In the video footage below, MDC Alliance deputy president Tendai Biti describes Emmerson Mnangagwa as “an angel of stealing”

Watch full video below :

Passion Java’s brother, Simbarashe has revealed deep secrets about the cleric.

He has also refuted claims that he is leading a reckless life in South Africa.

Watch video loading below. ..

THE Covid-19 death toll has jumped to 13 following the death of three people in Harare on Thursday and one person from Matabeleland North yesterday as confirmed cases climbed to 942.

Harare leads in the national Covid-19 death toll with six people having succumbed to the virus.

On Thursday, 41 new Covid-19 cases were recorded, 36 of them local transmissions while 16 more were recorded on Friday.

The three new deaths at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospitals were posthumously confirmed.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care daily report of July 9, said from the 51 cases recorded in Bulawayo on Wednesday, 21 of them were health workers and 18 of them work at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).

“To date the total number of confirmed cases is 942 including 320 recovered, 609 active cases, and 13 deaths since the onset of the outbreak on March 20 2020,” reads the report.

UBH acting chief executive officer Dr Narcissus Dzvanga said in light of escalating Covid-19 cases, members of the public should adhere to laid down prevention measures including wearing of masks.

He said the country is expected to start recording increased cases due to the winter season.
“People should take due caution.

I’m one advocate for wearing a mask at all times not just in public places. Hand hygiene plays a big role in the control of this virus. It’s a winter virus and this is the time for it to raise its ugly head.

It’s worrying that it is affecting our staff but this is where we are supposed to find it. It was going to be more deadly if we are to find such numbers in the community.

But if it is in a treatment centre, this is one of the occupational risks that are there and we have to rise and ensure that there is appropriate PPEs,” he said-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- A concerned citizen, using the Twitter handle, @sbusisoStephen, says the Zimbabwean government is not serious at all in dealing with COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.

Khumalo narrates an incident which resulted in his wife, who works at a private surgery, contracting the virus and possibly passing it on to dozens of people who visited the surgery and also on the bus as she uses public transport from home to work and vice versa.

He wrote:

My wife works at a private surgery in Zimbabwe.

On the 28 of June, a sick person was admitted at their surgery the patient spent 1 night in surgery. The day shift workers who were direct contact to the patient are 4 including my wife.

On that day my wife used public transport to go home because of fuel shortages and other workers also used public transport (overloaded ZUPCO buses).

On 29 June that is the following day the patient became very sick and they suspect COVID-19.

The taskforce team came and took the patient. The surgery continued it’s business, as usual, treating other patients. All workers who were in direct contact with the patient continued their duties (they came to work with ZUPCO went home with ZUPCO).

On 30 June the report came that the patient who was taken by the COVID-19 taskforce has passed away (MHSRP) and he was COVID-19 positive. The taskforce ordered the surgery to be closed and disinfected.

The workers were not told of what’s happening and the following day they work up went to work using ZUPCO, only to find closed surgery and the task force waiting for them to give the names of people visited the surgery, after the infected person.

The taskforce asked all workers to go for self-quarantine and be tested after 7 days. The taskforce did not provide transport therefore the workers use ZUPCO busses.

My wife was self-quarantining for 7days. On day 7, the task force came and tested her. On day 9 the results came and she tested positive for COVID 19.

The reality is that the government is not serious about fighting COVID-19.

-Statemedia

WATCH- CHAOS AT MDC ALLIANCE OFFICES IN KWEKWE AS @DrThoko_Khupe SUPPORTERS ARE CHASED AWAY "PANO NDEPA CHAMISA HATIITE ZVA THOKO, DOUGIE" pic.twitter.com/Ge5aoVIM3n

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 11, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) representatives have expressed concern over the state of affairs at some quarantine centres in the country.

Superintendent Batsirai Mungwa, who is responsible for police operations in Matabeleland South province, told a Matabeleland South provincial Covid-19 taskforce committee meeting on Wednesday that there is a need to beef up security at the centres. He said:

There is a huge challenge when it comes to quarantine centres in the province as some don’t have proper security systems such as locks on the doors and perimeter fences.

For example, Pangani Training Centre in Filabusi doesn’t have a perimeter fence which means that those under quarantine can have contact with the community.

The loopholes in the security system allow returnees to escape. A day ago, two fled from Pangani Training Centre. There is a need for the department responsible to look into upgrading the security systems as soon as possible.

Lieutenant Melissa Mandudye from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) revealed that military personnel do not have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) yet they are tasked with dealing with some people infected by the novel coronavirus.

She said:

Our officers who are stationed at quarantine centres have a challenge as they don’t have the necessary protective clothing.

They are only operating with masks and sanitisers yet they have to monitor and supervise people that are Covid-19 positive which then puts them at risk.

Only workers from the Ministry of Health and Child Care are being catered for when it comes to the provision of PPE.

For example, if an officer comes across a Covid-19 patient attempting to escape and confronts him or her, the individual just threatens to cough on the officer and the officer immediately stops advancing.

There is therefore urgent need to equip all those working at quarantine centres with adequate PPE to enable them to effectively carry out their duties.

-statemedia

When I was growing up K. Moyana was the Governor of the Reserve Bank. That man never made a public speech. Most of us never knew how he looked. The only thing we knew about him was his signature on bank notes. He was leadership.

— Raisedon Baya (@RaisedonB) July 10, 2020

A Bulawayo based nurse has produced a moving poem on the plight of nurses in Zimbabwe.

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

ANA

At least 209 people have escaped from compulsory quarantine for returning residents in Zimbabwe, state media reported.

The police have managed to arrest 28 people who escaped from quarantine centres countrywide. On Monday, 10 returnees, two of them Covid-19 positive, escaped from quarantine centres countrywide, The Herald reported.

Two Covid-19-positive people escaped from Pangani Training Centre in Matabeleland South, seven escaped from Bulawayo Polytechnic and the 10th escaped from Mushagashe Training Centre in Masvingo.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police were concerned about the increase in the numbers of escapees.

He said investigations were under way to determine how these people were escaping from the centres.

“We still believe that they are taking advantage of the porous security fences and walls at some of these institutions and other surroundings that don’t have lights.”

Daily newspaper The Chronicle reported that the police and army were worried about the conditions at quarantine centres because they made it easy for the coronavirus to spread.

Superintendent Batsirai Mungwa, who is responsible for police operations in Matabeleland South province, said there was a need to set up proper security systems at quarantine centres.

He said some returnees were taking advantage of security loopholes to escape from quarantine centres.

“There is a huge challenge when it comes to quarantine centres in the province as some don’t have proper security systems such as locks on the doors and perimeter fences. For example, Pangani Training Centre in Filabusi doesn’t have a perimeter fence, which means that those under quarantine can have contact with the community,” he said.

He said it was also difficult to provide enough personnel to guard these areas as police had other duties, such as manning roadblocks.

People returning to Zimbabwe from other countries are first placed under quarantine as part of measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the government has banned churches from conducting services in schools, stating that they are increasing the chances of spreading the virus when schools open later this month.

Churches were recently allowed to resume services albeit under strict conditions, including adherence to physical distancing, use of hand sanitisers, temperature testing and limiting the number of congregants to 50.

THE ruling Zanu-PF party yesterday said it would deal harshly with the planned protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government on July 31, evoking memories of killings by the army of civilians in 2018 and January last year.

Six civilians were shot dead in the post-election violence on August 1, 2018, while human rights groups say 17 people were killed by security agents during the protests against an increase in the price of fuel in January last year.

Zanu-PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa told journalists after a politburo meeting that anyone protesting should be aware of the risk.

“We have noted social media platforms to plan and organise violent protests and overthrow a constitutionally elected government,” he said.

“Let me say to (MDC Alliance leader Nelson) Chamisa and those who are calling for demonstrations on July 31, what happened (protesting) on August 1, 2018 will not happen again, what happened on January 16, 2019 will not happen again.

“We want to send this warning loud and clear to Chamisa that whatever you’re threatening on July 31, we say, come to the front and face the risk.”

Zimbabweans have seen their incomes and savings being eroded by rising inflation for the second time in a decade and accuse Mnangagwa of failing to live up to his pre-election promise to revive the economy and of returning to the dark days under his predecessor Robert Mugabe by using the military to crush dissent.

Mnangagwa promised a clean break from the Mugabe era, who was removed in a coup by his military chiefs in November 2017, but is accused of sending the army to conduct night raids, and beating suspected opposition activists in the townships in previous protests.

Opposition Transform Zimbabwe president Jacob Ngarivhume is leading the campaign, which has been endorsed by several opposition leaders including Chamisa.

“To Chamisa, we say don’t be a coward, you are always never found in front. If you do whatever you are threatening, come to front and face the risks,” Chinamasa challenged.

“Our cadres are there to take on anybody who attacks the government. Zanu-PF members will have the right to defend our homes, people and properties. He should not be cowardly, let him come in front and face it.”

He added: “We thank the organisers of the July 31 protests for warning us because as Zanu-PF, we were sleeping with all eyes closed, but now, we will sleep with one eye closed and the other opened.”

Addressing the politburo, Mnangagwa warned of the possible tightening of lockdown measures in what observers say was a move aimed at foiling the protests.

“Although there is a visible spike in the number of positive cases, largely due to returnees, we shall continue to strengthen our preventive measures as well as our testing and contact tracing capacity,” Mnangagwa said.

“I urge the party (Zanu-PF) to continue to be in the forefront of raising the awareness levels in our communities of the dangers of this pandemic. The recent rapid spike of infections requires that we make another review of the lockdown of the COVID-19 lockdown measures.”

Chinamasa also claimed there was weaponisation of social media to vilify Mnangagwa and his family. He insisted schools would reopen on July 28.

–NewsDay

Former ZANU PF politburo member and leader of opposition United Democratic Alliance, Dr Daniel Shumba has warned the Zimbabwean masses against being used again by politicians, this time to remove the incumbent government.

We present Shumba’s Twitter thread in full below:

The Second Rape!
Important to examine the 31st July second coup (sugar-coated as a citizen uprising). The advocates are known associates and practitioners of the Zanu PF regime, but now acting as proxies of the Junta in a forced change of guard. Non will say #ZanupfMustGo

Citizens must refuse to be used by the Military to remove @edmnangagwa and his tribesmen in a calculated move to create a (National Transitional Authority) NTA led by either @CGChiwanga_ or @MinisterSBMoyo. Refuse to be used in Season 2 of the Coup. The activities of a rogue Pastor mustn’t be underestimated.

The Junta aren’t God to determine who rules Zimbabwe. This is an alliance some churchmen, coup conspirators, corrupt gurus, unconstitutional peddlers, and serious human rights abusers. No reforms can be expected from these thugs. When God is in it no man will get the credit.

Nothing less than a #ZanupfMustGo action is tolerable. No Military initiative or entitlement should be acceptable. An NTA can’t be superintendent by the captors and proxies. We need sophisticated minds to unpack the current conspiracy.

An uprising is never deliberate nor do you give a Warning Order. It’s driven by a deep resolve and anger and is instantaneous. I challenge the proxies to disprove that the 31st July isn’t an attempt to rape citizens the second time, but with a promise of marriage.

If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’… the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.” 2 Kings 7v4..

But can’t be led by associates of the Arameans. That’s the cracks!

Zimbabwe’s ruling party said it will expel Old Mutual Ltd. from its financial system, sowing confusion over the status of the insurance giant in the country and what will happen next in the government’s battle to fix its chaotic currency system.

The highest decision-making body of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front on Friday said it endorsed a decision to “eject Old Mutual from the financial system” and to shut down the country’s biggest mobile-money platform, Ecocash. The institutions have caused “runaway inflation through illegal parallel exchange-market rates,” the party’s acting spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa, said after the meeting in Harare.

The government wants to stop companies from using differences in the 175-year-old insurer’s share prices in London, Johannesburg and Harare to determine a potential forward rate for the currency. Measures that were being considered included suspending Old Mutual’s shares from the local bourse, having the securities traded in dollars, or moving it to a planned foreign-exchange based market, people familiar with the matter said earlier this month.

“When they say it is ejected, I’m not sure what he means,” said Lloyd Mlotshwa, the head of equities at Harare-based IH Securities. “I’m not sure it’s a delisting yet, at this point it’s a confusing statement.”

Chinamasa didn’t give further details or respond to calls and text messages from Bloomberg seeking comment.

The local stock exchange has been shut for two weeks after security forces forced the government to cease trading and halt most mobile-money transactions, people familiar with the matter said last month. Clive Mphambela, a Treasury spokesman, declined to comment. A spokesperson for Old Mutual in Johannesburg didn’t respond to calls and a text message seeking comment. Nick Mangwana, a government spokesman, didn’t immediately reply to a text message.

A perennial shortage of cash means anyone who has banknotes is able to negotiate exchange rates with brokers who pay the funds onto mobile-money platforms. The brokers can then sell the hard cash at an even higher rate. The Old Mutual Implied Rate values the Zimbabwean dollar at 122 against the greenback, compared with a black-market rate of about 100, and Friday’s closing price of 65.8765. The government in June abandoned a peg of 25:1 that was put in place in March.
Share Inspections

Justin Bgoni, the chief executive officer of the stock exchange, said he is aware of the comments from the ruling party, but wasn’t sure what it implied and would rather wait for official communication from authorities before commenting.

Sean Gammon, managing director of Harare-based Imara Edwards Securities Pvt Ltd. said the comments by Zanu-PF were probably directed at delisting Old Mutual rather than its removal from the entire financial services sector. Old Mutual spans banking, property and insurance in the country.

The last communication received from authorities was that inspections would be conducted into stockbroker trades in the coming days, he said. Once concluded, trading should resume.

A concerned citizen, using the Twitter handle, @sbusisoStephen, says the Zimbabwean government is not serious at all in dealing with COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.

Khumalo narrates an incident which resulted in his wife, who works at a private surgery, contracting the virus and possibly passing it on to dozens of people who visited the surgery and also on the bus as she uses public transport from home to work and vice versa.

He wrote:

My wife works at a private surgery in Zimbabwe.

On the 28 of June, a sick person was admitted at their surgery the patient spent 1 night in surgery. The day shift workers who were direct contact to the patient are 4 including my wife.

On that day my wife used public transport to go home because of fuel shortages and other workers also used public transport (overloaded ZUPCO busses)

On 29 June that is the following day the patient became very sick and they suspect COVID-19.

The taskforce team came and took the patient. The surgery continued it’s business, as usual, treating other patients. All workers who were in direct contact with the patient continued their duties (they came to work with ZUPCO went home with ZUPCO).

On 30 June the report came that the patient who was taken by the COVID-19 taskforce has passed away (MHSRP) and he was COVID-19 positive. The taskforce ordered the surgery to be closed and disinfected.

The workers were not told of what’s happening and the following day they work up went to work using ZUPCO, only to find closed surgery and the task force waiting for them to give the names of people visited the surgery, after the infected person.

The taskforce asked all workers to go for self-quarantine and be tested after 7 days. The taskforce did not provide transport therefore the workers use ZUPCO busses.

My wife was self-quarantining for 7days. On day 7, the task force came and tested her. On day 9 the results came and she tested positive for COVID 19.

The reality is that the government is not serious about fighting COVID-19.

More: Sbusiso Khumalo on Twitter compiled by Pindula

Passion Java’s brother, Simba Java, is spilling more beans on his brother’s financial scandals.

Watch video downloading below as he expresses his shock on his “Man Of God” brother.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

https://youtu.be/C9wvX5RSE8k

The Health Services Board (HSB) has reportedly fired all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in government hospitals in a ‘restructuring exercise’.

HSB Board Chair Paulinos Sikhosana told Health Times that the restructuring was meant to bring sanity in all public health institutions. Said Sikhosana:

There is a restructuring going to improve efficiency effectiveness and integrity, so that’s the only statement that I can tell you.

Zimbabwe’s public health system is in a bind, the health minister Obadiah Moyo was fired recently for allegedly awarding tenders for medicines and consumables worth US$60 million to a company which had failed due diligence.

Nurses have been on an indefinite strike demanding better remuneration while the number of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 is increasing daily with cases nearing 1 000.

More: Health Times

An official ZANU PF party supporters Twitter page has decided to use former President Robert Mugabe to issue threats ahead of the July 31 Protests.

Watch video downloading below of Mugabe’s early 80s video threatening Joshua Nkomo which the current ZANU PF had adopted to issue threats against the protest.

The right to overthrow a constitutionally elected Govt does not exist in Zimbabwe.

Try it and you will be firmly dealt with. pic.twitter.com/zrTbUpoTSa

— ?? ZANU PF PATRIOTS ?? (@zanupf_patriots) July 11, 2020

TWO freelance journalists on Thursday 9 pleaded not guilty when their trial on charges of failing to comply with instructions issued by some Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members to observe social distancing rules between themselves and some detained victims of abduction and torture commenced at Mbare Magistrates Court.

The two freelance journalists Frank Chikowore aged 39 years and Samuel Takawira aged 29 years entered a not guilty plea when their trial commenced before Mbare Magistrate Kudzai Hove.

Chikowore and Takawira were arrested on Friday 22 May 2020 by some ZRP members at Parktown Hospital in Waterfalls suburb in Harare while allegedly filming and interviewing some victims of abduction and torture and charged with contravening section 5(3)(c) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020.

Prosecutors claimed that Chikowore and Takawira, who are represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe and Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) refused to observe the social distancing rule after being ordered to do so by Collin Makore, a police officer, who was on duty in contravention of the law.

According to prosecutors, the journalists allegedly sneaked into the High Dependency Unit at Parktown Hospital to interview Harare West legislator Hon. Joannah Mamombe and MDC Alliance party youth leaders Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, who were hospitalised at the medical facility after they were abducted and disappeared and tortured by some yet to be identified people.

During trial, prosecutors led evidence from Makore aged 46 years while Stewart Ephram, who is employed as an assistant administrator at Parktown Hospital will give testimony on Thursday 16 July 2020, where the journalists’ trial continues.

Meanwhile, ZRP members on Thursday 9 July 2020 set free two freelance journalists Panashe Makufa and Prichard Mahove after they had been arrested on the same day and charged with disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

ZRP members accused Makufa of instructing Mahove to take pictures of two police officers who were walking from Mbare Magistrates Court to Mbare Police Camp.

Makufa and Mahove were released into the custody of their lawyers Idirashe Chikomba and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR with ZRP members telling them that the law enforcement agents will summon them to appear in court if they intend to proceed with prosecuting them.

Source: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

Walter Magaya feels the heat of criminal proceedings-spokesperson announces "Take note of this, there are not, that we are not selling any products in Planet Africa, because the licence is not yet out. Be reminded that, all the money that you contributed was widely used." -ZimEye pic.twitter.com/4ksKPAeoDd

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 11, 2020

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is undertaking a 20-day public order management training for its officers ahead of the anti-corruption demonstrations planned for July 31 by some political parties and pressure groups.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of Transform Zimbabwe party, is at the forefront in calling for the mass protests and his call has been endorsed by the MDC Alliance, Godfrey Tsenengamu, a former ZANU PF official, and Shingi Munyeza, an advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Below is police bosses’ communication to Nkulumane police station, Bulawayo.

Farai Dziva|Former Zanu PF youth leader, Godfrey Tsenengamu has claimed members of the ruling party will join the July 31 protests.

According to Tsenengamu, the majority of Zanu PF members are willing to participate in the protests against corruption.

Tsenengamu, quoted by Daily News said:

The whole nation is in agreement against what the looters are doing.

They will be surprised that on July 31, the majority of Zanu PF members are going to be part of the protest against corruption. We are talking with some senior Zanu PF members.

Some are even … telling us that they are tired of corruption … we are working with them. Wait and see how many people are going to come out from Zanu PF who will be supporting this protest. There are many.

This is not about factions, it’s about people who are victims of corruption.

Calls for Zimbabweans to join the July 31 July demonstration are increasing. Watch video downloading below on the motivation to attend the demonstration.

Please be patient while the video downloads

Two staff members from a Covid-19 centre at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in the capital tested positive with the virus, the hospital said on Saturday.

On Wednesday, 21 health workers from a Bulawayo Hospital who had been in contact with confirmed Covid-19 patients, also tested positive.

In a statement, the hospital said the two workers who tested positive for Covid-19 were isolated and being monitored.

“Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals would like to inform the public that two of the 26 staff members who had just completed one of their shifts in our Covid-19 Centre tested positive for SARD- Cov-2.

“Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has three teams working in the Covid-19 centre and this had occurred in one of the teams, the team had just completed their second weekly shift and underwent the routine testing on the 8th day after their shift while in mandatory quarantine.

“Those who tested positive were immediately transferred to a designated isolation facility where they are getting appropriate care. The rest of the team members remain in quarantine awaiting further testing on the 14th day,” said the Hospital.

Zimbabwe now has 942 confirmed cases of Covid-19 after 16 people tested positive on Friday.

These included 8 returnees and 8 locals who never travelled outside the country.

The country also recorded one Covid-19 death, bringing the toll to 13 after a 63-year old woman from Matabeleland North province was detected through routine post mortem.

Zimbabwe is currently under level 2 of the lockdown meant to curb the sporadic spread of Covid-19 among citizens.

On Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa hinted on the need to re-tighten the lockdown regulations following the spike in Covid-19 infections.

Nyasa Times/SABC News

Newly installed Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s motorcade was involved in a suspicious road accident on Saturday as he was travelling from Blantyre to Lilongwe.

Chilima’s spokesman Pilirani Phiri confirmed about the accident and said the Vice President is believed to be fine though highly placed sources within the new goverment believe that the accident was an assassination attempt on the new Vice President.

“The accident involved one vehicle on the convoy which had a head on collision with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction, a Toyota Vitz which had four people on board, two of them are feared dead.

“The other two have been rushed to hospital together with the driver of the vehicle on the convoy. The Vice President was not affected in any way and he is fine,” said Phiri.

Balaka police officers are on the ground gathering detailed information.

Watch SABC News report on the accident in the video below.

MDC Alliance information officer, Fadzai Mahere, is hosting MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti in a no holds barred discussion on the corruption and looting by the ruling ZANU PF party.

Watch the discussion in the video downloading below. Please be patient while the video downloads.

Own Correspondent| Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has accused opposition MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, of planning the 31 July protests.

Chinamasa warned that Advocate Chamisa could face the music together with his followers.

Addressing journalists after the Zanu PF politburo meeting, Chinamasa said as a party they would not allow a repeat of the 1 August 2018 and 14 January 2019 situation where protesters targeted government and private property for destruction.

He accused Chamisa of being a coward who should this time ‘come in front and face the music’ instead of being absent from the place of action.

“We have also noted that social media platforms are being used to organize violent demonstrations aimed at overthrowing our constitutionally constituted government.

Those doing so must stand warned and the law will not hesitate to deal with them,” said Chinamasa.

Chinamasa repeats @nelsonchamisa three times linking the MDC President to Tsenengamu's 31July Demo. ZANU PF threatens Chamisa with 1 Aug style military crackdown pic.twitter.com/kYEJEFU5Re

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 10, 2020

Two members of staff at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals’ COVID-19 Centre have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus which causes the respiratory illness, COVID-19.

In a public notice this Saturday, the hospital said the two staff members were among 26 health workers who had just completed one of their shifts at the centre.

The two have since been transferred to a designated isolation facility where they are getting appropriate care.

Parirenyatwa Hospital issued the following notice:

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals would like to inform the public that 2 out of the 26 staff members who had just completed one of their shifts in our COVID-19 Centre tested positive for SARS-Cov-2.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has three teams working in the COVID-19 Centre and this has occurred in one of the teams.

The team had just completed their second weekly shift and underwent the routine testing on the 8th day after their shift while in mandatory quarantine.

Those who tested positive were immediately transferred to a designated isolation facility where they are getting appropriate care. The rest of the team members remain in quarantine awaiting further testing on the 14th day. The hospitals’ Psychosocial Support team is working closely with the team.

All staff members working in the COVID-19 Centre went through rigorous training on donning, doffing, appropriate Infection Prevention and Control Protocols and they are putting on the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment according to WHO Standards. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the infection.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals follows WHO and National Guidelines on contact tracing, follow-up, treatment and isolation measures.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday said the arrest and successful prosecution of all corrupt officials regardless of rank and connections must be the new normal.

In a televised address to mark Africa Anti-Corruption Day, President Mnangagwa said his government continues to prioritize the fight against corruption as evidenced by the arrest and conviction of government officials.

Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo was the latest serving Cabinet Minister to be nabbed for allegedly awarding tenders for medicines and consumables worth US$60 million to a company which had failed due diligence.

He was subsequently fired from government.

Former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge was also jailed for two and half years for corruptly awarding a public relations contract to a firm for the Zimbabwe Power Company, without going to tender.

Former Environment and Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira is being tried for allegedly defrauding the National Social Security Authority of US$85 million.

But President Mnangagwa said there is ample evidence of his administration’s resolve to crack down on corruption.

“The culture of long, drawn-out prosecutions and the “catch and release syndrome” must come to an end. The arrest and successful prosecution of corrupt “big and small fish” alike, must be the new normal,” warned President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa challenged the private sector, civil society, political parties, churches and other socio-economic groups to cultivate integrity and high ethical standards in the execution of their various functions.

“Members of the criminal justice system and those in institutions tasked to fight corruption must improve on the investigation into, and prosecution of, corruption cases. They must be above reproach and must ensure that all cases of corruption within their rank and file are thoroughly investigated, with corrupt officials punished,” he said.

The President used the opportunity to launch the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2020-2024, a roadmap in the fight against corruption in Zimbabwe.

President Mnangagwa noted the involvement of the public and private sectors, Civil Society Organizations, trade and industry, media and professional societies, among others, in the development of the Anti-Corruption Strategy.

“I urge us to continue with this unity of purpose, and to rid ourselves of “them and us” mentality. The perception that corruption only occurs in the public sector will only slow us down in fighting corruption in other sectors of our economy.

“As we go forward, the anti-corruption fight must be anchored at the community level, and must deal with both sides of corrupt practices, that is, the “givers” and the “receivers”,” he said.

He urged Parliament to expedite the development of legislation that protects whistle-blowers.

“Let me reassure the Nation that my Government will continue to weed out and eradicate corruption. No one is above the law,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa has been in wide spread allegations that he influences the granting of bail to his cronies in government and Zanu PF arrested on corruption charges.

The President has been on an anti-corruption drive and has vowed to rid-off high level corrupt acts in government including arresting senior government or ruling party officials. However, critics say he is not doing enough to curb the vice and was interfering with the courts to release his arrested cronies.

Several senior government officials have been arrested this year and most of them are now out on bail.

One curious ‘arrest’ was that of former Transport Minister Joram Gumbo who was picked up by ZACC facing corruption charges but was released the same day with no charges laid against him. Mnangagwa was accused of having influenced ZACC to release him.

A South Africa-based Zimbabwean single mother is seeking R20 000 for medical treatment of her visually impaired 18-month-old baby suffering from hydrocephalus.

The condition causes an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in baby Liam Dube’s brain.

He requires constant draining of the fluid from his head but this has been hampered by shortage of funds.

Liam’s mother Ms Lisa Dube is struggling to meet her son’s medical needs as she is not employed and needs to constantly watch over him.

The minor has had three medical operations and some have caused complications that have caused the boy to become blind.

Liam’s father is said to have walked out of his son’s life.

Ms Dube does not qualify for South Africa’s medical grants because she is a foreigner.

Touched by Liam’s situation a Mr Shobane Mgwenya has initiated a GoFundme to drum up support for the baby’s medical bill.

Those who wish to donate to the initiative can also deposit funds in Capitec Account 1645390118.

Mr Mgwenya said he took the initiative to fundraise for the baby because his sibling died of the same disease.

FOUR inmates and one prison officer at Bulawayo Prison have tested positive for Covid-19 prompting authorities to conduct mass testing for everyone at the prison and disinfecting the complex.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) reacted swiftly to scale up containment measures for the deadly pandemic that has infected more than 12 million people worldwide and killed about 550 000.

Visitors for inmates have been banned with immediate effect countrywide.
ZPCS yesterday officially launched its Covid-19 operational plan, which is aligned to the national health guidelines.

The plan offers overall guidance on how to manage confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19 at the country’s prisons.

The prison officer who tested positive at Bulawayo Prison was immediately placed on self-isolation while the inmates were taken to a separate cell.

The exact number of prison officers and inmates who came into contact with the five confirmed cases was not immediately availed.

There are, however, more than 100 prison officers and 100 inmates at Bulawayo Prison.

The latest development comes soon after 18 health personnel working in the same ward at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) tested positive for Covid-19 after allegedly attending to an infected patient.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) health services director Dr Evidence Gaka said it was not yet clear how the quintet at Bulawayo Prison contracted the virus.

“There are five confirmed cases of Covid-19 at Bulawayo Prison involving four inmates and a prison officer. As contained in our ZPCS operational plan, the officers who are infected self-isolate at their homes and in the invent that it is not practical for them to self-isolate, we have other measures that we put in place,” he said.

Dr Gaka said inmates were isolated in separate cells specifically reserved for those infected with the virus and that is exactly what was done for Bulawayo Prison inmates.

“The Covid-19 operational plan spells out our priorities and it has eight pillars which spell out what needs to be done in the event of Covid-19. It also helps us in terms of the implementation of prevention and control measures. As a country, we have a Zimbabwe Covid-19 operational plan and as ZPCS we have crafted a similar document which is aligned to the national plan,” said Dr Gaka.

He said they were working with the Bulawayo provincial task force on Covid-19, which is spearheaded by the acting Provincial Medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo in the mass testing exercise and disinfection of the Bulawayo Prison.

“We are in the process of testing everyone at Bulawayo Prison because everyone else becomes a contact for those five confirmed cases. It is not something that will be done overnight, it is a process because we are talking of more than 200 prison officers and inmates combined. We have banned outside visitors for inmates,” he said.
Dr Gaka said the ZPCS was working with the acting provincial medical director to mobilise the required resources for testing and the manpower.

“We are also in the process of disinfecting the entire building as part of prevention and infection control mechanisms as contained in our operational plan,” he said.
Dr Gaka said they also require personal protective equipment (PPE) such as specialised face masks.

In line with Covid-19 prevention measures to minimise the risk of local transmissions, Cabinet recently resolved that all positive patients be placed in an isolation facility as some people were not adhering to procedures while at home.

Zimbabwe recorded 98 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday with 47 of them being local transmissions, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 885, sparking fierce debate on whether or not to return to total shutdown especially in Harare and Bulawayo, two cities with the highest numbers.

Most of the people who had been testing positive for Covid-19 in Zimbabwe were those returning home from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, the United Kingdom and the US among other countries.

By A Correspondent- Passion Java’s brother Simba has blasted his own brother for telling everyone to stop helping him exposing that Passion is a fraudster whose source of income he will expose at 7pm tonight.

He said:

“I am not after anything that belongs to Passion. I just want to go home. I do not understand why Passion is telling everyone to stop helping me…I am not the person whom he is saying i am.

And it is not true that i was approached by Simba Chikanza from ZimEye and paid some money. It is not true!

Rather it was me who approached him (Simba Chikanza) and asked for help.

Passion told me not to say anything promising that he will take me to Dubai and give me a thousand US$.

The condition was that i must apologise to the world publicly. Passion is cruel..”

Watch the live video loading below……

LEAKED- JITTERY ED INVESTS IN POLICE TRAINING AHEAD OF JULY 31 DEMO pic.twitter.com/V8yV4nXhdB

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 11, 2020

ENGLAND WORLD CUP legend Jack Charlton has died aged 85 after a long-term illness. The former centre-back was part of the legendary squad that won the World Cup in 1966 along with younger brother Bobby.

The legend – who also went on to be a hugely popular manager of the Republic of Ireland – died peacefully yesterday at his home in Northumberland with his family by his side.

The Leeds United great had been diagnosed with lymphoma last year and had also been battling dementia.

In a statement, his family said: “As well as a friend to many, he was a much-adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“We cannot express how proud we are of the extraordinary life he led and the pleasure he brought to so many people in different countries and from all walks of life.

“He was a thoroughly honest, kind, funny and genuine man who always had time for people.

“His loss will leave a huge hole in all our lives but we are thankful for a lifetime of happy memories.”

Jack spent his entire club career at Leeds United from 1950 to 1973 – making 773 appearances.

The club today said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, saying the legend passed away after a “long-term illness”.

England’s Jack Charlton, right, holds the Jules Rimet trophy aloft as he parades it around Wembley Stadium with teammate Bobby Moore following their 4-2 win over West Germany, July 30, 1966. (Associated Press)
Central defender Charlton, older brother of former England and Manchester United midfielder Bobby, made his debut for Leeds in the old Division Two in 1953 and went on to become the bedrock of the great Leeds side built by former manager Don Revie.

The legend then went onto helped them win the First Division title in 1969 and the FA Cup in 1972.

He also raised the Jules Rimet Trophy with brother Bobby in 1966.

Throughout his career, he won a total of 35 caps for England, scoring six goals for his country and was appointed an OBE in 1974.

Charlton retired from playing at the end of the 1972/73 season having scored 96 times for Leeds to make him the club’s ninth highest scorer.

He went on to become the manager of Newcastle United for the 1984-85 season.

Charlton resigned in 1985 and in December of that year he became the first non-Irish manager of the Republic of Ireland.

He became an unlikely national hero as he steered the Republic to their first major finals at Euro 88 in West Germany and two years later led them to their first World Cup finals at Italia 90.

Charlton, already hugely popular for getting them there, won the hearts of a nation and the rest of the footballing world as his side reached the quarter-finals.

He went on to lead the Republic to the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA.

The tournament brought one of the most famous victories in Irish football history when they beat pre-tournament favourites Italy 1-0 in New Jersey.

Charlton made affectionate headlines around the world during his side’s game with Mexico as he passionately protested on the touchline to get his water bottles to his players in the searing June heat.

Ireland eventually lost to Holland in the last 16 and Charlton was awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin. In 1996, he was awarded honorary Irish citizenship.

Jack and brother Bobby became involved in a long family feud and were seen together for the first time in years at the funeral of former team-mate Ray Wilson in 2018.

The duo fell out 22 years ago as Jack accused his younger brother of failing to visit their mother Cissie ahead of her death, after Bobby’s wife Norma had argued with her.

In a book released in 2007, Bobby said comments that Jack made about Norma were “absolutely disgraceful” and “mistaken”.

‘A GOOD MAN’
Tributes flowed in with David Beckham writing: “So sad to hear about the passing of Jack Charlton… Our World Cup winner and brother of my dad’s hero Sir Bobby.

“Forever in our memories and the history of our country.”

Gary Lineker also said: “Saddened to hear that Jack Charlton has passed away. World Cup winner with England, manager of probably the best ever Ireland side and a wonderfully infectious personality to boot. RIP Jack.”

Former Man Utd goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel added on Twitter: “Sad news of the passing of one of Football‘s greatest characters, Jack Charlton. As a player and as a manager you were fantastic.”

Lord Sugar tweeted: “R.I.P. Jack Charlton World Cup winner.”

The SUN

Soldier and @PoliceZimbabwe cop
on camera taking bribes after allegedly assaulting a complainant. | WHO ARE THESE OFFICERS? pic.twitter.com/HYJkse6w2m

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 9, 2020

“He (Passion Java) promised to send me to Dubai to stay with Edith Chibhamu… but i cannot take this anymore.”

Watch the live video loading below……….

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) was set to receive 40 000 litres of fuel in Bulawayo later on Saturday after commuter omnibuses that operate under the company’s franchise were grounded on Friday due to the unavailability of fuel.

The latest development was confirmed by ZUPCO Southern Division operations manager Tineyi Rwasoka.

Rwasoka revealed that the 40 000 litres will be availed by the National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC) of Zimbabwe.

He said:

It’s true we have been experiencing some challenges but we are receiving 40 000 litres of fuel which is almost in Bulawayo and we have got two more trucks which are coming in by today.

I should say the situation will be back to normal from around 1 pm onwards. The fuel challenge is nationwide and even in Harare, they parked the buses too.

Thousands of commuters were forced to walk to work and back home on Friday following the grounding of the ZUPCO fleet.

-Statemedia

Watch the live video loading below….

By Jane Mlambo| Controversial socialite Panganai Java better known as Prophet Passion has lifted the lid on his upbringing saying he was very dull that he could not secure a secondary school place at boarding schools due to poor grades.

Java who was speaking on the issue surrounding his brother Simba Java who made a desperate call for support from well-wishers to return to Zimbabwe from South Africa, said he was the least intelligent in their family resulting in him failing to enrol even at Seke 1 High school while his all his siblings attended boarding schools.

The controversial Java however said he was good with figures to do with money.

“Inini ndini dofo rekupedzesera mumba medu, kwete mukufoira hupenyu, kufoira muchikoro, inini kuchikoro ndaivharwa, vakaenda neni kuchikoro vanotondiziva, ndaibuda ndiri number 29 mu class kana ma report abuda, mukaenda ku Seke 6 primary munotonoona ma reports iwawo, ndaivharwa kutoomerwa, chandaingoziva ndechekuti $5 iyi ikapihwa vanhu 10 imarii, ndaikurovera in 2 seconds, ndaikuti haa $50 mukuru, but ukanditi 10 times 5 ndaivharwa, saka zvekuchikoro I will never lie to you guys, zvanga zvakaoma

“Inini ndaitoda kuenda ku boarding but ndakatadza because ndanga ndatovharwa, kana pa Seke 1 ndakatadza ku qualifier ndakatozoenda ku Seke 2 kwainzi kwemadofo,” said Passion.

Passion has come under fire from people who accused him of flaunting riches on social media while his own blood brother Simba had to turn to the public for help.

The controversial preacher has been running a series of online live shows dubbed Gara Mumba Iwe where he pays artists to perform in front of cameras for online audience.

BBy A Correspondent- According to a local publication, health professionals have called on the government to consider reimposing a strict lockdown of the whole country for at least 21 days.

The Daily News reported that the development follows a surge in coronavirus cases, especially mysterious local transmissions.

The suggestion comes following the announcement calling on citizens to participate in a massive demonstration penciled for July 31.

The demonstration, which were first called by Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume to mark the second anniversary of a disputed election which President Mnangagwa’s rivals say he stole.

Other opposition leaders including main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and Temba Mliswa have endorsed the demonstrations.

The government previously responded with sheer force to quell massive protests – in August 2018 and January 2019, with over two dozen people losing their lives.

The president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), Enock Dongo, said on Thursday that Zimbabwe should not copy what other countries have done, that is, easing lockdown restrictions but should exactly do the opposite. He said:

Government needs to rethink its COVID-19 strategy. We need to go back to full-scale lockdown for about 21 days or more.

We cannot afford to go by what other countries are doing. As it is, 18 nurses in Bulawayo tested positive and imagine who else besides colleagues and patients have they met?

Countries that have relaxed their lockdowns make sure that health officials do not go back home where they can meet with the public, and they also don’t use public transport.

We cannot afford that. Let us fully lock down the country and start doing mass testing and massive contact tracing, otherwise, we will perish.

The secretary-general of the Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA), Aaron Musara, said it is worrisome that authorities were no longer enforcing coronavirus regulations – wearing of masks and social distancing – effectively.

Before talking of going back to Stage 5 of the lockdown, we have to be able to implement what is supposed to be implemented now, Musara observed.

-DailyNews

By A Correspondent| Zanu PF has warned organisers of the 31 July protests that its members will not sit ‘idle-by’ while they are being attacked saying as a party they have a right to defend themselves.

Addressing journalists at the end of the Zanu PF extra-ordinary politburo meeting yesterday, Zanu PF Acting Spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said there wont be a repeat of the past skirmishes including the 1 August 2018 and 14 January 2019 disturbances.

“Let me warn Chamisa and all those behind the 31 July violent demonstrations, what happened on the 1st of August 2018 will not happen again, what happened on the 14th to the 16th of January last year will not happen again

“And we say to Chamisa… don’t be cowards that you were on the 1st of August 2018 or on the 14 to 16 January last year, you were never to be found, you were in your house, if you do whatever you are threatening to do, come in front and face the music.

“We have our cadres are ready to take on anybody who attacks them, Zanu PF members have a right to defend themselves and will not sit idle by as we did not the 14th to 16th of January,” said Chinamasa.

BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC Alliance National Vice Chairman.

So they came to my house last night at 2am asking for me? What kind of arrest is that when I spend most of my time at police stations as a lawyer representing different clients. For the record, for the past two weeks I was at the Law and Order representing different people who were facing different political charges.

I went with Brian Rupiya who was facing a concocted charge of having attacked a ZANU PF District Chairman in Hopley and robbed him after a querrel at some beer spots in the area. I then went there to represent Stephen Chuma Sarkozy few days down the line. The following week I went to represent Sox from Chitungwiza North who was facing charges of issuing murder threats to Yvonne Musarurwa. I again went to represent Prince Matebuka who was accused of partaking in a demonstration in Mabvuku.

So I wonder whether these were police officers from CID Law and Order. If they had any criminal charges against me, why would they allow me to be carrying my job at their offices and then start to hunt for me at night? These should be nefarious elements in the system who have been doing a hatchet job for the Emmerson Mnangagwa for sometime now who gets the command directly from him to commit crimes against humanity.

I am a lawyer in profession. I am well acquainted with how suspects should be brought to a police station to answer to some charges against that person. Arrests effected at night can only be done in societies of idiots. I am a telephone away from asking me to report to any police station if I have got any criminal charges to answer. Invading our homes at night will lead us to commit offences we never intended to commit for the rest of our lives. I am a free citizen in my country and let me emphasize it, this is my country I will never accept to be treated like someone who should not enjoy rights bestowed to every Zimbabwean. Yesterday, I was in Parliament. I wonder why they couldn’t wait for me outside Parliament and arrest me. Continue visiting my home at night and don’t blame me for the consequences.

Hope you get it correct. Stop these funnies.

10 July 2020

JOURNALISTS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO CHARGES OF CONTRAVENING COVID-19
REGULATIONS AS POLICE ARREST FREELANCE MEDIA PRACTITIONERS FOR
DISORDERLY CONDUCT

TWO freelance journalists on Thursday 9 July 2020 pleaded not guilty when their trial on charges of failing to comply with instructions issued by some Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members to observe social distancing rules between themselves and some detained victims of abduction and torture commenced at Mbare Magistrates Court.

The two freelance journalists Frank Chikowore aged 39 years and Samuel
Takawira aged 29 years entered a not guilty plea when their trial commenced before Mbare Magistrate Kudzai Hove.

Chikowore and Takawira were arrested on Friday 22 May 2020 by some ZRP members at Parktown Hospital in Waterfalls suburb in Harare while allegedly filming and interviewing some victims of abduction and torture and charged with contravening section 5(3)(c) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment
and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020.

Prosecutors claimed that Chikowore and Takawira, who are represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe and Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for
Human Rights (ZLHR) refused to observe the social distancing rule after being ordered to do so by Collin Makore, a police officer, who was on duty in contravention of the law.

According to prosecutors, the journalists allegedly sneaked into the High Dependency Unit at Parktown Hospital to interview Harare West legislator Hon. Joannah Mamombe and MDC Alliance party youth leaders
Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, who were hospitalised at the medical facility after they were abducted and disappeared and tortured by some yet to be identified people.

During trial, prosecutors led evidence from Makore aged 46 years while Stewart Ephram, who is employed as an assistant administrator at qParktown Hospital will give testimony on Thursday 16 July 2020, where the journalists’ trial continues.

Meanwhile, ZRP members on Thursday 9 July 2020 set free two freelance journalists Panashe Makufa and Prichard Mahove after they had been arrested on the same day and charged with disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

ZRP members accused Makufa of instructing Mahove to take pictures of
two police officers who were walking from Mbare Magistrates Court to Mbare Police Camp.

Makufa and Mahove were released into the custody of their lawyers Idirashe Chikomba and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR with ZRP members telling them that the law enforcement agents will summon them to
appear in court if they intend to proceed with prosecuting them.

“Yes she said protesters must be shot dead”

Watch the live video loading below…..

POLICE in Plumtree have raised concern over the ill-treatment of Zimbabweans in Botswana with two people having been killed in the neighbouring country recently.

There have been complaints in the past over the ill-treatment of locals who are resident in or when they travel to Botswana, including being subjected to corporal punishment.

Acting officer commanding Bulilima and Mangwe districts Superintendent Stephen Mutema told the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security and the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government that a Zimbabwean national was shot dead while the other one was fatally assaulted in Botswana recently.

He said authorities are conducting investigations and it was not stated who shot the Zimbabwean.

“We have witnessed our locals being shot in Botswana. As I speak, we are investigating the death of two of our nationals in Botswana. In the first case, a 23-year-old Zimbabwean, Thabani Ncube from Sanzukwi

Village died after being heavily assaulted on suspicion of being a cattle rustler,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Ncube died at a hospital in the neighbouring country following the assault and was buried there.

“In the second case, Phineas Nyathi of Tjitji Village in Mangwe District was shot dead last month by yet to be identified people.

“He was shot in the head and died on the spot,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Nyathi had crossed with a friend into Botswana to buy tyres for his scotch cart when he was killed.

He said they are still waiting to get the full circumstances leading to the shooting incident.

“We have good relations with our Botswana counterparts and we are working together to try and get to the bottom of the issues. But as police we are very concerned when our compatriots die like that.

“One must understand that people living on the border line between the two countries are relatives. They visit each other unfortunately using illegal crossing points,” said Supt Mutema.

He urged Zimbabweans to use official crossing points and to have travel documents when crossing to other countries to avoid challenges.

Supt Mutema told the committees that police also have a challenge patrolling the porous border as they do not have enough resources.

“We police a border line of 336km; the border line is very porous as it allows people to move freely to and from Botswana.

“We have established six bases from Mpoengs to Madlambudzi made up of the army, police and the support unit in each base.

“They do patrols along the border but nevertheless we still experience the challenge of smuggling. A number of people have been arrested for smuggling fuel, food and electrical gadgets,” he said.

Supt Mutema said the shooting of Zimbabwean cattle by authorities in that country is still a challenge and they continue to raise awareness to farmers to pen their cattle. He said among people being deported some are ex-convicts.

“We received about 45 ex-convicts from Botswana, the majority will have been sentenced for minor cases spending one to six months jail time in that country.

“Only two spent 10 and 8 years respectively,” he said.

On the shooting of Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country, Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Retired Lieutenant Colonel Louis Fisher said his country does not tolerate criminal activities.

“Criminal events can never to tolerated, they are totally wrong. That can never be condoned. Criminal elements who did that must be arrested and brought to book,” he said.

POLICE in Plumtree have raised concern over the ill-treatment of Zimbabweans in Botswana with two people having been killed in the neighbouring country recently.

There have been complaints in the past over the ill-treatment of locals who are resident in or when they travel to Botswana, including being subjected to corporal punishment.

Acting officer commanding Bulilima and Mangwe districts Superintendent Stephen Mutema told the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security and the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government that a Zimbabwean national was shot dead while the other one was fatally assaulted in Botswana recently.

He said authorities are conducting investigations and it was not stated who shot the Zimbabwean.

“We have witnessed our locals being shot in Botswana. As I speak, we are investigating the death of two of our nationals in Botswana. In the first case, a 23-year-old Zimbabwean, Thabani Ncube from Sanzukwi

Village died after being heavily assaulted on suspicion of being a cattle rustler,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Ncube died at a hospital in the neighbouring country following the assault and was buried there.

“In the second case, Phineas Nyathi of Tjitji Village in Mangwe District was shot dead last month by yet to be identified people.

“He was shot in the head and died on the spot,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Nyathi had crossed with a friend into Botswana to buy tyres for his scotch cart when he was killed.

He said they are still waiting to get the full circumstances leading to the shooting incident.

“We have good relations with our Botswana counterparts and we are working together to try and get to the bottom of the issues. But as police we are very concerned when our compatriots die like that.

“One must understand that people living on the border line between the two countries are relatives. They visit each other unfortunately using illegal crossing points,” said Supt Mutema.

He urged Zimbabweans to use official crossing points and to have travel documents when crossing to other countries to avoid challenges.

Supt Mutema told the committees that police also have a challenge patrolling the porous border as they do not have enough resources.

“We police a border line of 336km; the border line is very porous as it allows people to move freely to and from Botswana.

“We have established six bases from Mpoengs to Madlambudzi made up of the army, police and the support unit in each base.

“They do patrols along the border but nevertheless we still experience the challenge of smuggling. A number of people have been arrested for smuggling fuel, food and electrical gadgets,” he said.

Supt Mutema said the shooting of Zimbabwean cattle by authorities in that country is still a challenge and they continue to raise awareness to farmers to pen their cattle. He said among people being deported some are ex-convicts.

“We received about 45 ex-convicts from Botswana, the majority will have been sentenced for minor cases spending one to six months jail time in that country.

“Only two spent 10 and 8 years respectively,” he said.

On the shooting of Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country, Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Retired Lieutenant Colonel Louis Fisher said his country does not tolerate criminal activities.

“Criminal events can never to tolerated, they are totally wrong. That can never be condoned. Criminal elements who did that must be arrested and brought to book,” he said.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police(ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) have expressed worry over conditions at quarantine centres as the state of affairs make it easy for Covid-19 to spread.
People returning to Zimbabwe from other countries are first placed under quarantine as part of measures to stop the spread of the virus.

Most of the Covid-19 positive cases being recorded in the country are of Zimbabweans returning home from South Africa, Botswana, the United Kingdom, US and other countries.

More than 200 people have escaped from quarantine centres which put communities at risk of contracting Covid-19.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) representatives have since expressed concern over conditions at quarantine centres.

Speaking during a Matabeleland South provincial Covid-19 taskforce committee meeting on Wednesday, Superintendent Batsirai Mungwa who is responsible for police operations in Matabeleland South province said there was a need to set up proper security systems at quarantine centres.

He said some returnees were taking advantage of security loopholes to escape from quarantine centres.

“There is a huge challenge when it comes to quarantine centres in the province as some don’t have proper security systems such as locks on the doors and perimeter fences. For example, Pangani Training Centre in Filabusi doesn’t have a perimeter fence which means that those under quarantine can have contact with the community,” he said.

Supt Mungwa said it was also difficult to provide enough personnel to guard such areas as police had other duties such as manning roadblocks.

“The loopholes in the security system allows returnees to escape. A day ago, two fled from Pangani Training Centre. There is a need for the department responsible to look into upgrading the security systems as soon as possible,” said Supt Mungwa.
Lieutenant Melissa Mandudye from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) said some of the people they deal with would have tested positive for Covid-19 but police and soldiers do not have the PPE.

She said only officers from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have the required PPE. Lt Mandudye said this makes it difficult for security agents to effectively conduct their duties.

She said some returnees under quarantine who tested negative for Covid-19 are afraid as they are staying together with those that tested positive.

Lt Mandudye said some were even using the same facilities.

“Our officers who are stationed at quarantine centres have a challenge as they don’t have the necessary protective clothing. They are only operating with masks and sanitisers yet they have to monitor and supervise people that are Covid-19 positive which then puts them at risk. Only workers from the Ministry of Health and Child Care are being catered for when it comes to the provision of PPE,” she said.

Lt Mandudye said when returnees try to escape it becomes difficult for the security personnel to deal with them especially when they are Covid-19 positive.

“For example, if an officer comes across a Covid-19 patient attempting to escape and confronts him or her, the individual just threatens to cough on the officer and the officer immediately stops advancing. There is therefore urgent need to equip all those working at quarantine centres with the adequate PPE to enable them to effectively carry out their duties,” said Lt Mandudye.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/j-Mi0pOmdG8

PROTESTERS in Mali have forced the state broadcaster off air during large demonstrations in the capital Bamako.

Police have fired shots and used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators some of whom were trying to break into the national assembly.

This is the third rally in a month demanding that President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita stand down.

There is discontent over a long-running jihadist conflict, an economic crisis and disputed legislative elections.

A new opposition coalition led by the conservative Imam, Mahmoud Dicko, this week said it had dropped its demand for President Keita to step down.

But it is still insisting on further reforms after rejecting concessions from the Malian president including the formation of a unity government.

Many thousands of protestors have been out on the streets of Bamako, the BBC’s Africa regional editor Will Ross reports.

Some of them briefly made it into the building of the national broadcaster, ORTM, which was then forced off air. Roads were blocked with burning barricades.

Some looting has taken place and there are reports of young men trying to break into the national assembly.

Two sources told the Reuters news agency that at least one person was killed outside the assembly.

This demonstration is the third since June.

Protests started after the opposition coalition rejected concessions from President Keita designed to end a political stand-off over a disputed legislative election in March.

The opposition this week said the movement had dropped its demand for President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita to step down. But it still called this protest because it wants more reforms.

Keita secured a second five-year term in 2018 but he has faced increased opposition over a rise in jihadist violence and an economic crisis.

Malians will hope this instability does not play into the hands of the jihadists who are behind the escalating violence in the north and centre of the country.

BBC

Ezra Tshisa Sibanda

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1281672036285390849?s=19

RESIDENTS of Stoneridge Park in Harare have apologised to Zesa Holdings for contracting a former employee of an approved contractor to make illegal electricity connections at their houses in a bid to cut costs.

The residents, through their committee, apologised in a written statement yesterday after meeting Zesa officials and their contractor, Ethood Electrical Engineering Company, operating as Luckstone Concrete.

The illegal connections are believed to have been done by Peni Jaison (31), who was once employed by the Harare company.

A $25 000 reward has since been offered to anyone with information that might assist police in arresting Jaison whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“We write to apologise on behalf of Stoneridge Residents Association for subcontracting unqualified personnel and using substandard material in pursuance of the contract to Ethood. We apologise for the illegal connections.

“This was done to try and get the work done at a lower cost with no real intention to breach the contract,” reads part of the statement.

In an interview, Luckstone managing director Mr Melvin Gwishiri said they had also taken into consideration the plight of residents who were struggling to have their area electrified, considering the losses they have made in a challenging economic environment, and agreed to continue working together.

“The residents have also apologised to ZETDC and they have registered their desire to continue working with Ethood Electrical Engineering. We intend to hit the ground running immediately and complete this project within the shortest possible time,” he said.

On Monday last week, Zesa disconnected over 1 500 households in Stoneridge Phase 1, Harare South, after discovering the offence.

His former employer had the contract, but residents thought the costs were too high and hired Jaison, who was cheaper since he allegedly used the company’s  poles and cables without paying.

Jaison has since gone into hiding and efforts to locate him have been fruitless as police and Zesa Loss Control officers are keen to question him in connection with the alleged offence.

MDC- Alliance is facing a revolt in Bulawayo with reports that some councillors and legislators want to join acting MDC-T leader Dr Thokozani Khupe.

According to insiders, the councillors and MPs, fearing a recall by Dr Khupe, are advocating for a settlement between Dr Khupe and their leader Mr Nelson Chamisa failure to which they would join the former deputy Prime Minister.

The development has caused ructions within the MDC Alliance resulting in the recent removal of Ward 4 councillor Clr Silas Chigora as Bulawayo East district chairperson.

While the MDC- Alliance has charged Clr Chigora with working against the party and denigrating Chamisa, insiders said his actual crime is “warming up” to the idea of joining Dr Khupe.

Contacted for comment MDC- Alliance Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Mr Swithern Chirowodza said only Chigora has been singing from the MDC-T hymnbook.

“What I can say is, I do not know of any other councillor but what I know is that Bulawayo East district has suspended Ward 4 Councillor Silas Chigora pending a disciplinary hearing. I don’t want to pre-empt the issue but I understand it has to do with working against the party,” he said.

Mr Chirowodza added that Clr Chigora has been, “parroting the semantics and polemics of our opposition,” in reference to MDC-T.

Clr Chigora is accused of denigrating Mr Chamisa accusing the MDC- Alliance of, among other things, lying about the alliance agreement, the status of the Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare which has since been taken over by Dr Khupe.

Efforts to get a comment from Clr Chigora yesterday were fruitless as his mobile phone rang continuously without being answered.

Sources insisted that many councillors want to cross over.

“Chigora is targeted because of the belief that he is leading clique that wants to join Khupe and the hope is that the move will scare others from the decision.

“There is a WhatsApp chat group of MPs Senators and Councillors where it has been expressed that the whole fiasco between Khupe and Chamisa could have been avoided had there been dialogue,” said an insider.

“Some councillors and MPs are therefore calling for dialogue and if that fails then they will cross over to Khupe because they don’t want to lose their seats. The feeling is that Khupe has shown beyond doubt that those who don’t fall in line will be ejected from seats and most don’t want to fall by the way side.”

Dr Khupe has, in three phases, recalled 21 Members of Parliament for working against the MDC-T.

In the last round Dr Khupe recalled from Senate, the following: Keresencia Chabuka (Manicaland province), Spiwe Ncube (Bulawayo), Phyllis Ndlovu (Matabeleland North), Meliwe Phuti (Matabeleland South), Gideon Shoko (Bulawayo), Bhebhe Sinamupande (Matabeleland North), Tapfumaneyi Vunganayi (Mashonaland East) and Hellen Zivira (Bulawayo).

Khupe was rejected by Zimbabweans in 2018 elections. She performed dismally in the presidential election in which she polled 45 000 votes only. Her party, MDC-T, failed to win even a single local government seat.

— State Media

PRESS STATEMENT

DESIGNATION OF ZIMSWITCH TECHNOLOGIES (PRIVATE) LIMITED (ZIMSWITCH) AS A NATIONAL PAYMENT SWITCH

In accordance with the provisions of the National Payment Systems Act [Chapter 24:23] and the Banking (Money Transmission, Mobile Banking and Mobile Money Interoperability) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 80 of 2020 (the Regulations), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) wishes to advise the public that it has designated Zimswitch as a national payment switch with immediate effect.

All mobile money transmission providers and mobile banking providers are hereby directed to be connected to Zimswitch as provided for by section 4 of the Regulations. To ensure seamless integration, all money transmission providers and mobile money providers must complete the necessary Installation or deployment or commissioning of Infrastructure and connection protocols, credentials and documentation for connection to Zimswitch by no later than 15 August 2020.

John P Mangudya Governor 9 July 2020

ZANU PF has threatened to unleash its own supporters to counter national anti-government protests planned for July 31 by the MDC Alliance and its opposition allies.

Addressing the media soon after a politburo meeting at the party headquarters Friday, Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa dared MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to lead the protests himself and be taught a lesson.

The former finance and justice minister described Chamisa as a coward leader who was fond of pushing followers to the front while he enjoyed the safety of his own home.

“We send this warning loud and clear and we say to Chamisa and those who are like-minded, don’t be the cowards that were on the first of August 2018.

“You were never to be found, you were in your houses.”

Chinamasa was referring to the ill-fated Harare demonstrations which saw the military gun down six civilians and injuring more in protests against alleged rigging of the July 2018 poll.

He added, “If you do whatever you are threatening to do, come to the front and face the music.

“We have our cadres and they are ready to take up and to take on anybody who attacks them.

“Zanu PF members have a right to defend themselves and will not sit idle as we did in January 2019.

“We have a right to defend our homes, our persons, our property and we will do just that.

“So please send out that warning to Chamisa that he should not be the coward that he has been, let him come in front and we will face him.”

The July 31 protests were planned by Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume but have received support from the main opposition.

Chinamasa declared this shall not take place while they watched.

“Zanu PF doesn’t sleep with one eye open,” he said.

“We remain vigilant against the machinations of the enemy and they have been very intensified in recent weeks.

“We have also noted the use of the same social media platforms to plan and organise for violent demonstrations aimed at overthrowing our constitutionally constituted government.

“Let me say this to Chamisa and those who are calling for demonstrations at the end of this July.

“What happened on the first of August 2018 will never happen again in this country. What happened on the 14th to 16th of January 2019, attacking property, attacking persons, causing injuries will never happen again.”

The Zanu PF spokesperson also warned foreign embassies which stray from their mandates to dabble in the country’s politics to stop the habit.

51 MDC Alliance legislators and councillors have approached the High Court seeking to interdict MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe from recalling them from parliament before she has even taken the move. The group also seeks to block Khupe from filling up vacancies created by ongoing recalls of party MPs from the house.

The group is led by MDC Alliance National Vice Chairman Job Sikhala who has deposed an affidavit indicating that it very clear that Khupe wants to expel everyone despite her earlier indications that there will be selected individuals to be recalled.

Sikhala said they have seen it wise to approach the courts early before Khupe takes action against them.

“Contrary to their initial indications that they did not intend to recall indiscriminately, it has now become clear that they intend to recall everyone who does not dance to their tune,” said Sikhala in his founding affidavit.

MDC-T secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora was cited as the first respondent while Khupe is second.

MDC-T is the third respondent while the speaker of parliament and the president of the senate were cited as fifth.

Parliament was cited as the sixth respondent.

Sikhala said, “The recent conduct of the 1st to 3rd Respondents has shown that they are bent on causing the recall of MDC A members of Parliament who remain aligned to the MDC A and have rebuffed the 1st to 3rd Respondent, which requests have been systematically been granted by the 4th to 6th Respondents.”

The Zengeza MP said the applicants who were yet to be recalled were now very apprehensive of their imminent recalls as they have snubbed Khupe.

“Applicants now fear that Mwonzora, Khupe and their party may proceed to fill the vacancies created by their recalls despite challenges to their actions.

“Applicants also fear that the senate president and parliament and ZEC may go along with Mwonzora, Khupe and MDC T’ instructions to replace the applicants’ positions as Members of Parliament despite challenges to the Respondents’ actions.”

He said if not stopped, the chances of them filling applicants’ positions as legislators were high.

“The conduct of the respondents in purporting to recall some of the MDC A members prove they are prepared to go all the way.

“The applicants’ fellow comrades have already been harmed and they reasonably fear that the said harm will visit them if the Respondents are not stopped by the court,” he said.

The case is yet to be heard.

THE phased re-opening of schools is scheduled to begin at the end of this month (July), starting with classes writing their Grade 7, “O” and “A” level examinations during November this year.

Government announced that the re-opening of schools would start on July 28, 2020 with the other classes expected to open in phases.

However, school authorities are expected to put in place the following:

• Face Masks; Sanitisers;

• Infrared thermometers;

• Liquid soaps;

• Disinfectants;

• Gloves;

• Hand washing stations within the school premises;

• Hand washing buckets for every class;

• Gowns for school health co-ordinators;

• Holding bays for unwell persons;

• Information education communication materials;

• Appointment of trained school health co-ordinators before re-opening;

• Schools to conduct Covid-19 awareness programmes for everyone in the school about prevention;

• Schools to schedule regular cleaning of the school environment daily, including toilets, with water and soap/disinfectant/detergent;

• Toilets for both staff and learners to be cleaned and disinfected three times a day — at break time, during lunch, and at the end of the day;

• Every classroom should have a bin for waste disposal and such waste should be disposed of by burning or burying, daily;

• Disinfecting buildings, grounds and frequently touched surfaces;

• Each school should have sanitisers at every entry point where learners, teachers, staff and stakeholders are sanitised;

• Wearing clean face masks is compulsory to all learners and school staff;

• All visitors to school should only be entertained if they are wearing face masks;

• Schools to limit visitors to only essential visits;

• Social/physical distancing at school and during classes; and

• Classes should not accommodate more than 35 pupils.

By A Correspondent| The United States of America has called on Zimbabwe to walk to talk on policy reform agenda saying the repealing of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) should be followed by action.

Tibor Nagy, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs said his hope is that the implementation of the new Freedom of Information Bill will match its written intent of promoting freedom of information.

“We note Zimbabwe’s repeal and replacement of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. We hope implementation of the new law will match its written intent – promoting freedom of information. Actions speak louder than words,” said Nagy.

Zimbabwe is moving fast towards confirming its 1 000th Covid-19 patient, with the total reaching 942 yesterday after 41 more positive tests on Thursday and 16 yesterday.

The death toll rose to 13.

Three more deaths were confirmed on Thursday, two being patients at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare and the third at Parirenyatwa Hospital. A fourth death was recorded yesterday, a 63-year-old woman from Matabeleland North.

All four had their infected status unearthed during the now routine tests done whenever anyone dies in hospital.

Recoveries have reached 320 as Zimbabwe now follows the latest protocols of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and counts as recovered those who showed symptoms once 13 days have passed from the first symptom and once 10 days have passed for those who did not show symptoms but still tested positive.

Of the confirmed 57 cases recorded in the last two days, 42 were people infected within Zimbabwe, with the rest being returnees in approved quarantine.

Of the cases that have been cleared by recovery or death, the death rate in Zimbabwe can be calculated as hovering around 3,9 percent, that is just under 1 in 25 people no longer considered as an active case have died. The other 96,1 percent of non-active cases are those who have fully recovered and can resume their normal life.

South Africa remains the most affected African country with the latest figures showing 3 720 deaths, 238 339 confirmed cases and 113 061 recoveries.

By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has subtly repeated late leader Robert Mugabe’s grave mistake of inviting labour representatives to join politics.

Mugabe in the late 90s told a restless labour movement then led by the late Gibson Sibanda and Morgan Tsvangirai to form a political party for them to fulfill what they were pushing government to do to employees.

This resulted in the formation of the Movement for Democratic Change that went on to give Mugabe restless nights after trouncing him in the 2000 parliamentary elections after garnering 62 out of 120 seats.

Addressing the Zanu PF politburo meeting yesterday, Mnangagwa told labor representatives to stick to their mandate while reminding them that political views and ambitions belong to another lane.

“I urge those who purport to represent workers to do just that. Political view and ambitions belong to another lane. Chose the lane you walk on! Those in politics must seek the mandate of the people every five years, through the ballot box. That is the constitutional way; that is the ‘rule of law’ way that is the democratic way,” said Mnangagwa.

The labour through the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union has been pushing for action from citizens saying the salaries being paid to government employees were a mockery yet bigwigs in government were looting without facing arrest.

By Jane Mlambo| Controversial socialite Panganai Java better known as Prophet Passion has lifted the lid on his upbringing saying he was very dull that he could not secure a secondary school place at boarding schools due to poor grades.

Java who was speaking on the issue surrounding his brother Simba Java who made a desperate call for support from well-wishers to return to Zimbabwe from South Africa, said he was the least intelligent in their family resulting in him failing to enrol even at Seke 1 High school while his all his siblings attended boarding schools.

The controversial Java however said he was good with figures to do with money.

“Inini ndini dofo rekupedzesera mumba medu, kwete mukufoira hupenyu, kufoira muchikoro, inini kuchikoro ndaivharwa, vakaenda neni kuchikoro vanotondiziva, ndaibuda ndiri number 29 mu class kana ma report abuda, mukaenda ku Seke 6 primary munotonoona ma reports iwawo, ndaivharwa kutoomerwa, chandaingoziva ndechekuti $5 iyi ikapihwa vanhu 10 imarii, ndaikurovera in 2 seconds, ndaikuti haa $50 mukuru, but ukanditi 10 times 5 ndaivharwa, saka zvekuchikoro I will never lie to you guys, zvanga zvakaoma

“Inini ndaitoda kuenda ku boarding but ndakatadza because ndanga ndatovharwa, kana pa Seke 1 ndakatadza ku qualifier ndakatozoenda ku Seke 2 kwainzi kwemadofo,” said Passion.

Passion has come under fire from people who accused him of flaunting riches on social media while his own blood brother Simba had to turn to the public for help.

The controversial preacher has been running a series of online live shows dubbed Gara Mumba Iwe where he pays artists to perform in front of cameras for online audience.

By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned men of cloth against dabbling in politics saying their role is to preach the word and refrain politicians when they fall over each other.

With the economy and politics of the country riddled in challenges, one clergy Apostle Talent Chiwenga has become a voice of the voiceless as he constantly hit out at government for being heavy-handed on citizens.

This has seen him being attacked by the ruling party who feel he is abusing the pulpit to denigrate the government.

Addressing the Zanu PF politburo meeting yesterday, Mnangagwa said the church should stick to its mandate of preaching and offering spiritual healing to the nation.

“To churches and man-of-cloth; as a nation we are yearning for you to churn out incorruptible word of God to nourish and uplift us. There are some who are dabbling in politics. Ko anotiparidzira shoko benyu ndiani, kana topiringishana mu politics

By A Correspondent| Zanu PF has threatened to fight back and defend itself from 31 July protestors saying this time they will not lie idle-by as they did on 14 January last year.

Acting party spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa told journalists at yesterday’s press briefing that there won’t be a repeat of the 1 August 2018 and 14 January 2019 skirmishes.

Chinamasa accused Chamisa of being a coward who will never be seen leading the protests that he calls for.

“And we say to Chamisa… don’t be cowards that you were on the 1st of August 2018 or on the 14 to 16 January last year, you were never to be found, you were in your house, if you do whatever you are threatening to do, come in front and face the music.

“We have our cadres are ready to take on anybody who attacks them, Zanu PF members have a right to defend themselves and will not sit idle by as we did not the 14th to 16th of January,” said Chinamasa.

Zimbabwe and South Africa re-opened the Beitbridge Border Post yesterday, with clearance of essential cargo, especially perishable food items, medicines and explosives being prioritised.

South Africa temporarily closed its side of the border on Wednesday afternoon after one of its customs officers tested positive for Covid-19. The border closure was meant to give health officials in the neighbouring country time to fumigate its customs yard and the exercise was completed on Thursday.

A total of 350 commercial trucks which had been parked at various customs yards on both sides of the border were cleared between 6AM and 4PM yesterday.

The border however, remains open only to commercial cargo and repatriation of South African and Zimbabwean citizens including remains of those who die in either country.

According to border authorities, normal business resumed at 6AM after the South Africans fully complied with the Covid-19 regulations set by their government. “We processed around 200 south bound trucks and another 150 north bound between 6AM and 4PM.

“Things are gradually getting back to normalcy,” said the official.

South Africa Revenue Services spokesperson, Siphithi Sibeko said on Wednesday that they had closed the border to carry out necessary precautionary measures to minimise new infections.

“At the same time we are mindful of the delays that come with this process and hence we are going to give priority to the clearance of essential cargo when we re-open,” he said.

-State Media

POLICE in Plumtree have raised concern over the ill-treatment of Zimbabweans in Botswana with two people having been killed in the neighbouring country recently.

There have been complaints in the past over the ill-treatment of locals who are resident in or when they travel to Botswana, including being subjected to corporal punishment.

Acting officer commanding Bulilima and Mangwe districts Superintendent Stephen Mutema told the Senate Thematic Committee on Peace and Security and the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government that a Zimbabwean national was shot dead while the other one was fatally assaulted in Botswana recently.

He said authorities are conducting investigations and it was not stated who shot the Zimbabwean.

“We have witnessed our locals being shot in Botswana. As I speak, we are investigating the death of two of our nationals in Botswana.

In the first case, a 23-year-old Zimbabwean, Thabani Ncube from Sanzukwi
Village died after being heavily assaulted on suspicion of being a cattle rustler,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Ncube died at a hospital in the neighbouring country following the assault and was buried there.

“In the second case, Phineas Nyathi of Tjitji Village in Mangwe District was shot dead last month by yet to be identified people.
“He was shot in the head and died on the spot,” he said.

Supt Mutema said Nyathi had crossed with a friend into Botswana to buy tyres for his scotch cart when he was killed.

He said they are still waiting to get the full circumstances leading to the shooting incident.

“We have good relations with our Botswana counterparts and we are working together to try and get to the bottom of the issues. But as police we are very concerned when our compatriots die like that.

“One must understand that people living on the border line between the two countries are relatives. They visit each other unfortunately using illegal crossing points,” said Supt Mutema.

He urged Zimbabweans to use official crossing points and to have travel documents when crossing to other countries to avoid challenges.

Supt Mutema told the committees that police also have a challenge patrolling the porous border as they do not have enough resources.

“We police a border line of 336km; the border line is very porous as it allows people to move freely to and from Botswana.

“We have established six bases from Mpoengs to Madlambudzi made up of the army, police and the support unit in each base.

“They do patrols along the border but nevertheless we still experience the challenge of smuggling. A number of people have been arrested for smuggling fuel, food and electrical gadgets,” he said.

Supt Mutema said the shooting of Zimbabwean cattle by authorities in that country is still a challenge and they continue to raise awareness to farmers to pen their cattle. He said among people being deported some are ex-convicts.

“We received about 45 ex-convicts from Botswana, the majority will have been sentenced for minor cases spending one to six months jail time in that country.
“Only two spent 10 and 8 years respectively,” he said.

On the shooting of Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country, Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Retired Lieutenant Colonel Louis Fisher said his country does not tolerate criminal activities.

“Criminal events can never to tolerated, they are totally wrong. That can never be condoned.

Criminal elements who did that must be arrested and brought to book,” he said-Chronicle

By A Correspondent| Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has dared opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to lead the envisaged 31 July protests from the front so that he could face the music together with his followers.

Addressing journalists after the Zanu PF politburo meeting, Chinamasa said as a party they will not allow a repeat of the 1 August 2018 and 14 January 2019 situation where protesters targeted government and private property for destruction.

He accused Chamisa of being a coward who should this time ‘come in front and face the music’ instead of being absent from the place of action.

“We have also noted the use of the same social media platforms to plan and organise for violent demonstrations aimed at overthrowing our constitutionally constituted government. Those doing so must stand warned and the law will not hesitate to deal with those,” said Chinamasa.

“And we say to Chamisa… don’t be cowards that you were on the 1st of August 2018 or on the 14 to 16 January last year, you were never to be found, you were in your house, if you do whatever you are threatening to do, come in front and face the music,” added Chinamasa.

He added that Zanu PF members will fight back against any attack from protesters.

“We have our cadres ready to take on anybody who attacks them, Zanu PF members have a right to defend themselves and will not sit idle by as we did not the 14th to 16th of January,” said Chinamasa.

With 31 July now around the corner, Zanu PF is now in panick mode with different officials issuing different statements against the planned action.

Zanu PF Commissar, Victor Matemadanda has alleged that protesters have plans to use cannisters with COVID-19 to increase infection rate while President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that lockdown restrictions could be tightened to counter rising number of confirmed cases.

THE Covid-19 death toll has jumped to 13 following the death of three people in Harare on Thursday and one person from Matabeleland North yesterday as confirmed cases climbed to 942.

Harare leads in the national Covid-19 death toll with six people having succumbed to the virus.

On Thursday, 41 new Covid-19 cases were recorded, 36 of them local transmissions while 16 more were recorded on Friday.

The three new deaths at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospitals were posthumously confirmed.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care daily report of July 9, said from the 51 cases recorded in Bulawayo on Wednesday, 21 of them were health workers and 18 of them work at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).

“To date the total number of confirmed cases is 942 including 320 recovered, 609 active cases, and 13 deaths since the onset of the outbreak on March 20 2020,” reads the report.

UBH acting chief executive officer Dr Narcissus Dzvanga said in light of escalating Covid-19 cases, members of the public should adhere to laid down prevention measures including wearing of masks.

He said the country is expected to start recording increased cases due to the winter season.
“People should take due caution.

I’m one advocate for wearing a mask at all times not just in public places. Hand hygiene plays a big role in the control of this virus. It’s a winter virus and this is the time for it to raise its ugly head.

It’s worrying that it is affecting our staff but this is where we are supposed to find it. It was going to be more deadly if we are to find such numbers in the community.

But if it is in a treatment centre, this is one of the occupational risks that are there and we have to rise and ensure that there is appropriate PPEs,” he said-Chronicle

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted at tightening the lockdown claiming that WHO has advised the country to do so.

Is the move meant to control the spread of Coronavirus or it is a gimmick calculated to block the July 31 protests?

See part of an article that was published by The Herald below :

AMID an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases including deaths, President Mnangagwa yesterday hinted that the Government could scale up preventive and containment measures.

Addressing the Zanu PF Ordinary Session of the Politburo meeting at the revolutionary party headquarters in Harare, President Mnangagwa, who is the party’s First Secretary, said the rapid spike in infections required another review of the Covid-19 lockdown measures currently at level 2.

“Although there is a visible spike in the number of positive cases, largely due to returnees, we shall continue to strengthen our preventive measures as well as our testing, and contact tracing capacity.

“I urge the party to continue to be in the forefront of raising the awareness levels in our communities of the dangers of this pandemic.

The recent rapid spike of infections requires that we make another review of the Covid-19 lockdown measures,’’ he said.

His comments come at a time when experts, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) have called upon the country to tighten the Covid-19 containment measures in the wake of complacency among the public.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s panicky government is plotting to arrest MDC Alliance Deputy Chairperson Job Sikhala.

Zanu PF has also accused President Nelson Chamisa of pushing for the removal of Emmerson Mnangagwa through protests…

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has accused Victor Matemadanda of using Mbuya Nehanda’s image to score political marks.

In a statement the MDC Youth Assembly described Matemadanda as a desperate and hopeless war deserter.

See full statement:
10-07-2020

A war deserter and coward like Victor Matemadanda who is known for hibernating in Zambia where he was a tax driver when the liberation struggle was at its peak back home can never school us about the liberation struggle and its iconic luminaries.

We all know that Mbuya Nehanda was courageous and led from the front during the First Chimurenga and that speaks volumes of her legacy.

Surely cowards like Matemadanda lack moral probity to speak on Mbuya Nehanda legacy or to let alone brand a leader with people at heart like Advocate Nelson Chamisa as anti revolution.

Mbuya Nehanda was for the people and that’s why she is popular up to this day and so is our President Nelson Chamisa because he fronts people’s interests.

The likes of Matemadanda and his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa only want to abuse Mbuya Nehanda’s name to prolong their corrupt and illegitimate regime.

The only notable thing that Matemadanda did is to defy Mbuya Nehanda’s famous “mapfupa achamuka” call for an uprising against colonialism.

Tax driving in a foreign country certainly is never part of our liberation struggle!

The best Matemadanda and Mnangagwa can do is to let the dead rest and spare themselves wrath of the ancestors!

31 July is going to be a rude awakening for Matemadanda and his ilk because even the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda cannot be happy about the abuse of her name by those who are causing the toiling of masses.

Hands off our liberation war icons!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has accused Victor Matemadanda of using Mbuya Nehanda’s image to score political marks.

In a statement the MDC Youth Assembly described Matemadanda as a desperate and hopeless war deserter.

See full statement:
10-07-2020

A war deserter and coward like Victor Matemadanda who is known for hibernating in Zambia where he was a tax driver when the liberation struggle was at its peak back home can never school us about the liberation struggle and its iconic luminaries.

We all know that Mbuya Nehanda was courageous and led from the front during the First Chimurenga and that speaks volumes of her legacy.

Surely cowards like Matemadanda lack moral probity to speak on Mbuya Nehanda legacy or to let alone brand a leader with people at heart like Advocate Nelson Chamisa as anti revolution.

Mbuya Nehanda was for the people and that’s why she is popular up to this day and so is our President Nelson Chamisa because he fronts people’s interests.

The likes of Matemadanda and his boss Emmerson Mnangagwa only want to abuse Mbuya Nehanda’s name to prolong their corrupt and illegitimate regime.

The only notable thing that Matemadanda did is to defy Mbuya Nehanda’s famous “mapfupa achamuka” call for an uprising against colonialism.

Tax driving in a foreign country certainly is never part of our liberation struggle!

The best Matemadanda and Mnangagwa can do is to let the dead rest and spare themselves wrath of the ancestors!

31 July is going to be a rude awakening for Matemadanda and his ilk because even the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda cannot be happy about the abuse of her name by those who are causing the toiling of masses.

Hands off our liberation war icons!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

TWO men allegedly strangled a 17-year-old girl and dragged her into a bushy area in Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb where they tore her underwear with a knife before sexually attacking and robbing her.

A source close to investigations said the teenager left home with two buckets to fetch water from a borehole.

“She left home at 6pm and headed to a nearby borehole to fetch water. She filled two buckets and left the other a few metres away from the borehole. She took the other one home,” said the source.

When she returned to fetch it, two unknown men pounced on her.
“They grabbed her before strangling her.

They quickly blindfolded her with a scarf while dragging her to a nearby bush,” said the source.

The source went on to say one of the men shoved a cloth into her mouth.

“They took an item similar to a universal charger and placed it on her back leaving her feeling weak.

“One of the suspects tore her underwear with a knife. After that they took turns to rape her,” said the source.

After sexually attacking the minor, the source said, they took her two cellphones and ran away.

“They took her two cellphones — a Vodafone and a Nokia Asher — all her gadgets cost US$90,”said the source.

Deputy Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said:

“We are investigating a case where two unknown men who are on the run raped and robbed a 17-year-old girl at a borehole last week on Thursday at around 6pm in Pumula South suburb. We would like to urge members of the public to go in groups when going to fetch water.”

Asst Insp Msebele appealed to anyone with information on the whereabouts of the two suspects who are on the run to contact their nearest police station-B-Metro

Farai Dziva| Former Zanu PF MP for Chivi Central Constituency, Killer Zivhu, has described Thokozani Khupe as an insignificant political figure who cannot contribute to the revival of the economy.

Argued Zivhu on Twitter:
People are suffering more than before- we need a meaningful dialogue.

Zvavana madam Khuphe zvotipedzesa ne COVID-19. Our health system yaparara, our dollar is useless all political parties garayi pasi mutaurirane vanhu vatambura.

People are suffering more than before we need a meaningful dialogue.

Thokozani Khupe dramas (Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) will get us killed by coronavirus.

Our Health System has collapsed, our (Zimbabwe) dollar is useless, all political parties must have dialogue, the nation is suffering.”

Harare Magistrate’s Court has on Friday refused to relax bail conditions imposed on MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe and two party activists who are on a $10 000 bail each.

Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are being accused of publishing falsehood prejudicial to the state through allegedly faking their “abduction” by suspected state security agents.

The three made world news after claiming to have been seized from the hands of police by state security agents who went on to subject them to acts of torture and sexual abuse as punishment for staging an anti-government protest their abductors equated to an attempt to overthrow government.

Among their bail conditions, the three were ordered to report thrice a week at Harare Central police station, hand over passports to court authorities and not to interfere with witnesses.

They were also ordered to continue residing at their addresses as given to law enforcement agents upon their arrest and were also barred from communicating with media or use social media on anything to do with the alleged offence.