https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/1288733461600243712?s=20

BREAKING: SIX (6) SUSPECTED STATE SECURITY AGENTS BROKE THE WINDOW TO MY CHILDREN'S BEDROOM & ENTERED MY HOME >00:00 HRS, DEMANDED TO KNOW MY WHEREABOUTS, RANSACKED & STOLE BEVERAGES, CELLPHONE, LIGHT BULB & OTHER ITEMS. LEFT A MESSAGE WITH THE CHILDREN SAYING "WE WILL KILL HIM." pic.twitter.com/22FwxVhlIn

— Swithern Chirowodza (@SwithernC) July 30, 2020

TWENTY SIXTH POST-CABINET PRESS BRIEFING
28TH JULY 2020

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

The Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, as Deputy Chair of the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19, presented the weekly Report on the National Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, which was adopted by Cabinet.

Out of the one hundred and twenty-two thousand seven hundred and seventy (122 770) tests conducted throughout the country two thousand seven hundred and four (2 704) were confirmed COVID-19 positive, compared to the one thousand seven hundred and thirteen (1 713) cases reported on 20 July, 2020. This translates to a 68% increase in the number of confirmed cases. Cabinet announces, with regret, that the total number of COVID-19 fatalities has increased to thirty-six (36) from the twenty-six (26) reported last week. Of particular concern is that cumulative number of confirmed local COVID-19 cases has increased by 112% from seven hundred and ninety-one (791) to one thousand six hundred and seventy-five (1 675) during the past week. Most of the local cases are in Bulawayo (667), Harare (601) and Gweru (168). Cabinet, therefore, declared Gweru a hotspot of COVID-19, in addition to Harare and Bulawayo. Government is expediting efforts to put in place Rapid Result Test Teams to facilitate localized lockdowns in hotspot suburbs of the three cities.

The number of those who have recovered has increased from the previously reported four hundred and seventy-two (472) to five hundred and forty-two. This leaves the number of active cases at two thousand one hundred and twenty-six (2 126).

In order to curb the further spread of the disease among Government officials, the holding of meetings by virtual means will be enhanced. At universities and colleges, face-to-face classes have been suspended and lessons will be carried out online. Those who had started writing examinations will be allowed to complete them, while those who had not started their examinations will have them deferred.

In the business sector, it is highlighted that employers are required to issue new letters to their employees. The letters should contain the list of all the employees at the company, which list must be authenticated and stamped by the Officer in Charge of the nearest Police Station. Individual employees shall be required to carry such letters at all times, together with their national identity cards. The requirements pertaining to movement control have already been published in the public media. Members of the public are urged to comply with the regulations published under Statutory Instrument 174 of 2020 which will be strictly enforced.

Government reiterates that there should be strict adherence to cross-border burial guidelines throughout the country in order to curb the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the limit of fifty people at gatherings should be strictly followed, especially at funeral wakes and church services. Municipal police, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the local community leadership will work together to ensure that communities bury their loved ones within the strict confines of the law.

Cabinet notes, with concern, that the on-going strike in the health sector is negatively affecting the national COVID-19 response. More nurses will be urgently recruited from the available pool of qualified nurses, while processes to resolve those on industrial action continue. In addition, to strengthen the COVID-19 response, Government will recruit additional staff to run PCR tests, including unemployed graduates. Modalities are also being put in place to enable industrial and innovation hubs to produce Viral Transport Media (VTM), a critical ingredient in PCR tests currently in short supply.

In order to control the spike in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths, Cabinet further agreed on the immediate implementation of the following practical measures: (a) that COVID-19 hotspots shall be quickly analysed with a view to implementing stricter lockdown measures so as to ensure behavioural change towards the disease in the areas; (b) that holding of Virtual Meetings shall be enhanced and that all Ministry staff reporting for duty shall be tested before assuming duty, while the outgoing group of workers is tested before leaving and upon return; (c) that the Rapid Response Teams will be provided with the vehicles and allowances necessary to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently. Social workers and other categories of staff providing documented COVID-19 frontline services at quarantine centres, public institutions and other areas will receive the same allowances as those given to health workers; (d) that the initial Official Communication of COVID-19 results shall be made by the Secretary for Health and Child Care and appropriate action will be taken against those who violate this standing directive; and (e) to expedite the secondment and recruitment of additional staff such as nurses, laboratory scientists so as to strengthen health delivery system and national response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cabinet also takes this opportunity to inform the public that the country’s health centres have reasonable stocks of PPE, with stocks of at least 3 weeks per centre. A case in point is the United Bulawayo Hospitals which has three months supply of PPE in place. Cabinet also continues to urge the public to remain vigilant as the COVID-19 is real and affecting many of our loved ones

2. PRINCIPLES OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS AMENDMENT BILL

Cabinet adopted the Principles for the Proposed Legal Practitioners Amendment Bill, which were presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The amendment addresses deficiencies identified in the current Act pertaining to the composition of the Council of Legal Education. The existing Legal Practitioners Act provides for the appointment of two members of the Legal Education Council from nominations made by only the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Law Board. This is not representative of all the key institutions offering legal education in Zimbabwe, since the country has other universities offering law degrees. The Bill will, therefore, amend section 36 of the Act to provide for two members of the Legal Education Council to be appointed from a list of nominees submitted Zimbabwean Universities with Law Faculties. This will enable the Council to make fully informed decisions on the training requirements of lawyers in Zimbabwe, among other matters.

3. PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2020 HEROES DAY COMMEMORATIONS AND DEFENCE FORCES DAY CELEBRATIONS

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, as the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions, briefed Cabinet on the 2020 Heroes Day Commemorations and the Defence Forces Day Celebrations. There will be no gatherings this year to mark both events. His Excellency, the President will address the nation using virtual platforms.

The 2020 Heroes Day Commemorations will be held under the theme “REMEMBERING OUR HEROES” on 10th August, the Defence Forces Day Celebrations will be held on 11th August, 2020 under the theme “ZDF: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE”. The Virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme.

On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020. The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process.

4. PRINCIPLES FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE TRADITIONAL LEADERS ACT [CHAPTER 29:17]

Cabinet received a presentation from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works on the proposed amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17]. The Traditional Leaders Act is being amended to align it to the Constitution. The amendments will seek, among other provisions, to provide for the following matters: (a) recognition of the role of Traditional Leaders under Customary Law; (b) equal and fair treatment of all people by Traditional Leaders; (c) functions and remuneration of Traditional Leaders; (d) process of appointing, disciplining and removing Traditional Leaders; (e) establishment of the National Council and Provincial Assemblies of Chiefs and their functions; (f) creation, resuscitation, and abolishment of Traditional Leaderships, and (g) establishment of Integrity and Ethics Committee and its functions.

Cabinet approved the principles to amend the Traditional Leaders Act.

5. PRINCIPLES FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE DEPOSIT PROTECTION ACT [CHAPTER 24:29]

Cabinet considered and approved the Principles to amend the Deposit Protection Corporation Act [Chapter 24:29] as presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. The amendments to the Act will provide a governing legal framework for banking institutions in the event of their closure. The Deposit Protection Corporation Act will be amended to establish a separate insolvency regime for banking institutions, align the Act to other local laws as well as comply with International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems. The Deposit Protection Corporation will be the sole deposit insurer and liquidator of banking institutions in Zimbabwe.

The opposition MDC Alliance has said its operations are guided by principles of good governance including accountability and transparency.

In a statement by the party’ spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, the party denied the involvement of party officials in Harare City Council’s operations.

The statement is issued amid allegations that some officials including party leader Nelson Chamisa and Secretary-General Chalton Hwende participated in the local government’s land scam. We present the statement in full below.

As the MDC-Alliance, we wish to reiterate our commitment to the fight against corruption in light of the allegations being made within the Harare City Council. As a party that values integrity, we hold ourselves accountable to the ideals of good governance and the belief that all corrupt activities must be independently investigated. To date there has been no substantiated evidence that our officials have not conducted themselves in accordance with Council rules and by-laws.

As far as the operations of the Harare City Council are concerned, the Council has laws and processes that it adheres to. The party does not control how Council conducts its lawful, day-to-day operations. Accordingly, we note the desperate attempt to conflate issues of alleged corruption in the Harare City Council with the activities of the MDC-Alliance as a party.

We do not believe in immunity and impunity where a wrong has been committed.

We are also mindful of the temptation by the regime to weaponize the law for the purposes of retaliation in light of their recorded failure to pursue corruption cases over the past few months. We are aware of the selective application of the law as relates to COVID-19 tenders and other cases involving political elites. We remain opposed to the arbitrary arrests of people in order to investigate. We call on all allegations to be investigated in accordance with the law and in a transparent non-partisan manner.

Just in case all of you think we have it tough in Zimbabwe, here is a picture of me with a 16 lb tiger on the Zambezi last weekend. I was at Chiwore Camp with six friends and we had a splendid time around a fire at night, fishing on one of the greatest rivers in the world.

Comfortable bed at night with elephant grazing outside my lodge, superb meals cooked by a Chef and much laughter and sometimes deep conversation on current issues.

Behind me on the boat is the former Chairman of the Commercial Farmers Union – Nick Swanepoel. Helping take the picture was his wife Margaret and our mutual friends Terry and Diana Kelly who own the place some 50 kilometres down river from the Manna Pools Wildlife Park.

The fishing was superb even though it was the middle of winter here in Zimbabwe. After heavy rains in the northern catchment of the river it was running strongly. Game was a bit scarce as there is still a fair amount of water in the Pans and springs on the escarpment, but what was there was not nervous or gun shy – clearly the hunting has stopped and I hope this allows the wildlife population recover. The veld was looking great with the Mopani still in leaf and all the winter colours.

That is one thing I found so different to the open areas in Europe – here all seasons are rich in colours that you only see in Autumn in the north. The weather was cool with a bit of wind, but for the rest – eat your hearts out all of you who live elsewhere. This is a paradise. On the way home we called in at Lion’s Den and had the best steak rolls in Africa at a place run by a farming family.

Then it was back to Covid, restricted working times and Zoom – but four days away with no cell phone signal or emails! I was tanned and rested and will remember this breakaway for the rest of the year – thanks to the Kelly’s – it is not fair; they are in lockdown there.

The place has many memories for us – it was at Chiwore mouth that another great friend, Mike Edden and two colleagues were sleeping on a sand bank for shelter when an estimated 300 Zanla Guerrillas crossed the river during our Civil War and walked right past them. Mike is now gone to higher service but it is good to remember that what we are today was crafted by those who suffered and fought each other. Today we work together and strive to build a better life for all our people.

I was asked by a colleague the other day, why I stay in Zimbabwe when so many whites have left for other parts of the world seeking a better life and opportunity. It is simple really – this is home. To live like we do elsewhere in the world I would have to be very wealthy.

Then there is the fact that when we as a family went to God to ask what we should do during the war, when the future looked so bleak and without hope.

We received very clear guidance that we were to stay. Has it been a sacrifice? Judge for yourself, we have two great children and five grandchildren – all doing well and all are well rounded and good human beings. We are all here and each one makes their own contribution to our little country.

To be in the Diaspora is no sinecure – my son has just concluded a sermon series on the Book of Ezra in the Old Testament. This is all about the Jewish diaspora in the Middle East at the time and their experience when they made the return to their homeland and rebuilt the Temple.

It took courage and effort – the journey took five months in country riddled with bandits and hostile tribes. Ask any Jew if that effort was worth it, they will reply that the question does not need an answer. They left behind security and property, many had known no other home, yet somehow, Jerusalem called and they responded.

We have a very powerful Diaspora population – of nearly a third of our population. They are spread across the world – 5 million adults plus children. I have walked the slums of South Africa where Shona is the dominant language.

I have sat in Board Rooms in New York with young Zimbabweans who have reached the very pinnacles of business and banking. All of them hanker after home. My own prayer is that one day we can issue them a call to come home and like those Jews in Ezra’s day, help us rebuild our country.

Yesterday I was invited to a home in the suburbs to meet two couples who simply wanted to know – is there any hope of better times, what is happening right now. We had a cup of coffee and talked for just over an hour.

People say I am the eternal optimist. That is true, because there is no other way to be, anywhere. How did our forefathers survive – my own Great Grandfather, fighting in the Boer War in South Africa, at the end of which the Boers looked like they had survived a German concentration camp.

Then my own father – two World Wars, the Spanish Flu, the collapse of the Federation and then 15 years of civil war with no holds barred.

Life is not easy for any of us – it is what we make of what we are given, that makes the difference.

Here we have launched a weekly auction of foreign currency and this has had an immediate impact, exchange rates have stabilised, the rate for the local currency has strengthened by about 20 per cent and we have been able to fund essential imports at lower exchange rates.

Now we need to get more foreign exchange onto the market and to implement essential reforms to the gold and fuel marketing systems. If we can get that done, this will be a new country.

The other major step forward this past week has been the news that the farmers affected by the land reform program have at last reached agreement on compensation.

This has been many years in the making and is another confirmation that this Government is different to the Mugabe regime. The President promised he would do this and now it is done, in the face of fierce opposition from the hard liners in the Administration.

We have again allowed the free use of foreign currencies in the local economy and this has also resulted in increased economic activity as it has brought currency that was previously locked down in Bank accounts, back into the productive sector.

This does not mean we are dollarising – that is behind us and 90 percent of transactions are still in the local currency. The weakness of that currency has restored our competitiveness in regional markets and exports are now growing and local production improving.

Small steps – but that is what it takes and eventually we will make this country a good place to live and work in again. The fishing – that is the best!!

Eddie Cross, Harare, 25th July 2020

Former opposition MDC spokesperson Obert Gutu has mocked at MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa, describing him as a coward hiding away from the struggle.

Chamisa is on official leave since the death of his mother early this month. He is at his family home in Gutu, Masvingo.

Wrote Gutu

'Hiding' in the bushes, somewhere in my ancestral land, the land of my forebearers, the land of the legendary Chaurura Wegona Chinemukutu, & 'mobilizing' people to fill up the streets on July 31…??
Cowardice REDEFINED…
I have never, ever laughed this much all my life.. ??

— Obert Gutu (@GutuObert) July 30, 2020

State Media

Zupco is spacing out passengers in its buses increasing social distancing, while the mandatory temperature testing, sanitisation, wearing of masks by passengers and disinfection of buses after every trip will continue.

Last night, Zupco acting chief executive Mr Evaristo Madangwa said the Ministry of Health and Child Care screened staff at the Willowvale depot on Wednesday and nine of the company employees were found positive.

It was not clear if these were rapid screening tests or the diagnostic PCR tests.

“We shall continue to spray, disinfect each bus and omnibus daily,” said Mr Madangwa.

“Zupco shall continue to ensure temperature checks, hand sanitisation and wearing of face masks by both passengers and crews.

“Efforts are underway to ensure continuity of service by Zupco. As we fight this pandemic we once again encourage our passengers, stakeholders and the nation at large to take all necessary precautions to curb the spread of Covid-19.”

Meanwhile, in a statement the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) advised of the temporary closure of its Head Office and Harare Region Office from yesterday to August 3 to allow for disinfection after 11 of its workers tested positive.

“This closure is to facilitate thorough disinfection of our offices as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” said Zimsec in a statement.

FORMER Premier Soccer League chief executive, Chris Sambo, has died.

Simeon Jamanda, a close ally of the ex-Blackpool boss, told The Herald that Sambo died in Harare last night.

‘’Sad news, Chris Sambo is no more,’’ said Jamanda.

A close family relative, who did not want to be named, also confirmed the football administrator’s death.

‘’Yes, it’s true, Chris Sambo has passed on.’’

It was not immediately clear what led to his death.

Sambo has, of late, been a member of the Lifelong Footballers’ Trust which has been heavily critical of the way domestic football is being administered.

The Country’s goverment employeed senior doctors have announced that they are immediately withdrawing their services.

In a letter to their employer, the doctors who have been holding on their own following a strike by junior doctors and nurses said that they can no longer report for duty after government arrogantly declined to attend to their list of grievances.

Below is the letter by the doctors.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has dragged Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga into a press conference to declare that the planned July 31 demonstration is illegal.

Minister Kazembe blamed the MDC Alliance which the opposition party has had no hand in its formulation and planning.

Kazembe said history is replete with sad tales of how opposition-orchestrated demonstrations degenerate into chaos.

“Government wishes to let the people of Zimbabwe know that the intended reckless ‘demonstrations’ of July 31, 2020 are banned and that the people should continue to enjoy their peace and security on the day.

“Anyone who disregards this warning and proceeds to join the planned insurrection to steal power will be met by the full wrath of the law,” Min Kazembe said.

Watch video downloading below.

VIOLATIONS OF COVID-19 NATIONAL LOCKDOWN MEASURES.

In light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges members of the public not to defy national lockdown measures for the safety, health and security of all.

It is disturbing to note that since the 30th March 2020, a total of 120 023 people have been arrested for various offences related to violations of the national lockdown regulations.

Provinces currently topping the arrests are Harare, Manicaland and Bulawayo.

Meanwhile, it has come to the attention of the police that some unscrupulous individuals and groups are inciting and urging members of the public to engage in acts of violence.

Police will, therefore, take decisive action against such unruly elements.

Members of the public are advised to report such acts of violence or incitement, meant to destabilize the current peaceful environment in the country on the following Police phone numbers which are manned 24/7 throughout the country:

• HARARE – (0242) 748836/753783

• BULAWAYO – (0292) 73547/885479
• MIDLANDS – (054) 2222477
• MATEBELELAND NORTH – (02821) 30333/30259
• MATEBELELAND SOUTH – (0284) 22323
• MANICALAND – (02020) 63231/63813
• MASVINGO – (03920 262627
• MASHONALAND WEST – (067) 2129049
• MASHONALAND EAST – (06523) 20581
• MASHONALAND CENTRAL – (066210) 6894/7047

Let us be law-abiding citizens and stay safe from COVID-19.

[NYATHI. P] Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer (Press, Public and International Relations)

To the Commissioner-General of Police

Police General Headquarters

A video pushing the use of an unproven COVID-19 treatment has received widespread attention, including on Twitter by President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr., whose account was temporarily suspended for directly sharing the video.

Twitter, YouTube and Facebook have been removing the video since it started circulating on July 27 and amassing millions of views. The video spreads the debunked claim that COVID-19 can be cured with hydroxychloroquine — the drug that has been continuously touted by the U.S. President.

The clip features a Houston-area doctor named Stella Immanuel wearing a white coat in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building as she proclaims that a cocktail of hydroxychloroquine, zinc and the antibiotic azithromycin has cured COVID-19 patients.

Watch SABC News report on the issue.

The MDC-T secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora, has laughed off the planned July 31 protest against the deteriorating economy saying it will be a big flop as no person in their right mind will waste their time going into the streets, a strategy which he says has proven to be a failure over the years.

Mwonzora said his party will not be participating in the protests as they have bigger issues to attend to among them, their congress.

He said he was willing to bet his last cent that no protest will be done on July 31.

“I can bet you my last cent that no one will attend the demonstrations. It will be a huge flop. The MDC-T will not be a part of the protests because we are busy preparing for our congress.

“On the day of the protests, is when we are supposed to have our congress. Those who want to go for the protests they are free to do so because this is a democracy,” said Mwonzora.

His statement comes at a time when the government is accusing the Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance of planning to use violence to topple a constitutionally elected government despite the fact that the protest was not called for by Chamisa.

Tell Zim

There are disturbing reports that police have whisked away about 46 children at Mount Hampden near Harare.

Watch video downloading below.

1. So this is what happened to the Mt Hampden kids. The police & social welfare folks executed a dragnet raid at the compound. They took 46 kids, some of whom are have parents at the compound. Some of the kid had to flee. The age ranges are 4-17yrs. pic.twitter.com/ayzI87Cy5X

— Freeman (@freemanchari) July 30, 2020

By A Correspondent | The MP for Chirumanzu and a self confessed state house staffer descended onto Muvonde Hospital to demand that nurses inside must with immediate effect treat Auxilliah Mnangagwa’s cousin sister, a patient with fake bleeding symptoms.

The female patient arrived at the clinic claiming that she is losing a lot of blood, and this continuously.

The fake-bleeder, whose name was not disclosed, is also related to the local MP being the wife of his brother.

The fake-bleeder had been told by Mvuma Hospital staff to go and rest at home till the following day. But she did not take heed, and rushed to travel 29 km away to Muvonde Hospital where she began harassing the nurses there.

They told her you do not have any bleeding symptoms, the only thing that could be done on her at present is a scanning, and this can only be done tomorrow when the doctors have returned to work. They then told her to return home so that she can come back the following day.

She was unflinching and suddenly chose to spend the night inside their car.

As a precaution they were told to go out of the hospital premises due to the ongoing Covid requirements.

One lady who presented credentials saying she is a state house employee was extremely rough with the hospital staff.

In a short time, several officials had arrived on site – who include the District Administrator, the MP, another official from the President’s office, the local DMO, and another individual whose identity couldn’t not be obtained.

Arriving at the property, they refused to follow health and safety procedures. The “state house” delegation that came started demanding saying that they should not be screened at the entrance.

They then went on to vex the staff making several abrupt decisions.

An in-house hospital meeting had to be convened at 2pm as hospital staff members ended up debating if it is still safe to come to work seeing that their profession is now being commandeered by non health staff.

One staffer notified ZimEye, they are considering leaving work.

Highly placed sources within ZANU PF have indicated that after Wednesday’s highly emotive ZANU PF Politburo meeting, President Emmerson Mnangagwa ordered State Security Minister Owen Ncube to push for internet suspension in the country ahead of the July 31 anti goverment protests.

This will be the second time that goverment will be shutting down the internet as citizens protest against poor governance in the country.

The move will be executed against a January 2019 court directive that goverment can not shut down the internet as it is against the country’s constitution.

In 2019, High Court Judge Owen Tagu ruled that the Zimbabwe’s government exceeded its mandate in ordering an internet blackout during civilian protests .

In his interim ruling, Justice Tagu told mobile operators to immediately and unconditionally resume full services.

The sporadic blackouts began following the protests against a rise in fuel prices that turned violent.

Exiled former ZANU PF bigwig Professor Jonathan Moyo has also since confirmed the purported move by goverment.

Moyo Twitted:

Mnangagwa, Owen Mudha Ncube and Isaac Moyo have resolved to shutdown the Internet and WhatsApp services ahead of #31July2020. There's panic across the system, after it became clear that ZanuPF & government players are supporting the demonstration!#ZanupfMustGo #31JulyMovement

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) July 29, 2020

CITE

A 53-year-old man from Bulawayo collapsed and died in a ZUPCO bus on Wednesday morning.

The man was identified as Mr Tinos Mhlanga who was an employee of St Columbus High School.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and said the deceased was said to be diabetic.

“In the early hours of today around 06:00, a Zupco bus was transporting passengers when a man aged 53 who was in the bus collapsed,” he told CITE.

Inspector Ncube added that the bus driver drove to Tshabalala Police Station to report the case and an ambulance was summoned.

“The bus drove to Tshabalala police station and an ambulance was summoned and upon arrival, the man was declared dead,” said Inspector Ncube.

“The relatives were informed and we established that he was a diabetic patient and the body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) for post mortem.”

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has announced 62 new coronavirus cases this Wednesday, 29 July 2020, taking the cumulative total of officially confirmed cases to 2 819.

283 new recoveries were also recorded across the country, with one death of a female aged 32. Cumulative deaths are now 41. The Ministry said in a statement:

Sixty-two (62) cases tested positive for COVID-19. These include 50 local cases and 12 returnees from South Africa who are isolated.

New recoveries were reported in Bulawayo in Bulawayo Province (275) and Manicaland Province (8).

Today we regret to report one (one) facility death from Manicaland Province. The death is of a female aged 32.

Today 723 RDT screening tests and 1 971 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to date is 126 708 (68 916 RDT and 57 792 PCR)

Since the onset of the COVID019 outbreak on 20 March 2020, the total number of confirmed cases is 2 819, recovered 887, active cases 1 951 and 41 deaths.

Embattled President Emmerson Mnangagwa engaged the Central Intelligence Organisation to investigate his own party officials who are pushing for his removal from power and be replaced by his sickly deputy Constantino Chiwenga.

Mnangagwa confronted his opponents within the party by bringing in CIO boss Isaac Moyo to present an intelligence report at the ZANU PF Politburo meeting on Wednesday.

Mnangagwa and his intelligence wing accused some Zanu PF officials of plotting against him by conspiring with the opposition to promote Vice President Chiwenga to take over.

The report concluded that the plot was being spearheaded by Politburo member Claveria Chizema (secretary for health, child care and the elderly) and former Mbare MP and businessman Tendai Savanhu.

“Moyo accused Chizema and Savanhu of organising and funding the planned anti-government protests on Friday,” a source briefed on the proceedings said.

Chiwenga sat silently listening to the presentation.

Zanu PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa told journalists after the meeting that Chizema had been suspended for “dereliction of duty”, he charged for failing to report to the Zanu PF security department or the CIO that anti-Mnangagwa posters had been delivered to her home.

Chinamasa said that the party has since called for a thoroughly intelligence investigation on the issue.

…Local political figures have called for a potentially large protest against the Zimbabwean government and corruption on July 31 while others have called for counter-protests.

There is a real possibility for clashes between the opposing groups of protesters and security forces.

Past demonstrations have been met with aggressive tactics by police to suppress protests.

Crackdowns by security forces in high-density areas leading up to and immediately following civil disturbances and internet/social media interruptions are possible.

STATEMENT BY ZUPCO ON COVID-19 SITUATION AT THE ZUPCO WILLOWVALE DEPOT AND BELVEDERE HEAD OFFICE

1. The Ministry of Health and Child Care conducted a screening exercise at Willowvale Depot on 29th July 2020.
2. Nine (9) ZUPCO employees, most of them from Cash Office were unfortunately found to be COVID-19 positive. One (1) other employee at Belvedere Head Office has also tested positive.
3. The usual procedures by the Ministry of Health and Child Care have been taken. Testing will continue to cover other staff.
4. It is worthwhile to note that ZUPCO continues to spray/disinfect each bus/omnibus daily.
5. We shall ensure temperature checks, hand sanitization and the wearing of face masks by both passengers and crews are enforced.
6. All efforts are underway to ensure continuity of service by ZUPCO.

As we fight this pandemic we once again encourage our passengers, stakeholders and nation at large to take all necessary precautions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Thank you for your continued support.

E.T. Madangwa
Acting Chief Executive Officer

Mwenezi East MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chairman George Makonzo today was illegally arrested by ZRP Mwenezi on capricious allegations that he posted a tweet calling for citizens to protest against corruption on 31 July.

Makonzo’s arrest add up to a high number of MDC Alliance supporters who have illegally rounded up by the panic stricken regime ahead of 31 July protests.

It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa regime do not respect freedom of expression nor freedom of opinion.

In this information superhighway era, it will be injustice to this generation and generations to come for us to keep tight lipped while our basic rights are trampled upon.

The regime must know that 31 July is a reality and we never ever relent until real criminals stealing the national cake on our behalf go!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has described Patrick Chinamasa as a failed and dangerous Zanu PF appendage.

Biti was responding to Chinamasa’s remarks at news conference on Monday.

Chinamasa accused Biti of “biting the hand that fed him” by continuously fighting against the ZANU PF government.

At the press conference, Chinamasa took an unprecedented swipe at Biti accusing him of being a puppet of the West.

“I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa said.

“But my disappointment is that he uses money that Zanu PF used to educate him to undermine the revolution to be a puppet and often I wonder how such an intelligent person cannot realise that he is being duped by his handlers. It is a pity.”

However, Biti hit back at Chinamasa, describing the former Justice Minister as a failed, dangerous Zanu PF appendage.

“Patrick Chinamasa is a failed but dangerous Zanu PF appendage. He is a sadistic, ruthless and cunning apparatchik without any restraint or limits,” he said.

“Part of his insane zeal comes from the fact that he did not participate in the liberation struggle, was hiding in a law firm. We reject the insane and unbalanced remarks of Chinamasa, a political ramshackle that needs to retire.”

31 July Way Forward

By Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala 31st July Movement.

https://youtu.be/EmMyNnnXfeA

Our expression of disgust against corruption and looting will start simultaneously and spontaneously at the same time on the 31st of July within our localities at a ward level and expand to the district level. Hapana anofanira kusara mumba. We are strong ? at a local level than imagined. This will overstretch the oppressor’s machinery.
You now all know the time. I will lead from the front from a certain locality in Harare.

At all the Zimbabwe embassies throughout the world by 10am you must have stormed at the place. I am so delighted that you have send me permissions authorizing you to express ourselves and logistical arrangements in place. Zimbabwe is speaking.

Friday is coming.
Speak Zimbabwe Speak.

Farai Dziva|Leading human rights organization, ZIMRIGHTS is pushing for the prosecution of Zanu PF spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.

See statement below:

ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE
28 JULY 2020

Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.

In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.

By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.

ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.

ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.

“Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha(teacher) kako” and he burst into loud laughter.

By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS | Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .

It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.

However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.

“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.

“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.

While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.

However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.

Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.

Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.

“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.

“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.

“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.

“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.

Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric Isaac Makomichi has been summoned to the CID law and order section for urging Zimbabweans to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.

In a tweet last week, Makomichi urged Zimbabweans to pray for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence.

Makomichi has been accompanied by his lawyer Martin Mureri to the CID Law and Order offices.

“They called me today and advised me to visit their offices for an interview.

I don’t know what the issue is about.Last week I urged the people of Zimbabwe to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.

As a preacher of the word, it is my duty to pray for citizens – despite their political orientation,” said Makomichi.

Makomichi has also been targeted by state agents for sympathizing with MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

By Dread Reckless

I am very saddened by the death of Rtd Air Marshal Perrence Shiri.

I ask myself why such a wonderful and unique man would die so soon.

I have learnt a lesson. Procrastination is the thief of time. God gave me enough time to punish Perrence Shiri myself but l procrastinated.

I can’t forgive myself that he has died without me having a hand in his death.

I pray to God for a second chance, resurrect him and expose him to my desire to punish him.

It’s a pity that l can’t be allowed to have his body near me, otherwise l would kill him again.

Those who do not know this man-he was at the front line during the Matebeleland massacre crusade that saw 30 000 people plus heading to mass graves Perrence, famed for his hobby of slicing open pregnant women to “stop the birth of more dissidents” thought he was larger than life.

During his lifetime, he enjoyed the protection of both his paymasters, Robert Mugabe and his successor Emerson Mnangangwa.

Unfortunately they failed to protect him from the long arm of death that could grab him as they watched.

My brother Pee, please, come back and give me a chance to kill you myself the way you used to slaughter people in Matebeleland.

MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti says Zanu PF’s record of brutality is alarming.
Watch video below :

THERE will be no public gatherings during the Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day holidays and commemorations will be held online to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 10 and August 11.
Traditionally, the public gathers at national and provincial level to commemorate the two significant days to honour the country’s heroes as well as recognise the work done by the Defence Forces in protecting the nation.

However, Covid-19 which is rapidly spreading in the country has seen Government imposing a national lockdown to contain the virus.

Cabinet yesterday approved that public gatherings for Heroes and Defence Forces Days be suspended as the country did with the Independence Day commemorations in April.

In April, President Mnangagwa delivered a televised Independence Day message and there were no public gatherings.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 26th post-Cabinet briefing yesterday said the days will be observed virtually.

She said Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme “remembering our heroes” while Defence Forces Day will run under the theme “ZDF: Celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people”.

“The virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a national fabric which is set to be launched on 10 August.

“On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process,” the Minister said- Chronicle

THERE will be no public gatherings during the Heroes Day and Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day holidays and commemorations will be held online to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces Day on August 10 and August 11.
Traditionally, the public gathers at national and provincial level to commemorate the two significant days to honour the country’s heroes as well as recognise the work done by the Defence Forces in protecting the nation.

However, Covid-19 which is rapidly spreading in the country has seen Government imposing a national lockdown to contain the virus.

Cabinet yesterday approved that public gatherings for Heroes and Defence Forces Days be suspended as the country did with the Independence Day commemorations in April.

In April, President Mnangagwa delivered a televised Independence Day message and there were no public gatherings.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 26th post-Cabinet briefing yesterday said the days will be observed virtually.

She said Heroes Day commemorations will be held under the theme “remembering our heroes” while Defence Forces Day will run under the theme “ZDF: Celebrating 40 years of excellent service to the people”.

“The virtual celebrations will take place over a period of two (2) weeks and covered by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)-TV, which will extensively feature the Zimbabwe Defence Force’s exploits, community assistance projects and the Defence Forces Medical Outreach Programme,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a national fabric which is set to be launched on 10 August.

“On a related matter, Cabinet approved the national fabric for Virtual launching on 10 August, 2020.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development presented the fabric, which was arrived at through an extensive consultative process,” the Minister said- Chronicle

Over nine (9) Zimbabwe Passengers Company (ZUPCO) employees have tested positive for coronavirus, an official has said.

In a statement, ZUPCO Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Evaristo Madangwa revealed that the majority of the employees who tested positive were from the cash office.

Below is the company’s official statement.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa say the July 31 anti-government demonstrations are a threat to the safety and security of Zimbabweans, as such law enforcement agencies will be on high alert to thwart any violent disturbances.

The government views the planned marches as a disguise to unconstitutionally remove it from power.

President Mnangagwa said the demonstrations were also a threat to Zimbabwe’s democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law.

He described those behind the demonstrations as terrorists masquerading as opposition parties and activists.

“It must never be in doubt that the objectives of these rogue Zimbabweans, acting in cahoots with foreign appendages, supporters and financiers, is to stage an insurrection to overthrow our democratically elected government,” he told the ruling Zanu PF party politburo meeting on Wednesday.

“Furthermore, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic their planned July 31 demonstration is a threat to the safety and security of our people and the people’s right to life. The planned insurrection of 31 July 2020 is connected to the violence and destabilisation that opposition elements has fomented since 2018 including the 1st of August 2018 violence and the 14-16 January violent disturbances which led to the loss of lives.

“Emboldened and inspired by the upcoming Hero’s day and Defence Forces Day commemorations, Zanu PF as the people’s party will never standby and allow our people to be put in harm’s way. We will equally defend our independence and sovereignty to the letter and not betray the fallen heroes and heroines who paid the supreme sacrifice.”

President Mnangagwa added: “I want to warn the organisers of this ill fated demonstration that our security services will be vigilant and on high alert to appropriately respond to their shenanigans.”

29-07-2020

It is public knowledge that you, our esteemed members of the police force and the army you are earning peanuts.

Let it be known to you that your situation is not natural but a deliberate creation of an evil system that is corrupt.

We know that most of you are young people who joined the uniformed forces for the love of country and to serve your people.

We also understand that besides serving your country, you deserve food on your table for the upkeep of your families.

We want to make it clear that we feel your pain and abuse at the hands of a corrupt regime.

It is against this background that you as young people must stand with the people on 31 July.

Let us speak the same language with the people against corruption and be on the right side of history.

With love and courage.

General Sarkozy
31 July Movement

Watch video downloading below of the live broadcast of the ZANU PF Post Politburo media briefing by Patrick Chinamasa.

BBC News

SEVEN babies were stillborn at Harare Central Hospital in Zimbabwe on Monday night after urgent treatment was delayed because of staffing issues, two doctors have confirmed to the BBC.

Nurses are on strike nationwide because of a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other concerns, and the maternity wards were overwhelmed.

One doctor said Monday’s deaths were “the tip of the iceberg”.

The health sector has recently been hit by a Covid-19 procurement scandal.

It is alleged that multi-million dollar contracts were awarded to buy supplies at inflated prices – and the health minister has been sacked over the allegations.

A leaked government response to senior doctors, who wrote to complain about conditions and to threaten strike action, acknowledged “challenges” in hospitals, an “increase in poor outcomes” and a serious shortage of medical supplies because of a lack of foreign currency, but urged medical staff “to reconsider your intention of withdrawing services”.

‘Repeated every day’

The deaths at Harare Hospital first were first published by Dr Peter Magombeyi, who tweeted, “We have been robbed of our future, including our unborn babies. Please stop the looting.”

Two doctors with direct knowledge of the situation at Harare Central Hospital confirmed to the BBC that on Monday night eight Caesarean section operations were performed. Seven of the babies were stillborn.

“There was very, very late intervention,” said one doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity because he did not have official permission to talk to the media.

“Two of the mothers had ruptured uteruses and needed early operations. The other operations were done because of obstructed labour, but were not done on time so the babies died, stuck in their mothers’ pelvises.”
The doctor described “dire” scenes at Harare’s two main state hospitals, with only a handful of nurses and doctors at work because of a strike.

Many of the capital’s smaller clinics have also been affected, or closed, by industrial action which began in June, prompting many pregnant women to come to Harare Hospital, overwhelming the maternity ward.

“These are not isolated incidents. This is repeated every day and all we can do is watch them die. This is torture for the families, and for the junior doctors,” said a second doctor.

The doctors spoke of a serious shortage of PPE equipment as well as drugs to treat eclampsia, and blood supplies needed to treat haemorrhages during births.

“There is a skeleton nursing staff – mostly senior matrons who cannot go on strike. But they’re not able to cope,” said the first doctor.

“Doctors are trying, but they’re very tired. And junior doctors are not experienced in terms of identifying complications [during pregnancy].”

In a statement, Zimbabwe’s Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the situation in hospitals as “grave,” and “beyond dire”.

“Our women are suffering and we believe that all stakeholders, the government, medical practitioners, civil society and individuals must act to save the voiceless mothers and babies.”

There are rising tensions in Zimbabwe, with hyperinflation strangling the economy, and protests against Zanu-PF, the party that has run the country since independence, planned for Friday.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, CDE EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF AIR CHIEF MARSHAL (Rtd) PERRANCE SHIRI, MINISTER OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, WATER AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, 29TH JULY, 2020.

I learnt with utter shock and a deep sense of grief of the death early this morning of Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Perrance Shiri, our Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, after a short illness.

A stalwart of our war of National Liberation, Cde Shiri ranked high among our leading Zanla Field Commanders whose contribution to the National Liberation Struggle was simply valiant and outstanding.

His commitment to the liberation of his country and his people amply showed when he, alongside our Vice President, General C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, abandoned his studies at Mount Saint Mary’s Mission School in Wedza in 1973 and defied all odds to join the Liberation Struggle at a very tender age.

Once fully trained and battle-hardened, the late Cde Shiri rose through the ranks to became the overall commander of the Tete Province, one of the hottest fronts in the war.

ServicesBuildingHomeGroceries
DatingJobsCommercialHealth
Under his command, several spectacular missions against the enemy were carried out, among them the 1978 blasting of oil tanks in the then Salisbury, itself the heart and citadel of settler power.

Indeed that military action which was undertaken by a specialized ZANLA Unit which he mentored, reverberated well beyond the immediate theatre of war and proved a turning point in our Struggle for National Liberation.

After the Struggle, he would continue serving his country in the Military, including playing a salutary role in the Integration Process by which erstwhile warring armies were re-oriented and re-moulded into a cohesive National Army.

Later, he would be re-deployed to the Airforce of Zimbabwe, becoming our second indigenous Airforce of Zimbabwe Commander, after the late Cde Josiah Tungamirai.

While he discharged his onerous command duties, he still found time to further his education, in the process acquiring in the fields of Business and Development.

Always focused, hardworking and hands-on, the late Minister Shiri was key to revamping our food sector by ensuring our farmers were fully mobilized, motivated and supported to mechanize, modernize and climate-proof our agriculture for sustainable national food security.

Barely a month ago, we launched an agricultural equipment initiative he concluded with an American company, John Deere.

Except for his untimely demise, we would have launched yet another of his many initiatives on mechanization, this time with the Republic of Belarus.

It was also during the short-lived ministerial tenure that he reached out to, and opened negotiations with, former white commercial farmers with a view to breaking the impasse over the age-old National Land Question.

Only this morning, we signed a historic agreement with the former farmers, itself a crowning moment for his tireless efforts.

Sadly as fate would have it, he would not live to witness this historic moment!

We will miss him sorely.

On behalf of the Party, Zanu-PF, Government, the Zimbabwe Defence Force of which he was a long-standing member, my family and on my own behalf, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Shiri Family, especially his children who now stand orphaned.

As they go through the painful motions of deep grief, I urge them to find comfort and solace in the distinguished role and career of continuous service which their father gave to his country.

He remains our hero together, making his demise a blow we all keenly feel and share.

May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.

E.D. Mnangagwa

PRESIDENT

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has temporarily closed its Head Office and Harare Region Branch after eleven (11) staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

In a statement, the national examinations body revealed that the offices will be closed from Wednesday 29 July 2020 to Monday 3 August 2020, with normal business activity expected to resume on Tuesday 4 August 2020.

We publish the ZIMSEC statement in its entirety below:

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ZIMSEC OFFICES

We would like to advise all our valued clients and stakeholders of the temporary closure of our ZIMSEC Head Office and Harare Region Branch from Wednesday 29 July 2020 to Monday 3 August 2020. Normal business activity is expected to resume on Tuesday 4 August 2020.

This closure is to facilitate thorough disinfection of our offices as a precautionary measure to mitigate against the spread of COVID 19.

This measure has been taken after 11 members of staff tested positive to the virus. The 11 members were subjected to the Rapid Diagnostic Test and we await the results of the PCR tests.

The affected members are being attended to in line with the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care guidelines.

ZIMSEC, like other establishments, has not been spared by the COVID 19 pandemic therefore to ensure the safety of our staff and stakeholders, mandatory testing is being conducted for all personnel.

Clients in need of Certifying statements of Results, Verification of Results and Study materials are able to access these facilities and process them on-line from the comfort of their homes through our website, www.zimsec.co.zw.

By A Correspondent- Harare residents have complained over unfair distribution of subsidised roller meal which they claimed favoured uniformed forces and government officials.

The residents made the claims to Harare residents Trust (HrT), and also implored the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) to avail sufficient roller meal to retail shops in residential areas.

They want the roller meal to be sold at affordable prices to allow for fair and transparent competition among the different brands of mealie-meal on the market.

“Most residents told the HrT in community engagements that they are disappointed and frustrated by the current mealie meal distribution system that favours the uniformed forces and other government-linked officials,” the HrT said in a statement.

Zimbabwe has been experiencing a serious shortage of subsidised roller meal for the past year. The situation deteriorated during the COvID-19 lockdown with residents queuing for the staple food, raising fears of the spread of the deadly virus.

“Ordinary residents have claimed that the subsidised mealie-meal was being distributed to bigger supermarkets, but tuck shops and small shops were denied access,” HRT said.

“This has worsened the availability of cheaper and preferable mealie-meal to the majority of residents who live in the high density residential suburbs.”

The lobby group added:

“The majority of the suburbs do not have bigger supermarkets, so residents there depend on tuckshops and small businesses for their requirements.

“However, under the existing COvID-19 lockdown regulations, most of the small businesses and tuckshops have been forced to close shop. Moreover, even when they open, they do not receive the subsidised mealie-meal.”

The residents also accused managers of big retail outlets of channelling the roller meal to the black market, selling it for as much as US$4 per 10kg packet.

“Therefore, when residents spend longer hours waiting outside big supermarkets to be served, they are always told that the stock has been all sold,” the lobby group said.

“Yet they see the soldiers, police, war veterans and other politically connected organisations and individuals accessing huge quantities of the much sought product that they resell on the parallel market.”

The trust, however, argued that the current pricing of the subsidised mealie-meal promoted corruption.

The HRT urged the authorities to consider a pricing model that was both sustainable and fair to all stakeholders.

By A Correspondent- First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was yesterday involved in an accident along the HarareBindura Highway after a motorist rammed into her Toyota Land Cruiser she was travelling in and it overturned.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba confirmed the accident and said no one was injured.

“The First Lady was involved in a traffic incident after a motorist panicked and rammed into her car,” Charamba said.

“The motorist rammed into the First Lady’s vehicle on the driver’s side, forcing the vehicle to overturn. We thank God that the First Lady and the driver escaped unhurt and equally the motorist was not hurt. We are very lucky that the whole incident did not cause injuries, let alone deaths.”

It was not immediately established where the First Lady was headed, but she has been traversing the length and breath of the country for her charity work.

Mnangagwa has been to different parts of the country meeting people in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak despite calls for people to stay at home as part of measures to combat the deadly pandemic.

Those interviewed described how her motorcade, which included a Land Cruiser, a Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux, was speeding while forcing other road users out of the way.

This, observers said, resulted in one of the drivers panicking, causing the accident.

Mnangagwa was hurriedly whisked from the scene.

Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to get information on the accident.

This is not the first time she has been involved in an accident.

In April, the First Lady lost her aide, Albert Vunganai, while three others were injured after a vehicle which was part of her convoy overturned on a rocky embankment near Muzarabani, Mashonaland Central.

-Newsday

https://youtu.be/vkVshqNDkak

Watch the live video loading below….

https://youtu.be/vkVshqNDkak

By A Correspondent- The daughter of Covid-19 denier Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has revealed that she was “scared” after catching the virus.

Zimbabwe’s defence minister claimed in March – as the disease brought death and economic ruin in Europe and the United States before Zimbabwe had its first case – that the virus was God’s punishment on countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Her daughter Tanya Rozina Rushesha has now revealed that she feared she was going to die from the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.

“For you to be reading this you are either a friend or family member… I had Corona. I’m proud to say I have been cleared,” Tanya wrote on Facebook Tuesday night.

“I’m grateful to everyone who was there for me. I acted like a warrior but inside I was scared,” she added.

Tanya is Muchinguri-Kashiri’s child from her first marriage to Tapuwa Rushesha, with whom she had two children.

Muchinguri-Kashiri was condemned back in March and accused of undermining government messaging on Covid-19 prevention after claiming that it was a disease sent by God to punish western countries.

“The coronavirus is the work of God punishing countries that imposed sanctions on us,” Muchinguri told a Zanu PF meeting in Chinhoyi. “They’re now keeping indoors. Their economies are screaming, just like they did to ours. (Donald) Trump should know that he is not God.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba also claimed on Twitter that the coronavirus was a “disease of affluence.”

The first coronavirus case was reported in Zimbabwe just days later on March 20, and the virus had infected 2,817 and killed 40 on Tuesday.

Parliament was suspended this week after two MPs tested positive for the virus. On Wednesday, it was announced that agriculture minister Perrance Shiri had died from Covid-19.

Finance ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga reportedly spent the past week in a private hospital, battling the virus.

By A Correspondent- Activist Vongai Zimudzi has been arrested at Harare Central CID Law and order.

Zimudzi had gone to make a report against Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

Detained freelance journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono’s bail appeal which was due to be heard on Wednesday has been postponed to Thursday.

Chin’ono, who was arrested last week was charged with inciting public violence, filed an appeal for bail at the High Court on Monday after being denied freedom by Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna.

Nduna remanded the award-winning filmmaker in custody to August 7 this year, citing that he was a danger to the public and would violate the law if released.

Chin’ono’s legal representatives, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) tweeted:

False start to bail hearing of Hopewell Chin'ono as record of proceedings from Magistrates Court hasn't been brought to High Court pic.twitter.com/z5tteaBMEZ

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) July 29, 2020

The bail appeal hearing for Hopewell has been postponed to tomorrow because the record from the Magistrate Court hasn’t been sent to the High Court. The judge hasn’t seen it. That’s Zimbabwe’s justice system, delaying tactics from the state!

The State alleges that Chin’ono used social media to incite the public to engage in street protests on July 31, under the guise of fighting top-level corruption.

watch the live video loading below….

Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe has warned that those disregarding Government warning on planned 31 July demonstrations will be met by the full wrath of the law.

Addressing Journalists Harare, Kazembe said the planned July 31 demonstrations are banned and people should continue with their day to day duties.

“Government wishes to let the people of Zimbabwe know that the intended reckless ‘demonstrations’ of 31 July 2020 are banned and that the people should continue to enjoy their peace and security on the day. Anyone who disregards this warning and proceeds to join the planned insurrection to steal power, will be met by the full wrath of the law,” said Kazembe

The Minister said the demonstrations are not about anti-corruption but were a regime change agenda by the opposition MDC Alliance.

“Government rejects that 31 July is about anti-corruption or about other well-meant intention. Government has already demonstrated its unflinching commitment to fight against corruption. 31 July is a planned insurrection and a naked, illegal and unconstitutional attempt to seize power. It is about the MDC Alliance attempting to seize power and violently overturn the people’s verdict of 31 July 2018” said the Minister

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner General, Godwin Matanga has said police have not received notification of the demonstrations and none of those sought by police have showed up.

“As far as I know there was no notification of the demonstration from the organisers. Even those on the police wanted list have not shown up.” said Matanga

The Government warning comes at a time political activists mainly from the opposition are in hiding amid reports that some have been receiving threats from unknown people.

Watch the live video loading below…..

Watch the live video loading below……

By A Correspondent- Workers at Pick n Pay headquarters in Avondale were reportedly picked up on the pretext that they are COVID-19 positive and rushed to Wilkins Infectious Hospital.

According to sources privy to the development, the workers were said to be COVID-19 positive despite that no tests were done on them prior to the move.

Said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity:

“People were picked up and told they have COVID-19. But only people who were HIV positive and asthmatic were taken. Not that they were COVID-19 positive.

A colleague was worried that the asthmatic person will die after being subjected to the deplorable conditions at Wilkins Hospital.

To make things worse they were taken to Wilkins where there is no care. It is said that they are just now taking people so they prove that COVID-19 numbers are climbing up. This has to be exposed.”

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has described Patrick Chinamasa as a failed and dangerous Zanu PF appendage.

Biti was responding to Chinamasa’s remarks at news conference on Monday.

Chinamasa accused Biti of “biting the hand that fed him” by continuously fighting against the ZANU PF government.

At the press conference, Chinamasa took an unprecedented swipe at Biti accusing him of being a puppet of the West.

“I have respect for him (Biti) for his intellectual prowess. Let me say that he is very clever,” Chinamasa said.

“But my disappointment is that he uses money that Zanu PF used to educate him to undermine the revolution to be a puppet and often I wonder how such an intelligent person cannot realise that he is being duped by his handlers. It is a pity.”

However, Biti hit back at Chinamasa, describing the former Justice Minister as a failed, dangerous Zanu PF appendage.

“Patrick Chinamasa is a failed but dangerous Zanu PF appendage. He is a sadistic, ruthless and cunning apparatchik without any restraint or limits,” he said.

“Part of his insane zeal comes from the fact that he did not participate in the liberation struggle, was hiding in a law firm. We reject the insane and unbalanced remarks of Chinamasa, a political ramshackle that needs to retire.”

By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS |  Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .

It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.

However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.

“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.

“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.

While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.

However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.

Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.

Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.

“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.

“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.

“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.

“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.

Farai Dziva|Suspected state security agents are trailing MDC Alliance members in the ancient city of Masvingo as political tension rises before July 31 protests.

Soldiers also intimidated residents of the ancient city.On Monday troops from 41 brigade marched along the streets of Mucheke Suburb in a move meant to intimidate residents- according to political observers.

On Tuesday morning soldiers marched along the streets of Rujeko Suburb.

According to residents of the city of Masvingo, the soldiers marched without wearing masks and they did not observe the recommended “social distancing.”

Below is a statement from the MDC Alliance :

Today (Tuesday) Masvingo security personnel visited the houses of Masvingo Urban MDC Alliance district chair Mr Murangamwa Chanyau and Masvingo urban district organ Mr Peacemaker Mapope.

The security personnel visited MDC Alliance national youth organizer Mr Godfrey Kuraone’s residence in Masvingo.

Farai Dziva|Two concerned Zimbabweans have challenged the Zanu PF administration to stop the persecution of suffering citizens.

See statement below:

Our nation has degenerated into a banana republic dominated because of criminal elements.

To our surprise our government has become a monster such that everyone is living in fear. In short we are under siege, we are oppressed and we can’t breathe.

The recent arrest of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono depicted the extent of lawlessness that we have been plunged into by the so called second republic.

Clearly the state has no case to answer on this one despite the amount of propaganda and spin doctoring.

The government has only one option to gain favour from the people and that is uprooting corruption and revive economy, honestly if they cant do this they must not expect the Zimbabweans to support is evil agenda of destroying the future of million lives.

To this day no amount of propaganda will rescue the governments incompetence.

People are not fools, right now the lockdown restriction is another evidence of the regimes incompetence.

The government has failed to put effective measures to deal with returnees which saw the country being hit with the increase of infections.

Instead of focusing on fighting the pandemic they are busy fighting the voices of the people in the name of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono.

Free Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chinono, their crime is standing for the people
CorruptionMustFall
FreeJacob
FreeHopewell

Concerned Zimbabweans

By Fanuel Chinowaita | ANALYSIS |  Lands and Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died, barely a few months after being accused of plotting to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The development was announced by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa on Social media .

It is said that has been admitted at a local hospital after his driver had died of coronavirus.

However, according to some close source, Shiri did not die of corona virus but food poisoning which he reportedly consumed together with his driver at a rally in Rushinga.

“We are suspecting food poisoning but they are going to pin it on Covid.

“When they came back from Rushinga last week, the driver was complaining of heart burn. On Friday he went to work but Minister Shiri did not go to work. He had already started feeling funny, complaining that he felt like he had heart burn just like the driver”, said a close source who asked for anonymity.

While addressing cotton farmers at a rally in Rushinga last week, prior to their falling sick, Shiri urged farmers saying, “Ukatsindira ka pocket kako zvakasimba ne cotton unenge watove nekaticha kako” and he burst into loud laughter.

However his subjects didn’t take his joke lightly and they booed him.

Shiri was mocking the salary his government is giving to the teachers.

Retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri was known for brutally killing Matebeleland people in the 1980s.

“The death of Perence Shiri could not have come soon enough for the people of Matabeleland where he commanded the Fifth Brigade which murdered more than 30 000 innocent civilians in cold blood 35 years ago.

“He was a cold blooded killer. Stories are told about he shot a pregnant woman in Nkayi because he did not want more dissidents to be born.

“He ordered a group of young men in Khezi to be lined up and shot; and had the villagers bury them in a mass grave. He used to boast about Matabeleland saying Kachisango kangu kandakapiwa navaMugabe kuti ndimboshereketa.

“If there is Hell, there a special place reserved for him”, posted a disgruntled citizen from Matebeleland on Social media.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to announce his status and burial date.

Farai Dziva|Leading human rights organization, ZIMRIGHTS is pushing for the prosecution of Zanu PF spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence.

See statement below:

ZIMRIGHTS FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST MR. PATRICK CHINAMASA’S HATE SPEECH AND INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE
28 JULY 2020

Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has lodged a complaint with the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) as well as the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) against the hate speech by Acting ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Patrick Chinamasa.

In a communication to the two independent commissions, ZimRights has noted that hate speech and incitement to commit violence is prohibited by the laws of Zimbabwe and in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.

By inciting his supporters to commit violence against anti-corruption protestors, Mr. Chinamasa is putting the lives of many Zimbabweans in danger.

ZimRights has noted that in the history of Zimbabwe, when leaders propagate hate speech, violence follows.

ZimRights is urging the ZHRC and the NPRC to investigate the statements by Mr. Chinamasa and have the law take its course.

By A Correspondent- In an internal correspondence to staff members, the broadcaster’s acting chief executive officer Ms Helliate Rushwaya said the broadcaster would be implementing contact tracing, disinfection and testing measures from today.

“We learnt today, Tuesday 28th July 2020, that one of our colleagues has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. The member of staff is based at ZBC Pockets Hill and last reported for duty on 16th July before taking time off. This is obviously worrying news for the individual concerned and we wish them a quick recovery.

“We would like to notify all staff that as a result of this development, staff on duty will be tested at Pockets Hill on Wednesday 29th July 2020. This will be be in addition to the pre-scheduled disinfection of Pockets Hill premises taking place on the same day,” the statement read.

As the measures took effect, normal programming would be disrupted while those that can work from home are expected to do so.

“For health, safety and well-being of all stage it our primary concern. For this reason, going forward, all staff with remote work capabilities are expected to work from home. Only critical staff are expected to report for work. Staff should consult with their managers for addition instructions and for any questions or concerns. Normal programming from Pockets Hill for both Radio and Television will be affected until further notice.”

Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric Isaac Makomichi has been summoned to the CID law and order section for urging Zimbabweans to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.

In a tweet last week, Makomichi urged Zimbabweans to pray for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono who were arrested for allegedly inciting public violence.

Makomichi has been accompanied by his lawyer Martin Mureri to the CID Law and Order offices.

“They called me today and advised me to visit their offices for an interview.

I don’t know what the issue is about.Last week I urged the people of Zimbabwe to pray for Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono.

As a preacher of the word, it is my duty to pray for citizens – despite their political orientation,” said Makomichi.

Makomichi has also been targeted by state agents for sympathizing with MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister, Air Marshal Perence Shiri was born on 11 January 1955 in Gweru.

Born Bigboy Samson Chikerema, the name Perrance Shiri seems to have been his nom de guerre.

He died Wednesday aged 65.

Shiri joined ZANLA in 1973 and rose through the ranks to become member of the High Command in 1977.

He then joined the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980, attained Brigadier rank in 1982 before he was transferred to Airforce as Air Commodore in 1984 and became a Commander from 1992 -2017.

Became Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement from November 2017 to date.

During his tenure as the commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Shiri was also a member of the Joint Operations Command which exerted the day by day control over Zimbabwe’s government.

Shiri was a cousin to the late President Robert Mugabe.

It is reported that he called himself Black Jesus, because according to an anonymous claim on BBC Panorama documentary “The Price of Silence”, he “could determine your life like Jesus Christ. He could heal, raise the dead, whatever. So he claimed to be like that because he could say if you live or not.”

A liberation war veteran, Shiri’s chequered past saw him commanding the army’s Fifth Brigade unit that carried out the 1980s massacres of thousands of civilians in western Zimbabwe as the government sought to quell an insurgency.

From 1983 to 1984, the Zimbabwean Fifth Brigade, under Shiri’s command, was responsible for a reign of terror in Matabeleland known as Gukurahundi.

Over 20k people lost their lives during Gukurahundi while thousands more were tortured.

Despite this, in 1986, Shiri was granted a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

In 1992, Shiri was appointed as the commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, taking over from Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shiri was reported to have organised farm invasions by war veterans. However, these claims were not corroborated neither were they denied by Shiri, who was a very reserved individual who never disclosed much about his personal or political life.

When Zimbabwe was hit by food shortages in 2002, Mugabe dispatched Shiri to South Africa to purchase maize in a move that was backed by a credit note for the equivalent of £17 million from the Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi.

With the Mugabe government facing increasing problems, the Zimbabwean media reported in February 2007 that Shiri was regularly attending General Solomon Mujuru’s unofficial meetings with other senior military commanders and some political leaders. These meetings had discussed forcing Mugabe to the polls in 2008 with a view to his replacement as president.

Zimbabwean lawyers and opposition politicians in 2008 accused Shiri of being the man behind the military assaults on illegal diggers in the diamond mines in the east of Zimbabwe.

Shortly before the disputed 2008 harmonised presidential election Shiri, along with other Zimbabwean Defence chiefs, held a press conference where they stated that defence and security forces had been deployed across the country to maintain peace and order in a remark aimed against the Movement for Democratic Change.

In 2002 the European Union barred Shiri from entering the EU and on 6 March 2003, George W. Bush ordered the blocking of any of Shiri’s property in the United States.

There was on Shiri’s life on 13 December 2008, when he was accosted by unknown people who shot at his car while he was on his way to his farm in Marondera.

The police reported that Shiri got out of his car thinking that one of his car tyres had burst and he was shot in the arm.

It has been speculated that the assassination attempt may have been a response to Shiri’s attacks on illegal diamond miners in 2008 or because of his role in Gukurahundi in Matabeleland in the 1980s.

In October 2013, Shiri’s only son, Titus Takudzwa Chikerema, died aged 21. Nothing is known about his mother’s identity or her whereabouts.

Shiri, allegedly helped plot the ouster of Robert Mugabe in the 2017 coup.

Two government sources said he died in the early hours of Wednesday.

Shiri was said to have gone into isolation then at some point he ended up being admitted in hospital where he met his demise.

While Shiri was certainly a commanding figure because of his expansive liberation war credentials, top government posts and his far reaching influence, little was known about his personal life.

No-one has ever seen Shiri’s spouse in the media or during public appearances. Shiri always rocked up solo prompting speculation that he was a divorcee but whose wife no-one knows about.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/NRulZL2RjeU

TENDAI BITI https://t.co/xhRvaRoR4U

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 29, 2020

By A Correspondent| Zanu PF Youth League has urged party members not to wear regalia on 31 July saying they have unearthed a plan by the opposition to wear Zanu PF regalia during the planned demonstrations set for Friday.

In a statement, Zanu PF Youth League Acting Deputy Secretary, Tendai Chirau said the plot is meant to “hoodwink unsuspecting citizens and demonize the name of the revolutionary party by creating a false image of som ZANU PF members participating in the their heinous design for the benefit of their handlers.”

Chirau added that, “I hereby encourage all our Zanu PF Youth league members not to wear their party regalia on the 31st of July 2020 in order to expose and totally invalidate the enemy’s plot.”

I am now at Harare Central Police station to make a report against Patrick Chinamasa for inciting public violence as of Section 37 of the Criminal code.

— Vongai Zimudzi (@zimudzi_vongai) July 29, 2020

I have been told to go and make another statement at Law and Order.

— Vongai Zimudzi (@zimudzi_vongai) July 29, 2020

Zimbabwe’s government signed a $3.5 billion deal to compensate white commercial farmers who were evicted from their land two decades ago.

The agreement is a turning point in a dispute that tipped the southern African nation’s economy into freefall by slashing food production and export income, and incurred sanctions from the U.S. and European Union.

“Today marks a huge milestone,” Andrew Pascoe, president of the Commercial Farmers Union that represents the white farmers, said Wednesday at a signing ceremony in the capital, Harare. “As Zimbabweans, we have chosen to resolve this long-outstanding issue.”

It’s unclear how the compensation will be funded, at a time when Zimbabwe is in the midst of an economic crisis. The country is battling inflation of more than 700% and dealing with shortages of currency, fuel and food with over 90% of the population out of formal employment.

A committee has been formed by the government, farmers and donors to raise funding for the compensation, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said at the ceremony.

Zimbabwe has endured intermittent food shortages since the government began the often-violent program that seized most white-owned, large-scale farms from 2000. Zimbabwe’s rulers maintain that the land was taken forcibly during colonial times and needed to be returned to Black residents.

The compensation agreement is for improvements and assets on the more than 4,000 farms that were seized and doesn’t pertain to the land itself, Ben Gilpin, a director of the CFU, said earlier this month.

“This momentous event is historic,” President Emmerson Mnangagwa said at the ceremony. “It brings closure and a new beginning.”

-Bloomberg

https://twitter.com/babachirasha/status/1288404532746215428?s=20

The government of Zimbabwe has responded to a notice by senior doctors that they were withdrawing services over a number of issues including the inadequacy of personal protective equipment.

We present the response in full below.

The Executive, Senior Hospital Doctors Association

Attention: Dr S Nyaguse – Chiurunge
Ref: Ministry of Health and Child Care P 0 Box CY1122 Causeway HARARE
RE: NOTICE TO WITHDRAW FROM OFFERING SERVICES
Reference is made to your letter dated 14 July 2020 addressed to the Acting Honourable Minister with regards to the above and a meeting held on the 27th of July 2020 to discuss the issues raised in your letter.

Below is the detailed response of the issues which you raised: 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); It is noted that the demand for PPE is continuing to rise in sync with the rising number of Covid-19 cases. The procurement and distribution of PPE is a continuous process and not an event as the consumption rate is very high. PPE is the biggest cost driver in the prevention and containment of COVID-19. While efforts are in progress to expand local production of some of the items which will reduce pressure on resources required to import other products that are not produced locally, the Ministry is currently working with NatPharm to procure additional PPE and expeditiously distribute it to all stations. The latest PPE stock status shows that we have just over a month’s supply of PPE at the current usage rate.

As at 28 July 2020, a total of 253 health workers including student nurses had tested positive for COVID-19. The Pharmacy Directorate is finalizing the quantification of PPE requirements for submission to the Resource Mobilization Committee of the Ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19.

Please find attached the stock status as at 27 July 2020.

2. COVID-19 Testing of hospital inpatients Testing continues to be a challenge. Health Workers are struggling to provide services to clients without COVID-19 tests being carried out in the face of inadequate PPE. There has been an increase in poor outcomes in all departments as clients go unattended as a result of limited testing capacity. The Ministry has since written to all public and private institutions directing them to set up patients under investigation units (PUI Units) to facilitate timely attendance to patients seeking care.

Whilst COVID-19 testing has been decentralized, challenges continue to be faced on availability of some consumables such as Gene X-pert cartridges which are scarce on the international market. Donations of PCR testing kits were also received but our testing capacity is limited by the shortage of viral transport media VTM and swabs among other items which include boosting human resources. In that reign the Ministry is planning to recruit laboratory trained staff.

3. Medicines, medical sundries and medical equipment The availability of drugs, medical products and equipment is a direct function of the availability of forex, as over 90% of medicines are imported. Collectively we have not demonstrated capacity to produce our own drugs and equipment locally the high import bill for medicines and medical products. Covid-19 derailed the procurement processes that were in progress as resources had to be diverted to the pandemic. The new Ministry realigned staff is hitting the ground running to:

a. Establish requirements and priorities;

b. Establish the available resources both in local and forex; and

c. Initiate the procurement processes and follow up on existing commitments.

4. Payment of salaries in USD The Health Service Board with the guidance of the Acting Hon Minister have made submissions to Treasury to review Health Worker Packages. However, the Government is not in a position to pay salaries in USD. Full US dollarization of the economy is a tried, tested and failed concept. By February 2018 the country was dry of the US Dollar with citizens sleeping at the banks to withdraw their deposits to no avail. Foreigners also descended on Zimbabwe in search of the easily accessible US Dollars in addition to locals also externalizing their US Dollar reserves. There is absolutely nothing to stop that from happening again. Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity. We have to be innovative and explore other ways of resolving these challenges.

a. The US Dollars is American currency printed by the Federal Reserve and is not printed for free for other countries; b. Other countries can only access the USD through international trade of goods and services;

c. The USD reserves generated by the Zimbabwean economy are not adequate to sustain import obligations such as fuel, food because of droughts and natural disasters, electrical power following droughts resulting in reduced generation, medicines and medical products aggravated by Covid-19, industrial and agricultural machinery just to mention a few. Diverting the limited USD forex to paying salaries is suicidal for the economy and social services provision.

d. Printing the ZWL$ without consideration to the economic fundamentals is inflationary and Zimbabweans are experiencing the horrors of a second wave of hyperinflation.

A measured approach in improving salaries and buying power of the currency is recommended as evidenced by some of the efforts which include the under listed:

i) The Government reviewed salaries by 5o% and paid a USD 75 denominated civil services Nostro card to Health Workers.

ii) A request for an upward review of the COVID-19 Risk Allowances was submitted to Treasury. (The Health Workers had requested for 400, 500 and 600 USD equivalent.)

iii) Use of arbitration to address sticky salary issues.
5. Payment of Clinical Allowances The payment of allowances to University of Zimbabwe Consultants was approved in principle.

To this end, the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has been processing payments pegged at an agreed RTGS3,50o per consultant per month.

Payments for March 2020 were made on the 3. of April 2020, whilst payments for April 2020 were made on the 3rd of June 2020 with payments for May and June having been processed on the 17th of July 2020.
Whilst noting the payments, concern was raised on having Parirenyatwa meet the bill noting that the revenues inflows have declined since the onset of COVID-19.

6. Other emerging issues

a. Donor funded allowances from the Health Development Fund The HDF has set aside a budget of USD2 million to cover all Health Workers. Guided by presence at work this might cover only up to two months.

The Ministry has however opted for this amount to be used for procurement of PPE.
b. Dual employment for University of Zimbabwe Consultants Concern raised by UZ-CHS over inconsistencies on the dual employment is noted. This issue has since been brought to the attention of the Honorable Minister and will be addressed as part of the ongoing restructuring of the public health sector.

It is hoped that the above responses answer the questions raised in your correspondence and we pray that you will reconsider your intention of withdrawing services with effect from after duty on the 29th of July 2020.

V SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE: Dr G. Mhlanga
ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND CHILD CARE
Cc Hon Acting Minister of Health and Child Care: Prof. dr. A Murwira

Hon Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care: Dr J Mangwiro

Executive Director, Health Service Board: Ms R R Kaseke

Perrance Shiri was born Bigboy Samson Chikerema on 11 January 1955.

He joined ZANLA in 1973 and rose through the ranks to become a member of the High Command in 1977. At independence in 1980, he was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and attained Brigadier rank in 1982.

He was transferred to Airforce of Zim as Air Commodore in 1984. In 1986, Cde Shiri was granted a place at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

In 1992, Cde Shiri was appointed as the commander of the Air Force of Zim, taking over from Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai. Rt. Chief Air Marshal Shiri was in command of the Zimbabwean troops at the start of the Second Congo War.

SOURCE: ZANU PF PATRIOTS

By A Correspondent| Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s bail hearing that was set for Wednesday at the High Court has been postponed to tomorrow (Thursday) due to the absence of record of proceedings from the Harare Magistrates Court, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has said.

Chin’ono was denied last week Friday bail at the Harare Magistrates Court forcing his lawyers led by Beatrice Mtetwa to file a High Court appeal.

The hearing for the appeal had been set for today but had to be postponed to tomorrow.

“False start to bail hearing of Hopewell Chin’ono as record of proceedings from Magistrates Court hasn’t been brought to High Court,” ZLHR said.

Chin’ono was arrested on charges of inciting public violence.

By Problem Masau| As dusk dawns, 88-year-old Paulina Mapako sits on a bench outside her home preparing her evening meal in Katsande Village, Mutoko. Frail but still strong with a memory of an elephant, she narrates how her life have been transformed by Mathias and Mildred Madziyanzira who set up their gold milling company called MilMath Milling at Makosi Shops in 2012.

“They are God-sent”- said Gogo Mapako with a chuckle exposing her toothless mouth, “Ever since my husband died, they have been assisting me,”.

“As you can see I am preparing my evening dinner and the mealie meal and the cooking oil actually came from them,” she said.

Gogo Mapako revealed that the company was also constructing her house.

“They are constructing a new house for me,” she said.
Gogo Mapako’s case is not in isolation.

Mathias and Mildred who rose to prominence through preaching the gospel know too well that helping orphans, widows and the needy is part of the Jesus’ great commission.

“The company has identified the vulnerable in the community and is assisting with groceries. We have also identified children with school fees needs,” said the company’s general manager Nago.

“We are grateful to MilMath for sinking the boreholes in our area. Unlike in other areas, water is readily available here,” said Eureka Katsande as she fetches water in Katsande Village.

“As part of our social corporate responsibility we have sunk a total of 16 boreholes,” said Mathias Madziyanzira.
Many youths who could have followed the great trek of going to South Africa or Harare have found themselves employed at the mill.
“ Our policy is that for general labour, we employ the locals. Most youths have been employed here. We only hire outside if it’s skilled labour,” said Madziyanzira.

While most rural stores are developing into white elephants and ghost shops, Makosi shopping area deep down in Mutoko is flourishing and blossoming.

“This area is starting to enjoy the ripple effects of our investment here. When we first set up here, the area was deserted with no meaningful activities. Today it’s like a town and there is a beehive of activities,” said Mildred Madziyanzira.

A modern settlement is developing in the area as people troop for the gold rush found in the area.

We publish below the various reactions posted by Zimbabweans on the social media following the announcement that former Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has died.

Very sorry & sad to hear this. Met him many times & discussed way forward in improving agriculture & food security, who was very receptive to many suggestions. Most sincere condolences & prayers .

— Bishow Parajuli (@BishowParajuli) July 29, 2020

Hugamba hwapera neCovid

— Tinnammou (@ElTinnammou) July 29, 2020

The death of Perence Shiri is a lesson to the surviving looters that by looting resources for the country’s health sector they will equally be looting the breathe of life. Theirs included!#ZanupfMustGo

— Tererai Obey Sithole (@TereraiSithole) July 29, 2020

Sadly, a lot more of these people who actively participated in these atrocities remain in gvt; enjoying taxpayers money. Many will still depart without facing for these crimes, or at the very least, letting the nation know what really happened. Sad.

— Terence Chitapi (@TeriChitapi) July 29, 2020

One thing I like about this Covid is that it came from China their friends, secondly they can’t run away from it …thirdly they can’t shoot anyone because of it …Let’s hope it wipes out the entire Zanu pf5

It's tragic that Perence Shiri has departed without facing justice over the gukurahundi atrocities he committed in Matabeleland & Midlands provinces in the 1980s; nor telling the truth about those atrocities to help heal the nation. May God rest Shiri's victims in eternal peace! pic.twitter.com/gi8WxuFopZ

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) July 29, 2020

HARDCORE-BYO@Mr_Sipho10: Then someone says ‘condolences’! Zimbanje.

Perrance Shiri was the commander of the 5th brigade regiment that killed more than 20 000 civilians in Matland and Midlands.He was never arrested but instead he was promoted for his ruthlessness .May his soul never know peace even in death and whoever worked with him must perish pic.twitter.com/CTDO6BKvtX

— Lacto (@CaptainWamba) July 29, 2020

Tinashe Chikara @kor3sp0ndentTembo_1: My heart bleeds for what the people of lower gwelo and mateleland suffered at the hands of these war mongers. The worst part is the blatant denial by these criminals of it ever happening yet the graves and witnesses are there to prove it happened. We need closure and retribution

njabulo dhlamini@njabulodhlamin3: Sometimes God takes time to reply but today our prayers are answered

https://twitter.com/rodkneeC/status/1288360521574604800?s=20

ChiheraStacey@StaceyFadzayi: Good riddance

Mčuphié@blackpage91: commander of the 5th brigade that wreaked havoc in Matebeleland during the early 1980s Gukurahundi left more than 20 000 innocent civilians dead. It is alleged that he officially opened it by skinning a pregnant woman alive and pulled out the foetus…to hell with Perrence Shiri

Also please prioritize hospitals if we can lose a minister what more of our people .It clearly shows we have poor hospital equipment and please pay nurses and doctors .Fix the country Mr President . Implement your manifesto ,u promised new hospitals silindile.

— Ronald Mbeke (@RonaldMbeke) July 29, 2020

No Man’s Land@sg_samli: At times we behave like one day we will not die, causing untold suffering to other people. I pray that when i die people dont celebrate my death like this.

Assalam Alaikum@Aalimmufa: May we and our future leaders never inherit this kind of legacy.

https://twitter.com/TinasheNamz/status/1288363552114446339?s=20

Jabulani Ncube@iamncubz: Umdali unamandla sibili

Danny Zembe@dannyzembe: Its regretable that he has gone to the grave without ever giving his version of the 5th brigade’s time in Matebeland. What I know is that they must be an explanation to the actions taken. Its important for insiders to give us insight into the psychology of the 5th brigade.

Beke Bk@beke_bk: Where can I get this documentary

The Military Junta is full of individuals with pre-existing conditions or what we call comorbidities in medical terms & COVID will not spare them. They must repent these people otherwise vanopera rumwe rumwe. The presidium itself has 100% candidates for Heroes Acre. Look at them

— Majaira Jairosi?️ (@MJairosi) July 29, 2020

Tam Arnold Moyo@Tammboxy: Kubuhlungu lokho

bryton@upthebucsmanutd· Usefile owabulala abakithi wabaqeda, wayethi yophelelaphi.

My greatest worry is that ths evil man who was a foot soldier of a evil system died without facing justice.Victims needed closure.May his soul never rest,he destroyed an entire generation whose lives wil nver be the same.Death is the only equaliser in life.Why dd he change name?

— Nsindamanzi (@mtkngwenya) July 29, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has officially signed a US$3,5 billion compensation agreement with dispossessed white farmers under land reform.

The compensation is not for the land itself.

GLOBAL COMPENSATION DEED
Entered into by and between

REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE Represented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and

(1) COMMERCIAL FARMERS UNION OF ZIMBABWE Represent. by Andrew John Pascoe and FARMERS

(2) THE SOUTHERN Represented by Cedric Robert Wilde AFRICAN
and

(3) THE VALUATION CONSORTIUM (PRIVATE) LIMITED Represented by Anthony Meld Purkis
IN RESPECT OF THE COMPENSATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND COMPULSORILY ACQUIRED FOR RESETTLEMENT PURPOSES

The issue has been outstanding since two decades ago when the state authorised the violent grabbing of land from then-owners – white farmers.

The land reform programme soiled Zimbabwe’s relations with the Western international community with the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union and their allies imposing sanctions on the country’s ruling party, companies and individuals linked to it and senior officials.