Two people died on the spot while several others got injured after a haulage truck plunged from the upper lane down into the lower lane while descending the steep Christmas Pass curves in Mutare.
The injured were rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
When The Manica Post arrived at the scene moments after the crash, police officers were retrieving dead bodies as well as guarding hundreds of 50kg bags of stock feed that had fallen off the truck.
Traffic was temporarily blocked as the police and the fire brigade team laboured to move parts of the wreckage from the lower lane.
By Farai D Hove| The MDC renegade, Douglas Mwonzora has announced sudden allegations that the Alliance Deputy Tendai Biti and colleagues misappropriated US$23 million stashed for the party in a bank in Botswana.
Speaking during a meeting in Marondera, Mwonzora said, 150 party vehicles were stolen after the 2013 elections. He said this as he swung a direct inference at his predecessor, Tendai Biti.
He said the late Morgan Tsvangirai was duped by people he says are thieves. Mwonzora’s allegations however, come at a time when he failed to speak on the said “theft” during the many years running up to Tsvangirai’s death in February 2018. Furthermore he had more than ample time in his hands, several years, holding the powerful post of Secretary General from 2014 to 2019, a time when he could have even authoritatively spoken on it. Mwonzora’s action and inaction thus make him a direct accomplice in his own allegations.
Despite all this, he confidently continues to announce:
” [Chalton] Hwende went to parliament thinking that he would have powers to remove us.
“He went wearing clean clothes. He was wearing his blue suit, with sharp ended shoes, thinking of of how he would remove Mwonzora.
“This was battle number one: we were the ones given the powers to remove MPs, counselors; they fought us in court, and we defeated them in court over those powers.”
He then begins to make his allegations of theft, saying: ” What people did not know is that Tsvangirai had a system to keep two copies, one at Harvest House, another at the Safe House.
“There are very few people who know where this Safe House is, we will not tell them.
” The other copies are kept with the Secretary General, so I had the papers, they are all with the Secretary General. I wont tell them; so I had the papers this building is ours it is owned by the party, the papers are here.
“We did not know Mr Mudzuri, that the party has 150 cars, we did not know where they are.
“The 150 cars were stolen, the papers are here, so we are now going after our cars, we are now going after our motorbikes.
“We have people who disappeared with USD23 million, not bond. You remember in 2013 we used to use US dollars, there were people who lied to Baba Tsvangirai, and said President we have been told by CIO, there will be a runoff, so we are now taking this money to bank it in Botswana.
“After elections, Tsvangirai then said, on the 23 million, take out 5 million so that we can rebuild the party, then these people began attacking Tsvangirai using big words such as debauchery, and leadership renewal.
“It was all an issue of money, nothing else. so these thieves we are going after them, we know them well.”
Efforts to get a comment from Tendai Biti were fruitless at the time of publishing.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- Same s***t different day! That really sums up beautifully what Nelson Chamisa’s E-Rally was about!
“We want political reforms and these reforms must have people’s consultation. We want credible elections in this country. We don’t want a repeat of the past,” announced Nelson Chamisa in his hour-long E-Rally address.
The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders on the promise they will implement the democratic reforms necessary to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections. The party had its golden opportunity to implement the reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. They failed to get even one reform implemented. Not one!
“We sat, ate and did nothing!” Nelson Chamisa admitted, for the first time ever, in an interview with New Zimbabwe last July.
In other words for five years of the 2008 GNU MDC leaders were busy enjoying the trappings of high office, the ministerial limos, the generous salaries, US$4 million mansion for Tsvangirai they forgot about reforms and credible elections.
SADC leaders tried their best to have the 2013 Zimbabwe elections postpone in a desperate bid to have the reforms implemented.
“In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed – the SADC summit. I went there,” Dr Ibbo Mandaza, Director of SAPES, explained to Violet Gonda.
“Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws. And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told ‘if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done’.”
As we know Tsvangirai and company paid no heed to the SADC leaders’ advice. The elections went ahead and Zanu PF blatantly rigged the elections, as SADC leaders had rightly predicted.
“So, there are no 2023 elections without reforms. We have the capacity to say there are no elections, and they will not be held because we are the people. We want elections with comprehensive electoral and political reforms,” boasted Nelson Chamisa yesterday.
Well that is rich! MDC had the opportunity and the full backing of SADC leaders, who were the guarantor of the Global Political Agreement that forced Mugabe to accept the need to implement the reforms, to stop the 2013 elections until reforms are implemented and they wasted it. And now Chamisa wants the nation to believe MDC has “the capacity to stop the 2023 elections going ahead!
In his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe, David Coltart, former MDC – Ncube Senator and Minister of Education in the 2008 GNU, gave details of how Zanu PF was flouting the electoral rules in the upcoming 2013 elections. It was clear the elections would not be free, fair and credible and yet MDC participated in the elections regardless.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the elections,” wrote Senator Coltart.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
In 2014 MDC party Congress resolved they would not participate in any future elections until reforms were implemented. “No reforms! No elections!”
The resolution was soon ditched for the same reason as before – greed.
“MDC has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging elections!” Nelson Chamisa insisted. One of the many feeble excuses to justify why the party was participating in the 2018 elections with no reforms in place.
Stringent measures, my foot! The MDC did not even have the common sense to insist on ZEC producing a verified voters’ roll! No doubt nearer the 2023 elections Nelson Chamisa, regular as clockwork, will announce the party has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging elections!
Mnangagwa is dimwit, there is a mountain of evidence to prove it; still even he is smart enough to know that as long as Zanu PF gives away the few gravy-train seats, bait, MDC and company will participate in the elections no matter how flawed the process. So, why would Zanu PF ever agree to implementing any reforms and reduce its chance of the usual landslide election victories when the opposition will participate guaranteed with no reforms!
Like it or not, MDC and the rest of Zimbabwe’s equally corrupt and incompetent opposition entourage’s continued participation in these rigged elections is giving the process some modicum of “credibility” as Coltart admitted and giving the vote rigging Zanu PF some modicum of legitimacy. If we are serious about ending the curse of rigged elections and bad governance then we must deny Zanu PF the little legitimacy the party is deriving from the opposition’s continued participation in flawed elections by starving MDC and company of our support.
The people of Zimbabwe must finally put their foot down and refuse to participate in any elections until the reforms are in place. It is for us, the people, to refuse to accept MDC’s myriad of feeble excuses to justify why we should participate in the 2023 elections without reforms. We must stop following MDC like sheep to the slaughter!
Indeed, when it comes to reforms MDC leaders have sold-out big time during the 2008 GNU and since then. They are no longer worthy of the nation’s trust, support and vote. Deprive MDC of political credibility and you deprive Zanu PF the veneer of legitimacy the regime has relied on since the 2013 elections!
After 40 years of rigged elections; the next elections must be free, fair and credible, without failure! Zimbabwe is not going to get out of this s***t-hole it is stuck or accomplish anything of substance until we implement the reform and end the curse of rigged elections. Enough of all these MDC “No reform! No elections!” redlines which both Zanu PF and MDC have repeatedly ignored with no consequences!
There are political consequences for Zanu PF rigging the 2018 elections. The party is illegitimate and hence the reason Mnangagwa and company must step down. If Zanu PF is allowed to stay in power until 2023, not even in a new GNU which Chamisa has been crying for none stop since July 2018, because the party will rig the 2023 elections guaranteed. We must not allow that to happen!
By A Correspondent| Mother to the opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa will be buried tomorrow in Gutu, the party’s Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya has announced.
Ambuya Chamisa collapsed and passed on at her house in Gutu yesterday afternoon.
According to Chibaya, Ambuya Chamisa will be buried in Chidyamakuni Village, Makwirivindi area of Chiwara.
Below is the full message on burial arrangements;
Update on Gogo chamisa Burial The details of the funeral are as follows:
Venue: Chidyamakuni Village, Makwirivindi area of Chiwara Date: 08 July 2020 Time: 1000hrs*
Directions From Harare via Chivhu then Gutu. Turn left dust road just before Maungwa Business centre. Thats Chiwara road. 32km to Makwirivindi business Centre then ask fo Chidyamakuni village. It will be 3-4km away.
From Masvingo or Mutare turn at Bikita Minerals into Chiwara area of Gutu South to Makwirivindi business centre. Its abt 6_7km dust road from Bikita minerals.
Together in solidarity, we shall deliver a new Zimbabwe.
*Hon Amos Chibaya MDC Alliance National Organising and Party Building Secretary*
By A Correspondent| Some people are certainly more equal than others – Zanu PF Central Committee member, Emmanuel Fundira’s son arrived from UK yesterday, and was never quarantined, ZimEye can reveal.
He is right now relaxing at home at no. 5 Esher Close, Borrowdale Brooke.
Emmanuel Fundira
Ironically, Emmanuel Fundira is the same who was involved in the late Zororo Makamba Covid scandal, so he is no stranger to circumstances and consequences of infection.
Fundira’s son studies in the UK.
The development comes as thousands of Zimbabweans are forced into dangerous dingy quarantines where many have ended up infected.
Some women (video) forced into a dodgy holding centre at Girls High, where no social distancing was practiced, ended up testing positive afterwards, having been negative before.
By Nomusa Garikai- “The politics are being shaped from the market, it is as if we are being told, if you won’t have MDC-Alliance for an opposition then we will create an opposition for you through illicit market activities, through illicit NGOs, through disgruntled unions and through embassies mostly so given to making anti-government statements,” George Charamba, Mnangagwa presidential spokesperson, confessed.
“When you coalesce that you will realise that we are in a phase where destabilisation has assumed a market form. The calculation was a health sector led generalised public strike, we are aware of such plots.”
The greatest threat to any sitting government’s hold on power comes from the people who become restless if they believe government is no doing enough to help them meet their needs and aspirations. The people of Zimbabwe are disgruntled because this Zanu PF government has failed to meet their basic needs of employment, decent housing, education for their children, etc. Instead of taking the blame on the cheek, after 40 years of bad governance turn the other cheek, the regime is illicit market, illicit NGO, etc. How typical!
Last year the World Bank reported that 34% of the people in Zimbabwe were living in abject poverty, i.e. they could not afford one decent meal a day much less education for their children, basic health care and other necessities of life. In comparison, all the other countries in the region had single digit percentages living in abject poverty.
The corona virus pandemic has only added yet another layer of hardships to the existing ones. And so, even more people are now living in abject poverty. Worse still; with Zanu PF refusing to step down so meaningful democratic reforms can finally be implement and thus end the curse of rigged elections and bad governance; all signs are the situation is set to get worse and not better.
IMF, WB and many donors have stopped giving Zimbabwe any assistance, they are fearful the donation will be looted by the ruling elite, especially in these corona virus times when there are so many nations in need of help and who would put the donations to good use. Zimbabwe has earned itself a reputation as a Banana Republic and we are paying dearly for it!
There is no doubt the tragic situation in which so many people are forced to live in abject poverty is morally and politically reprehensible and unsustainable. So far, Zanu PF has use brute force to stop street protests and other forms of public dissent. But history tells us that human beings are not sheep to go quietly to the slaughter; no amount of brutal oppression can keep the people quiet forever.
The country’s worsening economic situation is fuelling the people’s anger and frustration and one of these days the wall that has held them back all these years will finally burst releasing a tsunami wave that will sweep away all before it.
“It is the economy, stupid!” said former US President Bill Clinton.
Lucky for President Clinton the US economy has doing very, very well, thank you. And the people voted for him back into office for a second term regardless of his womanizing and other scandals.
Mnangagwa is not so lucky, he is cursed, the Zimbabwe economy is not only in deep, deep trouble but, worse still, he has no clue what to do and his blundering incompetence and addiction to corruption are making a bad situation worse.
The people of Zimbabwe themselves are becoming increasing aware that they have a grime choice. Either they grab the nettle and demand that this illegitimate Zanu PF regime steps down so the nation can finally implement the reforms and end the curse of rigged elections and bad governance. Or do nothing and let the regime drag them deeper and deeper into this man-made hell-on-earth Zanu PF created.
40 years of Zanu PF gross mismanagement and rampant corruption have ignited such a fierce economic meltdown, everything is melting. The intense heat generated by the economic meltdown is becoming unbearable even Zanu PF hardliners are getting restless. There is talk of yet another military coup. So, the regime is now living in fear of a military coup and/or civil unrest!
Mnangagwa can blame the illicit market, the sanctions imposed by the west, the corona virus (new kid on the block), [even he cannot blame MDC given the party have lost all credibility], etc. for the people’s restlessness.
These are all scapegoat; the political unrest in being caused by the economic meltdown and it is his own his own addiction to corruption and his blundering incompetence that is fuelling the economic meltdown.
Police have since May arrested 319 people countrywide for border jumping and smuggling.
Police have equally nabbed 87 827 people countrywide since March 30 for violating lockdown measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19, with the bulk of them paying fines.
Offences ranged from failure to wear masks, liquor-related offences and for violating the Road Traffic Act, unnecessary movements, illegal gatherings, opening businesses without proper documentation and violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said two other people escaped from quarantine centres in Beitbridge and Mashonaland East.
“Two people escaped last Thursday, one from NSSA Hotel Beitbridge quarantine centre and another one from Beatrice Rehabilitation Centre in Mashonaland East province.
“The cumulative number of escapees is now 194, while those arrested is still 28.
“A total of 12 arrests for illegal border crossing were made at Zona Border Post and Nyamapanda Border Post and two for smuggling at Forbes Border Post and Beitbridge Border Post.
“Total number of arrests made since 16 May are now 319,” he said.
At least 67 drivers were arrested for ferrying passengers in violation of Covid-19 lockdown regulations. The police national traffic unit has been deployed to account for such drivers. Some of the culprits were fined, while others are expected to appear in court soon. Asst Comm Nyathi warned drivers against violating the law.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is ready for filling of proportional representation seats in the Senate and National Assembly, since there is no extra voting in this regard, the results of the 2018 election being used.
When the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Assembly notifies the commission of a vacancy, this will be gazetted and the political party holding the seat will be invited to nominate a replacement.
For the 2023 harmonised elections, the Census and Statistics Amendment Bill sailed through the Senate on Thursday and awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
Under this new law, there will be an early census, in July next year, instead of waiting for 2022, giving Zec time to delimit all 120 constituency boundaries in time for the Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections using up-to-date census data.
Constituencies are supposed to be of equal size, within modest limits caused by provincial and district boundaries, but continual movement of people changes the distribution.
Land reform, for example, had a major change in how rural populations were distributed, and the continuous rural-to-urban migration common to most countries outside a small group of the most advanced, has to be taken into account when setting boundaries.
Even opening a new major mine can mean a boundary change as a new town arises.
Presenting the Bill in Senate last Thursday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency should conclude the population census in July next year instead of 2022 to allow Zec enough time to use the information to delimit constituencies for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Minister Ziyambi said in terms of the law, delimitation of electoral boundaries must be completed less than six months before polling day in a general election, and if that failed to happen, boundaries that existed before the delimitation would be applicable. He said use of old constituency boundaries would not be consistent with the legal requirement that equal number of voters be registered in each constituency.
“It is now seven years into the new Constitution, we are faced with the undesirable prospect of using the same electoral boundaries as were used back in the 2013 general election for two reasons. The first is that the next census is only due to be completed in 2022. Even if all the data for 2022 was availed timeously, that still brings us uncomfortably close within the range of six months of the next election in 2023,” he said.
“Secondly, Zec will simply not have the time to do the consultation, produce the report and table before Parliament its preliminary and final delimitation reports to enable Parliament and the President to properly consider them. Remember also Madam Speaker that voter registration is done on a continuous basis by Zec.”
He said it was important that Zec depends on reliable up to date data for its delimitation. “The only achievable one in the short time available to us before the next delimitation, is to amend the Census and Statistics Act so as to align the taking of decennial national census in a manner that will enable the Zec to take into account census data in timeous fashion.”
Under the Bill, the next census must be concluded by July 2021, with a new census every 10 years from that date.
This will mean Zec will produce a new delimitation every 10 years for every other harmonised election, using good census data.
Minister Ziyambi said Zimbabwe’s democracy was based on the principle of one-person-one vote and the country had to wage a war several people paid dearly for the realisation of that right.
“The principle of one-person-one-vote has two meanings as well as signifying the entitlement of every citizen to vote at local and national elections. It also bears the meaning that one’s vote is equally as important and carries the same weight as the vote of any other person,” said Minister Ziyambi.
ZLHR: At Mbare Police Station, ZRP members have added another charge of incitement to commit a crime against Moses Sigauke, a nurse, accussing him of circulating a video on Facebook inciting other nurses to stage a demonstration at Mbare Police Station.
Sigauke was arrested on Monday together with other nurses and charged with contravening lockdown regulations by planning to hold a feedback meeting on their grievances with their employer.
The nurses , who are represented by ZLHR, are expected to appear at Mbare Magistrates Court this morning.
MDC stalwart Ian Kay has suggested that the opposition party should rebrand and start afresh as it has since lost its glitter because of infighting which has led to several splits.
In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, the outspoken politician, who is also former Marondera Central legislator, said the opposition party needed to retrace its roots and be guided by the founding principles as outlined during its formation.
“When you are in the bush and you get lost, the best thing to do is to retrace your footsteps and go back where you started from. This is because when you embark on such a journey you know where you want to go, hence starting all over again will be ideal,” he said.
Kay left the MDC in 2013 after the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai lost for the third time in a row to the late Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe in the presidential race. After the dismal defeat by Zanu PF, Kay and his colleague, the late Roy Bennett, called for leadership renewal within the MDC before retiring from active politics.
He lost the Marondera Central seat to former Zanu PF heavyweight Ray Kaukonde in the same year.
“When this started, it was MDC. Movement meant going forward and democratic meant democracy. This is why I am saying, there is need to start afresh, going back to the drawing board and be guided by what was agreed on when the movement was formed.
“Through the passage of time, we have forgotten the founding principles of the movement and if we fail to recall that we will end up having leaders who are astray. If you read the Bible, it took Moses 40 years to cross over to the promised land, but if you analyse it, it was a short journey that took him so much time. This is the moment in which the MDC has seen itself in,” he said.
The opposition party is currently embroiled in massive factional fights pitting Nelson Chamisa against Thokozani Khupe with the former leading the MDC Alliance while the latter leads the MDC-T.
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling which ruled Chamisa’s leadership illegitimate, acting president of the MDC-T Khupe has since responded by recalling most of Chamisa’s lieutenants from Parliament and local authorities.
Kay said it was best for the warring parties to find common ground and forge a strong alliance. He accused the current crop of politicians of being self-centred.
“No one is perfect, you cannot blame anyone, it is better to blame yourself. Khupe is MDC, Chamisa is MDC and when I was there I was MDC. The best thing is for them to come together and go back to the drawing board. They should dialogue. It is not good to ignore each other, this is what has resulted in the MDC being where it is today,” he said.
“This nation lacks a driver. It is a pity that we have wise people in this country, but we lack the perfect person to steer the ship. Most of the people are joining politics to fatten their pockets and feed their families, that is where we are losing it,” he said.
While announcing his departure from the opposition politics in 2013, Kay described Tsvangirai as “a rusty bolt that needed to be replaced” and this was after the late former trade unionist failed to dislodge Mugabe for the third consecutive time.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- Same s***t different day! That really sums up beautifully what Nelson Chamisa’s E-Rally was about!
“We want political reforms and these reforms must have people’s consultation. We want credible elections in this country. We don’t want a repeat of the past,” announced Nelson Chamisa in his hour-long E-Rally address.
The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders on the promise they will implement the democratic reforms necessary to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections. The party had its golden opportunity to implement the reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. They failed to get even one reform implemented. Not one!
“We sat, ate and did nothing!” Nelson Chamisa admitted, for the first time ever, in an interview with New Zimbabwe last July.
In other words for five years of the 2008 GNU MDC leaders were busy enjoying the trappings of high office, the ministerial limos, the generous salaries, US$4 million mansion for Tsvangirai they forgot about reforms and credible elections.
SADC leaders tried their best to have the 2013 Zimbabwe elections postpone in a desperate bid to have the reforms implemented.
“In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed – the SADC summit. I went there,” Dr Ibbo Mandaza, Director of SAPES, explained to Violet Gonda.
“Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws. And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told ‘if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done’.”
As we know Tsvangirai and company paid no heed to the SADC leaders’ advice. The elections went ahead and Zanu PF blatantly rigged the elections, as SADC leaders had rightly predicted.
“So, there are no 2023 elections without reforms. We have the capacity to say there are no elections, and they will not be held because we are the people. We want elections with comprehensive electoral and political reforms,” boasted Nelson Chamisa yesterday.
Well that is rich! MDC had the opportunity and the full backing of SADC leaders, who were the guarantor of the Global Political Agreement that forced Mugabe to accept the need to implement the reforms, to stop the 2013 elections until reforms are implemented and they wasted it. And now Chamisa wants the nation to believe MDC has “the capacity to stop the 2023 elections going ahead!
In his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of Tyranny in Zimbabwe, David Coltart, former MDC – Ncube Senator and Minister of Education in the 2008 GNU, gave details of how Zanu PF was flouting the electoral rules in the upcoming 2013 elections. It was clear the elections would not be free, fair and credible and yet MDC participated in the elections regardless.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the elections,” wrote Senator Coltart.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
In 2014 MDC party Congress resolved they would not participate in any future elections until reforms were implemented. “No reforms! No elections!”
The resolution was soon ditched for the same reason as before – greed.
“MDC has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging elections!” Nelson Chamisa insisted. One of the many feeble excuses to justify why the party was participating in the 2018 elections with no reforms in place.
Stringent measures, my foot! The MDC did not even have the common sense to insist on ZEC producing a verified voters’ roll! No doubt nearer the 2023 elections Nelson Chamisa, regular as clockwork, will announce the party has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging elections!
Mnangagwa is dimwit, there is a mountain of evidence to prove it; still even he is smart enough to know that as long as Zanu PF gives away the few gravy-train seats, bait, MDC and company will participate in the elections no matter how flawed the process. So, why would Zanu PF ever agree to implementing any reforms and reduce its chance of the usual landslide election victories when the opposition will participate guaranteed with no reforms!
Like it or not, MDC and the rest of Zimbabwe’s equally corrupt and incompetent opposition entourage’s continued participation in these rigged elections is giving the process some modicum of “credibility” as Coltart admitted and giving the vote rigging Zanu PF some modicum of legitimacy. If we are serious about ending the curse of rigged elections and bad governance then we must deny Zanu PF the little legitimacy the party is deriving from the opposition’s continued participation in flawed elections by starving MDC and company of our support.
The people of Zimbabwe must finally put their foot down and refuse to participate in any elections until the reforms are in place. It is for us, the people, to refuse to accept MDC’s myriad of feeble excuses to justify why we should participate in the 2023 elections without reforms. We must stop following MDC like sheep to the slaughter!
Indeed, when it comes to reforms MDC leaders have sold-out big time during the 2008 GNU and since then. They are no longer worthy of the nation’s trust, support and vote. Deprive MDC of political credibility and you deprive Zanu PF the veneer of legitimacy the regime has relied on since the 2013 elections!
After 40 years of rigged elections; the next elections must be free, fair and credible, without failure! Zimbabwe is not going to get out of this s***t-hole it is stuck or accomplish anything of substance until we implement the reform and end the curse of rigged elections. Enough of all these MDC “No reform! No elections!” redlines which both Zanu PF and MDC have repeatedly ignored with no consequences!
There are political consequences for Zanu PF rigging the 2018 elections. The party is illegitimate and hence the reason Mnangagwa and company must step down. If Zanu PF is allowed to stay in power until 2023, not even in a new GNU which Chamisa has been crying for none stop since July 2018, because the party will rig the 2023 elections guaranteed. We must not allow that to happen!
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo have consoled opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa who lost his mother yesterday.
Posting on Twitter this morning, Mnangagwa said his thoughts and prayers are with Chamisa and his family during this difficult time.
“I was sad to hear of the passing of Ambuya Chamisa, the mother of Nelson Chamisa. Our thoughts and prayers are with @nelsonchamisa and the Chamisa family at this difficult time,” said Mnangagwa.
His foreign affairs minister SB Moyo also consoled Chamisa encouraging him to find comfort in the word of God.
“Allow me to express my deepest condolences on the untimely passing on of Gogo Chamisa, your dear mother. May Advocate @nelsonchamisa find comfort in the word of God and may her departed soul rest in eternal peace,” said SB Moyo.
1 #FullDetails of the police shooting of vendor Tinashe Zharare.
Zharare left home in the morning , at around 9 am to Jambanja Unit L shopping Centre to conduct his usual business of selling grocery from his pick up vehicle.
When police officers from Chitungwiza police station began their usual raid on the area,, Zharare quickly got into his vehicle and closed the door with an intention to drive off the scene.
A police officer then allegedly fired directly at the vehicle. The bullet not only damaged the drivers’ door but it went through the vehicle resulting in Zharare sustaining serious injuries on his right leg.
The police immediately rushed the injured Zharare to the hospital, dropped him off there, and vanished without leaving any documentation
At Chitungwiza hospital a doctor who attended to him recommended to have the leg amputated but a doctor from a private hospital said he could be operated and he was subsequently transferred to a local private clinic.
6 Police officers handling the case at Makoni police station are denying Zharare’s relatives access to the victim’s vehicle. They are not allowing them to take images of the damaged vehicle.The officers are also in possession of the victim’s national identity card
The acts by the police, of firing live ammunition, were unnecessary & unconstitutional. The Constitution is clear on the procedures to be taken when making an arrest. Cases of police firing live bullets at unarmed civilians are on the rise, & it is worrying.
1 #FullDetails of the police shooting of vendor Tinashe Zharare. Zharare left home in the morning , at around 9 am to Jambanja Unit L shopping Centre to conduct his usual business of selling grocery from his pick up vehicle. #EndImpunity#StoptheShooting#EndPoliceBrutality
— The Zimbabwe Peace Project (@zppINFO) July 6, 2020
By A Correspondent- A national pressure group Chapter 2 Movement has officially reported the Mayor of Bulawayo to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the CID Law and Order over the death of 13 people from Luveve.
The 13 allegedly died after consuming Council’s contaminated water.
In a letter seen by this publication, the organization said the Mayor as the head of the organization was supposed to be investigated and accountable to the loss of lives which was caused by the council’s dirty water.
Chapter 2 movement letter
Chapter 2 Movement is a watchdog of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe, we seek to safeguard the National Objectives as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
Our members in Bulawayo and across the globe have asked that we formally lay a complaint for investigation by your office and CID Homicide, over the death of 13 people who died in Luveve Bulawayo after consuming contaminated water.
We kindly request that you investigate the Mayor of Bulawayo as the head of the city. The buck stops with the Mayor therefore he needs to account for the actions of his administration.
It has been reported that the City of Bulawayo gave a contract to replace water pipes to an incompetent company or individual which then resulted in the deaths of 13 innocent persons. The Mayor as the head of the city is responsible and should be held to account. Bulawayo water has killed more people than the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe and this is a cause of concern. We ask that you investigate and bring the guilty to book in order to preserve the sanctity of human life.
Three MDC Alliance Youth Assembly members, Never Bakali, David Jorum and Tarisai Mudiwa were granted free bail by Marondera Magistrate Liberty Garakara after spending the weekend languishing in police cells.
The trio who are represented by lawyer and Vice National Chairman, Hon Job Sikhala are being frivolously charged with what the state refers to as “disorderly conduct”.
The trio are set to re-appear in court on 27 July for commencement of trial.
As per our norm, tens of MDC Alliance supporters thronged Marondera Magistrates Courts in solidarity with our persecuted cadres.
Meanwhile, the Chitungwiza 12 are set to reappear at Chitungwiza Magistrates Courts tomorrow at 8:30 am.
It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa is abusing courts through persecution by prosecution of MDC Alliance supporters.
The courts have become a new centre of the struggle and we are ready to challenge Mnangagwa’s authoritarianism with tenacity anytime anywhere!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouth Assembly NationalSpokesperson
By A Correspondent- A police officer based at Chivhu Police Station died on the spot on Friday after he was run over by a haulage truck that was evading a roadblock at the 136-kilometre peg along the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the deceased as Constable Cosmas Kwangwari.
“I can confirm that a police officer died on Friday at a roadblock in an accident. Investigations are still underway. More details will be released tomorrow (Sunday),” Nyathi said, but could not give more details yesterday saying he was out of office.
Police sources said the driver of the haulage truck overtook vehicles at a roadblock some 10km from Chivhu town and ran over the police officer manning the checkpoint.
The driver, Wellington Mutowa (38) was stopped and arrested at the next roadblock in Chivhu.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chitungwiza 12 who are capriciously charged with ‘gathering with intent to cause violence’ are back in the dock today at 10am at Chitungwiza Magistrates Courts.
The 12 who include Youth National Spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, John Molebaleng, Brian Mushakwe, Nyasha Mutsindikwa, Tanyaradzwa Zawaira, Taurai Nyamanhindi, Jabulani Chatindiara, Elton Marimbe, Dambudzo Mhike, Tendai Timuri and Chris Murechu spent the whole of March languishing at Harare Remand Prison after being denied bail.
It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa is abusing courts through persecution by prosecution of MDC Alliance supporters.
The courts have become a new centre of the struggle and we are ready to challenge Mnangagwa’s authoritarianism with tenacity anytime anywhere!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouth Assembly NationalSpokesperson
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a condolences message to opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa on the passing on of his mother on Monday.
Said Mnangagwa in a social media statement.
“I was sad to hear of the passing of Ambuya Chamisa, the mother of Nelson Chamisa. Our thoughts and prayers are with Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the Chamisa family at this difficult time.”
An MDC-T Presidential Task Team, travelled to Luveve District in Bulawayo, on Friday, June 4, 2020, to hear from the Luveve, residents first-hand about the deadly health crisis which has cost the lives of so many. The team was led by a Standing Committee member Khaliphani Phugeni, an official from the Local Government Secretary Hon. Chiwondegwa and Bulawayo Provincial Secretary Hon N. Mguni.
The residents spoke at length about their fear in using the Bulawayo City Council water which they believe has cost the lives of so many of their children and neighbours.
The City Council on other hand dissents that it is its water delivery system responsible for the deadly outbreak as the City’s internal testing and that of NUST and other private players have shown that the water from the tap is clean and good for human consumption, therefore they should be another reason for this deadly outbreak.
Having received the preliminary report from the MDC-T Presidential task team, Dr Khupe has ordered the City through its Mayor and his team to immediately, deploy all necessary interventions to arrest the deadly outbreak in that District.
The Mayor has to report to the Presidential task team every other day until the situation has been successfully arrested, as to the City’s intervention, the outcome hoped for and the results thereof. To the residents of Luveve, your situation is untenable, your anger and fears are not only reasonable but are well understood by the MDC-T President, Dr Khupe.
Over fourteen lives and still counting lost so far, these are hopes and dreams needlessly extinguished by this mysterious outbreak. This situation in Luveve is exacerbated by the COVID 19, pandemic however our humanity must shine through and the residents have inalienable right to expect their government to provide solutions to such deadly outbreaks and this case is no exception.
To that end, the President makes a commitment that she will leave no stone unturned until you (Luveve Residents) can safely drink and cook with clean water from your taps. The Mayor and his team will be visiting the families of the bereaved and those admitted or even discharged from the hospital over this outbreak starting from, Monday 6 July, 2020.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi, who is also Mazowe South legislator (ZANU PF), has paid tuition fees for 1 200 pupils from underprivileged families in his constituency.
Chasi deposited $146 000 into Mazowe Primary School’s CBZ account for second term fees. The development was confirmed by school head Archibald Tanda. He said:
We received school fees for 1 200 pupils from our honourable MP, the fees for the second term.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF youth and former Mazowe Primary School school development committee chairperson Peter Mangisa said they approached Chasi for help following the closure of Jumbo Mine where many parents and guardians were employed.
Mangisa also said that many families in Mazowe do not fall under the “underprivileged” category for them to qualify for the government’s Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) even though they cannot afford to pay the school fees.
The BEAM programme provides assistance to close to 500 000 disadvantaged children.
MDC stalwart Ian Kay has suggested that the opposition party should rebrand and start afresh as it has since lost its glitter because of infighting which has led to several splits.
In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, the outspoken politician, who is also former Marondera Central legislator, said the opposition party needed to retrace its roots and be guided by the founding principles as outlined during its formation.
“When you are in the bush and you get lost, the best thing to do is to retrace your footsteps and go back where you started from. This is because when you embark on such a journey you know where you want to go, hence starting all over again will be ideal,” he said.
Kay left the MDC in 2013 after the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai lost for the third time in a row to the late Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe in the presidential race. After the dismal defeat by Zanu PF, Kay and his colleague, the late Roy Bennett, called for leadership renewal within the MDC before retiring from active politics.
He lost the Marondera Central seat to former Zanu PF heavyweight Ray Kaukonde in the same year.
“When this started, it was MDC. Movement meant going forward and democratic meant democracy. This is why I am saying, there is need to start afresh, going back to the drawing board and be guided by what was agreed on when the movement was formed.
“Through the passage of time, we have forgotten the founding principles of the movement and if we fail to recall that we will end up having leaders who are astray. If you read the Bible, it took Moses 40 years to cross over to the promised land, but if you analyse it, it was a short journey that took him so much time. This is the moment in which the MDC has seen itself in,” he said.
The opposition party is currently embroiled in massive factional fights pitting Nelson Chamisa against Thokozani Khupe with the former leading the MDC Alliance while the latter leads the MDC-T.
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling which ruled Chamisa’s leadership illegitimate, acting president of the MDC-T Khupe has since responded by recalling most of Chamisa’s lieutenants from Parliament and local authorities.
Kay said it was best for the warring parties to find common ground and forge a strong alliance. He accused the current crop of politicians of being self-centred.
“No one is perfect, you cannot blame anyone, it is better to blame yourself. Khupe is MDC, Chamisa is MDC and when I was there I was MDC. The best thing is for them to come together and go back to the drawing board. They should dialogue. It is not good to ignore each other, this is what has resulted in the MDC being where it is today,” he said.
“This nation lacks a driver. It is a pity that we have wise people in this country, but we lack the perfect person to steer the ship. Most of the people are joining politics to fatten their pockets and feed their families, that is where we are losing it,” he said.
While announcing his departure from the opposition politics in 2013, Kay described Tsvangirai as “a rusty bolt that needed to be replaced” and this was after the late former trade unionist failed to dislodge Mugabe for the third consecutive time.
MDC ALLIANCE leader, Nelson Chamisa has come under fire for questioning government’s prioritization of the memorial statue for Mbuya Nehanda.
Chamisa criticised the government’s move to erect the statue in Harare when the country should be putting priorities towards building infrastructure.
Zanu PF Director for Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi who obviously failed to understand Chamisa’s sentiments had no kind words for him for what he described as a disgraceful demeaning of the country’s heroes and heroines.
“By virtue of disrespecting our founding heroes like Mbuya Nehanda, Chamisa has demonstrated a high level of immaturity, and his true colours that the MDC Alliance worships their western masters who imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe. His utterances demeaning the dead are nonsensical and rendered him a nonentity who lacks qualities of a leader,” he said.
Former MDC Alliance spokesperson Obert Gutu who has found new love with the ZANU PF system said by attacking the dead, Chamisa had stooped too low.
“Such sentiments which Chamisa made have no place in our African culture, even in all progressive countries internationally, leaders there respect their founding heroes and statue of heroes are worldwide be it in Russia, USA, among others. So it is shocking and disrespectful of Chamisa uttering that, we know in our Zimbabwean culture that is the norm that “Wafa Anaka” so it is disturbing to have Chamisa misfiring like that, this should be condemned with the seriousness it deserves,” added advocate Gutu.”
Speaking in his e-rally organised by the party on Sunday, Chamisa criticised the government timing on the setting up of the monument.
“I heard this government wants to build the statue of the late heroine of the First Chirimurenga, Ambuya Nehanda,” Chamisa said.
“It shows that people are wired wrongly. This is inappropriate to build the statue.
“You are telling us that you want to commit state resources to build a statue instead of putting money and effort into building buildings and infrastructure.
“But you are thinking of building a statue, that’s wrong priorities!”
Chamisa added: “Our (MDC) government will honour heroes but will not worship any human beings. We will not worship the dead.
“We will honour all our national heroes and that honour will bestowed to those deserving.
“Under our government, heroes will not be selected by a political party but by an independent and impartial body.
“All national heroes from all sectors will be honoured.
“We cannot have a heroes acre of politicians, especially some of the politicians with questionable credentials.”
Last week, government reported that work on the Mbuya Nehanda memorial statue had started at the corner of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.
MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa’s mother died on Monday at her home in Gutu.
Reports indicate that Gogo Chamisa collapsed and died while in her garden.
In a post on Twitter, Chamisa paid tribute to her departed mother, saying she imparted to him the important values in life. He wrote:
She toiled to educate me just like all mothers do for families. She taught me industry, respect, discipline, integrity and hard work. A hardworking, multi-talented woman. A prayer warrior & pillar in the faith. Collapsed in her garden& went to be with the Lord. Rest in power Mai Nerison!
MDC Alliance Bulawayo councillor for ward 4 Silas Chigora has clashed with the party leadership in the City leaving him to cross the floor and join the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T.
Chigora who was also the MDC Alliance Bulawayo East District Chairman was initially relieved of his duties as Chairman after he had continuously passed negative comments about President Nelson Chamisa in WhatsApp groups.
Chigora was in the news last year when he and Deputy Mayor, Tinashe Kambarami unsuccessful tried to suspend Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube over allegations of misusing council funds.
He was stripped of his position during a district meeting held in the city on Saturday.
According to party sources, the meeting was attended by the MDC Alliance district committee and national executive members Jasmine Toffa, Tinashe Kambarami and the party’s Bulawayo spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza.
In one of the leaked chats, Chigora described Chamisa as a liar who was not fit to be party leader.
“Our president (Chamisa) is a big liar. He lied about the Alliance agreement and also that Harvest House was under the control of the Alliance. He lied about everything and now the truth has been exposed,” reads a message allegedly sent by Chigora to one “Mainini”.
Chigora was also removed from all the party’s WhatsApp groups.
Reports just received indicate that at least fifteen highly qualified lectures have quit working at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) last week alone over poor remuneration.
Senior lecturers holding doctorate degrees are currently earning about ZWL$7 000, equivalent to just over US$100.
Among those who have quit the institution are long-serving constitutional law lecturer Greg Linington and leading professors Donald Chimanikire and Hasu Patel.
“The situation here is terrible,” said one lecturer who preferred to remain anonymous.
“Senior lecturers are leaving every week for greener pastures and it’s not a good sign at all given that we are in the middle of examinations and very soon, marking is starting and there is a huge shortage of staff.
“For instance, only last week on Monday, 15 lecturers left, most of them being vastly experienced doctors and professors.
“This is a new brain drain. The department of political and administrative studies alone lost five lecturers and many are already processing their papers.”
The tribunal set up to rule on misconduct allegations against Justice Francis Bere has stopped its proceedings until the High Court has ruled on a defence application to review a tribunal decision not to delay the hearing.
Both parties had been asked by the tribunal to agree on a convenient date for the resumption of the hearing.
A fortnight ago, tribunal chairman and retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako ruled on preliminary issues, deciding that the tribunal could proceed even though Justice Bere, under suspension from the Supreme Court, wanted the tribunal stopped until the High Court had ruled on the legality of the tribunal.
The High Court had already refused to accept this first application on tribunal legality as a matter of urgency, but it is still on the ordinary continuous roll and will eventually wind its way to be heard before a judge.
What Justice Bere now wants is for the tribunal proceedings to be stayed until that legal issue is decided.
The tribunal refused to do this, but on Friday, just before tribunal proceedings were about to resume, Justice Mubako did agree to halt proceedings until the application to review the earlier decision not to delay matters further has been dealt with.
Justice Bere’s lawyer Prof Lovemore Madhuku confirmed that the hearing had been suspended to a later date this month.
“(Retired judge) Justice Simbi Mubako took note of our application for review of the tribunal decision and stopped the proceedings to allow the High Court to deal with our urgent application, which was filed on Thursday,” he said.
“They were served with a copy of our application to the High Court.”
So there are now two live applications by Justice Bere before the High Court, one to cancel the tribunal and one that, in effect, seeks to have the tribunal stop sitting until the first one is decided.
Justice Bere is facing three charges of improper conduct after a Harare lawyer accused him of interfering in a civil case.
He denied the charges, before challenging the whole tribunal process, seeking to invalidate Proclamation 1 of 2020, the legal instrument, which was issued by President Mnangagwa, at the request of the Judicial Service Commission, established the tribunal.
The judge, who was serving on both the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court benches, was suspended from the bench in March this year, pending a probe into potential misconduct.
He is accused of meddling in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.
He allegedly telephoned Mr Itai Ndudzo, who was representing Zinara, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara against Fremus Enterprises.
Complaints against him were raised before Deputy Chief Justice, Elizabeth Gwaunza, during a court hearing, and Mr Ndudzo was asked to make the complaint in writing.
In a response to the allegations, Justice Bere claimed that he only contacted Mr Ndudzo in the context of their personal relationship, dating back to the days when they were both members of the Zimbabwe Football Association Ethics Committee.
He described the complaint as a falsehood meant to taint his record.
This is the second time Justice Bere has been the subject of a serious complaint, but in the first case he was cleared of wrongdoing.
ROOFTOP solar energy has emerged as one of the sources of power that can ease the consumption of energy on the national grid.
This was revealed at the commissioning of the Switzerland Embassy solar project in Harare this Monday.
Zimbabwe is a country endowed with abundant solar resources, and the Swedish Embassy has managed to install a 20 kilowatt an hour rooftop solar system and a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium power project for their premise and also feed excess power into the national grid.
The government has welcomed the project as a possible import substitution model that can reduce the load on the national power supplier.
“Government is very serious about ensuring that the country is energy secure and one of the key ways of doing this is ensuring we have rooftop solar and we are determined to drive this in a very big way. What the swiss have done here is a very good example of what other embassies can do. As a government, we have a huge interest in this type of project which is an import substitution model. Solar representing a saving in the power that we are importing from other countries. It is viable for business it is not viable to run a business on fuel. We are putting a net metering framework where the embassy can sell excess power to the grid Zesa and government is working on a payment plan,” said the Minister.
Switzerland Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, Niculin Jager said they are willing to feed their excess power to the national grid.
“We have commissioned a new installation and now we are fully independent on solar power. We want to contribute to sustainable energy management in the world. During the day we would want to feed into the grid so that our neighbours can profit so we will participate in the net metering program that the ministry is offering and make available our excess power to other consumers. We will also buy an electric car that will use all the excess power,” he said.
Solar is considered a clean and sustainable energy source which Zimbabwe is tapping into and is in line with the country’s energy policy.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
THIRTEEN nurses were arrested yesterday at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, formerly Harare Central Hospital, for allegedly contravening Covid-19 lockdown regulations .
Most of them were fined between $200 and $500.
Police said the nurses were arrested for violating regulations relating to social distancing and for not wearing face masks.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests saying: “We have arrested 13 nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital for contravening Covid-19 lockdown regulations which relate to social distance guidelines. They were fined amounts ranging between $200 and $500.”
Government has banned all political rallies and demonstrations, among other forms of public gatherings, in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Nurses, mainly those at central and provincial hospitals, withdrew their labour on June 18 and continued to boycott work yesterday claiming they were incapacitated.
Following industrial action by nurses last month, the Health Services Board said the 50 percent pay rise and the US$75 Covid-19 allowances awarded by Government were a temporary arrangement to cushion Government workers while salary negotiations continued.
HSB chairperson Dr Paulinas Sikhosana said they were waiting for guidance from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on the potential Government offer to be taken for the actual negotiations with health workers’ representatives.
Health workers have not welcomed the cushioning allowance by Government saying they need to be treated differently from the rest of the civil service since they have been reporting for duty during the Covid-19 lockdown while the bulk of their counterparts have been home on full pay since end of March.
MDC-T Secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has continued with his barrage on the MDC Alliance Leadership claiming that some top party officials used their positions to strip the big opposition party of assets that include houses and vehicles.
Mwonzora confirmed to State Media that investigations are underway to establish what happened to the party’s so-called safe houses as well as vehicles that he claims were converted to personal use.
“Right now that is a matter that I would not want to discuss in detail but it is a matter that the leadership of the party is dealing with. The matter of embezzlement of the party funds and trying to strip the party of its assets. We are looking into this issue but we will advise at the appropriate time and take the issue to the police,” said Mr Mwonzora.
However, while addressing party structures over the weekend, Mwonzora said the party lost over US$23 million to some of its leaders who misled the late Mr Morgan Tsvangirai into believing that there would be a presidential election run-off and there was need for a resourced war chest to fund the polls.
“We didn’t know that the party had more than 150 vehicles but we have the paper trail and we are going to trace what happened to those vehicles. We are going to trace where our motorbikes are.
“We have people who left the party with more than US$23 million. This happened in 2013 when we were using the US dollar. So some people lied to Tsvangirai that there would be a run-off and they took the money to Botswana. After the election, Tsvangirai said can you take US$5 million from that stash to rebuild the party and they then started accusing him of being too old and suggested that they should be a leadership renewal. Those same people who lied to Tsvangirai and stole the party money now want to lead us,” said Mwonzora.
MDC Alliance secretary general Mr Chalton Hwende dismissed Mwonzora’s claims questioning why he ignored the matter when he was the party Secretary General for five years.
“He was the secretary general for five years. Why doesn’t he report the case to the police? He completed his five-year term but didn’t raise those issues. What we know is that there is no missing money. The only assets we know that are missing are vehicles that were auctioned by Mwonzora. We also know that the last vehicles that were bought by the party were bought by vice president Tendai Biti when he was the secretary general. Those cars we have them and we cannot give them because they belong to the party,” said Mr Hwende.
Bread prices have come down by around $10 a standard loaf with prices in most retail outlets throughout the country.
The new price is range is now between $55 and $68 depending on brand.
The reduction in the price is comes after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ensured millers could import wheat with foreign currency supplied at the ruling auction rate.
Last week, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) announced that millers would reduce the price of the flour and that in future flour prices would track the standard auction rate.
Supermarkets and shops still have variations in the price of a standard loaf from the big three commercial bakers of Lobel’s, Proton, and Bakers Inn, ranging from $66.90 to $68.43 depending on how they apply mark-ups, with in-house brands being sold for as low as $55.
In-house brands are normally cheaper as there are no transport costs to factor in.
The bakers were being charged $3 150 for a 50kg bag of bread flour, but the millers, now able to use auction rates to import wheat, are charging just $2 136 for the same 50kg.
“There are still stocks of higher-priced flour by bakers, but most are already diluting this with lower-priced flour, so pushing down prices closer to what their competitors charge.
Bakers Association of Zimbabwe President Mr. Dennis Wallah yesterday confirmed that the price of bread had started going down, but said any movement on the foreign currency would affect the price.
“The reduction in the price of bread shows that our members are responsible, but any movement upward or downward in the exchange rates will affect the bread price,” he said.
In future bread prices will track the auction rate, making bread the first non-subsidised essential product where prices will track the auction rate, not the black market rate.
Bread prices started soaring in May this year when the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) advised millers that they had run out of wheat and millers had to import using free funds.
GMAZ chairman, Mr. Tafadzwa Musarara recently confirmed that prices would be guided by the foreign currency auction outcomes.
In a few months, as the present winter wheat crop is harvested, there could be more price adjustments with the price of flour for the next year being dependent on what farmers are paid for their crop and the storage and other costs incurred by buyers, mainly the GMB.
Zimbabwe has always been a wheat importer, but this winter the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement has pushed hard to contract enough competent farmers in the hope that Zimbabwe can be self-sufficient or close to self-sufficient.
The country requires around 400 000 tonnes of wheat a year at present demand.
Eighteen people tested positive for COVID-19 this Monday bringing the total number of positive cases to 734.
In a COVID-19 daily update, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the people who tested positive include sixteen returnees and two local cases.
“Eighteen cases tested positive for COVID-19 today. These include sixteen returnees from South Africa and two local cases who are isolated,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry also announced the death of a 54-year-old male.
“Today we regret to report a facility death of a male aged 54, from Bulawayo province who tested positive yesterday with no history of travel and had comorbidities.”
16 recoveries were also reported, twelve from Harare, two from Masvingo, and another two from Midlands.
The total number of confirmed cases stands at 734, with 197 recoveries, 528 active cases, and 9 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in Zimbabwe on the 20th of March 2020.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also called on Zimbabweans to report any returning citizens who abscond quarantine.
“To protect yourself and others, report to health authorities any suspicious returning citizens or residents that might not have gone through quarantine.”
This comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed concern over the number of returnees who are absconding from quarantine facilities and has also urged Zimbabweans to be on the lookout for returning residents who do not have COVID-19 clearance certificates.
A TRUCK driver and a passenger he was travelling with died when their lorry overturned, police confirmed.
The accident occurred along Four Mile Drive on Friday night.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the death of Mr Livison Chikwizo (33) of M Block Mine Hwange, the truck driver who died on the spot and Mr Zenzo Thebe, whose details were not given, who was pronounced dead on arrival at Hwange Colliery Hospital.
Chief Insp Makonese said the truck was going towards Number 2 Village while the Nissan March driven by Mr Prince Mafikeni, whose age and address were not given, was going in the opposite direction towards Hwange town.
She said initial investigations showed that the accident was caused by speeding.
“On the 3rd day of July at around 8.45PM Livison Chikwiza was driving a truck along Four Mile Drive towards Number Two Village with one passenger Zenzo Thebe on board.
On approaching a blind rise, the truck sideswiped with the Nissan March which was going in the opposite direction. The truck overturned and landed on its wheels.
The driver died on the spot while the passenger was rushed to Hwange Colliery Hospital where he died on admission,” she said.
Ms Concepter Lubinda (30) of 673 Baghdad in Empumalanga, who was a passenger in Mr Mafikeni’s vehicle was admitted to the same hospital with bruises on the chest and swollen mouth. Mr Mafikeni sustained no visible injuries.
Bodies of the two deceased persons were taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged. Chief Insp Makonese urged motorists to exercise caution.
“Initial investigations show that the cause of accident was speeding and investigations are underway to establish clear circumstances.
We want to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution especially on blind spots,” she said-Chronicle
A BULAWAYO woman was fined $2 000 for writing a Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level examination on behalf of her friend.
Faith Moyo (30) allegedly wrote an English Paper 1 on behalf of Nobesuthu Dube (34), who has since gone into hiding.
Moyo pleaded guilty for a contravening section 35 (d) of the Zimsec Act chp 25:18.
Impersonating another person when she appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mrs Ulukhile Ndlovu. She was fined $2 000 or 90 days in jail.
Prosecuting Ms Magret Takawira said Moyo was arrested on June 30 after an invigilator and the deputy headmaster at Mncumbata Secondary School in Nkulumane 12 suburb suspected foul play as her credentials did not match that of the candidate.
“On June 30 at around 0920hrs the deputy headmaster at Mncumbata Secondary School Mr Kumbulani Nkiwane was called in by one of the invigilators Ms Patience Hlabangana to the examination room after she had noticed that the accused person Faith Moyo was writing English Paper 1 on behalf of Nobesuthu Dube a private candidate.
“On receiving the message Mr Nkiwane investigated the case and then ordered the accused person to stop writing the examination,” said Ms Takawira.
She said police arrested Moyo and alerted the Zimsec Bulawayo province office after she admitted that she was writing the examination on behalf of her sister and later said she was writing it for her friend-Chronicle
While the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is setting rules to allow by-elections to be held safely during what it sees as a long-term Covid-19 pandemic, Parliament has pushed ahead for an early census and new delimitation of seats to enable constituencies in the 2023 reflect the present population distribution.
Zec originally suspended voting during the lockdown, but now considers that the public health emergency is likely to be the “new normal” and so is putting in new voting rules.
Under these rules, voters will check online to see if their names are on the voters roll, will be screened for temperature before entering a polling station, and will even have to bring their own pen to mark the ballot papers.
Meanwhile, Zec is ready for filling of proportional representation seats in the Senate and National Assembly, since there is no extra voting in this regard, the results of the 2018 election being used.
When the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Assembly notifies the commission of a vacancy, this will be gazetted and the political party holding the seat will be invited to nominate a replacement.
For the 2023 harmonised elections, the Census and Statistics Amendment Bill sailed through the Senate on Thursday and awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
Under this new law, there will be an early census, in July next year, instead of waiting for 2022, giving Zec time to delimit all 120 constituency boundaries in time for the Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections using up-to-date census data-The Herald
6 July 2020 Re: ARREST OF NURSES AT HARARE CENTRAL HOSPITAL
Reference is made to the above subject.
Please see the update below:
Today 6 July 2020, we have received information that nurses have been arrested at Harare Hospital.
Indications are that the arrests were done allegedly for purposes of avoiding a demonstration at Harare Hospital. At the time of the arrests, no demonstration had begun.
If ever we were in doubt about the nature of Government’s response to our genuine plight, this is the clearest evidence we could have got. Firstly, Government promised upward salary reviews and Covid-19 allowances .
We have not been paid. Secondly, Government proceeded to refuse to discuss imProving the reviews and instead rendered the Bipartite Negotiating Panel useless by unilaterally declaring that it was not willing to negotiate for the next three months. Thirdly, and currently, we are now being victimised for utilising the only option available to us by being arrested. We have a right to peacefully show our displeasure with our employer.
The attempts to strangle our genuine voices through force Is nothing new. However, and as we have always stated, we have lost our earnings already through slave wages and so we have nothing more to lose.
For this reason, we call upon all nurses to remain resolute and continue the struggle. To those who have been going to work all along, for how long will you continue to ignore the collective efforts of the nursing profession? We urge you to stop derailing the efforts of many and to immediately withdraw your labour in solidarity with the need to protect nurses. Interest. In particular we demand the following:
i. lmmediate release of all our collegues who being victimised by being arrested en masse ii) Payment of our salaries in United States dollars as they.were on the 1st of October 2018.
MANCHESTER United midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract with the club until June 2023.
The Serbia international, 31, joined United from Chelsea in 2017 and was due to be out of contract in June of 2021.
“As a player, I still have a lot more to give and achieve in my career and to do that with Manchester United will be a huge honour,” Matic said.
“This is a really exciting team to be part of, we have a good balance of youth and experience within the squad.”
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was “delighted” Matic has extended his deal, adding: “I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group.
“Nemanja has been here for three seasons now and really understands the values of playing for Manchester United.”
Matic has played 27 times in all competitions for the club this season.
Solskjaer’s side have not lost since January – a run of 16 games in all competitions – and sit fifth in the Premier League table. — BBC Sport
Farai Dziva|Former Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, Jonathan Moyo has claimed he has evidence to prove Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to kill him.
Moyo was commenting on the move by Mnangagwa’s administration to extradite him.
“I am where I am, in terms of international law following a premeditated military attack on my home and family whose aim was to kill me, on November 15, 2017.
The evidence of that military attack is in the public record.
The only person who does not know about it is Mnangagwa’s henchman, prosecutor general [Kumbirai] Hodzi.
His extradition quest, which will be vigorously dealt with in terms of international law, is a desperate last-ditch effort to do what the army failed to do against me on November 15, 2017,” Moyo argued.
By Farai D Hove| The MDC renegade, Douglas Mwonzora has announced sudden allegations that the Alliance Deputy Tendai Biti and colleagues misappropriated US$23 million stashed for the party in a bank in Botswana.
Speaking during a meeting in Marondera, Mwonzora said, 150 party vehicles were stolen after the 2013 elections. He said this as he swung a direct inference at his predecessor, Tendai Biti.
He said the late Morgan Tsvangirai was duped by people he says are thieves. Mwonzora’s allegations however, come at a time when he failed to speak on the said “theft” during the many years running up to Tsvangirai’s death in February 2018. Furthermore he had more than ample time in his hands, several years, holding the powerful post of Secretary General from 2014 to 2019, a time when he could have even authoritatively spoken on it. Mwonzora’s action and inaction thus make him a direct accomplice in his own allegations.
Despite all this, he confidently continues to announce:
” [Chalton] Hwende went to parliament thinking that he would have powers to remove us.
“He went wearing clean clothes. He was wearing his blue suit, with sharp ended shoes, thinking of of how he would remove Mwonzora.
“This was battle number one: we were the ones given the powers to remove MPs, counselors; they fought us in court, and we defeated them in court over those powers.”
He then begins to make his allegations of theft, saying: ” What people did not know is that Tsvangirai had a system to keep two copies, one at Harvest House, another at the Safe House.
“There are very few people who know where this Safe House is, we will not tell them.
” The other copies are kept with the Secretary General, so I had the papers, they are all with the Secretary General. I wont tell them; so I had the papers this building is ours it is owned by the party, the papers are here.
“We did not know Mr Mudzuri, that the party has 150 cars, we did not know where they are.
“The 150 cars were stolen, the papers are here, so we are now going after our cars, we are now going after our motorbikes.
“We have people who disappeared with USD23 million, not bond. You remember in 2013 we used to use US dollars, there were people who lied to Baba Tsvangirai, and said President we have been told by CIO, there will be a runoff, so we are now taking this money to bank it in Botswana.
“After elections, Tsvangirai then said, on the 23 million, take out 5 million so that we can rebuild the party, then these people began attacking Tsvangirai using big words such as debauchery, and leadership renewal.
“It was all an issue of money, nothing else. so these thieves we are going after them, we know them well.”
Efforts to get a comment from Tendai Biti were fruitless at the time of publishing.
A 31-year-old Mberengwa villager allegedly fatally assaulted a 60-year-old woman from the same village for turning down his love proposal.
Police have since launched a manhunt for Jabulani Mutengwa of Rashika Village, Chief Mataruse who allegedly murdered Shanangurai Chomwise.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said Chomwise was severely assaulted by Mutengwa and died 24 days later while admitted to Mnene Hospital.
“The accused Jabulani Mutengwa and the now-deceased Ms Shanangurai Chomwise are of the same village.
“On June 5 around 7PM, the now deceased was at Mwembe business centre, Chief Mataruse area in Mberengwa where she had gone to see her relative called Reason Gumbo (21).
“When she was leaving the business centre for her home, Jabulani Mutengwa approached her and proposed love to her but she turned him down,” said Insp Goko.
He said this didn’t go down well with Mutengwa who allegedly grabbed and twisted Chomwise’s hand and she fell to the ground. Insp Goko said the accused allegedly assaulted her on the right ribs using a stick.
“The following day, a report of assault was made at ZRP Buchwa and the scene was attended before Chomwise was referred to Mnene Hospital for medical examination and she was admitted. Investigations were instituted,” he said.
On June 29, Insp Goko said Chomwise died at around 1PM.
“The matter was reported to the police and the body is still at Mnene Hospital awaiting post mortem.
“A manhunt for Jabulani Mutengwa has started. We call upon anyone with information that might lead to his arrest to approach the nearest police station,” said Insp Goko. Chronicle
Own Correspondent|A social media war has erupted between outspoken Masvingo based preacher Isaac Makomichi and leaders of the Satanic church in South Africa.
As the war of attrition continues, the Satanic church leaders have reportedly vowed to open branches in Zimbabwe.
Last week an elder in the satanic church reportedly warned the preacher to “keep quiet or join us.”
The elder also reportedly claimed their church was working with more than 50 prophets in Zimbabwe.
Makomichi threatened to visit South Africa to destroy the satanic cult.
“What a perfect time to open Satanic church branches in Zimbabwe, we urge our followers to remain calm as our agents are still negotiating with top bosses.
We are not afraid of any threats from any prophet, as for Isaac Makomichi he must focus on his love potion herb and leave us alone, any fu threats will force us to take appropriate measures,” the elder reportedly warned Makomichi.
A church leader who refused to be named called for national prayers against invasion of the country’s spiritual territory by satanic cults.
Makomichi was not immediately available for a comment on the matter.
By Denford Ngadziore | Following the talk by one Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora in Marondera over the weekend about 150 missing vehicles within the party, l have seen it important that l make clarity on such falsehoods after Dougie made and is to make more false allagations against MDC Alliance officials & myself.
The following information is not only true, but factual which can be verified on the internet, apart from party records:
-For starters the 150 vehicles and motorbikes mentioned could be MDC vehicles bought since 2000. Some of which have been decommissioned or beyond repair due to political violence.
The other lot of vehicles are within his reach as we speak, because he can simply walk to his close buddies in government and Police to release impounded several Party vehicles. These include the impounded party vehicles used by our late icon Morgan Tsvangirai.
Besides those vehicles that were decommissioned and burnt during political violence by Zanu Pf, the majority of MDC vehicles are in police custody in Police Stations in Beitbridge, Lupane, Kwekwe, Harare Central Police Station, Southerton Police Station this include the Victory Bus and Morgan Tsvangirai’s bullet proof BMW X6, Harare Province Trucks.
Most of this information is in the public domain as common news had it the Harare Provincial vehicle driven by Pheneas Nhatarikwa was impounded over the Mutedza murder in Glenview and is still in still police custody despite its driver being acquitted of the murder case. The Isuzu white KB driven by the late Joshua Bakacheza was hijacked when Bakacheza together with Chigubhu were abducted on their way from Mabvuku helping the Late Tonderai Ndira’s family move, upon his death.
This is just a political message by Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora as a campaign to assume the Presidency of the REBELS Party. As SG, Dougie had 5 good years to do a follow up on these false allagations and he never raised these issues in meeting even the national council where l was a member only to raise it 8 years later. During his tenure as SG he failed to repair or service party vehicles which include Harare Province Isuzu Truck which was run down by his runner and aide, Rhino Mashaya. Instead as SG he facilitated for the auction of that Harare Province Isuzu vehicle.
It is no secret that when Prof Ncube was SG, he facilitated to have various regional offices for the party and and he also purchased serveral vehicles and trucks. His successor, SG Tendai Biti managed to facilitate 12 provincial offices, bought several provincial Isuzu vehicles and trucks. It is after Dougie’s tenure that MRT House, boardrooms in three floors were created, turning the office into a world class party office and renovations were done by SG Chalton Hwende; whereas Dougie as an SG, NOTHING was bought, repaired or facilitated. The only thing to talk if is the vandalising of the MRT House, provincial offices and now the illegal capture of the same with the assistance of the security forces and state machinery.
He ranks as the worst and greatest lier of our time.
As SG, Dougie failed to source any regalia and not even a bandana or t-shirt for the 2018 election and various arenas were coloured red by party supporters out of their own coffers.
Denford Ngadziore 2014 Harare Province Youth Secretary
Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has claimed economic saboteurs are behind the deepening crisis in the country.
He also accused the “saboteurs” of derailing government’s economic recovery efforts.
Ncube made the remarks in Parliament on Thursday during a Question and Answer session.
“We are doing various things. Firstly, we have increased civil servants salaries by 50 percent and this is temporary cushion while normal adjustment is taking place as we speak.
It is on the table. We have also added an allowance which is the US$75 for all the civil servants and again, that is meant to be an inflation protector during this difficult time.
That is what we are doing but the negotiations on salaries are going on as we speak. This is just a gesture from the employer to the employee to cushion them against vagaries of inflation. To be clear, the saboteurs are the people in the parallel market and not the policies,” claimed Ncube.
He added: “The intention is to give leadership to the market and then stabilise the market in the process. Once the market is stable, the movement of prices will also be curtailed thereby slowing down inflation. That is really the intention of the auction system, to give better price discovery.
We allowed it during this Covid-19 period for two reasons. First, to give consumers and citizenry flexibility when they go about shopping and paying for goods and services and secondly, as a way to manage money supply growth by allowing into circulation and transaction activity what you already have in your pockets.”
Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has endorsed the July 31 protests at Emmerson Mnangagwa government’s violation of human rights and rampant corruption.
Speaking at a landmark E-Rally on Sunday in Harare, Advocate Chamisa said the MDC Alliance would support any call for democratic change.
Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has endorsed the July 31 protests at Emmerson Mnangagwa government’s violation of human rights and rampant corruption.
Speaking at a landmark E-Rally on Sunday in Harare, Advocate Chamisa said the MDC Alliance would support any call for democratic change.
By A Correspondent- A police officer based at Chivhu Police Station died on the spot on Friday after he was run over by a haulage truck that was evading a roadblock at the 136-kilometre peg along the Harare-Masvingo Highway.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the deceased as Constable Cosmas Kwangwari.
“I can confirm that a police officer died on Friday at a roadblock in an accident. Investigations are still underway. More details will be released tomorrow (Sunday),” Nyathi said, but could not give more details yesterday saying he was out of office.
Police sources said the driver of the haulage truck overtook vehicles at a roadblock some 10km from Chivhu town and ran over the police officer manning the checkpoint.
The driver, Wellington Mutowa (38) was stopped and arrested at the next roadblock in Chivhu.
Zimbabwe says it will reintroduce intercity travel after interrogation of the request by public transports sector.
Intercity bus travel reintroduction measures to be announced next week In statement, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Monday.
The Covid-19 taskforce says the request has been considered. She said government recognises the challenges being faced by the commuting public to reach different destinations to meet various essential needs. The government is working on a measured and responsible way of re-introducing intercity buses based on scientific consideration. The measures will be announced next week.
Zimbabwe has kept a ban on intercity travel as part of containment measures to tackle Covid-19.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) condemns the arrest of striking nurses at Harare Hospital today. We are not surprised by this action of the government of Zimbabwe; we know too well it is in the DNA of the Zimbabwean administration to behave in this manner.
The behaviour of this government is the utmost violation of the freedom of association and infringes on the overall rights and trade union rights. The problems of Zimbabwe will never be resolved through arrests, violence and intimidation. We demand their unconditional and immediate release.
The arrests only confirm of a worsening situation and closure of democratic space and strengthen the case that Zimbabwe remains a country at risk. We call on the entire trade union movement to mobilise and support the healthcare workers.
Nurses, like any other public servants, are facing hunger and starvation in this Covid19 lockdown and are expected to be at the forefront in the fight against this global pandemic. How can they take such a huge risk to serve the nation while their own families are starving?
We reiterate our call to the government of Zimbabwe to expedite negotiations with the workers, who are on strike and accede to their reasonable demands.
It cannot be business as usual when these violations continue, SADC cannot ignore this continued infringement of freedoms and rights of Zimbabweans. We call upon SADC to intervene immediately, meaningfully with sustainable solutions for Zimbabwe.
A FOUR-year-old boy has nailed his 40-year-old father who raped his six- year- old daughter resulting in the magistrate jailing the rapist for 18 years.
The man who lives under Chief Mafala’s area in Zvishavane had said his son who was a witness in the matter would vouch for him.
He was accusing his wife and daughter of framing him.
The man was stunned as the boy narrated in court how her sister had told her mother how her father had raped her while the woman was away.
This was heard during the appearance of the father whose name withheld to protect the identity of the minor before Gweru Regional Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa.
The father pleaded not guilty to one count of rape but was convicted.
Mrs Msipa sentenced him to 18 -years in prison before suspending three years on condition of good behavior.
It was the State case’s that between December 2019 and January 2020, the complainant and her young brother aged four years were left in the custody of their father as their mother visited.
The accused person called his daughter to his bedroom and told her to sleep on a reeds mate.
He undressed and raped her once.
The court heard that after raping her daughter, the man slept beside her and asked her not to tell anyone about the matter.
The court heard that the complainant told her mother how her father had raped her in her absence.
A police report was made leading to the arrest of the accused person.
Sometime in January, the man is said to have approached his wife accusing her of influencing their daughter to make a rape case against him.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa receiving donations for Covid-19 intervention
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Monday the government is concerned with the recent spike in cases of local transmissions of Covid-19, urging communities not to harbour people returning from abroad who will have escaped from or not passed through quarantine centres.
Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 confirmed cases breached the 700 point mark on Sunday, to total 716, with up to two-thirds of the cases having been imported.
Local transmission cases have however been on a steady rise, with over 20 recorded in the past week.
Speaking after receiving an assortment of goods from various organisations, President Mnangagwa said it was imperative that those returning to the country from abroad go through the mandatory 21-day quarantine period.
“We are getting worried because we now see a small trend of internal transmission. We are doing our best to do contact tracing,” he said.
“We would like to appeal to our people, families, communities that if a family member has just arrived from abroad, we must insist to find out if they have a certificate showing they have been quarantined for the required period and have been released. This is for the protection of the family itself and for the protection of the community.”
President Mnangagwa said there was still a large number of Zimbabweans outside the country awaiting repatriation.
He lauded the local donors who included the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) which provided ZW$1 million towards the fight against the disease.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society which sourced five ventilators to be used in local hospitals, Bulawayo based firm Viking Hardware, as well as the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe which respectively donated an assortment of personal protective equipment and food stuffs, were among the donors.
Health personnel, who are key in the fight against the pandemic, were some of the beneficiaries of the donations as the government was trying its best to take care of their welfare, President Mnangagwa said.
The donations, he said, would help minimise the impact of the pandemic.
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s mother has died.
“Sad news , President Chamisa lost his mother this afternoon, our sincere condolences to the Chamisa family and MDC Alliance and the nation,” a party official said in a statement.
ZANU-PF leaders in Makoni have officially welcomed back former national secretary for administration, Didymus Mutasa, 84 years old, into the party as it revisits a formula to re-strengthen the party.
Mutasa was expelled from the party on charges of undermining the party and its leadership.
Former provincial chairman, Basil Nyabadza who had taken a back seat, and the immediate past vice-chairman, Joseph Mujati were also welcomed back.
Mujati’s suspension was recently lifted.
The meeting, which was held on Sunday, also endorsed the elevation of Stanely Mbawa to the provincial executive and the co-option of Edward Madhume into the youth league.
Politburo, Central Committee members and Members of Parliament, among other leaders from the district, attended the meeting that also discussed the establishment of irrigation schemes in Makoni South and North as well as the resuscitation of a farmers’ training centre in Headlands.
Zanu-PF national secretary for finance, Patrick Chinamasa said the party should pick up the pieces and embrace the cadres.
“Nyati (Cde Mutasa) has rejoined the party and since his return, it has been our wish to meet him officially as Makoni leadership and work together going forward.
“Sometime we see things differently and fight, but that should not separate us. Now that Cde Mutasa is back, we must unite and work together. He laid a strong foundation for the party in Makoni and his return should solidify it. We are amending our constitution to create a Council of Elders where cadres with vast experience like him can sit as advisors,” said Chinamasa.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s, they do not reflect the views of Opera News.
MDC-T acting president Thokozani Khupe will this Wednesday hold her first meeting with the party’s national council as they prepare to hold a watershed extraordinary congress (EOC) at the end of the month.
Members of the national council last month petitioned Khupe and her standing committee to present themselves before them and discuss the Supreme Court ruling and the proposed EOC amid reports that there were plans to use the organ to kick out the current leadership.
Party deputy spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni told NewsDay that the MDC-T national council would convene to discuss the July 31 EOC among other issues affecting the party.
“The issues will be discussed this Wednesday when the national council convenes. We will hold a Press conference after which we will be able to deliver the resolutions and way forward. As you can see president Khupe is steadying the ship and giving leadership to the party,” he said.
Already there are moves to delay the July 31 EOC on health grounds with MDC-T officials claiming that the Health ministry had said it would not allow the 3 500 MDC-T congress delegates to gather for elections in Harare as this could affect the response to COVID-19.
Insiders said the delays were being pushed by Khupe’s camp seen as having favour from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration as they fear the acting president would lose the elections and would be relegated to Douglas Mwonzora’s deputy.
“The leadership was in Mashonaland West and violating all COVID-19 regulations, nothing has happened, look at the pictures that Mwonzora and (Morgen) Komichi took, no social distancing, no masks and they want to say EOC should be postponed,” said an insider.
Phugeni said everyone wanted the EOC to happen so that the party moved past the death of founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai and there was no attempt to block it.
“Nobody wants to block the EOC, we all want it to happen, but of course not at the expense of people’s health. I have seen pictures of our meeting in Mashonaland West, yes, I was not there and I should admit that it does not look good. We have to respect health regulations, it’s important,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Monday the “use it or lose it” principle will also apply in the agriculture sector where vast tracts of land are being left lying idle.
Initially the government introduced the principle in the mining sector, where holders of claims were accused of holding onto them for speculative reasons.
Addressing a meeting of Provincial Ministers, President Mnangagwa said it was imperative that land be used for maximum productivity to boost food security.
“Our farming land must be used efficiently and optimally. The days of people holding large tracts of idle land are over,” he said.
“The use it or lose it principle will apply over and above the maximum farm size restrictions.”
Government is currently enforcing a size restriction policy that has seen some farms being subdivided to give others access to land.
Some people who benefited during the country’s historic land reform had gained access to large pieces of land which they were now failing to use productively at a time when there is high demand for land as more people are eager to venture into farming.
President Mnangagwa said the government would continue to avail resources under various facilities to boost agricultural production.
Zimbabwe has in the past three seasons been hit by a combination of drought and natural disasters that left almost half the population food vulnerable.
The situation was further compounded by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which has taken a toll on economies across the globe.
President Mnangagwa urged Provincial Ministers to promote the Pfumvudza farming concept among communal and small holder farmers in their jurisdictions.
Pfumvudza is a concept aimed at climate proofing agriculture by adopting conservation farming techniques and involves the utilisation of small pieces of land and applying the correct agronomic practices for higher output.
The concept is being applied to maize, traditional grains, and soyabeans production.
A $25 000 reward has been offered to anyone with information that might assist police arrest a former employee of an approved contractor, who made illegal electricity connections in Stoneridge, Harare.
On Monday last week, Zesa disconnected over 1 500 households in Stoneridge Phase 1, Harare South, after discovering the offence. The illegal connections are believed to have been done by Peni Jaison (31), who was once employed by a Harare company, Ethood Electrical Engineering Company, but operating as Luckstone Concrete.
His former employer had the contract, but residents thought the costs were high and hired Jaison, who was cheaper since he allegedly used Luckstone poles and cables without paying. Jaison has since gone into hiding and efforts to locate him have been fruitless as police and Zesa Loss Control officers are keen to question him in connection with the alleged offence.
In an interview last Friday, Luckstone managing director Mr Melvin Gwishiri said they had decided to offer the reward so that the suspect could be arrested and assist police with investigations.
“I can confirm that we are offering a $25 000 reward to anyone that might assist the police and Zesa Loss Control officers to locate Peni Jaison in connection with the illegal electricity connections,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact any nearest police station or Zesa Loss Control offices or call 0772 816 606 and 0717 418 485.
Luckstone Concrete had been contracted by the residents to connect electricity in the area, but some residents felt its charges were on the higher side, and hired Jaison, who used materials left on site by his former employer and cables believed to have been stolen from Zesa, to connect the area to the national grid.
The offence was discovered by the company officials and investigations carried out revealed that Jaison was paid more than US$52 000 by residents.
A team from the police and Zesa Loss Control department last week visited the area and held a meeting with some of the residents before disconnecting power after informing them that it had been illegally connected.
Investigations carried out by The Herald revealed that Jaison would connect electricity using the poles that were erected by his former employer with the connections being done during the lockdown.
Nurses though their association have released the following statement after ZRP reportedly arrested some nurses at Harare hospital this morning;
6 July 2020
Re: ARREST OF NURSES AT HAFtARE CENTRAL HOSPITAL Reference is made to the above subject.
Please see the update below:
1. Today 6 July 2020, we have received information that nurses have been arrested at Harare HosPital.
2. Indications are that the arrests were done allegedly for purposes of avoiding a demonstration at Harare Hospital. At the tirne of the arrests, no demonstration had begun.
3. If ever we were in doubt about the nature of Government’s response to our genuine plight, this is the clearest evidence we could have got. Firstly, Government promised upward salary reviews and Covid-19 allowances wh. have not been paid. Secondly, Government proceeded to refuse to discuss imProving the reviews and instead rendered the Bipartite Negotiating Panel useless by unilaterally declaring that it was not willing to negotiate for the next three months. Thirdly, and currently, we are now being victimised for utilising the only option available to us by being arrested. We have a right to peacefully show our displeasure with our employer.
4. The attempts to strangle our genuine voices through force Is nothing new. However, and as we have always stated, we have lost our earMngs already through slave wages and so we have nothing more to lose.
5. For this reason, we call upon all nurses to remain resolute and continue the struggle. To those who have been going to work all along, for how long will you continue to ignore the collective efforts of the nursing profession? We urge you to stop derailing the efforts of many and to immediately withdraw your labour in solidarity with the need to protect nurses. Interest. In particular we demand the following:
i. lmmediate release of all our collegues who being victimised by being arrested en masse
ii) Payment of our salaries in United States dollars as they.were on the 1st of October 2018.
MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has taken a dig at rival MDC-T leader, Thokozani Khupe for allegedly manipulating the late party founder, Morgan Tsvangirai ’s legacy to legitimize her selfish agenda.
Speaking during the inaugural online rally held yesterday, Chamisa defended the Alliance saying it was the brainchild of the late founder of the MDC party, who called on party deserters like Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube who had formed their own parties to unite forces.
“It is a party that was left by Tsvangirai himself. He reached out to Biti and Ncube to have a united MDC of 2000. So do not come as if you want to rebuild the Tsvangirai legacy yet you want to destroy it. You want to drag us back. Tsvangirai was an organised man he gave the baton to the incumbent and we are firm. You may try to dislodge us but you will not succeed. We do not want to visit Buhera to ask for assistance in our court issues,” said Chamisa.
The youthful leader went at lengths to distinguish his MDC-Alliance party from the MDC-T, saying not even the Sangomas nor the Courts would merge the two.
This was in direct reference to the March Supreme Court ruling that dictated the Alliance to revert to the MDC-T structures of 2014, with Khupe at the helm.
“There have been fallacies, distortions and falsehoods being propagated in the country about the Alliance. MDC Alliance is a separate party that is different from the MDC-T. You may approach the courts visit sangomas and faith healers, visit the dead trying to revive Tsvangirai’s spirit that will not change anything,” said Chamisa.
In May, Khupe and allies, Mwonzora, Elias Mudzuri and Morgen Komichi took the long trip to Tsvangirai’s Humanikwa village in what MDC-T Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora said was visit to give some items towards the welfare of Gogo Tsvangirai and also to formally apologize to the Tsvangirai family about the ill treatment that she suffered at the hands of some youths including the vanguard during Tsvangirai’s funeral.
Mr Kagame went on to remind the larger Chinese community in the country that they could not be out there harming Africans who are technically feeding them, through investment opportunities.
The Chinese in question were operating illegally on farms they had grabbed from unsuspecting Rwandans at cheap prices and exploiting the locals whom they employed on the farms. The locals were made to work longer hours than usual, paid meager wages and subjected to punitive punishments on the farms for what the Chinese in question describe as laziness and irresponsibility.
When the information on the criminal activities carried out by the Chinese got to Rwandase Authorities, the country’s president Kagame was horrified by the damaging actions and thus ordered for their immediate deportation to their country back in China.
To stamp his authority and confidence in the country, Mr Kagame also indicated that the Chinese should never again get back to Rwanda on whatever basis.
Rogue Chinese who illegally enter Africa have always proved dangerous to social and economic structures in Africa some have been running illegal gambling as has been the case in Kenya amongst other countries in Africa.
Others have been photographed abusing Africans as was the case of one Chinese in Kenya who went on ranting about Africans including Kenyan president, luckily he was deported back to China.
It’s is true that some people of Asian origins have proved sound and productive while operating in Africa, however, some have always proved stubborn and should be deported whenever necessary.
A few days after President John Pombe Magufuli fired a government official in a public rally for allegedly sleeping with married women, he has once again pulled out a similar move.
On June 28, Magufuli fired Kisarawe District Administrative Secretary (DAS), Mtela Mwampamba, during a public rally he had attended over several allegations including having a fishy relationship with married women.
This Monday, Magufulu has pulled out a similar move and fired top police officials after marijuana was found in their area.
In another public rally, Magufuli announced the firing of Meru District police heads for what he said to be failing to deliver on their duties as they were supposed to.
“Nakupongeza Mkuu wa Dawa za Kulevya ulienda Meru na Watu wa TV fulani nafikiri Clouds, ukabaini Bangi, IGP nataka Mkuu wa Polisi Meru aondolewe, DSO na OCCID wote watoke,hawakutimiza wajibu wao, na wewe leo nakuconfirm kuwa Kamishina wa Dawa za Kulevya, utaapishwa hapahapa,” Magufuli announced the shocker, which loosely translates to:
(I congratulate the head of Drug Abuse because you went to Meru accompanied by some TV people. I think Clouds TV crew, and nabbed marijuana, Inspector General of Police I want Meru Police Chief to be removed, DSO and OCCID all should be removed from those positions, they did not fulfill their duty, and you today I am confirming you as the new Commissioner of Drugs, you will be sworn in right sway from here).
Magufuli noted that government officials must deliver to Tanzanians, adding that they will be recalled or/and fired if they fail to deliver as required.
He said the government is not going to wait until’s official’s term in office expires even when their job is wanting.
He urged other officials to stick to their job ethics and deliver to the people.
Recently, the World Bank ranked Tanzania among Middle-Income countries.
Magufuli said he was determined to achieve that status in 2025 but God made it happen 5 years earlier.
Sworn enemies Jonathan Moyo and Emmerson Mnangagwa
Exiled former Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo claims President Emmerson Mnangagwa tried to assassinate him and he has evidence to prove it.
Moyo made the claims as he reacted to reports that the government is trying to extradite him from Kenya where he is exiled after he fled Zimbabwe during the 2017 coup that toppled the late Robert Mugabe.
The government says it wants the former Zanu PF strategist to return home to face charges of fraud involving Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) resources when he was Higher Education minister.
Moyo said he fled the country after soldiers tried to kill him and his family and argued that Mnangagwa’s government still wanted him dead.
“I am where I am, in terms of international law following a premeditated military attack on my home and family whose aim was to kill me, on November 15, 2017,” Moyo said.
“The evidence of that military attack is in the public record.
“The only person who does not know about it is Mnangagwa’s henchman, prosecutor general [Kumbirai] Hodzi.
“His extradition quest, which will be vigorously dealt with in terms of international law, is a desperate last-ditch effort to do what the army failed to do against me on November 15, 2017.”
Moyo said the government tried to engage Interpol to facilitate his arrest and extradition but failed.
He said certain incidents, including alleged plots to assassinate him, showed that the government was persecuting him.
“Prior to this, Mnangagwa had gone out of his way to use Interpol to no avail,” Moyo added.
“When the Interpol option failed, Mnangagwa used all sorts of extrajudicial plots against me, including attempted assassination, whose incontrovertible evidence I have.”
Moyo said while Hodzi was drafting the extradition letter, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) was working with the Military Intelligence Department (MID) to seize his car in Harare.
“In the operation, MID and Zacc illegally seized a vehicle, a Ford Ranger, that I was allocated in 2011 as a Jomic commissioner, along with other commissioners from the MDC-T, MDC-Mutambara and Zanu PF who formed the then GNU,” Moyo said.
“Astonishingly, and to show how political Hodzi’s extradition plot is, the MID and Zacc — working with a very vulgar Ferret operative from the CIO — claimed that they were seizing the Ford Ranger, allocated to me in 2011 when I was not even in government, in connection with the 2016 Zimdef allegations that arose when I was Higher Education minister between July 2015 and November 2017.
“One cannot find a more malicious, more political, and more ridiculous case than this.
“Meanwhile, Mnangagwa’s henchman, prosecutor general Hodzi, wants the world to believe that his extradition conspiracy over a highly politicised Zimdef case that came up in 2016 is not political.”
He queried why the military’s MID was working with Zacc in this case.
“When the MID and Zacc illegally seized my Ford Ranger last Thursday, they caused a public spectacle in which they humiliated and abused a close relative of mine; and the CIO Ferret operative made a lot of scandalous allegations against me, including that I poisoned Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2017,” the former minister said.
“He also said Mnangagwa is going to seize all my assets, including my Mazowe farm, like he is doing to former PCG (police commissioner general) Augustine Chihuri.
“The illegal seizure by MID and Zacc last Thursday of my Ford Ranger vehicle, allocated to me by Jomic way back in 2011, is proof enough of the political nature of the MID and Zacc case.”
John Makamure, the Zacc spokesperson, denied charges that the commission was working with the military and that it was involved in the seizure of Moyo’s car.
“Zacc is an independent organisation and does not work with the military,” Makamure said.
“We carry out our own independent investigations. I am not aware of any confiscation of a vehicle owned by Jonathan Moyo.”
Meanwhile, Ndabaningi Mangwana, the government spokesperson, said Mnangagwa had no intentions to kill Moyo.
“Zimbabwe does not assassinate people,” Mangwana said.
“We believe in the rule of law.
“That statement by Jonathan Moyo is a pitch for him to be considered as a genuine asylum seeker. He is not. He is a fugitive from justice.
“We have a lot of faith in our criminal justice system and we believe everyone should have their day in court, Jonathan Moyo included.
“The only attempted assassinations we are aware of were on President Mnangagwa when he was VP by the G40 cabal and as president in Bulawayo. There is no prize for guessing who was behind those attempts on the president’s life.
“Fugitives from justice should come and clear their names. Some have been cleared, vindicating the impartiality of our judicial system.”
Moyo is accused of diverting US$244 575 in Zimdef funds, but he maintains that the charges were politically motivated.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the devolution agenda is not a political empowerment tool but a means to achieve equitable economic development in all the country’s provinces.
He said this when he met ministers of state for provincial affairs in Harare this morning.
When the government started implementing the devolution agenda which is enshrined in the country’s constitution, it envisaged the strategy as a tool for development in all parts of the country.
Addressing the ministers, the President was clear on his expectation from the ministers and an end to lopsided development which gives Harare an advantage.
“We set out to implement devolution not merely as a political empowerment tool but as a means to achieve equitable economic development and equalization for all parts of our economy. We boldly declared an end to red tape, bureaucracy and lopsided development associated with the perception of Harare Province being a Bamba zonke……By so doing, we envisaged the development of vibrant provincial economies with distinct provincial GDPs and the associated rural industry systems. This model was and still is an important building block to keep in mind this goal and work tirelessly to achieve the desired results….As our provincial ministers, you are important cogs in all the implementation of government policies and development programmes,” said the President.
The President also spoke on how development is hinged upon enhanced agricultural production, urging farmers to embrace various government empowerment initiatives.
“Our agricultural sector must remain vibrant and the nucleus around which we can leapfrog our development and modernisation. The government recently launched the Agriculture Recovery Plan, to ensure agriculture transformation and modernisation for the attainment of food self-sufficiency through smart agriculture practices….It is anticipated that the downsizing of farms will avail more land for productive use. Our farming land must be used efficiently and optimally. The days of people holding large tracks of idle land are over. The use it and lose it principle will apply over and above the maximum farm size restrictions…I urge all our structures to help popularise the Pfumvudza farming concept for our communal and smallholder farmers. The government will continue to avail resources to support our farmers through both the Presidential Input Support Scheme and the Command Agriculture, under the new financing model,” highlighted the President.
All the 10 ministers of provincial affairs attended the meeting, which also saw Vice President Kembo Mohadi, several cabinet ministers and the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) taking part.
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Organizer Clr Godfrey Kurauone has been illegally detained at Masvingo Central Police Station.
The state is preferring same charge to one levelled against Macrad Director, Ephraim Mutombeni who languished in prison for more than one week only to be granted today after deafening public outcry from human rights defenders.
The courageous Kurauone recently defied Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for Command Fasting by feeding the underprivileged at Mucheke Bus terminus in Masvingo.
It is very clear that our National Organizer is being punished for refusing to yield to the dictates of an illegitimate President.
It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa is abusing courts through persecution by prosecution of MDC Alliance supporters.
The courts have become a new centre of the struggle and we are ready to challenge Mnangagwa’s authoritarianism with tenacity anytime anywhere!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouth Assembly NationalSpokesperson
Private transport operators with conventional buses and kombis operating under the Zupco franchise are appealing to Government to consider increasing their hire fees with either facilitating access to cheap spare parts or paying them in foreign currency to enable them to maintain their vehicles being the other alternative.
Presently, the transport operators are being paid $4 000 a day for big buses and $1 000 for kombis but feel these fees have been eroded by inflation.
Zupco fares have quadrupled in recent months, with long buses on urban routes charging $4 or $6 depending on the length of the journey, and Zupco kombis charging twice that $8 or $12, depending on journey.
Those fares were built on a doubling of fares since the new Zupco services started, so fares are eight-times higher than at the start of the service. Hire charges have risen, but only after the Government, which pays the hire charges as part of the subsidies, has gone through the actual costs incurred by bus companies and has considered that the hire charges are valid.
Negotiations for revised hire rates are expected to commence this week. Since June 2, 2020 Zupco has been hiring conventional buses at $4 000 and kombis $1 000 per day. But in a letter addressed to Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Mr Zvinechimwe Churu on Friday, the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO) sought an urgent meeting with Government to discuss the challenges at Zupco.
“Further to our letters of May 4 (and) June 16, 2020 requesting an urgent review of hire fees, we kindly request for an urgent meeting to highlight and discuss with you these issues including inadequate kombi hire fees of $1 000 against $4 700 total cost per kilometre,” read the letter.
It adds that high inflation, late reviews and late payments of hire fees, were adversely impacting their operations. The operators are also calling for assistance with cheaper spare parts for the kombis under the Zupco franchise, so that they spend more time on the road than in garages.
GHACO secretary general, Mr Ngoni Katsvairo, said on Sunday that they were likely going to meet Government this week.
“We want our hire fees reviewed from $1 000 per day to $4 700 (for kombis),” he said. “We also want to table a proposal to Government that it pays us in US dollars, about US$65 per day via nostro accounts as spare parts suppliers demand foreign currency or exorbitant charges in local currency, which are beyond our reach.”
Mr Katsvairo said the proposed US$65 would cater for all operational costs and their 15 percent mark-up. In an interview yesterday, Mr Churu said there was a possibility of an increase in hire fees any time soon. However, Mr Churu said more details would be availed after Government meets the operators.
“Prices for most commodities have been increasing so there is a high possibility that the hiring fees for conventional buses and commuter omnibuses will be reviewed,” he said.
“There is need to strike a balance between viability of the operators, Zupco and the paying public. Income should be generated from the business itself, but as Government we also want to protect passengers as well from the high transport cost.”
The commuting public has been spending a lot of time at terminuses as demand for transport rises, along with suspicions that some operators are not fulfilling their Zupco contracts over frequency of services.
Government sees the provision of subsidised transport as a critical non-financial incentive for those needing transport and the Zupco franchising as a way of bringing the previously wayward kombi owners into a controlled and managed system.
Farai Dziva| Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that captain Lionel Messi will not leave the club next year and will end his career at the Camp Nou.
A report emerged last week that the Argentine star no longer wishes to renew his contract which expires in June 2021 and he has stopped negotiations for a new deal.
Speaking on Spanish network Movistar after his side beat Villarreal 4-1 away on Sunday in LaLiga, Bartomeu said: “Messi has said he will end his working and footballing life at Barca.
“I’m not going to explain the details because we are focused on the competition and we are negotiating with many players, but Messi has explained to us that he wants to stay and so we’re going to enjoy him for much longer.”
Messi, 33, is said to have grown frustrated with the direction of the club, and he wants out. He has also had disagreements with the board, reacting publicly when sporting director Eric Abidal appeared to blame the players for the sacking of Ernesto Valverde in January.
The trio of MDC Alliance Youth Assembly, Never Bakali, David Jorum and Tarisai Mudiwa were today granted free bail by Marondera Magistrate Liberty Garakara after spending the weekend languishing in police cells.
The trio who are represented by lawyer and Vice National Chairman, Hon Job Sikhala are being frivolously charged with what the state refers to as “disorderly conduct”.
The trio are set to re-appear in court on 27 July for commencement of trial.
As per our norm, tens of MDC Alliance supporters thronged Marondera Magistrates Courts in solidarity with our persecuted cadres.
Meanwhile, the Chitungwiza 12 are set to reappear at Chitungwiza Magistrates Courts tomorrow at 8:30 am.
It is very clear that the illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa is abusing courts through persecution by prosecution of MDC Alliance supporters.
The courts have become a new centre of the struggle and we are ready to challenge Mnangagwa’s authoritarianism with tenacity anytime anywhere!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouth Assembly NationalSpokesperson
Following our Press Conference on the 26th of June 2020 in Harare under the theme “Zimbabwe At Crossroads – The Way Forward” where we urged and challenged fellow citizens to start dialogue and conversations from the 27th of June to the 6th of July 2020 around what has to be done in order to stop the on-going bleeding, corruption and looting in Zimbabwe, we are happy to give feedback that citizens have been engaging in different ways and different platforms and there is consensus that we have to ACT as citizens to extract ourselves from the current crisis which is affecting everyone across the divide.
After engagements, conversations and consultations with fellow citizens and progressive organisations we have agreed that we have to ACT and the day is 31 JULY 2020
This therefore sets aside the initial proposal for ACTION from the 7th to the 10th of July 2020.
The Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ) also known as the GREEN REVOLUTION being a non-partisan economic movement of the united citizens that fights against corruption, looting and demands transparency and accountability is therefore redirecting all progressive citizens and stakeholders towards the 31st of JULY as announced by fellow citizen, esteemed brother and leader Mr Jacob Ngarivhume.
We are the people let’s get it done.
A united people knows no defeat. We are stronger together. Victors do not bicker.
No respite for Villa following a 0-2 loss to Champions Liverpool…
Curtis Jones celebrated his new long-term contract with a goal as Liverpool put a disappointing defeat to Manchester City behind them to earn their first win as Premier League champions against a relegation-battling Aston Villa .
Jones, who on Saturday signed a four-year contract extension, sealed a 2-0 win for Liverpool after Sadio Mane had put the hosts ahead as Liverpool made it 24 consecutive home victories.
Jurgen Klopp opted for rotation in what was their second game in four days, with Divock Origi replacing Roberto Firminho in the starting lineup, both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also given the nod.
Aston Villa approached the game knowing a win would lift them out of the relegation zone, with Dean Smith making five changes to his side that lost to Wolves last time out. Former Red Pepe Reina made his first appearance at Anfield since 2014.
The first-half was anything but the electric, incisive Liverpool that stormed to Premier League glory in the fewest games in history. They managed just one shot on target in a pedestrian half, while Villa offered promise – but no substance – going forward.
It was Villa who threatened early on in the second half, with Klopp forced to throw on a formidable trio of Firminho, Henderson and Wijnaldum after Alisson was forced into a couple of smart saves as the away side gained confidence.
The move paid off for Klopp and Liverpool, with Keita threading an exquisite ball through to Mane, who smashed home a first-time left-footed strike off the bar and in. Jones, 19, then made his mark on the match just five minutes after coming on as a substitute. The otherwise relatively quiet Robertson crossed in for Salah, who headed down for the youngster, who volleyed home in style.
In victory, Liverpool moved ever closer to another Premier League record.
Four wins from their remaining five games would take them to 101 points, breaking the record of 100 points set by Manchester City in 2018.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, remain firmly in the battle to avoid the drop with defeat. They sit 18th, one point off both Watford and Premier League survival- The Standard
By A Correspondent- The 13 nurses were arrested at Harare Central hospital Monday morning and taken to Mbare police station where they will spend the night behind bars.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights confirmed in a statement:
“A total of 13 nurses (following the subsequent arrest of another nurse) after the initial tweet by ZLHR are detained at Mbare police station where they will spend the night. They are expected to appear at Mbare Court for determination of their bail tomorrow on July 7 2020.”
A total of 13 nurses (following the subsequent arrest of another nurse) after the initial tweet by @ZLHRLawyers are detained at Mbare police station where they will spend the night. They are expected to appear at Mbare Court for determination of their bail on 7 July 2020. https://t.co/3PRd9Gt1ij
The Premier Soccer League will not appeal Zifa’s final ruling on Herentals after the league’s decision to expel the Harare club was quashed.
The League banned the Students from the top-flight after they were found guilty of taking football matters to ordinary courts. The club launched an appeal at Zifa, and the football mother body reversed the judgement, hitting the team with a fine instead.
PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele told the Chronicle that they respect Zifa’s ruling and will not go against it.
“As a league, we respect the rules and regulations, and we are aware that the decision of the Zifa appeals committee is final,” he said.
“As such, we will not challenge the decision or seek any form of condonation. We will be sending Herentals FC necessary documents so that they affiliate. Regarding player registration, as you are aware, it’s done by Zifa, and the club will have to engage Zifa.”-Soccer 24
Zimbabwe is awash with speculation, innuendo and rumours of a coup following a statement against corrupt leaders by the army General during a burial of a national hero Nleya, with even left some of the most well-informed officials in the dark about what comes next. Zimbabwe is facing hard times due to COVID 19 and economic down turn. The bureaucracy and the public have been on tenterhooks, awaiting the next twist in the gripping political saga. The army has been quoted and misquoted which fuels the rumour machine and puts the nation on an unnecessary tension.
Zimbabwean government has come out strongly refuting the rumours and putting the records straight. Despite all the explanation the nation still gets worried and not understand what comes next. But the country’s citizens have been flooding the internet with information ranging from highly implausible to apparently authentic. The rumours of a coup are worse than the coup itself. It has long lasting negative effects on the economy. The citizens will lose confidence in their government and peace as we know it will be eroded. Those who circulate the rumours of a coup knows very well that the rumours of a coup helps to put the government down. So it is not surprising that these rumour mongers are sworn enemies of the state.
There is a serious shock on any market on the news of a coup. The minimal market reaction from Rumours of a military coup is not what might be expected in such a situation. Martial law usually make investors and businesses very nervous. As a result of these rumours the Zimbabwean bond dollar moved much down versus the US dollar and the stock market is suspended. While other aspects of the economy rose to about a five-month high despite the turmoil in Rumour land. But, it is early days. The paradoxical outcome is due in part to the previous coup in the country. In short, the military is a constant presence in Zimbabwe and this does not mean a coup is imminent. It must be known that when a rumour of a coup happens, the civil servants and workers in general pack up their offices and go home to await the announcement of the next step. People a prone to avoid the streets where a rumour of a coup is circulating, this is a precaution should the coup results in unrest and worse.
A curfew will lead to the streets emptying. Worryingly, elections may not happen for another year – though there is pressure from others for the democratic process to be restored quickly. Unsurprisingly, some foreign investors will pull out and pull their money out of the country, contributing to the prospect of a recession. The economy will contract in anticipation of political turmoil that will follow.
At that time, the ratings will show a negative impact.
While this is only a rumour it will surely cause a political stalemate. It is, nevertheless, a troubling position for a country to be in. It is not the only impact. The important tourism industry, which accounts for nearly one third of GDP, will likely be affected. Travel advisories will be issued and visits will be limited. Usurping the democratic process, no matter how frequently it has been done, won’t inspire confidence over the longer term. Evidence from around the world suggests peace is shaken when there is a rumour of disturbances.
The rumours of a coup again makes people lose confidence of their governments and gives the country an instability face. In one rumour that spread rapidly a military coup had been launched and soldiers are all over towns. This rumour makes people see soldiers everywhere even if they are just shadows. In the middle of all these rumours all appeared calm and by and bye there was no indication that anything was out of the ordinary. “Politics in Zimbabwe is a rough and tumble business. This is an open and public evidence of this and what happens behind the velvet curtain that the world never sees.Adding to the air of intrigue in the country the self proclaimed Spokes person of the confusion professor Jonathan Moyo twits the rumours citing impeccable sources. The opposition uses the rumours as a sign that things are not well in the country. A make believe situation is created and the country gets more confused.
The rumours of a coup plants distrust between the army and the people. Between the army and the president. In actual fact the situation in the country becomes dog’s breakfast Indeed spreading rumours about a coup is proper sabotage and should be considered as treason. While the rumours feeds in the press the people do suffer.
For the love of our country we should desist from spreading false woods.
Chippa United have confirmed the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as the new head coach.
Seema joins the side after resigning at Bloemfontein Celtic on Monday and will replace Rhulani Mokwena whose contract was not renewed when it expired at the end of June.
The new gaffer signed a three-year deal.
In a statement the club said: “Chippa United FC hereby confirms that the team has with immediate effect appointed Lehlohonolo Simon Seema as its Head Coach on a 3 year contract.
“Coach Seema joins the Chilli-Boys from Bloemfontein Celtics FC wherein he put in notable performances and his abilities as a coach at the highest level were evident.”
Seema’s immidiate task will see him taking charge of the team’s remaining games in ABSA Premiership which is set to resume soon-Soccer 24
Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has endorsed the July 31 protests at Emmerson Mnangagwa government’s violation of human rights and rampant corruption.
Speaking at a landmark E-Rally on Sunday in Harare, Advocate Chamisa said the MDC Alliance would support any call for democratic change.
COVID-19 has changed our life: disinfectants, hand sanitizers, personal protective equipment (PPE) have become attributes of fighting against the virus transmission.
Most of these products contain chemicals or are chemical in their nature. Their improper and unsafe use can lead to toxic effects in people that can be as dangerous as the virus itself. Preliminary analysis of poisoning cases caused by non-intentional and intentional consumption of disinfectants and other relevant products, unsafe behaviours and actions, falsely considered preventive, confirm a need to pay more attention to precautionary measures to ensure their safe use. Environmental impacts of the increased use of disinfectants and other chemical products for COVID-19 require specific attention in a longer-term perspective.
These topics will be at a core of a webinar organized by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH), in cooperation with the WHO Headquarters on Tuesday, 7 July 2020 at 11:00 AM-12:30 PM CEST.
Invited speakers will share preliminary analysis of the situation on terms of chemical impact and COVID-19 and outline recommendations on how to ensure safety of chemical products applied to stop spreading of the virus. The webinar is open and you are welcome to participate.
Please, mark it in your calendar and do not hesitate to share within your professional networks.
Please write to [email protected] for more information on how to join.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information like/ follow our Facebook page:
Farai Dziva|Former Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, Jonathan Moyo has claimed he has evidence to prove Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to kill him.
Moyo was commenting on the move by Mnangagwa’s administration to extradite him.
“I am where I am, in terms of international law following a premeditated military attack on my home and family whose aim was to kill me, on November 15, 2017.
The evidence of that military attack is in the public record.
The only person who does not know about it is Mnangagwa’s henchman, prosecutor general [Kumbirai] Hodzi.
His extradition quest, which will be vigorously dealt with in terms of international law, is a desperate last-ditch effort to do what the army failed to do against me on November 15, 2017,” Moyo argued.
…this is the concern of the committee to say, how do we safeguard national funds? If we then allow you to supervise something that has been taken already, where is the control mechanism? … But if it is shrouded in secrecy, how then do we control that element?
…this is the concern of the committee to say, how do we safeguard national funds? If we then allow you to supervise something that has been taken already, where is the control mechanism? … But if it is shrouded in secrecy, how then do we control that element?- @ParliamentZimpic.twitter.com/EzrCCYDEH8
Own Correspondent|A social media war has erupted between outspoken Masvingo based preacher Isaac Makomichi and leaders of the Satanic church in South Africa.
As the war of attrition continues, the Satanic church leaders have reportedly vowed to open branches in Zimbabwe.
Last week an elder in the satanic church reportedly warned the preacher to “keep quiet or join us.”
The elder also reportedly claimed their church was working with more than 50 prophets in Zimbabwe.
Makomichi threatened to visit South Africa to destroy the satanic cult.
“What a perfect time to open Satanic church branches in Zimbabwe, we urge our followers to remain calm as our agents are still negotiating with top bosses.
We are not afraid of any threats from any prophet, as for Isaac Makomichi he must focus on his love potion herb and leave us alone, any fu threats will force us to take appropriate measures,” the elder reportedly warned Makomichi.
A church leader who refused to be named called for national prayers against invasion of the country’s spiritual territory by satanic cults.
Makomichi was not immediately available for a comment on the matter.
Own Correspondent|MDC Alliance president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has endorsed the July 31 protests at Emmerson Mnangagwa government’s violation of human rights and rampant corruption.
Speaking at a landmark E-Rally on Sunday in Harare, Advocate Chamisa said the MDC Alliance would support any call for democratic change.
COVID-19 has changed our life: disinfectants, hand sanitizers, personal protective equipment (PPE) have become attributes of fighting against the virus transmission.
Most of these products contain chemicals or are chemical in their nature. Their improper and unsafe use can lead to toxic effects in people that can be as dangerous as the virus itself.
Preliminary analysis of poisoning cases caused by non-intentional and intentional consumption of disinfectants and other relevant products, unsafe behaviours and actions, falsely considered preventive, confirm a need to pay more attention to precautionary measures to ensure their safe use.
Environmental impacts of the increased use of disinfectants and other chemical products for COVID-19 require specific attention in a longer-term perspective.
These topics will be at a core of a webinar organized by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH), in cooperation with the WHO Headquarters on Tuesday, 7 July 2020 at 11:00 AM-12:30 PM CEST.
Invited speakers will share preliminary analysis of the situation on terms of chemical impact and COVID-19 and outline recommendations on how to ensure safety of chemical products applied to stop spreading of the virus. The webinar is open and you are welcome to participate.
Please, mark it in your calendar and do not hesitate to share within your professional networks.
Please write to [email protected] for more information on how to join.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information like/ follow our Facebook page:
By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean nurse, Sheila Magudu was attacked at NHS by a colleague with a hospital bed pan leaving her paralysed.
However, the case was swept under the carpet and the victim, a single mother of four is yet to get justice 9 years on.
Said Sheila’s son:
“She was attacked by another nurse and she is now unable to work. To date, there is no justice and nothing was done to the pepetrator. The hospital management doctored a complaint, reports have not passed the information up the chain where it is supposed to go.
We have been encouraged by the movement #BlackLivesMatter. It looks like there is a lot of cover-up where the pepetrator is being protected. We have since launched a campaign called Justice for Sheila Magudu. We are desperate for help. The management at the hospital claimed that they knew nothing about it since some of them are new.”
Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has claimed economic saboteurs are behind the deepening crisis in the country.
He also accused the “saboteurs” of derailing government’s economic recovery efforts.
Ncube made the remarks in Parliament on Thursday during a Question and Answer session.
“We are doing various things. Firstly, we have increased civil servants salaries by 50 percent and this is temporary cushion while normal adjustment is taking place as we speak.
It is on the table. We have also added an allowance which is the US$75 for all the civil servants and again, that is meant to be an inflation protector during this difficult time.
That is what we are doing but the negotiations on salaries are going on as we speak. This is just a gesture from the employer to the employee to cushion them against vagaries of inflation. To be clear, the saboteurs are the people in the parallel market and not the policies,” claimed Ncube.
He added: “The intention is to give leadership to the market and then stabilise the market in the process. Once the market is stable, the movement of prices will also be curtailed thereby slowing down inflation. That is really the intention of the auction system, to give better price discovery.
We allowed it during this Covid-19 period for two reasons. First, to give consumers and citizenry flexibility when they go about shopping and paying for goods and services and secondly, as a way to manage money supply growth by allowing into circulation and transaction activity what you already have in your pockets.”
Farai Dziva| High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo has granted Ephraim Mutombeni RTGS $1000 bail.
Mutombeni will report to CID Masvingo once once per month, according to his lawyer Martin Mureri.
Mutombeni was arrested and detained for allegedly undermining the office of the President.Mutombeni is the director of MACRAD Trust.
In a statement MACRAD Trust said: “Our Director E Mutombeni has just been granted $ 1000 rtgs bail by High Court Judge Justice Wamambo . We thank @ZLHRLawyers Masvingo community, the Shangaan people and CSOs and Church leaders in Masvingo for the solidarity despite cold weather.”
By A Correspondent- Adviser to the Prime Minister for Health Zafar Mirza, who effectively acts as the health minister, has tested positive for COVID-19, joining a long list of lawmakers and politicians who have recently contracted the virus.
“I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under med advice I have isolated myself at home, and taking all precautions,” Mirza, who has been on the forefront in the country’s battle against the pandemic, tweeted on Monday.
“I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers. Colleagues, keep up the good work! You are making a big difference, and I am proud of you,” he added.
Recently, the former prime ministers, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, main opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, and scores of ministers, lawmakers, and politicians have been infected with the virus. Many of them, including the two former premiers, and the opposition leader have recovered.
COVID-19 figures
With 3,344 new cases recorded over the past 24 hours, the country’s coronavirus tally has reached 231,818, of which 131,649 patients have recovered.
Another 50 people died of the disease in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 4,762, the data said.
Currently, Islamabad is following a strategy of ” smart lockdown” in scores of hotspots in some 20 big cities to mitigate the virus’s spread.
According to the official statistics, Pakistan has so far conducted 1,420,623 tests across the country.
By A Correspondent- Two money changers in Harare were robbed of their US $12 000 at gunpoint by 3 gunmen last Thursday.
This was revealed by ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said:
Two men who wanted to engage in illegal foreign currency dealings were robbed at gunpoint by three men in a red Honda Fit on July 2. The robbers’ vehicle blocked the Toyota Allion vehicle that was being used by illegal money changers along Masotsha Ndlovu Way, Waterfalls, Harare.
The robbers pointed a pistol at the complainants, demanding cash. The suspects then searched the vehicle and got away with US$12 000.
The police also warned members of the public to receive money from authorized dealers as they said backyard money changers have sprouted during the lockdown and people risk getting robbed as they solicit these backyard money dealers’ services.
At least 12 nurses have been arrested by ZRP at Hre Hospital. They are charged with contravening sec 8(3)(a) of the Public Health (COVID 19 Prevention, Containment & Treatment Regulations). The nurses were planning to have a feedback meeting on their present situation.
