“Yes she said protesters must be shot dead”

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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…

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

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.

Zimbabweans have expressed mixed reactions on Thokozani Khupe’s decision to attend burial of rival MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s mother.

Below is the result of a poll done by ZimEye.com on the issue.

Suspended Registrar-General Clemence Masango today lost his bid to have his bail conditions varied after the court noted that there were no changed circumstances from the day he was granted bail.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Trinos Utahwashe noted that Masango’s application had no merits. Masango wanted to be allowed to travel to his farm to monitor operations saying agriculture was his only source of income after being suspended without pay and allowances.

Masango was recently suspended by the Public Service Commission (PSC) pending trial on two counts of criminal abuse of office as a public officer.

The charges arose after he allegedly instructed the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) to buy a double cab and six single cab trucks without Cabinet approval, before using the vehicles at his farm.

He return to court on August 7 for routine remand.

The body of a 43-year-old vendor, Lovemore Katyora from Manhango Village under Chief Kasekete in Muzarabani, was found dumped by the roadside in Gunduza Village.

Katyora had been moving from village to village selling his wares.

Assistant Inspector Fidelis Dhewu confirmed Katyora’s death and indicated that they were treating it as murder.

He said Katyora, of number 145 Muzarabani location, left his home on July 1, to attend a church service at Chiwenga village.

“He took his bicycle and trading bag containing cell phone accessories, said Asst Insp Dhewu.

“He passed through several villages and was seen by Monica Manhango (17) at around 5pm heading towards Gunduza village. On July 3 at around 5.30pm, his body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition on the side of a footpath in Gunduza village by Member Musiyambiri (66).”

Asst Insp Dhewu said the village head, Never Gudo, was advised and a report was made at Muzarabani police station.

“Police attended the scene and observed that Katyora was struck by a sharp object. We are investigating the matter and appealing to anyone with information that can help us crack the case to come forward.”

Asst Insp Dhewu advised traders to conduct their business during the day.

In another incident, Isaiah Matore (33) of Mushumbi was arrested after he struck his friend Richmond Mudzunga (33) with an axe for stealing a pair of scissors.

The incident happened on July 5 at around 5.30pm at Jurujena village under Chief Chisunga.

On the fateful day, Mudzunga was accompanied by another friend Sobert Kaundura (33) to Matore’s homestead.

“He wanted to borrow a mirror to use while shaving his beard and after doing so, he left,” said Asst Insp Dhewu.

“Matore followed the pair and accused Mudzunga of stealing his pair of scissors. He started assaulting him and afterwards he picked up an axe and struck Mudzunga on the forehead.”

Asst Insp Dhewu said Mudzunga sustained a deep cut and was rushed to Mushumbi Hospital.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has castigated the MDC Alliance for seeking space in an area that is controlled by the ruling Zanu PF.

Speaking during the Zanu PF 341 Politburo meeting at the party headquarters President Mnangagwa said political parties should express their governing capacities on correct platforms.

“In between these years, I urge political parties to express their capacity to govern on correct platforms. Sadly, we are seeing opposition parties clamoring for spaces that we control, as Zanu PF, yet the local authorities under their purview are havens of corruption, malpractices and poor service delivery.

“As a party we have no interest in the politics of the opposition, our agenda and focus is to improve the quality of life of all Zimbabweans, leaving no one behind.” He said

He said Zanu PF will not be moved or surrender to any motives that threaten the country’s peace and unity and called on workers unions to represent their constituency not politics.

“On the political front, we continue to see acts that seek to out rightly destabilise the peace, unity and harmony we are enjoying, in particular through the use of platforms in the health, education and security sectors. We shall never quiver or capitulate in the face of these machinations.

“I urge those who purport to represent workers to do just that. It is a one way traffic lane. Political ambitions and views belong to another lane. Choose 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 the President

He also warned Civic Society Organisations and foreign Embassies to stick to their roles and those who deviate will be de-registered.

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

Zanu PF Acting National Spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has warned that all state security apparatus including ZANU PF members will be out in full force against citizens who will participate in the July 31 demonstration.

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

A GRIEVING Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition MDC Alliance party, has, for the first time, opened up on his humble beginnings, saying his late mother was very instrumental in his meteoric rise to the political scene.

Chamisa’s mother, Alice collapsed and died at the family’s rural homestead in Chiwara communal lands in Gutu South on Monday, leaving behind her husband and four children.

Addressing thousands of mourners at the funeral wake on Wednesday, Chamisa said his mother engaged in vending to raise money for him to go to school.

“Handina kungonyuka kusvika ndisvike pandiri nhasi (my mother toiled for me to become what I am today). It was because of the hard work and tireless efforts of my mother, Mai Neri. She used to sell chickens and vegetables for me to go to school,” a teary Chamisa said.

“She was hardworking and industrious. It is unfortunate that she died before we attained a new Zimbabwe. I want to thank all parents who are toiling to send their children to school.”

An unidentified friend of her mother, who she used to do the vending errands with, corroborated the claims, saying they would walk long distances to sell their wares in nearby farms.

“I partnered his mother back in the day where we used to go to nearby farms selling our stuff. She had an entrepreneurial spirit. This man you see (Chamisa), that you call your president, is a product of humble beginnings,” she testified before the crowd.

MDC Alliance vice-president Lynette Karenyi-Kore said Chamisa’s mother would continue to advise him even when he had entered the country’s political fray.

“I used to come here and interact with his mother,” Karenyi-Kore said.

“She was very generous and you would not leave this homestead without a parcel, be it pumpkins, free range chickens or sweet potatoes. She would advise our president.

“Whenever he was arrested, persecuted, beaten or tortured, she would refuse to eat, feeling for her son. I am sure she was so pained by the recent political developments and was stressed.”

Chamisa was born in Gutu and attended the nearby Vumba Primary School, before enrolling at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ)-run boarding school, Alheit Chingombe 2 High School.

He then did his “A” Levels at Victoria High School in Masvingo, before going to the Harare Polytechnic College, where he started student activism, and later studied law at the University of Zimbabwe when he was Information and Communication Technology minister in the then coalition government between Zanu PF, MDC-T and MDC-M from 2009 to 2013.

After the disbandment of the shaky coalition government, his star continued to shine after the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai appointed him co-vice-president of the party with Elias Mudzuri.

When Tsvangirai died, he assumed the presidency of the biggest opposition party and managed to give Zanu PF’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa a good run for his money in the 2018 elections after polling more than two million votes in an election too close to call.

He claims the elections were rigged by Mnangagwa, a sticking point in the country’s democratic landscape up to now.

ZBC has introduced a host of cost cutting measures according to a leaked memo from the broadcaster’s HR department to the entire ZBC staff.

The state broadcaster announced that there will be no transport allowances for people who are being ferried from home by ZUPCO and lunch will be provided to critical stuff only and photocopying will be centralised.

Below is the memo.

SUBJECT: COST CUTTING MEASURES

The above subject matter refers.

Please be advised that the following cost cutting measures are being instituted with immediate effect:

1. TRANSPORT ALLOWANCE

Considering that the organisation contract. ZUPCO to ferry employees from home to work during this Covid-19 era. Employees reporting for duty using ZUPCO will no longer be entitled to transport allowance. Only critical staff is required to report for duty, the rest must .ay at home unless advised otherwise.

2.CANTEEN

The corporation shall be serving one starch and one type of meat per given day. Standard portions shall be served going forward. Only critical staff shall be served meals against the submitted list from the Departmental Head.

3. PHOTOCOPYNG

All photocopying shall be done through our registry department unless advised otherwise.

Stay safe and healthy by observing all precautions to avoid the spread of COVID- 19.

Regards

S. Chichaya Director-Human Resources and Administration

The RBZ has released the following statement that details the foreign currency exchange auction rules.

Read the full statement below:

FOREIGN EXCHANGE AUCTION RULES

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) wishes to advise the public that since the introduction of the Foreign Exchange Auction Trading System on 23 June 2020, three (3) Foreign Exchange Auctions have been conducted successfully. In order to enhance transparency and efficiency in achieving the primary objective of price discovery, the Bank advises that the following operating rules shall apply:

(a) Only bids for a minimum amount of US$50,000 and a maximum of US$500,000 from each bidder per auction shall be accepted;

(b) All bids shall be in United States Dollars (US$);

(c) Bidders shall submit only one bid per Foreign Exchange Auction and submission of more than one bid shall result in rejection of all bids submitted by the concerned bidder;

(d) Bids submitted by bidders that have overdue export receipts or bidders that have not acquitted foreign payments as required by law shall be rejected;

(e) Bids submitted by bidders with positive balances in their Nostro accounts that are equal to or more than the bid amount shall be rejected;

(f) Bidders must submit their bids through Authorised Dealers by 1500 hours on every Monday, or if the Monday falls on a public holiday, on the next business day, preceding the date of the next Foreign Exchange Auction;

(g) Bidders must provide in their bids sufficient details of the purpose of funds and description of goods or services to be paid for;

(h) Foreign currency shall only be allotted for the purpose for which a bid has been made and utilising allotted foreign currency for any other purpose shall not be permitted; and

(i) Foreign currency shall be allotted to winning bids according to the Import Priority List (7096 Priority Level ) and 30,6 Priority Level 2).

John P Mangudya Governor 10 July 2020

Protests continue to rise in Ethiopia following the murder of a popular musician who was gunned down in Adis Ababa by unknown gunmen.

Ethiopians have been protesting since his death and this has led to the death of 156 people including 11 state security agents. The Prime Minister has warned the citizens that no one is above the law as protests rage on.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has warned the citizens that no one is greater than the country.

He says he will strive to ensure that there is respect for rule of law. Tension continues in the country for the second week following violent protests that erupted last week after a prominent artiste from the Oromo ethnic group was killed. The country, which is under a state of emergency, is currently under heavy security and internet shutdown.

Prime minister Abiy Ahmed took over power in 2018 and one of his biggest challenges has been opposition from a section of his own ethnic group, the Oromo.

Watch video downloading below:

Businessman Genius Kadungure and his gas company Piko Trading have been found not guilty of smuggling gas into the country and failing to declare returns to the Commission of Taxes.

Piko Trading was charged with two counts of failing to declare tax returns and another count of smuggling gas into the country. Kadungure was being charged in his own capacity for failing to declare returns on gas sales to the Commissioner of Taxes.

Kadungure and his firm were cleared of the two offences by Harare regional magistrate Mr Crispen Mberewere. Piko Trading had pleaded guilty to two other counts of failing to declare returns to the Commissioner of taxes.

Magistrate Mberewere is expected to sentence Piko Trading on the two counts.

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

Own Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday hinted at re-tightening the nationwide Covid-19 induced lockdown following a recent spike in new infections.

On March 30 this year President Mnangagwa declared a total Covid-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe for an initial 21 days to better prepare the country to combat the pandemic which had started wrecking havoc throughout the world.

The measures were later relaxed as the government sought to balance health and economic interests and currently the country is under level 2 of the lockdown for an indefinite period.

As at Friday, Zimbabwe had 961 confirmed cases of Covid-19 including 12 deaths since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.

Addressing an ordinary session of the ruling Zanu PF politburo, President Mnangagwa said the rapid rise in Covid-19 infections required another review of the lockdown regulations.

“The recent rapid spike of infections require that we make another review of the Covid-19 lockdown measures soon,” he said adding, “the strategies we adopted to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic have to date yielded positive results.”

He said the country would continue to strengthen preventive measures, testing and contact tracing.

President Mnangagwa warned groups pushing for government workers to go on strike.

“We continue to see acts that seek to out rightly destabilise the peace, unity and harmony we are enjoying, in particular through the use of platforms in the health, education and security sectors. We shall never quiver or capitulate in the face of these machinations,” he said.

“I challenge those who purport to represent workers to do just that. It is a one way traffic lane. Political ambitions and views belong to another lane,” he said.

He warned civil society organisations to stick to their mandate, or risk being de-registered.

“Those who deviate from their mandate will attract de-registration,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also warned foreign embassies against interfering in the internal affairs of the country.

“Some of our guests of the state, our foreign embassies are reminded that Zimbabwe is an independent and sovereign nation. They are once again dissuaded from interfering in our internal affairs and should stop forthwith the funding of destabilisation activities,” he said.

Some fringe political parties including the Jacob Ngarivume-led Transform Zimbabwe have indicated that they would hold street protests on July 31 this year.

Watch the live video loading below….

Watch live the video loading below……

By A Correspondent- A woman from Bulawayo’s Enthumbane suburb, Privilege Hove who is also an illegal money changer popularly known as usiphatheleni, recently cheated death by a whisker when she was stabbed on the arm with a kitchen knife by her lover’s wife after she allegedly found them having sex in her rented room.

Hove and her unidentified lover’s mother Thobekile Kwenda stay at the same house and Hove’s lover and his wife reportedly stay in Kadoma.

When they were busted in the midst of fornication Hove’s alleged lover and his wife had reportedly visited Kwenda. It emerged that there was an action-packed drama when the enraged wife busted her husband pants down with Hove.

Having suspected that it was Kwenda who exposed the illicit relationship, Hove is now threatening to decisively deal with her.

A fearful Kwenda last week approached the Bulawayo Civil Court seeking a protection order against Hove.

“I am being threatened by Privilege Hove. She is threatening to hire people to deal with me. She was in love with my son and they were caught red-handed in the act by my daughter-in-law. They then fought with my daughter-in-law and she was stabbed on the arm with a knife.

She reported the matter at Entumbane Police Station but she later withdrew it at the instigation of my son who is also paying for her medical expenses,” said Kwenda.

She said Hove was now telling people in the suburb that once her wound heals, she would deal with her as punishment for ending her relationship with her son.

“I am now seeking a protection order because my life is in danger. She is telling people that once her hand heals, she wants to deal with me. I pray that since we are staying at the same house, she must not talk to me or use my things,” pleaded Kwenda.

Hove who apparently feared the humiliation of a trial didn’t come to court to defend herself leading the presiding magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu to grant the order in favour of Kwenda.

The magistrate ordered Hove not to disturb Kwenda’s peace by verbally harassing or threatening her in any way.

By A Correspondent- 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.

–Statemedia

Farai Dziva|Controversial ZANU PF National Commissar Victor Matemadanda has claimed that MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa will never rule Zimbabwe following his comments on Mbuya Nehanda.

Said Matemadanda :
“Zimbabweans might not know that Chamisa’s father was in the RAF battalion, meaning one Rhodesian African Riffle.”

“He (Chamisa) is a person who grew up in an army cantonment area, but an army which was on the side of the Rhodesian regime, and his value system because of that, is naturally against the revolution, the liberation of this country.”

“But if he thinks I am lying, he has every right to challenge me.

I know he is a son of a Rhodesian African riffler who fought against the liberation process of this country and his value system now favours the former coloniser.

And for him to disregard the physical and spiritual effort of Ambuya Nehanda is wrong.

A recognition that every one of us is doing, despite the fact that I am in the opposition or what, our people in Zimbabwe respect the spiritual world especially with regards to the liberation process if this country.
And for him to denigrate her, he will never rule this country because of that.

He is very irresponsible, very ignorant, very misguided anti-our culture, anti-Zimbabwe and anti-our culture.”

Addressing an e-rally on Sunday, Advocate Chamisa said that government was not putting its priorities right by planning to erect a giant Nehanda statue in central Harare while the nation is starving.

Responding to Matemadanda’s remarks the MDC Alliance said:

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 remains 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.

By A Correspondent- Police in Jotsholo have arrested a 25 year old man who raped a 12 year old girl.

According to a police report, the girl’s aunt offered the drunk uncle a bedroom to share with the girl.

The man is said to have sneaked into the complainant’s blankets and raped her once.

The case came to light through a tip-off as the relatives were trying to cover up for the accused person, leading to his arrest.

Police are appealing to parents and guardians to avoid allowing male adults to sleep in the same rooms with the girl child.

By A Correspondent- A woman from Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb who shared her nude pictures with a friend has been sentenced together with three other accomplices for sharing raunchy pictures in a residents’ WhatsApp group.

A court heard that Linah Ncube (33) shared her nude pictures with Mpumelelo Nyoni (30) from the same suburb.

It is alleged Nyoni further shared the nudes with Viola Chamboko (29) and Sharon who leaked the pictures. Prosecutor Patson Muchingami told the court that the crime was committed between April last year and June this year when the quartet was arrested.

The court heard Ncube discovered that her nude pictures were being circulated after bumping into them on a Mpopoma WhatsApp group.

She then reported the matter to the police who deployed the cyber crack team comprising police Victim Friendly Unit to investigate the matter.

The court heard investigations led to the arrest of Ncube and that of the three accomplices as it was established that she intentionally sent the pictures to Nyoni.

The prosecutor said while the other three had violated Ncube’s privacy, she was also liable for circulating the nude pictures.

“The three accused persons worked in cahoots and circulated pictures bearing nude photos of the complainant on WhatsApp platforms. They did this in full realisation that there was a real risk or possibility that their conduct would seriously impair the dignity of the complainant.

The trio was also found in possession of five nude pictures belonging to the complainant on their phones which is indecent or obscene or prohibited,” he said.

He said police investigations also led to Ncube’s arrest.

Linah was fined $500 and paid it and the trio of Mpumelelo, Sheron and Viola were fined $1 000 which they are supposed to have paid by 27 July or spend 60 days in prison.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- MDC youth leader Obey Sithole has dismissed funding claims of the July 31 Zimbabwe Anti-Sanction Allied Movement protest.

Sithole said anyone who is thinking that he and other leaders received funding are foolish.

“I have come across an article alleging that myself &other leaders in the party got money for #July 31 protest.Let me say it here & now, it’s FOOLISH 4 anyone to think that #Zimbabweans need to be funded to demonstrate. Corruption is the chief motivator for action. # ZanupfMustGo,” Sithole said via Twitter.

Meanwhile, president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has announced plans to tighten lockdown regulations for Harare and Bulawayo after infections spiked to 885 as of Wednesday, with local infections also rising.

But critics said the surge in COVID-19 cases was now being used as an excuse to frustrate planned public demonstrations by civic groups and opposition activists on July 31.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- ZRP has denied that it sanctioned a demo on 31 July to be held at the US Embassy.

ZRP said the letter circulating to that effect is fake and the signature on that document does not belong to the officer commanding Harare.

In a series of tweets, ZRP said:

The ZRP dismisses a letter which has been posted on the social media platform indicating that Chief Superintendent Matongo, the Officer Commanding Harare Suburban District has sanctioned a purported demonstration by Zimbabwe Anti-Sanction Allied Movement set for 31 July 2020 in Harare CBD and Westgate. This is a forged letter with a fake signature which does not belong to the senior officer.

Chief Superintendent does not command Harare Central District and as such cannot sanction demonstrations or activities in Harare CBD. The date stamp on the letter does not belong to Chief Superintended Matongo’s office.

In this regard the ZRP dismisses the fake letter with the contempt which it deserves. In fact no notification has been made to the relevant regulatory authority by Zimbabwe Anti -Sanctions Allied Movement.

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.”

LEAD President Linda Masarira has spoken against going into the streets to protest ‘without clarity of thought’, saying there is no need to risk lives when people do not know what they want to achieve after raising their voice.

In a Twitter post, Masarira said the fight against corruption should start at a local level before going national encouraging people to fight the vice and demand accountability from traditional leaders, council and central government.

This followed a meeting Masarira had with the organiser of the 31 July action, Jacob Ngarivhume.

“It’s time Zimbabweans took the fight against corruption to their own homes, villages, communities, wards, districts and provinces. It’s time we root out corrupt office bearers and demand accountability from traditional leaders, council & government.

“It’s not about going into the streets for the sake of demonstrating, risking your life for a cause you are not willing to examine with clarity of thought. Know what it is you want to achieve after you have raised your voice in protest,” said Masarira.

Stakes are rising ahead of the planned 31 July protest with various groups including political parties, civic groups and influential people having endorsed the action.

Government has in return warned citizens against breaching lockdown rules saying the results could be catastrophic.

Home Affairs minister has also threatened to arrest those who take the law into their own hands.

Cyclone Idai victims who are still living in tents more than a year after the cyclone destroyed their homes will get new ones before the end of the year, a Cabinet Minister has said.

The cyclone hit eastern Zimbabwe in March last year, with Chimanimani and Chipinge being the worst hit.

More than a year down the line, some of the victims whose houses were swept away are still living in tents at Ngangu in Chimanimani.

Speaking during a national housing delivery programme meeting in Mutare yesterday (Thursday), National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe said the situation in Chimanimani is disturbing.

“Allowing people to live in tents for such a long period of time is eating into the value of their culture, which will have a negative impact on the values of our children,” he said.

“What culture is cultivated in these tents? The neighbour hears everything that happens in this tent.

“We must ensure that we provide houses to the people of Chimanimani by Christmas this year.

“When I was appointed minister, my first focus should have been Chimanimani to ensure that we provide houses for the Cyclone Idai victims.

“However, I am glad that I was part of the delegation when the Chinese Ambassador handed over a donation of US$2 million to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to expeditiously start working on the housing programme in Chimanimani. We will be calling for a meeting as soon as possible. All stakeholders need to ensure that we build the houses and get our people out of the tents before the end of this year. “Let it be our number one priority. We would have failed His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, if we continue pretending as if people are not living in tents,” said the minister.

Minister Garwe was responding to pleas made by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, for a speedy response to the housing problems being facing by Cyclone Idai victims.

“The Chimanimani community was affected by Cyclone Idai in March 2019. To this very day, people are still living in tents. Their situation is sad and it requires urgent attention. It is an embarrassment that more than a year down the line, those families are still living under such squalid conditions,” said Dr Gwaradzimba passionately.

“The conditions under which they are living make me feel very embarrassed as the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Manicaland. Seeing those families in tents make me feel as if we have forgotten or neglected them.

“However, while it is work in progress, a lot has been done by Government to source resources to build decent accommodation for the Idai victims. We just need to ensure that at the onset of the rainy season, those families will be accommodated in their new houses. Please help us accelerate the construction,” she appealed to the National Housing Minister.

Last Friday, China, through the United Nation Development Programme, pledged an additional US$2 million which will be channelled towards Cyclone Idai ravaged areas in Zimbabwe. The grant, which is being implemented under the recently launched Post Disaster Restoration Assistance through UNDP and its partners will provide roofing materials for community housing, health and education facilities that were damaged in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.

Meanwhile, a development partner – Business Friends of Manicaland (BFM) – recently handed over donations to women who were affected by the cyclone. The goods, including peanut butter making machines, pots, sanitary pads and plates, were handed to the women by Manicaland provincial development coordinator, Mr Edgars Seenza. Dr Nancy Saungweme, Ms Florence Sachikonye, Ms Sheila Matamisa, Ms Sue Peters, Ms Yvonne Mapungwana, Ms Christine Chima and several other women living outside the country are the brains behind BFM.

Speaking during the hand-over ceremony, BFM coordinator and Ambassador designate, Dr Saungweme said another consignment of clothes, shoes and kitchen utensils, is expected from the United Kingdom soon.

“We are not tiring in donating to Cyclone Idai victims, especially women as they were the most affected. This is an ongoing initiative that is aimed at assisting affected people.

“The container with the second consignment was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr Saungweme.

-State Media

Government will soon review Covid-19 lockdown measures in the wake of the recent spike of infections, President Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking at the Ordinary Session of Politburo meeting at the party headquarters in Harare today, President Mnangagwa, who is the party’s first secretary, said the recent rapid spike of infections requires another review of the Covid19 lockdown measures.

President Mnangagwa arrives at the Zanu-Pf headquarters for the Ordinary Session of Politburo meeting at the party headquarters in Harare on Friday.

“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 (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 Covid19 lockdown measures ” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the strategies adopted to curb the spread of the pandemic have to date yielded positive results.

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has been forced to close its Bulawayo and Chiredzi offices after it emerged the 54-year-old Bulawayo man who died of COVID-19 on Sunday had visited the offices.

Thabani Sibanda, who became the country’s ninth COVID-19-related death, worked at the Zimra offices in Bulawayo and visited the company’s Chiredzi offices a week before his death, NewsDay has established.

He was admitted at the PSMI Hospital in Hillside, Bulawayo on Sunday July 5, 2020, soon after arriving from Chiredzi and died a few hours later.

Zimra’s Chiredzi offices were yesterday closed, while an internal memorandum dated July 7 by Zimra Commissioner-General Faith Mazani confirmed the temporary closure of the Bulawayo offices.

“This serves to advise the authority is temporarily closing the Bulawayo offices from July 7 and the office will be opened on Monday July 13,” part of Mazani’s memorandum read.

“This temporary closure has been effected in order to allow the disinfection of the offices. However, essential services shall continue to be offered through our COVID-19 structures.”

According to the circular, the Health ministry has started testing Zimra staff based at the Bulawayo Mhlahlandela office for COVID-19 where all those tested will be placed on 14-day self-quarantine.

The Chiredzi offices were reportedly closed for the same reason.

Sources revealed Sibanda came to Chiredzi from Bulawayo in the company of nine other Zimra employees. Four of them were booked at Palm Place with the other five booked at Stallion Lodge.

Sibanda was staying in room 3 at Palm Place for four days where he had contact with employees at the lodge. Hippo Valley Estates employees working at the distillery also allegedly had contact with him.

He also had daily contact with his son who is based in Chiredzi and is currently an intern at a local company. The son stays in Tshovani suburb and shares a house with eight other occupants.

Resident director for Palm Place, Lovemore Chiwanza, confirmed that the man was booked at his lodge.

“Yes, I can confirm that he was staying in room 3, but he never showed any sign of illness and his temperature was normal,” Chiwanza said.

“As a lodge, we are so thorough when it comes to following government guidelines. We are already disinfecting the place. The Ministry of Health recommended that we use hydro peroxide for fumigation.”

Health ministry officials have been to Zimra, Palm Place and Stallion Lodge collecting samples from staff and those suspected to have had contact with the deceased.

Stallion Lodge officials denied ever hosting Zimra officials at their place, but the district development co-ordinator for Chiredzi, who is the vice-chairperson of district COVID-19 taskforce, Livermore Chisema, said the lodge was one of the sites visited by Health officials.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A record number of Zimbabwean lawyers will appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Friday 10 July 2020 answering to charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act following their arrest in June.

The lawyers namely Advocate Thabani Mpofu, Tapiwa Makanza and Joshua
Chirambwe were arrested in early June in a period in which Zimbabwe
Republic Police members swooped on legal practitioners for conducting their professional duties.

First to be arrested on Monday 1 June 2020, was Advocate Mpofu, who is
represented by Beatrice Mtetwa and Raymond Moyo of Zimbabwe Lawyers
for Human Rights (ZLHR), who was charged with committing various offences including defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act alternatively, fraud as defined in section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and alternatively perjury as defined in section 183(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Advocate Mpofu, who is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail, was also
charged with corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal as defined in section 172(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

On Count 1, which is a charge of corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal as defined in section 172(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, prosecutor Michael Reza of the National Prosecuting Authority alleged that the 38 year-old Advocate Mpofu connived with Everson Samukange, who was a Professional Assistant at Venturas & Samukange Legal Practitioners in 2017, to divert a contract entered into between Senziwani Sikhosana, the Managing Director of Access Finance and Venturas & Samukange Legal Practitioners, wherein Everson Samukange would represent Sikhosana in an undisclosed civil
matter.

Reza alleged that Everson Samukange received US$6 000, which was
deposited into his Standard Chartered Bank account from Sikhosana
through Access Finance which he later conveyed to Advocate Mpofu.

On Count 2, which is a charge of defeating or obstructing the course
of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Reza alleged that in January 2019, Advocate Mpofu attempted to defeat the course of justice by conniving with Tapiwa Makanza and Advocate Choice Damiso to draft an affidavit in the name of Simbarashe Zuze, who is non-existent, to purport as if Zuze had sworn an affidavit before Advocate Damiso with the aid of Makanza, who professed to be his lawyer.

Advocate Mpofu, Reza said, went on to lodge the said affidavit at the Constitutional Court before Justice Paddington Garwe bearing only the
name of Simbarashe Zuze without any other identification details under
case number CCZ03/2019 to purport as if Zuze was challenging the
appointment of Kumbirai Hodzi as Prosecutor-General.

By so doing, Reza charged, Advocate Mpofu, Makanza and Advocate Damiso
intended to cause the Constitutional Court to nullify Hodzi’s appointment as Prosecutor-General on the basis of a fictitious person who did not have the necessary locus standi.

The application seeking to nullify Hodzi’s appointment as Prosecutor-General, Reza said, was struck off the Constitutional Court roll on suspicion that it could be fictitious and did not meet some set standards.

On Count 3, which is a charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or alternatively perjury as defined in section 183(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Reza alleged that Advocate Mpofu, Chirambwe and Lawman Chimuriwo connived on 7 February 2019 to obstruct any investigations into the existence of Zuze after noting that Zuze’s application had been dismissed.

The trio, Reza said, plagiarised the contents of the affidavit purported to have been made by Zuze and created, with those contents, another affidavit in the name of Chirambwe before filing another application at the Constitutional Court under CCZ04/19.

Reza said by filing an application on behalf of Chirambwe with the full knowledge that Zuze’s statement in his application had been challenged by Judicial Service Commission Secretary Walter Chikwana on the basis that Zuze did not exist, Advocate Mpofu intended to defeat and obstruct the course of justice.

Another lawyer, Makanza, who was arrested by ZRP members on Sunday 7
June 2020,  will also appear at Harare Magistrates Court after he was charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined
in section 184(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Makanza, who is represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe of ZLHR, is accused
by prosecutors of creating a fictitious person Simbarashe Zuze, who is the person who in January 2019 filed an application in the Constitutional Court challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Kumbirai Hodzi as Prosecutor-General as he did not score high marks during interviews conducted by Judicial Service Commission.

The 38 year-old Makanza is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail.

Another lawyer, Chirambwe, who is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail,
will also appear at Harare Magistrates Court after he was arrested and
charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The 28 year-old Chirambwe, who is represented by Obey Shava of ZLHR,
is accused of conniving with Advocate Mpofu to obstruct any investigations into the existence of Zuze upon realising that the initial application tendered by Advocate Mpofu in the Constitutional Court was struck off the court’s roll on 6 February 2020.

Also appearing at Harare Magistrates Court are Harare West legislator
Hon. Joanah Mamombe and MDC-Alliance party Youth Assembly leaders
Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, who are victims of abduction and
torture and who were arrested by ZRP members on 11 June 2020 and
charged with publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial
to the state as defined in section 31(a)(ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state as defined in section 31(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The trio was also charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(f) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova, who are represented by Alec
Muchadehama, Jeremiah Bamu, Tinomuda Shoko and Roselyn Hanzi of ZLHR, went missing on 13 May 2020, when they were abducted in Harare by some unidentified people and were later found on 15 May 2020 after being dumped in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province.

They have already been charged with committing public violence after
they were arrested on 26 May 2020 for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest against hunger during the national lockdown period as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and for contravening section 5(3) (a) as read with section 5(1) of Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020 of Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 and will stand trial in August.

By Jane Mlambo| According to a local radio station Star FM, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told the Zanu PF politburo that his government will review national lockdown restrictions.

The Zanu PF politburo is currently sitting amid increasing pressure from citizens over the deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

There are fears that government wants to use lockdown to clampdown on opposition and civic groups who are organising protests on the 31st of July.

More to follow…

A grieving Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition MDC Alliance party, has, for the first time, opened up on his humble beginnings, saying his late mother was very instrumental in his meteoric rise to the political scene.

Chamisa’s mother, Alice collapsed and died at the family’s rural homestead in Chiwara communal lands in Gutu South on Monday, leaving behind her husband and four children.

Addressing thousands of mourners at the funeral wake on Wednesday, Chamisa said his mother engaged in vending to raise money for him to go to school.

“Handina kungonyuka kusvika ndisvike pandiri nhasi (my mother toiled for me to become what I am today). It was because of the hard work and tireless efforts of my mother, Mai Neri. She used to sell chickens and vegetables for me to go to school,” a teary Chamisa said.

“She was hardworking and industrious. It is unfortunate that she died before we attained a new Zimbabwe. I want to thank all parents who are toiling to send their children to school.”

An unidentified friend of her mother, who she used to do the vending errands with, corroborated the claims, saying they would walk long distances to sell their wares in nearby farms.

“I partnered his mother back in the day where we used to go to nearby farms selling our stuff. She had an entrepreneurial spirit. This man you see (Chamisa), that you call your president, is a product of humble beginnings,” she testified before the crowd.

MDC Alliance vice-president Lynette Karenyi-Kore said Chamisa’s mother would continue to advise him even when he had entered the country’s political fray.

“I used to come here and interact with his mother,” Karenyi-Kore said.

“She was very generous and you would not leave this homestead without a parcel, be it pumpkins, free range chickens or sweet potatoes. She would advise our president.

“Whenever he was arrested, persecuted, beaten or tortured, she would refuse to eat, feeling for her son. I am sure she was so pained by the recent political developments and was stressed.”

Chamisa was born in Gutu and attended the nearby Vumba Primary School, before enrolling at the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ)-run boarding school, Alheit Chingombe 2 High School.

He then did his “A” Levels at Victoria High School in Masvingo, before going to the Harare Polytechnic College, where he started student activism, and later studied law at the University of Zimbabwe when he was Information and Communication Technology minister in the then coalition government between Zanu PF, MDC-T and MDC-M from 2009 to 2013.

After the disbandment of the shaky coalition government, his star continued to shine after the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai appointed him co-vice-president of the party with Elias Mudzuri.

When Tsvangirai died, he assumed the presidency of the biggest opposition party and managed to give Zanu PF’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa a good run for his money in the 2018 elections after polling more than two million votes in an election too close to call.

He claims the elections were rigged by Mnangagwa, a sticking point in the country’s democratic landscape up to now.

-Newsday

By Jane Mlambo| Brother to controversial socialite Passion, Apostle Batsirai Java has released a video setting the record straight on the issue surrounding his homeless young brother Simbarashe who appeared in circulating video accusing his brother, Panganai of neglecting him.

Simbarashe appeared in a video claiming that his young brother Passion brought him to East London, South Africa from Zimbabwe where he was working at a construction company.

He claims that since the beginning of the lockdown, he has been unemployed resulting in him being homeless while begging Passion to assist him go back to Zimbabwe.

“If you want to come tomorrow morning, I will help you come but you stay with your mum because I can’t take you in my house, I want a quite life,” said Batsirai.

Batsirai has lived a largely quite and reserved lifestyle as compared to his sibling, Passion who is always flaunting his riches on social media and picking battles with people including Emmanuel Makandiwa, Talent Chiwenga and many others.

Government has reinstated embattled NetOne chief executive Lazarus Muchenje with immediate effect.

The development was confirmed by a well-placed source, who asked for anonymity for fear of reprisals.

“Yes, he was reinstated, effective immediately with all charges levelled against him dropped,” the source said.

In May, Muchenje and seven other NetOne executives were arrested on corruption and abuse of office charges by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, but were later freed on $3 000 bail each.

The arrest followed an initial suspension in March on allegations of being incompetent and refusing to provide documentation for an audit.

Muchenje did not respond to repeated calls made to his mobile phone.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The Chief Executive of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), Mr Nyasha Chizu, was on Tuesday sent on leave amid serious procurement violations in the country.

The leave came a day after he appeared before the Parliament’s Committee on the Budget, Finance and Economic Development where he indicated:

• some entities had not complied with procurement guidelines issued by the authority in March when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared a national disaster.
• PRAZ did not oversee all procurement of goods and services by Government departments to combat Covid-19
• some State entities had not submitted monthly procurement reports since the beginning of the lockdown.
• some had centralised their procurement processes instead of decentralising them.

Chizu said some cases had been referred to the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (Zacc) for further investigation.

Chizu also told Parliament that the authority is no longer responsible for awarding tenders, but issues general procurement guidelines, review processes and evaluates decisions made by procuring entities.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is the authority now responsible for the final money for value assessment before it will approve payments.

Observers use recent procurement scandals to cement the argument that the authority, like its predecessor, is an appendage for political elites.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases have gone up by 41 bringing the total to 926 including 12 deaths reported at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (2) and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (1).

The Ministry of Health and Child Care announced in a statement that the new cases include returnees from South Africa (2), Namibia (1), Japan (1) and 36 local cases.

51 of the cases reported on Thursday were from Bulawayo province of which 21 are health caregivers who have been in contact with known confirmed cases admitted at the hospital and have been isolated.

Zimbabwe’s recent coronavirus pattern is worrisome as cases recorded increasing at an unparalleled rate. See the trend below:

New cases:

• July 9 = 41
• July 8 = 98
• July 7 = 53
• July 6 = 18
• July 5 = 18
• July 4 = 73
• July 3 = 8
• July 2 = 12
• July 1 = 14

Total cases as of July 9 = 926.

Meanwhile, 100 people recovered from the virus bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 306.

By Own Correspondent| A record number of Zimbabwean lawyers will appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Friday 10 July 2020 answering to charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act following their arrest in June.

The lawyers namely Advocate Thabani Mpofu, Tapiwa Makanza and Joshua Chirambwe were arrested in early June in a period in which Zimbabwe Republic Police members swooped on legal practitioners for conducting their professional duties.

First to be arrested on Monday 1 June 2020, was Advocate Mpofu, who is represented by Beatrice Mtetwa and Raymond Moyo of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who was charged with committing various offences including defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act alternatively, fraud as defined in section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and alternatively perjury as defined in section 183(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Advocate Mpofu, who is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail, was also charged with corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal as defined in section 172(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

On Count 1, which is a charge of corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal as defined in section 172(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, prosecutor Michael Reza of the National Prosecuting Authority alleged that the 38 year-old Advocate Mpofu connived with Everson Samukange, who was a Professional Assistant at Venturas&Samukange Legal Practitioners in 2017, to divert a contract entered into between Senziwani Sikhosana, the Managing Director of Access Finance and Venturas&Samukange Legal Practitioners, wherein Everson Samukange would represent Sikhosana in an undisclosed civil matter.

Reza alleged that Everson Samukange received US$6 000, which was deposited into his Standard Chartered Bank account from Sikhosana through Access Finance which he later conveyed to Advocate Mpofu.

On Count 2, which is a charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Reza alleged that in January 2019, Advocate Mpofu attempted to defeat the course of justice by conniving with Tapiwa Makanza and Advocate Choice Damiso to draft an affidavit in the name of Simbarashe Zuze, who is non-existent, to purport as if Zuze had sworn an affidavit before Advocate Damiso with the aid of Makanza, who professed to be his lawyer.

Advocate Mpofu, Reza said, went on to lodge the said affidavit at the Constitutional Court before Justice Paddington Garwe bearing only the name of Simbarashe Zuze without any other identification details under case number CCZ03/2019 to purport as if Zuze was challenging the appointment of Kumbirai Hodzi as Prosecutor-General.

By so doing, Reza charged, Advocate Mpofu, Makanza and Advocate Damiso intended to cause the Constitutional Court to nullify Hodzi’s appointment as Prosecutor-General on the basis of a fictitious person who did not have the necessary locus standi.

The application seeking to nullify Hodzi’s appointment as Prosecutor-General, Reza said, was struck off the Constitutional Court roll on suspicion that it could be fictitious and did not meet some set standards.

On Count 3, which is a charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or alternatively perjury as defined in section 183(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Reza alleged that Advocate Mpofu, Chirambwe and Lawman Chimuriwo connived on 7 February 2019 to obstruct any investigations into the existence of Zuze after noting that Zuze’s application had been dismissed.

The trio, Reza said, plagiarised the contents of the affidavit purported to have been made by Zuze and created, with those contents, another affidavit in the name of Chirambwe before filing another application at the Constitutional Court under CCZ04/19.

Reza said by filing an application on behalf of Chirambwe with the full knowledge that Zuze’s statement in his application had been challenged by Judicial Service Commission Secretary Walter Chikwana on the basis that Zuze did not exist, Advocate Mpofu intended to defeat and obstruct the course of justice.

Another lawyer, Makanza, who was arrested by ZRP members on Sunday 7 June 2020, will also appear at Harare Magistrates Court after he was charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Makanza, who is represented by Paidamoyo Saurombe of ZLHR, is accused by prosecutors of creating a fictitious person Simbarashe Zuze, who is the person who in January 2019 filed an application in the Constitutional Court challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Kumbirai Hodzi as Prosecutor-General as he did not score high marks during interviews conducted by Judicial Service Commission. The 38 year-old
Makanza is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail.

Another lawyer, Chirambwe, who is out of custody on RTGS$20 000 bail, will also appear at Harare Magistrates Court after he was arrested and charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The 28 year-old Chirambwe, who is represented by Obey Shava of ZLHR, is accused of conniving with Advocate Mpofu to obstruct any investigations into the existence of Zuze upon realising that the initial application tendered by Advocate Mpofu in the Constitutional Court was struck off the court’s roll on 6 February 2020.

Also appearing at Harare Magistrates Court are Harare West constituency legislator Hon. Joanah Mamombe and MDC-Alliance party Youth Assembly leaders Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, who are victims of abduction and torture and who were arrested by ZRP members on 11 June 2020 and charged with publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state as defined in section 31(a)(ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state as defined in section 31(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The trio was also charged with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(f) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova, who are represented by Alec Muchadehama, Jeremiah Bamu, Tinomuda Shoko and Roselyn Hanzi of ZLHR, went missing on 13 May 2020, when they were abducted in Harare by some unidentified people and were later found on 15 May 2020 after being dumped in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province.

They have already been charged with committing public violence after they were arrested on 26 May 2020 for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest against hunger during the national lockdown period as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and for contravening section 5(3) (a) as read with section 5(1) of Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020 of Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 and will stand trial in August.

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe’s (PRAZ) chief executive, Mr Nyasha Chizu, was on Tuesday sent on leave, the day after he told Parliament’s committee on the Budget, Finance and Economic Development that some entities had not complied with procurement guidelines issued by the authority in March when the Covid-19 pandemic was declared a national disaster.

PRAZ admitted that it did not oversee all procurement of goods and services by Government departments to combat Covid-19 and that not all State entities had submitted monthly procurement reports since the beginning of the lockdown.

The non-compliant entities were yet to submit their monthly procurement reports as required by law while some had centralised their procurement processes instead of decentralising them.

Mr Chizu said some cases had been referred to the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (Zacc) for further investigation.

PRAZ board chairperson Mrs Vimbai Nyemba confirmed Mr Chizu was on leave and denied rumours he had been suspended.

When Mr Chizu appeared with other PRAZ managers before the budget committee on Monday, he said the authority was reviewing procurement done by various Government departments since the lockdown was enforced in March.

PRAZ was established as a successor body to the State Procurement Board, through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act in 2018, and Mr Chizu was appointed CEO since then.

The organisation is no longer responsible for awarding tenders, but issues general procurement guidelines, review processes and evaluates decisions made by procuring entities.

The Treasury has the responsibility for the final money for value assessment, before it will approve payments, and recently ordered the cancellation of a large deal for medical supplies entered into by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, a deal that has already seen the former Health Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo, arrested and later dismissed from office.

Business Times

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is expecting the foreign currency exchange rate to reach equilibrium in the next few weeks following trading of the foreign currency auction system on Tuesday.

The development comes at a time when the parallel market exchange
rate has retreated to 1:93 from 1:103 by the end of June due to the introduction of the forex auction system.

RBZ governor John Mangudya told Business Times that the third successful forex auction will push illegal forex traders out of business and stabilise the exchange rate to pave way for economic growth.

“We are using the Dutch Auction System and under the system, each
successful bidder is charged the rate he or she bid and it is always the case
that the highest bidder today will lower the bid and the lowest bid will
increase the bid to reach an equilibrium convergence.

“The auction is designed to enhance transparency in the management of foreign exchange and achieve a realistic market driven exchange rate for the local currency,” Mangudya said.

RBZ foreign currency auction system Tuesday set the exchange rate at
1:65 against the US dollar, registering a 3 % decline when compared to
last week.

The apex bank update on the latest trades shows that US$13.m was
available on the system with the highest bid rate ZW$90 lowest bid
rate ZWL$30 lowest accepted rate ZW$55.

However, the average weighted rate settled at ZW$65.87 registering
3% decline from the figures declared last week.

From the foreign currency available, the manufacturing sector was allotted US$5.6m, retail and distribution US$1.9m, services US$1.8m, agriculture US$1m construction, engineering and electricals US$1m and energy US$575,421.

The figures show that trade volume by allocation is down by 16%.
Economists said the RBZ’s latest measures to halt the collapse of the
local currency as bidders are likely to have gained confidence in the system but need a lot of monitoring to achieve desired results.

The first US dollar weekly auction was held last week Tuesday where
slightly less than 100 bidders participated with total bids of US$11.4m.
The auction brought the ZW/ US$ exchange rate to 57:1 from the
hitherto official rate of 25:1.

Economist Persistence Gwanyanya said the auction system has
the potential to stabilise the forex exchange rate and was hopeful that
the stabilisation of the forex rate will arrest the rampant cost of living and
prices.

“So far the system has proved to be successful but we don’t know how
it will go in the next few weeks,” Gwanyanya said.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Henry Ruzvidzo
said a number of companies have started to get forex since the introduction of the auction system.

“The system offered an opportunity to stabilise the local currency
and the elimination of the major of the exchange rate, consequently we
expect the prices of the basic commodities to stabilise,” Ruzvidzo said.

ZANU PF national commissar Victor Matemadanda has declared that MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa will never rule Zimbabwe after his comments on Mbuya Nehanda.

Addressing an e-rally beamed on Sunday, Chamisa said that government was not putting its priorities right by planning to erect a giant Nehanda statue in central Harare while the nation starves.

Matemadamda said Chamisa was inspired by the experience of growing up in a Rhodesian cantonment area. Chamisa was born at the end of the Chimurenga war, in 1978.

“Zimbabweans might not know that Chamisa’s father was in the RAF battalion, meaning one Rhodesian African Riffle,” Matemadanda said Wednesday.

“He (Chamisa) is a person who grew up in an army cantonment area, but an army which was on the side of the Rhodesian regime, and his value system because of that, is naturally against the revolution, the liberation of this country.

“But if he thinks I am lying, he has every right to challenge me.

“I know he is a son of a Rhodesian African riffler who fought against the liberation process of this country and his value system now favours the former coloniser.

“And for him to disregard the physical and spiritual effort of Ambuya Nehanda is wrong.

“A recognition that every one of us is doing, despite the fact that I am in the opposition or what, our people in Zimbabwe respect the spiritual world especially with regards to the liberation process if this country.”

Matemadanda added, “And for him to denigrate her, he will never rule this country because of that. He is very irresponsible, very ignorant, very misguided anti-our culture, anti-Zimbabwe and anti-our culture.

“I don’t know he gets this desperation, a loose person, I don’t know how people support him and he will never rule this country.”

Addressing the rally, Chamisa said the ruling ZANU PF was putting its priorities wrongly.

“I heard this government wants to build a statue of the late heroine of the First Chirimurenga Ambuya Nehanda,” he said.

“It shows that people are wired wrongly, it is inappropriate to build the statue.

“You are telling us that you want to commit state resources to building the statue instead of putting money and effort into building buildings and infrastructure.

“But you are thinking of building a statue, that’s wrong priorities.”

Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases have gone up by 41 bringing the total to 926 including 3 deaths reported at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (2) and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (1).

The Ministry of Health and Child Care announced in a statement that the new cases include returnees from South Africa (2), Namibia (1), Japan (1) and 36 local cases.

51 of the cases reported on Thursday were from Bulawayo province of which 21 are health caregivers who have been in contact with known confirmed cases admitted at the hospital and have been isolated.

Zimbabwe’s recent coronavirus pattern is worrisome as cases recorded increasing at an unparalleled rate. See the trend below:

New cases:-

July 9 = 41
July 8 = 98
July 7 = 53
July 6 = 18
July 5 = 18
July 4 = 73
July 3 = 8
July 2 = 12
July 1 = 14

Total cases as of July 9 = 926.

Meanwhile, 100 people recovered from the virus bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 306