By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance officials who were arrested and taken to Harare Central earlier on Friday have been charged with criminal nuisance.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), police said the MDC Alliance officials sang, moved and blocked the road around Harvest House in central Harare.

Criminal Nuisance and Disorderly Conduct are vague offences that have been arbitrarily used by police over the years, ZLHR said.

The officials are co-deputy presidents Tendai Biti and Lynette Karenyi Kore, secretary for international relations Gladys Hlatshwayo, and her deputy Lovemore Chinoputsa, Manicaland provincial chair, David Chimhini and Vimbai Tome.

They are being represented by Beatrice Mtetwa and Alec Muchadehama.

According to Mtetwa, the officials were to be locked up for the night after the Provincial Commander gave that order and they will be taken to court on Saturday for something that ordinarily requires a fine.

They were arrested at the party headquarters, Harvest House, now known as Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House where they intended to gain entrance and address a press conference.

The building was seized by soldiers on Thursday night and handed over to the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T.

MDC Alliance youth assembly deputy spokesperson Womberai Nhende was reportedly assaulted by police at Harvest House, the party’s headquarters in central Harare on Friday.

According to MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, Nhende is in a critical condition as he cannot breathe and urgently requires medical attention but police are refusing to let him go to be seen by doctors.

Said Mahere:

Womberai Nhende, our Deputy Spokesperson for the Youth Assembly, was badly beaten by police outside Harvest House today for no reason.

He can’t breathe and urgently requires medical attention. Police refused to release him to be seen by his doctors.

Watch the video below [Womberai Nhende lying on the floor BATTERED & BRUISED and having trouble breathing after having been ruthlessly beaten by police]

For the past few days, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions(ZCTU) has noted with concern the harassment of workers and other citizens on their way to work by members of the security forces in the name of stopping the spread of COVID-19 despite having genuine papers allowing them to go to work.

We have seen workers being made to walk long distances after being forced to disembark from lawful public and private transport for no apparent reason. People are just told that noone is allowed to go into town. What makes it worse is that the government is not communicating anything at all resulting in citizens being inconvenienced.

The way people are made to wait at various checkpoints and returned home is dehumanizing of the highest order. Why should it take workers *a cumulative* six hours to go to work and return home? The country has no fuel and getting transport has become a nightmare. In any case, salaries have become inadequate thereby putting more stress on workers.

It is either there is no standard checklist of what is needed at the numerous checkpoints and security forces work on their whims or this is turning to be deliberate intimidation of citizens.

There is no guarantee of workers’ safety to and from the workplace as the state without notice or justification just cordons off cities and humiliate the traveling workers, with some having to endure long distances walking back home.

The ZCTU would want to know from the state if the country has suspended the Constitution and has resorted to rule by decrees issued without due regard to people’s freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution.

The ZCTU urges and advise workers to stay home until it is safe to travel.

Japhet Moyo
SECRETARY GENERAL

(Video and pictures in this article are courtsey of CITEZW)

Newly-formed political group, the Poverty Liberation Movement (PLM), says civil servants should reject the US$75.00 COVID-19 allowance “nonsense”, saying it is government’s attempt to hoodwink workers.

In a statement issued this Thursday, PLM demanded that the government restores workers’ October 2018 salaries. The statement read:

A fortnight ago, on 4 June 2020, the Poverty Liberation Movement (PLM) announced at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Machipisa that workers should be paid in US$.

Having mobilised the entire spectrum of the working class, we knew that only a collective struggle would deliver on this demand.

Our reason was informed by the fact that it is now self-evident that the Zimbabwe dollar has become moribund and thus the market has rejected it.

Subsequently, with the economy and labour reaching a boiling point, the elites in government are panicking.

Firstly, they chased rumours of a coup after failing to pay the military adequately then secondly, attempted to pacify the government workers with a token US$ 75.00 after the outbreak of industrial action.

The challenge for Mnangagwa and his cabal is that none of this will hold, it is akin to beating tom-toms when the house is burning.

When the moribund currency was introduced, it was apparent that it would fail, bad money chases away good money, this is a basic principle of economics.

Further, the workers were earning an average of US$512.00 before Mnangagwa and his cartels robbed them, a US$75.00 allowance is, therefore, an elaborate insult.

With the nurses having started off a wave of fresh industrial action yesterday, 17 June 2020, and teachers joining next week, it has become clear that the end is nigh for the failed regime. The attempt at paltry US$ salaries is but mere desperation by panicky elites.

While some may have thought our amplification of the struggle for US$ salaries to be nothing but a pipe dream, it is clear that this now a reality. Let us press once more for a living wage, freedom and democracy in our lifetime.

The National Assembly will summon Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube to update the nation on the seemingly deteriorating state of the economy now plagued by a rising cost of living and shortages of some basic commodities amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, an official said on Wednesday.

Issues around the instability of the local currency, refusal of some notes by retailers, increases in prices dominated debate during Wednesday’s questions and answer session.

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda told the house finance minister will have to address the nation on what is being done to improve the economy after a proposal from independent legislator, Temba Mliswa that the legislature suspends debate on other issues that are not related to the economy.

“The economy is the real cornerstone of any country. The Bills (we debate here) do not mean anything unless the economy is intact. I would therefore implore your good office to at least adjourn every debate until we talk about the economy of the country from pricing to the currency itself because that is what keeps us going,” Mliswa said to applause.
“The economy is what sustains us as a nation. We should talk about the economy so that we get the full answers.”

The Norton legislator said all ministers that have portfolios directly linked to the performance of the economy must get the legislature to understand what they were doing to improve the situation.

But in response, Mudenda said, “The issue of the addressing the economy rests primarily with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and we may have to ask the Honourable Minister (Ncube) to come and make a ministerial statement on the state of the economy and then we will debate accordingly.”

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimbabweans have to endure a spike in the cost of living at a time when incomes have been reduced due to a lockdown aimed at curtailing spread of the disease.

An appeal by government to businesses to exercise restraint on price increases fell on deaf ears, with businesses arguing they were hedging against the increase in the cost of doing business.

While inflation, now almost at 800 percent, has been on a upward trend from the beginning of the year, the cost of living, has also increased by over 100 percent to over $7 420 for a family of five as at the end of April.

The country has also been plagued by intensified fuel shortages that are threatening to grind business to a halt.

New Ziana

THE trial of businessman Genius Kadungure, popularly known as Ginimbi, for allegedly failing to declare income returns to the Commissioner of Taxes kicked off yesterday, with the court hearing that he failed to account for his lavish lifestyle between 2010 and 2012 when the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) undertook a lifestyle audit on him.

His company, Piko Trading, also failed to declare income returns to Zimra from gas sales during the same period.

Piko Trading is facing accusations of smuggling 5 289kg of gas into the country.

Kadungure and his company, the court heard, were also not forthcoming with information regarding income and expenditure patterns when Zimra officials asked him to declare such for tax calculation purposes.

State witness Mr Adrian Maudzeni told the court that although Kadungure paid $30 000 in January this year and $5 000 yesterday into the Zimra account towards repaying the amount he allegedly prejudiced Zimra, he was still liable to answer to charges of failing to make the declaration.

“We conducted a lifestyle audit and source of income for the client from 2010 to 2013,” he said. “The client was requested to give proof of source of income and client failed to give proof of source of income between 2010 and 2012.

“The client later provided proof for 2013 to 2015, so he was left with a liability to declare for that period. Zimra was prejudiced $119 815,93 which was undeclared. The total prejudice was $30 864,19 including interest and penalties. To date, $30 000 was recovered on January 15, 2020.” Mr Maudzeni said the amount was due when they conducted the audit.

He said there was still an outstanding amount inclusive of penalties and interest.

“Although he is saying he made a payment of $5 000 today (yesterday),” Mr Maudzeni said. “The charge is not on the amount or dispute on the figure with Zimra, but the charge is on non-submission of returns. The claims have not been submitted.”

Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority acting chief executive Mr Eddington Tapera Mazambani told the court that records showed that the gas in question was imported by Piko Trading, which was trading as Pioneer Gas.

Another witness, Paul Chimungosho, was ordered to verify documents with transactions that Kadungure and his company claim were extracted from Zimra.

Kadungure and his company denied the charges when they appeared before magistrate Mr Crispen Mberewere. They told the court that he complied with the law and paid all duties.

“The accused will state that it has always complied with the law and paid all duties that were requested by Zimra,” he said in his defence.

Piko Trading has since admitted and been convicted on two other counts of failing to declare tax returns to the Commissioner of Taxes.

Mr Andrew Kumire and Mr Loveit Masuku prosecuted.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Media Statement

FACTS ON THE ALLEGED “SECURITY SITUATION IN BULAWAYO AS ARMY, POLICE TAKEOVER” AS REPORTED BY BULAWAYO24.COM

1. The Army has noted with grave concern the levels and rate of misinformation that continues to be peddled mostly by online news agencies. On Tuesday 16 June 2020, the Bulawayo24.com ran a series of stories to the effect that the Army had taken over the city of Bulawayo. This is a blatant lie as the Army was and is still assisting the police to enforce lockdown regulations in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. The same publication went on to proffer possible scenarios that could have led to the so-called takeover by theorizing that the soldiers were angry because of the pay cut. Note that there were no salary cuts to the soldiers or civil servants. The back pay was communicated when it commenced and it has always been public knowledge that it was going to end in May 2020.

3. The Army knows that there has always been an agenda to link members of the defence forces with negative issues as part of the calculated regime change agenda. All operations that the Army carries out are sanctioned and in line with its Constitutional mandate which is to ensure the safety of the public and their property. In no circumstance does the Army go about beating innocent civilians as purported in the series of false stories on the so-called Bulawayo takeover.

4. There has been an increase of negative stories of late in which the media has tried to be subversive and capitalise on the hardships that have been caused by the Corona Virus-induced lockdown to raise public emotions and anger against the Army and the Government. As a professional Organisation, the Army will always deliver on its constitutional mandate to safeguard the territorial integrity of Zimbabwe.

5. All media organisations are free to ask for the correct information from the Army and report objectively all the times.

ALEX ZUVA
Major
Deputy Director Army Public Relations

Own Correspondent

Goverment says that the US$75.00 and US$30.00 COVID-19 allowances awarded to civil servants and government pensioners, respectively, will not be in notes form but will be in the form of a purchasing electronic card.

George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said the arrangement allows money to circulate within the formal monetary system.

He posted on Twitter:

The USD75 allowance if flat across all grades. The USD75 will not come in notes form; it will be a purchasing electronic card to ensure this enhanced buying power does not feed the white market and allows money to circulate within the formal monetary system!! So do not expect cash disbursements.

Imagine what upward of USD25m monthly cash disbursement would do to the white market!

I should have added that the three months-COVID-19 related income adjustment takes us to the next major Financial Pronouncement by Govt, in which case there will not be a hiatus or discontinuity in income.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the US dollar allowances would be paid into US dollar-denominated Nostro bank accounts, which all civil servants and Government pensioners had to open.

GOVERNMENT on Tuesday paid nurses their June salaries minus $2 000 from around $6 000 in May while other civil servants received salaries with a difference ranging from about $490 going upwards.

Military, police and other government personnel were also affected.

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo said the June salary has incapacitated nurses from going to work at a time when the country is fighting the coronavirus.

The nurses at the country’s biggest referral hospital, Parirenyatwa the following morning went on a rampage downing their tools and demonstrating against their employer.

Watch video downloading below as we followed the damaging strike…Please be patient while the video downloads.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

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NURSES COME OUT OF MEETING https://t.co/NS0Df2LBEv

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 17, 2020

…….

GOVERNMENT has announced a flat non-taxable Covid-19 allowance of US$75 for civil servants and increased their salaries by 50 percent while pensioners who retired from the civil service will also get a flat non-taxable Covid-19 allowance of US$30 per month.

The lowest paid Government worker earns about $3 000 before deductions. However, nurses this month received their June salaries minus $2 000 from around $6 000 in May while other civil servants received salaries less $490 or more.

According to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), the monthly low-income urban family budget for a family of six rose to $8 725 last month, up from $4 378 in January.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has rejected the salary review and the new USD allowance.

Using their official Twitter handle, ZCTU said the government’s offer came a little too late and dismissed it as “Mazepe” which metaphorically likens the government’s offer to baby food which adults cant eat to satiety.

ZCTU tweeted:

Too late, too little We need an inclusive economic reform agenda that addresses economic fundamentals. Workers deserve decent salaries MAZEPE aya

Own Correspondent

Ten people tested positive for the coronavirus today increasing the number of cases in Zimbabwe to 401. All the people were returning residents from South Africa.

One person from Mashonaland Central recovered raising the number of those who have overcome the virus to 63.

The country now has 334 active cases and has tested 60 585 people.

State Media

A warrant of arrest has been issued against former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge, as the State seeks to have him imprisoned for 30 months for abuse of office.

The warrant of arrest issued on June 11 stems from the recent rejection of Undenge’s appeal by the High Court, which found that the sentence was not excessive and did not induce any sense of shock and outrage.

Undenge’s lawyers, Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni have approached the High Court seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against the latest decision.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday confirmed that a warrant for Undenge’s arrest was issued two days after the court ruling when the ex-minister failed to surrender himself to court.

JSC head of communications and corporate affairs Rumbidzayi Takawira said: “Following former Minister Undenge’s appeal being thrown out of the High Court, he should have taken the onus to hand himself in.

“This prompted magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya to issue a warrant of arrest which was received by police at Rotten Row on the 11th of June. It is now entirely in the hands of the police to bring him forward.”

Police could not execute the arrest on Undenge, arguing that the ex-minister’s case was not in their records as the matter was handled by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

“I checked with the Criminal Investigation Department and that case is not ours,” said chief police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. “Remember, ZACC has arresting powers. It is their case to deal with.”

When contacted for comment, Undenge’s lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama said he did not know the whereabouts of his client, but said he had since filed a notice for leave to appeal at the High Court.

“We are taking the matter up to the Supreme Court.

“We filed a notice for leave to appeal at the High Court recently challenging the decision. It is ZACC’s case. Remember, ZACC now has arresting powers. They are the ones handling that case. You can talk to them.”

Undenge was convicted for abuse of office after he hand-picked a public relations company for the Zimbabwe Power Company without going to tender.

The rejection of the appeal against both conviction and sentence in the High Court means Undenge will now serve the full sentence after his argument in his appeal hearing that it was excessive and induced a sense of shock and outrage, was thrown out.

The High Court found no merit in the appeal. He had also wanted the court to consider community service or a fine as appropriate sentences.

But Justice Joseph Musakwa, sitting with Justice Phildah Muzofa, upheld both conviction and the sentence imposed on Undenge.

Undenge was slapped with an effective two-and-half-year term for corruption after prejudicing Zimbabwe Power Company of US$12 000.

State Media

POLICE here have intercepted two men smuggling a consignment of 19 600 day-old chicks across the Limpopo River from South Africa into Zimbabwe.

The pair was arrested on Tuesday evening near Panda Mine soon after entering the country.

The value of the chicks is yet to be established. Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident yesterday saying: “Our team on patrol intercepted some suspects after smuggling chicks into the country.

“The matter has since been referred to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) for further management. We understand that the chicks were destroyed by fire as per standard customs regulations.”

The two men, Admire Ndlovu of Mwenezi and Prince Gumbo of Dulivhadzimu suburb in Beitbridge, have since been charged with smuggling.

A source close to the case said Ndlovu was found with 8 820 chicks, while Gumbo was transporting 10 780 chicks.

“Following their arrest, they were taken to Zimra officials where the chicks were destroyed with guidance from veterinarians,” said the source. The smuggling of humans and goods along the Limpopo River has heightened following the closure of the only formal land border between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Beitbridge, as part of minimising the spread of Covid-19.

Groceries, baby diapers, electrical gadgets and cigarettes are some of the major items being smuggled across borders.

Government has also beefed up border security to minimise criminal activities. Since the start of the lockdown, the police have arrested over 30 people, recovering goods worth millions of rand from illegal crossing points.

State Media

Auctions of foreign currency will be used from Tuesday next week to set the official exchange rate, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) announced last night, with approved importers bidding every Tuesday through their banks for the foreign currency earned by exporters or through offshore facilities arranged by the RBZ.

The system is expected to “bring transparency and efficiency in the trading of foreign currency”.

The foreign exchange will come from three sources:

Offshore facilities arranged by the RBZ;

Retained export earnings liquidated at the new prevailing market rate when exporters do not spend or sell these retained funds at the end of 30 days;

Foreign currency sold by exporters and holders of free funds through the banking system at the prevailing market rate.

The weekly auction will set the official ruling market exchange rate for the next seven days, this rate being the weighted average of the prices paid for the allotted currency at the end of each auction.

In order to enhance efficient pricing in the economy, businesses will be obliged to display prices for goods and services in both local currency and foreign currency, the foreign currency prices to be at the ruling market rate.

Giving details of the operation of the Foreign Currency Auction System, the RBZ said bidders have to submit one bid per auction, with all their bids rejected if they submit more.

Bidders can be individuals, firms and public enterprises, with bids submitted through authorised dealers, defined as banks.

Bids have to be for a minimum of US$50 000 and a maximum of US$500 000 per auction. The bidding platform is the Reuters Foreign Currency Auction System and this will be linked to the Computerised Export Payments Exchange Control System and the Computerised Exchange Control Batch Application System.

Allotments for winning bidders will be based on the import priority list. Successful bidders will buy the currency at the rate they bid, starting from the highest bidder and working down until all currency on offer is allotted.

Successful bids will be allotted in full, but if funds are not enough then there will pro-rata allotments.

Banks will serve all importers and users of foreign currency at the ruling rate between auctions. The crawling exchange rate will only be used for Government and debt service.

Bids have to include a number of details including the name of the bidder, bank, type of transaction and sector category, the amount in US dollars being sought, the rate being offered, the Zimbabwe dollar equivalent, a declaration of any FCA balance and critically to ensure the money is used for imports, the relevant import invoice.

Bids can be submitted up to 9am on the day of the auction and results released by 4.30pm.

Those with positive balances in their nostro accounts will be disqualified unless they can justify their need for more forex and exporters can only participate if they have brought in proceeds of their exports as legally required.

Those with overdue and unacquitted bills of entry are also disqualified. Anyone participating in an auction for the sake of currency manipulation will be disqualified from the system. The RBZ has listed the detailed data that will be released at the end of each auction.

For almost 11 weeks, Zimbabwe has been using $25:US$1 as the official rate, with ever declining sums being sold on their interbank market as a result. This has seen even highly respectable businesses resorting to the black-market for import requirements, pushing that rate up sharply and in turn driving up local currency prices.

The new transparent system is likely to produce a ruling rate below the black-market rate, since buyers wanting funds to manipulate exchange rates or for capital transactions are barred, and businesses must have a need for the currency, showing the invoice and inadequate nostro funds, before they can buy. Stocking up on currency for the future is not permitted.

State Media

THREE top NatPharm bosses yesterday appeared in court facing allegations of approving DRAX International LLC to supply and deliver medicines and surgical sundries to the Government without following procurement procedures.

Florah Nancy Sifeku (67), Charles Mwaramba (78) and Rolland Mlalazi (55) appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with criminal abuse of office.

Sifeku is the NatPharm managing director, Mlalazi is employed as finance manager, while Mwaramba is the pharmaceutical company’s operations manager.

They were all not asked to plead to the charges when they separately appeared before magistrate Ms Vongai Guriro, who remanded them to July 3 on $10 000 bail each.

Sifeku and Mwaramba are jointly charged on one of the offences where the State alleges that sometime in December 2019, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care gave a directive to NatPharm to perform a tender.

DRAX Consult SAGL had written a letter of interest to supply Zimbabwe with medicine and surgical sundries under a US$20 million facility.

Allegations are that Sifeku and Mwaramba allegedly disregarded the Permanent Secretary’s directive and went on to award a direct purchase to Drax Consult SAGL, saying there was extreme emergency.

Sifeku and Mwaramba are alleged to have fast-tracked the awarding of a tender to Drax Consult SAGL to supply the medicines and surgical sundries.

The duo allegedly withheld the tender documents for a month, while they were processing another tender for the same company under a loan facility.

Sifeku and Mwaramba are alleged to have used the two tenders to award and sign a contract for Drax Consult SAGL under the loan facility of US$20 million to supply medicines and surgical sundries.

Drax Consult SAGL is said to have supplied US$2.7 million of which US$2 million out of the total amount was for performance guarantee after it failed to secure one from European banks.

After realising that Drax Consult SAGL had failed to supply the medicine and sundries within three months as per the agreed contract, Sifeku and Mwaramba allegedly deliberately failed to cancel the contract for non-performance.

On another matter in which Sifeku and Mlalazi are jointly charged, the State alleges that sometime early this year, Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was approached by Delish Nguwaya and ILir Dedja, who introduced themselves to him as Drax International LLC’s country representative and legal representative, respectively.

Nguwaya and Dedja are said to have tendered an expression of interest, saying their company had a capacity to supply medicines to Zimbabwe through a US$40 million loan facility.

Minister Moyo is said to have asked the then permanent secretary Dr Agnes Mahomva to process the offer.

Dr Mahomva is said to have advised Sifeku and Mlalazi to procure the medicines according to the procurement procedures.

The State alleges that knowing that Drax International LLC had changed its name to Drax Consult SAGL and previously known as Papi Pharma and had also failed the vetting, Sifeku and Mlalazi went on to offer it another tender to supply US$13 351 071 worth of medicines.

On April 9, 2020, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance Mr George Guvamatanga wrote a letter to Dr Mahomva after noting that Sifeku and Mlalazi had entered into an agreement with Drax International LLC.

Dr Mahomva, on the following day, responded to the letter saying they had not given NatPharm the green light to sign the contract.

Acting on the contract, Drax International LLC is said to have supplied 3 740 pieces of coverall protection, CatIII type 6B worth US$336 600, 5 040 N95 masks worth US$141 120 and 15 000 pieces of SARS COV2 test kits for US$510 000.

In another case where Sifeku is appearing on her own, the State had it that sometime in March 2019, Minister Moyo was approached by Nguwaya with a letter of interest to supply the country with medicines through a US$15 million loan facility.

Minister Moyo is said to have referred the letter to the former permanent secretary Dr Gerald Gwinji.

On April 11, 2019, Dr Gwinji is said to have written to Sifeku recommending NatPharm to work with 65 product lines of medicines worth US$9.4 million and negotiate the prices downwards.

In the same letter, NatPharm was directed to come up with comparative international prices for the products and apply for necessary waiver from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

Sifeku, without drawing the comparative international price schedule and waiting for due vetting process for PAPI Pharma, allegedly went on to sign the agreement to supply medicines worth US$6 306 115.

Mr Charles Muchemwa represented the State.

MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende said there was nothing unusual about MDC Vanguard leader Shakespeare Mukoyi’s defection to the Thokozani Khupe camp saying it is his right to join any political party of his choice.

Hwende made the remarks after Mukoyi was paraded by Khupe as the MDC-T interim youth assembly leader when the party held its inaugural national standing committee meeting at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House in Harare on Monday.

Said Hwende:
The MDC is a democratic movement.

People leave and people join the party on a daily basis. People are always free to go out and seek political fortunes elsewhere.

However, those who want to continue fighting for a free and democratic Zimbabwe are with Advocate Chamisa.

We also understand that a few of our former colleagues have elected to join the Zanu PF and they are associating with Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora, so we wish him well in his political endeavours.

Mukoyi rose to prominence in the original MDC as a foot soldier when it was being led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai and also had been campaigning for Chamisa since 2003 in Kuwadzana constituency after the death of the then party’s spokesperson Learnmore Jongwe who was the constituency’s MP.

He reportedly became disillusioned with Chamisa after he was “betrayed” by the latter ahead of the 2018 general elections when he was promised that he would run for MP in Kuwadzana where he grew up.

However, Mukoyi was forced out of the race, with Hwende, a close Chamisa ally, nominated to represent the MDC Alliance in the elections-Chronicle

The Zimbabwe Europe Network (ZEN) is deeply concerned about the closing of democratic space in Zimbabwe, especially against the background of the deteriorating and multi-layered Zimbabwean crisis.

ZEN is particularly worried the Zimbabwean government is taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown to further limit space for opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders, who have been victims of increased harassment and criminalisation in recent weeks.

The abduction, torture and subsequent prosecution of three female opposition members, is the latest of a growing number of human rights violations and an increasingly politicized conduct of the security forces and the judiciary.

ZEN continues to amplify the concerns of Zimbabwean civil society with regards to the recently proposed constitutional amendments, which include the centralisation of power and the weakening of independent oversight institutions.
In this context, the absence of dialogue is cause for concern, as genuine inclusive dialogue is needed to find national solutions.

The lockdown has worsened the pre-existing food insecurity and vulnerability of Zimbabwean citizens, who are mostly unable to access clean water, food and medical attention.

ZEN, therefore, welcomes international humanitarian assistance, although the serious allegations of corruption and continued politicization of aid contribute to the shrinking of space.

The recent events need to be understood as a continuation of a long trend of sustained pressure on democratic space in Zimbabwe, especially since the 2018 elections.

Therefore:
ZEN welcomes recent statements by the European Delegation, European Embassies, and individual diplomats, and urges them to continue to speak out on human rights and democracy issues.

ZEN calls upon the European Parliament to adopt a resolution condemning recent human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

ZEN calls upon the European Union (EU) institutions to use the upcoming planning of their multiannual funding framework to rethink its strategies of engagement and support.

The EU needs to increase its support to Zimbabwean pro-democracy actors and initiatives to defend and strengthen Zimbabwe’s democratic pillars and enable Zimbabweans to hold their government to account.

ZEN urges EU Institutions and European countries to continue to actively engage regional actors, in particular, South Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), to jointly push the Government of Zimbabwe to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission.

ZEN urges EU institutions to actively follow up on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission of the 2018 elections.

By staying actively engaged and continue its value-driven and inclusive support, the EU and its member states can and should contribute to a better future for Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent- A Bindura man allegedly killed his neighbour with a log as he intervened to settle a fight.

The matter came to light at Bindura magistrates courts where Ranganai Rangwani appeared before Maria Msika facing murder charges.

Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo alleged on June 6 at Nyanhewe village, Bindura, the now deceased Eliot Dauzi (30) had a misunderstanding with Moreblessing Rangwani which resulted in a fight.

Rangwani called for help after being over powered by Dauzi and his uncle (the accused) picked a log which he used to strike the now deceased once on the head and he collapsed.

Dauzi was rushed to Bindura hospital where he died upon admission.

He will be back in court on June 22.

Villagers in Chilonga, Chiredzi in Masvingo Province have threatened to drag the government to court over the planned eviction meant to allow Dendairy to embark on a lucerne grass project.

Through lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the villagers wrote a letter a fortnight ago to Local Government minister July Moyo challenging the planned ejection.

Reads the letter in part:
We have been instructed to request your office to furnish us with information in your custody and control, which our clients are entitled to in terms of Section 62 of the Constitution within 14 days of your receipt of this letter, which relates to the following: confirmation of whether or not villagers in Chilonga Communal Area will be displaced to pave way for a lucerne production project, government relocation plan for the Chilonga community and issues of compensation in case of displacements, how the government is going to engage the local community over the ancestral land (and) copies of all documents relating to the transaction between the ministry of Local Government and the Lucerne investor.

The villagers said that they were not consulted, they were not informed of where they will be relocated and how they will benefit from the project adding that the move ejects them from their ancestral lands.

They are also worried that the government will leave them stranded as was the case with victims of Tokwe-Mukorsi floods- Daily News

COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe have passed the 400 mark as Zimbabwe recorded 401 cases up to date. According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s update for today:

Ten (10) cases tested positive for COVID-19 today These are all returnees from South Africa and are all isolated.

Today 364 ROT screening tests and 427 PCR diagnostic tests were done The cumulative number of tests done to date is 60 585 (35 294 ROT and 25 291 PcRl

Mashonaland Central Province reported 1 recovery.

To date the total number of confirmed cases is 401 recovered 63, active cases 334 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.

By Dr. Maji-Marefu Tapiwa Mashakada

In recent days, there has been a barrage of attacks on my person after I came out in the open differing with my fellow colleagues in the MDC Alliance. Because I expressed my views which differed from others, my detractors were quick to throw missiles at me, condemning and labelling me as Zanu PF or CIO.

This game is very familiar. I would not be a politician if I am moved by such political antics. As a politician, my skin is rough and I have strong shock absorbers.  It’s refreshing to know that such maligning games are normally played by Students.

I remember, during SRC elections at the UZ, a competing student would just wake up splashed on the notice board. Pinned on the notice board would be a fake letter on a letterhead from the President’s Office addressed to that particular student. This would finish you straight away. Everyone would say “wasviba” meaning you are dirty.

Pedzisayi Ruhanya was good in those games. It took him quite a while to outgrow that stupid character. He still has got remnants of such student behaviour. In 2002 I had some differences with Learnmore Jongwe and Ruhanya and his former student colleagues who  I shall not name generated a CIO letter addressed to me and splashed it all over in the MDC.

Fortunately, no one bought into that cheap trick. That is the nature of student politics. Ruhanya went to Harare Polytechnic where he started his student activism. But unlike his colleagues who  participated in the formation of MDC, Ruhanya was a coward.

In his figment of imagination, Ruhanya tweeted that I was a Chairman of Zanu PF UZ branch at some stage.  Of course, I am not Zanu PF and have never been a member of Zanu PF. Not that it is a crime to join Zanu PF. It is a choice. In fact, Zanu PF brought independence after a protracted liberation struggle. It is a revolutionary party that has regrettably failed to transform from a guerilla movement to a modern democratic party, in my view, but I have great respect for some of my friends who belong to that party and it is their right to do so.

If I wish to join Zanu PF today, it will be my personal choice.  Zanu PF and Zipra produced luminaries like Herbert Chitepo, Josiah Tongogara, Leopold Takawira, Samuel Parirenyatwa, Jason Moyo, Nikita Mangena, Joshua Nkomo,  Justin Chauke, Mayor Urimbo, Ernest Kadungure, Josiah Tungamirai, Dhauramanzi, Sheba Tavarirwa, Rex Nhongo, the Chinhoyi 7 just to mention a few. 

Having said that, I now lay bare my political history in brief.

1. I joined the ZCTU as a junior Economic Advisor in 1991. My boss was Dr. Godfrey Kanyenze. I later took over as Chief Economist while Dr. Kanyenze was on study leave doing his doctorate at the Institute of Development Studies, the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. I also followed in his footsteps and did my Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape in South Africa.

 At ZCTU Economics Dept, our evidence-based economic research and macroeconomic analysis helped unravel the political economy of the day. Our flagship project was the “Beyond Esap Book Project” of 1996. It is now a reference book for policymakers, academics, development practitioners, and University students alike. Being close to Morgan Tsvangirai, the then ZCTU Secretary-General, we started maneuvers to form the MDC as way back in 1995.

2. In 1998, we commissioned a study to map out the views of the people regarding the future political direction of the country which was reeling from the effects of the economic structural adjustment program (ESAP). The survey was done by Timothy Kondo, Nomore Sibanda, Denis Murira, Ghandi Mudzingwa, David Muzhuzhu, James Makore, Zvavamwe Shambare and others. The views gathered we called “raw data”. 

3. In February  1999, ZCTU organized the National Working  People’s Convention, held at the Women’s Bureau in Hillside, Harare where we invited students, academics, churches, rural women led by Orapo, NCA, and other organizations. I presented a concept paper on ” labour and the economy.”

One of the resolutions from the Convention was that the “ZCTU  must facilitate the formation of a broad-based movement for democratic change”. But as the ZCTU, we could not just form a political party without getting a green light from our General Council so we organized a ZCTU extra-ordinary Congress at the Zesa Training Centre in Belvedere in Harare in Sept 1998. The motion to allow the ZCTU to form a political party was moved by one Mlambo from Gweru. 

Armed with a Congress Resolution we started to form the party in earnest. That is when we invited students like Nelson Chamisa, Job Sikhaka, Learnmore Jongwe, and others to join us form the MDC party. Job Sikhala was vocal and fearless. The slogan, “chinja maitiro” was coined by one Ernest Mudavanhu from Bikita who was asked by the Masvingo outreach team on what was to be done to which he replied ” kana zvakadaro hatichinje maitiro” 

4. We then divided the rest of the country into political zones following the ZCTU structures and divided people to go out and establish party structures. Pioneers of this program included Thokozani Khupe, Tendai Biti, Gift Chimanikire, Wellington Chibhebhe, Nicholas Mudzengerere, Remus Makuvaza, Paurina Mpariwa, Morgan Komichi, Mhlambeni, Grace Kwinje, Sekai Holland, Nelson Chamisa, Jon Sikhala and many others. You may notice that Charlton Hwende was not involved in this process. He only emerged at the Inaugural Congress where he lost to Chamisa as Youth Chair. After that loss, Hwende went to Namibia and we never saw him in the MDC until 2014 when he came back loaded and bought Mashonaland West party structures to become Deputy  Treasurer General. Ruhanya was not even an MDC member and still, he is not.

Back to the formation,  We tasked Professor Welshman Ncube, David Coltart, Douglas Mwonzora, and others to draft the first MDC Constitution. I was tasked to work with the Harare team to set up MDC structures in Norton, Chitungwiza, Epworth and Ruwa. My team was composed of Morgan Femai, Jairos Karimatsenga, Cephas Makuyana, Villika, Mbuya Mazani, Tichaona Chiminya, Last Maengehama, Gombera, Kwilinje, Muguti, Mutambu, Nyika, and a few others I may not remember. Our assembly point was the old Mashonaland Turf Club along Rezende Street.  Our code name was “pamabhiza”. This process of structure formation was in preparation for the inaugural launch of the party.

5. In September 1999 we launched the MDC at Rufaro Stadium with Cephas Makuyana as the Master of Ceremony. Makuyana hosted us as the Chairman of the ZCTU Harare region. He was a shop floor steward at the United Bottlers together with mudhara Kaondera Shava.

The launch was very successful5. In January 2000 we held our inaugural Congress at the aquatic center in Chitungwiza. Just before the Congress, Makuyana fell sick and could not show up at the congress. I took it upon myself to drive to his house in Zengeza to pick him up. He was wearing sleepers because his feet were swollen.  After our Congress we then campaigned for the NO vote in the February 2000 Constitutional Referendum.  

6. Positions held in MDC:
6.1. Vice-Chairman Harare Province (2001-2005); 6.2-. MP for Hatfield (2000-) and Shadow Minister for Finance (2000 to 2008) 6.3. 2006, Deputy Secretary-General and member of the National Standing Committee(2006 to 2014)
6.4. Member of the National Executive and Secretary for Finance and Economic Affairs (2015 to 2018)5.5. Secretary for Policy and Research and Member of the National Standing Committee (2019 to 2020)5.6. Appointed Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, 2010 to 2013).

ARRESTS
1. Arrested and detained in 2001 for political violence in Epworth 2. 2002, Arrested and detained with Alex Musundure for allegedly bombing radio VOP in Milton Park ( I think this was instigated by Pedzisayi Ruhanya and others)3. 2006, Arrested and detained at Mubaira Growth point in Mhondoro for violating POSA.4. 2018, arrested for an alleged campaign offence. 

Achievements
1. Wrote MDC Economic Blueprints such as The Bridge; Restart; Art; Juice and all campaign Manifestos2. Outclassed David Chapfika of Zanu PF in a televised debate hosted on a program called “Face The Nation” run my Mutumwa Mawere and Kindness Paradza. The program was immediately banned by Jonathan Moyo, the then Minister of Information and Publicity3. Led the first campaign to wrestle Hatfield and Epworth from Zanu PF. Epworth was a no go area in 2000.

Some Highlights

1. Released my motor-vehicle  to Nelson Chamisa for him to go to the UZ for a courtship of his current wife Thoko.

2. Saved Morgan Tsvangirai from  arrest after he had called for South Africa to cut fuel and electricity supplies to Zimbabwe. We then arranged that Morgan Tsvangirai should avoid Harare International Airport. Instead him and Roy Bennet hired a private jet via Buffalo Range Airport and finally landed at the Airstrip at Crest Breeders, Harare South. That way he escaped arrest at the Harare International Airport.

Conclusion

This is just a very abridged version of my political history in the MDC. Iam writing a book on the formation of the MDC in which my role will be fully revealed. Because of my composed character, most people do not know the critical role I have played in the MDC. Some do not even know that I was a jailbird as far back as 2001. Of course being arrested is not a sign of heroism. I had  committed alleged offences otherwise, a law abiding person escapes arrests and detention. Most of the arrests of MDC activists are  politically motivated and  are of course not backed by evidence hence most MDC leaders have been acquitted on Treason Trial Charges. Being arrested is a brush with law and not necessarily a sign of political  contribution. 

While delivering today’s speech the South African president said he is further allowing businesses to open and he said the following must open for business:

1. Restaurants (for sit down purposes)
2. Casinos
3. Temporary lodging facilities like hotels and lodges
4. Business meetings and conferences
5. Cinemas
6. Personal care providers, Hairdressers, masseuses etc
7. Non-contact sports like cricket, golf, tennis (contact sports opened for training purposes only.)

Watch the full video below:

The Zimbabwe National Army has refuted reports that members of the armed forces moved in to take charge of Bulawayo Central Business District on Tuesday Morning.

In a statement issued by Zimbabwe National Army Deputy Director of public relations Alex Zuva, the military said the army is currently assisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police in enforcing Coronavirus lockdown regulations.

Zuva further urged members of the press to communicate with the army to get first-hand information.

Read an extract of the statement below:

There was no salary cuts to the soldiers or civil servants. The back pay was communicated when it commenced and it has always been public knowledge that it was going to end in May 2020.

The Army knows that there has always been an agenda to link members of the defence forces with negative issues as part of the calculated regime change agenda. All operations that the Army carries out are sanctioned and in line with its Constitutional mandate which is to ensure the safety of the public and their property. In no circumstance does the Army go about beating innocent civilians as purported in the series of false stories on the so called Bulawayo takeover.

There has been an increase of negative stories of late in which the media has tried to be subversive and capitalise on the hardships that have been caused by the Corona Virus induced lockdown to raise public emotions and anger against the Army and the Government. As a professional Organisation, the Army will always deliver onits constitutional mandate to safeguard the territorial integrity of Zimbabwe.

All media organisations are free to ask for the correct information from the Army and report objectively all the times.

More: Byo 24

Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, David Hamadziripi, has warned citizens of a conman who is impersonating officials who work and have worked at the Embassy.

In a statement this Wednesday, Ambassador Hamadziripi said the conman moves around asking for money to transport donations availed by the Embassy to Zimbabwe.

Below is the statement in full:

Members of the public are advised that it has come to the attention of the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria that there is a conman who is impersonating officials who work and have worked at the Embassy.

The imposter is targeting unsuspecting Zimbabweans, mostly prominent people, and claiming that the Embassy is giving out donations of goods, mostly farming and mining equipment.

The conman then asks for money to transport the said donations to Zimbabwe. In some instances, the imposter offers to assist by expediting certain processes and ask for payment.

The Embassy would like to advise the public that the Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa is not giving out any donations of any kind.

Should anyone receive any message or call from anyone claiming to be an official from the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa and claiming to be offering a donation of any equipment or goods and asking for money to transport the said donation, do not entertain him.

Any such person would be a fraudster and a conman.

A group of politically motivated hackers Ghost Squad Hackers (GSH) famous for hacking:

1. Central banks,
2. Fox News and CNN,
3. Leaking sensitive data of the United States Armed Forces,
4. Leaking sensitive data of the Israeli government,
5. Hijacking Afghanistan’s Chief Executive’s Twitter

have reportedly hacked 17 Zimbabwean government Websites which is so far their largest cyberattack of this kind, Techunzipped reports,

According to the publication, websites affected by the hack include websites run by the army, the Ministry of defence, the surveyor-general and the treasury department and it is still not clear if user data has been affected so far but the website seem to have been suspended for now.

These are the websites that have been hacked according to the publication:

1. http://www.defence.gov.zw
2. http://www.chipingerdc.gov.zw
3. http://www.cle.gov.zw
4. http://www.dlvs.gov.zw
5. http://www.masvingoprovince.gov.zw
6. http://www.mopsemashwest.gov.zw
7. http://www.mstd.gov.zw
8. http://www.myiee.gov.zw
9. http://www.pmu.zimtreasury.gov.zw
10. http://www.mod.gov.zw
11. http://www.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
12. http://www.rg.gov.zw
13. http://www.surveyorgeneral.gov.zw
14. http://www.surveyorgeneraldemo.gov.zw
15. http://www.zimconnected.gov.zw
16. http://www.zimcop.gov.zw
17. http://www.zna.gov.zw

Unknown persons in Gwanda took advantage of the Coronavirus lockdown which sees no-one move around the streets at night to paint graffiti around Gwanda town denouncing the ruling ZANU PF and calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.

Residents of the mining town woke up to find streets, private perimeter walls and even the ruling party offices inscribed with messages denouncing Mnangagwa, Zanu-PF and Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs minister Abednico Ncube.

A source within the party said they suspected rival opposition MDC Alliance supporters for the graffiti.

“You can see the timing of the graffiti is meant to divert attention from the business of the day. However, we would like to warn the opposition that we would not be distracted by their antics but remain with the people and help them with the fight against COVID-19 as well as improving their livelihoods,” he said.

MDC Alliance officers at the opposition party offices in the town rubbished the sentiments from ZANU PF saying it could have been disappointed ZANU PF supporters or just hungry and angry citizens.

The Zanu-PF source dispelled claims that the work could have been triggered by factional fights in the ruling party

“That is pure imagination and day-dreaming. There are no factions in Zanu-PF. Everyone rallies behind our leadership led by President Mnangagwa who is also our 2023 presidential election candidate. Those who wish the party to have factions may they go hang,” the source added.

The Ministry of Finance has issued the following statement announcing that is offering civil servants a 50% salary increment and USD $75 additional income to cushion them from the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe.

Read the full statement below:

PAYMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE COVID-19 ALLOWANCES AND SALARY REVIEW

Pursuant to Government’s commitment to continuously review and improve the remuneration framework for Civil Servants, taking into account the transitory economic challenges being currently experienced in the country, which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Government makes the following announcement: –

1. With immediate effect, all Civil Servants’ Salaries will be adjusted upwards by 50%. This increase also applies to all Government Pensions.

2. In addition, all Civil Servants will be paid a flat, non-taxable, Covid-19 Allowance of USD75.00 per month.

3. Govemment Pensioners will be paid a flat, non-taxable, Covid-19 Allowance of USD30.00 per month.

4. Govemment has taken due regard of the fact that addressing the wage challenges faced across the Civil Service, any salary reviews will need to be done within a holistic framework in order to ensure that such a review does not impose a negative shock in the market.

5. This interim arrangement is for period of 3 months, starting from June 2020.

6. All civil Servants and Pensioners are therefore advised to immediately open USD denominated Nostro Bank Accounts with their banks in order to smoothen the process of payment. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is urgently addressing the domestic payments infrastructure in light of the increased need for “transactability”.

7. Government would therefore wish to advise members of the Civil Service that the above interim adjustments have been put in place whilst a comprehensive impact assessment and a framework for mitigating against the downside macroeconomic risks of the wage proposals made to the Government on the budget and the economy are being carefully worked out.

8. Government reiterates its commitment to payment of a living wage to its employees, whilst ensuring sustainability of the budget.

9. Government is also widening the remuneration framework for Civil Servants to introduce significant non-monetary benefits and these will be announced in due course.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 17 June 2020

By A Correspondent- ZEC has released the following statement in which is it offering a further clarification on the suspension of electoral activities. Read the statement below:

Clarification on Suspension of Electoral Activities

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) stands guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Act in its operations. The suspension of by-elections and other electoral activities was done in compliance with ex-ecutive Presidential powers invoked as a result of a global pandemic recognised by the law as An Act of God. It therefore follows that the by elections were suspended in terms of the Covid19 Regulations and not in terms of the Electoral Act and its stipulated time frarnes as some sections of society would like to believe.

Again it should be noted that by-elections were suspended and not postponed which means that they will be conducted when lockdown restrictions have been relaxed to allow such activi-ties to resume without posing danger to the health of those involved.

The Commission would like to advise its stakeholders to be patient while it finalises a draft on the Covid19 Electoral Practice Policy that will guide electoral staff, the electorate and other stakeholders on how to conduct themselves before, during and after electoral processes to avoid contracting the novel Coronavirus. The policy will also clearly spell out activities that will be conducted by the Commission during the current level 2 lockdown period.

It is important to note that before the policy is implemented, stakeholders shall be consulted in the spirit of transparency and inclusivity.

The Commission would like to remind the public that those electoral activities that require gatherings remain suspended to avoid violating lockdown measures currently in place.

Any queries and comments in this regard should be directed to the ZEC Public Relations Department on 0242770340, email [email protected] , Twitter handle: @ZECzim and Facebook page: ZecZimbabwe

Chief Elections Officer

Own Correspondent

MDC Alliance Treasurer-General David Coltart says that the party is seeking to ramp up subscription and membership fees to make the party financially independent.

Coltart said this in an interview with online Zimbabwe Voice following the launch of the party’s brand new website with the domain name  mdcallianceparty.org.

Coltart said the annual subscription fees being already paid on the website will be put to good, accountable use while the personal data of supporters was safe from hackers and intruders.

“We have secured the website and hosted it outside the country. The same applies to where monies will be deposited.

“Everything is in the party name – MDC Alliance, and we assure our valued supporters and well wishers that their details and private information which they will leave on the website is safe and secure,” said Senator Coltart.

Senator Coltart said the membership drive was targeted at making the MDC Alliance a 1 million membership party, the goal being to recruit a million paid up members by December 2020.

“As we look ahead to the elections in 2023 we have three financial goals as a party. Firstly, to make the MDC Alliance a million member party. In 2018 our President Nelson Chamisa won 2,6 million votes in the presidential elections.

“We have a goal to get at least one million of those who voted as signed up and paid up members. By becoming a member, you are demonstrating your support and helping us to bring change and build a brighter future for Zimbabwe.

“We would like to encourage you to sign up as members Now. Then please tell your friends and family in Zimbabwe and across the world to sign up and be part of the change! Be part of the Million Member MDC-A and play your part in bringing change in Zimbabwe.

“We are asking you to sign up now for the whole year up to 31st December 2020. Once your application and payment are received and verified you will receive your MDC-A Party Card.”

He said he anticipated an large number of supporters trying to log in, which could overwhelm staff and system resources, but hoped for patience as all queries will be addressed.

“Please bear with us as there will be a delay in issuing of membership cards because of the current challenges we are facing.”

Coltart also said that members must be fully signed up and paid up to be able to stand for or vote for party offices.

However, the MDC Alliance constitution is not on the website.

Coltart told the Zimbabwe Voice that the document was being updated and will soon be uploaded.

In seeking to ramp up subscription and membership fees, Coltart said the goal was to make the MDC Alliance financially independent.

“Our goal is to make the party less reliant on government. Let us as Zimbabweans support the change we want to see, not only with our words but with our finances.

“We can do this through our membership subscriptions and donations from the citizens of our country. Every little bit counts! If each of us who voted in 2018 gave just $1 that would be $2,6 million that would go a long way to making the party financially independent!” Coltart explained.

Coltart admitted that in the past, there might have been issues of lack of transparency in handling party finances, but assured that that was in the past as the MDC Alliance is now set to be run like a professional business.

“The goal is to run the MDC Alliance as a business and to establish the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

“To ensure this goal, we have implemented a strict banking culture and will have an annual, independent audit and these audited accounts will be made available to members,” he said.

More: Zimbabwe Voice

Own Correspondent

GOVERNMENT yesterday paid nurses their June salaries minus $2 000 from around $6 000 in May while other civil servants received salaries with a difference ranging from about $490 going upwards.

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo said the June salary has incapacitated nurses from going to work at a time when the country is fighting the coronavirus.

The nurses at the country’s biggest referral hospital, Parirenyatwa this morning went on a rampage Downing their tools and demonstrated against the government.

Watch video downloading below as we followed the potentially damaging strike and demonstration by the nurses at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Please be patient while the video downloads.

By A Correspondent- Activist Evan Mawarire has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court where he is seeking to have his case in which he is claiming damages amounting to US$65 000 from the police be reset down for trial after it was struck off the roll last month.

In the matter Mawarire cited Minister of Home Affairs, Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Republic Police as first and second respondents respectively while the Assistant Commissioner General Chrispen Makedenge, Detective Inspector Edmore Runganga and Detective Inspector Phiri as third to fifth respondents.

“The default judgment entered against the applicant (Mawire) on 8 June 2020 be and is hereby rescinded. The Registrar shall reset the matter down for trial on the continuous roll and cost be on the cause,” reads the order being sought for.

Mawarire said his default in court was not willful but was a result of an error caused by his receptionist.

“As appears on the set down notice, it was received by the receptionist on 4 June 2020 at 12:09 hours. However, the receptionist did not forward the notice to me on time as I only got to realise it later after 1200hours on 8 June and this matter had been set down for trial at 1000hours. In fact, a colleague who was in court that day called and advised that the matter had been struck off the roll because no one had appeared,” he said.

Mawarire’s claim was of payment by the respondents in the sum of US$20 000 being general damages arising from wrong arrests and detentions by the respondents from 1 February 2017 to 29 November 2017 for demonstrating and expressing his freedom of expression.

He also claimed US$15 000 for damages in loss of income, US$20 000 for damages of pain and suffering as well as US$10 000 for general damages for contumelia and interests on the above sums.

Mawarire filed the lawsuit on 5 June, 2018 and the respondents filed their appearance to defend on 21 June and a pretrial was conducted before Justice Tsanga on 21 March 2019.

The matter was referred for trial and Mawarire made a trial application on 16 March 2020 and the matter was sat down for trial on 8 June.

His claims are based on his subsequent arrests and detentions which he said were unlawful in that he was acquitted of all the charges at Magistrates Courts.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti has said the ruling Zanu PF can not unilaterally change the constitution at will.

This came after the government started public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment number 2.

“We maintain strongly that ZANU cannot unilaterally alter a constitution that was approved by 93% of Zimbabweans in a referendum. Moreso when some of the proposed amendments seek to alter the basic structure of the constitution. The constitution is sacrosanct & should be protected,” Biti said.

In a related development, the Women’s Academy for Leadership revealed that all the participants who attended the hearings in Mutare rejected the ammendment.

Said the organisation in a tweet:

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Republic Police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga, yesterday bared his soul confirming in Parliament that his officials are accepting bribes because of government neglect.

Appearing before the parliamentary portfolio committee on Health, Matanga said police officers have not been supplied with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that they are not paid risk allowances being offered to other government employees working in the coronavirus (Covid-19) frontline.

“PPE have never been supplied to my officers. As we speak, some frontline officers in the ministry of Health are getting risk allowances but the ZRP has not been getting any. Police deployed at ports of entry and other areas are obliged to wear PPE, but like I said, they have never been supplied to our officers since the lockdown started.

“Police officers are not getting travel and subsistence allowances while on duty so they are hungry and on top of that are exposed to Covid-19 and end up accepting bribes. I kindly request you, as Parliament, to help us in that regard,” Matanga told the committee.

Health workers get a risk allowance from the government amounting to $1 500 based on the risk factor as determined by the authorities.

The health workers have been grouped into three risk categories – high, moderate and low risk – for the Covid-19 allowances.

However, Matanga told the committee that police and Zimbabwe National Army personnel are doing most of the work as nurses are almost always not at work.

“The situation on the ground is that while nurses would probably want to be at work, they are not there. The police and the army will be doing everything and you can go around Harare and Bulawayo and see for yourself.

“They end up doing things that are contrary to the police disciplinary code. We have received complaints about corruption at quarantine centres where food disappears inexplicably. We get complaints that officers are bribed by the inmates who have money when they want to go out to buy food. Interestingly, they also give food to my hungry officers. It is difficult to deploy hungry officers,” the committee heard.

The police chief said under the national lockdown, security personnel were “operating in a difficult if not dangerous situation” because some people come to town with their own agenda.

He also bemoaned the fact that some councillors are allegedly writing letters for people to travel under Covd-19 lockdown restrictions.

“Yet in terms of the guidelines that we have, they are not authorised to do so. I will arrest two or three councillors as an example,” said Matanga.

-DailyNews

Watch the live News Blitz video loading below…..

At a time when an ordinary civil servant is earning betweet $2 000 and $3 000, a family of six in Zimbabwe now requires at least $1 800 for bread alone monthly.

The development follows the current price hikes of bread where an average loaf now costs about $62.

Watch the News Brief loading below……

By A Correspondent- Hackers, the Ghost Squad Hackers (GSH) famous for hacking:

1. Central banks,
2. Fox News and CNN,
3. Leaking sensitive data of the United States Armed Forces,
4. Leaking sensitive data of the Israeli government,
5. Hijacking Afghanistan’s Chief Executive’s Twitter

have reportedly hacked 17 Zimbabwean government Websites which is so far their largest cyberattack of this kind in the country.

The hack has affected government run websites including those run by the army, the Ministry of defence, primary and secondary education, the surveyor-general and the treasury department.

It was however not yet clear by the time of writing if user data had been affected by the hack.

Below are the websites that have been hacked:

1. http://www.defence.gov.zw
2. http://www.chipingerdc.gov.zw
3. http://www.cle.gov.zw
4. http://www.dlvs.gov.zw
5. http://www.masvingoprovince.gov.zw
6. http://www.mopsemashwest.gov.zw
7. http://www.mstd.gov.zw
8. http://www.myiee.gov.zw
9. http://www.pmu.zimtreasury.gov.zw
10. http://www.mod.gov.zw
11. http://www.postelectionviolencecommission.gov.zw
12. http://www.rg.gov.zw
13. http://www.surveyorgeneral.gov.zw
14. http://www.surveyorgeneraldemo.gov.zw
15. http://www.zimconnected.gov.zw
16. http://www.zimcop.gov.zw
17. http://www.zna.gov.zw

“This gathering is deemed illegal if you have not notified the authorities… we should not do things that are outside the law. Let us maintain the law” said Ernest Manyawu, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals CEO.

Watch the live video loading belwo…..

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly national spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has been arrested for allegedly participating in “an illegal demo” in Warren Park.

Three MDC Alliance girls Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were abducted, tortured, arrested and rearrested for participating in the same demo.

MDC Alluance Youth Assembly Chairperson, Obey Sithole was also arrested for participating in the demo.

“Stephen Chuma has been arrested and they have taken him to Harare Central Police Station,” a senior MDC Alliance official told ZimEye.com.

More details to follow. ..

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…please be patient as it loads

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

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NURSES COME OUT OF MEETING https://t.co/NS0Df2LBEv

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 17, 2020

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MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Spokesperson Stephen Chuma has been arrested.

Details regarding the arrest were however still sketchy by the time of writing.

ZimEye is currently making efforts to get the full details regarding the arrest.

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

By A Correspondent- A chill-out session between a group of friends led to the discovery of a woman’s body under her boyfriend’s bed.

The friends suspected foul play when they did not see their friend’s girlfriend, Silindile Ndlovu, all day. Their landlord and the man’s friend Michael Mathebula said they heard the couple arguing in the early hours of Saturday and then things went quiet.

Ndlovu’s body was found on Saturday evening. It was wrapped in a blanket and stashed under the bed in a room they rented in Mogoba Extension near Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

“I reprimanded them and they were fine. We then chilled together and the woman was there as well. In the early hours of the morning, we decided to go to sleep.”

Mathebula said he went into the house and heard loud music coming from the couple’s room but didn’t think they were fighting again.

“I don’t know how he ended up strangling her to death.”

Mathebula said at about 7am he went to check on the couple and the man peeped through the door.

“It was like he was blocking me from entering his room and he looked very scared but I didn’t make much of it until later in the day… I went somewhere and when I came back, I found friends gathering in my yard and some said they suspected foul play.

“They said he was acting weird. He would not let any of us in and when he went in, he would lock the door and same when he came out. We decided we were gonna wait for him to get drunk and then go to his room to see what he was hiding,” Mathebula said.

He said the man left the yard and they got an opportunity to go to the room.

They forcefully opened the door and started searching it. “The place looked neat. He had cleaned the room up. We looked behind the wardrobe and under the bed. We then discovered her body wrapped in a blanket, she was bleeding from her nose and we immediately called the police.”

He said the man came back but when he saw police outside, he fled to Gabon informal settlement, about 20 minutes away from where they lived.

Sgt Raider Ubisi said the man was arrested and due to appear in court today on a charge of murder.

On the same day, police discovered the body of another woman who was also murdered and her body wrapped in plastic and a blanket. It was then hidden under the bed in Etwatwa also in Daveyton.

Capt Khensani Mathebula said forensic investigations revealed that Zandile Mbatha, 25, from Emabovini in KwaZulu-Natal may have been murdered three weeks ago.

Neighbours who discovered the decomposing body said there was a bad smell coming from the RDP house the couple lived in. They also suspected she may have been killed after they did not see her for a number of weeks.

“We saw him during the day almost every day not knowing that he had hidden a dead body in the house,” said a neighbour who asked not to be named.

Community leader Simon Mkhwebane said after he was called by neighbours, he went to the man and asked him about the smell.

“He said it was a smell of rotten meat. I then called the community members and we forced him to open the house. The mob manhandled him. One person went inside to the smelly bedroom where the decomposed body of the woman was found wrapped in plastic and a blanket.”

Mbatha’s friend Noxolo Mkhwanazi said her friend had been opening up to her about the abusive relationship.

“She would always come with blue eyes and strangulation marks on her neck and cuts in her body. We advised her to go back home but she loved her boyfriend and he would ask for forgiveness and she would give him another chance,” Mkhwanazi said.

Mathebula said the man would appear in the Benoni magistrate’s court tomorrow.

In the same area, police said they found the bodies of a man and a woman in the bushes near Gabon informal settlement. Ubisi said police were still tracing their next of kin.

Meanwhile, Gauteng police spokesperson Capt Kay Makhubele said they were looking for the family of the woman whose decomposed body was found along the Golden Highway on Sunday. – Sowetan

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By A Correspondent| High Court Judge Justice David Mangota on Tuesday 16 June 2020 dismissed an urgent chamber application filed by Chitungwiza and Manyame Residents Association (CAMERA) and Alice Kuvheya, a resident of Chitungwiza, seeking an order to stop Parliament from conducting public hearings on some proposed amendments to the Constitution.

In dismissing the urgent chamber application, Justice Mangota ruled that some citizens, who felt disenfranchised from participating in the process of contributing their views on the proposed constitutional amendments as they feared putting their health and lives at risk by attending the public hearings at a time of the outbreak of coronavirus, have an alternative remedy of making their submissions to Parliament in writing.

Through the urgent chamber application filed on Wednesday 10 June 2020 by Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, in which Parliament, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Attorney-General Advocate Prince Machaya, were listed as respondents, CAMERA and Kuvheya had argued that conducting public hearings at a time when the country is reporting increased numbers of people testing positive to coronavirus, is a negation of the efforts being done by those committed to arresting the spread of the pandemic and is also an abrogation of the purpose and spirit of provisions contained in section 141 and 328 of the Constitution.

CAMERA and Kuvheya argued that Parliament, Mudenda, Chinomona and Advocate Machaya have not indicated any measures that they have put in place in order not to breach the coronavirus regulations and citizens’ constitutional rights.

The residents association and Kuvheya said there is a real danger of the accelerated spread of coronavirus if the public hearings are held at a time of the outbreak of the pandemic.

CAMERA and Kuvheya wanted the proposed public hearings to be declared to be in contravention of section 56, 67, 141 and 328 of the Constitution as well as Statutory Instrument 83/2020 as read with Statutory 199/2020 as further read with Statutory 110/2020.

The proposed public hearings, CAMERA and Kuvheya said, should be postponed until such a time when the national lockdown has been lifted and when there is no longer a health threat of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, High Court Judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo on Monday 15 June 2020 reserved judgment on an urgent chamber application filed by Habakkuk Trust seeking an interdict barring Parliament, Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs
Minister Hon. Ziyambi from holding public meetings in Bulawayo or anywhere in Zimbabwe to discuss amendments to the Constitution until the health pandemic and resultant national lockdown caused by coronavirus currently afflicting Zimbabwe is over.

Justice Mangota reserved judgment after hearing submissions from Job Sibanda of ZLHR, who represented Habakkuk Trust and other lawyers who represented Parliament, Chokuda and Ziyambi.

In his application, Sibanda argued that Zimbabwe is currently facing a health pandemic which had necessitated the imposition of a national lockdown, where public gatherings were virtually banned to try
and curb the spread of coronavirus.

Habakkuk Trust argued that by conducting public hearings to discuss some proposed amendments to the Constitution, Parliament, Chokuda and Ziyambi were putting the health of the public at risk at a time
of the coronavirus pandemic.

The conduct of Parliament, Chokuda and Ziyambi, Habakkuk Trust said, is grossly unreasonable and holding public hearings at a time of the outbreak of coronavirus would defeat the very noble purpose of inviting the input of the public to any proposed constitutional amendments.

Habakkuk Trust said while the process of soliciting for input into the proposed constitutional amendments cannot be stopped, it must await normalisation of the situation in the country and no prejudice will be
suffered by the respondents namely Parliament, Chokuda and Ziyambi.
The process of soliciting for people’s input into the proposed constitutional amendments, Habakkuk Trust said, should be stopped and only proceeded with after the country shifts to Level 1 stage of the national lockdown, which is the period which prevailed before the outbreak of coronavirus and before a State of Disaster was declared by government in March.

Alternatively, Habakkuk argued that if Parliament, Chokuda and Ziyambi intend to proceed with the public hearings in the midst of the current health pandemic, they must ensure that all precautions are taken to
prevent and contain the disease at such public gatherings.