Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday conceded that gold production had actually increased but it is not finding its way to Fidelity Printers.

“The gold price has gone up because that is a refuge point when in times of crisis because of the COVID-19 crisis, but the deliveries at Fidelity have dropped and that has to do with various things like matsotsi who are taking gold out and all manner of things,” he told the Senate.

“We are dealing with them, but we also dealt with the other thing which was a retention issue. We changed retention ratio from 45:55 to 70:30 in favour of the miner. So at least we have done our part as Government.

“We still have to deal with the illicit side. So when we say gold output has gone down, it is not really correct. Technically, in a sense, it is about official deliveries to Fidelity but the actual gold output out there has gone up. We know that only that pane matsotsi, otsotsi bayakhupha igolide leliyana. That is our problem, but the future is bright with the mining sector.”

The parliamentary committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development had a pleasant surprise after a brief stopover at the 22 Miles toll plaza in Mutare on Wednesday to have an appreciation how the system at the tollgate works.

At this tollgate along the Mutare-Masvingo Highway, Zinara is reportedly losing potential revenue through an illegal bypass that goes though the field of a man identified as Padhina Dzumbira.

At the illegal bypass, the man is charging motorists varying sums of money which are below those gazetted by Zinara.

The man denied the parliamentarians access through the bypass.

Some lawmakers tried to remove a wooden boom gate erected, but the man verbally assaulted MPs.

“This is my farm and you do not have a right to enter the premises, I am now calling the Lands Commissioner,” he ranted.

Shurugwi North MP, Robson Nyathi, who was leading the Portfolio Committee, said they will take the matter up.

“What is happening is illegal and we are going to raise our concern with the relevant authorities. We also want to find out the identity of the Lands Commissioner where he gets his power,” said Nyathi.

Kwekwe City Council Director of Housing has appeared in court facing murder charges after he allegedly shot and killed an illegal miner who was part of machete wielding gang that had besieged his mine in Totororo, Zhombe in a mine wrangle on Wednesday night.

Edson Chiyangwa (51), was yesterday arraigned before Kwekwe Magistrate Ms Mildred Matuvi.

He was remanded in custody to 6 August and urged to apply for bail at the High Court.

Prosecuting Mrs. Meleni Nkala told the court that on 21 July around 11PM, Chiyangwa was at his Forever Mine in Zhombe with Mr Cornelius Dube where they were overseeing their mining operations.

While they were conducting mining operations, a gang armed with machetes and axes among an assortment of weapons attacked the pair and the mine employees.

While Dube escaped and hid himself in a car, Chiyangwa, the court heard, tripped and fell and the gang continued advancing intending to hack him with machetes.

He then produced a 357 Taurus Pistol and fired a warning shot in the air.

The gang however continued advancing leading to Chiyangwa firing another shot towards the gang, killing one of them instantly.

The gang left him and charged towards the Toyota D4D Hilux where Dube had locked himself inside.

The gang hit the vehicle with machetes and forced open the car, dragged Dube outside the vehicle and attacked him all over the body with machetes leaving him for dead and in a pool of blood.

Sensing danger, Chiyangwa vanished from the scene and made a report to the police.

The following day Chiyangwa was picked up by police detectives leading to his appearance in court.

Dube is battling for life at Kwekwe General Hospital.

Chiyangwa is represented by Valentine Mutatu of Mutatu and Partners Legal Practitioners.

CHURCHES in Bulawayo have welcomed the move by President Mnangagwa to once again, ban church gatherings in a move to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Churches recently broke the 86-day jinx when they were allowed to operate once again, but due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in the country and city, Government has been forced to once again ban church gatherings until further notice.

 Johane Masowe Apostle Sector leader, Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa said they will revert to the online worshipping strategy.

“As the apostolic church sector, we believe that we have a role to play in supporting the Government. We’re in no position to defy the rules set by the Government thus we welcome their move to re-ban church gatherings.

“We’ve since notified congregants that we won’t be congregating physically and our focus now is to have them pray at their homes so as to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

“As such, we’re returning to using the WhatsApp platform for our services,” said Mutumwa.

Association of the Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe (AACZ) President, Bishop Vushe said: “It’s very important to follow the rules and regulations of the Government. The increase in number of the positive coronavirus cases is worrying and we also observed that although churches were operating, most were not following the rules and regulations and did not have the required sanitisers and infrared thermometers.

“It was also difficult for the church members to maintain social distance. We urge the nation to pray indoors until the right time comes.”

 Bishop Vushe said church organisations should not see this as a punishment, but a role for them to play in saving lives.

 He hailed the frontline workers for their hard work and dedication in such a difficult time.

HARARE Mayor Herbert Gomba, who is facing criminal abuse of office charges, has been remanded in custody until tomorrow for his bail application.

He appeared before Magistrate Bianca Makwande.

Gomba was picked by police on Monday night on charges related to land scams. Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) Mr Thabani Mpofu said Gomba’s related land scams that have rocked the city.

In some of the charges, he is being jointly charged with other top council officials who have already been arrested. Harare has seen a batch of officials, two at the top director level, arrested.

The charges emanate from allegations that 150 stands were created in Kuwadzana from open spaces and sold for private gain, along with more stands in other areas. There are further allegations that police officers ranging in rank from constable to assistant commissioner, and a chief public prosecutor, did not push forward with investigations and prosecutions of some of the suspects and were paid off with stands in Westlea.

The police officers and public prosecutor have since been arrested and appeared in court. City of Harare officials arrested over the last few weeks and have appeared in court on corruption charges include the housing director Addmore Nhekairo, who is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office that arises from his approval of the Westlea stands allocation.

He was denied bail on Monday.

Acting human resources director Matthew Marara and principal housing director Edgar Dzehonye, with other co-accused, also appeared in court and were denied bail. They were allegedly involved in the Kuwadzana land scam, prejudicing council of US$1 141 779.

Dzehonye is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office while Marara is facing a fraud charge along with Aaron Tayerera, the acting chief clerical officer.

Marara and Tayerera are charged with fraudulently selling council land in Strathaven for US$20 900 to an unsuspecting land seeker and pocketing the money.

The court refused bail citing significant risks that Marara and co-accused Tayerera would abscond and that Nhekairo would likely interfere with a crucial prosecution witness.

State Media

VETERAN broadcaster, Cephas Dlamini has died. He was 82.

Dlamini passed away on Tuesday at Corporate 24 Medical Centre where he had been admitted on Sunday.

Dlamini had more than two decades experience in the broadcasting industry as he joined the then Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation in 1975 as a producer/presenter and retired in 1998.

His son, Mnqobi confirmed his death adding he will be buried tomorrow at Kensington Cemetery.

Dlamini joined ZBC from the teaching profession and was heavily involved at the then Mthwakazi Radio at Montrose Studios.

He was a producer/presenter of various programmes that included Izihlahla Ziyimpilo and Ezivela Ezigodini. He also anchored ukukubingelelana and Inhlupho zalamuhla

Dlamini worked with several broadcaster that include the late Maplot Jubane, Inglam Nyathi, Ezra Sibanda, Nonceba Mnkandla, Harry Nleya and Luke Mkandla among others.

Luke Mnkandla said he was saddened by Dlamini’s passing on, saying he played an immense role in radio despite joining the profession later in his life.

“He came from teaching to join us at Radio Mthwakazi and he was a quiet and reserved man who diligently went about his work.

“Dlamini was passionate about his job and very good with interacting with people and interviewing them.

“He presented several programmes that include iSqokoqela sanamuhla, Ezamasiko, Ezasemakhaya and also did a book review programme where he would invite poets to come and talk about their work,” he said.

Mnkandla said Dlamini’s loss is a great loss to the industry.

Dlamini attended Ngwenya Misson for secondary education after which he trained as a teacher at Mtshabezi Mission.

He worked as a teacher in various schools including Gampu Primary and St Columbus and left teaching to join the then RBC in 1975.

Dlamini worked there as a producer presenter until he retired in 1998.

He is survived by 6 children and 14 grandchildren

Mourners are gathered at number 14 Paul Street in Kensington.

My computers have been going haywire-one in chatter mood, the other announcing breaking news and yet another flashing headlines across the screen, most of them concerning the arrest and abduction of journalist, Supreme Brother Hopewell Chin’ono.

After a thorough examination of the information before me, I was surprised to find how far off-side the government of Zimbabwe has been as the story unfolds.

The warrant of arrest was defective, apparently written by a judge under duress. Hopewell’s attorney, who can be seen in real time, says the warrant was short of specifics and the police were in a mood to collect everything that they fancied.

Secondly, the persons of interest in this matter are the managers of Zimbabwe’s economy, whose management and ethics border on criminal negligence and perhaps treason. Leave Hopewell out of this. He is only a scribe. It is the economy, stupid!

Simply stated

A feisty woman, by the name of Alice Hungwe, whom I have never seen or heard from before, but says that she is my young mother (aminini) sought to educate me through her WHATSAPP account.

The issue, simply stated is that ZANU-PF stalwarts have been living off the hog, messing things up, and then asking Zimbabwe’s taxpayers to clean up their mess.

That is the story, simple!

“Listen to me Ken,” she said. It was obvious this Mainini was not going to take any nonsense from me. “They take the white men’s farms, crops, animals, machinery and everything. They sell everything, vandalize the equipment and externalize the proceeds.”

“Yes,  Mainini.” I replied.

“Under presidential inputs program, they get fertilizers, tractors and seeds. They sell everything instead of growing food.” She went on. “Are you listening Ken?” My Mainini is unbearable, but she is my small mother. I must show her some respect.

“The country suffers from famine, and they are given contracts to buy food abroad, and they charge the government U$600 per ton when the going price is Z$240.”

Now I am beginning to get the picture. I say so, but she is not finished with me yet.

“Listen to me good. Mwana waSisi. They get some more free goods under Command agriculture. What do they produce? Nothing.”  I can hear her breathing.

“Now this thing about Coronavirus, once more, they swindle the government of U$60 million. The person of interest goes to court and pays Z$50 000 in small bills. Tell me the bank which gave him Z$50 000 in small bills when I cannot get Z$300 per week?”

She asks a rhetorical question which needs no answer.

There is not a single mention of Hopewell in all this. The looters in the Command Agriculture are not of interest to the police. The German World (GW) television anchor lady asked Sibusiso Moyo whether the police are interested in the “higher ups” involved in this looting of public funds.

Of course, he denied any interest.

The issue raised by Brothers Alex Magaisa, with reference to the Farm Mechanization Program of 2007/8 is only a tip of the iceberg. Hopewell has nothing to with any of it.

Magaisa, lawyer like, has been too kind to the looters of the FMP. In an explanation to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), former Reserve Governor says that: “At inception (2007/8) the FMP was meant to be a loan that would be paid for by beneficiaries. After the GNU (National Unity) was consummated in 2009 and when the RBZ sought guidance on the matter, there was a change of heart. Joseph Made advised… that Government had decided in 2012 to include the program as part of its national Mechanization and Irrigation and that was the end of the story.” (sic)

The Governor is avoiding the issue here. The issue, as he has stated, was that at inception meant to be a loan. In its decision to include the FMP in the irrigation program, the Ministry of Agriculture did not “end the story” as he says because the matter came up later in 2015.

What the Governor is avoiding is the fact that the fat cats had no intention of paying back. This view is supported by the Auditor General in 2010. She questioned why beneficiaries had not been told the true costs of the implements, nor were they told when, to whom, and how the payments were to be made.

I can answer that for you. They had no intention of paying.

Hopewell is nowhere to be found in all this.

There is another anomaly. Consultations about whether to pay or not to pay were done after the equipment was already in the hands of the farmers. That issue was addressed by the Auditor General. We will not delay the reader any further.

The question now is that the procedures were sloppy at best, as already indicated by the Auditor General. Whether intentional or not, they amount to gross negligence. If intentional, they are outright treasonous.

In all this Hopewell is nowhere to be seen.

There is definitely a pattern of abuse of public funds, beginning with Coronavirus supplies, Zupco buses, Tanzanian maize supplies, Command Agriculture, and the Presidential inputs program. If I were to make a big deal out of it, there would no end to the list.

Hopewell is a journalist and a publicist. So am I. There is nothing illegal about that. While no person of interest in all the shenanigans listed above has been brought to book to my knowledge, the economy continues to fall apart.

It is the economy that has exposed the entire fly by night deals.

The persons of interest continue, like those in Sodom and Gomorrah, to dance, marry, trade under the table with impunity, act out and cut up, and even challenge those like Hopewell who look into their affairs.

To be sure, the names of the FMP beneficiaries were kept under lock and key. We know for certain that Attorney Beatrice Mtetwa requested the list and was denied.

Professor Magaisa has done Zimbabweans a favor by publishing the list. Here is the juicy bit of the list. The honorable president received U$411,728, Maphid Mnangagwa, a relative got U$93,111, Gerald Mlotshwa, president’s son in law got away with U$59,605 and just for the heck of it Malawi president Bingu wa Mutharika skipped town with U$124,111.

The police are investigating Hopewell leaving other persons of interest in plain sight.

My Mainini had the last word. “Kenny, Mwanangu, I tell you that man is a serious candidate for interrogation by ZACC (Anti-Corruption Commission).” She said.

“Which one?” I asked.

“Have you been listening to what I said?” She concluded.

If anybody knows this Mainini of mine, Alice Hungwe, please let me know

Source: Nehanda Radio 

Over 10 000 health workers in Africa infected with COVID-19

Brazzaville, 23 July 2020 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today warned of the threat posed by COVID-19 to health workers across Africa. 

More than 10 000 health workers in the 40 countries which have reported on such infections have been infected with COVID-19 so far, a sign of the challenges medical staff on the frontlines of the outbreak face.

This comes as COVID-19 cases in Africa appear to be gathering pace. There are now more than 750 000 cases of COVID-19, with over 15 000 deaths. Some countries are approaching a critical number of infections that can place stress on health systems. South Africa is now among the worst-hit countries in the world.   

“The growth we are seeing in COVID-19 cases in Africa is placing an ever-greater strain on health services across the continent,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“This has very real consequences for the individuals who work in them, and there is no more sobering example of this than the rising number of health worker infections.”

So far, about 10% of all cases globally are among health workers, though there is a wide range between individual countries. In Africa, information on health worker infections is still limited, but preliminary data finds that they make up more than 5% of cases in 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa alone, and in four of these, health workers make up more than 10% of all infections.

Inadequate access to personal protective equipment or weak infection prevention and control measures raise the risk of health worker infection. Surging global demand for protective equipment as well as global restrictions on travel have triggered supply shortages.

Health workers can also be exposed to patients who do not show signs of the disease and are in the health facilities for a range of other services.

Risks may also arise when health personnel are repurposed for COVID-19 response without adequate briefing, or because of heavy workloads which result in fatigue, burnout and possibly not fully applying the standard operating procedures.

In many African countries infection prevention and control measures aimed at preventing infections in health facilities are still not fully implemented. When WHO assessed clinics and hospitals across the continent for these measures, only 16% of the nearly 30 000 facilities surveyed had assessment scores above 75%.

Many health centres were found to lack the infrastructure necessary to implement key infection prevention measures, or to prevent overcrowding. Only 7.8% (2213) had isolation capacities and just a third had the capacity to triage patients.

“One infection among health workers is one too many,” said Dr Moeti. “Doctors, nurses and other health professionals are our mothers, brothers and sisters. They are helping to save lives endangered by COVID-19. We must make sure that they have the equipment, skills and information they need to keep themselves, their patients and colleagues safe.”

WHO has been working closely with health ministries to reduce health worker infections since the outbreak began. The Organization has trained more than 50 000 health workers in Africa in infection prevention and control, with plans to train over 200 000 more, as well as providing guidance documents and guidelines on best care practices and the most up-to-date treatment regimes.

WHO is also helping to fill gaps in the supply of personal protective equipment. Currently, 41 million items of personal protective equipment are ready to ship from China to cover the needs of 47 African countries. Shipments for an initial set of 23 African countries are planned to start during this weekend.

As a result of concerted efforts by WHO and partners some African countries have managed to reduce health worker infections considerably. For example, two months ago over 16% of COVID-19 infections in Sierra Leone were among health workers.

The figure has now dropped to 9%. Cote d’Ivoire has reduced the proportion of infections among health workers from 6.1% to 1.4%. Scaling up infection prevention and control measures can further reduce infections among health workers.

Dr Moeti spoke about health worker infections in Africa during a virtual press conference today organized by APO Group. She was joined by Hon Dr Léonie Claudine Lougue, Minister of Health of Burkina Faso; Hon Dr Alpha T. Wurie, Minister of Health and Population of Sierra Leone; and Dr Jemima A. Dennis-Antwi, International Maternal Health & Midwifery Specialist.

TM Pick n Pay has announced that it has closed its Strathaven Branch in Harare after some of its staff members tested positive of the deadly Coronavirus.

In a statement the company said the branch will remain closed indefinitely.

Read the statement below:

We write to notify you that our Strathaven Branch has been temporarily closed due to our Staff members testing positive to COVID-19, the employees are now self- quarantined.

All other staff members at the branch are being screened and tested in accordance with Ministry of Health and Child Care guidelines. They shall all be self-quarantined until we have obtained their results.

We have contacted the Rapid Response Team to deep clean and thoroughly disinfect the branch as a measure to ensure decontamination. The branch will therefore remain closed until further notice.

We have taken the above steps to ensure that the health and safety of our employees, service providers and customers is safeguarded.

As we continue to fight this pandemic, we encourage our customers, stakeholders and the nation at large to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure they adhere to the guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19.

We shall continue to check the body temperatures of all staff members, service providers and customers and have their hand sanitised at all entry points. We shall ensure that face masks are worn at all times.

We would like to thank you for your continued support and cooperation during these difficult times

By A Correspondent- Villagers of Retreat Farm in Bindura were left shell shocked after a 41 year old man axed his wife over a television dispute on Monday.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.

“I can confirm a case of an attempted murder in Bindura where Virimai Kambezo axed his wife Enita Manyara on the head once and committed suicide by hanging 400meters away from the scene,” Mundembe said.

Allegations are that Manyara came home late from her parents’ home where she was watching television and slept.

The following day their 23 year old daughter found her mother in a pool of blood with an axe stuck on her head while the father’s dead body  was hanging from a tree 400 meters away.

Manyara was rushed to hospital and latter transferred to Parirenyatwa group of hospital where the axe was removed and her condition is critical.

Police warned people to desist from domestic violence but instead seek counselling.

Breaking News: Police are chasing away people at Charge Office Bus Terminus using loudspeakers saying they should leave town. They are using baton sticks. Some of the commuters say they have been waiting for ZUPCO buses since 1500hrs and now risk walking to Chitungwiza on foot!

— Pedzisai Ruhanya (@PedzisaiRuhanya) July 23, 2020

It's happening as we speak, they are beating up people

— Youngerson Yahwe Matete ?? (@MateteYoung) July 23, 2020

its. true. jst talked to sm1 atoti. vaku arcadia

— mancue (@ncubestar2) July 23, 2020

Correspondent

MDC-T Vice-Chairman Morgen Komichi said the MDC T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora’s nomination by some Harare MDC T members is not valid because the standing committee directed all provinces to stop any nomination processes till a directive with guidelines by the party’s standing committee is issued.

Komichi went on to say the meeting that convened and nominated Mwonzora yesterday defied procedures and will bear no official recognition.

Komichi’s statement reads:

On Wednesday 15th July 2020, the Standing Committee set and resolved that the following happen:

1. Since we had failed to get clearance from the Police and the Ministry of Health because of the WHO’s Covid 19 restrictions on movement and gatherings, we immediately instructed our lawyers to approach the courts to seek variation of the time frames set in the judgment that actuated the Extraordinary Congress.

2. The Organising Department was tasked with compiling the list of genuine 2014 delegates as they stand today.
3. At this last Tuesday, Standing Committee meeting, it was directed that all provinces stop any nomination processes until the issuance of a directive with guidelines by the Standing Committee.

Yesterday’s Harare ‘Provincial meeting’ and it’s produce was therefore a defiance of procedures, processes and the leadership and must be condemned and dismissed by all. We must observe discipline and order at all times as we move towards our historic Extraordinary Congress which is a constitutional requirement which must be fulfilled.

We hear the ‘meeting’ was attended by 38 people and allegedly chaired by Mr. Simon Hove, and it being unilateral, will bear no official recognition.

The ground rules of the party shall be set and a neutral electoral board appointed and tasked to run all processes leading up to the Extraordinary Congress

Meanwhile, the MDC T has indefinitely postponed the court-sanctioned extraordinary congress due to the COVID-19 pandemic which is putting restrictive measures on people congregating in large numbers.

Breaking News: Police are chasing away people at Charge Office Bus Terminus using loudspeakers saying they should leave town. They are using baton sticks. Some of the commuters say they have been waiting for ZUPCO buses since 1500hrs and now risk walking to Chitungwiza on foot!

— Pedzisai Ruhanya (@PedzisaiRuhanya) July 23, 2020

It's happening as we speak, they are beating up people

— Youngerson Yahwe Matete ?? (@MateteYoung) July 23, 2020

its. true. jst talked to sm1 atoti. vaku arcadia

— mancue (@ncubestar2) July 23, 2020

By A Correspondent- MDC-T Vice-Chairman Morgen Komichi has dismissed the nomination of MDC T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora for party presidency.

Mwonzora was reportedly nominated by some Harare MDC T members recently.

However, Komichi said Mwonzora’s nomination is not valid because the standing committee directed all provinces to stop nomination processes till a directive with guidelines by the party’s standing committee is issued.

He also stated that the meeting that convened and nominated Mwonzora was not sanctioned to convene their “meeting” neither was it officially recognised by the party.

Said Komichi in a statement:

On Wednesday 15th July 2020, the Standing Committee set and resolved that the following happen:

1. Since we had failed to get clearance from the Police and the Ministry of Health because of the WHO’s Covid 19 restrictions on movement and gatherings, we immediately instructed our lawyers to approach the courts to seek variation of the time frames set in the judgment that actuated the Extraordinary Congress.

2. The Organising Department was tasked with compiling the list of genuine 2014 delegates as they stand today.

3. At this last Tuesday, Standing Committee meeting, it was directed that all provinces stop any nomination processes until  the issuance of a directive with guidelines by the Standing Committee.

Yesterday’s Harare ‘Provincial meeting’ and it’s produce was therefore a defiance of procedures, processes and the leadership and must be condemned and dismissed by all.

We must observe discipline and order at all times as we move towards our historic Extraordinary Congress which is a constitutional requirement which must be fulfilled.

We hear the ‘meeting’ was attended by 38 people and allegedly chaired by Mr. Simon Hove, and it being unilateral, will bear no official recognition.

The ground rules of the party shall be set and a neutral electoral board appointed and tasked to run all processes leading up to the Extraordinary Congress

The development comes amid revelations that the MDC T has indefinitely postponed the court-sanctioned extraordinary congress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The party said it regretted failure to hold the congress.

Dear Editor. Inzwai mukomana uyu achinyepa kuti anogara pa next door na Bob

– Tammy Dube pic.twitter.com/76IUNfgNBW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 23, 2020

Akamboti ndakakura ndichipfeka slippers rakasungwa newaya wani

— Chehelele (@chehelele) July 23, 2020

?????? My house is next to the President's. Mmmmmmmmmm Papa

— The Layman (@jmuchadenyika) July 23, 2020

I think mfana akupenga uyu ku chitungwiza unit H kwaakakurira ndo kwaakurotomoka achiti ndogara next to the president ?????

— Chief Mutekedza (@ChiefMutekedza) July 23, 2020

hanzi kana wane mari haude kuzivikanwa kuti unayo.Usina unoda kuzivikanwa kuti unayo.Haasati ane cash.Ngaagare pasi.He is even too young pamari nana makadiwa,guti and magaya

— Karibafishsaleszw (@Karibafishsale1) July 23, 2020

Makuuya ne team reku Facebook kuno here amana …this is contamination ??

— Kennis #ynwa (@Know_BaKC) July 23, 2020

pic.twitter.com/X8mnFr5nrU

— Uncle H? (@Harrymat40) July 23, 2020

Own Correspondent

The Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday adjourned to Friday the bail hearing for Hopewell Chin’ono, as courts are closing early due to the Covid-19 curfew that the government imposed.

A freelance journalist, Chin’ono was arrested together with Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe, accused of fronting plans to hold anti-government protests on July 31.

In adjourning the bail hearing, magistrate Ngoni Nduna said, “Court staff need to get home before the curfew starts at 6 PM”.

This was after examination and cross-examination of state witnesses had taken most of the bail hearing.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday set stricter Covid-19 lockdown rules and imposed a 12-hour dusk to dawn curfew which began on Wednesday.

Ngarivhume has been widely quoted in the media in recent weeks threatening the protests on July 31 would go ahead with or without government permission while the state alleges Chin’ono, a prominent social media user, has also been allegedly linked to the same protests.

Earlier on Ngarivhume was denied bail in a separate courtroom after the State proved that if admitted to bail, he would proceed to lead the planned demonstrations.

Own Correspondent

The Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday denied bail to Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume who was arrested on Tuesday on allegations of inciting public violence.

Ngarivhume was remanded in custody to August 6 this year.

Presiding magistrate Tranos Utahwashe said he was convinced by the State assertion that if released on bail, Ngarivhume would organise violent demonstrations.

Ngarivhume has been using social media to incite the public to engage in street protests on July 31 this year ostensibly against corruption.

“It is in the interest of justice that the accused be denied bail,” said Utahwashe.

Defense lawyer Moses Nkomo told the media they would be appealing against the ruling at the High Court.

“The reason why he us being denied bail is that the state fears that if he is released on bail, there are going to be demonstrations.
“The State alleges that he has incited the nation to demonstrate against corruption and they fear if he is given bail, the demonstrations will proceed on the 31st of July,” he said.

“We will be appealing at the High Court in the earliest possible time,” he told reporters.

Michael Reza appeared for the State.

Own Correspondent

Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Dr Gideon Gono has cleared MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa from the list of people accused of corruptly benefiting from the controversial RBZ Farm Mechanisation Programme 2007 and 2008.

Speaking on Zimbabwe Television Network (ZTN) today, Gono said that some senior members of the opposition did receive the money but exonerated Chamisa.

“Very senior members from MDC were beneficiaries of the programme in question. It is unfortunate that Alex’s list omits some names of people from the party that he was advising at the time.

“I’m not here to spell out all the names of beneficiaries neither am I aware of Chamisa benefiting from the program, but I can surely confirm that Welshman Ncube benefited,” said Gono.

Watch video downloading below for the full no holds barred discussion of the issue.

Patrick Chinamasa has claimed the July 31 protests will endanger the people of Zimbabwe’s lives.

He also accused urban dwellers of deliberately ignoring COVID-19 prevention measures.

Watch video below :

Patrick Chinamasa has claimed the July 31 protests will endanger the people of Zimbabwe’s lives.

He also accused urban dwellers of deliberately ignoring COVID-19 prevention measures.

Watch discussion video below :

By Jane Mlambo| Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who was arrested on Monday on charges of inciting the public to protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration on the 31st of July will spend his fourth night behind bars after the Harare Magistrates Court rolled over the matter to tomorrow.

The court had to adjourn due to the curfew laws put imposed on the country by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Before the adjournement of the court, Chin’ono’s lawyer was making submissions on her application for bail pending trial.

Posting on Twitter, MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti said;

“So Hope will spend a further night in remand after the bail application proceedings were adjourned due to Mnangagwa s curfew laws ,SI 174 . Bail is elementary & should be granted as of right .State capture is pervasive .State capture is a crime against humanity.”

A nasty split is brewing in the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T outfit after a faction aligned to Douglas Mwonzora has commenced nominations for the 31st of July Extra-Ordinary Congress.

On Tuesday, Acting Party Spokesperson Khalipheni Phugeni told journalists that it will be difficult to convene the 31st of July event. In a turn of events the Mwonzora faction convened a Harare Provincial meeting where he was endorsed as the preferred candidate to take over as a substantial President.

Former Khupe’s aide Witness Dube posted on Twitter saying, “MDC Hre Prov have handed current SG, The Hon Senator Douglas T. MWONZORA, an emphatic endorsement for party President at the July 31 EOC.
@DrThoko_Khupe 0 @EngMudzuri   23 @DMwonzora  189. Siyafika Noma Kanjani! Tinosvika Chete! Victory is Certain #NOBODYLEFTBEHIND

Khupe’s officials were quick to dismiss the nomination as a non-event saying the party had not opened up the nomination process.

The latest fallout follows an incident were Khupe’s aides allegedly assaulted by Mwonzora’s security staff at the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House party headquarters in Harare

According to reports Khupe’s aide, identified as Kudzanai Mashumba, was allegedly assaulted by Mwonzora’s security.

This was after Mashumba attempted to conduct security checks, including checking on where Khupe would sit, a move that angered Mwonzora’s followers.

Government has gazzetted SI 174 of 2020 to pronounce which businesses can operate under the new regulations pronounced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday.

The following businesses are allowed to be conducted until 3PM daily.

-Writing of exams

-Fuel outlets

-Restaurants

-Hunting Safaris

-Banks, bureaux de changes

-Courts of law

-Parliamentary Committees

-Supermarkets

-vegetable markets

-Commercial and manufacturing enterprises.

Read the full SI below:

By A Correspondent- MDC National Youth Assembly leader Shakespeare Mukoyi’s father succumbed to the deadly Coronavirus, a screenshot from an MDC-T Whatsapp chat group has alleged.

According to a screenshot seen by this reporter, a participant said, “Mourners are still gathered at 3506 Kuwadzana 3 Postmortem results are now out and it is sad to note that our baba succumbed to covid19.

“The body will leave Harare tomorrow Thursday 23/07/20 @ 9AM hearding to Rukweza in Rusape for burial same day. We have been advised that mourners can travel in the morning together with the body. All funeral contributions to be sent to our National Treasurer. (sic)”

MDC-T Acting President Thokozani Khupe took to Twitter to send his condolence message to the Mukoyi family.

“It is with a heavy heart that once again I extend my deepest condolences to our NYA Chair Shakespeare Mukoyi and his family following the death of his beloved father. On behalf of the NC & the entire MDC-T family we would want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Khupe said.

By A Correspondent- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has donated 18 laptops to the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

The donation was done by Chinese Ambassador Guo Shaochun after a meeting with Secretary for Information Nick Mangwana.

After receiving the laptops Mangwana said:

“Today we held a meeting with the @ChineseZimbabwe. Ambassador Guo Shaochun who emphasised that he always advises Chinese companies investing in Zimbabwe to obey the law and work within the regulations. The environment should be respected and minerals sold through formal channels.”

Chinese Communist Party donated masks and testing kits to the ruling party ZANU PF on Wednesday.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Organising Secretary and ward 4 Councillor, Masvingo Urban Constituency, Godfrey Kurauone was shocked beyond belief when he realized that the State had altered the initial charge against him.

Kurauone who was initially charged with undermining the authority of the President could not believe his eyes when he saw a new charge on court documents.

The State is now accusing him of unlawful entry.

“The system is rotten. Upon arrival at the Court today I was surprised to see a totally different charge against me. Hanzi Unlawful Entry imi woye,” posted Kurauone on Facebook.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

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WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By Jane Mlambo| MDC-T Acting President Thokozani Khupe’s political career is now hanging in the balance after Harare provincial structures rejected the former Deputy Premier in favor of Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora.

According to Khupe’s aide, Witness Dube, Mwonzora polled 189 votes to Khupe’s 0 and Elias Mudzuri’s 23.

“MDC Hre Prov have handed current SG, The Hon Senator Douglas T. MWONZORA, an emphatic endorsement for party President at the July 31 EOC. @DrThoko_Khupe 0 @EngMudzuri   23 @DMwonzora  189. Siyafika Noma Kanjani! Tinosvika Chete! Victory is Certain

It is with a heavy heart that once again I extend my deepest condolences to our NYA Chair Shakespeare Mukoyi & his family following the death of his beloved father. On behalf of the NC & the entire MDC-T family we would want you to know that our thoughts & prayers are with you.

— Dr Thokozani Khupe (@DrThoko_Khupe) July 23, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care will now be deployed to funerals as part of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana, revealed that traditional leaders, faith-based ministries, Non-governmental organisations and community-based volunteers will be trained to play a role.

Mangwana posted on Twitter:

From now, Police and Health officials will be deployed at funerals COVID-19 measures.

[Shamva District Medical Officer] DMO, Dr Kamuriwo says only 4 people would be in the room with the body.

Traditional leaders, ministries, NGOs and Community Based Volunteers will be trained to play a role.

The Zimbabwean government on Tuesday announced new, stringent measures to deal with the novel coronavirus.

The measures include the restriction of business operating hours (from 8 AM to 3 PM) and a countrywide dawn-to-dusk curfew as well as a stay-at-home order for the non-working population.

-Online

By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe has indefinitely postponed the Supreme Court-ordered extraordinary congress (EOC) that was scheduled for July 31 due to lockdown measures that have been in force since March.

Khupe had applied for clearance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) for direction on how to hold the extraordinary congress set to be attended by over 4 000 delegates.

Responding to Khupe’s request, MoHCC acting permanent secretary Gibson Mhlanga, in a letter dated June 29 and addressed to the former, said it was not possible for the EOC to be held under the ongoing health crisis.

Speaking during a press briefing at Harvest House on Wednesday, Khupe’s spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni, said:

We are sad to announce that our July 31 extraordinary congress can no longer go ahead as planned because we tried all that we could humanly to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

However, considering the fears expressed by the executive through the ministry of Health, we have realised that it is not possible so we have instructed our lawyers to approach the courts to seek a waiver.

In March this year, the Supreme Court ruled that Nelson Chamisa’s ascendancy to the leadership of the MDC-T party in 2018 was null and void.

The court instated Khupe as interim party president and ordered her to organise an EOC within 90 days to elect a substantive president.

-DailyNews

The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has responded to concerns raised by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) over a memorandum that was issued by the Chief Justice Justice Malaba on July 16.

Malaba had directed judges that they could only issue court judgements after approval by the head of the division.

In a letter dated 21 July 2020 and addressed to E. Mapara, LSZ executive secretary, Judicial Service Commission secretary Walter Chikwanha sought to clarify Malaba’s directive.

Chikwanha wrote:

Thank you for your letter dated 20 July 2020 addressed to the Chief Justice which you copied to me.

We do confirm that a memorandum was issued by the Chief Justice’s office on the 16th of July 2020.

The background to that memorandum is that the Judicial Service Commission had been receiving a lot of complaints for quite a while from litigants, legal practitioners and members of the public in general on the non-availability of judgments which would have been read in court by Judges.

Following these complaints and subsequent investigations, it was revealed that there were instances where a Judge would deliver a judgment or the operative part of a judgment in court or in chambers but the Judge, for various reasons some of which were genuine, would not immediately avail the judgment for distribution and accessibility to the concerned parties and the public.

The Chief Justice then consulted and engaged with Judges of all the courts on this challenge and received contributions from the Judges on how to deal with the issue.

The memorandum issued was intended to address that problem and it was based on the input that the Chief Justice received from the Judges.

It was meant to guide the Courts and the Judges on the need to pronounce judgments only when they are ready and to make judgments accessible and available to the litigants, legal practitioners and the public immediately after such pronouncement.

This is the spirit upon which the memorandum of 16 July 2020 was written.

We have taken note of the concerns that have been raised by the public, interested persons and organisations regarding paragraph 2 (iv) of the memorandum.

We also believe this is the context in which you have communicated with us on the issue.

We wish to assure the profession and the public at large that the memorandum was not meant to stifle the independence of the Judiciary, neither was it meant to give Heads of Courts/ Stations/ Divisions review powers over judgments and decisions made by fellow Judges.

We now realise that this paragraph has created the unfortunate and unwelcome perception to a memorandum which was put together in an effort to address grievances raised by the profession and litigants regarding the non-availability of judgments that would have been delivered in court.

The Chief Justice is a firm believer in the independence of the Judiciary.

This is a principle that is provided for in our Constitution and which is sacrosanct.

No one, and no arm of government nor even the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission itself should attempt to interfere with such independence.

There should not even be a perception of such interference. This is the perception that has been created by paragraph 2 (iv) of the memorandum and as the Judicial Service Commission, we have to take a position to attend to that perception.

In the circumstances, therefore, the Chief Justice has directed that paragraph 2 (iv) of his memorandum of 16 July 2020 be expunged from that memorandum.

We attach hereto for the attention of the profession a copy of the new memorandum which is also being distributed to the attention of all Judges.

For the avoidance of doubt, the new memorandum cancels and replaces the 16 July 2020 memorandum.

We thank you for raising these concerns with us.

W.T. Chikwana
Secretary, Judicial Service Commission

By A Correspondent- Transform Zimbabwe opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume has been denied bail over fears by the state that if he is released on bail, the July 31 protests will continue.

He was remanded in custody to August 6 2020.

Ngarivhume is being accused of organising and planning the July 31 mass protests against corruption.

He was charged with “incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry.”

Watch the live video loading below as his lawyer speaks:

He said:

“We have just come out of court and Jacob Ngarivhume has been denied bail.

The reason why he has been denied bail is because the state fears that if he is released on bail there will be demonstrations

The state alleges that he has incited the nation to demonstrate against corruption has said he has been cited as the demonstrations against

It is a funny finding but that is what the court has told us.

The way forward for us is that we will obviously appeal against this strange ruling..

We will approach the High court for a reversal because we feel that this ruling is wrong not only at law but in logic and common sense.”

Watch the live video loading below…..

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest details

By A Correspondent- Harare mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba is expected to appear in court this Thursday following his arrest on Monday night on charges related to land scams.

Gomba’s arrest was confirmed by the head of Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) Thabani Mpofu. He said:

Yes, police have arrested Gomba and are recording his statements. The charges have to do with land scams.

He will appear in court tomorrow (today) and in some of the charges, he is being jointly charged with other council officials who have already been arrested.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Loreen Mupasiri-Sani said all officials who are involved should also be brought to book and due diligence done so that there is fairness and objectivity in terms of dealing with the matter.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust, Shepherd Chikomba has called for an independent auditor to audit councils in a non-partisan manner.

-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has warned 31 July protest organisers that their plot to overthrow the government will not succeed.

ZNLWVA chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused the protest organisers of a devious plot of wanting to subvert the will of the people expressed in the 2018 elections.

Mutsvangwa said an unconstitutional change of government will not happen and those who planning to do so will be met with force. He said:

… There are people who think that they can change governments extra-constitutionally before elections — the likes of Ngarivhume, (political activist) Hopewell Chin’ono and many people behind MDC of Chamisa.

Chamisa you lost an election, your party lost an election, elections are coming in 2023. Bide your time if you can organise, which you are not capable of.

… we are warning anybody who is trying to go against the Constitution that you will pay the price because the defence and security establishment will be there to address such kind of miscreant behaviour.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of a small opposition political party, Transform Zimbabwe, has been at the forefront in organising anti-corruption demonstrations set for July 31.

He was arrested on Monday on allegations of inciting public violence through social media posts.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo residents on Wednesday ignored the new lockdown regulations which, among other things, stipulates that non-working sections of the population should stay at home.

The regulations were announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a televised national address on Tuesday.

However, residents filled Bulawayo central business district and public areas in residential suburbs, defying the regulations which took effect yesterday.

Unregistered informal sector operators and illegal money changers were operating in the city centre as usual.

Security forces were apparently not thorough in enforcing announced measures especially on people travelling on private vehicles and those walking into town.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they have increased deployment of officers to enforce the new regulations and those who continue to defy the regulations will only have themselves to blame when they get arrested.

He said:

Today we have been conducting campaigns educating the public about the need to adhere to laid down regulations. Hence, the public should not cry foul when they get arrested. Regulations should be followed without people making excuses.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said complying with laid down regulations is not for Government’s benefit but citizens’.

-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Parliament has written to all the 22 expelled legislators requesting them to return the vehicles they got under its car loan scheme.

Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda said that legislators who wish to keep the vehicles will have to pay off the difference. Said Chokuda:

Members who have been recalled from Parliament have an option to fully pay for their vehicles or surrender them to Parliament.

If they surrender them they will have to pay any differences between the valuation of the vehicle.

As required by the law we have already written to affected MPs to make a decision on the matter. We are simply guided by the law on this.

The MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe has expelled a total of 21 Members of Parliament from both Houses who contested the 2018 general elections under Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance.

Khupe used a controversial Supreme Court ruling issued in March to expel legislators who refused to switch their allegiance from the MDC Alliance.

The ruling ZANU PF recalled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu following his expulsion from the party.

-Statemedia

MDC-T Acting President Thokozani Khupe is set to sworn in Parliament as a Senator for Bulawayo. According to MDC-T sources, Khupe as leader of the party will immediately assume the Leader of Opposition post.

The swearing in of Khupe follows the recalling of MDC-T legislators who were rebellious to Khupe and the MDC-T leadership.

In 2018 President Emmerson Mnangagwa told the US television Bloomberg TV that he wanted to establish the position of leader of opposition in Parliament in accordance with Commonwealth tradition.

“We are going to introduce the office of the leader of the opposition in Parliament,” Mnangagwa said then.

“This is what we are going to do ourselves but under the former administration (Robert Mugabe’s) there was no formal recognition of the leader of the opposition. Under my administration we are embracing the Commonwealth approach where we recognise the leader of the opposition.”

Chamisa who was offered the post scoffed the gesture.

The sources also told a local online publication that Bulawayo’s Dorothy Bhebhe, who  is the current leader of the MDC-T Women’s Assembly, will also be sworn in as a Senator.

Acting Party Spokesperson Khalipheni Phugeni will be sworn in as a senator as he is the most senior male in Bulawayo whereas Yvonne Musarurwa National Organiser Youth Assembly  will be an MP and Piniel Denga  from Mashonaland East will also be sworn in as MP.

This is the reason why the regime is panicking. They know that an uprising will be unstoppable. All junior ranks are sick and tired. Only the bigwigs want Zanu Pf to stay so that they continue looting, enjoying free funds from RBZ #ZanupfMustGo ANU

— Steve ?? (@SteveZwitter) July 23, 2020

By A Correspondent- Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume and journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono who spent the night in custody, will today appear at court for the continuation of their bail ruling.

The duo were remanded in custody Wednesday after their initial appearance facing a charge of incitement to commit public violence. The state was opposed to the granting of bail to the two.

The State told the court that if granted bail, Chin’ono is likely to abscond or destroy evidence, arguing that he had tried to delete his Twitter handle, which he allegedly used to incite public violence.

Chin’ono is being represented in court by Beatrice Mutetwa. On the other hand, Ngarivhume was charged for addressing a press conference inciting people to participate in a demonstration on 31 July demonstration despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mtetwa has told the court that her client is a perfect candidate for bail.

NewsDay

ABOUT 200 health workers have tested positive to COVID-19, forcing some hospitals to shut down as government continues to dither on its promise to avail adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the health frontline workers, NewsDay has learnt.

The majority hit by the virus are student nurses who have been thrown to the deep end to run public hospitals in the absence of qualified nurses who have been on strike for the past 34 days demanding US$ salaries, better working conditions and adequate protective clothing.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enoch Dongo yesterday told NewsDay that lack of PPE had immensely caused a spike in the number of health workers contracting the virus.

“About 200 nurses have tested positive to COVID-19,” Dongo said.

“It is saddening that there is an increase in the number of nurses who are testing positive for COVID-19. This goes to what we have been saying all along that the inadequate PPE is exposing frontline health workers to this deadly virus.”

This comes as the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) yesterday wrote to Health acting permanent secretary Gibson Mhlanga expressing concern over the growing number of healthcare workers contracting the virulent disease at their workplaces.

“We have also noted that there is no priority in providing information in the ministry’s daily updatdes on the number of health professionals, the bedrock of the response, who have tested positive, recovering or deceased,” ZADHR secretary Norman Matara said.

“As ZADHR, we believe it is in the interest of health professionals and the public in general to be informed on the status of their colleagues and frontline staffers. We also urge the ministry to provide a brief on the numbers, region/province and status of all health professionals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.”

Zimbabwe’s confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday shot to 1 820, with 26 deaths.

Nurses have been on strike for the 34 days with only student nurses and those on probation reporting for work at hospitals. Other health workers, fearing to contract the deadly virus, are reportedly taking leave days, forcing some hospitals to shut down even casualty departments that had remained operational.

Midlands provincial medical director Reginald Mhene confirmed that 25 nurses at Zvishavane Provincial Hospital over the weekend tested positive for COVID- 19. Three nurses at Claybank Private Hospital in Gweru also tested positive for COVID-19 after getting into contact with an infected patient last week.

Dongo added: “We are worried that without adequate and immediate intervention, the few nurses who continuously decide to subsidise the government by going to work are going to be ravished by the COVID-19 virus.”

“To this end, all nurses including those on probation are advised not to continue to go to work and to withdraw their labour. This is no longer an issue about remuneration only but it is also about their health.”

He added: “While COVID-19 is spreading all over, the government is not doing anything to capacitate our hospitals.

We are surely bound to lose the fight against COVID-19 with this sort of approach.”

Dongo said the situation had worsened as the most vulnerable patients seeking medical assistance were being turned away from hospitals because of the absence of services.

“People are dying at home,” Dongo said.

Bulawayo City Council director of health services Edwin Sibanda yesterday raised concern over exposure of frontline health workers to COVID-19, disclosing that 70 out of the 525 cases recorded in the city were health workers, 51 of them student nurses.

Speaking at the handover of donations from Ezra Sibanda and Friends Initiative and the Rise and Shine Women’s Group to the local authority, Sibanda said the increasing cases among health workers and the spike in local transmissions was worrying.

“What is more worrying actually is the number of close to 70 being health care workers, 51 of them student nurses,” he said.

“But we have had nurses, student nurses, environment health technicians as well as doctors, student doctors or medical students, even clerical staff in hospitals being infected by this COVID-19.”

Edwin said the spike in local transmissions points to residents flouting lockdown regulations and other mitigation measures.

“As we speak, some of the health workers in institutions are on industrial strike for various reasons and we all know what happens when you are referred to a hospital and you don’t find health care workers there,” he said.

Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavima yesterday confirmed the Claybank positive cases.

“Out of the 29 nurses and staff members who were isolated at Claybank Hospital last week, three have tested positive for COVID-19,” Mavima said.

Douglas Chikobvu, the Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary-general yesterday said: “What it means is that there is need for our employer to improve safety conditions of nurses at hospitals.

“Right now, we are also saying such risks of working in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 must be compensated by meaningful allowances, but nothing much is being done on that.”

CIVIL servants yesterday expressed anger after failing to access their US$75 allowances as promised by the government, accusing their employer of being insincere.

Government last month promised civil servants a cushioning allowance of US$75 for the next three months and ordered employees to open nostro bank accounts to access the funds.

However, the civil servants yesterday said they were failing to access the promised funds with Finance minister Mthuli Ncube saying banks would not be allowed to release hard currency to individuals.

“The systems are ready for civil servants to get the US$75 from the special foreign currency accounts which were opened. The process has been completed now and the banks have said they are ready to issue cards for use in the shops,” Mthuli told Senate yesterday.

“However, we do not want individuals to withdraw cash from banks for the US$75 allowance because we are concerned as a government that it will end up in the parallel market.”

This came as Information permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana accused banks of compelling civil servants to liquidate their allowances within the bank.

“Some unscrupulous banks are impelling civil servants to liquidate their US$75 within the bank, in the process shamelessly mopping up forex from poor workers. Civil servants are supposed to be given cards which they can use in participating retail outlets as they please,” Mangwana said.

The Apex Council, an umbrella body for civil servants unions said there was no clear explanation on the allowances they were supposed to get.

“There is no adequate information on the ground as to exactly what to do. If I go to my bank, what should I expect?

This has created a lot of confusion. We now don’t know whether this is real or not. If you go to a bank, you are told that you can convert the amount into RTGS [Real Time Gross Settlement], then transfer it into your Zimdollar account,” Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga said.

“They said they would give a hybrid card that would reflect the Zimdollar balance and US dollar balance. They said it’s something they are working on and while they are doing that, it is not clear. They are different scenarios without a clear message out there.

“We have always said this is a government initiative of which it was not arrived at out of any consultative process. So, they will always tell us that it has always been our decision, so you cannot tell us how to manage it.

The only thing we are waiting for is for the government to call us to the table and we discuss the real issues.”

Contacted for comment, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Ralph Watungwa told NewsDay that shortage of bank cards and “strict instructions” from Treasury not to disburse the US$75 as cash were behind the delays.

“Imagine you have a sweet shop and only have two tonnes of sweets in store, then a big businessman walks into your shop wanting to purchase six tonnes, obviously you won’t be able to service the order. When the announcement of the US$75 for civil servants was made which is meant to fund cards for shopping for civil servants, naturally some banks did not have enough cards,” he said.

“Remember, there are 300 000 civil servants and some do not have nostro accounts, so these accounts needed to be created. When Treasury funded the banks with the US dollars to pay civil servants, the US$75, which was done last week, some workers needed new cards. So, the problem here is logistics as banks would need to create the cards.”

He said instances where some banks were converting the US$75 into Zimdollars at official forex rates and disbursing to clients were at the behest of the depositor.

“The instances you speak of, where the US$75 is being converted into Zimbabwe dollars at the official forex rate, are only after the clients would have pleaded with the bank to take such an action,” Watungwa said.

“Remember, we as banks have communication from the Treasury that the US$75 is not supposed to be given to civil servants as cash, so we are in discussions with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe about how best to give clients the money who cannot wait for the cards.”

He said they expected all civil servants to be able to access their monies in 30 days.

“Remember, all the materials needed to make the cards need to be imported,” Watungwa said.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou accused banks of deducting money from the allowance.

“The rate of exchange is very low in banks and because civil servants are being forced to get their money in RTGS, which is also coming to them already deducted, this shows there is a deliberate robbing of civil servants while they tried to make it look like it’s beneficial, but in actual fact, it is not effective,” he said.

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has warned 31 July protest organisers that their plot to overthrow the government will not succeed.

ZNLWVA chairperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused the protest organisers of a devious plot of wanting to subvert the will of the people expressed in the 2018 elections.

Mutsvangwa said an unconstitutional change of government will not happen and those who planning to do so will be met with force.

He said:

… There are people who think that they can change governments extra-constitutionally before elections — the likes of Ngarivhume, (political activist) Hopewell Chin’ono and many people behind MDC of Chamisa.

Chamisa you lost an election, your party lost an election, elections are coming in 2023. Bide your time if you can organise, which you are not capable of.

… we are warning anybody who is trying to go against the Constitution that you will pay the price because the defence and security establishment will be there to address such kind of miscreant behaviour.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of a small opposition political party, Transform Zimbabwe, has been at the forefront in organising anti-corruption demonstrations set for July 31.

He was arrested on Monday on allegations of inciting public violence through social media posts.

State Media

Kuda Tagwirei owned Landela Mining Venture is in discussions with the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) to buy Sandawana Emerald Mines in the southern parts of Zimbabwe, it’s chief executive David Brown has said.

“We are assessing the potential of the gemstones and we are hoping to reach an agreement in the next few weeks,” Mr Brown, the former chief executive of Impala Platinum Holdings revealed to The Herald Finance & Business in an interview on Tuesday.

The history of Sandawana dates back to 1955 when emeralds were first discovered in the country.

The mine changed hands over the years and currently ZMDC has a majority shareholding at Sandawana Mines.

The mine consists of a number of emerald deposits including Ceres, Athene, Eros, Marmaid, Junc, Zeus, Atom, Plato, Vulcan among others. .

Sandawana has been an important producer of emeralds for 40 years before production was suspended in 2011 due to loss of some traditional markets.

Since then, ZMDC has been looking for investors.

Sandawana is located approximately 100 kilometres south of Zvishavane town in the Mberengwa district in the southern part of Zimbabwe.

Landela has been on a buying spree of Zimbabwe’s mining assets and recently concluded the takeover of gold mines owned by the Government through ZMDC.

The company also took over Shamva Gold Mine previously owned by Mzi Khumalo’s Metallon Corporation.

Shamva mine has since reopened and the company is now focusing on ramping up production.

Metallon suspended operations at three of its mines including Shamva and Mazowe last year due to mounting debts estimated at US$200 million. Negotiations for other Metallon’s mines are underway.

Landela is also a major shareholder in a multi-billion-dollar platinum project, Great Dyke Investments and Bindura Nickel Corporation, a listed entity on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

“The acquisitions are part of our broader vision to make Zimbabwe a mining giant and create sustainable livelihoods and employment. So, in addition to our portfolio which include gold, nickel and platinum, we would also like to add the gemstones,” Mr Brown said.

Last year, Zimbabwe unveiled a strategic roadmap to propel the country’s mining sector to US$12 billion industry by 2023.

Already, the mining sector is the largest foreign currency earner, accounting for nearly 70 percent of export receipts.

The sector also remains one of the key industries expected to anchor the revival of an economy suffering from depressed productivity and foreign currency shortages among others.

Under the US$12 billion mining roadmap, gold is expected to contribute US$4 billion, platinum US$3 billion while chrome, iron, steel, diamonds and coal will contribute US$1 billion.

Lithium is expected to contribute US$500 million, while other minerals will contribute US$1,5 billion.

Bloomberg

Zimbabwe’s president has picked a fight with the country’s most successful businessman. The economy may be the loser.

Under pressure from a plunging currency and 737% inflation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration on June 27 restricted almost all mobile-money transactions in a country where 90% of commerce is conducted on handsets because of cash shortages. On July 17, the police accused Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Ltd., which dominates mobile-cash transfers, of money laundering.

The battle pits Mnangagwa, who came to power in a November 2017 coup, against Strive Masiyiwa, the businessman who founded and controls Econet. The company’s mobile-money unit Ecocash has 11.4 million customers and a 98% share of the market. Its platform is used for everything from buying household furniture to paying public-transport fares.

The government is seeking a “scapegoat,” said Derek Matyszak, an independent governance analyst in Harare, the capital. “They are shooting from the hip at the inflation monster.”

Masiyiwa, who founded Econet in 1998, has a net worth valued at more than $1 billion, based on Bloomberg calculations.

The 59-year-old businessman and philanthropist has been a frequent critic of the government. At the same time, he’s appealed for aid to help Zimbabwe fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Blind Eye

Ecocash is accused by the government of turning a blind eye to the use of its platform to fuel black-market currency trading. The Zimbabwe dollar was valued at 100 per U.S. dollar on the black market — four times above a currency peg of 25 to the greenback that ended in June — at about the time of the transaction ban. The gap has since narrowed as the authorities allowed the official rate to depreciate to 72 to the dollar.

Oversight of Ecocash will now be moved to the central bank from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. From Aug. 15, the central bank will be able to monitor its transactions, as they will pass through ZimSwitch, a national payment platform.

“It’s the necessary medicine to cure our economy, which is under siege,” said Patrick Chinamasa, acting spokesman for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front.

A search and seizure warrant filed by the police aims to allow them to examine Ecocash’s subscriber list and transactions.

Dire Consequences

“Independent investigations so far have also confirmed government allegations,” said Nick Mangwana, the government spokesman. “Implementation of a full set of regulatory reforms will even bring down the rate and prices to a much more realistic level which responds to economic fundamentals and not whimsical creation of digital money by some platforms.”

Econet denies the money-laundering allegations. The accusations against are a pretext for a bolder move, Econet Chief Executive Officer Douglas Mboweni said in court filings.

“There appears to be an agenda to destroy Econet and remove it from its market leadership position to the benefit of another operator,” he said. It counts as rivals state-owned NetOne and Telecel Zimbabwe Ltd.

A complete shutdown of Ecocash could have dire consequences for the economy. About 7 million transactions from 2 million users were handled daily on its platform before the shutdown.

“Ecocash is a much bigger problem for authorities as it’s also used by ordinary people for the payment of bills and in supermarkets,” said Tony Hawkins, an economics professor at the University of Zimbabwe. It also provides the government with revenue, as there is a 2% tax on transactions.

The measures “didn’t take into consideration the impact on the transacting public,” said Kuda Musasiwa, the founder of Fresh In A Box, a Harare-based company that sells groceries online and has seen a 90% slump in mobile payments.

‘End Is Coming’

The animosity between Econet and the authorities dates back to 1998, when the company was founded. Masiyiwa waged a five-year legal battle with former ruler Robert Mugabe’s government before he could get its license. Mnangagwa, 77, was then one of Mugabe’s closest allies.

Since then, Econet has been accused of funding subversive activities, failing to remit taxes in foreign currency and refusing to comply with an order to share its infrastructure with state owned rivals. It’s been repeatedly threatened with a withdrawal of its license.

Ecocash is one of the companies described by Mnangagwa as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” when he warned June 24 that the “end is coming” for private companies he accused of weakening the currency.

George Charamba, Mnangagwa’s spokesman, didn’t respond to several calls seeking comment.

Masiyiwa, who is in self-imposed exile and claimed an abduction attempt in 2004, has been living mostly between Johannesburg and London. He has played a key role in providing assistance to the nation, helping with aid after a cyclone struck last year and paying school fees for more than 250,000 children.

“It’s a love-hate relationship that exists between the government and Econet,” said Matyszak. “The ruling party hates it because it believes one of its structures is fueling the black market. On the other hand, they won’t hesitate to knock on Masiyiwa’s door when they need money.”

State Media

MANY Bulawayo residents yesterday defied strict lockdown regulations announced by President Mnangagwa including that non-working sections of the population should stay at home.
Instead, residents flooded the city centre and public areas in residential suburbs.

President Mnangagwa, in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, imposed a dusk to dawn curfew and said businesses should operate from 8AM to 3PM while banning religious and political gatherings among others.

He said the country should forgo some freedoms that citizens have been accustomed to in order to effectively contain Covid-19 whose cases are rapidly increasing in the country.

The new measures took effect yesterday but in Bulawayo it was business as usual as people, particularly unregistered informal sector operators defied the stay-home regulations.

The new regulations were largely adhered to in the formal sector as most shops opened at 8AM and closed at 3PM.

A snap survey conducted by Chronicle showed that there was largely no compliance to the announced new measures.

Also, security forces were apparently not thorough in enforcing announced measures.

In the city centre, vendors set up their stalls at undesignated points including along 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue Extension while illegal money changers were also milling around at their usual spots in the city centre.

In the western suburbs, people were moving around the streets without following World Health Organisation guidelines including the need for wearing masks and social distancing.

The news crew observed that while security forces were enforcing lockdown regulations there was a bit of laxity in some instances.

Police increased roadblocks but they were not thoroughly checking for exemption letters especially on people travelling on private vehicles and appeared to concentrate more on people using Zimbabwe United Passenger Company buses.

Those without the letters in the buses were made to return home.

Those who were walking into the city centre were mostly left to their ways.

Banks were also not enforcing social distancing measures in queues outside banking halls although adherence was followed inside their premises.

The news crew spoke to some people who were violating regulations who claimed that economic factors were pushing them out of their homes.

“I managed to find my way to town from Cowdray Park without an exemption letter. I came to look for piece jobs. This is how I feed my family. Without food it’s difficult to stay at home and I cannot stay at home,” said a woman who was hoping to get a job along 4th Avenue between Robert Mugabe Way and Josiah Tongogara Street.

Mr Jacob Chirwa from Nguboyenja said it was difficult to keep most people at home considering the nature of the country’s economy.

However, another resident Mr Timothy Zizhou said Government’s measures should be adhered to as they are meant to protect the nation from the virus.

“It’s better to prioritise people’s health than focusing on the economy if the cases have started to increase. So, I believe it will be better if lockdown measures are strengthened,” said Mr Zizhou.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they have increased deployment of officers to enforce the new regulations.

“Today we have been conducting campaigns educating the public about the need to adhere to laid down regulations. Hence, the public should not cry foul when they get arrested. Regulations should be followed without people making excuses,” said Insp Ncube yesterday.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said it was in the interest of every citizen to follow lockdown regulations.

He said those struggling should visit social welfare offices and get assistance.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said complying with laid down regulations is not for Government’s benefit but citizens’.

“In that respect, I encourage every citizen to comply with what health authorities have laid down for us as part of the mitigation measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. People should stop unnecessary travelling and stay at home in view of the threat posed by this pandemic. Abadala bathi ‘kubo kagwala akulasililo’ meaning we can avoid the Covid-19 disaster if we stay away from environments that could expose us to this infectious disease. Adhering to laid down procedures will benefit us collectively. Let us fight Covid-19 together,” said Minister Ncube.

Former Finance minister Herbert Murerwa and ex-legislator Biata Nyamupinga are tipped for the Goromonzi South seat if the incumbent Energy Mutodi is expelled from the party.

Mutodi was dismissed as deputy Media Information and Broadcasting Services deputy minister in May for making undiplomatic remarks on how
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli had responded to Covid-19 outbreak as compared to what President Emmerson Mnangagwa had done.

He was suspended to carry out party activities in his constituency.

In Chivi South, ex-legislator Mafios Vutete is shoo-in to replace Killer Zivhu who was expelled from the party last month.

Business Times heard this week that political manoeuvring has started in Mashonaland East after the province recommended the expulsion of Mutodi.

Murerwa is tipped to replace Mutodi and has been working in the province in the past years.

Another dark horse who can make a political comeback is former MP
Nyamupinga who was expelled for having been associated with the G40 cabal.

The suspension was lifted and was readmitted into the party.

Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu said the party had received reports of the recommendation from the provinces and had taken appropriate action in dealing with the Masvingo Province resulting in the expulsion of Zivhu and was still seized with the matter of Mashonaland East province.

“The party is aware of all political developments taking place in the provinces including recommendations. We shall be dealing with the matter at the appropriate time,” Mpofu said.

“We know the issue of Mashonaland East province and we shall deal with it.”

Business Times

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya says it is disheartening to note that five weeks after the market based forex trading platform was introduced, including several other interventions introduced before, during and after, some major businesses still use open market rates when quoting prices.

The RBZ chief made an impassioned call that all businesses should exercise self-discipline in pricing to avoid forcing authorities’ hand to ensure compliance.

“What we have seen is that there has been very positive uptake of the forex auction by the business community. We have also seen that the volatility of the exchange rate is now low and what we believe is left now is for the business community to exercise self-discipline in pricing their products.

“We have noticed that a number of large retail operators, that includes OK Zimbabwe and others, their pricing is now linked to the exchange rate, even markets in Mbare that are now using a cash rate of $70 to US$1, which is in line with the auction market rate, but then there are some businesses that are still using an implied rate of $80 to $90 per US$1.

“These rates are higher than the auction rate, although they have gone down from where they were, which was between $100 and $120 against the US dollar and any coming down of the rates means stability is coming.

“But we want to see all business entities exercising self-discipline; because you cannot come to the auction and buy (forex) at $70 to US$1 and benefit from exchange gain by charging higher prices,” Dr Mangudya said.

This comes after the central bank introduced the auction market system for foreign currency trading, which has ushered a more scientific and market based exchange rate determination criterion to guide price modelling and ensure predictability.

The last weekly auction held this Tuesday saw the ruling exchange rate between the Zimbabwe dollar and the US dollar depreciate by 4,7 percent to $72,1470 amid further narrowing of the bid band, as more private holders of foreign currency used the auction to sell.

This week’s highest bid rate of $82,17 was the lowest since the auction began. This is an 18 percent decline from the highest bid rate of $100 on the first auction on June 23, with the highest bid dropping through $95.92 and $85 by last week.

Of the US$14,5 million sold at the last auction, about US$2,5 million came from an exporter, who managed to sell their currency at a rate of $75, while an NGO, a listed entity and bureau de change also used the auction to sell off more than US$1 million between them.

More than US$3,5 million that traded was outside foreign currency from export retentions.

Tuesday’s auction, which is the fifth since the system started, recorded the highest number of bids at 290, beating the previous high of 264 recorded on July 7.

Demand for foreign currency at US$20,3 million was also the highest since inception of the auction system.

The previous high was US$18,9 million recorded during the second auction held on June 30.

JOURNALIST CHIN’ONO REMANDED IN CUSTODY AFTER COURT APPEARANCE.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on 22 July 2020 appeared before Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna who remanded him in custody to tomorrow for the continuation of his bail hearing.

This was Chin’ono’s first court appearance following his arrest on 20 July 2020.

He is being charged with contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with Section 37 (1) (a) (i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively for contravening Section 187 (1) (a) as read with Section 36(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The charges relate to incitement to participate in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry or alternatively incitement to commit public violence.

During the bail hearing, Beatrice Mtetwa who is leading the team of lawyers representing the journalist registered complaints against the police, which included the following:

• The illegal nature of the arrest as noted by the violent manner in which it was effected as evidenced by the broken glass from the sliding door (at his home).

• Failure by the arresting officers to identify themselves.
• Failure by the police officers upon his arrest to inform him of his rights.
• Delay in informing him of the charges that were being laid against him. He was arrested around 11 am and was only charged around 17:21hrs.

The State represented by Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi is opposing bail on the grounds that:

• Hopewell Chin’ono has connections with foreign people and is likely to abscond.
• He is likely to interfere with investigations and destroy evidence.
• His release would endanger the safety of the public as he has been calling upon the people to demonstrate, petition or gather during the Covid-19 lockdown.

• Accused is likely to commit other offences relating to this charge as one of his tweets indicated that he is prepared to use any means possible to engage in his unconstitutional activities.

The matter was postponed to tomorrow for the continuation of the bail hearing.

ECONET Wireless has been granted a provisional High Court order staying execution of a warrant authorising police to seize the company’s entire database of the transaction details of its mobile money subscribers, largely because the search warrant did not specify the names of those whose details were required.

The High Court ruled that such general warrants were not permissible. The staying of the execution of the warrant lasts until the High Court has decided on the legality of the warrant in a fuller legal hearing.

The company, which boasts of more than 11 million subscribers, is arguing that the warrant was too general, seeking details of all subscribers rather than just those suspected of breaking laws, and also violates its privacy and that of its subscribers.

The ruling comes after Econet, the country’s largest mobile phone operator, approached the High Court for relief, after the police requested it to hand over details of its mobile money transactions and subscribers on Friday last week.

The authorities suspect its network was being used to conduct money-laundering. But Justice Edith Mushore granted the urgent application by Econet to stay the execution of the warrant until the determination of the legality of the request for the desired details.

In granting the provisional order Justice Mushore made an observation that the affidavit giving rise to the warrant was contradictory.

It specified that there are specific persons alleged to be involved in money laundering, but it requested the entire database of all customers and not the details of those specific “runners”.

“This shows that the police may actually not have had reasonable suspicion,” said Justice Mushore.

“A warrant of this kind is not permissible. This is no longer Rhodesia where such searches were permissible.”

In an urgent High Court application, Econet argued that the warrant should be suspended while the court determined its legality at a full hearing in future.

The warrant of search and seizure, the company further argued, was unlawful and constituted a violation of its right to privacy and also the right of privacy of its subscribers.

The fact that the warrant was too wide in its scope, Econet argued, made it unconstitutional.

Already, the Government has suspended some of Econet’s EcoCash bulk transactions agent lines, for allegedly fuelling the black market trade for foreign currency.

EcoCash is under Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe Limited after Econet unbundled its financial technology division into a separate entity two years ago.

Advocates Thabani Mpofu and Tafadzwa Mapuranga represented Econet while the Attorney-General’s civil division acted for the police.

Senators must take the business of their House seriously by bringing up issues affecting their communities and debating them, Senate President Cde Mabel Chinomona said on Tuesday.

She was speaking after the Senate adjourned debates on two motions after no one had risen to speak.

“I was of the opinion that when we have two weeks off members of the Senate would be very much in need of coming back to their House and talk about what they met and what they saw during the two-week break.

“It should be heard that the senators are sitting, just like what we see from other senates all over the world. We are not different from them. I am just encouraging you senators to realise that our business in having this whole House is to debate. It is to talk in whatever language you feel like,” she said.

President of the Chiefs Councils Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is part of the Senate president’s panel, raised similar concerns when he was chairing proceedings, saying senators needed to justify their presence in Parliament.

“Senators need to debate as a House and this issue of sitting for 30 minutes must come to an end. When we went for the Liaison Co-ordinating Committee that issue was raised that the National Assembly sits for two weeks because they are many while we sit for one week. The argument was raised that they (Senate) don’t debate like the National Assembly so there is no justification to call you back every other week. So can you make sure in your caucus you come up with motions for debate,” Chief Charumbira said. The Senate is made up of 80 senators although there are nine vacancies following the recall of MDC-T senators.

Parliamentarians receive $700 for sitting allowances, including fuel for travelling to and from their constituencies. They are also booked into hotels whenever they are on Parliament business.

MDC-T Harare province has nominated party interim Secretary-General Senator Douglas Mwonzora to be the party’s president.

The nomination is made a few days ahead of the party’s Supreme Court sanctioned Extraordinary Congress scheduled for the 31st of this month.

The development was announced by Witness Dube a former aide to MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe in his social media post. He said:

MDC Hre Prov have handed current SG, The Hon Senator Douglas T. MWONZORA, an emphatic endorsement for party President at the July 31 EOC.

@DrThoko_Khupe 0

@EngMudzuri 23

@DMwonzora 189

Siyafika Noma Kanjani! Tinosvika Chete! Victory is Certain

The extraordinary congress is meant to elect the successor to the party’s founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer in 2018.

Since Tsvangirai’s demise, there has been a gruesome leadership crisis in the party, Thokozani Khupe and Nelson Chamisa have been leading the race to replace the late veteran leader.

Chamisa who now leads MDC Alliance was sacked from the party by the Khupe-led interim leadership suggesting that he may not be welcome to attend the congress.

More: Witness Dube

State Media

HARARE Mayor Herbert Gomba has been arrested on charges related to land scams and is expected to appear in court today.

Gomba was picked up by the police on Monday night and was yesterday still assisting police with investigations into land scams and deals that have already seen council officials arrested and remanded in court.

The head of Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) Mr Thabani Mpofu confirmed Gomba’s arrest.

“Yes, police have arrested Gomba and are recording his statements. The charges have to do with land scams,” he said. “He will appear in court tomorrow (today) and in some of the charges he is being jointly charged with other council officials who have already been arrested.”

Harare has seen a batch of officials, two at the top director level, arrested. At the basis of the charges are allegations that 150 stands were created in Kuwadzana from open spaces and sold for private gain, along with other stands in other areas. On top of that are allegations that police officers ranging in rank from constable to assistant commissioner, and a chief public prosecutor, did not push forward with investigations and prosecutions of some of those suspected and were paid off with stands in Westlea.

The police officers and public prosecutor have also been arrested and have appeared in court.

Harare officials arrested over the past weeks and have appeared in court on corruption charges include the housing director Addmore Nhekairo who is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office, an allegation arising from his approval of the Westlea stand allocations. He was denied bail on Monday.

Acting human resources director Matthew Marara and principal housing director Edgar Dzehonye, with other co-accused, also appeared in court and were denied bail.

They were allegedly involved in the Kuwadzana scam, prejudicing council of US$1 141 779. Dzehonye is facing a charge of criminal abuse of office while Marara (49) is facing a fraud charge along with Aaron Tayerera (48), who is the acting chief clerical officer.

Marara and Tayerera are charged with fraudulently selling council land in Strathaven for US$20 900 to an unsuspecting land seeker and pocketing the money.

The court refused bail citing significant risks that Marara and co-accused Tayerera would abscond and that Nhekairo would likely interfere with a crucial prosecution witness.

Combined Harare Residents Association director Mrs Loreen Mupasiri-Sani said the association has always been against corruption and believe that everyone who is involved should be brought to book regardless of their position.

“We expect that even other officials who are involved should also be brought to book and due diligence done so that there is fairness and objectivity in terms of dealing with the matter,” she said.

State Media

Parliament has demanded that all the 22 expelled legislators return the vehicles they got under its car loan scheme or face legal action.

In an interview, Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda said that legislators who wish to keep the vehicles will have to pay off the difference.

The MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe recalled at least 21 MPs during the ongoing feud within the opposition, while Zanu PF recalled one legislator.

Mr Chokuda said Parliament had since written to the affected legislators informing them about their position.

“Members who have been recalled from Parliament have an option to fully pay for their vehicles or surrender them to Parliament. If they surrender them they will have to pay any differences between the valuation of the vehicle.

“As required by the law we have already written to affected MPs to make a decision on the matter. We are simply guided by the law on this,” said Mr Chokuda.

Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda made the announcement in the Chamber, while Senate President Mabel Chinomona did the same in the upper house.

Zanu PF recalled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu, while at least 21 from both the National Assembly and Senate were ejected by the MDC-T.

This was after MDC-T secretary-general, Mr Douglas Mwonzora wrote to presiding officers of Parliament in terms of the Constitution.

State Media

The legal statutory instrument amending lockdown regulations by setting the 6pm to 6am curfew, with the list of permitted exemptions from operations or travel during curfew, and changing the permitted operating hours for non-essential, but exempted businesses was gazetted yesterday by Acting Minister of Health and Child Care Prof Amon Murwira.

In addition, the amendment to the regulations lays down the procedures exempted non-essential businesses must follow when someone tests positive to Covid-19.

They have to close, be disinfected and only reopen when all staff in the affected unit have been tested.

The definition of “wearing a face mask” in a public place now means that wearers must “securely” cover their noses and mouths with the mask.

Definition of essential services not subjected to the curfew, and their staff who can travel between work and home during curfew hours, has been amended for the purposes of the curfew order.

The curfew definition of essential services includes all services already defined as essential for other purposes with six deletions.

While the production, supply, delivery and distribution of food, fuel and coal is permitted during the curfew hours, supermarkets and food shops cannot operate during the curfew. Banks, bureaux de change and the like have to obey the curfew, except their security staff can work at night. Courts, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, public examinations and Parliament remain essential services for all other purposes, but have to obey the curfew.

But the amendment to the lockdown regulations adds mining and the operations of designated tobacco auction floors to the list of services that are exempted and can operate during the curfew.

Under the curfew all travel by those who are in non-essential services, in or out of vehicles, is prohibited during the curfew hours and they must stay at home. However, there are five categories of exemption from the movement ban, but the onus is on the person moving outside curfew hours to satisfy the officer enforcing the curfew.

People can break curfew to buy medicine, move to and from work if they are employed in the essential services, seek medical attention, go to the home of a relative who needs medical help, or if they are a member of staff of a foreign mission or agency and are going to that mission.

Besides the essential services and businesses, there are also exempted businesses. These remain the same with no change of definition and so can continue operating, but their hours have been shortened back to 8am to 3pm. This means all industrial and commercial businesses, including those in the informal sector that have been already exempted, can continue.

Supermarkets, food shops, fuel outlets, restaurants, and safari and hunting operations have, however, for the purposes of operating times been added to the list of non-essential businesses that can operate only between 8am and 3pm.

Some of these, especially restaurants and service stations, had been able to operate outside the previous restrictions on hours, but no longer.

Low risk sports and permitted gatherings are also subjected to the 8am to 3pm rule. The amended regulations now lay down the rules for what happens when a member of staff of a non-essential, but exempted business, which for this purpose now includes the food shops, restaurants, service stations and safari operations, tests positive or is confirmed to have died from Covid-19.

The relevant premises have to be closed and disinfected before re-opening and immediately before the reopening every other member of staff who could have been in contact with the affected member of staff must be tested.

In his address to the nation on Tuesday President Mnangagwa stressed that other lockdown regulations already in place, from unnecessary movement, wearing of face masks in public and social distancing to sanitising hands and screening everyone entering operating businesses and offices not only remain in place, but needed to be followed strictly.

Zimbabwe on Wednesday recorded 214 new coronavirus cases bringing the total number of known cases to 2034.

The new infections include 123 returnees from South Africa, 1 from Zambia and 90 local cases who are isolated.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care announced in a statement that 15 of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases.

The statement also observed that recoveries were now at 510 after 22 more people recovered on Wednesday while fatalities remain at twenty-six (26).

THE ruling ZANU PF party has endorsed new Covid-19 control measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying all progressive Zimbabweans should play their part in the fight to combat the spread of the pandemic.

The dusk to dawn Covid-19 curfew and other strict measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa which came into effect this Wednesday have received the full backing of the ruling Zanu PF party which implored all progressive Zimbabweans to desist from being misled by anti-government forces.

“We applaud our president and our government, for this noble and informed decision of tightening lockdown regulations. We implore Zimbabweans to desist from being misinformed by merchants of propaganda, fake news peddlers who have suddenly gone overdrive to misinform our people by insinuating that we have a military curfew. We do not have a military curfew but a lockdown curfew which the president has declared and those who violate it will have themselves to blame,” noted Chinamasa.

Chinamasa added that Zanu PF will not fold hands and watch while hostile forces put the country at risk.

“It high time those planning violence know that this country has authorities and there is neither vacuum nor vacancy at any level of those authorities from the lowest level of authority to the presidency, he added.

Turning to the arrest of journalist cum propagandist, Hopewell Chin’ono, the ruling party said the media should be reminded that journalists are not above the law as anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

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

https://www.facebook.com/zanupfparty/videos/951743138606459/

STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF HARARE MAYOR HERBERT GOMBA

We have learnt of the arrest of Harare Mayor, Councillor Herbert Gomba.

We are yet to be briefed by his lawyers on the reason for his arrest and the full nature of the charges that he faces. Once these are available, we will issue a detailed statement.

We condemn the unconstitutional nature of Mayor Herbert Gomba’s arrest as he was seized by military intelligence officers in the middle of the night in the presence of his wife and children.

He was not informed of the reason for his arrest or afforded any of his constitutional safeguards as required by the law.

This nocturnal arrest by security agents cannot go unchallenged.

More information will be availed in due course.
Fadzayi Mahere [National Spokesperson]

Some universities are postponing their end of semester examinations as a precaution against the spike in local Covid-19 cases with most allowing students already present to finish writing their exams, but are postponing exams still to be written.

Each university or college is expected to make decisions based on the situation on the ground.

Classes that were yet to begin writing are the most likely to be affected as most universities have, or are likely to, postpone exams.

Great Zimbabwe University has since told students of the postponement in a statement by registrar Ms Sinikiwe Gwatidzo which gave students 24 hours to return to their homes.

“Students who had travelled for face to face tuition, practical lessons and subsequent examinations return to their homes beginning today 22 July.

“Vacation of halls of residence shall be allowed up to the end of day tomorrow, Thursday 23 July ,” the notice said.

The university postponed examinations, which were scheduled from August 3 to August 7, to a date still to be announced.

The University of Zimbabwe has also suspended exams save for final year medical students from 2019 whose assessment is overdue by nearly a year.

UZ Registrar Dr Noah Mutongoreni said examinations scheduled for dates beyond July 26 have been postponed.

“All examinations beyond week ending 24 July 2020 are effectively deferred and students are expected to continue with their online classes and also hand in their projects and dissertations as earlier advised.

Clinical classes and examinations for MBChB and BDS Part V are unaffected and remain as previously scheduled,” Dr Mutongoreni said-Chronicle

Former Kwekwe City Councillor, Alderman Reason Nyamadzawo has died.

Nyamadzawo is former councillor for Ward 5 where he served for two terms on a ZANU-PF ticket.

A veteran educationist who was a teacher for more than two decades before venturing into politics, Nyamadzawo died of suspected sugar diabetes at a private clinic.
He was 76.

Nyamadzawo was also paternal grandfather to 6-year old Axellia Nyamadzawo who was allegedly murdered by her mother in South Africa.

His son Tino Nyamadzawo said the family was still in shock.

“I was called this morning (Tuesday) and told that his sugar levels were giving problems. I rushed him to private clinic where he was pronounced dead upon admission,” said Tino.

He said the family was still to come to terms with Nyamadzawo’s death.

“We are still in shock as a family as we never expected anything of that nature to would happen. He was strong all along and going about business but then all of a sudden, this happens,” said Tino.

Mourners are gathered at his Mbizo 4 residence.
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

At the time of his death, Nyamadzawo was Zanu-PF vice chairperson for Rusununguko District in Kwekwe.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Provincial Spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri said the province had applied that he be accorded provincial hero status.

“As Kwekwe district, we are lobbying with the national and relevant authorities that he be accorded at provincial hero status.

This is so because he is a national war liberator who went on to work hard for the party even after independence. As you are aware, he was a councillor and served the party diligently,” he said-Chronicle

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is a dangerous man in charge of State Affairs, MDC Alliance vice president, Tendai Biti has said.

Briefing journalists in Harare during the trial of Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono, Biti described Mnangagwa’s government as the worst administration ever in the history of the country.

Ngarivhume and Chin’ono were arrested for allegedly inciting violence.

Said Biti:”Those who are fighting corruption are being persecuted while criminals are walking scot-free.

A dangerous man is in charge of State affairs.

Dangerous people are running the country and nobody is safe.

Journalists are being persecuted, pressure groups and church leaders are also not safe.Nobody is safe in Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa has imposed a curfew on us – we have never heard of such a thing after independence.”

Update On Jacob Ngarivhume Court Case

Judgement to be delivered tmrw. Court business ended at 1500 hrs as per Covid -19 lockdown regulations. Court will sit tmrw at 1115 hours…

As such Ngarivhume has been remanded in custody to tomorrow.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 22, 2020

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has declared that the Zanu PF Youth League cannot stop the wave of change.

Below is the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly statement :

22-07-2020

Reckless utterances by ZANU PF Youth League that they are going to counter 31 July mass protests against corruption are unfortunate and ill thought.

Statements by the delusional ZANU PF Youth League Deputy Secretary one Tendai Chirau that they will counter 31 July is a clear manifestation of wishful thinking and day dreaming.

July 31 is about the people, the suffering masses so not even a small youth grouping of a political party in dilapidation like ZANU PF has the capacity to stop Zimbabweans from speaking against corruption.

Whatever victory Chirau claims they will be celebrating, they better do that inside their Shake Shake building.

Out there people are hungry and angry hence we are not going to entertain any tomfoolery meant to harbour corrupt government criminals.

Maybe Chirau needs to dig a little bit into history and his family lineage.

Certainly he will find one of his grandfathers, one Chief Jeremiah Chirau who went to bed with Ian Douglas Smith against the masses’ call for freedom.

We all know what happened to that adulterated “masquerade” called Chief Chirau.

He was swept away together with his handler, Ian Smith by the winds of change.

Just like 1979, July 31 knows no puppets of dictators and those that stand in the way of the people will be swept aside.

Forewarned is forearmed!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson