AUTHORITIES at Beitbridge Border Post have increased surveillance and anti-smuggling activities during the ongoing lockdown period and have managed to intercept 21 commercial trucks that were smuggling into the country an assortment goods worth millions of dollars.
It is understood that the volume of commercial cargo entering or leaving Zimbabwe through its southern border has increased following the closure of other borders in the Sadc region.
Zimbabwe remains the only viable transit route for those countries north of the Zambezi River, including Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Tanzania and Angola.
According to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), traffic volumes per day increased from an average (import/export) 450 daily in 2019 to 1 000 between March and June this year.
Prior to the lockdown, Zimra was clearing around 500 commercial trucks daily.
Zimra’s regional manager for Beitbridge, Mr Innocent Chikuni recently that the smuggling of groceries and related items remained the biggest challenges to the collection of revenue.
He was speaking during the tour of the border by the Revenue Authority’s senior managers and the Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube.
“Working with other stakeholders we have been able to seize goods from 56 offenders and impounded 22 motor vehicles between April and May at undesignated entry points along the Limpopo River.
“In addition, smuggling activities through the border post are surging because of the increased traffic. Between March and May we recorded 81 seizures including 21 commercial trucks & trailers,” said Mr Chikuni.
Five people died in an accident in the Mavhuradonha mountains on their way to a burial in Tete area in Muzarabani.
The accident occurred earlier today when the vehicle they were travelling is said to have suffered brake failure seven kilometres shy of completing the Mavhuradonha mountain range.
Muzarabani district development coordinator Mr John Chihobo said five others are in a critical condition and were transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The other 8 who were injured are admitted at St Albert’s Hospital. The 18 were travelling in two vehicles and were accompanying the body of their deceased relative.
Expelled Zanu PF national youth political Commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu has ripped into President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa saying they are only concerned about power than the majority of the people.
Tsenengamu made these remarks during a press conference in Harare saying the over two million votes that both parties garnered in the 2018 election cannot be the basis of the country’s economic halt.
“If you look at their numbers 2, 1 million and 2, 4 million votes, what percentage is that of the total population of Zimbabwe. So you (Mnangagwa and Chamisa) think you can hold us at ransom because of two million votes kutotiona sevanhu venyu, kutotiita zvireshe zvenyu (you take us as your servants making us fools)” charged Tsenengamu
Watch video downloading below. Please be patient while the video downloads.
Zimbabwean sex workers are concerned by the rise in the prices of condoms saying this could result in a spike in new HIV infections and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
A pack of Durex Condoms now range between ZW$107 and ZW$119 while free condoms are hard to come by.
A sex worker, Shamy, who is a Chemical Engineering Student with the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) told Health Times that the viability of their trade was now at risk. She said:
The new condom price has just taken us by surprise. I am stranded and I don’t know how I am going to continue with my job as a sex worker after this.
I am a sex worker, that’s my other profession, I must always have a condom in my bag since any time, anywhere, clients might want my services.
With the new price of condoms, it is going to be difficult to survive, where are we going to get the money from?
In our trade, clients don’t bring their own condoms, we have to buy to ensure we protect ourselves because they fear being caught by their wives with condoms in their pockets. Mhene inotongouya iri Savana Dry nemari yayo kasi isina condom.
I can’t risk just because I am on PrEP, I need that condom to prevent other STIs infections. Increasing the price of condoms does not work. This anomaly needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
If I decide to have unprotected sex with a married man today, I also put his wife at risk so we need to avert that.
The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The 26th of June is set aside to honour and support victims and survivors of torture as well as to denounce the crime of torture.
This year’s commemoration is particularly significant for Zimbabwe as it is taking place against a background of reports and allegations of beatings, detention, and torture of human rights and political party activists.
We note with concern that while governments across the world are increasingly expressing commitment to eradicate torture, with 169 countries being party to the Convention against Torture Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as of October 2019, Zimbabwe is yet to ratify the Convention.
The United Nations Convention Against Torture aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment around the world.
The Convention requires state parties to take effective measures to prevent torture in any territory under their jurisdiction and forbids states to transport people to any country where there is a reason to believe they will be tortured.
The absolute prohibition against torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment has become accepted as a principle of customary international law.
At the regional level, Zimbabwe is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which also prohibits torture based on the dignity inherent in a human being.
Section 53 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The LRF, therefore, urges the government of Zimbabwe to;
1. Ratify the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 1984.
2. Conduct a full and thorough investigation into the reports of abductions, beatings, and subsequent torture with a view to ending impunity for perpetrators.
3. Enact legislation that expressly outlaws torture in Zimbabwe and bring to justice suspected torturers.
4. Set-up an independent complaints mechanism in terms of section 232 of the Constitution which will investigate complaints against members of the security forces against whom allegations of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment are made.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou
A COMBATIVE teachers’ union has psyched up the educators to boycott invigilating the June examinations until government complies with a High Court ruling ordering it to equip schools with facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The “O” and “A” Level Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations kick off next Tuesday.
However, in an interview with NewsDay yesterday, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said teachers would boycott invigilating the mid-year exams due to failure by government to comply with the High Court order.
“The issue of invigilating June exams is before the courts, where both Zimsec and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had promised to put testing kits, thermometers, sanitisers, PPEs [personal protective equipment] in schools by June 26,” Zhou said.
“They also promised that they would have cleaned and disinfected schools currently used as quarantine centres by then.
“Surprisingly, the ministry and Zimsec have been belting and bellowing instructions to school heads to scavenge for COVID-19 abatement requirements at a zero budget, an impossible feat indeed.
“Some school heads have also been belting instructions to candidates to have paid second term school fees by June 30.”
He added: “To all teachers in Zimbabwe, be advised that the issue of invigilation is before the courts, all communiqués made so far have no locus standi and must be disregarded forthwith. Our health, safety and welfare should come first.
“Anything else must be resisted by all means possible. We can’t fasttrack our demise by dicing with death and being reckless with our health, safety and welfare.
“All teachers in Zimbabwe must forthwith disregard unlawful instructions from some school heads threatening teachers with unspecified action should they not report for invigilation.
“Teachers are duly advised to resist all unlawful instructions from school heads, DSIs [district schools inspectors], PEDs [provincial education directors] and head office. We have nothing to fear.”
Zhou said teachers were not employed by Zimsec and should disregard an order from the schools examination authority.
By Nelson Chamisa|Zimbabwe sinking courtesy of bad policies and bad leadership causing abject poverty and untold suffering. Take policy inconsistency and reversals e.g termination of the multiple currency regime in favour of the local currency and later on the return to dollarization in less than a year.
Replacing of a fixed exchange rate with an interbank market rate and then going back to a fixed exchange rate and a month later disbandment of the fixed exchange rate regime with an auction system points to tragic policy reversals and policy contradictions just within a few months.
The approach to corruption is ample a demonstration of leadership ineptitude and unwillingness to tackle corruption beyond lip service. Government is carrying out the so-called “catch and release” and has totally ignored the findings of the auditor-general on corruption.
Poor policy implementation as evinced by the TSP having annual inflation target of 5% and growth targets of 6.3%, 18.5% &19% in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively being abandoned before expiry due to its dismal performance as inflation approaches 1 000% with – economic growth rates!
The combined effect of bad policies and drought of leadership has resulted in the collapse of the local currency which has seen a nationwide rejection of the same. As a sign of capitulation, the government is starting to pay workers in USD and businesses being asked to display prices in USD.
No amount of SIs, auction system or force will reverse the meltdown. It’s a scandal that just last year people’s Nostro accounts were converted into ZWL together with their cash balance and debts. In a year, the same people now have Nostro accounts with zero balance in preparation for payment of salaries.
In the process of this madness, citizens have lost pensions, savings and medical aid. Isn’t it unprecedented that people can lose their pension twice in ten years? Where on earth does this happen? Not in even in hell.
We are at a tipping point of the Explosion. On the back of poor policies, we see the total demise of Zimbabwe dollar and full dollarization which has seen government ditching its own currency.
We see excessive wage erosion and workers salaries now meaningless notwithstanding the latest paltry offer by the government which can’t beat the poverty datum line which is now above $8,000.This has pushed our committed workers into abject poverty and rendered them technically unemployed.
We note the bankruptcy amongst major companies as their cashflows are heading towards zero balance in face of full dollarisation. Cos will struggle to build new cashflow in USD their efforts to raise USD thru the pricing in USD will not build cash balances as quickly as possible.
There is a constrained budget and little space to pay government workers in USD mainly as a result of liquidity crunch coming on the back of low export earnings, depressed investment inflows, low diaspora earnings caused by COVID -19 and absence of lines of credit due to high debt overhang.
There is a liquidity crunch, coupled with food insecurity, high unemployment, high incapacitation across – people, workers, Government, businesses, etc and absence of external support, the economy is heading for total collapse.
In the absence of sound stimulus package which must be in the region of US$5 billion coupled with the freefall in our local currency at a time when foreign currency receipts are anticipated to fall by US$3 billion, there is no doubt that the economy will fail to perform.
Going forward, as we alluded to in our independence speech, 40 is a sacred number – life begins at 40, the children of Israel took 40 years to cross into Canaan and Jesus Christ spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Zimbabwe turned 40 this year! Hope is our portion!
Let us prepare for the new independence as we claim back all that was stolen and demand a people’s government through citizens’ peaceful protests per section 59 of the constitution. People of Zimbabwe deserve a legitimate capable state. The change we demand! None but ourselves!
Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s decision to replace party spokesperson Daniel Molokele with firebrand constitutional lawyer Fadzayi Mahere was purely mutual and not motivated by frosty relations between the two long term allies, it has since emerged.
There have been widespread reports that Molokele had been demoted after failing to meet Chamisa’s high expectations as well as how the Hwange Central legislator handled party communications soon after the Supreme Court ruling that restored Thokozani Khupe as the MDC-T Acting President.
Molokele’s replacement also sent tongues wagging as it happened at a time a number of party legislators were crossing the floor to join Khupe.
However a close source within the party told 263Chat that Molokele who is also the Hwange Central legislator had already asked Chamisa to look for a replacement as he wanted to concentrate on other interests.
“Molokele’s decision was based on commitment towards his vast personal projects, family in South Africa, a constituency to serve and also the task of chairing the parliamentary committee on education,” the source said.
The source added that the party standing committee was already in the process of discussing Molokele’s new role in the party as he is widely viewed as a cornerstone in Matebeleland North region.
In an earlier interview before the reshuffle, Molokele had gone public about his support for Chamisa and the MDC Alliance party.
“I am clear, I support Advocate Chamisa. I don’t support Khupe, I don’t support Mwonzora, I don’t support Komichi,” said Molokele.
This comes at a time the MDC-A has seen a number of its MPs jump ship to the rival MDC-T party led by Thokozani Khupe in recent weeks to save them from recall.
Chamisa has been often criticized for chastising loyal and long serving members who were in the original MDC in 1999 from influential positions in the MDC-A instead choosing to reward some deserters (Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube) and new comers like Fadzai Mahere.
The soccer fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dynamos legend Biggie Zuze.
“As a player, he was one of those rare talents, as a coach, he battled long and hard, as a Dynamos son, he was loyal to the core and, more importantly, as a man, he was as good as they will ever come…
What a shocker!, RIP Bindura Part 1, my brother Biggie Zuze…Robson Sharuko
Andrew Kamanga, sports administrator:
“A mercurial talent, indeed. He defied odds with his average physical stature to dominate midfield battles. A brilliant pass master and uniquely unselfish in his approach to the game. May His dear soul rest in eternal peace!’’
Tito Paketh, Highlanders legend:
“I am totally distraught to learn of Biggie’s passing on. I hope it’s not true, please. Really bad and hard to stomach. Anyway, that’s life, it’s very short indeed. He has run his race. Seth Chigogora, former Dynamos team manager
“He was a true DeMbare son, he gave everything for the cause of the club and to play in those great Dynamos sides, especially in midfield, where there was no hiding place, showed just how good he was. He was also a fine gentleman and it’s a shame he has died young. You will hardly come across anyone who tells you they had a problem with him.’’
Godfrey Japajapa, former Dynamos treasurer
“You hear such news and you tell yourself that it’s not true, you struggle to convince yourself that a guy this nice, who never showed any signs of being ill, could die just like that. It was a pleasure working with Nzou and what a good man he was and he was also a very, very fine football player and coach.’’
Runyararo Musakwa
“Very sad news indeed and a blow to local football. May his soul Rest in Peace.’’
Spencer Manguwa
“Rest In Peace Gaffer. Our soccer is surely poorer without you. Gone too soon. You will be missed!’’
Raymond Majongwe, former Dynamos secretary-general:
“Bindura Part 1. Rest In Peace. Great player. Enjoyed working with you.’’
Cephas Chimedza, former DeMbare star: “Rest in peace Nzou.’’
Tendai Muteswa
“Legends don’t come any bigger, RIP Biggie. Thanks for the memories.’’-The Herald
Farai Dziva| Liverpool’s 30 years of agony are over!
The Premier League is finally heading to Anfield after a 30-year wait.
Manager Jürgen Klopp was overwhelmed by the emotion of the moment as Kop legends instantly branded his team ‘The Immortals’ for finally ending the three-decade crusade to re-establish their place at the top of English football.
The players partied into the night having gathered at a city centre location in the hope nearest challengers Manchester City would formally relinquish their crown.
Confirmation of City’s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge sparked jubilation across Merseyside, the night skies ablaze with fireworks and pyrotechnics from supporters, and roads reverberating to the sounds of car horns with fans under orders to stay off the streets.
Many supporters could not restrain themselves, with road blocks needed around Anfield to prevent thousands heading to the stadium, despite the pleas from Klopp and his players.
Heroes of the past and present delivered eulogies to the manager who has triumphed where seven predecessors have failed since 1990, and when Klopp was interviewed by broadcasters on Sky TV he had to break off as he wept tears of joy.
“It is a big moment. I am completely overwhelmed. I had no idea it would feel like this,” he said. “We had to convince people and that is what we did together.
“For the fans, it is for you. It is incredible. I could not be more proud or what a lot of people in Liverpool did. It has been a very exciting ride since the first day. Now we can enjoy this moment. It is the best thing I can imagine. It is more than I can dream of.
“It was quite intense. But it was an incredible achievement of my players, what they did over the last two or three years is exceptional and a huge joy for me to coach them.”
“It’s relief because of the three-month interruption and nobody knew how it would go on and then we don’t know 100 percent how we would come back.”
Liverpool players gathered together to watch City’s defeat but Klopp acknowledged the unusual circumstances of their triumph.
“We are in a bubble. I know it is difficult out there for a lot of people but these moments are unforgettable,” said Klopp.-BBC
By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance trio Harare West legislator Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova have been granted $10 000 bail each.
The trio were also told to report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police three times a week.
As part of their bail conditions, the trio were also instructed to hand in their passports and not to interfere with witnesses.
The three were also told to reside at given addresses and not to communicate with media or use social media.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Biggie Zuze was a Zimbabwean former soccer player for Dynamos Football Club and was the assistant coach of Dynamos Football Club at the time of his death on 25 June 2020. He was 55 at the time of his death.
Zuze joined Dynamos from Bindura United in the middle of the 1983 season and made his name playing alongside the likes of David Mandigora, Kenneth Jere, Clayton Munemo, Moses Chunga and Memory Mucherahowa.
Coaching Career Zuze was appointed acting coach for Dynamos after the firing of Lloyd Mutasa in May 2018. Zuze has been part of the coaching staff for Monomotapa Football Club, Triangle United Football Club and Ngezi Platinum F.C. , and most of his time he was the assistant coach except in 2012 when he was the head coach at Monomotapa Football Club.
Won the One Wallet Cup with Triangle in 2014, beating Dynamos on penalties.
In 2013 he said that the Bulawayo club, Eagles was his best team because of playing the “most entertaining brand of football in the country and ” producing such notable players like Rahman Gumbo and Boy Ndlovu.
He also said that his best two stadiums were Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo (for its good turf and an always ‘electrifying environment when we played against Highlanders Football Club) “and the National Sports Stadium, our slaughterhouse, especially on cup games.” .
Biggie Zuze died at HighGlen Cimas Clinic in Harare on 25 June 2020 after complaining of breathing difficulties- The Herald Files
Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title is over after Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea to confirm the Reds as Premier League champions.
Jurgen Klopp’s side needed one victory to seal the league but City’s failure to win means they cannot be caught. It is Liverpool’s 19th top-flight title and their first since 1989-90.
Despite being urged to “stay home” by the city’s metro mayor because of coronavirus, thousands of fans gathered at Anfield to celebrate.
Many of the supporters who congregated at the club’s ground wore face masks and some lit flares.
A number of Reds players, including goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, celebrated together after watching the Chelsea-City game.
Klopp, wearing a Liverpool shirt and clearly emotional, told Sky Sports: “I have no words, it’s unbelievable. “It’s much more than I ever thought would be possible, becoming champion with this club is absolutely incredible.
“I haven’t waited 30 years, I have been here for four-and-a-half years, but it is quite an achievement, especially with the three-month break because nobody knew if we could go on.
“I know it is difficult for people in this moment but we could not hold back. We will enjoy this with our supporters when we can.”
As the global pandemic disrupted life in England and led to the suspension of the Premier League for three months, Reds supporters endured a nervous wait to see how the season would be concluded, with some early suggestions it might have been declared null and void, thus wiping their remarkable efforts from the record books.
Thankfully for them, that did not come to pass, and the Premier League’s return this month enabled them to cap their stunning success- Sky Sports
However, because of the measures put in place in response to the virus, the Reds will not be able to celebrate their long-awaited success with their supporters immediately, at least not in the traditional sense.
By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance trio Harare West legislator Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova have been granted $10 000 bail each.
The trio were also told to report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police three times a week.
As part of their bail conditions, the trio were also instructed to hand in their passports and not to interfere with witnesses.
The three were also told to reside at given addresses and not to communicate with media or use social media.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has said the country’s economic quagmire is a direct result of bad policies and lawlessness.
Emmerson Mnangagwa is accused of disregarding fundamental human rights.
Below is Advocate Chamisa’s argument :
Zim sinking courtesy of bad policies & bad leadership causing abject poverty & untold suffering.Take Policy inconsistency & reversals e.g termination of the multiple currency regime in favour of the local currency & later on return back to dollarization in less than a year.
Let us prep for the new independence as we claim back all that was stolen and demand a people’s government through citizens’ peaceful protests per section 59 of the constitution.People of Zimbabwe deserve better. Change we demand! Non but ourselves!
Going forward, as we alluded to in our independence speech, 40 is a sacred number – life begins at 40, the children of Israel took 40 years to cross into Canaan and Jesus Christ spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Zimbabwe turned 40 this year!Hope is our portion!
Elections were rigged but sadly they can’t rig the economy.Force and coercion will not work.Illegitimacy is killing us. Bad governance is killing us. Bad politics is killing us. Corruption is killing us.The economy is tanking.We are on a fast lane to to nowhere!
In the absence of sound stimulus package which must be in the region of US$5 billion coupled with the freefall in our local currency at a time when foreign currency receipts are anticipated to fall by US$3 billion, there is no doubt that the economy has failed to perform.
There is a liquidity crunch, coupled with food insecurity, high unemployment, high incapacitation across – people, workers, Government, businesses, etc and absence of external support, the economy is headed for a total collapse.
There is a constrained budget & little space to pay gvt workers in USD mainly as a result of liquidity crunch coming on the back of low export earnings,depressed investment inflows,low diaspora earnings caused by COVID -19 &absence of lines of credit due to high debt overhang.
By A Correspondent- A Chitungwiza Central Hospital nurse was allegedly brutally stabbed to death by her stepson using a knife and other sharp objects.
Ostensibly, the deceased woman was gruesomely gored several times all over the body and head, and left with her head jammed in a washing dish, and legs flung on a sofa.
Deputy police spokesperson for Harare Province, Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova, confirmed the incident adding that it happened on Tuesday last week.
“The deceased woman, Irene Chikodzo (40), a nurse at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, was married to the 23-year-old suspect, Joseph Tandi Jnr’s father, and they stayed together at number 965 Retreat, Waterfalls, Harare,” he said.
“The woman’s husband, Musekiwa Tandi (50) is employed as a clerk at the same hospital. Waterfalls police, whose officers visited the scene, were informed of the murder by Patson Saidi (25)”, Asst Insp Dzvova added.
When police details visited the house, they met the deceased’s husband, who had just arrived from his sister’s place whom he sought to inform about his son’s weird behaviour.
“Upon his father’s arrival, Joseph charged, and attacked him with an object which missed him, and hit the lounge’s door. Members of the public were later called in to subdue him.
“When he entered the lounge, Tandi Snr realised that his wife had already died, with her head wedged in a washing dish, and her legs thrown on a sofa. Her hands, head and body had wounds commensurate with knife stabbing,” Asst Insp Dzvova said.
He pointed out that police officers discovered a sharp metal object, and a pool of blood on the floor of the lounge.
“When the police asked Joseph if he was the one who had murdered his mother, he vehemently denied it, but he claimed that he was a Satanist, and they arrested him,” he said.
Asst Insp Dzvova implored members of the public to desist from mayhem and violence as the end is always regrettable.
“Even in the face of challenges, we do not encourage violence. People should seek help and counsel from the police, or churches in the event of disputes”, he said.
By A Correspondent- Justice David Mangota has dismissed two MDC Alliance High Court spoliation applications over the illegal takeover of Harvest House by a faction of the party led by Dr Thokozani Khupe.
The development comes as the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa challenged the move by the security forces to seize the party’s headquarters Morgan Tsvangirai House and hand it over to Douglas Mwonzora and his Khupe faction on June 4 2020.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has said the country’s economic quagmire is a direct result of bad policies and lawlessness.
Emmerson Mnangagwa is accused of disregarding fundamental human rights.
Below is Advocate Chamisa’s argument :
Zim sinking courtesy of bad policies & bad leadership causing abject poverty & untold suffering.Take Policy inconsistency & reversals e.g termination of the multiple currency regime in favour of the local currency & later on return back to dollarization in less than a year.
Let us prep for the new independence as we claim back all that was stolen and demand a people’s government through citizens’ peaceful protests per section 59 of the constitution.People of Zimbabwe deserve better. Change we demand! Non but ourselves!
Going forward, as we alluded to in our independence speech, 40 is a sacred number – life begins at 40, the children of Israel took 40 years to cross into Canaan and Jesus Christ spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Zimbabwe turned 40 this year!Hope is our portion!
Elections were rigged but sadly they can’t rig the economy.Force and coercion will not work.Illegitimacy is killing us. Bad governance is killing us. Bad politics is killing us. Corruption is killing us.The economy is tanking.We are on a fast lane to to nowhere!
In the absence of sound stimulus package which must be in the region of US$5 billion coupled with the freefall in our local currency at a time when foreign currency receipts are anticipated to fall by US$3 billion, there is no doubt that the economy has failed to perform.
There is a liquidity crunch, coupled with food insecurity, high unemployment, high incapacitation across – people, workers, Government, businesses, etc and absence of external support, the economy is headed for a total collapse.
There is a constrained budget & little space to pay gvt workers in USD mainly as a result of liquidity crunch coming on the back of low export earnings,depressed investment inflows,low diaspora earnings caused by COVID -19 &absence of lines of credit due to high debt overhang.
On Olympic Day, 23 June 2020, the International Olympic Committee and WHO together with the United Nations launched a partnership to encourage individuals and communities around the world to be #HEALTHYTogether.
The three partners and Olympic athletes will spotlight the global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.
Olympic athletes will help deliver important public health information, to inspire people to adopt or continue behaviours that will curtail the pandemic and provide information that promotes physical and mental health.
The partnership kicks off today with Olympians around the world showcasing various exercises to stay healthy during this time.
A WHO survey showed that many people who had severe COVID-19 disease were already living with or at risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The results emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle including being physically active, having a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
“We are pleased to partner with the International Olympic Committee to spread important health messages that will save lives.
Olympians will help us advocate for healthier populations to ensure that people are as resilient as our health systems must be to fight COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.
Over the past six months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every corner of the globe and every aspect of people‘s lives.
The world is looking for global institutions to work together and for leaders to deliver reliable, credible information from sources they trust. Olympic athletes are symbols of strength that can act as trusted messengers for this information.
IOC President Thomas Bach said, “Sport can save lives. We have seen over the last few months just how important sport and physical activity are for health and well-being. And working together with the WHO and the United Nations we can take another step together.
We will ask our Olympic athletes to help share the information and best practice that the world needs now.”
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, added “During this time of unprecedented challenges and change — from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice, to the climate crisis –there has never been a greater need for global solidarity and hope.
The Olympic movement and its athletes have always brought out the best in humanity, and the United Nations is pleased to work with the International Olympic Committee and the calling on people everywhere to unite and be #HEALTHYTogether.”
The global partnership will act locally, through the voices of Olympic athletes – voices that symbolize perseverance, dedication and endurance – qualities all individuals need during this public health challenge.
WHO will work with athletes to bring tailored health messages to people who are living through various stages of the pandemic through digital platforms.
As COVID-19 forces changes to our daily routines and lives – from how we interact with others to how we move and exercise – we need to pay attention to our own mental and physical health and help others who may need extra support.
By working together, the aim of the partnership on Olympic Day and every day is to stay Healthy Together.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|Suspected CIO operatives abducted the wife of MDC Alliance councillor, Denford Ngadziore and the couple’s six-month old baby on Thursday.
“Eight unknown people kidnapped my wife and our s 6-month -old baby Angel Ngadziore together with Allan Moyo and Snaga Lameck Bizzure in Mabelreign.
They were assulted and later dumped in Dzivarasekwa,” said Councillor Ngadziore.
“The wife of MDC Alliance Councillor, Denford Ngadziore and couple’s 6-month baby as well as Allan Moyo and Snaga Lameck were kidnapped from Ngadziore’s home in Mabelreign by suspected state agents driving a vehicle with no number plates.
They were beaten and dumped in Dzivarasekwa,” the MDC Alliance said in a statement.
Farai Dziva|Former Zanu PF youth league official Godfrey Tsenengamu has said the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long.
Speaking at a news conference in Harare on Friday, Tsenengamu said Zimbabweans should not expect politicians to resolve the deepening economic crisis in the country.
Tsenengamu also warned of mass protests initiated by citizens.
Farai Dziva|Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union Of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure, who was arrested for demanding improved living conditions for civil servants, has been transferred to Masvingo.
See ARTUZ statement below:
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe President Masaraure Obert has been arrested for demanding better salaries for Police , Soldiers, Teachers CIOs and the rest of the civil servants.
He is in Police Custody and he has been transferred to Masvingo.
The struggle is not going to be deterred. We also demand his immediate release.
We are fighting a legitimate struggle and we are not going to be intimidated by the persecution and victimisation targeted at our Leaders and our members.
On Olympic Day, 23 June 2020, the International Olympic Committee and WHO together with the United Nations launched a partnership to encourage individuals and communities around the world to be #HEALTHYTogether.
The three partners and Olympic athletes will spotlight the global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.
Olympic athletes will help deliver important public health information, to inspire people to adopt or continue behaviours that will curtail the pandemic and provide information that promotes physical and mental health.
The partnership kicks off today with Olympians around the world showcasing various exercises to stay healthy during this time.
A WHO survey showed that many people who had severe COVID-19 disease were already living with or at risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The results emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle including being physically active, having a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
“We are pleased to partner with the International Olympic Committee to spread important health messages that will save lives.
Olympians will help us advocate for healthier populations to ensure that people are as resilient as our health systems must be to fight COVID-19,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.
Over the past six months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every corner of the globe and every aspect of people‘s lives.
The world is looking for global institutions to work together and for leaders to deliver reliable, credible information from sources they trust. Olympic athletes are symbols of strength that can act as trusted messengers for this information.
IOC President Thomas Bach said, “Sport can save lives. We have seen over the last few months just how important sport and physical activity are for health and well-being. And working together with the WHO and the United Nations we can take another step together.
We will ask our Olympic athletes to help share the information and best practice that the world needs now.”
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, added “During this time of unprecedented challenges and change — from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice, to the climate crisis –there has never been a greater need for global solidarity and hope.
The Olympic movement and its athletes have always brought out the best in humanity, and the United Nations is pleased to work with the International Olympic Committee and the calling on people everywhere to unite and be #HEALTHYTogether.”
The global partnership will act locally, through the voices of Olympic athletes – voices that symbolize perseverance, dedication and endurance – qualities all individuals need during this public health challenge.
WHO will work with athletes to bring tailored health messages to people who are living through various stages of the pandemic through digital platforms.
As COVID-19 forces changes to our daily routines and lives – from how we interact with others to how we move and exercise – we need to pay attention to our own mental and physical health and help others who may need extra support.
By working together, the aim of the partnership on Olympic Day and every day is to stay Healthy Together.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|Suspected CIO operatives abducted the wife of MDC Alliance councillor, Denford Ngadziore and the couple’s six-month old baby on Thursday.
“Eight unknown people kidnapped my wife and our s 6-month -old baby Angel Ngadziore together with Allan Moyo and Snaga Lameck Bizzure in Mabelreign.
They were assulted and later dumped in Dzivarasekwa,” said Councillor Ngadziore.
“The wife of MDC Alliance Councillor, Denford Ngadziore and couple’s 6-month baby as well as Allan Moyo and Snaga Lameck were kidnapped from Ngadziore’s home in Mabelreign by suspected state agents driving a vehicle with no number plates.
They were beaten and dumped in Dzivarasekwa,” the MDC Alliance said in a statement.
MDC Alliance legislator for Mkoba Amos Chibaya has said his alleged recall from parliament does not change his responsibility to serve the people in his constituency indicating that his parliament is in Mkoba-Gweru.
Chibaya is one of the MDC Alliance MPs who were recalled by Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T for aligning them self with their leader Nelson Chamisa.
“The enemies of the struggle claim to have recalled me. l was sponsored by MDC Alliance and voted by the people of Mkoba. My Parliament is in Mkoba. We remain focused to free the people of Zim from the jaws of poverty emanating from the legitimacy crisis and massive corruption from Zanu-PF.
To the MDC Alliance family and all Zimbabweans who want to see change lets remain strong and focused. We can not be silenced, the time is now to liberate ourselves,” he said.
By A Correspondent- Ministry of Health and Child Care Ambassador Auxilia Mnangagwa has reportedly intervened in a cooperate disciplinary case by the state broadcaster ZBC TV which had saw Cameraman Stan Marodza being suspended for allegedly smuggling a video of President Emmerson Mnangagwa telling the nation that the controversial Drax International had donated US$60 million worth of medical stuff for the fight against COVID-19.
According to impeccable sources, the powerful First Lady had a conversation with the Ministry of Information officials which led them to reverse the suspension but booked him for a disciplinary hearing next week Tuesday.
The video appeared on the 8pm news bulletin sometime in April. According to Newsday Marodza, who took the video clip and was accused by Information ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana of sneaking it onto the main news bulletin, has been suspended.
Mangwana also accused Marodza of selling the video to Delish Nguwaya, the man at the centre of the US$60 million procurement scandal that has sucked in Mnangagwa’s family.
The video allegedly embarrassed Mnangagwa and his family after they claimed that they had no links to Drax International or its representative Nguwaya, yet the clip shows the president standing next to Nguwaya and announcing a donation of US$60 million which he said came after he personally appealed to the company.
Nyambabvu, instead accuses Marodza of using the video clip, which has poor sound quality despite his bosses instructing otherwise.
“Upon returning to Pockets Hill, the reporter Abigail Tembo debriefed the news editor who consulted with the director of news and current affairs and it was decided that the US$60 million donation must be excluded from the reporter’s story due to poor audio,” Nyambabvu alleged.
Three days later, Marodza is alleged to have smuggled the story into the 8pm news as the top story.
Zimbabwe has been hit by a critical shortage of ARVs -which might affect people living with HIV on the second regimen of the antiretroviral therapy -as they might have to change one of their drugs.
This was revealed in a statement by the information ministry’s acting permanent secretary Dr Gibson Mhlanga who said:
This circular serve to notify you that we are experiencing a national shortage of Atazanavir/ritonavir due to reduced global production and delayed shipments from suppliers as a result of the global Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The ministry and its partners are working tirelessly to address this shortage.
In the meantime, the ministry advices that patients on Atazanavir/ritonavir be given up to one month of supplies until the situation improves.
In the same statement, Dr Mhlanga gave a temporary solution to the problem if it persists and it cant be addressed on time and said:
If Atazanavir/ritonavir 300mg/100mg is no longer available, in consultation with the district pharmacy manager, it will be temporarily substituted with DTG 50mg until it is available.
Please note the Lopinavir/ritonavir is not a viable substitute for Atazanavir/ritonavir as there are no sufficient quantities in the country to cover the gap- Chronicle
Farai Dziva|Former Zanu PF youth league official Godfrey Tsenengamu has said the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long.
Speaking at a news conference in Harare on Friday, Tsenengamu said Zimbabweans should not expect politicians to resolve the deepening economic crisis in the country.
Tsenengamu also warned of mass protests initiated by citizens.
By A Correspondent- The Chief Justice has withdrawn the Dress Code Practice Direction 6 of 2020 which had been published citing it was published in error.
Part of the regulation in the published dress code practice direction say female lawyers should not wear skirts with hems that are 3cms above the knee.
Read the full statement below as published by the law society:
RE: PRACTICE DIRECTION 6 OF 2020: DRESS CODE FOR LEGAL PRACTITIONERSAPPEARING IN THE MAGISTRATES COURT
Reference is made to the Practice Direction published today.
Please be advised that the Practice Direction was published in error. It is a draft which is still under consideration. We are aware that currently there are consultations with the Law Society of Zimbabwe. We will also be consulting with the Prosecutor General and the Attorney General.
The Chief Justice has directed that the Practice Direction be withdrawn which we hereby do.
By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa reportedly blocked Health Minister Obadiah Moyo from attending Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, The Zimbabwe Independent reports.
Moyo reportedly went to the meeting and took his seat and was later on approached by VP Chiwenga who reportedly told him he was needed by the president in his office.
A source privy to the events that took place that say said:
He arrived in the meeting room at exactly 9am, shortly before the meeting commenced and took his usual seat. But about five minutes later, VP Chiwenga walked in, walked straight up to Moyo and informed him that the President was waiting for him in his office. So he left his papers on the desk and went out to the President’s office together with the Vice-President.
He returned to the meeting room alone about 20 or so minutes later, collected his papers and left without saying anything. I bet he was told that his presence was undesirable.
The President walked in shortly afterwards and the meeting proceeded as if everything was normal. He never said anything about the incident throughout the meeting
The source also opined that Moyo’s job is hanging by the thread:
As things stand, I don’t see him lasting long. He should not have come to the meeting in the first place. I don’t know why he couldn’t learn from the Prisca Mupfumira case.
The wisest thing for him to do right now is to resign and concentrate on the case, but our people do not have the culture of resigning. They would rather be fired.
Moyo was arrested a week ago on 3 counts of criminal abuse of office charges and is out on $50 000 bail.
The Chief Justice Luke Malaba has withdrawn the Dress Code Practice Direction 6 of 2020 which had been published citing it was published in error. Part of the regulation in the published dress code practice direction say female lawyers should not wear skirts with hems that are 3cms above the knee, Below is the full statement published by the Law Society:
RE: PRACTICE DIRECTION 6 OF 2020: DRESS CODE FOR LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
APPEARING IN THE MAGISTRATES COURT
Reference is made to the Practice Direction published today.
Please be advised that the Practice Direction was published in error. It is a draft which is still under consideration. We are aware that currently there are consultations with the Law Society of Zimbabwe. We will also be consulting with the Prosecutor General and the Attorney General.
The Chief Justice has directed that the Practice Direction be withdrawn
which we hereby do.
2/Replacing of a fixed exchange rate with an interbank market rate &then going back to a fixed exchange rate &a month later disbandment of the fixed exchange rate regime with an auction system points to tragic policy reversals & policy contradictions just within a few months.
4/Poor policy implementation as evinced by the TSP having annual inflation target of 5% &growth targets of 6.3%, 18.5% &19% in 2018,2019 and 2020,respectively being abandoned before expiry due to its dismal performance as inflation approaches 1000% with – economic growth rates!
6/ No amt of SIs, auction system or force will reverse the meltdown. It’s a scandal that just last year pple’s nostro accounts were converted into ZWL together with their cash bal &debts. In a yr,the same pple now have nosto accounts with zero bal in prep for payment ofsalaries
8/ We are at a tipping point of the Explosion.On the back of poor policies,we see the total demise of Zim dollar &full dollarization which has seen gvt ditching its own currency.
10/We note the bankruptcy amongst major companies as their cashflows are heading towards zero bal in face of full dollarization.Cos will struggle to build new cashflow in USD their efforts to raise USD thru the pricing in USD will not build cash balances as quickly as possible.
12/There is a liquidity crunch, coupled with food insecurity, high unemployment, high incapacitation across – people, workers, Government, businesses, etc and absence of external support, the economy is heading for total collapse.
14/ Going forward, as we alluded to in our independence speech, 40 is a sacred number – life begins at 40, the children of Israel took 40 years to cross into Canaan and Jesus Christ spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. Zimbabwe turned 40 this year!Hope is our portion!
15/ Let us prep for the new independence as we claim back all that was stolen and demand a a people’s government through citizens’ peaceful protests per section 59 of the constitution.People of Zimbabwe deserve a legitimate capable state. Change we demand! None but ourselves!
Thursday the 25th of June 2020 we successfully held a Stakeholders & Residents representatives meeting of Sunridge, Sentosa, Greencroft, Meyrick Park, Cotswold Hills and Haig Park. The agenda of the meeting was to find collective lasting solutions to the illegal developments currently taking place in various greenways, open spaces and wetlands.
Due to some technicalities a number of invited guests who include EMA, Government representative from Physical Planning department failed to turn up for the meeting.
Despite their absence a concept resolution was made so as to find lasting solutions to the illegal developments.
The following are some of the agreed positions from the meeting which is supposed to be presented to another meeting this coming week.
1. Compilation of all illegal developments & names of Land Barons through the Ward Development committee and the report should be presented to the Police & ZACC.
2. Petitions should be presented to various Council departments so that some decisions made can be rescinded according to the law.
3. Petition to speed up the process of coming up with the Mabelreign Local area plan which should guide all developments.
4. Petition to Government Physical Planning Department on all state land development so that it includes serious consultation of property owners around Greenways, open spaces and wetlands.
5. Petition to Harare West Member of Parliament Hon Joana Mamombe to be presented to Parliament so as to repeal certain by- laws that seeks to incorporate residents and property owners around any proposed development area.
Will advise you all on the next meeting after securing the confirmation of attendance from critical officers.
“I do not know how many we will be, maybe we will be 2, a hundred or thousands, starting July 7 and until the 10th of July, we will act. I do not know what we will be doing, but we will act. Maybe they will arrest us or send whoever to quell this but know that we are now fed up.”: Tsenengamu.
Heal Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Day in support of Victims of Torture. The day came into force on 12 December 1997, by resolution 52/149, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that 26 June to be the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the convention against Torture and Other cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
For Zimbabwe, the occasion for this year commemoration comes at a time when there has been slow pace in the implementation of a legislative framework that seeks to ensure that victims of torture get justice. Zimbabwe’s history is littered with episodes where torture has been used as a weapon to coerce and inflict pain on political opponents.
Some of these episodes include Gukurahundi and past elections particularly the 2002, 2005 and 2008.For Zimbabwe, the commemorations for this year come at a time when the country’s human rights record has come under intense scrutiny.MDC Alliance activists, Harare West Legislator,Honourable Joana Mamombe,MDC Vice Chairperson, Cecelia Chimbiri and Deputy Organizing Secretary Netsai Marova were abducted on 13 May 2020.According from testimonies produced in court, the three activists were tortured by alleged state agents.
The torture of these activists is not the only isolated case where torture was used on victims. In recent months, several activists including Citizens Manifesto coordinator, Tatenda Mombeyarara and the MDC Alliance Youth Chairperson Blessed Kanotunga are some of the people who were abducted and tortured.
Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlights that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. This important instrument underscores the need for states to uphold human rights by legislating policies and practices that ensure that fundamental human rights and freedoms are enjoyed by everyone.
Article 2 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment compels member states to take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction. The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights also prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Section 53 of the constitution dictates that “no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”
In light of the above, Heal Zimbabwe implores the government to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).Added to this, government must also implement previous undertakings and assurances given to the UN Human Rights Committee and to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which have still not been fulfilled. Adopting CAT and implementing its key provisions will go a long way in esnruing that the state complies with Section 53 of the constitution of Zimbabwe that prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment.CAT obliges states that are parties to the convention to do far more than merely having a brief general prohibition of torture in their constitution but to take all legislative,administrative,judicial and other measures to prevent acts of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment within their territories.
By A Correspondent: Former Zanu Pf stalwart Godfrey Tsenengamu has torn into Zanu Pf revealing that the party has been captured by a few elites who are not controlling the party and engaging in corrupt dealings prejudicing the nation of billions of dollars.
Said Tsenengamu:
“…….Billy Rautenbach is one of them… the Zanu Pf heavyweights are corrupt. The elites like Rautenbach, Tagwirei have captured the party. Zanu pf is bankrupt, the party has no viable businesses, they have all collapsed. These businessmen are the ones that bought the party its cars, they provide fuel for the party. Zanu Pf is captured.”
Cllr Kudzai Kadzombe responds to allegations saying she's joined @DMwonzora: "I am under the leadership of president @nelsonchamisa, and I am under still the banner of MDC Alliance and I will never deter. The struggle continues…" pic.twitter.com/6hsCxBcflQ
Human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa has run a petition signed by thousands of Zimbabweans demanding the immediate dismissal of Health and Child Care Minister, Obadiah Moyo.
The petition was handed over to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Speaker of Parliament and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson, has 17 899 signatures.
In their demands, Zimbabweans claim the minister has run down the country’s health sector during his turbulent tenure as head of the crucial portfolio and must be relieved of his duties immediately.
Recently, the under-fire cabinet minister was charged for criminal abuse of office after being implicated in a Covid-19 drug and kit procurement scandal.
Together with one Tafadzwa Sambiri, Mtetwa has taken the initiative to initiatie an online petition calling on Mnangagwa to sack his minister.
He described the former Chitungwiza hospital CEO’s term as an “unmitigated disaster”.
“Having been closely monitoring how Honourable Obadiah Moyo has failed to handle genuine grievances of health professionals across the board, we are concerned at the continued deterioration of the public health delivery system under the stewardship of Honourable Obadiah Moyo,” reads the petition in part.
Petitioners also accuse Moyo of failure to handle the current Covid-19 menace despite assuring Zimbabweans February this year the country was fully prepared for the pandemic.
Moyo is accused of failure to adequately prepare for the virus outbreak, “thus leading to erratic and uncoordinated interventions that have led to avoidable death and infections”.
The embattled government official is under fire for “dismal failure to adhere to laid down procurement procedures which have led to the exposure of health professionals across the board and to exposure to the virus by ordinary Zimbabweans”.
The state also strangely did not oppose his granting of bail when he appeared in court.
Our President Obert Masaraure has been arrested by the law and order section Harare central police for fighting for living wages for soldiers,@PoliceZimbabwe, Teachers and the rest of civil servants. He is being transferred to Masvingo . pic.twitter.com/5vUuaOwFJM
— Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe,ARTUZ (@ARTUZ_teachers) June 26, 2020
By A Correspondent- The ZimFirst Leader Maxwell Shumba has expressed concerns that Chinese national in Zimbabwe seem to be having more rights than the local nationals.
He made the remarks following reports that a Chinese employer shot two of his employees and injured them after they demanded their dues in forex.
“The video of a Chinese person shooting a Zimbabwean is very horrifying. This is what happens when we let corrupt people set the rules. The Chinese have more rights in our country because they bribe the ZANU PF Leaders,” Shumba said.
“Such brazen courage and the audacity to commit such a heinous crime in a foreign can only point to the complicity of the ZANU PF government in the demise of our moral standing, our rights and our very own existence in our own country.
We need to come together to fight for a Zimbabwe in which Zimbabweans make the rules and not Chinese. That Chinese man should face the full wrath of the law. If not, a ZimFirst will seek justice for the victims.”
By A Correspondent- South African police have launched a manhunt for a 25-year-old Zimbabwean man who escaped from a prison in Limpopo province on Wednesday morning.
Knowledge Lucky Mashava escaped from remand prison in the Hlanganani policing area close to Giyani.
He had been remanded in custody in the neighbouring country pending trial for nine cases that include murder, robberies and burglaries.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo yesterday said a manhunt for Mashava was underway.
“The suspect who is a Zimbabwean national was arrested for nine offences that he allegedly committed from June 2018 to February 2020 around Hlanganani, Giyani and Letsitele policing areas. The cases against him include murder, house and business robberies as well as burglaries at residential places,” he said.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the escapee used an unknown object to cut open a certain portion in the cell building”.
Brig Mojapelo said anyone with information that could assist police to locate the suspect should contact the nearest police station or Captain Marivate on 0027 82 468 8673 and the crime hotline on 002686 001 10111.
He also advised members of the public against attempting to apprehend Mashava since he is considered to be a dangerous man. The police spokesperson said they were also investigating circumstances surrounding Mashava’s escape from prison.
Jailbreaks, especially by those awaiting trial, are common in Limpopo Province.
Over 30 people among them Zimbabweans have escaped from remand prison in the last 12 months.
Norton legislator Mr Temba Mliswa was on Wednesday banned from Parliament for six sittings because of disorderly conduct in the Chamber.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, imposed the ban after Mr Mliswa disrupted the business of the House by repeatedly interjecting.
In banning Mr Mliswa, Adv Mudenda invoked, for the first time, the newly-approved measures in the Standing Orders, which were adopted by Parliament a fortnight ago, allowing a presiding officer to preclude a legislator from attending sittings for a prescribed period.
Adv Mudenda banned Mr Mliswa for defying a directive to restrain himself when he rose and started castigating Zanu PF legislators, whom he accused of interjecting while he was speaking. Mr Mliswa took the floor before Adv Mudenda allowed him to speak and defied repeated pleas to restrain himself.
Adv Mudenda’s warning that he risked being chucked out of the Chamber fell on deaf ears, as Mr Mliswa hit back saying he did not mind even if he was permanently expelled from Parliament. It was felt that while Mr Mliswa has a right to express his views, he should do so using parliamentary procedures and desisting from unparliamentary language. There was a heated exchange between Mr Mliswa and Adv Mudenda as the presiding officer implored the former to stick to procedures.
Adv Mudenda eventually directed that Mr Mliswa should leave the House and said he would not be allowed to attend Parliament for six successive sittings. Earlier, Adv Mudenda had reprimanded Mr Mliswa for conduct that was “grossly unparliamentary” following disorderly behaviour last week where, in a fit of rage, he charged at another legislator.
Adv Mudenda directed that Mr Mliswa should tender an apology and warned that if he repeated that, severe consequences would be imposed on him.
In response, Mr Mliswa apologised profusely, saying he would not do that again. Moments later, Mr Mliswa rose and began to interject and disrupted proceedings, resulting in Adv Mudenda ejecting him.
Yesterday, Mr Mliswa said he now has more time to spend in his constituency.
By A Correspondent- Senior Government officials are reportedly planning to seize productive white-owned farmers in Mashonaland West Province, The Zimbabwe Independent reports.
The fresh land seizures are reportedly led by Provincial Affairs minister Mary Mliswa and Temba Mliswa is said to be aware of the developments.
According to the publication, the government officials are eyeing Hunyani Farm, a 2 400ha estate located just outside Norton, which belongs to Peter Drummond and it has a contract with Delta Beverages and supplies 70 tonnes of chicken per month to retailers. The officials are also targeting Robert Davenport’s Stapleford Farm in Darwendale, Stapleford Farm reportedly produces export blueberries.
According to a source that spoke to the publication:
Although (Martin) Rushwaya has a farm in Mvuma, he has been looking to get a farm closer to Harare. He complains that the one he was allocated by government during the fast-track land reform programme is too far away from the capital city. He has identified Drummond’s farm and the process to allocate him 500ha there is already underway,
Actually, he knows how productive the farm is from the days when he was permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence. He used to buy chickens from there on behalf of the army and when he left, the supplier was owed substantial amounts of money, I think in the region of half a million of United States dollars or so.
The farmers are reportedly hoping the government will save them from losing their farms as evidenced by the meeting Drummond had with Mliswa who is reportedly not willing to budge:
Drummond insists that he gave up his 5000ha farm in Chegutu in 1990 after he sold it for half the price to government and was promised that his farm would not be downsized since he had already significantly contributed to the land reform programme. He has had meetings with the minister (Mliswa), who is, however, not willing to budge.
According to the publication, Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri has written to Drummond informing him that the government will downsize his farm to 500ha.
By Jane Mlambo| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader Obert Masaraure has been arrested and transferred to Masvingo in connection with 22 June salary protests.
On Wednesday, Masaraure posted on Facebook that he had been summoned to Harare Law and Order though he was not sure of the charge.
Today he went to the police in the company of his lawyers and was immediately arrested and taken to Masvingo where they claim the crime in question was committed.
According to ARTUZ, Masaraure’s arrested is in connection with salary protests held by the firebrand union last week
“President Masaraure is being transferred to Masvingo Central police station over the 22 June salary protests. On another note SG Robson Chere is being questioned at Harare central Law and order,” the union said.
By A Correspondent- Amos Moyo of Thuthukani village on the edge of Hwange National Park used an axe to finish off the marauding big cat that had been caught by a trap he had set in Vulamashava bush.
The trapped leopard attacked Moyo on Thursday last week when he went to check the trap, resulting in him sustaining serious injuries on both arms, head and face.
The leopard pounced on Moyo who used his hands to wrestle it after his axe had fallen down.
He later managed to reach for the axe and struck the leopard to death but almost lost his right eye.
Moyo asked his nephew Perfect Ndimande (20) to carry the carcass home where they skinned it with the help of Mr Tayi Moyo and Mr Gudu Justice Moyo.
Moyo and Ndimande were jointly charged with making, possessing or using Class Two traps and another of removing any animal or any part of an animal from any land or from one place to another on the land, when they appeared before Hwange magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje.
Moyo told the court that he decided to trap the big cat after it killed his goat.
“One of my goats was killed sometime in March and I saw some leopard spoors. I was frustrated when nothing was done after I reported to authorities,” said Moyo.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. He was also ordered to pay ZimParks US$20 000 being the value of the leopard.
The magistrate said she had taken into account Moyo’s advanced age and that he almost lost his life, which was enough punishment.
Ndimande was fined $1 200 or alternatively four months in jail if he fails to pay the fine by July 31 and in addition, he was sentenced to a further two months in prison which were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
Ms Gakanje said she considered that Ndimande did not participate in setting the trap while Tayi and Gudu were not charged because they only assisted in skinning the animal.
The carcass, skin and trap were forfeited to the state.
Prosecuting, Ms Jamesina Makanza said Moyo committed the crime between Thursday last week and Sunday.
“During the period between 18 and 21 June Moyo set a Class Two spring jaw trap in Vulamashava bush and caught the leopard. He found the trapped leopard alive and it attacked him before he killed it.
Investigations by ZimParks rangers who were on patrol led to Moyo’s homestead where they found the leopard carcass hanging from a tree and the skin spread on the ground to dry. Moyo and Ndimande were then arrested. — The Chronicle
By A Correspondent- ARV shortages have hit Zimbabwe which might affect people living with HIV on the second regimen of the antiretroviral therapy as they might have to change one of their drugs after it was announced that there was a shortage of the drug.
This was revealed in a statement by the information ministry’s acting permanent secretary Dr Gibson Mhlanga who said:
This circular serve to notify you that we are experiencing a national shortage of Atazanavir/ritonavir due to reduced global production and delayed shipments from suppliers as a result of the global Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The ministry and its partners are working tirelessly to address this shortage. In the meantime, the ministry advices that patients on Atazanavir/ritonavir be given up to one month of supplies until the situation improves.
In the same statement, Dr Mhlanga gave a temporary solution to the problem if it persists and it cant be addressed on time and said:
If Atazanavir/ritonavir 300mg/100mg is no longer available, in consultation with the district pharmacy manager, it will be temporarily substituted with DTG 50mg until it is available. Please note the Lopinavir/ritonavir is not a viable substitute for Atazanavir/ritonavir as there are no sufficient quantities in the country to cover the gap.
An Alledged poster of Douglas Mwonzora campaigning for MDC-T presidency which he disputed.
Below are brief responses by Sen Douglas Mwonzora which he made a day after Dr Thokozani Khupe’s bodyguard was assaulted. Two of Dr Khupe’s security aides were on Wednesday morning briefly blocked from entering the grouping’s meeting at Harvest (MRT) House, and the most senior, Kudzanai Mashumba, was violently knocked down by a certain Mwonzora aide, known as Bernard. This was as Mwonzora was hailed as party President and the attacker announced saying they were acting on his (Mwonzora’s) orders.
Senator Douglas Mwonzora (DM) spoke to ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza (SC).
SC: Hon Mwonzora, Dr Khupe’s aides Kudzanai Mashumba and George Rice complain saying your aides assaulted them at Harvest House before the press conference today, and barred them from entering Harvest House. Are you a violent man as they allege?
DM: I am not a violent man. I have not touched anyone have I? This is the problem I have with your kind of journalism Simba.
SC: Evening Hon Mwonzora. Thank you for the response, why are you not addressing the injured man, Dr Khupe’s bodyguard who has complained directly to you since the Harvest House incident yesterday?
As you can see I have battled reaching you for more than a day to date.
DM: We can talk tomorrow. But this issue is being dealt with by the security department of the party. I am not sure what exactly happened but I had absolutely nothing to do with it. We will get a report of what happened from our director of security.
DM: No he has not reached out to me. This matter is being dealt with by the department. I don’t think he is Dr Khupe’s bodyguard Simba.
SC: But he has been on your party forums complaining about this. Senator Morgen Komichi, Shakespear Mukoyi are among many witnesses to this. You tell me you’ve not seen him body-guarding Dr Thokozani Khupe for weeks to date, even as far back as in Buhera where you were all at?
Mwonzora with the assaulted Khupe aide, Kudzanai Mashumba
DM: It is you who is telling me that there are witnesses. I don’t know that. What I know is that the department of security is dealing with this issue. I can’t preempt its findings.
I have not seen the report at all.
SC: You said he has rushed to the media. I present it to you that he has been to the party as early as mid day yesterday soon after the incident had happened.
DM: That is not the impression I got.
SC: You being ascribed the title President Mwonzora, does that not worsen relations between you and Dr Khupe?
DM: I have not heard anybody calling me by that title.
SC: But that is how you were titled on Wednesday, and as narrated by Dr Khupe’s bodyguard, witnessed by Sen Morgen Komichi and Shakespear Mukoyi. Hearing such a title ascribed to you, how do you think your boss, Khupe feels? Does that not make your blood boil?
DM: I was not there when the incident you are talking about happened. For most of the day I was in a meeting of the Standing Committee where Sen Komichi sits as well. If Sen Komichi saw the incident then he will deal with it accordingly. I am not the President of MDC. I am the Secretary General.
Human rights lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa has run a petition signed by thousands of Zimbabweans demanding the immediate dismissal of Health and Child Care Minister, Obadiah Moyo.
The petition was handed over to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Speaker of Parliament and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson, has 17 899 signatures.
In their demands, Zimbabweans claim the minister has run down the country’s health sector during his turbulent tenure as head of the crucial portfolio and must be relieved of his duties immediately.
Recently, the under-fire cabinet minister was charged for criminal abuse of office after being implicated in a Covid-19 drug and kit procurement scandal.
Together with one Tafadzwa Sambiri, Mtetwa has taken the initiative to initiatie an online petition calling on Mnangagwa to sack his minister.
He described the former Chitungwiza hospital CEO’s term as an “unmitigated disaster”.
“Having been closely monitoring how Honourable Obadiah Moyo has failed to handle genuine grievances of health professionals across the board, we are concerned at the continued deterioration of the public health delivery system under the stewardship of Honourable Obadiah Moyo,” reads the petition in part.
Petitioners also accuse Moyo of failure to handle the current Covid-19 menace despite assuring Zimbabweans February this year the country was fully prepared for the pandemic.
Moyo is accused of failure to adequately prepare for the virus outbreak, “thus leading to erratic and uncoordinated interventions that have led to avoidable death and infections”.
The embattled government official is under fire for “dismal failure to adhere to laid down procurement procedures which have led to the exposure of health professionals across the board and to exposure to the virus by ordinary Zimbabweans”.
The state also strangely did not oppose his granting of bail when he appeared in court.
Another Covid-19 record was broken on Thursday, as 6,580 new cases of the respiratory illness were reported in the past 24 hours.
This shattered the previous day’s high of 5,688 cases. It means that there are now 118,375 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in SA.
It is also the first time that more than 40,000 tests were done in a single 24-hour period.
The health ministry also announced 87 Covid-19 related deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 2,292.
Of the deaths, 53 were in the Western Cape, 17 from the Eastern Cape, 15 from KwaZulu-Natal and two from Gauteng.
There were also a record number of recoveries (59,974) which means that more than half of those who contracted the illness in SA had since recovered.
The Western Cape continues to have the significantly highest number of cases (56,780), followed by Gauteng (28,746), the Eastern Cape (20,487) and KwaZulu-Natal (6,590).
The number of cases in the North West also continued its rapid climb, reaching 2,965 cases by Thursday.
The figures were based on a national total of 1,460,012 tests, of which 43,118 were done in the past 24 hours.
South African Police in Hlanganani outside Giyani, Limpopo, have launched a manhunt for a 25 year old awaiting trial prisoner, Knowledge Lucky Mashava, who escaped from the police holding cells at Hlanganani on Wednesday morning, 24 June, at 05:45.
According to the police, the escapee who is a Zimbabwean national, was arrested for nine offences that he allegedly committed from June 2018 to February 2020 around Hlanganani, Giyani and Letsitele areas.
“The cases against him include murder, house and business robberies as well as burglaries at residential places. Preliminary investigations revealed that the escapee used an unknown object to cut open a certain portion in the cell building,” explained the Limpopo provincial police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
He said members of the community are advised not to try and arrest the suspect as he is considered dangerous, but should instead provide any valuable information to the police.
He said the criminal aspect of this escape and an internal probe into the whole circumstances surrounding the incident have already begun.
“Anyone with information that can assist the Police in rearresting this suspect is requested to contact Captain Hlanganani Walter Marivate on 082 468 8673 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station,” he concluded.
Small scale miners have accused Fidelity Printers & Refiners of manipulating gold prices by paying a fixed US$45,000 per kg below those prevailing on the world markets amid fears this will strengthen smuggling cartels.
Gold fetches over US$50,000 per kg on the world markets.
The development comes at a time when the gold deliveries are down 14% to 9.19 tonnes in the first five months of the year from 10.78 tonnes during the same period last year.
Gold Miners Association of Zimbabwe chief executive Irvine Chinyenze told Business Times that there is still a long way to go before sanity prevails as there are various inconsistencies in the mining policies despite the central bank reviewing the forex retention threshold for the sector.
“We commend the central bank for reviewing the forex retention threshold but we remained subdued in the yellow metal sector as Fidelity is buying gold at US$45,000 per kg which is way below world prices which is around US$50, 000,” he said.
“Why control gold prices when they are sold at a world market where the market determines the price, leakages will continue to be there if the sole buyer continues with this monopoly?”
Fidelity Printers & Refiners general manager Fradreck Kunaka said the US$45 000 per kg was a starting point as it will be reviewed according to events on the world market.
“We have pegged the gold price at US$45 000 per kg to stabilise the sector as there were a lot of uncertainties in the market. We will certainly review to reach the world market prices after firstly bringing stability. We have not said that is the end but it was a starting point,” Kunaka said.
The yellow metal is now the highest forex earner and contributes 38% of the country’s total earnings and more than 60% to the mining sector which is the highest forex earning sector in the country.
In January export earnings were US$98m in January 2020 from US$70.4m, while in February export earnings were US$56.1m from US$77.8m.
In March 2020, yellow metal export receipts were US$71.9m from US$88m in March last year and during April 2020 gold exports were down to US$63.4m from US$76.4m.
While in May 2020, exports were up to US$120m from US$85.8m last year. Cumulative gold deliveries fell 16% to 27.6 tonnes in 2019 from 33.2 tonnes in 2018 due to suspected smuggling and hostile mining policies.
Last year gold export receipts, slumped 28 percent to US$946m in 2019 from US$1,33bn in 2018, leaving the country with no alternatives for foreign currency as the second highest forex earner tobacco also tumbled 7% to US$846.7m from US$907.8m due to prolonged droughts and unfavourable payment policies.
Experts said the underperforming of the small scale was due to unfavourable policies.
Zimbabwe is targeting 100 tonnes of gold per year by 2023, a figure which is expected to help the sector to earn US$12bn yearly and only if forex retention threshold, fundamentals and funding issues are addressed.
Gold is expected to lead the charge with US$4bn.
The central bank recently reviewed foreign retention to 70% from 55% to woo miners to sell gold to the formal sector.
The move has resulted in the improvement of gold deliveries to above 2 tonnes in May from 1.46 tonnes in April.
Chinyeze said machete-wielding gangs have continued on sporadic raids in the gold-rich areas and some small scale miners have since stopped mining.
He said forex, fuel and electricity challenges have not deserted the sector as they remain hindrances to reach desirable output levels adding that Covid-19 has restricted movement of small scale miners.
The gold sector has been faced with bottlenecks which have fuelled smuggling amid claims by Finance minister Mthuli Ncube that over 34 tonnes of the yellow metal were allegedly smuggled to South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s gold export earnings soared 3% to reach US$409.7m during the first five months of 2020 from US$398.6m earned during January to May period in 2019 due to review of foreign currency retention and massive drought which allowed miners to mine in January.
Forex-starved Zimbabwe is banking on gold and tobacco to turn around a forex starved economy.
Zimbabwe’s gold exports were up in January and May with the rest of months down during February, March, and April due to lockdown restrictions that limited artisanal miners to operate.
Government has increased fuel allocations to gold miners from last year but the lockdown and the effects of coronavirus have thwarted miners to get useful consumables from China.
Below are brief responses by Sen Douglas Mwonzora which he made a day after Dr Thokozani Khupe’s bodyguard was assaulted. Two of Dr Khupe’s security aides were on Wednesday morning briefly blocked from entering the grouping’s meeting at Harvest (MRT) House, and the most senior, Kudzanai Mashumba, was violently knocked down by a certain Mwonzora aide, known as Bernard. This was as Mwonzora was hailed as party President and the attacker announced saying they were acting on his (Mwonzora’s) orders.
Senator Douglas Mwonzora (DM) spoke to ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza (SC).
SC: Hon Mwonzora, Dr Khupe’s aides Kudzanai Mashumba and George Rice complain saying your aides assaulted them at Harvest House before the press conference today, and barred them from entering Harvest House. Are you a violent man as they allege?
DM: I am not a violent man. I have not touched anyone have I? This is the problem I have with your kind of journalism Simba.
SC: Evening Hon Mwonzora. Thank you for the response, why are you not addressing the injured man, Dr Khupe’s bodyguard who has complained directly to you since the Harvest House incident yesterday?
As you can see I have battled reaching you for more than a day to date.
https://youtu.be/xLDefLNvPJw
DM: We can talk tomorrow. But this issue is being dealt with by the security department of the party. I am not sure what exactly happened but I had absolutely nothing to do with it. We will get a report of what happened from our director of security.
DM: No he has not reached out to me. This matter is being dealt with by the department. I don’t think he is Dr Khupe’s bodyguard Simba.
SC: But he has been on your party forums complaining about this. Senator Morgen Komichi, Shakespear Mukoyi are among many witnesses to this. You tell me you’ve not seen him body-guarding Dr Thokozani Khupe for weeks to date, even as far back as in Buhera where you were all at?
Mwonzora with the assaulted Khupe aide, Kudzanai Mashumba
DM: It is you who is telling me that there are witnesses. I don’t know that. What I know is that the department of security is dealing with this issue. I can’t preempt its findings.
I have not seen the report at all.
SC: You said he has rushed to the media. I present it to you that he has been to the party as early as mid day yesterday soon after the incident had happened.
DM: That is not the impression I got.
SC: You being ascribed the title President Mwonzora, does that not worsen relations between you and Dr Khupe?
DM: I have not heard anybody calling me by that title.
SC: But that is how you were titled on Wednesday, and as narrated by Dr Khupe’s bodyguard, witnessed by Sen Morgen Komichi and Shakespear Mukoyi. Hearing such a title ascribed to you, how do you think your boss, Khupe feels? Does that not make your blood boil?
DM: I was not there when the incident you are talking about happened. For most of the day I was in a meeting of the Standing Committee where Sen Komichi sits as well. If Sen Komichi saw the incident then he will deal with it accordingly. I am not the President of MDC. I am the Secretary General.
ZANU PF has resolved that disciplinary proceedings that were instituted against Harare’s Zone 2 District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairperson Godwin Gomwe be withdrawn.
This comes after Harare provincial interim chairperson Oliver Chidawu issued a prohibition order against Gomwe on the 28 May for indiscipline pending a determination by the ruling party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).
In an interview, Zanu PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda confirmed the development, saying the decision to suspend Gomwe from his position was reversed at an extraordinary meeting held at the party’s provincial offices on 18th June.
C
Matemadanda said the prohibition order was reversed by the party.
“Cde Gomwe will be carrying his duties as the Zone 2 DCC chairman as expected. The prohibition order was reversed forthwith,” said Matemadanda.
Chidawu signed the notice of withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings instituted against Gomwe.
“At an extraordinary meeting of the Provincial Coordinating Committee held at the party offices in Harare metropolitan provincial offices on Thursday, the 18th of June 2020. The meeting which was attended by National Secretary for Commissaria Victor Matemadanda accompanied by the party’s senior party member Webster Shamu.
“It was unanimously resolved that the disciplinary proceedings that were instituted against you should be withdrawn forthwith.
“The decision means that the prohibition rder that was issued against you is hereby withdrawn and that you should resume performance of your functions and responsibilities as the DCC 2 chairman with immediate effect,” reads the reversal letter authored by Cde Chidawu.
Chidawu further stated that Matemadanda emphasised on the need for members, particularly those in leadership positions to observe the provisions of the party’s constitution and exercise the highest level of discipline at all times.
Matemadanda urged party members to conduct themselves honestly and honourably and avoid engaging in negative activities that bring the revolutionary party’s name into disrepute and ridicule.
Zimbabweans believe that parliament will for the next six sittings be very lousy following the suspension of firebrand Norton legislator (independent), Temba Mliswa.
In a poll conducted on ZimEye.com, 43% of the readers believe that Mliswa is a necessary factor in the August house.
He was on Wednesday banned from six Parliamentary sittings. The ban was imposed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda who cited disorderly conduct in the Chamber.
The ban was imposed following Mliswa’s repeated interjections which in turn disrupted the business of the House.
Earlier on, Adv Mudenda had reprimanded Mr Mliswa for disorderly conduct that he did last week where, in a fit of rage, he charged at another legislator, not for the first time.
This is the first time advocate Mudenda has invoked the newly approved measures in the Standing Orders which were adopted by Parliament a fortnight ago allowing a presiding officer to prevent a legislator from attending sittings for a prescribed period.
When the Standing Orders were adopted, some analysts said they were meant to clip members of opposition parties in the country, particularly MDC Alliance who have been “disrespecting” President Mnangagwa by boycotting sessions he attended or walking out or singing as he steps into the chamber.
Below is the result of the poll.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has imposed a ban for six sittings from Parliament against Norton MP, Mr Temba Mliswa for disorderly conduct in the Chamber.
EMBATTLED Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo, who is on ZW$50 000 bail for alleged criminal abuse of office, was blocked from attending Tuesday’s cabinet meeting by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Amid calls for him to resign over the serious allegations of criminal abuse of office, it was business as usual for Moyo, who reported for work this week after being granted bail at the weekend.
This comes as prominent lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa wrote to Mnangagwa asking for point people to be appointed to receive a petition signed by 17 899 Zimbabweans calling for the immediate dismissal of the Health minister.
Moyo’s job is hanging by a thread after he was arrested last week for his dealings with Drax International LLC and Drax Consult SAHLG, companies which the state alleges were illegally awarded contracts by the Health ministry without following legally specified tender procedures.
The deals, for which Drax representative Delish Nguwaya has also been arrested, are for the supply of US$60 million worth of medical equipment and drugs to government, via the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm).
Zimbabwe Independent’s high-level sources said Moyo arrived before the cabinet meeting at 9am and took his seat among other ministers at the meeting held at State House. Mnangagwa was in his office at the time.
About five minutes after Moyo had taken his seat, official sources said, Moyo was approached by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who informed him that he was wanted by Mnangagwa in his office.
“He arrived in the meeting room at exactly 9am, shortly before the meeting commenced and took his usual seat. But about five minutes later, VP Chiwenga walked in, walked straight up to Moyo and informed him that the President was waiting for him in his office. So he left his papers on the desk and went out to the President’s office together with the Vice-President,” an official source said. “He returned to the meeting room alone about 20 or so minutes later, collected his papers and left without saying anything. I bet he was told that his presence was undesirable. The President walked in shortly afterwards and the meeting proceeded as if everything was normal. He never said anything about the incident throughout the meeting.”
Another senior government official said: “As things stand, I don’t see him lasting long. He should not have come to the meeting in the first place. I don’t know why he couldn’t learn from the Prisca Mupfumira case. The wisest thing for him to do right now is to resign and concentrate on the case, but our people do not have the culture of resigning. They would rather be fired.”
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Dangers of being led by psychopaths Although Moyo has not been sacked, he is the second minister — during the Mnangagwa presidency — to face corruption allegations after former Environment and Tourism minister Prisca Mupfumira was arrested in July last year.
Mupfumira, also out on bail, is being accused of siphoning millions of United States dollars from the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) during the time she was in charge of the portfolio as Minister of Labour and Social Welfare.
In October last year, just after she was granted bail, Mupfumira turned up at a Zanu PF politburo meeting but was ejected shortly before it started.
In the letter dated June 23 addressed to the President’s Office, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) Loice Matanda-Moyo and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, Mtetwa said she has been asked to co-ordinate the handing over of the petition.
“As will be clear from a reading of the petition, the citizens are calling for the immediate dismissal of Obadiah Moyo from his position as Minister of Health and Child Care given the deterioration of the public health delivery system under his tenure,” the letter reads.
The petition was handed over to parliament and Zacc yesterday, and Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza will receive today on behalf of the President.
File picture of Zimbabwean Lawyers holding a demonstration against interference with their work
Chief Justice Luke Malaba has banned tight-fitting, body-hugging and colourful attire for legal practitioners appearing before the Magistrates Courts.
For female lawyers, skirts must at least be knee length or not more than three centimetres above the knee.
Eyebrow rings and nose rings are not permissible in court appearances.
CJ Malaba said lawyers who fail to comply with the practice directive shall not have an audience before the court and the presiding magistrate may refuse to hear the legal practitioner until his/her attire meets the new requirements.
According to Practice Direction 6 of 2020 (dress code for legal practitioners appearing in the Magistrates Courts) there is a need to uphold decorum and protect the dignity of all courts by the legal practitioners.
The legal practitioners, CJ Malaba said, must demonstrate good judgement and professional taste in their court attire.
He said the Practice Direction takes effect from July 1. “Recognising the need to uphold decorum and protecting the dignity of all courts, counsel are expected to demonstrate good judgment and professional taste in their court attire. In this regard, legal practitioners are required to ensure that their attire is appropriate and in accordance with this practice direction whenever they appear in the Magistrates Courts,” he said.
CJ Malaba said for every court appearance, lawyers are required to dress formally.
“Only the following colours shall be appropriate and permissible, suit colours shall be black, navy blue or dark grey. These colours shall be solid or lightly striped. Inner shirts must be white, navy blue or dark grey.
At all appearances except open court, male counsel shall wear neckties. The ties must not contain distractingly bright colours,” he said.
For female lawyers, the Chief Justice said the dress code includes pants and skirt suits as well as full-sleeved dresses appropriate for formal business attire.
“When inner shirts, blouses or body tops are worn, these must be of acceptable colours which shall be solid or lightly striped. Blouses must be closed at the neck.
“Skirts must at least be knee length or not more than three centimetres above the knee. Tight fitting and body-hugging attire is not permissible. Shoes worn by all counsel must be black, dark grey or brown and closed. For female counsel, sling back shoes with closed fronts may be worn. Open toe or peep-toe shoes and sandals are not allowed,” he said.
CJ Malaba said unobtrusive jewellery and other accessories may be worn.
“Jewellery that is extravagant or excessive should be avoided. Eyebrow rings and nose rings are not permissible in court appearances. Where hosiery is worn, it must be plain. Fish net or other patterned hosiery is not permissible,” he said.
CJ Malaba said counsel appearing in open court are expected to be fully robed in gowns and jabots.
When fully robed, counsel must wear appropriate attire under their gowns.
“Shirts must be plain white, collared and buttoned. Counsel must ensure that at all times gowns are properly fitted and not hanging loosely off the shoulder. Counsel are not permitted to robe and disrobe in the courtroom while the court is in session,” he said.
ZIMBABWEANS living with HIV and on the Second regimen of the antiretroviral may be forced to default or change one of their drugs following an announcement that there is a nationwide shortage of second line medication.
The drug will be temporarily replaced by Dolutegravir (DTG) 50g as the optional drug Lopinvir/ritonavir is also in short supply due to Covid-19 which has affected production and shipment of medicines.
In 2016 the Ministry of Health and Child Care launched the new ART national guidelines which recommended the use of Atazanavir/ritonavir 300mg/100mg to adolescents and adults on second line ART.
Zimbabwe has about 1,3 million people living with HIV and approximately 88 percent of those are on antiretrovirals.
Experts say one known cause of HIV drug resistance is lack of adherence to prescribed drugs.
The country has not been spared by HIV drug resistance with a World Health Organisation (WHO) HIV Drug Resistance Report listing the country among the top six countries out of 11 that are affected from Africa.
An HIV drug regimen has three lines.
The first is taken by most patients, especially those who seek treatment early after infection while the second is more expensive, more toxic with more side-effects and is given to people who are resistant to the first.
The third line is the most expensive and most toxic.
In a statement, acting permanent secretary Dr Gibson Mhlanga said the shortage is due to reduced global production caused by Covid-19.
“This circular serve to notify you that we are experiencing a national shortage of Atazanavir/ritonavir due to reduced global production and delayed shipments from suppliers as a result of the global Covid-19 lockdown restrictions,” said Dr Mhlanga.
“The ministry and its partners are working tirelessly to address this shortage. In the meantime, the ministry advices that patients on Atazanavir/ritonavir be given up to one month of supplies until the situation improves.”
Normally clients are given a three months’ supply of their medication, a recommended practice during Covid-19 lockdown where people are advised to practice social distancing.
District and provincial pharmacy managers were urged to actively support stock management.
Dr Mhlanga called for active redistribution of stocks within the district or province to ensure equitable distribution of available drugs.
“If Atazanavir/ritonavir 300mg/100mg is no longer available, in consultation with the district pharmacy manager, it will be temporarily substituted with DTG 50mg until it is available. Please note the Lopinavir/ritonavir is not a viable substitute for Atazanavir/ritonavir as there are no sufficient quantities in the country to cover the gap,” he said.
Dr Mhlanga emphasised that no patient should stop treatment saying the ministry will provide updates on availability of Atazanavir/ritonavir as the situation evolves
Ms Talent Jumbo the president of Zimbabwe Aids Network said it was a worrying trend as this is not the first-time people have been affected.
“It is a cause for concern because this is not the first-time people on second line have been affected and it is a sign that we are not prepared. Yes, we understand that Covid-19 has affected the supply chain but the Government must treat this as a matter of urgency,” said Ms Jumbo.
She said such erratic supplies were going to lead to weakened immune systems.
“They are also developing stress besides the physical effects and this may end up affecting their mental health. This matter must be treated with the urgency it deserves,” said Ms Jumbo.
THE ruling party in Malawi has warned it will reject the outcome of a court-ordered election rerun as unofficial results showed the opposition taking a commanding lead.
Lazarus Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party, which is competing in the ballot with Vice President Saulos Chilima’s United Transformation Party, garnered 2.4 million votes, compared with 1.6 million for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, according to numbers compiled by the Blantyre-based Times Radio and other broadcasters.
President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party will not accept the result because their monitors were assaulted and some even abducted, spokesman Nicholas Dausi told reporters.
Atupele Muluzi, Mutharika’s running mate and leader of the United Democratic Front, said the unofficial result was “illegitimate” according to a post on his Facebook account.
“If Chakwera had won the election fair and square I would have congratulated him, but unfortunately that is not the case,” he wrote. “I will not accept the outcome.”
Vote counting is complete and results are being sent to the main tally center in Blantyre, the commercial capital. The Malawi Electoral Commission will release the official result only after resolving all issues raised by parties, Chairman Chifundo Kachale told reporters.
Wednesday’s vote was held after Malawi’s Supreme Court of Appeal, the top judicial authority, last month upheld the Constitutional Court’s scrapping of a chaotic May 2019 vote that handed Mutharika a second five-year term.
It also ordered that the successful candidate must win an outright majority rather than the most votes as in the past.
Below are brief responses by Sen Douglas Mwonzora which he made a day after Dr Thokozani Khupe’s bodyguard was assaulted. Two of Dr Khupe’s security aides were on Wednesday morning briefly blocked from entering the grouping’s meeting at Harvest (MRT) House, and the most senior, Kudzanai Mashumba, was violently knocked down by a certain Mwonzora aide, known as Bernard. This was as Mwonzora was hailed as party President and the attacker announced saying they were acting on his (Mwonzora’s) orders.
Senator Douglas Mwonzora (DM) spoke to ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza (SC).
SC: Hon Mwonzora, Dr Khupe’s aides Kudzanai Mashumba and George Rice complain saying your aides assaulted them at Harvest House before the press conference today, and barred them from entering Harvest House. Are you a violent man as they allege?
DM: I am not a violent man. I have not touched anyone have I? This is the problem I have with your kind of journalism Simba.
SC: Evening Hon Mwonzora. Thank you for the response, why are you not addressing the injured man, Dr Khupe’s bodyguard who has complained directly to you since the Harvest House incident yesterday?
As you can see I have battled reaching you for more than a day to date.
https://youtu.be/xLDefLNvPJw
THE FIRST INTERVIEW AFTER THE INCIDENT OF VIOLENCE
DM: We can talk tomorrow. But this issue is being dealt with by the security department of the party. I am not sure what exactly happened but I had absolutely nothing to do with it. We will get a report of what happened from our director of security.
DM: No he has not reached out to me. This matter is being dealt with by the department. I don’t think he is Dr Khupe’s bodyguard Simba.
SC: But he has been on your party forums complaining about this. Senator Morgen Komichi, Shakespear Mukoyi are among many witnesses to this. You tell me you’ve not seen him body-guarding Dr Thokozani Khupe for weeks to date, even as far back as in Buhera where you were all at?
Mwonzora with the assaulted Khupe aide, Kudzanai Mashumba
DM: It is you who is telling me that there are witnesses. I don’t know that. What I know is that the department of security is dealing with this issue. I can’t preempt its findings.
I have not seen the report at all.
SC: You said he has rushed to the media. I present it to you that he has been to the party as early as mid day yesterday (Wednesday) soon after the incident had happened.
DM: That is not the impression I got.
SC: You being ascribed the title President Mwonzora, does that not worsen relations between you and Dr Khupe?
DM: I have not heard anybody calling me by that title.
SC: But that is how you were titled on Wednesday, and as narrated by Dr Khupe’s bodyguard, witnessed by Sen Morgen Komichi and Shakespear Mukoyi. Hearing such a title ascribed to you, how do you think your boss, Khupe feels? Does that not make your blood boil?
DM: I was not there when the incident you are talking about happened. For most of the day I was in a meeting of the Standing Committee where Sen Komichi sits as well. If Sen Komichi saw the incident then he will deal with it accordingly. I am not the President of MDC. I am the Secretary General.
The wife & 6 month old baby of MDC Alliance Councillor, Denford Ngadziore, as well as Allan Moyo & Snaga Lameck were kidnapped from Ngadziore's home in Mabelreign by suspected state agents driving a vehicle with no number plates. They were beaten and dumped in Dzivarasekwa. https://t.co/yfwUeVYQWxpic.twitter.com/gqvOMr0NiT
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner General Paradzai Zimondi is on Monday next week expected to testify against three former top prison officers at Chikurubi Maximum Prison, who are facing charges of receiving $10 500 from a chicken project without telling their superiors.
Comm-Gen Zimondi is expected to testify against former Chikurubi Maximum Prison officer-in-charge Nobert Chomurenga and his then juniors, Cephas Chiparausha and Tonderai Mutiwaringa, who are being charged with fraud.
The trio, who are being represented by Oscar Gasva, denied the charges.
Harare magistrate Mr Amos Mbobo yesterday ordered the State to make sure that the witnesses, including Comm-Gen Zimondi, were available on the trial date since the matter had taken a long time to be finalised.
The prosecutor, Mr Ephraim Zinyandu, made an undertaking to ensure that the witnesses will be available on the day.
Allegations are that on September 25, 2017, Chomurenga and Chiparausha, who were acting in connivance with Mutiwaringa, entered into a memorandum of understanding with Humanity Earth Trust, which has links with jailed rapist Munyaradzi Kereke, in their personal capacities. It is alleged that from September 25, 2017 to August 2018, Humanity Earth Trust provided a total of 3 000 birds, feed, medicines and other sanitary requirements for the chicken-rearing project.
Further allegations are that the trio, as part of the agreement, provided space and labour in the form of prisoners, but for their personal gain.
More in Home Re-engagement paying off . . . US$51m tractor facility launched Re-engagement paying off . . . US$51m tractor … Church leaders praise First Lady Church leaders praise First Lady Cash transfers to replace roller meal subsidy Cash transfers to replace roller meal subsidy More fuel delivered to service stations More fuel delivered to service stations Schools disinfection programme launched Schools disinfection programme launched When the chickens were being sold, the customers paid money into Chiparausha’s EcoCash account and he received a total of $8 282.
In their defence, Chomurenga, Chiparausha and Mutiwaringa told the court that all their actions were with Comm-Gen Zimondi’s blessings.
In December 2017, Mutiwaringa, who took over as officer-in-charge after the promotion and transfer of Chomurenga, received $2 252 from Chiparausha through his EcoCash account as proceeds of the project.
In their defence, Chomurenga, Chiparausha and Mutiwaringa told the court that all their actions were with Comm-Gen Zimondi’s blessings.
“The Commissioner General was fully briefed and was aware of the poultry project between Chikurubi Maximum Prison and Humanity Earth Trust,” they said in their defence.
“He was personally aware of the project as he visited and inspected the project when he toured Chikurubi Maximum Prison on several occasions when accused 1 (Chomurenga) was officer-in-charge and officer commanding Harare Metropolitan Province.
“The poultry project was a brainchild of the Commissioner General and Humanity Earth Africa Trust and through Munyaradzi Kereke, as Kereke assisted Zimbabwe Prisons Service Commission with various projects.”
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) on Thursday said it will revert back to reviewing prices of fuel on a weekly basis in line with movements in the exchange rate which will now be determined through foreign currency auctions to be conducted every week. Zera had abandoned the weekly reviews after the exchange rate between the Zimbabwe and the US dollars were pegged at 1:25.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Tuesday introduced the foreign currency auction system to determine the exchange rate.
When the auction system kicked off on Tuesday, the local currency traded at 1:57.36 against the US dollar, and immediately triggered a 150 percent increase in fuel prices.
Petrol now costs $71.62 while diesel now sells for $62.77, up from $28.96 and $24.93 respectively. ZERA acting chief executive officer, Eddington Mazambani told Parliament Zimbabweans should prepare for weekly fuel price reviews.
“We have had an exchange rate used for fuel different from the one prevailing in the market, but if the auction exchange rate is the one, which is going to be used to procure fuel, yes we are going to change fuel prices on a weekly basis,” he said.
“We have already done an amendment to the Statutory Instrument which established the pricing of fuel on a monthly basis to move back to weekly, which we used to do before.”
Asked why the country continued to enforce mandatory blending, when its use was pushing the cost of fuel up, Mazambani said the authority was engaging ethanol companies to come up with a new cost structure.
“The benefits of blending are beyond just looking at the cost, there are environmental issues which we have to look into as well,” he said.
“On the issue of the ethanol price, we did an exercise in 2013 or 2014, and we did a report on the costing.
More in Home Re-engagement paying off . . . US$51m tractor facility launched Re-engagement paying off . . . US$51m tractor … Church leaders praise First Lady Church leaders praise First Lady Cash transfers to replace roller meal subsidy Cash transfers to replace roller meal subsidy More fuel delivered to service stations More fuel delivered to service stations Schools disinfection programme launched Schools disinfection programme launched At that time they (ethanol producers) were not producing a lot so the overhead cost structure was a bit on the high side so currently we are engaging with the producers.
“We do not only get our ethanol from Green Fuel. There is a joint venture company between the National Oil and Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe and Triangle called the Ethanol Fuel Company of Zimbabwe. We are engaging them for them to submit their cost structure.
‘‘We want to interrogate their cost structure so that we can establish the true cost of producing ethanol.”
Government has dismissed allegations that it was turning a blind eye to the abuse of workers by foreign companies and businesspeople, saying the country’s labour laws apply to everyone regardless of nationality or race.
Responding to media queries on what action the Government would prefer against a Chinese businessman who allegedly shot and injured two of his employees in the Midlands following a labour dispute early this week, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said the matter will be handled by the country’s justice system just like any other criminal case.
Minister Mutsvangwa said labour abuse was not peculiar to Zimbabwe, but a universal problem.
While Zimbabwe welcomed foreign investors in line with the Second Republic’s mantra “Zimbabwe is open for business”, the Government was colour blind when it came to enforcing the law.
“Criminal activities should be dealt with as such and not on the basis of race. The seamless nature of capital chimes with the non-racial national tenets of Zimbabwe.
“We approach labour issues in Zimbabwe along the similar lines. Our labour laws apply to each and every employer and worker. We never invoke origin of nationality in their application,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“That is why the Chinese Embassy had the confidence to implore Zimbabwe to handle the Midlands gold mine shooting as an ordinary crime. Any incidental malfeasance in the employee-employer domain has absolutely no bearing in our sound bilateral relations with any nation, be it China, USA, UK or South Africa among all others.”
A 41-year old Chinese gold miner, Zhang Xuelin, allegedly shot and injured 33-year-old Wendy Chikwaira and Kennedy Tachiona (39) at Reeden Mine near Gweru.
He has since been arrested and is facing attempted murder charges.
Meanwhile, the Zanu PF Youth league has condemned the shooting of Chikwaira and Tachiona following a wage dispute.
The party’s acting Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Tendai Chirau said the Youth League was deeply concerned by the disregard of existing dispute resolution mechanisms enshrined in Zimbabwe’s labour laws.
“The Zanu PF Youth League continues to stand with the toiling indigenes of Zimbabwe and we express our utter shock and dismay at the actions which not only threaten the peace, progress and stability that characterises the Second Republic, but actions which also risk being misinterpreted in the context of the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and its all-weather friend China.
“We welcome in this regard the statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe wherein the Embassy said it would firmly support Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies to transparently and openly investigate and handle the case in accordance with the law of Zimbabwe.
“We vehemently condemn such callous acts that seek to destabilise the harmonious working relationships of people of all races,” said Chirau.
Chirau said the league would monitor the progress of the case.
21 CASES tested positive for COVID-19 this Thursday bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 551.
The patients who have all been isolated are all returnees from South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique. Of the positive cases, 11 are from the Midlands.
As the number of recoveries continues to go up, this Thursday five more recoveries were recorded from Masvingo and Matabeleland North.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified security at all COVID-19 quarantine centres, with 28 escapees having been arrested so far.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed this to ZBC News, adding that they have increased surveillance at all ports of entry.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi highlighted that all the culprits are being returned to quarantine centers and a recent case is one escapee, a man who had been quarantined at a hotel in the capital.
The bulk of the COVID-19 positive cases are returnees from the region and abroad and as such government has intensified management and treatment at quarantine centres to avoid an upsurge in locally transmitted cases.
To date the country has conducted 65 111 tests and of the total number of confirmed cases, 417 are active. Six deaths have been recorded since the first person was diagnosed with the virus in the country in March this year.
Liverpool fans forgot about Coronavirus and celebrate win at Anfield
Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title is over after Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea to confirm the Reds as Premier League champions.
Jurgen Klopp’s side needed one victory to seal the league but City’s failure to win means they cannot be caught.
It is Liverpool’s 19th top-flight title and their first since 1989-90.
Despite being urged to “stay home” by the city’s metro mayor because of coronavirus, thousands of fans gathered at Anfield to celebrate.
Many of the supporters who congregated at the club’s ground wore face masks and some lit flares.
‘A number of Reds players, including goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, celebrated together after watching the Chelsea-City game.
Klopp, wearing a Liverpool shirt and clearly emotional, told Sky Sports: “I have no words, it’s unbelievable.
“It’s much more than I ever thought would be possible, becoming champion with this club is absolutely incredible.
“I haven’t waited 30 years, I have been here for four-and-a-half years, but it is quite an achievement, especially with the three-month break because nobody knew if we could go on.
“I know it is difficult for people in this moment but we could not hold back. We will enjoy this with our supporters when we can.”
As the global pandemic disrupted life in England and led to the suspension of the Premier League for three months, Reds supporters endured a nervous wait to see how the season would be concluded, with some early suggestions it might have been declared null and void, thus wiping their remarkable efforts from the record books.
Thankfully for them, that did not come to pass, and the Premier League’s return this month enabled them to cap their stunning success.
However, because of the measures put in place in response to the virus, the Reds will not be able to celebrate their long-awaited success with their supporters immediately, at least not in the traditional sense.
As with Wednesday’s impressive 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, when they next play at Anfield – against Aston Villa on Sunday, 5 July, and for their two other remaining home games – it will be behind closed doors.
As things stand it also seems unlikely they will be able to partake in any of the usual public events in Liverpool, such as an open-top bus parade around the city.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has postponed her wedding for a third time, in order to attend an EU summit.
The summit on proposals for a Covid-19 recovery fund will take place on 17 and 18 July. It is the first meeting that leaders will attend since countries enforced coronavirus lockdowns.
Ms Frederiksen was set to marry her partner, Bo Tengberg, on 18 July.
She said on Facebook that she had to “protect Denmark’s interests”.
Denmark has opposed the fund over plans to offer grants to countries badly affected by the crisis.
Denmark along with Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands say the proposed €750bn (£676bn; $840bn) fund is too large and insist any money given out must eventually be repaid.
The date of the summit, which will be held in Brussels, was announced over the past couple of days.
Writing on Facebook, Ms Frederiksen said: “I am so looking forward to marrying this amazing man. But obviously it shouldn’t be easy, and now the Council meeting in Brussels has been convened precisely on Saturday in July, when we had planned a wedding.”
She said they will get married soon and her partner is fortunately “very patient”.
Another date has not yet been announced.
The pair were originally set to marry in summer 2019 however they postponed their wedding due to the general election.
MARRY Mubaiwa’s successful claim in the High Court for custody of her three young children was wrongly filed since her lawyers made a serious error, rendering the whole process a legal nullity, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday.
The High Court should have refused to hear the matter as a result, said the Supreme Court, when changing the final legal ruling to: “The matter be and is hereby struck off the roll with costs.”
Mubaiwa also made unsubstantiated accusations that their father, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, had abducted his own children, but she withdrew this accusation during the hearing of the appeal.
Mubaiwa and the Vice President have separated and are involved in still-pending legal disputes over property division and child custody.
The appeal by VP Chiwenga over the custody order granted to his estranged wife was heard by Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, sitting with Justices Paddington Garwe and Justice Chinembiri Bhunu.
The judges unanimously ruled in the judgment written by Justice Bhunu and issued with the agreement of his colleagues, that she should have claimed custody of her children under the Guardianship of Minors Act, which has sections that allow a court to determine the question of custody of minor children when spouses begin to live apart.
“She instead, for no good reason and at the instance of her lawyers, claimed custody of her children under the non-existent and inapplicable law of ‘provisional’ spoliation,” ruled the judges.
It was the court’s finding that High Court Judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, presumably having realised that Mubaiwa’s claim was incompetent and a nullity at law, improperly granted her a final interdict which she had not asked for. But that order could not stand.
The judges, however, were in agreement that the custody dispute was now back before the High Court under the proper Act, hence the issue of the custody of the three minor children was best left to that court for a substantive determination on the merits after hearing evidence.
By granting Mubaiwa a final interdict, which she had not asked for in her claims, the court held that Justice Dube-Banda made a grave error and misdirected himself.
Firstly, in that he had neither the jurisdiction nor the discretion to award Mubaiwa relief that she had not asked for, saying a “judicial officer who acts without jurisdiction acts without authority and to that extent illegally”.
The lower court was also found to have determined a matter that was not before it and without hearing argument on the question of whether or not to grant a final interdict.
The matter that was before it was whether or not to grant the “provisional” spoliation order, according to the court’s findings.
And in any case, once the judge realised that the matter was not before him in the correct form, he should have struck it off the roll rather than giving any order, provisional or final. It was also a legal error to make a decision without hearing both Mubaiwa and the Vice President.
The judges noted that at law a “provisional” spoliation order was incompetent as relief for the acquisition of a final interdict. This is because a final interdict cannot be founded on a “provisional” spoliation order which is in itself a nullity at law, the court said. Spoliation orders are designed as an immediate order to allow users of property to retain possession while other legal issues are sorted out. It was also incompetent for Mubaiwa’s lawyers to seek custody of minor children through spoliation proceedings when there were clear procedures in the Guardianship of Minors Act.
The Court said it appeared that the lower court judge was overwhelmed by the status of the Vice President Chiwenga and the intensity of the conflict and his vision was apparently clouded by the dust of the conflict, prompting him to wade into its murky waters in aid of the respondent, and granting Mubaiwa the relief that she had not asked for.
“Such conduct was injudicious and an affront to the time honoured tenets of justice, fairness and equality before the courts. In the absence of any evidence of abuse of office, the appellant ought to have been treated like any other citizen before the (lower) court.”
From the facts and analysis of the law, the court found that although Mubaiwa may have had a meritorious case, she unfortunately did not get the benefit of sound legal advice in order to assert her rights.
Mubaiwa’s conduct in presenting an incompetent claim and her unsubstantiated attack on the Vice President’s character could have justified an order for punitive costs against her, but in light of the fact that she did not get appropriate legal advice and representation from her lawyers, the court took the view that an order of costs on the higher scale would be unduly harsh. Ordinary costs do not cover the legal fees of the losing party. The higher scale does cover the necessary legal fees.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Lewis Uriri, instructed by Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase, Vice President Chiwenga had argued that the court could not place his three minor children in the custody of his estranged wife, who required to be under constant care of a surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist.
VP Chiwenga’s lawyers welcomed the court’s ruling. Mr Wellington Pasi, a senior partner in Manase and Manase law firm, said Mubayiwa brought frivolous accusations that the Vice President had abducted his own children, “which allegation was a blatant lie and had no factual or legal basis but was meant to score cheap political points in the media and character assassinate our client”.
“It was wrong for Ms Mubayiwa to apply for spoliation of the parties’ minor children as if they were some asset to melee over. Children deserve love, care and protection from such unnecessary squabbles.
“Ms Mubaiwa brought a baseless application without the benefit of sound legal advice from her counsel and the judge-a-quo should not have wrongly attacked my client with neither evidence nor a legal basis. We are glad justice has prevailed.”
The lawyer, however, said they do not blame the court much as it was for the first time handling a high profile case after the appointment of the judge.
“More particularly a case involving the Vice President of the nation. However, the (lower) court should have tempered its language which bordered on disrespect for the Vice President.”
Biggie Zuze was a Zimbabwean former soccer player for Dynamos Football Club and was the assistant coach of Dynamos Football Club at the time of his death on 25 June 2020. He was 55 at the time of his death.
Zuze joined Dynamos from Bindura United in the middle of the 1983 season and made his name playing alongside the likes of David Mandigora, Kenneth Jere, Clayton Munemo, Moses Chunga and Memory Mucherahowa.
Coaching Career Zuze was appointed acting coach for Dynamos after the firing of Lloyd Mutasa in May 2018. Zuze has been part of the coaching staff for Monomotapa Football Club, Triangle United Football Club and Ngezi Platinum F.C. , and most of his time he was the assistant coach except in 2012 when he was the head coach at Monomotapa Football Club.
Won the One Wallet Cup with Triangle in 2014, beating Dynamos on penalties.
In 2013 he said that the Bulawayo club, Eagles was his best team because of playing the “most entertaining brand of football in the country and ” producing such notable players like Rahman Gumbo and Boy Ndlovu.
He also said that his best two stadiums were Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo (for its good turf and an always ‘electrifying environment when we played against Highlanders Football Club) “and the National Sports Stadium, our slaughterhouse, especially on cup games.” .
Biggie Zuze died at HighGlen Cimas Clinic in Harare on 25 June 2020 after complaining of breathing difficulties- The Herald Files
21 people tested positive yesterday to Covid-19, but all are in official quarantine centres, with 18 of those coming from South Africa, three returning from Botswana and one from Mozambique.
The total number of positive cases is now 551.
South Africa has been the origin of easily the largest batch of Zimbabwean cases, hence the need for tight quarantine rules and for Zimbabwe to be vigilant and enforce its safety rules and lockdown procedures.
The neighbouring country now has 111 796 confirmed cases and 2 205 deaths, making it the worst hit country in Africa and the 18th worst hit in the world.
South Africa has strongly backed all travel restrictions in the Sadc region as part of its own efforts to minimise the dangers to its neighbours.
In many parts of the world, modest reversals to easing lockdown rules have been made following localised spikes in infections. In Germany, for example, two districts in North Rhine-Westfalia state were moved into tighter lockdown after localised increases in infection following a relaxation of rules-The Herald
Religious leaders have praised Auxillia Mnangagwa for mobilising resources and distributing food to the poor countrywide, and her tireless efforts to ensure everyone has access to information on Covid-19, which has killed thousands of people across the globe.
They expressed the sentiments at the City Sports Centre in Harare yesterday where the Mrs Mnangagwa, who is the country’s health ambassador, met the elderly and the disabled, among many other groups of people, as she concluded her nationwide tour to conscientise citizens about Covid-19.
Mrs Mnangagwa has of late been holding interactive meetings with the elderly and rural communities to spread awareness on coronavirus and ways through which they can protect themselves from the pandemic.
She has, alongside her Angel of Hope Foundation, visited all provinces, including previously marginalised communities like the San in Plumtree where she distributed food, blankets, sanitisers and face masks, at the same time ensuring everyone had information on the pandemic.
Auxillia Mnangagwa has also mobilised resources like sanitising booths, sanitisers, detergents and face masks which she has handed over to hospitals and various communities.
Yesterday’s meeting came at a time when the country is facing an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases owing to a number of factors, with the virus mainly being found among returning residents in isolation centres.
Daughters of Virtue leader Prophetess Memory Matimbire, said Mrs Mnangagwa’s nationwide visits demonstrated the importance of giving.
“Amai is teaching us on the power of giving,” she said.
“She is teaching us that the elderly and parents should be looked after, as this increases our days on earth. She is a blessed woman who leads by example.”
Reading from Acts 9 verse 36, Prophetess Matimbire likened Mrs Mnangagwa to the Biblical Tabitha, who was always doing good through helping the poor.
Pastor Evelyn Gaga from Hebron Art of Prayer said Christianity without benevolence and giving to the poor was meaningless.
She said praying without deeds was dead, adding that the First Lady was leading the way in doing good.
“Our mother has the nation at heart and she always joins us as churches in prayer,” said Pastor Gaga.-The Herald
The soccer fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dynamos legend Biggie Zuze.
“As a player, he was one of those rare talents, as a coach, he battled long and hard, as a Dynamos son, he was loyal to the core and, more importantly, as a man, he was as good as they will ever come…
What a shocker!, RIP Bindura Part 1, my brother Biggie Zuze…Robson Sharuko
Andrew Kamanga, sports administrator:
“A mercurial talent, indeed. He defied odds with his average physical stature to dominate midfield battles. A brilliant pass master and uniquely unselfish in his approach to the game. May His dear soul rest in eternal peace!’’
Tito Paketh, Highlanders legend:
“I am totally distraught to learn of Biggie’s passing on. I hope it’s not true, please. Really bad and hard to stomach. Anyway, that’s life, it’s very short indeed. He has run his race. Seth Chigogora, former Dynamos team manager
“He was a true DeMbare son, he gave everything for the cause of the club and to play in those great Dynamos sides, especially in midfield, where there was no hiding place, showed just how good he was. He was also a fine gentleman and it’s a shame he has died young. You will hardly come across anyone who tells you they had a problem with him.’’
Godfrey Japajapa, former Dynamos treasurer
“You hear such news and you tell yourself that it’s not true, you struggle to convince yourself that a guy this nice, who never showed any signs of being ill, could die just like that. It was a pleasure working with Nzou and what a good man he was and he was also a very, very fine football player and coach.’’
Runyararo Musakwa
“Very sad news indeed and a blow to local football. May his soul Rest in Peace.’’
Spencer Manguwa
“Rest In Peace Gaffer. Our soccer is surely poorer without you. Gone too soon. You will be missed!’’
Raymond Majongwe, former Dynamos secretary-general:
“Bindura Part 1. Rest In Peace. Great player. Enjoyed working with you.’’
Cephas Chimedza, former DeMbare star: “Rest in peace Nzou.’’
Tendai Muteswa
“Legends don’t come any bigger, RIP Biggie. Thanks for the memories.’’-The Herald
Biggie Zuze was a Zimbabwean former soccer player for Dynamos Football Club and was the assistant coach of Dynamos Football Club at the time of his death on 25 June 2020. He was 55 at the time of his death.
Zuze joined Dynamos from Bindura United in the middle of the 1983 season and made his name playing alongside the likes of David Mandigora, Kenneth Jere, Clayton Munemo, Moses Chunga and Memory Mucherahowa.
Coaching Career Zuze was appointed acting coach for Dynamos after the firing of Lloyd Mutasa in May 2018. Zuze has been part of the coaching staff for Monomotapa Football Club, Triangle United Football Club and Ngezi Platinum F.C. , and most of his time he was the assistant coach except in 2012 when he was the head coach at Monomotapa Football Club.
Won the One Wallet Cup with Triangle in 2014, beating Dynamos on penalties.
In 2013 he said that the Bulawayo club, Eagles was his best team because of playing the “most entertaining brand of football in the country and ” producing such notable players like Rahman Gumbo and Boy Ndlovu.
He also said that his best two stadiums were Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo (for its good turf and an always ‘electrifying environment when we played against Highlanders Football Club) “and the National Sports Stadium, our slaughterhouse, especially on cup games.” .
Death Biggie Zuze died at HighGlen Cimas Clinic in Harare on 25 June 2020 after complaining of breathing difficulties- The Herald Files
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance National Deputy Chairperson, Job Sikhala has implored Zimbabweans to abandon WhatsApp politics and focus on real action.
According to Sikhala, the time to take the bull by the horns has arrived.
See full statement :
By Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala MDC Alliance National Vice Chairman
Change of hands in national leadership is critical for every country especially in Africa where rulers think that their subjects owe them a life. Congratulations to Malawi.
Thanks to the Malawian people. What we must understand is that this did not come through Whatsapp politics.
The sovereign of the people was protected by the Courts after the people have demonstrated their power.
People Power resolved the Malawian electoral dispute. Had it not been of the people who stood shoulder high to protect their will, Malawi could not have achieved what it achieved today.
The Courts could not be complicity in defeating the will of the people because the voice of the people was roaring in the streets. The street became the theatre of the struggle.
Our problem as Zimbabwe is that we talk too much and we have all become political analysts. Deliverance zero. This is the challenge we must all face.
The role played by civil society leaders and political leaders in Malawi to give direction to the struggle is priceless. They were committed. Planned its prosecution with precision. We can’t celebrate what we failed to deliver ourselves. I take this as a challenge to all of us to think twice whether we are really serious about a new order in our country.
Let’s move away from the chariots of Whatsapp politics and look the beast in the eye. This struggle needs direction ladies and gentlemen.
If not careful tichasvika pakufa tichingokuza and congratulate those who achieve. As a leader myself, it’s also a huge challenge to me that we have talked enough. It’s time to deliver and act. I will not betray the people of Zimbabwe on that call.
The Malawi Election Commission (MEC) has warned members of the public against unofficial announcement of rerun election results.
Malawi held the rerun elections on the 23rd of June after the Supreme Court last year annulled Mutharika’s re-election citing irregularities.
Addressing a news conference in Blantyre, the chairperson of the MEC Chifundo Kachale said:
We appeal to Malawians to maintain peace and calm as the vote-counting continues.
Polls closed across Malawi Tuesday evening but the electoral commission has until July 3 to unveil the results, although the announcement is widely thought likely to come this week.
Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has accused the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM Party supporters of assaulting its monitors during the election.
President Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are in an alliance with another party, the United Democratic Front (UDF).
MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera is leading a nine-party opposition coalition, the Tonse Alliance, and has the backing of former President Joyce Banda as well as the country’s vice-president, Saulos Chilima, as his running mate.
Mr Chilima – who finished third in the 2019 vote – was once an ally of President Mutharika, but has since fallen out with him- BBC
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the outcome of the Presidential election in Malawi as a major breakthrough for democracy.
Although the Malawi Election Commission has said official results are yet to be announced, indications are that Dr Lazarus Chakwera is poised for victory.
“New life to Malawi! Congratulations to the President Elect.A true believer in Christ.
Dr Lazarus Chakwera served at the helm of the Assemblies of God for many years.
The Lord has given Malawi a Godly man.Kudos to state organs’ professionalism and citizens’ vigilance.Well done Malawi,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has said it is everyone’s responsibility to fight for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
Moyo added Zimbabweans should not expect MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa “to fight a lone battle.”
Below is Moyo’s argument: It’s therefore very wrong for Zimbabweans to expect @nelsonchamisa and MDC-A to fight alone against the system, which has usurped the constitutional authority of the people. Zimbabweans must fight together as one, just like Malawians. If Malawi did it, Zimbabwe can also did it!
Since Zim’s Constitution provides that executive authority, judicial authority & legislative authority belong to the people; the abuse of this authority to steal the 2018 presidential poll, endorse that theft & recall MDC-A MPs…
Congratulations to Malawi’s Tonse Alliance for winning the presidential election and to Malawians for once again expressing their will which will undoubtedly count, this time. Clearly nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. There are huge lessons for Zimbabwe from Malawi!
Having stolen presidential authority from @nelsonchamisa the military, which now controls state power, got Mnangagwa to get Parliament to steal legislative authority from the MDC-A via phoney recalls of its MPs, using a dubious Supreme Court judgment backed by MDC-T sellouts!
Against this background, the screaming question for Zim to learn from Malawi is deafening: why are Zimbabweans allowing the theft of their executive authority, judicial authority and now legislative authority to go unchallenged, by treating it as a Chamisa or MDC-A thing? Why?
Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has said it is everyone’s responsibility to fight for freedom from Zanu PF oppression.
Moyo added Zimbabweans should not expect MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa “to fight a lone battle.”
Below is Moyo’s argument: It’s therefore very wrong for Zimbabweans to expect @nelsonchamisa and MDC-A to fight alone against the system, which has usurped the constitutional authority of the people. Zimbabweans must fight together as one, just like Malawians. If Malawi did it, Zimbabwe can also did it!
Since Zim’s Constitution provides that executive authority, judicial authority & legislative authority belong to the people; the abuse of this authority to steal the 2018 presidential poll, endorse that theft & recall MDC-A MPs…
Congratulations to Malawi’s Tonse Alliance for winning the presidential election and to Malawians for once again expressing their will which will undoubtedly count, this time. Clearly nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. There are huge lessons for Zimbabwe from Malawi!
Having stolen presidential authority from @nelsonchamisa the military, which now controls state power, got Mnangagwa to get Parliament to steal legislative authority from the MDC-A via phoney recalls of its MPs, using a dubious Supreme Court judgment backed by MDC-T sellouts!
Against this background, the screaming question for Zim to learn from Malawi is deafening: why are Zimbabweans allowing the theft of their executive authority, judicial authority and now legislative authority to go unchallenged, by treating it as a Chamisa or MDC-A thing? Why?
