of the Politburo in Harare on Wednesday, Zanu PF acting Secretary for Information and Publicity Patrick Chinamasa confirmed Chizema’s suspension after fliers printed by a former youth league official and spreading falsehoods, were found at her home.
“As of now we had only concrete evidence of fliers left at Mai Chizema’s house in March and not removed.
They were not reported to anyone else, or to the security authorities and were found at her house just a few days ago.
“The Politburo was not satisfied with her explanation, so she pleaded innocent and we feel that we cannot investigate this matter scientifically if she remains in office. She was suspended pending full investigations.
The full investigations hopefully will nail the other individuals who have been working with outside forces,” said Chinamasa-The Herald
A Birmingham publication which covers Aston Villa might have given a clue in regards to the future of Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.
The 26-year-old, started well for the Dean Smith-coached side after making a historic move from Club Brugge last year but lost his place in the team towards the end of the season, paving way for suggestions that the might be shown the exit door.
To make matters worse, the man who oversaw his £11 million transfer, Spanish talent-spotter Jesus Garcia Pitarch, was sacked for “bad transfer decisions”, a move which many felt provided a clear picture on the future of the Hwange-bred midfielder.
However, yesterday’s edition of the Birmingham Live suggested otherwise.
”Only Guilbert has won more tackles than Nakamba, who completed 90 minutes just 10 times in the Premier League.
The Zimbabwean is very much a confidence player while, during Villa’s lowest points at Southampton, Leicester and the like, he was Smith’s most-committed player with Smith making a point of his desire to the downbeat dressing room.
‘Naka’ lost his place during the restart and featured mainly from off the bench late on to help see Villa over the line.
He’s still 26 and, at £11 million, suggests there’s room to grow so we’ll see if he’s up to it this coming campaign,” read part the article which rated the Aston Villa players for the just ended 2019/20 campaign- Soccer 24
By A Correspondent| ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa was left hanging on a thin-thread after the state broadcaster, ZBC on Thursday deleted its video of him battling to explain that the late Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri tested positive for #Covid-19.
The video shows Mnangagwa addressing mourners at the late Minister’s Borrowdale in Harare, this Thursday, according to ZBC. The development comes at a time when multiple sources inside government revealed they had no clue what killed Shiri. Yesterday, ZANU PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said he does not know what befell Shiri, announcing that only a postmortem would tell the truth. There are no postmortems being conducted for COVID victims. The ZBC YouTube account showed the below results: “Video unavailable” which means the broadcaster has deleted it.
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda pa results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
Saka ma procedure a World Health Organisation ndiwo ototevedza somurairo.
The ZBC news article as featured on its website when the video was suddenly deleted
According to a source close to the developments, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
I am very saddened by the death of Rtd Air Marshal Perrence Shiri.
I ask myself why such a wonderful and unique man would die so soon.
I have learnt a lesson. Procrastination is the thief of time. God gave me enough time to punish Perrence Shiri myself but l procrastinated.
I can’t forgive myself that he has died without me having a hand in his death.
I pray to God for a second chance, resurrect him and expose him to my desire to punish him.
It’s a pity that l can’t be allowed to have his body near me, otherwise l would kill him again.
Those who do not know this man-he was at the front line during the Matebeleland massacre crusade that saw 30 000 people plus heading to mass graves Perrence, famed for his hobby of slicing open pregnant women to “stop the birth of more dissidents” thought he was larger than life.
During his lifetime, he enjoyed the protection of both his paymasters, Robert Mugabe and his successor Emerson Mnangangwa.
Unfortunately they failed to protect him from the long arm of death that could grab him as they watched.
My brother Pee, please, come back and give me a chance to kill you myself the way you used to slaughter people in Matebeleland.
Sixty-two (62) cases tested positive for COVID-19.
These include 50 local cases and 12 returnees from South Africa who are isolated.
New recoveries were reported in Bulawayo in Bulawayo Province (275) and Manicaland Province (8).
Today we regret to report one (one) facility death from Manicaland Province.
The death is of a female aged 32. Today 723 RDT screening tests and 1 971 PCR diagnostic tests were done.
The cumulative number of tests done to date is 126 708 (68 916 RDT and 57 792 PCR).
Since the onset of the COVID019 outbreak on 20 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 2 819, recovered 887, active cases 1 951 and 41 deaths- Ministry of Health and Child Care
Together with my driver, we have been tested for Covid and when the results come I will reveal them. This is what I believe should happen with Covid so as to remove the stigmatisation being encouraged through unnecessary secrecy.
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) July 30, 2020
Meanwhile the @PoliceZimbabwe in Bulawayo have gone berserk, looking for journalists & civic leaders they accuse of being behind or linked to #31July2020. One of the wanted leaders, @zenzele, is seen here in hiding using survival tactics adopted back in the dark gukurahundi days! pic.twitter.com/wMZptVKn1c
Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa this is not the time for quiet diplomacy. You are the chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion. You cannot sit quietly and act like you do not see what is happening next door. Call @edmnangagwa and tell him to respect the rights of the media and opposition. https://t.co/H2ypo046Gq
Sixty-two (62) cases tested positive for COVID-19.
These include 50 local cases and 12 returnees from South Africa who are isolated.
New recoveries were reported in Bulawayo in Bulawayo Province (275) and Manicaland Province (8).
Today we regret to report one (one) facility death from Manicaland Province.
The death is of a female aged 32. Today 723 RDT screening tests and 1 971 PCR diagnostic tests were done.
The cumulative number of tests done to date is 126 708 (68 916 RDT and 57 792 PCR).
Since the onset of the COVID019 outbreak on 20 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 2 819, recovered 887, active cases 1 951 and 41 deaths- Ministry of Health and Child Care
Mnangagwa's abduction Ferret Security Teams in urban areas are on the prowl tonight; targetting individuals they accuse of inciting tomorrow's demonstrations. Media & Civic Society practitioners who have been working on #31July2020 should not be at their usual places tonight!
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda pa results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
“Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
By A Correspondent| The state broadcaster, ZBC on Thursday deleted its video of ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa “revealing” that the late Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri tested positive for #Covid-19.
The video shows Mnangagwa addressing mourners at the late Minister’s Borrowdale in Harare, this Thursday, according to ZBC. The development comes at a time when multiple sources inside government revealed they had no clue what killed Shiri. Yesterday, ZANU PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said he does not know what befell Shiri, announcing that only the postmortem would tell the truth. There are no postmortems being conducted for COVID victims. The ZBC YouTube account showed the below results: “Video unavailable” which means the broadcaster has deleted it.
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda ma results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
“Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
“Saka ma procedure a World Health Organisation ndiwo ototevedza somurairo.
According to a source close to the developments, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
By A Correspondent | Zimbabwean-born British boxer Dereck Chisora has urged public personalities and diasporans to heed the call for help by communities in tackling the harrowing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The former Commonwealth boxing champion, made the remarks on this week on the sidelines of donating blankets and various foodstuffs to a children’s charity initiative in Mt Hampden on the outskirts of Harare. The boxer also sourced water donations with bouzers for boyhood suburb Mbare which is affected by acute water shortages.
“Our country is going through a difficult period that has been made worse by the recent global pandemic and the most vulnerable groups have been hit the worst due to being under-priviledged and marginalized. We salute selfless members like Gogo Nhiwatiwa and her team in Mt Hampden as well as other people helping out in different communities, despite their own challenges. It is our duty to look out for each other and we urge other prominent personalities and indeed everyone with capacity to assist in whatever way possible to make life better for our brothers and sisters,” he said, speaking through a representative.
The community based initiative started by Gogo Onai Nhiwatiwa and her five friends in the partially impoverished Beta community of Mt Hampden feeds and takes care of 71 orphaned and vulnerable children, with 51 staying at a shelter.
The Beta community in Mt Hampden is one of the most underdeveloped places in the vicinity of the capital city and is beset by various social and economic challenges. The Gogo Nhiwatiwa project came to public consciousness after a report done by local media triggered a response from various wellwishers including the UK-based pugilist.
The makeshift shelter run by the ladies houses their charges, whose ages range from 9months to 14 years, at rooms which were built by Gogo Nhiwatiwa through a local builder. They hire pots for the feeding program at a cost of US$5 per pot, which is often out of reach for the self-funded initiative.
Among other various needs to execute their work and meet the needs of the children, they also need PPE and sanitary wear for the older children. Assistance with registration as a children’s home and a bigger space for the work is also among the urgent needs of the charity.
“I only want what’s best for the children, I want them to go to school and secure a brighter future. They have nowhere to go and I cannot turn them away even though the numbers keep increasing and I am overwhelmed,” said Gogo Nhiwatiwa, in a recent interview.
After the story broke out, various well-wishers responded to the need and Chisora got alerted of the plight and intervened with the blankets and foodstuffs as biting winter conditions hit the country.
ZAA Foundation is the goodwill arm of the international awards brand and is critical in raising awareness on charity causes and assists through its partners and ZAA Alumni to which Chisora belongs. The Foundation also partners with other organisations and can be contacted through Tatenda Muchopa on +263735812660.
Tsitsi Betha Ndabambi,of the Protection of Adult and Children Trust has also been one of the wellwishers working closely with the initiative and sent out an SOS post on social media for the charity.
“They are in need of assistance and I have compiled a wish list which includes among others, furniture, stove, solar, beds or mattresses, clothes from 2 years old, sanitary pads, food and water containers. Please add more items that I may have omitted, for more information contact me email [email protected] at theProtection of Adult and Children Trust ,” read part of the statement.
Chisora has been doing charity works to various causes in Zimbabwe over the years and is prominent within diaspora circles for participating in home based philanthropy, apart from his sporting and business achievements. He is one of the most charismatic boxers of his generation and is currently ranked in the world top 10 heavyweights by BoxRec and has a fight pending with Oleksandr Usyk, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some good news for Zimbabweans which is not something you say often.
Zimbabwe among 11 countries to be allowed entry into Kenya from 1 August The government of Kenya has announced Zimbabwe as one of 11 countries to be allowed entry into its borders when it reopens to the world form 1 August 2020.
Kenya becomes the first country to officially allow flights from Zimbabwe which is of course exciting news as the skies open up just a bit.
Other countries which will be allowed to operate flights are China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Ethiopia, Switzerland, Rwanda, Uganda, Namibia, and Morocco.
According to Transport CS James Macharia, agreed protocol dictates that passengers who will arrive with a PCR-based COVID-19 negative certificate and body temperature not exceeding 37.5°C will be exempt from quarantine.
The list will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with more names added to the list as time moves on.
Just a few minutes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa cleared the air on the cause of the death of Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri, more confusion has resurfaced.
President Mnangagwa earlier announced that Shiri had died of Covid-19 and was captured by all state media apparatus including the sole television broadcaster the ZBC which provided video evidence of the President speak.
Mnangagwa confirmed this while addressing mourners at the late minister’ s Borrowdale home in Harare Thursday afternoon.
“Now that it is confirmed that Minister Shiri died of Covid 19, we will follow World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations on how the funeral should proceed,” said.
However, the family of late Shiri appears to be knowing more and suspects that he succumbed to food poisoning, not Covid-19.
In earlier and subsequent statements the family said he died after severe vomiting and showed symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
“We have noted social media reports of Covid-19 suspicions. Although we cannot rule that out, what we know for now is that he started vomiting severely and was attended to by doctors who suspected food poisoning,” family spokesperson Benjamin Chikerema told the media.
“He started vomiting and was taken to the doctors who said they suspected he had eaten poisoned food. Around 3 am, he started having difficulties in breathing and died when he was being taken to a Chinese (medical) facility,” he said.
The state broadcaster has since uploaded the video from its site raising confusion and suspicion.
Two doctors and seven nurses at Gwanda Provincial Hospital have tested positive to Covid-19, it has been established.
According to sources at the hospital, a doctor and a nurse tested positive on Monday forcing the hospital authorities to test all the health workers at the hospital.
After the tests, another doctor and six nurses were confirmed to have contracted the virus.
“On Monday they tested all health workers who were duty. This exercise was conducted following two positive cases of one doctor and a nurse,” confirmed a nurse who declined to be named for professional reasons.
Another senior nurse at the hospital who spoke on condition of anonymity said there was panic among the hospital staff.
“It is now scary to go to work because you might never know who has Covid-19 after two of our doctors and seven staff members including nurses tested positive on Tuesday. Results came out yesterday evening and those positive cases are currently on isolation,” said the nurse.
Contacted for a comment, Gwanda Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Blessing Gwarimbo said he iwas on leave and directed this publication to the Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director Dr Rudo Chikodzere.
Dr Chikodzere said she was in Plumtree and “cannot comment or confirm what is happening at Gwanda hospital.”
Ministry of Health and Child Care permanent secretary, Dr Gilbert Mhlanga declined to comment and referred the matter to acting Health Minister Amon Murwira who was not immediately available.
Police on Tuesday 28 July 2020 arrested a 32 year-old man and charged him with criminal nuisance and incitement after he allegedly denigrated President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Twitter.
Zimbabwe Republic Police members on Tuesday 28 July 2020 arrested George Makonzo who resides in Mwenezi in Masvingo province and charged him with incitement as defined in section 187(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act alternatively criminal nuisance as defined in section 46(2)(v) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors told Mwenezi Magistrate Honest Musiiwa when Makonzo appeared in court on Wednesday 29 July 2020 that the 32 year-old man used an unknown gadget to post some comments on Twitter on Friday 24 July 2020 saying; “It’s no longer business as usual for E.D, now the whole world knows the true colours of a crocodile we are dealing with.”
Makonzo also reportedly tweeted that; “Hopewell will be remembered for the great job he is doing while those corrupt ones trying to run but they will have nowhere to run to. That day will come.”
The prosecutors charged that by allegedly posting the tweets Makonzo, who was represented by Collen Maboke of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, intended to cause nuisance and disrupt peace and to demonstrate against President Mnangagwa’s government.
On Thursday 30 July 2020, Magistrate Musiiwa set Makonzo free after granting him RTGS$1 000 bail and ordering him to report at a local police station once every fortnight until his matter is finalised. Makonzo returns to court on 27 August 2020 for commencement of his trial.
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda pa results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
“Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
By A Correspondent| The state broadcaster, ZBC on Thursday deleted its video of ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa “revealing” that the late Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri tested positive for #Covid-19.
The video shows Mnangagwa addressing mourners at the late Minister’s Borrowdale in Harare, this Thursday, according to ZBC. The development comes at a time when multiple sources inside government revealed they had no clue what killed Shiri. Yesterday, ZANU PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said he does not know what befell Shiri, announcing that only the postmortem would tell the truth. There are no postmortems being conducted for COVID victims. The ZBC YouTube account showed the below results: “Video unavailable” which means the broadcaster has deleted it.
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda ma results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
“Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
“Saka ma procedure a World Health Organisation ndiwo ototevedza somurairo.
According to a source close to the developments, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
@mdczimbabwe Mat South Youth Chairman Edgar Ncube is in hiding after State agents besieged his homestead this evening. Information gathered is that they are still at his home. The countrywide assault on basic civil liberties continues unabated in #Zimbabwe
British MP and former anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has urged the British government to extend sanctions against Zimbabwe because of “escalating human rights violations” in the country.
Speaking in the British Parliament on Wednesday, Hain, a former Labour cabinet minister, called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government to impose new sanctions on key Zimbabwean ministers and security chiefs.
“In Zimbabwe, three women have recently been abducted and tortured: opposition MP and former Canon Collins Scholar Joanah Mamombe, together with Netsai Marowa and Cecilia Chepiri,” Hain said.
“On July 20, highly respected journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was arrested and denied bail for supporting an anti-corruption protest and faces 10 years in jail. Opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume was arrested and youth leader Takunda Madzana abducted and tortured by state security agents on July 26.
“As well as rampant corruption, there is a pattern of ongoing human rights violations under cover of the Covid-19 crackdown. Can the government update its sanctions to cover more Zimbabwe ministers and security chiefs?” he asked.
Hain grew up in South Africa but moved to Britain with his parents in 1966. He played a prominent role in mobilising British opposition to the apartheid government and later became a Labour Party MP and cabinet minister.
His call for stronger sanctions against Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF government comes amid rising tensions in that country ahead of a large anti-government protest planned for Friday 31 July.
Ngarivhume and Chin’ono, whose arrests Hain cited as reasons for beefing up sanctions, were both involved in the organisation of the protest. Both have been charged with incitement to commit public violence and denied bail, which prevents them participating in the protest.
Ringisai Chikohomero, a Harare-based researcher for the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria said he believed the arrests of Ngarivhume and Chin’ono last week had been a preemptive strike by the government against Friday’s protest.
The nighttime curfew which the government recently introduced, ostensibly to restrict social contact to curb the spread of the coronavirus, was also intended to stifle the July 31 demonstration, he said.
He said the Mnangagwa government was uncertain about its own security in the midst of the pandemic which is hitting Zimbabwe hard because the economy was already in freefall before Covid-19 arrived.
He said there were rumours of discontent in the security forces because of the heightened hardships caused by the pandemic.
This was aggravated by the recent allegations of corruption – which Chin’ono had also reported – involving Mnangagwa’s son Collins in a government contract to supply about R17-million of personal protective equipment to Covid-19.
And another scandal had erupted about suspicious Reserve Bank loans to people around the government but also including opposition leaders.
Many Zimbabweans believed General Philip Valerio Sibanda, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), was referring to these allegations when he publicly complained that the levels of corruption being displayed by some of the country’s leaders were tantamount to selling out.
“It’s unfortunate that after independence some of us went wayward and started corruptly amassing wealth, but during the war we were taught to share. It’s a value some of us maintain up to today,” Sibanda stated.
Chikohomero said many were seeing this as a warning shot being fired by the military across the bows of the country’s political leadership.
“So, the government is reluctant to have the security forces on the streets on July 31 because no one knows which way that could go,” Chikohomero said.
The government felt it would be better to lock down the country to pre-empt the protests, he said.
LOCAL Covid-19 transmission cases continue to rise in Zimbabwe, a situation that has worried health authorities in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, on Wednesday the country recorded 62 confirmed cases of Covid-19 of which 50 were local transmissions bringing the number of cases contracted locally to 1837 as compared to 1 042 imported cases.
To date the country has recorded a total of 2 879 confirmed case of which 1 951 are active cases.
“62 cases tested positive for Covid-19 today (Wednesday). These include 50 local case and 12 returnees who are in isolation. New recoveries were reported by Bulawayo province (275) and Manicaland province (eight).
“(We regret to report one facility death from Manicaland Province. The death is of a female aged 32. Since the onset of the pandemic on 20 March 2020, the total number of cases is 2879, recovered 887, active cases 1951 and 41 deaths,” reads the update.
Harare and Bulawayo remain the epicentre of the pandemic with 932 and 786 cases recorded cases respectively.
Director-General of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation Isaac Moyo is reported to have attended a special ZANU PF Politburo meeting on Wednesday to expose a faction aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga which is alleged to be plotting to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Online publication ZimLive reported that Moyo turned up with posters allegedly printed ahead of planned anti-government protests on Friday. The posters denounced Mnangagwa while extolling his deputy.
“It was styled like Jonathan Moyo’s ‘Blue Ocean’ presentation in July 2017, when the target then was Mnangagwa. It was quite theatrical but of lesser quality. Placards were presented, allegedly seized from all 10 provinces indicating support for Chiwenga. Moyo told the Politburo the placards were allegedly going to be paraded on July 31,” ZimLive quoted sources.
Zimbabweans are expected to stage mass nationwide protests on Friday the 31st of July.
By A Correspondent| The state broadcaster, ZBC on Thursday deleted its video of ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa “revealing” that the late Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri tested positive for #Covid-19.
The video shows Mnangagwa addressing mourners at the late Minister’s Borrowdale in Harare, this Thursday, according to ZBC. The development comes at a time when multiple sources inside government revealed they had no clue what killed Shiri. Yesterday, ZANU PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said he does not know what befell Shiri, announcing that only the postmortem would tell the truth. There are no postmortems being conducted for COVID victims. The ZBC YouTube account showed the below results: “Video unavailable” which means the broadcaster has deleted it.
The webpage was later updated after about 15 minutes and a new video was uploaded showing Mnangagwa saying: zvino sekutaura kwandaita, hatina kuziva, nekuti paakashaya, panga pasati pabuda pa results ekuti, ane maresults ekuti ane chirwere chacho chamazuva ano kana kuti ahana.
“Saka ma results ndoazouya aya aya. Zvobvira kuti handizivi kuti ndekupi asi akabatiwa ne COVID.
Ndozvinotaura bepa iri.
Saka ma procedure a World Health Organisation ndiwo ototevedza somurairo.
According to a source close to the developments, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.
“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.
“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.
Alarmed by the unprecedented challenges to democracy, human rights and governance created by the pandemic, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) nurtured the idea for this open letter.
The aim is to stimulate a national dialogue around key principles safeguarding elections and democracy on the 2-year anniversary of the 2018 Harmonised Elections.
The ERC recognises that this is a very challenging time for the government and people of Zimbabwe, as the country deals with the threats posed by the COVID-19 virus. The government has already taken some important steps, and others may be necessary to protect those at risk. However, the pandemic has seemingly left in its wake the reform agenda that had pillared the “New Dispensation”.
It should be noted and applauded that commendable steps have been taken to repeal the repressive POSA and AIPPA laws which had posed a perpetual threat to the principles underpinning a democratic society and free and fair elections. Such positive steps are key to transforming the credibility of the overall electoral environment. However, the pace at which the reform agenda is taking place, could potentially negate the gains achieved by your administration.
From the advent of your ascension to Presidency in 2017, you gave the basis that would form your leadership, as you stated that your Presidency would be founded on a “New Dispensation”, of which reforms formed the foundation.
In your very first public speech upon your return from enforced exile in November 2017, you assured Zimbabweans that they were “witnessing the beginning of a new unfolding democracy”. Premised on this new democracy was the alignment of existing laws with the constitution and the changing of the electoral culture in Zimbabwe through advocating for the promotion of accountability, credibility and transparency among State Institutions.
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, echoed the same sentiments as he promised that all laws would be fully aligned with the constitution by the end of 2019. The government also made an undertaking to amend the Electoral Act by mid-2020, according to Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Sibusiso Moyo who is the Deputy Chairperson of the Inter-ministerial Task Force on Political and Electoral Reforms. The Minister promised that electoral reforms “will be completed, at the very least, by June 2020, although we aim to complete electoral reforms well before that date”.
However, with two years since the 2018 Harmonised Elections, this promise of expedited reforms is seemingly beyond reach.
The post-2018 election environment has been dominated by non-implementation of key reforms, most of which have been repeatedly raised by election observer groups. A glaring example is that of the Motlanthe Commission where in a rare instance of transparency, the government allowed for an open inquest into the 1 August 2018 shootings of protesters in Harare. However, the Motlanthe Commission recommendations have largely been ignored as the role of the security sector in elections remains a grave cause of concern which impairs the fairness of the electoral environment.
It should be further noted that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has taken a piecemeal approach to the alignment of electoral laws, policies and practice with the Constitution and international best practice. The gradual implementation of reforms has culminated in the bare minimum of recommended reforms being adopted, such as in recent by-elections, the displaying of the voters’ rolls outside polling stations.
The government’s failure to significantly revise key laws or to address the partisan conduct of the state security, traditional leaders and the media undercuts free elections. The repressive nature of the application of COVID-19 regulations has in more recent times impaired the credibility of the electoral environment. The COVID-19 regulations have been used to arrest peaceful protesters and arrest critical media personnel. The lack of reform places a greater burden on state institutions to ensure that their conduct is constitutional outside of existing legislation.
The Zimbabwean government needs to fix all legislation affecting the electoral environment and bring it in line with both the Constitution and with Zimbabwe’s international commitments. The problems we face are precisely premised on the outstanding electoral reform issues that do not comply with either the Constitution or our international law obligations.
We therefore call upon your government to guarantee the full alignment of electoral laws with the constitution, and to further guarantee a practice and policy shift that guarantees accountability, credibility, integrity and transparency to ensure a free and fair electoral environment looking at the 2023 harmonised elections.
President Mnangagwa, there needs to be a shift beyond mere rhetoric and take genuine steps to level the electoral playing field. The following five points focus on tangible steps the Government can take to build on the work they are already doing to make the electoral experience more free, fair, transparent, accountable and inclusive.
Institutional reform of ZEC looking at the institutional and personnel levels as well as in organisational practices.
Reform of the legal framework for elections looking at the Electoral Act, all electoral regulations and procedures focusing on constitutionality and international best practice.
Reform of the conduct of the state media in electoral processes
Reform of the conduct of traditional leaders in political processes
Reform of the role of the military in civilian affairs
Zimbabweans in the North America Diaspora have been having e-demonstrations in solidarity with their family members and friends back home.
The first was launched on Tuesday, 28 July 2020, a second, the following day, and a third is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 30 July 2020 with each day’s programmes lasting under two hours.
Mass Demonstrations
The staging of mass demonstrations is not new to Zimbabwe nor to Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora. In years past, and because they have a deep-rooted value in protest and
change through community voice, they have staged demonstrations in various cities in Canada, in New York and Washington, D.C. in the United States.
Now, as 31 July draws near, with planned demonstrations in Zimbabwe, many across North America have joined in solidarity.
Between the early 1990s through to about 1998, portions of the population began elevating their voices to have their grievances heard. This “struggle” continued in the 2000s.
More recently, after the 2018 rigged Election results, spontaneous protests took place, as did more street demonstration in January 2019.
Many of these have been led by civil society, nurses, doctors, lawyers, activists, and members of the political opposition against the governance, leadership, and government of the party of former President Robert Mugabe — the Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), now under Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In previous years, university students have, for decades, conducted street demonstrations in the hope of drawing attention to and having their livelihoods bettered. Although often mass demonstrations are viewed negatively by the ruling government, the people of Zimbabwe have once again organized themselves to demonstrate.
On Tuesday, The East Coast District in the North America Province of the MDC-A held the opening e-demonstration in support of the demonstration to be held in Zimbabwe on the 31st of July 2020. The speakers emphasized the need for every Zimbabwean to be involved in the protests to push for a better Zimbabwe.
The event was graced by prominent speakers including Dr. Noah Manyika as well as Dr. Thomas Mapfumo. Representatives from the MDC- A Youth and Women’s Assembly also gave a solidarity message. The word was clear, Zimbabweans will not back down until change happens. The e-demonstration will be held daily until the 30th of July 2020.
On Wednesday, key highlights of the programme included guest speakers — Hon. Job Sikhala and Senator Timveous.
Camaraderie
At many moments throughout the proceeding’s aspirations were shared as were stories, protest chanting, singing, and music —including cries in a segment titled: “Cry My Beloved Country.
Sources close to the organizers, said that they were happy with the attendance and success of the launch, that they were encouraged by the high number of online social viewers reaching more than 19,000.
Specific hashtags were in use; #FreeZimNow, #zanupfmustgo, #July31ZW, and
MakeGoodTrouble.
The e-demonstration organizers Mr. Mada, the Provincial Organizing Secretary and Mr. Mtize the Secretary General called on attendees to invite their family and friends to join the one demonstration planned for Thursday.
The organizers have made joining the demonstrations open to the public wishing to add their voice to the sense of solidarity they feel with their people.
South African actress Candy Moloi has passed away, the SABC reported on Tuesday night.
Moloi is best known for her starring role as Vho-Makhadzi on the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango. Moloi left Muvhango a few years ago after many years as one of the most recognized actors on the popular soapie.
Since the start of the popular soapie Candy has played the conniving and powerful Vho- Makhadzi in the Mukwevho chieftaincy and as the voice of authority to Chief Azwindini, played by Gabriel Temudzani.
Muvhango boss, Duma Ka Ndlovu confirmed the news of Moloi’s death to SABC news. She is also the mother of actress and producer Lerato Zah Moloi. The two both acted for Muvhango together at one stage.
Lerato has recently had a health scare after announcing that she had recovered from the deadly coronavirus that has claimed more than 7000 lives in the country.
The cause of Moloi’s death was not immediately known. This is a developing story.
The ZR Police Thursday issued a stern warning that those who will partake in a planned demonstration tomorrow will have themselves to blame as the government has deployed tight security forces across the country to monitor the situation.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) urges members of the public to conduct their day to day and normal activities in a peaceful atmosphere and cooperate with the police and other security service members who are maintaining law and order in the country.
“All security arms of government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any group
“We reiterate that no demonstration will take place on 31 July 2020. Those who decide or disregard the law, particularly National COVID-19 regulations will have themselves to blame reads the statement.
The police said it had intercepted information that there is a group on social media which is encouraging the demonstration.
Read below the full statement by the police.
SECURITY FORCES ISSUES STERN WARNING ON ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public to conduct their day to day and normal activities in a peaceful atmosphere and cooperate with police and other security service members who are maintaining law and order in the country.
All security arms of Government are on full alert and will deal decisively with any individuals or groups fomenting violence and sending threats or provocative messages through the social media or any other means.
We reiterate that no demonstrations will take place in Zimbabwe on 31st July 2020. Those who decide or disregard the law, particularly National COVID- 19 regulations will have themselves to blame.
Police are aware of various attempts to incite the public through the social media with one group calling itself “31 July Peaceful Demonstrations [3]” threatening to burn a service station in Mvuma on 31st July 2020, and barricade the Harare -Masvingo highway and all roads leading to police stations.
The group is led by a group administrator with the cell number +27653302446 and has 249 group members with some claiming to be in possession of firearms. These will be regarded as terrorists.
The security services are also aware of these groups that they are spreading fake news that the security services are in support of the 31st July 2020, illegal demonstrations.
These are blatant lies, meant to confuse the public, cause alarm and despondency in the security services.
The security services remain resolute in defence of the country’s security and the safety of all Zimbabweans.
The public is also urged to report any incidence of intimidation, incitements or threats to their nearest police station or members of the security forces who are conducting patrols in their local areas.
[NYATHI. P] Assistant Commissioner
Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and International Relations)
*You are frightening lions and lionesses Zimbabwe:
BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala 31st July Movement
Today the 30th before even Friday 31st July 2020, the historic day, the power bestowed upon us as the people triumphed. The oppressor was jittery allover chasing after every shadow in the shape of a human being. It was dramatic in every sense that fear of people power was written allover. I passed by Delport and frightened agencies of the oppressor were giving incoherent commands of dzokera kumba. The whole country was on a massive and successful SHUTDOWN. Vincere Caritate dear Zimbabweans. There is no show of human victory more than today. The power you are wielding is frightening them. One press conference after the other with incoherent and confused messages. This must tell you about an oppressor living on borrowed times. Citizens are owners of Zimbabwe not individuals.
Stop looting, end corruption, arrest all looters and culprits of corruption. Fire all those who were involved in the vice. Let all those involved resign and return the loot. If this is not done, tomorrow the 31st is the beginning of a protracted struggle that will end when all our demands are met.
The anti corruption and anti looting crusade will never end until demands of you the powerful CITIZENS are heard. We want a just society. Equal opportunities for all. A society of happiness that respects the rule of law, democracy, good governance and the sanctity of human life and human rights. If this society is not delivered, the struggle will continue. Next time we will not announce. We will just pounce.
I thank you dear Zimbabweans for scoring a huge victory today.
Former Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi has withdrawn the case in which four people were being charged for stealing valuables, including 30 pairs of designer suits from his Borrowdale residence in Harare.
Mutodi filled an affidavit before magistrate Mr Sheunesu Matowa indicating that he had decided to withdraw the matter due to personal circumstances.
Suspected thieves and brothers Denver and Cosmos Zvomuya, Fidelis Martin Mandaza and Pardon Magombo were arrested after being linked to the theft at Mutodi’s house.
The State, led by Mr Owen Safuli, had it that sometime in April this year, Zvomuya and Mandaza went to Mutodi’s place of residence when the caretaker was not at home.
The quartet allegedly broke the dining room window and gained entry into the house. They then stole various items, including Mutodi’s designer suits. Mutodi discovered that some of his suits were missing and went to the police to report the matter.
The Zvomuya brothers and Mandaza were reportedly seen selling some of Mutodi’s suits in Domboshava.
Upon being interviewed, they admitted to stealing Mutodi’s clothes. Some of the clothes were found stashed under the carpet at Denver’s place of residence.
Denver led police to Magombo’s place in Mungate Village where some of the stolen items were recovered.
RETWEET! As the @UN announced that Zimbabweans have a right to demonstrate peacefully, Wiwa is marching into Harare CBD tommorrow. Retweet if you're supporting him. pic.twitter.com/p1nQTmFfiQ
*You are frightening lions and lionesses Zimbabwe:
BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala 31st July Movement
Today the 30th before even Friday 31st July 2020, the historic day, the power bestowed upon us as the people triumphed. The oppressor was jittery allover chasing after every shadow in the shape of a human being. It was dramatic in every sense that fear of people power was written allover. I passed by Delport and frightened agencies of the oppressor were giving incoherent commands of dzokera kumba. The whole country was on a massive and successful SHUTDOWN. Vincere Caritate dear Zimbabweans. There is no show of human victory more than today. The power you are wielding is frightening them. One press conference after the other with incoherent and confused messages. This must tell you about an oppressor living on borrowed times. Citizens are owners of Zimbabwe not individuals.
Stop looting, end corruption, arrest all looters and culprits of corruption. Fire all those who were involved in the vice. Let all those involved resign and return the loot. If this is not done, tomorrow the 31st is the beginning of a protracted struggle that will end when all our demands are met.
The anti corruption and anti looting crusade will never end until demands of you the powerful CITIZENS are heard. We want a just society. Equal opportunities for all. A society of happiness that respects the rule of law, democracy, good governance and the sanctity of human life and human rights. If this society is not delivered, the struggle will continue. Next time we will not announce. We will just pounce.
I thank you dear Zimbabweans for scoring a huge victory today.
Zimbabwe will issue a long term debt in international capital markets to raise US$3.5bn as compensation to former commercial white farmers for the loss of land, 20 years after the government embarked on the fast track land reform programme to resettle locals.
The compensation is for value of improvements, biological assets and land clearing costs for the land which was compulsorily acquired for resettlement.
Government’s failure to compensate former commercial white farmers had been cited as a breach of property rights tearing into shreds President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to protect investments under his “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra.
According to an agreement signed yesterday at State House, half of the amount (US$1.75bn) as deposit is payable 12 months after signature of the agreement. The balance will be paid in four year installments of US$437,500,000.
“The full amount of the global compensation figure may, however, be paid within 12 months of signature of the agreement if sufficient funds for the purpose are mobilised within this period,” the document reads.
The parties to the agreement will set up a joint resource mobilisation committee to work together with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to raise funds for payment of the global compensation figure.
Yesterday’s agreement was signed by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube (representing Zimbabwe), Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) representative John Pascoe, South African Commercial Farmers Alliance (SAFCA) representative Cedric Robert Wilde and Anthony Nield Purkis representing Valuation Consortium (Private) Limited (VALCON).
The CFU represents the interests of commercial farmers operating in Zimbabwe, SACFA the interests of commercial farmers in Matabeleland and Valcon the interests of all commercial farmers registered with them, some of whom are not members of either the CFU or the SACFA.
The compensation of the former commercial white farmers will see Zimbabwe issuing a long term debt instrument of 30 years’ maturity in international capital markets in compliance with the country’s debt management strategy and consistent with its key debt sustainability indicators, the document said.
The land dispute has haunted the government. In 2018, a World Bank-affiliated international appeals court – the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) -dismissed Zimbabwe’s application to annul an award granted to a former commercial white farmer. The ICSID had in July 2015 awarded the Bernhard von Pezold family the return of their property in Manicaland Province plus their full legal costs and interest, or alternatively the Zimbabwean government should pay the family US$195m in damages. In October 2015, Zimbabwe sought the annulment of the award but lost.
The compensation agreement could bring closure to the emotive issue which speaks to property rights. Resettled farmers have struggled to access financing from banks who continue to shun 99-year leases as not bankable, thereby affecting production on the farms.
Economists however said Zimbabwe, which is in arrears with international financial institutions, will struggle to compensate the farmers.
“The government can only compensate the former white commercial farmers if they can get it somewhere else because they are bankrupt,” said Harare-based economist John Robertson.
“Also the money will be subjected to abuse so the foreign government or bank is likely to directly pay the farmers not to pass it through the government as the money will never be seen again.”
Another economist Phineas Kadenge said the signing ceremony came as a surprise for many as the southern African nation battles to contain rising cases of Covid-19 and political tensions.
“I don’t have enough background for the signing ceremony but given the fighting (coronavirus) we are in the timing is a bit misplaced there. We just hope it’s not another signing ceremony which doesn’t bring any results,” Kadenge said.
Notice is hereby given to our MDCA members,the general public and citizens,and members of the media fraternity to the effect that; The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance South Africa Province will be holding demonstrations outside Zimbabwe embassies and consulates tomorrow 31 July 2020 in solidarity with the suffering Zimbabwean citizens under the Zanu PF and Mnangagwa rulership,in the following of our districts.
MDCA Western Cape district
MDCA Namibia district
MDCA Botswana district
MDCA Zambia district
For more information please contact the *MDCA SA Provincial Organising Secretary,Leader Tangai Marufu on *+27658140201* or the mentioned districts Organising/Communications Secretaries,names and contacts supplied below.
1.MDCA Western Cape district Organ Godfrey Karuru- +27749388642 Organ Runyararo Mukuku- +27781485582 Infor Don Madziva- +27826810806
2.MDCA Namibia district Organ Gotosa- +264812084418 Infor Robson Ruhanya- +264813192152
3.MDCA Botswana district Organ Taurai Mavhoko- +26772171136 Infor Dumisani Dolobo- +26774364627
4.MDCA Zambia district Organ Clint- +260978494945
MDCA SA Province we fully support the 31st July peaceful demonstration in Zimbabwe.We are very much aware that in some districts we were not given the permission to gather to demonstrate because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Our members,who can not organise and attend demonstrations are therefore urged to gather in solidarity tonight for night vigils,observing covid-19 social distancing rules.
Inserted on behalf of MDCA South Africa Province,by
File Picture of some of the children before they were taken away by the police
Reports just received indicate that some of the children from the 46 who were literally abducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the social welfare team from a home in Mt Hampden to a yet to be identified location in Kadoma are living with HIV and are feared to have missed their Antiretroviral (ARVs) dosages.
Kiri Madamombe an activist with Mubatiranwa Trust made the revelation in the audio interview captured below:
Chizema made a lot of noise together with Cde vaya vemari yedu kuti ndidzingwe mumusangano .not because ndine mhosva but havadi those who support ED nemoyo wose ,My President reshuffle yo Politburo , Cabinet and Central Committee vamwe havakudeyi kana muchida ndinokuudzai
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Liz Throssell Location: Geneva Date: 24 July 2020 Subject:Zimbabwe
We are concerned at allegations in Zimbabwe, which suggest that the authorities may be using the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext to clamp down on freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Among the latest incidents, investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was arrested on 20 July and charged with inciting public violence, after he tweeted his support for nationwide protests against government corruption and worsening economic conditions. Jacob Ngarivhume, an opposition leader who has been calling for the protests on 31 July, was also detained and similarly charged.
Merely calling for a peaceful protest or participating in a peaceful protest are an exercise of recognized human rights.
We are concerned at reports of police using force to disperse and arrest nurses and health workers for infringing lockdown restrictions as they were trying to protest for better salaries and conditions of work.
This pattern of intimidation echoes the events in May when three members of the main opposition party were arbitrarily arrested and detained for taking part in a protest. The women – Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova – alleged that state agents abducted them from the police station, tortured and sexually assaulted them. The women were then formally arrested in June, charged with participating in the protests and faking their abduction. They were recently released on bail.
It is clear that COVID-19 has added greatly to the challenges Zimbabwe faces amid a deteriorating economy and placed a further burden on an already struggling health sector.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa – highlighting an increase of 600 COVID-19 cases in a week to a total of 1,713 – on Tuesday announced a series of measures that he said were necessary to curb the spread of the disease, including a dusk to dawn curfew and the curtailment and suspension of freedoms that, as he put it, Zimbabweans “have always enjoyed.”
While recognizing the Government’s efforts to contain the pandemic, it is important to remind the authorities that any lockdown measures and restrictions should be necessary, proportionate and time-limited, and enforced humanely without resorting to unnecessary or excessive force.
We encourage the Government to engage with civil society and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to grievances while ensuring that people’s rights and freedoms are protected in accordance with Zimbabwe’s human rights obligations. These include the responsibility of the State to guarantee economic, social and cultural rights.
Concerned by toughening language on and off social media in Zimbabwe this week following calls for protests on Friday. Call for calm and restraint on all sides. –
The bail appeal hearings for journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume have yet again been pushed forward this time to Monday.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who are representing the duo, posted on Twitter:
Hopewell Chin’ono will spend the weekend “in jail after the High Court postponed the bail appeal hearing to Monday while Transform Zimbabwe leader Ngarivhume will (also) have to spend more time in jail after the hearing of his bail appeal was postponed to Monday to allow the state to file a response to his bail application.
In court, Hopewell’s lawyers insisted that the bail appeal hearing be heard on Friday as his liberty is fundamental but the state argued that it be postponed to Monday as it undertakes to file its response by close of business on Friday.
Chin’ono and Ngarivhume were arrested last week on allegations of inciting public violence.
Former Agribank chief executive, Somkhosi Malaba, has died.
He was 65.
Sources say he passed on peacefully at his home this morning due to kidney failure.
“A great tree has fallen. A great man, genuinely devoted to his country and his profession, Mr Malaba was a unique leader and and accomplished economist. As Agribank CEO, he led the bank’s turnaround initiatives, achieving profitability in 2016. Agribank will be poorer without him, the nation will be poorer without him,” said source close to him who spome on condition of anonymity since they had not been cleared by the family.
It is understood Malaba had valiantly fought kidney problems over 12 years. Acting Agribank CEO Mr Elfas Chimbera could not be immediately reached for comment.
But former Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president and United Refineries Limited CEO Mr Busisa Moyo turned to Twitter and wrote: “Hard to accept he is gone. A fellow president at the Bankers Association. Instrumental in the Lima Debt conversations in 2015-2017. Served with us on PAC (Presidential Advisory Council). Former AgriBank CEO. May the Lord strengthen the family at this time of loss. The memory of you lives!”
Malaba retired as Agribank CEO at the end January this year after 16 years at the helm of the financial institution. He was appointed CEO in May 2004 after serving as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for six years from August 1998 to April 2004.
His appointment as RBZ Deputy Governor came after 16 years of service at different senior levels within the central bank. Malaba is an economist who obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from the University of Zimbabwe. He furthered his studies in the United Kingdom where he acquired a Masters in Economics from the University of Manchester.
He has also served on secondment to Government as Secretary in the National Economic Planning Commission under the Office of the President and Cabinet from 1996 to 1997. A letter announcing Malaba’s retirement read: “We wish to advise that Somkhosi Mahamba Temba Malaba retired from the position of chief executive officer for the bank effective 31 January 2020.
“Elfas Chimbera, the executive director finance, will be acting as the CEO of Agribank effective February 1, 2020 pending the appointment of a substantive CEO.”
Malaba held many positions throughout his career. He was the vice chair of the Sadc/DFRC board of trustees from 2008 to 2009, Lupane State University council chair since 2007, Institute of Bankers (Zimbabwe) council chair from 2008 to 2014 and Fidelity Printers & Refiners Limited director from 1998 to 2004.
He also sat on the Deposit Protection Scheme board from 1998 to 2004, St Lucia Park board from 2000 to 2004, PTA Bank 1993 to 1995, Zimbabwe Development Bank board 1988 to 1993 and was the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president from 2014 to 2016.
UN Human Rights Committee publishes interpretation on the right of peaceful assembly GENEVA (29 July 20201— The UN Human Rights Committee today publish its interpretation on the right of peaceful assembly defining the scope of assembly that applies to both physical meetings and virtual or online gatherings and outlining governments obligations.
The UN Human Rights Committee made up of 18 individual experts who monitor implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) has issued a comprehensive legal guidance, also known as ‘general comment on article 21 of ICCPR about fundamental right of peaceful assembly. The general comment was the first major international instrument that was also drafted online since the experts mete unable to meet in person due to the pandemic.
At a time when recent developments including the COVID•19 pandemic have created unprecedented challenges to the realisation of art. 21 and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter have underlined its importance. the general comment clarifies how the term ‘peaceful assembly shall be understood and sets standards to assist the 173 countries which have ratified ICCPR to fulfil their obligations under the Covenant.
`It is a fundamental human right for individuals to pin a peaceful assembly to express themselves to celebrate or to air grievances Together with other rights retated to political freedom, it constitutes the very foundation of a democratic society in which changes can be pursued through discussion and persuasion, rather than use of force • said Chnstof Heyns the member of the Committee who acted as Rapporteur tot the drafting of the general comment. Everyone including children foreign nationals, women migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees can exercise the right of peaceful assembly, which may take many forms in public and in private spaces outdoors indoors and online,’ he added.
The Committee also stated that governments have positive obligations under the Covenant to facilitate peaceful assembles and to protect participants from potential abuse by other members of the public. Governments also have negative duties such as not to prohibit restrict block or disrupt assembles without compelling justification.
“Generalised references to public order or public safety. or an unspecified risk of potential valence are not solid grounds for governments to prohibit peaceful assembles Heyns said Any restriction on participation in peaceful assembles should be based on a drfferentialed or individualized assessment of the conduct of participants Blanket restnctions on partaipatan in peaceful assembles are not appropriate – he explained.
The general comment also provided guidance on a number of current issues including the following assembly participants have the right to wear masks or hoods to cover their face governments should not collect personal data to harass or intimidate participants and Governments also cannot block Internet networks or close down any website because of their roles in organising or soliciting a peaceful assembly It also stressed the right of Journalists and human rights observers to monitor and document any assembly including violent and unlawful ones. The full general comment is now available
By A Correspondent| The MDC Alliance renegade, senator Douglas Mwonzora has been turned down by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and blocked from holding his desired extra-ordinary Congress on Thursday.
The ZRP has refused to allow Mwonzora saying in writing there will be a tightened lockdown.
The development comes as the MDC
, “Be kindly advised that due to COVID-19 cases that are on the increase especially local transmissions. It has been found necessary to tighten lockdown regulations to prevent the spread of the pandemic across the country.
“To this end, you are advised not to go ahead with your congress.”
Mwonzora was campaigning to get nominations for him to take over as MDC-T President.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the 2019/20 Golden Shoe were delt a further blow following Juventus’ 0-2 defeat to Cagliari last night.
The 35-year-old, who has scored 31 goals for the champions this season, watched in frustration as Luca Gagliano’s close-range finish and Giovanni Simeone’s thunderbolt secured the win for Cagliari.
Ronaldo is now trailing Lazio’s Ciro Immobile by four goals in the race for the Golden Shoe, an accolade given to the player with most goals in Europe’s top five leagues.
There is still one game still left to play in the 2019/20 Serie A campaign-Soccer 24
Allow me to start by clarifying that I am addressing you as Your Excellency just to follow the protocol but literally there is totally nothing excellent in your leadership.
Sir in your desperate bid to appease the West I write to ask you not to sacrifice the poor taxpayers in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Your bandit regime has impoverished them enough hamunzwiwo tsitsi here nhai Murambwi?
You signed an agreement with the Commercial Farmers Union this week to compensate white commercial farmers who lost their farms under the Third Chimurenga Your government made a commitment of US3.5 billion to compensate white farmers.
The agreement says your government will not compensate the land taken but farm mechanization and properties which were confiscated by those rowdy thieves masquareding as war veterans. Your Excellency where are you going to get that money? From taxpayers? Hell, NO!!!
I have a proposal Mr President; that US3.5bn must be paid by Zanu PF farmers who confiscated herds of cattle, farm machinery and farm houses. Leave taxpayers out of this shit Mr President.
Tell your Zanu PF people to pay for what they plundered: Simple!!! Zim taxpayers are already suffering because of your misrule and banditry putting this unnecessary debt on their shoulders is not only unfair but selfish.
Madhara eZanu arimumapurazi bhadharai zvamakapamba and leave taxpayers out of this. Those staying in farm houses they didn’t build must compensate the ex white commercial farmers, it defies logic why they want taxpayers to pay for their plunder.
Let me know when you come to Kwekwe, if I am guaranteed security I can drive to your farm so that we can discuss this.
Lastly tomorrow (31 July 2020) don’t kill people I beg you in the name of God and in the patriotic spirit of the homeland. What they (those who are planning to protest) want to do is constitutional.
You are a lawyer I don’t need to educate you about the constitution, unless if you are now in need of refresher courses or remedial law lectures.
May God Save the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Nkosilathi Emmanuel Moyo,Sr Freedom Fighter and True Son of the Homeland.
A Birmingham publication which covers Aston Villa might have given a clue in regards to the future of Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.
The 26-year-old, started well for the Dean Smith-coached side after making a historic move from Club Brugge last year but lost his place in the team towards the end of the season, paving way for suggestions that the might be shown the exit door.
To make matters worse, the man who oversaw his £11 million transfer, Spanish talent-spotter Jesus Garcia Pitarch, was sacked for “bad transfer decisions”, a move which many felt provided a clear picture on the future of the Hwange-bred midfielder.
However, yesterday’s edition of the Birmingham Live suggested otherwise.
”Only Guilbert has won more tackles than Nakamba, who completed 90 minutes just 10 times in the Premier League.
The Zimbabwean is very much a confidence player while, during Villa’s lowest points at Southampton, Leicester and the like, he was Smith’s most-committed player with Smith making a point of his desire to the downbeat dressing room.
‘Naka’ lost his place during the restart and featured mainly from off the bench late on to help see Villa over the line.
He’s still 26 and, at £11 million, suggests there’s room to grow so we’ll see if he’s up to it this coming campaign,” read part the article which rated the Aston Villa players for the just ended 2019/20 campaign- Soccer 24
The ZRP reiterates that journalists provide essential services and should be assisted to conduct their work. This message has been passed to Police Commanders in all provinces. In Harare journalists should contact Harare Operations on contact number (0242)748836
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 30, 2020
for immediate assistance or PGHQ National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712800197.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 30, 2020
The English Football Association (FA) has announced the date for the Community Shield fixture.
This year’s edition will take place on Saturday 29 August at Wembley Stadium. The fixture will be contested between league champions, Liverpool and the winner of the FA Cup final – Chelsea or Arsenal.
It will be played two weeks before the new English top-flight season, scheduled to get under way on 12 September.
Kick-off time will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the FA Cup final is set to be played this coming Saturday at 6:30 pm-Soccer 24
Local football fraternity has been plunged into mourning again following the death of former Premier Soccer League chief executive, Chris Sambo.
Sambo died on Wednesday night in Harare. The cause of his demise is still unknown at this time.
The PSL, in their condolence message, described Sambo as a dedicated football servant.
“The PSL learnt with shock and deep sadness of the untimely passing of former PSL CEO Chris Sambo. Mr Sambo was a passionate and dedicated football servant who gave a lot for the love of the game.
As PSL CEO, he served the League with distinction. He advocated for the full commercialisation of football and facilitated various competitions and sponsorship models.
His life, work and generosity will always be remembered by everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. As we mourn his sad departure, we celebrate his immense contribution in the development of local football.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Sambo family, friends and the entire football family. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. May his soul rest in Eternal Peace,” it read.
The latest developments come just a day after Mgcini Sibanda who spent most of his senior career playing in the Botswana Premier League died.
The Zimbabwean midfielder, 31, was reportedly unwell for some weeks and passed away on Tuesday- Soccer 24
By Farai D Hove | Soldiers and police officers have closed off all cities in a major operation in which civilians were severely assaulted.
There were several scenes particularly in the capital city Harare where commuters were assaulted.
Harare and Bulawayo had the largest deployments.
There was a scuffle between police officers and some civilians early in the morning at 8.44am, at Mbudzi Roundabout, in Harare.
https://youtu.be/PI5kBbu3QMY
At Copacabana, in Harare two women one of them a Dairiboard employee, complained of being assaulted by police officers with baton stick. There was another incident where at an undisclosed location, a male soldier was filmed using a metal spike infused rubber whip to brutally assault passerbies he had forced to sit down.
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks.
The situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why?Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
It is a day commemorated to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis. It is an opportunity to step up national and interactive efforts on hepatitis.
It’s to encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
Theme: “Hepatitis free future” with a strong focus on preventing Hepatitis B among mothers and newborns.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that causes a range of problems that may progress to chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be parasitic, bacteria, viral, autoimmune (body attacking itself) or genetic.
However of all the causes viral causes are the most common and most fatal.
Of the viral causes hepatitis A, B, C, D, E are the commonest.
Hepatitis A is a vaccine preventable hepatitis transmitted via feacal-oral. It is a contagious disease. People infected presents with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fatigue, malaise.
It is usually self limiting and treatment is symptom management. It does not usually cause chronic complications.
Hepatitis B is transmitted by body fluids or blood products, sharing needles and syringes and by sexual intercourse.
Infected people presents with fatigue, poor appetite, yellow eyes, abdominal pain. This type of hepatitis can be prevented as there is a vaccine available. Anyone at any age can get the vaccine. In Zimbabwe children are vaccinated at the age of 6, 10 and 14weeks.
Treatment can be with antivirals but it usually progress to cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C virus is also transmitted by body fluids, blood products, sharing needles and syringes and sexual intercourse.
Symptoms and signs are usually the same as those of Hepatitis B.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but can be treated with antivirals. It also progress causing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Hepatitis D occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B.
Transmission, signs and symptoms are the same as hepatitis B. If vaccinated against Hep B it also protects against Hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E istransmitted via feaco-oral route usually in shell fish, raw pig. There is no vaccine available.
Also self limiting and chronic complications are not common.
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
I am very saddened by the death of Rtd Air Marshal Perrence Shiri.
I ask myself why such a wonderful and unique man would die so soon.
I have learnt a lesson. Procrastination is the thief of time. God gave me enough time to punish Perrence Shiri myself but l procrastinated.
I can’t forgive myself that he has died without me having a hand in his death.
I pray to God for a second chance, resurrect him and expose him to my desire to punish him.
It’s a pity that l can’t be allowed to have his body near me, otherwise l would kill him again.
Those who do not know this man-he was at the front line during the Matebeleland massacre crusade that saw 30 000 people plus heading to mass graves Perrence, famed for his hobby of slicing open pregnant women to “stop the birth of more dissidents” thought he was larger than life.
During his lifetime, he enjoyed the protection of both his paymasters, Robert Mugabe and his successor Emerson Mnangangwa.
Unfortunately they failed to protect him from the long arm of death that could grab him as they watched.
My brother Pee, please, come back and give me a chance to kill you myself the way you used to slaughter people in Matebeleland.
Dear President E.D. Mnangagwa, Alarmed by the unprecedented challenges to democracy, human rights and governance created by the pandemic, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) nurtured the idea for this open letter.
The aim is to stimulate a national dialogue around key principles safeguarding elections and democracy on the 2-year anniversary of the 2018 Harmonised Elections.
The ERC recognises that this is a very challenging time for the government and people of Zimbabwe, as the country deals with the threats posed by the COVID-19 virus.
The government has already taken some important steps, and others may be necessary to protect those at risk. However, the pandemic has seemingly left in its wake the reform agenda that had pillared the “New Dispensation”.
It should be noted and applauded that commendable steps have been taken to repeal the repressive POSA and AIPPA laws which had posed a perpetual threat to the principles underpinning a democratic society and free and fair elections.
Such positive steps are key to transforming the credibility of the overall electoral environment.
However, the pace at which the reform agenda is taking place, could potentially negate the gains achieved by your administration.
From the advent of your ascension to Presidency in 2017, you gave the basis that would form your leadership, as you stated that your Presidency would be founded on a “ New Dispensation ”, of which reforms formed the foundation.
In your very first public speech upon your return from enforced exile in November 2017, you assured Zimbabweans that they were “ witnessing the beginning of a new unfolding democracy ”.
Premised on this new democracy was the alignment of existing laws with the constitution and the changing of the electoral culture in Zimbabwe through advocating for the promotion of accountability, credibility and transparency among State Institutions.
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, echoed the same sentiments as he promised that all laws would be fully aligned with the constitution by the end of 2019.
The government also made an undertaking to amend the Electoral Act by mid-2020, according to Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Sibusiso Moyo who is the Deputy Chairperson of the Inter-ministerial Task Force on Political and Electoral Reforms.
The Minister promised that electoral reforms “will be completed, at the very least, by June 2020, although we aim to complete electoral reforms well before that date”.
However, with two years since the 2018 Harmonised Elections, this promise of expedited reforms is seemingly beyond reach.
The post-2018 election environment has been dominated by non-implementation of key reforms, most of which have been repeatedly raised by election observer groups.
A glaring example is that of the Motlanthe Commission where in a rare instance of transparency, the government allowed for an open inquest into the 1 August 2018 shootings of protesters in Harare.
However, the Motlanthe Commission recommendations have largely been ignored as the role of the security sector in elections remains a grave cause of concern which impairs the fairness of the electoral environment.
It should be further noted that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has taken a piecemeal approach to the alignment of electoral laws, policies and practice with the Constitution and international best practice.
The gradual implementation of reforms has culminated in the bare minimum of recommended reforms being adopted, such as in recent by-elections, the displaying of the voters’ rolls outside polling stations.
The government’s failure to significantly revise key laws or to address the partisan conduct of the state security, traditional leaders and the media undercuts free elections. The repressive nature of the application of COVID-19 regulations has in more recent times impaired the credibility of the electoral environment.
The COVID-19 regulations have been used to arrest peaceful protesters and arrest critical media personnel.
The lack of reform places a greater burden on state institutions to ensure that their conduct is constitutional outside of existing legislation.
The Zimbabwean government needs to fix all legislation affecting the electoral environment and bring it in line with both the Constitution and with Zimbabwe’s international commitments.
The problems we face are precisely premised on the outstanding electoral reform issues that do not comply with either the Constitution or our international law obligations.
We therefore call upon your government to guarantee the full alignment of electoral laws with the constitution, and to further guarantee a practice and policy shift that guarantees accountability, credibility, integrity and transparency to ensure a free and fair electoral environment looking at the 2023 harmonised elections.
President Mnangagwa, there needs to be a shift beyond mere rhetoric and take genuine steps to level the electoral playing field. The following five points focus on tangible steps the Government can take to build on the work they are already doing to make the electoral experience more free, fair, transparent, accountable and inclusive.
Institutional reform of ZEC looking at the institutional and personnel levels as well as in organisational practices.
Reform of the legal framework for elections looking at the Electoral Act, all electoral regulations and procedures focusing on constitutionality and international best practice.
Reform of the conduct of the state media in electoral processes.
Reform of the conduct of traditional leaders in political processes
Reform of the role of the military in civilian affairs Sincerely Election Resource Centre
Notice is hereby given to our MDCA members,the general public and citizens,and members of the media fraternity to the effect that; The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance South Africa Province will be holding demonstrations outside Zimbabwe embassies and consulates tomorrow 31 July 2020 in solidarity with the suffering Zimbabwean citizens under the Zanu PF and Mnangagwa rulership in the following of our districts:
MDCA Western Cape district
MDCA Namibia district
MDCA Botswana district
MDCA Zambia district
For more information please contact the MDCA SA Provincial Organising Secretary,Leader Tangai Marufu on +27658140201 or the mentioned districts Organising/Communications Secretaries,names and contacts supplied below.
1.MDCA Western Cape district Organ Godfrey Karuru- +27749388642 Organ Runyararo Mukuku- +27781485582 Infor Don Madziva- +27826810806
2.MDCA Namibia district Organ Gotosa- +264812084418 Infor Robson Ruhanya- +264813192152
3.MDCA Botswana district Organ Taurai Mavhoko- +26772171136 Infor Dumisani Dolobo- +26774364627
4.MDCA Zambia district Organ Clint- +260978494945
MDCA SA Province we fully support the 31st July peaceful demonstration in Zimbabwe.We are very much aware that in some districts we were not given the permission to gather to demonstrate because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Our members,who can not organise and attend demonstrations are therefore urged to gather in solidarity tonight for night vigils,observing covid-19 social distancing rules.
Inserted on behalf of MDCA South Africa Province,by
By Farai D Hove | Soldiers and police officers have closed off all cities in a major operation in which civilians were severely assaulted.
There were several scenes particularly in the capital city Harare where commuters were assaulted.
Harare and Bulawayo had the largest deployments.
There was a scuffle between police officers and some civilians early in the morning at 8.44am, at Mbudzi Roundabout, in Harare.
https://youtu.be/PI5kBbu3QMY
At Copacabana, in Harare two women one of them a Dairiboard employee, complained of being assaulted by police officers with baton stick. There was another incident where at an undisclosed location, a male soldier was filmed using a metal spike infused rubber whip to brutally assault passerbies he had forced to sit down.
As the day nears its dawn for the 31st protests, we call upon the government of Zimbabwe to uphold the constitution of the land & allow those who would like to share their grievances in a peaceful manner to proceed without violation of their rights as pronounced in our constitution.
We also call for those who will be sharing their grievances, to do it in a manner that doesn’t provoke or violet the constitution of Zimbabwe. Be that as it may, we continue to request & plead with the generality of Zimbabweans that, dialogue is the best way in solving the current crisis that we are facing as a country.
Lets unite for a common goal which is building our nation for future generations & not unite for violence and hate speech.
Let us come together as one people, one society & one Zimbabwe to fight bad governance and unconstitutionalism, which has led our country to its knees.
It is in this that we humbly request all progressive Zimbabweans to come together and fight the sickness of trivial matters & focus on the matters of national importance such as, rebuilding Zimbabwe, securing the future for the coming generations amongst other sincere & important things.
Lastly but not least. Every citizen of Zimbabwe has a right to freely express their selves without need of our security forces using their power on civilian populace.
May the current government of the day, which is (ZANU PF) speed up the process of addressing & giving necessities to its civil service and the rest of the populace of this country as to ensure better livelihoods of its citizens for generations to come.
According to the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), police are patrolling the city of Bulawayo ordering the closure of shops, warning people to be out of the city centre by 2 pm.
Zanu PF has accused some of its top leadership of sowing seeds of division between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga by propagating coup rumours.
Acting Zanu-PF party spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said politburo member Claveria Chizema was suspended from the politburo yesterday.
“The security department of the party presented an elaborate report to the politburo, a plan on how outside forces were busy fomenting discord in the party, working with certain individuals in the party’s senior ranks to destabilise internal cohesion and unity of purpose in the party,” Chinamasa said.
He said the senior officials were burning mid-night candle to try and put a wedge between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga as succession wars begin to take a toll in the party.
“The same individuals have been burning mid-night candle, wishing to propagate disunity between President Mnangagwa and his Vice-Presidents Cde Chiwenga and VP Mohadi,” Chinamasa said.
Zanu-PF alleged Chizema was found with fliers in her home, which were left there in March, carrying a message purporting that there was an impending coup in the party.
“The posters had a message that there was a coup coming and had the names of the people who were behind the coup, but these posters had false information,” Chinamasa said.
“She failed in her duties as a senior member of the party when she did not report this to the party security or national security and, therefore, she has been suspended to pave way for investigations.”
Last month, the Joint Operations Command held a Press conference to dispel rumours of a coup.
Chinamasa said Zanu-PF security was aware of internal plots by Zanu-PF bigwigs against Mnangagwa, adding that they would be flushed out of the party.
“The culprits are trying to smear Vice-President Chiwenga at the same time trying to psyche our unsuspecting people into thinking that the party was divided,” he said.
“Those calling for demonstrations had been funded by hostile forces to print fliers bearing the name of senior leadership in the party as purportedly supporting demonstrations despite that such leaders have no knowledge of these culprits.”
The report read in the politburo suggested that there was information pointing to the fact that Chiwenga wanted to oust his boss.
“Among one of their futile imagination is that VP Chiwenga is planning a coup against his compatriot, President Cde ED Mnangagwa and that the two don’t see eye to eye,” Chinamasa said.
Mnangagwa is said to have warned those in the party supporting the July 31 demonstrations. He allegedly told the politburo members that there would be gnashing of teeth.
“However, those who have been colluding in spreading these machinations, projecting a wrong image of the party and working with hostile forces bent on dividing the party will be dealt with in line with the standing rules of the party’s supreme constitution,” he said.
Zanu-PF has been fretting over protests planned for tomorrow by opposition parties, churches and civic organisations.
By Tafara Majada| The death of Agriculture Minister Air Chief Marshall (Rtd) Perence Shiri to suspected Covid-19 on Wednesday should be a wake-up call for the Zanu PF regime to prioritise the health sector, this opinion can assert.
The late Perrence Shiri may his soul rest in peace but it should not be ignored that he is one of the very people who have superintendent over the decline of our health system since independence and the Coronavirus pandemic made it impossible for him to seek foreign treatment as he was accustomed to since independence.
In a Facebook post, MDC youth assembly secretary-general Obey Sithole aptly summed it up saying Shiri and lieutenants’ loot should go towards a vibrant health delivery system.
“The death of Perence Shiri is a warning to the surviving looters that by looting resources for the country’s health sector they will equally be looting the breath of life. Theirs included, no one is immune to death,”he posted.
It is not a secret that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is fighting ill-health and there is now a puzzle for him to seek treatment in China like he used to.The only convenient facilities available are now local. The health sector in Zimbabwe has seen crippling nurses and doctors’ strikes and at one point Chiwenga threatened nurses with dismissal. Perrence was nowhere near to admonish his confidante that this was ill-advised.
Right now we are battling Coronavirus and we have witnessed that the government sat on its laurels as ventilators which are essential in saving patients suffering from the novel virus are not readily available despite massive looting of Covid-19 funds as seen in the Drax scandal.
It is sad that with the rising cases of infections the government is still adamant about improving the welfare of frontline health workers who are grappling with poor salaries and are now well protected from contracting the deadly virus. The ongoing strike by nurses and doctors will be a huge catastrophe for a country now battling the spike in Covid-19 infections which are not sparing the ruling elite like the departed Shiri.
Shiri has been declared a national hero but his status will not mean anything to ordinary Zimbabwean citizens whose life is at stake because of the corrupt deeds of Shiri and his ilk. It is now time for the Zanu PF regime to make sure that it ponders how best to resuscitate the health sector as the Coronavirus induced lockdown has made it impossible for them to look elsewhere for treatment. While we say its unAfrican to celebrate one’s death,the writer will say maybe Air Chief Marshal(Rtd) Shiri you could have been saved just like UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson did when he was infected with the virus had you prioritise your local health institutions.
By Advocates For Progress- Zimbabweans in the North America Diaspora have been having e-demonstrations in solidarity with their family members and friends back home.
The first was launched on Tuesday, 28 July 2020, a second, the following day, and a third is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 30 July 2020 with each day’s programmes lasting under two hours.
Mass Demonstrations
The staging of mass demonstrations is not new to Zimbabwe nor to Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora. In years past, and because they have a deep-rooted value in protest and change through community voice, they have staged demonstrations in various cities in Canada, in New York and Washington, D.C. in the United States.
Now, as 31 July draws near, with planned demonstrations in Zimbabwe, many across North America have joined in solidarity.
Between the early 1990s through to about 1998, portions of the population began elevating their voices to have their grievances heard. This “struggle” continued in the 2000s. More recently, after the 2018 rigged Election results, spontaneous protests took place, as did more street demonstration in January 2019.
Many of these have been led by civil society, nurses, doctors, lawyers, activists, and members of the political opposition against the governance, leadership, and government of the party of former President Robert Mugabe — the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), now under Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In previous years, university students have, for decades, conducted street demonstrations in the hope of drawing attention to and having their livelihoods bettered. Although often mass demonstrations are viewed negatively by the ruling government, the people of Zimbabwe have once again organized themselves to demonstrate.
On Tuesday, The East Coast District in the North America Province of the MDC-A held the opening e-demonstration in support of the demonstration to be held in Zimbabwe on the 31st of July 2020. The speakers emphasized the need for every Zimbabwean to be involved in the protests to push for a better Zimbabwe.
The event was graced by prominent speakers including Dr. Noah Manyika as well as Dr. Thomas Mapfumo. Representatives from the MDC-A Youth and Women’s Assembly also gave a solidarity message.
The word was clear, Zimbabweans will not back down until change happens. The e-demonstration will be held daily until the 30th of July 2020.
On Wednesday, key highlights of the programme included guest speakers — Hon. Job Sikhala and Senator Timveous.
Camaraderie
At many moments throughout the proceeding’s aspirations were shared as were stories, protest chanting, singing, and music —including cries in a segment titled: “Cry My Beloved Country.
Sources close to the organizers, said that they were happy with the attendance and success of the launch, that they were encouraged by the high number of online social viewers reaching more than 19,000.
Specific hashtags were in use; #FreeZimNow, #zanupfmustgo, #July31ZW, and #MakeGoodTrouble.
The e-demonstration organizers Mr. Mada, the Provincial Organizing Secretary and Mr. Mtize the Secretary General called on attendees to invite their family and friends to join the one demonstration planned for Thursday.
The organizers have made joining the demonstrations open to the public wishing to add their voice to the sense of solidarity they feel with their people.
By Wilbert Mukori- Zimbabwe has signed an agreement with the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe and the Southern African Commercial Farmers Alliance which mandates Zimbabwe to pay white commercial farmers US$3.5 billion.
The money will be raised from Zimbabwe taxpayers.
The compensation agreement is “for improvements and assets on the more than 4,000 farms that were seized and doesn’t pertain to the land itself,” Ben Gilpin, a director of the CFU, explained.
No one objects to the white farmers being compensated. What anyone with half a brain would object to is that the Zimbabwean taxpayer should be the one paying the compensation. The ordinary taxpayer is not the one who benefited from the looted assets; it is the ruling elite and their families and cronies who benefited.
Indeed, the beneficiaries of the seized white-owned farms have also benefited from freebees from the 2007 Farm Mechanisation Programme and many other similar looting schemes all at taxpayer’s expense.
Those who benefited from the looted assets from the white-owned farms must pay the US$3.5 billion just as those who benefit from the multitude of looting schemes must repay the money.
40 years of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption by this Zanu PF dictatorship have left the Zimbabwe economy in total ruins and 34% of our people already live in extreme poverty – i.e. they cannot afford one decent meal a day much less other basic essentials such as education for the children, health care, etc.
Digging these millions of ordinary Zimbabweans out of the abject poverty is not going to be a walk in the park without piling on them the burden of debts from which they benefited nothing.
“Today we signed a historic compensation agreement with the Commercial Farmers Union, bringing closure and a new beginning to land discourse in Zimbabwe. The agreement re-affirms the irreversibility of land and is as a symbol of our commitment to the rule of law and property rights,” said Mnangagwa.
“It is a testimony to the fact that as fellow Zimbabweans, we can peacefully resolve our differences. We cannot change the past, we can only learn from it. Let us build on the trust demonstrated today, let us choose dialogue over confrontation and let us move forward together.”
How can this agreement bring closure to this messy land seizure problem when: 1) The burden of compensating the white farms is being imposed of the impoverished ordinary Zimbabweans whilst those who benefited from all the looting, keep their loot.
2) Zimbabwe’s economic recovery is totally dependent of the nation reviving the country’s once productive agricultural sector a.s.a.p. Whilst the new farm owners have failed to put the land to productive use, they have nonetheless profited from the many corrupt scheme designed to help farmers. The new farm owners are now holding the nation to ransom!
It is not only the white farmers who have been the victim of Zanu PF’s corrupt and tyrannical rule; the ordinary Zimbabweans too have suffered untold injustices under the regime. The white farmers have voiced their suffering and povo have no such voice.
You, Mnangagwa, and your fellow ruling elite benefited from looting white-owned farms; you must pay the US$3.5 billion compensation and not the taxpayer.
“Let us move forward together!” How can we move forward when all you have done is taken your foot off the white farmer’s neck but only to plant both feet on the long-suffering povo’s neck!
ROME– With COVID-19 aggravating an already severe hunger crisis in Zimbabwe, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today appealed for an additional US$250 million to support a rapidly expanding emergency operation for millions at-risk.
WFP projections indicate that by year’s end, the number of food insecure Zimbabweans will have surged by almost 50 percent to touch 8.6 million – a staggering 60 percent of the population – owing to the combined effects of drought, economic recession and the pandemic.
“Many Zimbabwean families are suffering the ravages of acute hunger, and their plight will get worse before it gets better”, said Lola Castro, WFP’s Regional Director for Southern Africa. “We need the international community to step up now to help us prevent a potential humanitarian catastrophe.”
A nationwide lockdown, reinforced last week, has precipitated massive joblessness in urban areas, while rural hunger is accelerating because now unemployed migrants are returning to their villages and the absence of the vital remittances they provided is more keenly felt.
Subsistence farming families who make up three-quarters of Zimbabwe’s population and produce most of its food are also hurting because of a third successive drought-hit harvest this year.
It yielded only 1.1 million MT of maize, the staple cereal, well down on last year’s already poor 2.4 million MT and less than half the national requirement. This, in turn, presages even more severe hunger in early 2021, the peak of the next “lean” season.
Hyperinflation is a feature of the country’s profound economic crisis and has pushed the prices of basics beyond the means of many Zimbabweans. Last month, maize prices more than doubled in Harare, the capital. Increasingly desperate families are eating less, selling off precious belongings and going into debt.
With maize set to be an increasingly untenable crop in many arid regions of the country as temperatures rise, WFP is promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant, nutritious and indigenous alternatives like sorghum and millet.
This is part of a broader campaign to help vulnerable communities build resilience to increasingly frequent and severe climate shocks.
Donations permitting, WFP intends to assist 4 million of the most vulnerable this year – those suffering “crisis” and “emergency” hunger – and scale up to 5 million in January-April next year, the peak of the lean season.
As the already dire situation worsens, more contributions are urgently needed. This month, for lack of funding, WFP will only reach 700,000 of 1.8 million intended recipients.
By Mthwakazi- As much as death is not celebrated in Mthwakazi, the life of the passed on Gukurahundist, Perence Shiri deserves no respect among Mthwakazi people. His soul must burn in Hell.
Perence in person, shot and killed a pregnant woman in Nkayi during the Shona government’s reign of terror on Mthwakazi in the 1980s as he said he wanted to stop the dissidents from multiplying.
As if that was not enough, he went on to line up a group of young boys in Khezi and shot them all dead. We therefore say no flag flies at half mast in Mthwakazi in honour of a serial killer.
Perence like many other Gukurahundists who have since died must thank their ancestors for calling them before we set our hands on them and it is going to be sorrowful to those whose lives will be spared until Mthwakazi is free.
They will wish they would have died long back too. The world will learn from their case what equals the cold blooded massacre of innocent people.
By Nomusa Garikai- This Zanu PF regime blatantly rigging the corona virus statistics with disastrous consequences to us all!
“The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability,” stated the EU Zimbabwe 2018 Election Observer Mission final report.
“(In the period 9 June to 25 July 2020) We have recorded 8 deaths out of 60 patents who were admitted in the red zone,” a source at Parirenyatwa Hospital told New Zimbabwe.
“Of the bodies that were brought in dead, 13 tested positive for Covid-19.”
So, Parirenyatwa Hospital alone (not counting the covid-19 deaths from any of the other hospitals in Harare such as Harare Hospital, Avenues Clinic, Chitungwiza Hospital, Wilkins Hospital, etc.) had 21 deaths.
And yet as of today Tuesday 28th July 2020 Zimbabwe had a total of 40 corona virus related deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The breakdown by Province was as follows:
Harare Province 10
Bulawayo Province 17
Manicaland Province 4
Midlands Province 3
Matabeleland North Province 2
Mashonaland Central Province 1
Mashonaland East Province 1
Mashonaland West Province 1
Matabeleland South Province 1
Masvingo Province 0
Total 40
So, the official death toll of Harare Province is less than half the death toll of Parerinyatwa Hospital alone!
We know that most hospitals and clinics up and down the country have not been testing aggressively all those with covid-19 like symptoms and, as we can see with the Parerinyatwa Hospital, not all their reported covid-19 confirmed cases and deaths have been included in the national total. In short, Zimbabwe’s covid-19 reports, just like the July 2018 election results, are full of errors.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has been under reporting the covid-19 confirmed cases and deaths.
Zanu PF blatantly rigged the July 2018 elections for the sole purpose of securing election victory. Zanu PF won the commanding 2/3 majority in parliament and Senate plus the party’s candidate, Emmerson Mnangagwa, won the presidency.
The consequence of rigging the elections was to confirm the country as a pariah state ruled by corrupt and lawless thugs and to drive away investors and lenders away. No one wants to do business with thugs, period. And so the economic meltdown, which had started in earnest following the violence seizure of the white-owned farms and the money printing crazy that fuelled inflation to soar to 500 billion per cent, has continued.
Zanu PF is under reporting the corona virus cases in the country for the sole purpose of hiding the regime’s blundering incompetence in the handling of the virus and how hopeless ill-prepared the country is to deal with the pandemic.
South Africa whose population is 4 times that of Zimbabwe has raced ahead with 471 128 confirmed corona virus cases and 7 497 deaths compared to Zimbabwe’s 2 817 confirmed cases and 40 deaths.
If the Zimbabwe government had been testing, tracing and tracking as aggressively as it should then the country’s covid-19 figures would be ¼ of those of SA, at the very best. SA is certainly better equipped to deal with the corona virus pandemic than Zimbabwe. SA’s economy and its health care service are strong compared to those of Zimbabwe which have all but collapse before the covid-19 outbreak.
By under reporting the corona virus cases by a factor of over 40 times makes good reading but it also engenders a false sense of security amongst the populous, who would carry on with their lives without taking even the most basic precaution on the mistaken believe there is no virus. Meanwhile the virus would be spreading far and wide.
Zimbabwe is a very secretive society, most health institutions, media houses, etc. are aware government is under reporting of covid-19 cases and, fearful of Zanu PF reprisal, are saying nothing. And so Zanu PF will get away with the lie the country had a few thousand covid-19 deaths when true figure is hundreds of times that!
Zanu PF blatantly rigged the July 2018 elections and now the party is blatantly under stating the seriousness of the corona virus in Zimbabwe. Under stating the seriousness of the virus is going to cost many, many lives; the party must be held to account for this!
By A Correspondent| Police and soldiers are moving around the Central Business District of Harare instructing shops to close with those walking around being asked to produce letters confirming they are part of the essential services.
ZimEye witnessed soldiers and police officers chasing away people who were queuing at one of the local banks along First Street.
Most of the shops did not open today with the few including pharmacies also instructed to close.
Easipark parking marshalls who had reported for duty have also been told to stop working and have already left the CBD.
By A Correspondent| Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume will have to spend more time in jail after the hearing of his bail appeal was postponed to Monday to allow the State to file a response to his bail application.
The State told Justice Tawanda Chitapi that it undertakes to file its response by close of business on Friday.
Justice Chitapi even queried the reasons compelling the State to request for a postponement to which the stand in State representative said the request was made by Mr Reza.
ROME– With COVID-19 aggravating an already severe hunger crisis in Zimbabwe, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today appealed for an additional US$250 million to support a rapidly expanding emergency operation for millions at-risk.
WFP projections indicate that by year’s end, the number of food insecure Zimbabweans will have surged by almost 50 percent to touch 8.6 million – a staggering 60 percent of the population – owing to the combined effects of drought, economic recession and the pandemic.
“Many Zimbabwean families are suffering the ravages of acute hunger, and their plight will get worse before it gets better”, said Lola Castro, WFP’s Regional Director for Southern Africa. “We need the international community to step up now to help us prevent a potential humanitarian catastrophe.”
A nationwide lockdown, reinforced last week, has precipitated massive joblessness in urban areas, while rural hunger is accelerating because now unemployed migrants are returning to their villages and the absence of the vital remittances they provided is more keenly felt.
Subsistence farming families who make up three-quarters of Zimbabwe’s population and produce most of its food are also hurting because of a third successive drought-hit harvest this year. It yielded only 1.1 million MT of maize, the staple cereal, well down on last year’s already poor 2.4 million MT and less than half the national requirement. This, in turn, presages even more severe hunger in early 2021, the peak of the next “lean” season.
Hyperinflation is a feature of the country’s profound economic crisis and has pushed the prices of basics beyond the means of many Zimbabweans. Last month, maize prices more than doubled in Harare, the capital. Increasingly desperate families are eating less, selling off precious belongings and going into debt.
With maize set to be an increasingly untenable crop in many arid regions of the country as temperatures rise, WFP is promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant, nutritious and indigenous alternatives like sorghum and millet. This is part of a broader campaign to help vulnerable communities build resilience to increasingly frequent and severe climate shocks.
Donations permitting, WFP intends to assist 4 million of the most vulnerable this year – those suffering “crisis” and “emergency” hunger – and scale up to 5 million in January-April next year, the peak of the lean season.
As the already dire situation worsens, more contributions are urgently needed. This month, for lack of funding, WFP will only reach 700,000 of 1.8 million intended recipients.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned the organisers of illegal demonstrations being planned by the opposition and the country’s detractors that security services will be on high alert to respond to any mischief.
Speaking at the 342nd ZANU Politburo session, Mnangagwa said the planned insurrection of July 31 2020 is connected to the violence and destabilisation that opposition elements have fomented since 2018, including the August 2018 violence and the violent disturbances of January 2019 which led to the loss of lives.
He said Zanu PF as the people’s party, will never allow people to be put in harm’s way.
“It must never be in doubt that the objective of these rogue Zimbabweans acting as in cahoots with foreign appendages, supporters, and financiers to stage an insurrection to overthrow our democratically elected Government.
“We will equally defend our Independence and sovereignty to the letter and not betray the fallen heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“I want to warn the organisers of this ill-fated demonstrations that our security services will be vigilant and on high alert to appropriately respond to their shenanigans.”
