Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga
Managers at the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) and Government officials were this week quizzed by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) during investigations into procurement, including Covid-19 protection equipment and test kits.
According to reports, the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga and Natpharm Managing director and a senior official from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) were summoned by the commission.
ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo confirmed yesterday that investigations were still in progress and said no one had been charged yet.
“This week our investigators interviewed a number of officials over alleged irregular procurement of drugs. They were asked questions before going back to their homes. We are still investigating, and after information gathering, we will then make a decision on whether or not there was any criminal conduct. After that, we may have to decide on who should be charged,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
This comes as Government has ordered NatPharm to cancel all contracts for the supply and delivery of medicines and surgical sundries by Drax Consulting SAGL.
In a letter on Friday last week to NatPharm managing director Mrs Flora Sifeku, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Gibson Mhlanga ordered the cancellation on Treasury instructions and further ordered that NatPharm must today be ready to present evidence of the cancellation.
“You are being directed to cancel all contracts that you had with Drax SAGL with immediate effect. Please be advised that this process needs to be completed by latest Friday June 12, 2020 and all documentation showing cancellation of the same to be submitted in my office by then. Please treat this issue with the urgency that it requires,” wrote Dr Mhlanga.
Dr Mhlanga confirmed the cancellation of the contracts, adding that he was following instructions from Treasury but declined to go into detail.
Mrs Sifeku confirmed having received the letter, but could not give further comment.
Represented by Mr Delish Nguwaya in Zimbabwe, Drax SAGL entered into an agre1ement with Government for the supply and delivery of medicines and consumables worth US$20 million.
The drugs started coming into the country at the beginning of the year in batches.
Later this year, Drax SAGL was awarded an additional tender to provide Covid-19 supplies and was subsequently given preferential treatment for the release of its Covid-19 emergency medical supplies that were stuck at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
There were concerns the company was allegedly overpricing its Covid-19 supplies.
After negotiations between Government and Drax SAGL officials over one bill of nearly US$1 million, an agreement was thrashed that the bill come down to about US$660 000.
Finance and Economic Permanent Secretary Development George Guvamatanga told a Parliamentary portfolio committee dealing with his ministry a few days before the cancellation order that as part of its statutory duties his ministry checked each Government procurement order to see if Zimbabwe was getting value for money before approving payment.
While Treasury did not raise the procurement orders nor did it choose what was ordered or choose suppliers, it did do the final checks over the value being given and would cancel orders that did not seem to give value for money.
Payment of bride price will no longer be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Government had noted that some guardians were commodifying the institution of marriage and were sometimes withholding their consent until the full bride price had been paid.
Minister Ziyambi said this on Wednesday while presenting the Marriages Bill in the Senate, which went through the National Assembly last week.
“The transfer of marriage consideration (lobola) in our indigenous culture traditionally solidified bonds between families, but a disturbing trend has developed over time to commoditise or monetise the marriage relationship for material gain,” he said.
“Some guardians of brides hold out for the highest possible gain for themselves, while others refuse consent to the formalisation of marriage until the last cent of the marriage consideration is paid.
“This is why so many of our customary and non-customary marriages are unregistered. To solve this issue, the Bill will no longer require a customary marriage officer to satisfy himself or herself that there has been an agreement on the transfer of marriage consideration.”
Minister Ziyambi said the Bill did not seek to abolish lobola.
“If the parties do agree on the transfer of such consideration the Registrar (of Marriage) is under obligation to record it when registering the marriage to minimise disputes about the terms of such agreements,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi said the Bill sought to protect children borne out of unregistered customary law unions when one or both of them contracted a registered marriage with another person.
He said it was for that reason that Government came up with a civil partnership provision, which he said was introduced in good faith, but had since been rejected at the instigation of some religious groups who felt it encouraged “small houses,” a colloquial term for extra-marital or unrecognised unions.
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclamation of the “Presidential National Prayer Prayer Day is a reflection of the highest level of blasphemy given his administration’s blatant abuse of human rights, the persecution, harassment and torture of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents.
On Wednesday Mnangagwa’s administration, rearrested three MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leaders Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.
The three MDC Alliance youth leaders were abducted and severely tortured by suspected state security agents last month.
“The Voice of the People is the Voice of God ” was Mnangagwa’s favourite maxim when he rose to power after overthrowing his long time boss, Robert Mugabe, with the help of the military in November 2017.
Analysts say Zimbabwe’s listening President no longer listens and anyone who opposes him is either silenced through arrests and torture.
Ironically at a time Mnangagwa is persecuting Zimbabweans, he has declared June 15 as the Presidential National Prayer Day.
In the book of 1 Kings 21:7-15 Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) the most wicked woman in the bible calls for a fast. Church leaders say Mnangagwa has no spiritual authority to proclaim a fast:
…Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.
In those letters she wrote: So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.
They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.”
On Thursday Mnangagwa had the audacity to quote 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place.”
One church leader observed : ” Mnangagwa has the temerity to call for a national day of prayer and fasting when the nation is already FASTING due to the economic hardships at the hands of his corrupt regime which has milked dry the country’s national coffers and crippled industry.
One would expect Mnangagwa to make applicable in his life the same bible verse and turn from his wicked ways.”
A respected media practitioner has also indicated Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer:
“Best to leave these things to the church. Mr Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer. His government continues to abuse and intimidate citizens whilst allowing the rich and powerful around him, including his own sons, to engage in blatant acts of corruption.”
By Henry Chimbiri | Good day every concerned citizen of Zimbabwe and neighbours of our surrounding countries herein concerned: l would want to tell you that as a parent of the three girls, l am a witness to what happened on Wednesday 10th June 2020. I saw it with my own eyes in broad daylight: The three girls were almost snatched or kidnapped by State agents and so called police in uniform at their lawyers’ premises without a notice, an Order of the courts or a Warrant to ascertain a charge of allegation which they still haven’t told us up to 12noon Thursday.
https://youtu.be/XyltQy1Avtw
The three girls Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are locked up in cells here at Harare Central Police Station. I witness the truth of how in the first instance the three girls were abducted by police details still at large in the presence of police officers at a Roadblock at the Showgrounds site location in Harare, at around 1608hrs after having left the court at Rotten Row where the three with their lawyer had gone to submit their Passports as per the Bailout condition.
The next port of call was the lawyers’ premises in Belvedere where the girls where supposed to sign some detail Affidavits. Just by 1620hrs, the gates were forced open, and the Gateman alerted the lawyers of intruders or tresspassers. I was still sat in the vehicle when l saw almost 10 plain clothed policemen and over 20 so called uniformed officers in Riot gear. When I looked outside, it was as if there was a flash appearance of a Car sales plot of vehicles without number plates; a few with number plates. The detailed officers demanded to have the girls from the lawyers who also asked the so called officers why they were in the hoods in the premises without an Order or Permission to enter. The officers who made the demands, some were smelling alcohol and wanted to snatch the girls by force. The entire office (lawyer’s) premises were filed by more plain clothed police personnel behind the covid-19 mask and some without. There was a manhandling of the girls from the car they were in with their lawyer Mr Jeremiah Bamu. It was a horrendous experience for the girls and the parents as well as the lawyers.
Latest luxury vehicles like the new mercedes benz (C200, 2010 model), BMWs Toyota Hiluxes unplated, Quantum buses and many other had flooded the road and premises.
I imagined how the three girls, Joana, Cecilia and Netsai were abducted in the first place which is now being referred by Kazembe Kazembe as fake. It is not fake. l SAW IT ON WEDNESDAY WITH MY OWN EYES. If l was not there as a parent and had refused to listen to their fake allegations and arresting demands, for sure the girls would have been NO MORE BY NOW.
THE INTENTION WAS TO SNATCH AND DISAPPEAR WITH THEM. The lawyers did not retreat and warned and cautioned the officers to behave as per the police charter and Constitution. The lawyer advised to take the girls himsef to Harare Central police station. The officers insisted to want to snatch the girls (see video of the hulabaloo at offices.) Finally the lawyer managed to protect the girls up to the station in his vehicle. It was hell at the Central Police Station after reaching the backside through the prohibited boomgate for the public where again for the last time, they disappeared.
They wanted to load the girls in the Toyota Quatum vehicles and the girls and parents could not have none of it and demanded through noise to be shot and killed right there in the police [station].
The lawyers and the parents were manhandled, as the parents were trying to protect their daughters from another second naked brutal abduction at the boomgate. The girls were later taken to the obscure Law and Order section together with their five lawyers. The police officer in charge who refused to give his name, failed to give the lawyers the charge sheet. But all this happened after a press Conference by Kazembe Kazembe who initially accused the girls for what he termed a fake abduction.
The same has happened and was going to happen in the worst case scenario of disappearance and death. Please note- What happened at the Showgrounds at a Roadblock was repeated and only failed to materialise because the lawyers and parents decompressed the satanic plan that was hatched by the Police Law and Order section. The other police officers of the well known information and Inquiries Desk (real police) did not know why the girls were being harassed and assaulted inside the station by rioting police force. Up until 11 pm there was no charge laid against the three girls. Up to Thursday 1400hrs there was no charge laid against the three. There appears to be a strategy of some delaying tactics to have the girls sleep over again for the second night without a charge justifying why they were arrested. In fact l just don’t understand where on earth a person is arrested before an investigation is done. After all these three girls are on $1,000 Bailout and were suppose to report on Friday which is per the agreed reporting conditions. If the police so wanted, another 2nd allegation count would still meet them on 13 August on the court day. The police took all their passports and deprived them their rights after torturing them. The Police must come out clear who they are. Are they the police or shadow police called Nihilist police or another terror group. Something is not proper. There now appears to be a full vase of No Rule of Law. Up to now as l write to inform you at 1500hrs there was still no Charge found or even laid. Trying to create matter which no man can create. May God remove the Police Knee on our Necks, George Floyd was murdered by police in the same style being used by the police force here. Amen
BELGIUM-based former Caps United player Cephas Chimedza has called for the club’s vice-president Nhamo Tutisani to step down.
Tutisani came close to being manhandled by a group of players at his offices in Harare on Tuesday after a fallout over unpaid salaries.
The players and the Harare businessman exchanged harsh words and insults after the players confronted him demanding their outstanding dues. The players claim they have not been paid for two months.
The stand-off is reportedly over $480 000 Caps United received from NetOne upon termination of their sponsorship deal.
NetOne terminated their sponsorship, saying it wants to redirect its corporate social responsibility to fighting Covid-19.
This also affected Highlanders, who the mobile network operator was also sponsoring.
The Caps players wanted the termination settlement to be used to pay their salaries. The money is enough to cover about two months of their salaries.
The players claimed they had heard from their Bosso colleagues that they had been paid part of their dues after the club received the same amount after termination of their deal that was supposed to end next year.
The Caps players received a tongue-lashing from Tutisani, who threatened winger Phineas Bhamusi and striker John Zhuwawu with expulsion from the club.
Chimedza believes Tutisani is no longer fit to remain in office following his public relations disaster.
“In a normal and serious setup, the vice-president will be expected to step down.
Whatever the situation, the club should communicate well with the players and always find a solution. It’s high time he (Tutisani) gets exposed.
Players can’t continue being treated like that. Then they expect the corporate world to be involved,” Chimedza tweeted-Chronicle
In recent days I have noted with concern and dismay a flurry of deliberate falsehoods and malicious allegations being peddled by former MDC Alliance Secretary for Policy and Research Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada accusing Secretary-General Hwende of all sorts of things. Among other things Hon Mashakada falsely claims that he failed to attend the last Standing Committee meeting because SG Hwende had organized thugs to beat him up if he attended the meeting. Hon Mashakada also falsely accuses Hwende of stifling debate through intimidating other National Standing Committee members. He also falsely accuses him of personalising the MDC Alliance and calling the party “chinhu chedu”. None of these preposterous allegations are true and Hon Mashakada knows he is deliberately lying in order to sanitize his decision to betray the national democratic struggle by jumping ship and joining hands with ZANU PF and Thokozani Khupe’s MDCT. To begin with, it is ridiculous for Hon Mashakada to suggest that an individual can successfully intimidate any of the senior and seasoned party cadres who sit in the National Standing Committee. It is simply not possible. Moreover, the MDC Alliance is a democratic party with multiple safe spaces for robust debate and discourse for its leaders and membership. It is also outrightly preposterous to allege that Hwende calls the party “chinhu chedu”. It is common knowledge that no one person owns the MDC Alliance. The MDC Alliance is owned by its collective membership not individuals. After all, it is clear that Hon Mashakada and Hon Mupariwa made personal and voluntary decisions to disengage from the MDC Alliance when they defied the party’s resolution to temporarily disengage from parliament. By defying the party they made a choice to cooperate with ZANU PF and therefore they should take responsibility for their actions and choices without shifting blame. Our Secretary-General has been targeted by ZANU PF and its proxies including Hon Mashakada for leading the political and legal fight-back strategy to defend the party and its property. Through the office of the Secretary-General, the party has successfully filed court papers to defend party property. The party has also succeeded in stopping government from disbursing money due to the MDC Alliance through the Political Parties Finances Act to any other political party. And lately, we have through the courts stopped the MDCT from replacing recalled MDC Alliance MPs. Because of these notable successes that we have achieved through the courts party adversaries are panicking and have now targeted the Secretary-General of the party for attack using spurious allegations and blatant lies. But he is only the Secretary-General of the party. He does not make decisions for the party alone. His responsibility is to implement the decisions and resolutions of the party. A responsibility that he has evidently carried out with urgency and without fear or favour. We are determined to win this fight against ZANU PF and its proxies. And we are setting the stage for victory. The struggle continues!
A police officer attached to the CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit was yesterday trapped to death when the ground he was standing on carved and gave in at Magobo illegal mining site in Shamva.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the team was carrying out investigations in Shamva when the incident happened. The ground he was standing on gave in and he was trapped.
His body was retrieved today. Ass Comm Nyathi said his name is withheld until his next of kin is informed-The Herald
At least 47 drivers have been arrested for ferrying passengers in violation of Covid-19 lockdown regulations, with grain millers warning drivers that they face a mandatory 21-day quarantine.
The Police National Traffic Unit has been deployed to account for such drivers. Some of the culprits were fined, while others are expected to appear in court soon.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned drivers against violating the law.
“Since March 30 to date, a total of 47 truck drivers have been arrested,” he said.
“We are, however, warning haulage truck and private vehicle drivers who are ferrying people between cities, within cities, and even some border jumpers that it is a criminal offence.
“Besides being a criminal offence, this act poses a risk to the Government’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Police checkpoints, roadblocks and patrols have been activated to account for such drivers. Haulage trucks should stick to their mandate of transporting cargo from one point to the other. Transport companies are implored to take action against errant drivers.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said the traffic officers were patrolling on the roads checking driver’s licences as some were driving without proper documents.
Police have also impounded unregistered vehicles that were on the roads, amid reports that some drivers were removing registration number plates to engage in criminal activities or ferry passengers.
Removing the number plates is a way of evading police so that the drivers cannot be tracked.
Police have arrested 62 801 people countrywide since March 30 for violating lockdown measures, with the bulk of them paying deposit fines.
Offences ranged from failure to wear masks, liquor-related offences and for violating the Road Traffic Act, unnecessary movements, illegal gatherings, opening businesses without proper documentation and violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
In the case of drivers ferrying maize from South Africa to Zimbabwe who travel with their girlfriends, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) said they risked being quarantined and prosecuted.
GMAZ media and public relations manager Mr Garikai Chaunza said in a statement that they had been alerted of the unacceptable behaviour.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has communicated its concerns to us with regards the conduct of most of your truck drivers who tend to travel in pairs with the opposite gender outside the scope of their duties and also carry passengers for monetary benefit,” he said-The Herald
Alick Macheso was in his best form when he went live on “Gara Mumba Iwe” concert on Zimbabwe Television Network (ZTN) on Wednesday evening.
Many people had been waiting for the Orchestra Mberikwazvo set on a live platform and his fans were definitely sanitised by the act that has so far stood above most of the performances done on the social media platform.
The combination between ZTN and “Gara Mumba Iwe” sponsor Passion Java has brought exciting times to online live shows featuring local musicians.
Wednesday’s event came as a special occasion as Macheso was celebrating his 52nd birthday and the world joined him on the special day.
Macheso was a happy man on the evening. It started with a “happy birthday party” outside Herald House that houses ZTN studios when the musician’s band members sang the “happy birthday” song for him.
The band members that included Seleman “Majuice” Mpochi and Jonasi Kasamba made the atmosphere outside the studio electric with their impromptu choreography.
It was a great day for Baba Shero, as the musician is popularly known, and his fans who have been waiting for the big day.
In an interview on the sidelines of the show, Macheso said he was excited about the event because fans have been calling for the live performance or a long time.
“People had been calling for the live performance for a long time and I am glad with the response we got. People showed happiness and excitement after our performance and we have been looking forward to this day,” said Macheso.
“This was our day to show people what we can do and we will do our best on such platforms whenever such a chance comes. We will always do our best.
Orchestra Mberikwazvo is a band that has released music for the people for many years and we are glad with the support.”
Macheso showed the world what he is capable of doing. He was in top form and his band rose to the occasion. At the end of the act, Prophet Passion saluted Macheso for the good performance- The Herald
By State Media – A 27-year old man has been jailed for 15 years for raping a sex worker and robbing her of $180 as well as her cellphone.
Nkosiyabo Prince Khumalo from Gadadi Village in Ntabazinduna pleaded not guilty to rape and robbery charges but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him by Gwanda regional magistrate, Mrs Sibonginkosi Mkandla.
He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment but three years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. Khumalo denied ever meeting the complainant or engaging her services and later raping her.
Prosecuting, Mr Khumbulani Nyoni said Khumalo met the complainant at a nightclub in Filabusi and offered to pay her for her services.
He then left the bar with her and when they reached a bushy area near Filabusi Police Station, Khumalo raped and robbed the woman.
“On 5 November 2019 at around 4AM the complainant who is a commercial sex worker was at 727 Nightclub in Filabusi when she met Khumalo who offered to pay her $120 for her services and she agreed. They left the nightclub and Khumalo led the complainant into a bushy area near Filabusi Police Station saying that he didn’t want to be seen,” said the prosecutor.
“While in the bushes, Khumalo grabbed the complainant by her neck and pushed her to the ground. Khumalo withdrew a knife from his pocket and threatened to stab her if she didn’t comply. He demanded cash from the complainant who gave him $180 and he also demanded the complainant’s cell phone.”
Mr Nyoni said the accused person raped her and after he was done, he ordered the complainant to go with him.
He said along the way the complainant fled and ran towards Filabusi Police Station where she met a police officer and narrated what had happened.
Testifying in court, the complainant said Khumalo approached her for her services.
“He told me that he was a police officer and said he would take me to his place of residence at Filabusi Police Station where he would give me the remainder of my money after our session. When we neared the police station, he led me to a bushy area saying he didn’t want anyone to see him. When we were in the bushes that is when he pushed me to the ground and attacked me,” he said. -Chronicle/state media
By State Media – In a bizarre suspected ritual killing, a 25-year-old woman was sawn in half and part of her body was mutilated and stashed into a drum filled with acid in Bulawayo.
Part of the body, from the waist going down, is still missing while breasts and palms appeared to have been sliced off.
Police yesterday arrested a suspect, Tawana Ngwenya (20), the son of a caretaker where the woman lived. He was arrested in Harare where he had allegedly fled.
Tawana allegedly had a message from a sangoma based in South Africa which instructed him on how to kill Ms Thabelo Mazolo so he could get rich.
Mazolo’s sister secured employment for Ngwenya at a company in Bulawayo and he was staying in Matsheumhlophe suburb at a guest house where Mazolo worked, with his father Mr Buzwani Ngwenya (60) who was the caretaker.
“You must cut yourself and spill your blood onto a mirror. Gaze into the mirror and say out loud that you are selling your soul for riches. After that you must open the door for my boys to go out,” read part of the message that allegedly had additional instructions on rites that Ngwenya was supposed to perform on the body.
Sources who told the Chronicle about the message said they freaked out and have not been able to eat or sleep, since the body was discovered on Wednesday morning.
Mr Ngwenya said Mazolo moved to Bulawayo from Harare just before the national Covid-19 induced lockdown.
He last saw Mazolo alive on May 29 when she said she was visiting someone in Sizinda suburb.
On June 1, he received a message from Mazolo’s phone informing him she would be away for about a week.
Tawana told him she could have visited friends after he discovered she had not been home since May 29.
He said Tawana disappeared from home on Tuesday when he asked him if he knew Mazolo’s whereabouts and he switched off his phone. “Thabelo’s phone had stopped ringing. On Wednesday there was a strong smell of something rotting from the main house. I called the police. We opened the door with a spare key and found the body in a blue drum in the toilet. It had been cut up and some of Thabelo’s clothes appeared to have been used to wipe up plenty of blood,” said Mr Ngwenya.
He said Tawana was the last of three children who was always quiet and had never shown homicidal tendencies.
Mr Benny Moyo, Mazolo’s uncle, said the family had tried to locate her when she suddenly became unreachable on her phone.
“I went to her workplace and each time I would be told she is busy or had just left. We are devastated to learn she has been killed. We hear the suspect was arrested in Harare today. We may have more information when the police complete investigations,” said Mr Moyo.
Miss Nomathemba Ndaba, Mr Ngwenya’s employer, choked on her words in an interview.
“At least Tawana who is suspected to have done this horrible thing has been arrested,” she said. “We are very sorry for Thabelo’s family but we want to warn young people against partaking in rituals. He may die in jail after this. Young people must be careful who they play with.”
Chronicle went on the ground yesterday and unearthed grisly details of what could have happened.
Tawana who did his O-Levels at Allan Wilson High School in Harare was said to be a loner. He allegedly borrowed a hacksaw from a neighbour on May 25 saying he wanted to prune some trees and cut a drum.
It is suspected the hacksaw was used to cut up the body. Neighbours said around that time, he said he was looking for sulphuric acid.
He allegedly made inquiries at a company along Khami Road but was told it was out of stock.
Tawana’s colleagues said he seemed spooked and was reluctant to have them spend time at his home with him.
“He was acting weird. It was as if he expected someone to suddenly appear behind him and harm him. He was furtive and withdrew further into himself. When he left, he said he was going to Mutare. We heard a relative had seen him in Kadoma. We are all shocked that he killed someone,” said a friend who declined to be named.
There were heart-tugging moments when some neighbours burst into tears as they talked about Thabelo.
“We had known her for a short time but she was nice to all of us,” said a woman who asked not to be named.
“Tawana was slim and looked frail. If he did it, he could not have done it alone because Thabelo was significantly bigger than him. I doubt he could have lifted the body and put it into the acid drum by himself,” said the neighbour.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police were investigating the killing.
“The informant last saw the deceased on 29 May 2020 at around 11AM when she was going to town. On 1 June 2020 the now deceased sent a message to the informant advising him that she was going out of town and will be back on Sunday 7 June 2020,” said Inspector Ncube.
He said when Mr Ngwenya called the police, they found Thabelo’s body inside a blue 200 litre drum in the bathroom in a decomposed state.
The body was conveyed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post mortem. –Chronicle/state media
Our 2 NPF officials that were being detained at Braeside police station have just been realeased without any charges pressed. pic.twitter.com/2K3RB3kEJ0
— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) June 11, 2020
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Thursday 11 June 2020 pressed a cocktail of charges including faking abduction and disappearance against three opposition MDC-Alliance party youth leaders, who are victims of abduction and torture after they re-arrested them on Wednesday 10 June 2020.
ZRP members charged Harare West legislator Hon. Joana Mamombe aged 27 years, Cecilia Chimbiri aged 31 years and Netsai Marova aged 25 years with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(f) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly making false statements to some law enforcement agents alleging that they had been unlawfully detained or kidnapped by some unknown people, who claimed to be police officers, when they went missing on 13 May 2020 and dumped at Muchapondwa Business Centre in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province.
The trio is represented by Jeremiah Bamu, Roselyn Hanzi and Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
The law enforcement agents also charged Hon. Mamombe with contravening section 4(1)(a) of the Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order Statutory Instrument 77/2020.
ZRP members claimed that Hon. Mamombe breached some national lockdown regulations on 24 April 2020 at Chichera farm in Marlborough suburb, where while in the company of some unnamed people, she unnecessarily moved around the farm while conducting some interviews with the farm tenants.
Marova and Chimbiri were also charged with violating section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after they allegedly participated in an anti-government demonstration held on 19 February 2020, where they held some placards written “Respect our Constitution”, “ED enda”, “Hatichada kunyengerera” and “Hatipihwe order nemasaskamu.
Already, Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova are set to stand trial in August after they were first arrested on 26 May 2020 and charged with committing public violence for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest against hunger during the national lockdown period.
The trio, which was granted RTGS$1 000 bail and asked to report once in a fortnight at police stations, was accused of gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and for contravening section 5(3) (a) as read with section 5(1) of Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020 of Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020.
Prosecutors allege that Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova participated in an illegal demonstration held on 13 May 2020 in Warren Park 1 suburb in which opposition MDC-Alliance party supporters allegedly staged a flash demonstration protesting against hunger at a time when the country was under a government enforced national lockdown.
The decision to press criminal charges against Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova came at a time when the trio was receiving treatment at a local medical facility following their abduction, disappearance and torture on 13 May 2020.
To date, no arrests have been made by ZRP members of people who abducted, disappeared and tortured the opposition youth leaders with Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Hon. Kazembe Kazembe accusing them of faking their abduction and torture, a charge which their lawyers deny.
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is deeply concerned by the arrest of Bulawayo-based lawyer Dumisani Dube on Saturday 6 June 2020.
Dube is facing the charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
These allegations arise from a matter wherein Dube represented his client and filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court, and obtained an order in favour of his client.
According to the state, Dube allegedly filed a fake certificate of service purporting to have served one of the Respondents in the matter, when he had not, and thereafter proceeded to obtain an order by default.
ZLHR notes with concern that the allegations arise from conduct of a lawyer during the course of his work, and the law has remedies available to address such issues. The use of the criminal justice system against lawyers is frowned upon and viewed as an attack on the legal profession.
ZLHR condemns the increasing targeted arrests of lawyers during execution of their professional duties.
As a lawyer, Dube has the right to practice a trade of his choice as provided for under section 64 of the Constitution and when practicing, he should do so without fear or favour.
In terms of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the state has an obligation to guarantee the functioning of lawyers without fear of harassment, intimidation or threats of prosecution for conducting their duties.
Lawyers must not be identified with the cause of their clients and lawyers should enjoy immunity for executing their professional duties in good faith.
For ZLHR, it is distressing that we are seeing a worrying rise in the intimidation, threats and reprisals of lawyers in Zimbabwe.
Dube becomes the second lawyer to be arrested this week after the arrest of Advocate Thabani Mpofu on 1 June 2020 on the same allegation of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
In both cases, the lawyers were arrested on allegations arising from their role of representing their clients.
On Saturday 6 June 2020, Dube, who was represented Prince Bhutshe-Dube and assisted by Godfrey Nyoni of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, appeared at Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo and was granted RTGS$5 000 bail and returns to court on 18 June 2020.
ZLHR therefore demands;
1. That the state puts an end to the targeted arrest of lawyers on allegations that arise from representing their clients;
2. That matters relating to the conduct of lawyers should be referred to the Law Society of Zimbabwe, a body that is responsible for the regulation of lawyers at law.
By A Correspondent- Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema has added his voice in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in Zimbabwe that has seen government officials exposed over looting COVID-19 funds.
He speaks when calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to relieve the Health Minister, Obadiah Moyo of his duties over poor management of COVID-19 relief funds have intensified lately after it has emerged that the Ministry purchased personal protective equipment at exorbitant prices.
The campaign is being championed by a number of people including Alex Tawanda Magaisa, the former Chief of Staff in the office of the late former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai and award-winning journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono.
Posting on Twitter, Malema said:
We applaud the fight against corruption and looting of public funds going on in Zimbabwe. It is cruel and evil for anyone regardless of who they are to steal money meant to help citizens fight Covid-19. There is nothing revolutionary or patriotic about thieving. Pasi neMbavha! (Down with Thieves!).
Zimbabwe has reportedly lost millions of dollars since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic with government officials named among the culprits.
This comes when the Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has applied for financial assistance at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) observing that the country’s economy will totally crumble if the World body does not provide the funds.
The Southern African country is ranked among the worst corrupt countries in the world and the rot has affected economic growth leaving the masses in abject poverty for decades.
By A Correspondent- The spokesperson of the National Patriotic Front (NPF), Jealousy Mawarire has accused the Home Affairs Minister of abusing his office to settle political scores adding that he has kicked a hornet’s nest.
The statement comes after two members of the NPF, Wonder Mashange and Dickson Mafios, both from Mashonaland Central were arrested.
Commenting on the arrest, Mawarire said:
The arrest of the 2 NPF officials from Mashonaland Central where Kazembe hails from is clear testimony the Minister is using the police to fight political battles. We condemn abuse of power, the security agents & courts.
This war the regime started will not end well. #TatambaZvakwanaTensions between the state and the civilians and or between the ruling party and opposition parties are threatening the peace and security existing in the country.
The tensions are being heightened by the deteriorating democratic space and the acute economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.
The Hawks in Gauteng have arrested two of their own members and a Hillbrow police detective for armed robbery‚ in which they netted a share of R1-million each. According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu‚ a fourth suspect is on the run.
The arrests took place on Tuesday after allegations emerged in September that four police officials in two cars had stopped a driver in Norwood. “They said the man was driving recklessly. The driver then insisted on proceeding to the nearest police station‚” Mulamu said.
“He was hauled to Norwood police station‚ where a search was conducted and (police found) two boxes full of cash‚ including a receipt indicating the total amount which the victim had exchanged for his employer.”
According to Mulamu‚ the cops then took the man to the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court building in Eloff Street‚ where they offloaded the cash and divided it among themselves inside an office. A small share was handed to the driver.
Warrant officer Tefo Maimane (49)‚ warrant officer Eric Melaphi (41)‚ both attached to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crimes Unit‚ appeared in court briefly on Tuesday‚ alongside detective constable Khumbulo Gadivhana (36) from Hillbrow SAPS.
The matter was postponed for a formal bail application to be heard at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. Gauteng Hawks boss Major General Prince Mokotedi said he was shocked and disappointed that his own members were arrested‚ but also congratulated the arresting officers for their courage.
The Serious Corruption Investigation Unit was beefed up with eighteen members and we are now reaping the fruits of arresting corrupt individuals‚” he said.
“I want to warn unscrupulous members that we will not relax until the Hawks‚ particularly in Gauteng‚ gets rid of all the bad elements. The blue wall is greatly impeding our success to tackle organised crime. Once broken‚ our progress to bust crime syndicates will be accelerated.”
THE High Court has upheld a conviction passed against reinstated MDC chairperson Morgen Komichi for disrupting announcement of 2018 election results after his appeal was dismissed for lack of merit.
Komichi was fined $200 or two months in prison after he was convicted of disrupting the announcement of the July 30 presidential election results in 2018. Harare magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura also wholly suspended a three-month jail sentence for five years on condition of good behaviour.
In his appeal against the conviction, Komichi — through his lawyers then, Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni — argued that the lower court had erred by reading the term “proceedings” out of context or contrary to rules of statutory interpretation.
He argued that he had not interrupted the announcement of results as he made his address during an adjournment. However, Justice Philda Muzofa ruled that the announcement of results was a process that involved setting up of the rooms and transmission of the results.
“Simply put the appellant’s interpretation is that the proceedings should be confined to the time when Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) officials were sitting and making announcements. This approach narrows the announcement proceedings to an event and not a process,” Muzofa said.
“To our mind even an interference of the transmission of the provincial results to the HICC would constitute a disturbance in the proceedings of the announcement of results. The legislature intended to preserve the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that they proceed smoothly to their logical conclusion.”
Muzofa noted that there was evidence that the appellant’s conduct resulted in some commotion as representatives from other political parties responded to his announcement.
“The appellant’s conduct should not be condoned, especially in view of the fact that the same Act provides for recourse that any disgruntled member could pursue to remedy any perceived irregularities. It is our considered view that the court a quo did not misdirect itself.” Circumstances leading to Komichi’s conviction are that on August 2, 2018, he was at Harare International Conference Centre where Zec was announcing the July 30 presidential election results.
After a break, Komichi went to the podium reserved for commissioners announcing the results, took the microphone and announced that the MDC Alliance was rejecting the election results.
PRETORIA says it is doing all it can to help end Zimbabwe’s myriad challenges, but will never consider military intervention in the country, the Daily News reports. This comes as South Africa — the regional power and Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner by far — is coming under growing pressure to help end Harare’s myriad woes. Speaking to the Johannesburg-based Power FM radio station on Monday, the country’s International Relations minister Naledi Pandor said Pretoria would not use a hawkish approach to end Zimbabwe’s growing problems.
“I think the South African government is in consistent engagement and interaction with the Government of Zimbabwe, both to persuade as well as to provide support where it is needed.
“Let me give you an instance of the opposite of our policy … you had Saddam Hussein with respect to Iraq. The decision of (former US president) George W Bush was to use American warfare in Iraqi. “Where is Iraqi today? It is a shell of what it was under what was a dictatorship of (the late Iraqi president Saddam) Hussein,” Pandor said.
“We engage consistently. Non-interference means we wouldn’t use our soldiers, our army to invade Zimbabwe to enforce a platform of democratic practice that we have in South Africa.
“We believe that such is a decision that Zimbabwean people must make.
“However, we are able — through diplomatic engagement — to persuade the people of Zimbabwe that they need both political as well as an economic revival, which does mean that they have to change in policy and practice,” Pandor said further.
She emphasised that South Africa would continue to encourage dialogue in Zimbabwe.
“It is the political actors who, sitting around the table, will resolve those issues.
“South Africa or any other country trying to invade Zimbabwe in the belief that it can resolve the problems will be totally mistaken … this will lead to disaster, and in fact, may turn the people of Zimbabwe against South Africa,” Pandor added.
This is not the first time that the respected South African Foreign Affairs minister has spoken publicly about Zimbabwe’s worsening political and economic problems.
In November, Pandor said it was time for the Sadc region to play a bigger part in helping end the country’s crises — which she warned had had devastating effects on the region as a whole.
“We would be greatly assisted in playing a positive role if we knew there was a shared notion in Zimbabwe of what must be done, and this is an extremely important point for us.
“While indeed as the South African government we work very closely with the Government of Zimbabwe, it would be difficult for us to be seen as playing a role only with the government, given the large nature of the problem that confronts our country.
“So, I think that we need to be provided with a path that indicates that as we … provide support, all the parties, all the groupings, all the stakeholders in Zimbabwe are at one, so that … support can be brought in,” Pandor said then.
“By all accounts there are serious and seemingly intractable political factors that might need attention if solutions are to be effective or implementable.
“The political formations in Zimbabwe remain at loggerheads and have apparent deep anti-pathy towards each other, which makes joint decision-making and planning extremely difficult,” Pandor also said. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was in Zimbabwe last December to try to nudge President Emmerson Mnangagwa to hold much-needed political dialogue with the opposition.
He is yet to return to the country amid indications that his mediation efforts are dead in the water.
In recent days I have noted with concern and dismay a flurry of deliberate falsehoods and malicious allegations being peddled by former MDC Alliance Secretary for Policy and Research Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada accusing Secretary General Hwende of all sorts of things.
Among other things Hon Mashakada falsely claims that he failed to attend the last Standing Committee meeting because SG Hwende had organized thugs to beat him up if he attended the meeting. Hon Mashakada also falsely accuses Hwende of stifling debate through intimidating other National Standing Committee members. He also falsely accuses him of personalising the MDC Alliance and calling the party “chinhu chedu”.
None of these preposterous allegations are true and Hon Mashakada knows he is deliberately lying in order to sanitize his decision to betray the national democratic struggle by jumping ship and joining hands with ZANU PF and Thokozani Khupe’s MDCT.
To begin with, it is ridiculous for Hon Mashakada to suggest that an individual can successfully intimidate any of the senior and seasoned party cadres who sit in the National Standing Committee. It is simply not possible. Moreover, the MDC Alliance is a democratic party with multiple safe spaces for robust debate and discourse for its leaders and membership.
It is also outrightly preposterous to allege that Hwende calls the party “chinhu chedu”. It is common knowledge that no one person owns the MDC Alliance. The MDC Alliance is owned by its collective membership not individuals. That is why it is called the people’s party.
For the record Hon Mashakada excused himself from the National Standing Committee meeting in question after writing a text message indicating that he had been diagnosed of sugar diabetes and his doctor had recommended that he rests at home. That is the reason Hon Mashakada communicated to the National Standing Committee whatsapp group and the evidence is available. Claims of fearing for his life are blatant lies.
On the same day former Women’s Assembly National Chairperson Hon Paurina Mpariwa also excused herself from the same National Standing Committee meeting indicating that she was going to attend court following the theft of her cattle. Nobody ever intimidated or barred these two from attending the National Standing Committee meeting in question as alleged by Hon Mashakada.
After all it is clear that Hon Mashakada and Hon Mupariwa made personal and voluntary decisions to disengage from the MDC Alliance when they defied the party’s resolution to temporarily disengage from parliament. By defying the party they made a choice to cooperate with ZANU PF and therefore they should take responsibility for their actions and choices without shifting blame.
Our Secretary General has been targeted by ZANU PF and its proxies including Hon Mashakada for leading the political and legal fight-back strategy to defend the party and its property.
Through the office of the Secretary General the party has successfully filed court papers to defend party property. The party has also succeeded in stopping government from disbursing money due to the MDC Alliance through the Political Parties Finances Act to any other political party. We have also successfully stopped any further recalls of our MPs from parliament. And lately we have through the courts stopped the the MDCT from replacing recalled MDC Alliance MPs.
Because of these notable successes that we have achieved through the courts party adversaries are panicking and have now targeted the Secretary General of the party for attack using spurious allegations and blatant lies. But he is only the Secretary General of the party. He does not make decisions for the party alone. His responsibility is to implement the decisions and resolutions of the party. A responsibility that he has evidently carried out with urgency and without fear or favour.
We are determined to win this fight against ZANU PF and its proxies. And we are setting the stage for victory.
Malawians casting votes in disputed May 2019 elections.
Malawi’s Electoral Commission has set 23 June as the date for a fresh presidential election, after President Peter Mutharika’s re-election last year was nullified by the courts.
The Constitutional Court had in February ordered a fresh presidential election be held within 150 days – a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court.
A statement from the commission’s newly appointed chairperson, Justice Chifundo Kachale, said the date was set by Members of Parliament in compliance with Supreme Court’s order.
Kachale warned of logistical challenges, but said they will consult presidential candidates “to explore reasonable mitigation measures” in delivering a credible election.
There are concerns the country is yet to get all the money it needs for holding the poll at a time when it is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The trial of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of $5,6 million is set to resume in two weeks following the Supreme Court ruling on Monday, overturning his acquittal at the High Court.
The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (sacu) welcomed the ruling and now seeks to implement the decision without delay.
In a statement yesterday, sacu welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and made it clear that it would implement the court’s decision to the best of its ability.
However, the anti-corruption unit said it was aware of statements circulating within the public domain suggesting that criminal charges against Chivayo and his company are to be discontinued.
“These sentiments do not represent true facts as they stand. sacu is proceeding with prosecution of the accused person as has been directed by the Supreme Court,” said sacu, adding that the proceedings, which were halted by the High Court in March last year, would resume within a fortnight.
When the proceedings were stopped, one witness had already taken to the stand.
“A number of witnesses will now be called to testify in this case,” said sacu, warning that any interference with the witnesses either directly or indirectly would be dealt with in terms of the law.
The resumption of Chivayo’s trial follows the National Prosecuting Authority appeal against the decision of the High Court absolving the businessman and his company of any criminal liability in the botched multi-million dollar deal with the power company.
Justice Owen Tagu had upheld Chivayo’s application for review of the trial court decision, rejecting his application for exception to the charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority took the matter up to the Supreme Court on appeal and successfully quashed the decision of the High Court.
Justice Makarau ruled that the High Court erred in interfering with the unterminated criminal proceedings before the trial magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube and ruled that the fraud trial could now proceed.
Chivayo was facing three counts of fraud when the High Court cleared him of all the charges in July 2018, ruling that it was a civil matter rather than a criminal case.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human rights lawyers and doctors representing the MDC Alliance activists who were abducted and tortured last month have accused Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe of lying and have demanded a reaction from him, Newsday reports.
This was revealed in a pre-suit notice letter from lawyers from Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners which was addressed to Kazembe Kazembe which reads in part:
It is now more apparent from your statement that no investigations are actually being carried out except an active exercise by the State (led by yourself) to seek to discredit the accounts of the victims of the enforced disappearance on behalf of the political party you represent in government
This has ceased to be a legitimate investigation and has become an overzealous public relations exercise on your part at the expense of the victims. This is deplorable to say the least
Your statements are, therefore, disingenuous and wholly divorced from the truth and seek to achieve a sinister motive.
One also wonders if you are an expert witness who can authoritatively interpret and speak on medical reports.
It is, in any event, a conclusion that is wholly inconsistent with the medical records, including the medical records relating to sexual assaults, conducted by the government medical doctor(s), and whose results have already been produced despite your pretence that these are still pending
The lawyers also vowed to subpoena Kazembe Kazembe to testify at the trial:
“We are placing you on notice, that should the State choose not to call you as a witness, we reserve the right on behalf of the three victims to have you subpoenaed to testify and be cross-examined on these outrageous and hurtful statements.”
The also said they will sue Kazembe Kazembe if he doesn’t give in to their demands:
“In the event that you should ignore these reasonable demands, we reserve the right on behalf of our clients to seek all legal remedies available to us and our clients in terms of the Constitution and other applicable laws”
Kazembe Kazembe addressed a press conference a few weeks ago and said the trio faked their abductions.
HARARE – A teachers’ union says the government must assess the threat of the coronavirus spread in gatherings exceeding 50 people by first opening bars, churches and weddings – before schools can re-open.
The Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says it is going to court to block the “premature” opening of schools, starting with Form 4 and Upper Sixth pupils who are sitting the ZIMSEC exams from June 29 until July 22.
The government has pushed back the re-opening of schools to July 28.
The union says the government is woefully prepared for any potential outbreak of the virus in schools, and is also demanding a massive recruitment of more teachers in order to decongest classrooms.
The union wants pupils and teachers to be supplied with free masks, and testing on site.
“It is against this frustrating background that we will be forced to block opening of schools and the writing of June examinations,” ARTUZ said in a statement Wednesday.
“We are seeking an interdict from the courts to block both the writing of June examinations and opening of schools on July 28. We are also mobilising for massive street protests by teachers and parents demanding salary review for teachers. We remain open to dialogue.”
ARTUZ said between May 2 and June 8, it had joined six other teachers’ unions in writing petitions to the government demanding minimum safety standards for learners and teachers, before schools can open. They have received support from a parliamentary committee on education.
The government says it is training headmasters to prepare for the schools re-opening.
A key demand by ARTUZ is for the hiring of more teachers 90,000 more teachers in order to decongest classes.
“On opening of schools, 136,000 teachers and almost five million learners will be admitted in our schools. The teacher complement will have to be boosted by 90,000 teachers to achieve social distancing in our classrooms and plug the gap of staff shortage,” ARTUZ demanded.
The union also accused the government of using teachers and school children as guinea pigs.
“They should open churches, bars and weddings first before schools to assess the contagious effect of gatherings of 50 plus people,” said ARTUZ.
The MDC has issued the following statement after the Security services council yesterday addressed a press conference to dismiss rumours they said were circulating about an imminent coup in Zimbabwe:
STATEMENT ON THREATS AGAINST MDC ALLIANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY. CHURCH & PRO-DEMOCRACY FORCES BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
On the evening of the 10th of June 2020, the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe convened in terms of s209 of the Constitution issued a statement concerning “rumours of an imminent coup d’etat in Zimbabwe.” The statement accuses the legitimate oppostion movement of engaging in an externally sponsored regime change onslaught since 2000 and of “irregular warfare”, “terrorism” and “insurgency”.
The Council attacks our Vice-Chairperson, Hon Job Sikala, the church, civil society, and other pro-democracy forces. It further accuses the opposition of faking abductions as part of this alleged warfare. The Council’s statement strikes at the heart of democracy in Zimbabwe and is the latest in a series of co-ordinated and incessant attacks on the MDC Alliance. The statement comes shortly after Minister Kazembe made defamatory claims against the person of the President in his statement on the abduction of the MDC trio. It also follows the unwarranted arrest of Vice-Presidents Biti and Kore and leaders of the National Standing Committee for requesting police assistance to enter their party offices. This is against the backdrop of spurious allegations against Secretary-General Hwende about the alleged petrol bombing of a car, the arrest of National Youth Assembly Chairperson, Obey Sithole, on unfounded allegations of public violence, and the continued harassment of several party members in meritless court cases on charges of subversion.
ServicesBuildingHomeGroceries DatingJobsCommercialHealth We have also witnessed the re-arrest of Alliance Youth Assembly members, Joanna Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on allegations that they obstructed the course of justice by making a false report relating to their abduction, torture and sexual assault three weeks ago. The perpetrators of their torture are yet to be earnestly investigated. We re-iterate the call for an independent investigation into the crimes committed against them.
The world most be on notice that, as the national crisis deepens, the state is at war with its citizens. The continued erosion of our rights and freedoms signals a clear intent to return the nation to one-party rule.
However, we remain firm in our resolve to win Zimbabwe for change.
Two inmates who escaped from prison in Rome last week left guards a courtesy note, saying they had business to take care of but would be back after two weeks, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
The two cousins, Davad Zukanovic, 40, and Lil Ahmetovic, 46, broke out of Rebibbia prison overnight on June 2 by scaling a wall using a water hose left in a courtyard.
But before they escaped, they left a note in their cell explaining they had personal reasons for needing to flee, said the la Repubblica daily.
They were driven by “the need to protect their children from a nasty business they had got themselves into,” the daily said, paraphrasing the contents of the letter.
The inmates specified that only they could make things right, as their wives were also both in jail.
At the end of the signed note, Zukanovic and Ahmetovic promised to return in about 15 days once everything was sorted, the paper said.
The men were serving sentences until 2029 for non-violent crimes, including fraud and receiving stolen goods.
Last March, families of inmates at Rebibbia prison held demonstrations outside the facility after the suspension of visits because of the coronavirus pandemic.
THE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the 15th of June 2020 as the Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting.
In a statement the Mnangagwa emphasized the need to continue abiding by the set COVID-19 regulations while at the same time resorting to prayer and fasting so as to conquer the pandemic.
“As your President during this very difficult season in which our nation and indeed the world face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am humbled to invite you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to take time in prayer and fasting as a nation before the almighty God to seek his mercy, wisdom, help and healing to overcome this deadly pandemic. In doing so we however diligently continue to observe every precaution necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, “he explained.
The President highlighted that the call for the Presidential National Day of Prayer had been inspired by a scripture from the Bible.
” The Lord joins us through his words in King Solomon in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place, “
‘Standing on this scripture, I, therefore, proclaim 15 June 2020 as The Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting,” he said.
“I also urge all on this day, to join us in giving up some meals in fasting. It will be best to arrange in this service as families, small, groups or church services not exceeding 50 people, and observing the precautions we have been taking to the prevent the spread of the Coronavirus,” he noted
The Presidential National Day of Prayer will be broadcast live on ZBC TV from 10 am to 12 pm.
In a potential game changer for South Africa’s political landscape, the Constitutional Court on Thursday ruled that the Electoral Act was unconstitutional.
This opens the door for independent candidates to stand for national and provincial elections without any affiliation to a political party.
The application, challenging the constitutionality of the act, was brought by NGO the New Nation Movement (NNM). As it stands, the act allows only candidates of political parties to contest election to the national and provincial legislatures.
“It is thus declared that insofar as it makes it impossible for candidates to stand for political office without being members of political parties, the Electoral Act is unconstitutional,” said Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
The ruling essentially means that a politician no longer needs to be part of a political party to be elected into office.
Madlanga said a conscious choice not to form or join a political party was as much a political choice as was a choice to form or join a political party. The freedom not to associate at all was also a fundamental right.
“Although for some there may be advantages in being a member of a political party …
“Undeniably, political party membership also comes with impediments that may be unacceptable to others … it may be overly restrictive to the free spirited, it may be censoring to those who are loathe to be straight jacketed by predetermined party positions.
“In a sense, it just may at times [to] detract from the element of self, the idea of a free self, one’s idea of freedom,” said Madlanga.
The Constitutional Court gave parliament 24 months to fix the electoral system. The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) said it was ready to assist parliament.
“In accordance with the principle of objective invalidity, a declaration of invalidity that is not coupled with a limit to its retrospective effect would invalidate all elections that followed the first election under the constitution,” said Madlanga.
“For that not to happen, the declaration of invalidity must take effect from the date of this judgment and it is fitting to suspended the declaration of invalidity to afford parliament an opportunity to correct the defect, and a reasonable period of suspension is 24 months.”
A separate concurring judgment penned by justice Chis Jafta held that the deficiency in the Electoral Act “to the extent that it fails to enable adult South Africans to stand for public office as individuals is inconsistent with the constitution”.
Brazzaville, 11 June 2020 – COVID-19 continues to spread in Africa since the virus was first detected on the continent in mid-February 2020. More than 200 000 cases have been confirmed so far, with more than 5600 deaths. The pandemic is accelerating – it took 98 days to reach 100 000 cases and only 18 days to move to 200 000 cases.
Ten out of 54 countries are currently driving the rise in numbers, accounting for nearly 80% of all the cases. More than 70% of the deaths are taking place in only five countries: Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan.
South Africa is the most affected, accounting for 25% of the continent’s total cases, with the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces reporting high number of cases and deaths daily.
More than half of the countries in the continent are experiencing COVID-19 community transmission. In many cases this is concentrated in capital cities, but cases are spreading into the provinces.
“For now Africa still only accounts for a small fraction of cases worldwide,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
“But the pace of the spread is quickening. Swift and early action by African countries has helped to keep numbers low but constant vigilance is needed to stop COVID-19 from overwhelming health facilities.”
Many countries were quick to make difficult decisions and put in place lockdowns and key public health measures such as promoting physical distancing, good hand hygiene and testing, tracing of contacts of people with COVID-19 and isolation of cases.
With the support of WHO and other partners, governments also rapidly started to scale up health workforce and laboratory capacities, and to set up points-of-entry screening at airports and border crossings. These public health and social measures have been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Africa.
In recent weeks, countries began relaxing lockdowns to resume some economic and social activities. The shutdowns have come at considerable socioeconomic cost.
“Stay-at-home orders and closing of markets and businesses have taken a heavy toll, particularly on the most vulnerable and marginalized communities,” said Dr Moeti.
“So, the need to balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods is a key consideration in this response, particularly in Africa.
Easing restrictions should be a controlled process and needs to be coupled with ensuring that widespread testing capacities and mechanisms are in place.
These steps need to be constantly adapted according to the trends in the data and maintained until the pandemic is contained or there is a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 which is accessible to everyone.
As countries ease restrictions, health authorities will need to ensure continuity of essential health care services while also resuming the full gamut of routine health services.
By A Correspondent- A neglected memorial museum to Cecil Rhodes in Zimbabwe has been gutted in a suspected arson attack.
The historic building, built in 1897, was used as stables for the Victorian colonialist and former prime minister of the Cape Colony’s horses.
It stands just outside the Matobo National Park in Southern Zimbabwe – the country formerly known as Rhodesia founded by the vicar’s son from Bishop’s Stortford.
Rhodes, born at Netteswell House in South Road in 1853, had a farm in the area close to the country’s second city, Bulawayo.
After he died in 1902, the gold and mining magnate now reviled as a white supremacist was entombed nearby at World’s View, also known by its Ndebele name Malindidzimu, in the Matobo Hills.
The stables were protected by the National Museums and Monuments Act as a landmark and, although neglected, had remained a tourist spot until damaged by the blaze on Sunday, May 31.
On her Facebook page, Moira Fitzpatrick, regional director of the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, which is a Government department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, posted: “It happened early evening. I was out there with police and fire brigade while they put out the fire.
“All I can say for sure is that someone deliberately started a fire on the wooden loft floor.”
In both Zimbabwe and in Oxford, where Oriel College has a statue of former student Rhodes, commemoration of the imperialist has prompted demonstrations and demands for their removal by the #RhodesMustFall movement.
Recent #BlackLivesMatter protests across the world have renewed calls for the Rhodes Arts Complex in South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, to be renamed too and after a trio of petitions signed by thousandsof people, the centre and museum trustees have agreed to look at the issue as part of general rebranding and reorganisation already underway. A sign outside the centre has now been defaced.
In 2018, as part of the dissertation which helped her win a first class degree from Exeter University, former Herts and Essex and Bishop’s Stortford High School student Daisy Aylott interviewed town residents about Rhodes and how he is remembered.
She said: “I found a clear divide in opinion. The majority argued he is part of Bishop’s Stortford’s history whether we like it or not, and removing his name allowed him to be re-written out of history.
“The minority believed Bishop’s Stortford needs a wakeup call to re-assess its understandings of the British Empire and the brutalist role Rhodes had within this. This showed me how distorted our understandings are of the British Empire, with many knowing very little about how we exploited foreign lands and massacred indigenous populations under the guise of financial gain.
“In light of my findings and the global Black Lives Matter movement gaining momentum around the world, we need to be educated and re-learn about the British Empire for all its horrors to understand why having Rhodes’ name linked to Bishop’s Stortford should not be a cause for celebration.
“Much like the slave trader Edward Colston’s statue falling in Bristol, Cecil Rhodes’ name should ‘fall’ from Bishop’s Stortford, and then be placed in the museum for all to learn about his dark oppressive past and appreciate why the British Empire and Rhodes are coming under the spotlight once again.
“You cannot remove Rhodes and take action without first changing our education and understanding of our collective past.”
By A Correspondent- The government of Zimbabwe has released 270 people who have been detained in Harare quarantine centres since their return to the country.
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo said all the released returnees had tested negative for the coronavirus.
The development comes amid reports that the centres are in shambles and are themselves a health hazard to detainees. Moyo said:
It is not in our interest as the government to detain people for periods which are longer than stipulated,” Moyo said.
If they are negative, they should be released and allowed to go home. If positive, they will be placed in isolation.
Some returnees have been escaping from quarantine centres where life is reportedly horrible as some do not have running water and adequate food.
The Ministry of Health also reported that the biggest number of the known coronavirus cases are returnees mainly from South Africa.
By A Correspondent- Gweru City Council has introduced a new tariff schedule for this year which will see residents parting ways with huge amounts of money for erecting illegal structures and or houses without approved plans.
The move has been criticised by Gweru Residents Forum director Charles Mazorodze who said the local government authority hiked tariffs without consulting residents. Reads the schedule in part:
Commercial per plan building from $7 500 to $177 364, industrial per plan building $10 000 to $236 485 and institutional per plan building from $5 000 to $188 243.
It also observed that the building penalty for unapproved plans in high-density areas has been hiked from $1 500 to $35 473, medium-density from $2 000 to $47 297, while that of low-density suburbs has been increased from $2 500 to $59 121.
The schedule also indicated that construction of houses in high-density areas without council inspection now attracts a fine of $3 547 from $150; medium-density $4 730 from $200 and low-density, $5 912 from $250 while developing commercial stands without municipal inspection will attract a penalty of $17 736 from $750.
The local council’s mayor, Josiah Makombe, said the tariffs were in line with the prevailing market forces adding that the tariff regime also changed mainly due to the existing macroeconomic environment, which is hyperinflationary.
The venue for Liverpool’s potential English Premier League title-deciding game has been confirmed.
The Reds who are 25 points clear at the top of the table could clinch their first championship in thirty years on their home ground – Anfield – after the city council’s Safety Advisory Group cleared the venue to host the team’s all remaining home games.
The health authorities had feared that the encounter would attract people to congregate outside the closed stadium and breach social distancing guidelines.
Liverpool need two wins to win the league, meaning they could seal the triumph when they host Crystal Palace on Wednesday 24 June.
But first, they will have to overcome city rivals Everton at Goodson Park, another venue which has been given the green light to host the games.-Soccer 24
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has castigated the decision by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to suspend elections in the country to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
Below is the MDC Alliance’s statement in full.
11 June 2020 STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF ELECTORAL ACTIVITIES BY ZEC MDC-ALLIANCE
The MDC Alliance is concerned by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s unconstitutional decision to indefinitely suspend electoral activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic without regard for the Constitution, the country’s electoral laws and respect for the citizens’ civil and political rights. We are of the firm view that ZEC’s conduct is unlawful, unreasonable and unfair for the reasons that are set out below:
1. The indefinite suspension of electoral activities violates section 158(3) of the Constitution which states that elections should be conducted within 90 days following a parliamentary or local authority vacancy. There is no provision for the postponement of this 90-day time frame. The Chiredzi Ward 16 by-election was indefinitely postponed by ZEC on the 25. of March 2020. Additionally, there are five confirmed local government vacancies. Most of them have exceeded the 90-day time frame. Accordingly, ZEC is in breach of the Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law and supersedes any Act of Parliament or subsidiary legislation. ZEC has fallen foul of this binding constitutional provision. It has not approached a court of law to correct the anomaly in accordance with best practice as seen in other jurisdictions faced with the same difficulty.
2. ZEC has acted unilaterally in deciding to issue a blanket indefinite suspension of electoral activities. The electoral management body did not consult political parties, civic society organisations or voters as would be required by the dictates of sound administrative conduct.
3. The statement by ZEC is vague concerning which electoral activities have been suspended. There is no clarity on the status of by-elections in local authorities, constituency seats, proportional representation vacancies, and legally stipulated continuous electoral activities that include voter education and voter registration which require minimal physical interaction. With appropriate social distancing and hygiene etiquette measures, we believe that all these electoral activities can continue in the same way that court and parliamentary activities have resumed, without causing a public health disaster.
4. Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, electoral reforms remain outstanding. We demand electoral reforms and the alignment of electoral laws to the Constitution. Most urgently, consultation on the delimitation exercise should commence forthwith.
By A Correspondent- In a very disturbing case, a woman is reported to have forced her 2-year-old stepchild to sit on a hot stove as a way to get back at and punish her husband who she suspected was cheating on her.
The woman Yvonne Chifamba (23) and her husband Trust Mangana (27) were arrested on Tuesday and were detained at Waterfalls Police Station. The two had initially agreed to keep the crime under wraps. However, they were arrested after they finally decided to seek medical help for the minor after they failed to manage the burns on their own.
Speaking to the publication, Deputy provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the arrest of a Waterfalls couple in connection with a case involving a minor.
“Circumstances were that that the step-mother of the child had a misunderstanding with the father accusing him of infidelity.
“During the debate the step mother is alleged to have grabbed the minor and placed him on a hot stove and the couple are reported to have agreed to conceal the act.
“Investigations have since begun and we would like to thank members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the two.
“Police continue to urge members of the public to report any criminal activities within their communities to police for the law to take its course,”
Persecution of lawyers, human rights activists and political opponents is an international crime. No government, agents or functionaries have a right to persecute people, no matter how much they deslike them.
Persecution includes but is not limited to unjustified arrests and malicious prosecutions, torture, kidnapping, and any form of inhuman and degrading punishment or treatment.
The MDC Alliance strongly condemns the unwarranted continued persecution of Honourable Joanna Mamombe Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova. The three were rearrested yesterday on spurious charges of making a false abduction report.
As the People’s party, we are appalled by the depths to which the illegitimate regime has sunk in its desperate attempt to cling to power.
The young women have suffered enough and they have not been allowed to recuperate in the comfort of their homes with their loved ones after the turmoil they have gone through and the time they have spent in hospital.
No sooner had they been hauled to court and ordered to surrender their passports and instead of being allowed to rest they are now again being charged with this ridiculous offence.
This callous treatment and cruelty has no place in a civilised society and it makes Robert Mugabe and Ian Smith look like saints.
What is more disturbing is that baseless allegations are being made against the People’s party, lawyers, journalists, civil society leaders and ordinary citizens who are perceived to be threats to the unjust regime.
After the senseless arrest of Advocate Thabani Mpofu, his instructing legal practitioner and Joshua Chirambwe we again witnessed the arrest of Advocate Sylvester Hashiti for criminal insult. We also learn with shock the arrest of Mr Rubaya who is also a lawyer and was involved in the team representing Advocate Thabani Mpofu on yet again unclear allegations.
It’s now evident that this is no new dispensation but a gigantic and monumental deception. We call upon them to stop arresting innocent citizens but instead arrest the rampant corruption and avarice which has resulted in the collapse of the economy.
Zimbabweans can barely make ends meet and the centre cannot hold as we see the moribund Zimbabwean dollar collapsing around us.
It is time for the regime to acknowledge its failures and cease this senseless harassment of the people of Zimbabwe.
The panacea to the problem is a return to legitimacy and not the use of brute force to continue the subjugation of the people. Our misery can only come to an end when we have a people s government which respects people s Rights.
WE CAN’T BREATHE
For and on behalf of the MDC Alliance legal department
Innocent Gonese MDC Alliance Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs
Zimbabwe Warriors striker Tinotenda Kadewere is officially an Olympique Lyon player after he was presented at at a press conference on Wednesday.
The former Harare City man signed a four-and-a-half contract with the Ligue 1 side in January but was loaned back to Le Havre for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, which was officially cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Kadewere joined his new teammates yesterday and was unveiled as an official Lyon player at a press conference attended by the club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas.
Speaking at the presentation, the former Prince Edward School pupil said: “ I am very happy to join OL. It’s a very big club, a club I dreamed of. I worked a lot to be able to sit in this place. I would like to thank the president, Juninho and Bruno Cheyrou who all facilitated my arrival.
“The players were very friendly to me and integrated me directly into the group. To be a good player, you have to be a team player.
“I have my own qualities, but I especially know how to blend into a collective. I like to hold the ball. Growing up, I always had a ball between my feet.
I’m also pretty quick. But again, the most important thing is to be a team player.” he added-Soccer 24
There is a young man who forgot his satchel in one of our solar installation vehicles (kombi).
Inside this satchel there is a laptop, books, O’level and A’level certificates. The kombi is branded “REDzimbabwe” or “Saka Ngaibake Solar Yacho” but we’re not sure if he read the brandings since it was around 7pm.
His name is Charles Mapindu. He was offered a free lift along Harare – Nyamapanda road and was dropped in Harare CBD.
If you know him kindly let him visit REDzimbabwe, 35 Samora Machel Ave Memorial Bldng Oppo Megawatt Bldng Hre & ask to see Taku or call 086 4428 066
The Harare City Council (HCC) has given an update about the renovations being carried at Rufaro Stadium.
The venue has been undergoing an extensive upgrade to meet the standards to host Premier Soccer League matches after it was condemned by the authoritiesfollowing an inspection done in March.
The council says the installation of a second solar powered-borehole is complete and the focus is now on the floodlighting system.
The installation of a second borehole is now complete.
“The second borehole at Rufaro Stadium is now functional. Floodlight work is expected to start soon, the contractor is expected to carry out a site visit tomorrow,” reads a post on HCC’s official Facebook page.
Meanwhile, work on the turnstiles and turf is now complete-Soccer 24
Farai Dziva|The country’s lockdown is a calculated move meant to annihilate the country’s main opposition formation, an MDC Alliance official has said.
Writing on Facebook, MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga, pointed out Zanu PF is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Taruvinga argued:
This lockdown is only meant dismantle Nelson Chamisa politically.
It has nothing to do with the virus at all. They are busy bribing members of MDC-A National Executive to dump Chamisa for Khupe and for cash and promises of posts in Mnangagwa’s administration. It’s happening and some members have already fallen into the trap.
My idea is that let’s defy the lockdown nonsense and start rolling out our mass rallies.
People need to know where the leadership stands. People are only relying on unverified reports and are getting confused by the passing of each day.
We actually need to break the chains of the lockdown and start ring fencing our territories.
Farai Dziva|The country’s lockdown is a calculated move meant to annihilate the country’s main opposition formation, an MDC Alliance official has said.
Writing on Facebook, MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga, pointed out Zanu PF is desperate to dismantle the MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Taruvinga argued:
This lockdown is only meant dismantle Nelson Chamisa politically.
It has nothing to do with the virus at all. They are busy bribing members of MDC-A National Executive to dump Chamisa for Khupe and for cash and promises of posts in Mnangagwa’s administration. It’s happening and some members have already fallen into the trap.
My idea is that let’s defy the lockdown nonsense and start rolling out our mass rallies.
People need to know where the leadership stands. People are only relying on unverified reports and are getting confused by the passing of each day.
We actually need to break the chains of the lockdown and start ring fencing our territories.
The call by Emmerson Mnangagwa to Zimbabweans to fast and pray for the ailing economy which was killed by him and his Zanu PF cronies is totally hypocrisy.
It is just as good as Satan asking us to fast so that we can go to heaven where he was chased away because of failure to abide by the heavenly rules.
Zimbabweans are not fools and cannot be hoodwinked into thinking that Mnangagwa has Zimbabwe at heart by turning to God when he actually knows that he is not sincere.
Mnangagwa was actually supposed to surrender the reigns and tell the people that he has failed them and then turn to God and ask for forgiveness.
Infact Zimbabweans mus turn against him and fast for his peaceful departure than to pray for economy that is already dead.
Let us go to the book of 1 Kings 21:7-15, Jezebel(King Ahab’s wife) the most wicked woman in the bible calls for a fast :
Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.
In those letters she wrote: So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.
They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people.
Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.”
Zimbabweans let us not be fooled, what is the motive of the so called Presidential National Prayer Day?
STATEMENT ON THREATS AGAINST MDC ALLIANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY. CHURCH & PRO-DEMOCRACY FORCES BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
On the evening of the 10th of June 2020, the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe convened in terms of s209 of the Constitution issued a statement concerning “rumours of an imminent coup d’etat in Zimbabwe.”
The statement accuses the legitimate oppostion movement of engaging in an externally sponsored regime change onslaught since 2000 and of “irregular warfare”, “terrorism” and “insurgency”.
The Council attacks our Vice-Chairperson, Hon Job Sikala, the church, civil society, and other pro-democracy forces. It further accuses the opposition of faking abductions as part of this alleged warfare.
The Council’s statement strikes at the heart of democracy in Zimbabwe and is the latest in a series of co-ordinated and incessant attacks on the MDC Alliance.
The statement comes shortly after Minister Kazembe made defamatory claims against the person of the President in his statement on the abduction of the MDC trio.
It also follows the unwarranted arrest of Vice-Presidents Biti and Kore and leaders of the National Standing Committee for requesting police assistance to enter their party offices.
This is against the backdrop of spurious allegations against Secretary-General Hwende about the alleged petrol bombing of a car, the arrest of National Youth Assembly Chairperson, Obey Sithole, on unfounded allegations of public violence, and the continued harassment of several party members in meritless court cases on charges of subversion.
We have also witnessed the re-arrest of Alliance Youth Assembly members, Joanna Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on allegations that they obstructed the course of justice by making a false report relating to their abduction, torture and sexual assault three weeks ago. The perpetrators of their torture are yet to be earnestly investigated.
We reiterate the call for an independent investigation into the crimes committed against them. The world most be on notice that, as the national crisis deepens, the state is at war with its citizens.
The continued erosion of our rights and freedoms signals a clear intent to return the nation to one-party rule. However, we remain firm in our resolve to win Zimbabwe for change.
Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson Change That Delivers
The Women’s Academy for Leadership has urged Zimbabwean authorities to drop the charges against the MDC Alliance trio and engage independent investigators to bring the pepetrators of the abduction and torture against the girls to account.
MDC Alliance youth leaders Cecilia Chimbiri, legislator for Harare West Joana Mamombe and Netsai Marova were abducted and tortured in May 2020 after they were arrested at a roadblock in Harare before they were found dumped in Bindura days later.
The trio, were however subjected to hospital court processes before they had fully recovered from their ordeal which included sexual assault.
Days after they were granted bail, the trio were hauled to court again where they had part of their bail conditions changed resulting in the consfictation of their passports over fears that they were planning to flee the country.
A day later, the three MDC Alliance activists were arrested again and charged with making a false report regarding their alleged abduction and sexual assault.
They are appearing at court Thursday afternoon.
Said the WALPE:
2/2 The Govt should drop charges & allow @UNHumanRights to come and conduct an independent investigation into the matter. The Govt must arrest the perpetrators and not the victims. We stand in solidarity with these women leaders until the perpetrators are brought to book
— Women's Academy for Leadership (@WalpeAcademy) June 11, 2020
IF your face mask does not have more than one layer of fabric it may expose you to Covid-19 infection, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on home made masks.
Also, anyone who wears a single mask for more than three hours increases chances of infection. Unlike medical masks which are produced for hospitals, handmade masks yield higher infection rates caused by droplets and airborne micro-organisms. Studies have shown that multi layered masks offer more protection and single layer cloths masks are riskier.
Cloth masks, become magnets for the virus when they get wet, even due to vapour from breathing in and out.
WHO points out that homemade masks become less effective if they are not used in conjunction with other Covid-19 prevention measures like social distancing and hygiene.
Masks, the organisation advises, should be washed using hot water in a basin with laundry detergent and if hot water is not available, cold water with 0.05 percent chlorine should be used.
They should be soaked for 30 minutes and then be rinsed with water and laundry detergent. Low resource countries will have to rely on the handmade cloth masks to contain Covid-19 which has so far infected 292 people in Zimbabwe and killed four.
Globally, more than 7 million have been infected and deaths top 400 000.
Local manufacturers and tailors have ventured into mask making after Government made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask in public spaces. A majority use just any cloth in single layers.
Police have been arresting people spotted without face masks after the law was enacted, effective May 4.
WHO says cloth masks should not replace respirators and should never be used by healthcare workers in health institutions.
“Homemade cloth masks may offer marginal protection from droplet and airborne infections from asymptomatic persons by reducing the number of respiratory droplets from them to others,” read the statement from WHO.
“Homemade cloth masks can be assembled from many different materials readily available within the community.
Yet, preliminary data shows that masks made up of two or more cloth layers are more effective at keeping particle penetration lower than single-layered masks.”
The guidelines also recommended that in providing routine care to a Covid-19 patient, health care workers should wear surgical masks.
“Make sure to keep the homemade cloth mask dry at all times. Even moisture from exhaling could potentially make the fabric more prone to transmitting infection,” said WHO.
“Homemade cloth masks may be worn up to three hours without an increase in particle penetration and they must be cleaned daily.”
WHO also emphasised the need for physical distancing of at least 1-metre and adopting sound hand hygiene practices in addition to wearing masks.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclamation of the “Presidential National Prayer Prayer Day is a reflection of the highest level of blasphemy given his administration’s blatant abuse of human rights, the persecution, harassment and torture of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents.
On Wednesday Mnangagwa’s administration, rearrested three MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leaders Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.
The three MDC Alliance youth leaders were abducted and severely tortured by suspected state security agents last month.
“The Voice of the People is the Voice of God ” was Mnangagwa’s favourite maxim when he rose to power after overthrowing his long time boss, Robert Mugabe, with the help of the military in November 2017.
Analysts say Zimbabwe’s listening President no longer listens and anyone who opposes him is either silenced through arrests and torture.
Ironically at a time Mnangagwa is persecuting Zimbabweans, he has declared June 15 as the Presidential National Prayer Day.
In the book of 1 Kings 21:7-15 Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) the most wicked woman in the bible calls for a fast. Church leaders say Mnangagwa has no spiritual authority to proclaim a fast:
…Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.
In those letters she wrote: So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.
They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.”
On Thursday Mnangagwa had the audacity to quote 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place.”
One church leader observed : ” Mnangagwa has the temerity to call for a national day of prayer and fasting when the nation is already FASTING due to the economic hardships at the hands of his corrupt regime which has milked dry the country’s national coffers and crippled industry.
One would expect Mnangagwa to make applicable in his life the same bible verse and turn from his wicked ways.”
A respected media practitioner has also indicated Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer:
“Best to leave these things to the church. Mr Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer. His government continues to abuse and intimidate citizens whilst allowing the rich and powerful around him, including his own sons, to engage in blatant acts of corruption.”
The re-arrest and continued persecution by prosecution of our female youth leaders charged on false and stupid allegations that they faked their own abduction is a clear declaration of war on citizens.
MDC Alliance
Youth Assembly National Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and National Secretary for Policy and Research Hon Joana Mamombe have been tossed around back and forth between hospital beds and police cells since their abduction from police custody on the fateful 13 May 2020.
The latest arrest and detention of the unwell trio is another daring move by the illegitimate regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa on defenseless citizens.
It is clear that Mnangagwa’s reckless, corrupt and extravagant military dictatorship is itching for a showdown with civilians.
The worst disregard to human emotions by any dictatorship is abuse of women and Emmerson Mnangagwa is doing exactly that.
Surely Emmerson has chosen a wrong and dangerous path!
As an Assembly, we want to make it clear that we are not going to take the latest abuse of our female comrades lightly.
We demand for the immediate release of our comrades or else we release our anger!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda to cause regime change as the revolutionary party tackles the economic challenges that the country is presently facing.
Yesterday Mnangagwa chaired an eight-hour long politburo meeting that focused mainly on ending the current economic challenges, which the ruling party noted are being stirred by an invisible hand that is determined to breed chaos in the country.
This comes as the economy has been going through turbulent times notwithstanding the fact that Government has put in place a raft of measures and interventions to spur economic growth.
And despite that Zimbabwe is currently selling its tobacco, the country’s major cash crop, the Politburo also noted that the Zimbabwean dollar continues to depreciate against the United States dollar due to a speculative exchange control environment that is being manipulated by an invisible hand.
While giving his opening remarks of the 340th ordinary session of the Zanu PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa noted that Government and its leadership have of late come under attack from the detractors trying to foment instability in the country.
“On the economic front we are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models. We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda.
“They will never win. We did not liberate this country for selfish, profiteers and greedy individuals, but for all people in our land who have a right to enjoy a better quality of life. As a party we must always strive to achieve this,” said Mnangagwa.
The President pointed to the alleged abduction of three MDC Alliance members, namely Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, as part of the grand plot by the country’s detractors to tarnish Government’s image.
The President however, said the alleged abductions had been exposed for their inconsistencies by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in his recent statement.
“Concurrently during this period was the resurgence of hate speech and language which are not characteristic of the values we seek to be embedded in our country under the Second Republic. This vile culture must be rejected by all peace loving people,” he said.
Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu PF’s First Secretary said the confrontational actions were well coordinated and planned.
“I am aware that the intention was to cause despondency, unrest, violence and to render the country ungovernable.
These acts should never be tolerated. I urge the Party and nation as a whole, to remain alert.
Let us refuse to be divided by vigilantes who are hired by hostile foreign governments to distract us from our quest to grow our economy and improve the quality of lives for all, in peace, unity and love,” Mnangagwa said-State media
By A Correspondent- Former Zanu PF youth league official Godfrey Tsenengamu has made claims that Zanu PF is captured by wealthy benefactors and they are no longer keen to fight corruption.
Tsenengamu said the ruling party’s top officials have received top of the range vehicles for the “wealthy benefactors” and they cannot go against their sponsors:
The majority of them are getting salaries from these wealthy benefactors, they are given cars and the fuel they use. How do you expect people to go against someone who is sponsoring them
Tsenengamu also said the whole system in Zanu PF was made up of looters:
It is not about the whole party, it is about a clique of people who are in the leadership, who instead of being leaders, they have turned themselves into looters. Whenever you challenge looting, you are always going to face the music whenever you challenge corruption. Because corruption is in their DNA, they will deal with you
He also went on to sensationally claim that President Mnangagwa was an accomplice to all the corruption that was happening around him:
I would not want to say President Mnangagwa is corrupt or not, but what I can say is, in one way or the other, the President is an accomplice in all the corruption that is happening around him. He has failed to act decisively and he finds himself in the company of those who are corrupt all the time. He appointed a commission to investigate internal allegations of corruption but it suffered a stillbirth up to now
However, Zanu PF through Victor Matemadanda dismissed Tsenengamu’s claims and said:
Those are lies. What happens if I show you evidence that I bought my car? I have the papers of that car and I keep them because I know that some people are going to make these allegations
Tsenengamu was suspended earlier this year for naming and shaming corrupt individuals he said were wreaking havoc in the economy.
By A Correspondent- The trial of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of $5,6 million is set to resume in two weeks following the Supreme Court ruling on Monday, overturning his acquittal at the High Court.
The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (sacu) welcomed the ruling and now seeks to implement the decision without delay.
In a statement yesterday, sacu welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and made it clear that it would implement the court’s decision to the best of its ability.
Meanwhile, Energy minister Fortune Chasi has given Intratrek exactly six months to feed 10 megawatts into the national grid, adding intrigue to the raging court case against the company after the Supreme Court this week ruled that its owner Wicknell Chivayo should stand trial.
Chivayo won a tender in 2015 to build a solar power plant in Gwanda, expected to feed 100 megawatts into the national grid, but the company missed the deadline due to protracted disagreements with government.
By A Correspondent- Human rights lawyers and doctors yesterday accused Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe of lying to cover up for the alleged abduction and sexual assault of three MDC Alliance activists, who included Harare West MP Joanah Mamombe, by State security agents.
Kazembe last week claimed lawyers and doctors worked with MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa, Western embassies, churches and other non-governmental organisations to stage-manage the abduction of Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova in order to pursue a regime change agenda.
But lawyers representing the trio, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights as well as Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights tore into Kazembe, accusing him of lying.
The lawyers demanded a retraction from the minister if he failed to back his claims with evidence.
In a pre-suit notice letter dated June 4 and addressed to Kazembe, the lawyers from Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners accused Kazembe of pursuing a Zanu-PF agenda in the matter together with other senior party officials.
They said the abducted MDC Alliance activists had always questioned the sincerity of the government, arising from a series of events during the purported investigation.
He said Kazembe’s decision to rush to the media was “further victimising” the three activists.
“It is now more apparent from your statement that no investigations are actually being carried out except an active exercise by the State (led by yourself) to seek to discredit the accounts of the victims of the enforced disappearance on behalf of the political party you represent in government,” part of the letter read.
Kazembe is also the Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central province.
The lawyers said it was worrying that several Zanu-PF officials such as Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo and politburo member Patrick Chinamasa, among others, had repeatedly made disparaging statements about the enforced disappearance.
They said the involvement of Zanu-PF explained the leaking of crucial information such as photographs, taken only by the police, and images taken from inside a police station.
The lawyers also demanded explanation on how information only availed to the police ended up in the hands of Zanu-PF officials.
“This has ceased to be a legitimate investigation and has become an overzealous public relations exercise on your part at the expense of the victims. This is deplorable to say the least,” they said, accusing Kazembe of not being clear on the exact agencies investigating the case.
They said they remained concerned by the numerous visits to the hospital by people masquerading as nurses or lawyers while others continue trailing parents of the victims.
On issues raised including that the victims were not co-operating with the investigating officers, the lawyers said: “Your statements are, therefore, disingenuous and wholly divorced from the truth and seek to achieve a sinister motive.
“… One also wonders if you are an expert witness who can authoritatively interpret and speak on medical reports.
“It is, in any event, a conclusion that is wholly inconsistent with the medical records, including the medical records relating to sexual assaults, conducted by the government medical doctor(s), and whose results have already been produced despite your pretence that these are still pending.”
Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners added: “For the record, medical affidavits relating to complaints of sexual assaults have already been made and the medical findings relating thereto fully explained to the three victims.
“We are placing you on notice, that should the State choose not to call you as a witness, we reserve the right on behalf of the three victims to have you subpoenaed to testify and be cross-examined on these outrageous and hurtful statements.
“In the event that you should ignore these reasonable demands, we reserve the right on behalf of our clients to seek all legal remedies available to us and our clients in terms of the Constitution and other applicable laws.”
They vowed to subpoena Kazembe to testify during the trial of the three.
Below is the full thread posted by Energy minister Fortune Chasi over his alleged interference in the Gwanda solar project and the letter he allegedly wrote to the board to withdraw charges against controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.
Below is the full text:
GWANDA PROJECT: I promised to respond to the various questions that many have asked regarding the decision Gvt has taken on the future of the project.
The interest and concern shown by the public is both proper & warranted. Below I will set out the reasoning that has informed my stance on the matter.
Over the past yr since I was appointed I have hoped that a resolution would be found once the Board was in place . My hope was premised on the fact that there was a court order which required that the parties meet and agree.
I will endeavor to set out the circumstances of this matter as briefly and as concisely as twitter will allow
Just for completeness it’s important to note the 100 MW Gwanda Solar Project was advertised as a public tender, and, on the face of adjudicated upon and awarded.
What are the options open to the country? Zesa lost twice in the High Court. They appealed to the Supreme Court. The appeal has been pending for a while. It does not have a set down date as yet. Can we afford the luxury of endless litigation in the light of a new financing plan ?
It is possible that I may have made a mistake in the decision I have taken. I take full responsibility for it.
Should we completely ignore the fact that the experts like Utedzi have promised that within a period of 6 mths they will deliver the initial 10 mw? Should we instead start a new process that will take no less than 18 mths before work begins making it effectively 7 yrs?
Should we discount the fact that Mr Utedzi who is now consulting for Intratek, has world class experience and has recently switched on a solar plant at nyabira?
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has set aside 15 June as the national day of prayer adding that he hopes the nations would join him in prayer as he invites Christ to help Zimbabwe fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was revealed in a statement which reads:
As your President during this very difficult season in which our nation and indeed the world face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am humbled to invite you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to take time in prayer and fasting as a nation before the almighty God to seek his mercy, wisdom, help and healing to overcome this deadly pandemic. In doing so we however diligently continue to observe every precaution necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Quoting the scriptures, Mnangagwa said:
The Lord joins us through his words in King Solomon in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place
Standing on this scripture, I, therefore, proclaim 15 June 2020 as The Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting. I also urge all on this day, to join us in giving up some meals in fasting. It will be best to arrange in this service as families, small, groups or church services not exceeding 50 people, and observing the precautions we have been taking to the prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.”
By Jane Mlambo| Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga has condemned the government move to proceed with school examinations saying the country is not ready to open doors to children without following proper procedures.
Making a presentation before Parliament last week, Mushonga said without running water in schools, it will be difficult to maintain hygiene and keep children safe from COVID-19.
“Our position is we’re not ready as a country to proceed with examinations on the dates that have been set by Zimsec. In particular because of the things that we’re talking about. Honourable Members in the Committee were even saying that it is not just rural areas but even urban areas themselves — there’s no running water. We know that our young children are trying to sew and do masks — which is a fantastic idea in terms of the training but we also need to understand whether the standards have been checked. This is why we have the Standards Association of Zimbabwe — really, for us, any mask that somebody is going to wear has to be a mask that conforms with the WHO standards,” said Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
“When did it become a crime to ask government to stop sanctioning its soldiers to murder innocent citizens?“
Preacher Talent Chiwenga has queried why government is focusing on trivialising the minor and targeting non offenders while ignoring murderers who killed innocent citizens on August 1 2018.
Chiwenga said Kazembe Kazembe should first arrest and convict soldiers who killed 7 innocent citizens using guns in broad daylight instead of threatening to unleash the long arm of the law against him and the media among others.
“Mr Kazembe Kazembe, you have always been trying to abduct me and kill me. You are a member of a leadership cult that is bloody. You survive on killing people and silencing people…you are used to doing things with impunity. Zimbabwe does not belong to Zanu Pf, neither does it belong to Mr Mnangagwa but to Zimbabweans…
Not long ago Mr Matemadanda, survived after he was saved by the people when Robert Mugabe wanted to kill him for speaking the truth. Now he does not speak about the safety of others….this is simply because he now belongs to that cult. why should there be no freedom after speech?
People are afraid to speak. Everyone is afraid and people are only able to speak when they are behind their blankets.
Ini pachezvenyu are cowards. You are afraid to face your weaknesses.”
By A Correspondent- Preacher Talent Chiwenga has torn into prophets who are in the habit of showering praises at the ruling party despite it commiting atrocities against citizens.
In a highly charged up response to Zanu Pf’s press statement threatening him and ZimEye, Nehanda Radio, Gambakwe media among the opposition and civil society organisations, Chiwenga said he will not back down and worship the ruling party like what most prophets in Zimbabwe did.
He said:
“Zanu Pf has never invited me to their functions because i do not compromise the word to suit them.
I do not seek to be recognised by Kazembe Kazembe or even any government official because it doesn’t add value to my assignment. I do not seek validation from you.”
Preacher Talent Chiwenga has responded to the statement by minister Kazembe Kazembe saying his statement was dangerous and inflamatory.
He said:
“… those who sympathise with Zanu Pf will take the law into their own hands… they have put my life in danger. I do not know in what way i am being described as violent…
I do not have the capacity to comment on the scope of the coup de tat. In his own threats, the long arm of the law will catch up with me and others. … it’s the long arm of lawlessness. We are not safe.. coughing may be dangerous according to Zanu Pf.
It’s unfortunate that Kazembe Kazembe and Mnangagwa sees me in that light. I do not see myself as an anti government preacher. …I do not support Zanu Pf, I do not support MDC neither do i support any political parties. I support Jesus Christ…
I am not allowed Mr Kazembe Kazembe to have fellowship with unfruit works of darkness. The word of God insructs me to rebuke them,”
On Sunday the 7th of June, the 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement led by the organisation’s Deputy Executive Director donated a food hamper to the bereaved family of Levison Ncube.
Levison Ncube was brutally assaulted by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police at around 7pm on the 30th of March 2020 at the first day of national lockdown in government efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The said policemen are alleged to have struck Levison on the head and he lost consciousness just meters from his home for allegedly defying government orders for people to stay at home. He was taken to Mpilo hospital around 10pm with much stalling from the police officers who were trying to delay and maybe slip away from what they had done. He was attended to by a Doctor around 11pm and then 1pm.
He is said to have regained consciousness on the 3rd of April and discharged from the hospital although he had clear signs of paralysis on one side of his body and then eventually succumbed to what the post-mortem report said was “subarachnoid haemorrhage and head trauma”. Simply put he died from severity of beatings he took on the head from the not so honourable members of the Police force. He was 25.
The greater tragedy is that all this happened in full view of his pregnant girlfriend who was with him when this horror befell them. She will not only live with the trauma of having her loved one stolen away from her, but also must explain to their unborn child how the brutality of the security forces robbed them of a father and husband.
Levison was also the lone breadwinner of his extended family, providing for his siblings, cousins and elderly. The family asked the government for funeral and burial assistance but was snubbed as the Police coldly threw out their plea by saying they are “still conducting investigations and any sort of assistance would be an admittance of guilt”
Asked for comment Assistant Inspector Msebele said the Police can no longer make a comment on this matter as it already in the courts.
Handing over the grocery donation Mr Greater Sibanda condemned the conduct of the police officers and the heavy handedness of Law officers in discharging their duties.
“We as the 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement are here to pay our respects and mourn with the Ncube family on the horrific and untimely loss of their beloved one. We as the organisation do not encourage members of the public to break laws of the land.
We strongly feel, however that if laws are broken, due process should be followed with greatest care of human dignity and sanctity of life as prescribed not only in the constitution but also in the Human rights charter. We condemn in strongest terms this heinous and atrocious conduct that has led to the untimely death of this young man.
The 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement is deeply concerned by the continued use of brute force on citizens not only on this Ncube case but also of others that we continue to learn of.
Two weeks ago, we were at Cowdrypark giving a shoulder of comfort to two ladies who were stripped off their dignity, shamed and tortured by the members of the Police force for merely expressing themselves in their language. This is a travesty!
The public looks up to these Law officers for refuge, security and protection. How can they go to them now as they have turned to be the very monsters that they run from?”
Finally Sibanda said:
“We would like to urge the government to ensure the safety of its citizens and bring timely justice on this tragic incident. Wounds never heal without justice and so the quicker the law acts on the murder of Levison, the quicker the family and nation will heal and move on. We as the people of Mthwakazi demand this justice, for Levison’s soul to rest in peace, for the family to find comfort and for the nation to heal”,
By A Correspondent- According to the state media, the state is alleging that President Mnangagwa’s niece Chirambe Chikafu posing as his daughter did the following:
In 2010, she approached CBZ and tried to open an account using a defensive driving certificate as an identity. The bank wanted a real ID and said no, but she allegedly connived with CBZ employee Lilian Mateta, who processed the account without the needed ID.
In February 2011, Chikafu, while using the name Chantelle Mnangagwa, received a US$2 000 overdraft.
In August 2011, she was lent another US$15 000 after submitting a Deed of Transfer she allegedly stole from her mother, Grace Chikafu.
On September 12, 2012, she received a US$20 000 loan and failed to repay accruing a US$88 775 debt in the process, including interests.
On November 19, 2019 Chikafu is said to have approached Nyasha Mutyambizi and passed herself as Chantelle Mnangagwa. She allegedly sought an agreement to mine in Umfurudzi Safari Area and tendered a fake ID. The Parks and Wildlife Management reportedly consented and issued the agreement. With that piece of paper, she approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development seeking a special gold mining grant for 200 hectares in the reserved area.
By A Correspondent- ZACC is reportedly probing NetOne Non-Executive Director Rangarirai Mathias Mavhunga for not revealing his personal interest in a transaction involving FMC Holdings Limited and NetOne, Business times reports.
According to the publication NetOne entered into an agreement with FMC Holdings which would see NetOne facilities its customers acquire microfinance loans from FMC.
According to an affidavit filed by the investigating detective Collius Mushambi:
When the agreement was entered between the two parties, the accused did not disclose to NetOne Cellular board his involvement in FMC which might have favoured FMC to obtain the facility in contravention of Section 173 (1) (a) (ii) of the Criminal Law and Codification and Reform Act
A warrant of search and seizure signed by Magistrate Tendai Muchini reads in part;To the peace officers and other officers of the law, proper to the execution of criminal law warrants, whereas from information taken upon oath before myself, there are reasonable grounds for believing that NetOne Cellular is in possession or control of the following documents and records which are required as exhibits in a criminal docket and that is necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of corruptly concealing from a principal, a personal interest in a transaction.
These are therefore in the state’s name to command you to proceed to NetOne Cellular and there from immediately obtain and take into custody the mentioned articles and take them to a police station or other place of safety until the matter is finalised or until you further receive orders from the Court
Efforts to get a commend from Mavhunga failed as he could not be reached to speak to editors.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo are indiscriminately assaulting residents in the central business district ordering them to go back home.
The development comes following an increase in the number of roadblozks that have been mounted in the town this morning.
Said a resident who spoke to ZimEye:
“We do not know what is happening and why we are being subjected to such. The police have increased their presence on our roads but what is worying is why they are beating up people in the CBD instructing everyone to go back home.”
The development comes following the presentation of a 6 paged press statement yesterday by government dismissing an imminent coup.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday that Zimbabwe’s currency was under attack from businesses that were constantly hiking prices adding that his administration was aware that this was part of a wider and sinister political plot against his government.
A year after the southern African nation ended a decade of dollarisation and reintroduced the Zimbabwe dollar, the local currency has tumbled on the black market, fuelling price increases and pushing inflation to 765%.
When Mnangagwa took over from Robert Mugabe in 2017 after an army coup, he promised to revive the economy, but life has become harder as people grapple with acute shortages of foreign currency, medicines and food, and unemployment above 80%.
Said Mnangagwa at a politburo meeting held in the capital Harare, a few hours before the security sector bosses dismissed as false coup plot reports:
“We are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models by the private sector.
We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda they will never win.”
Economic analysts say the government’s budget is under pressure from spending to combat the coronavirus outbreak, which will force authorities to resort to printing money, stoking inflation further.
Inflation is seen ending this year way above the central bank and treasury’s target of 50% due to a weak exchange rate and shortages of food following a drought.
Mnangagwa said reports last month of three opposition activists Harare West legislator Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova who were allegedly abducted and tortured by state security agents were part of a coordinated plan to cause unrest.
The activists are receiving treatment in hospital and have been charged with taking part in an illegal protest and breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.
The trio were on Monday hauled back at court where they had part of their bail conditions altered and ordered to surrender their passports amid fears by the Mnangagwa led administration that they were planning to escape from the country.
A day later, they were arrested and taken into custody accused of falsifying their abduction. They are appearing at court Thursday morning.
On Wednesday, United Nations human rights experts urged Zimbabwean authorities to “urgently prosecute and punish the perpetrators of this outrageous crime”.
By A Correspondent- A returnee who last week escaped from quarantine at Marymount Teachers College in Mutare on the 22nd of May has been hauled to court.
The male returnee who appeared in court on the 6th of June after he tested positive for Covid-19 has been placed under institutional isolation at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Last week, government revealed that it would soon make public names of those who escape quarantine facilities as part of measures to warn communities of potential risks within their midst.
A total of 149 returnees have so far escaped from quarantine centres, although some have been apprehended and charged.
Speaking during a media briefing on the National Taskforce on Covid-19 Taskforce, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said manpower had been increased at quarantine centres to curb such incidents.
She also said law enforcers had reinforced their operations to encourage adherence to lockdown measures.
Said Mutsvangwa:
“Government wishes to remind the nation that we are still under lockdown. We need to de-congest our public places by only going out when it is absolutely necessary.
In the same vein, Government thanks all communities that have taken it upon themselves to report those who abscond from quarantine centres and those who illegally enter the country.
The importance of the posed risk by border jumpers and quarantine absconders cannot be overstated. Going forward, persons who abscond from quarantine centres will have their details published so that communities are aware of the potential risks in their midst.”
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Lesotho’s former Prime Minister (PM), Thomas Thabane, and his spouse paid assassins a down charge of $24,000 to kill his estranged spouse Lipolelo three years ago, in accordance to a police affidavit viewed on Wednesday.
The small print had been the contemporary twist in a scandal that has rocked the southern African country and induced Thabane to resign final month beneath stress over accusations he hampered the investigation.
The former Lesotho PM, Thabane and his then-wife, Lipolelo Thabane, 58, had been in the center of a bitter divorce when she was once shot and killed backyard her domestic two days earlier than her husband’s 2017 inauguration.
Thabane has now not but been charged, however the police stated he used to be concerned in the plot to kill Lipolelo the usage of employed killers and his spouse Maesaiah is in custody accused of murder.
In an affidavit filed on Tuesday however viewed with the aid of AFP on Wednesday, Lesotho’s Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paseka Mokete, stated the former PM, Thabane, and his wife, Maesaiah “wanted the deceased lifeless so that (Maesaiah) …could anticipate the function of First Lady”.
“Thabane bodily pointed out the dwelling of the deceased to his co-accused,” Mokete said. Police have stated they observed Thabane’s cell wide variety in communications documents from the crime scene. Thabane has denied involvement in the murder. He married Maesaiah two months after the dying of Lipolelo.
The police commissioner stated the couple had promised to pay the killers the equal of $179,485, which was once to be paid in instalments.
“They would be remunerated in cash… and thru employment opportunities, must they raise out the homicide of the deceased earlier than (Thabane’s) inauguration as high minister,” Mokete said.
Initial repayments totalling 400,000 maloti ($23,931) have been made after Lipolelo’s assassination on 14 June 2017, police said. A first try to kill Lipolelo failed on 12 June 2017, police said.
One of the accused killers has seeing that grew to become kingdom witness. Maesaiah, 43, used to be charged with homicide in February and spent half of a night in prison earlier than a High Court freed her on a 1,000 maloti ($57) bail.
She again to custody ultimate week after a courtroom revoked bail. She utilized for sparkling bail on Thursday and a listening to is scheduled for sixteen June.
In the application, she sought launch to enable her to take care of her “critically ill” husband who has “been recognized with an superior prostate cancer” for which he underwent an operation in South Africa on 29 May 2020. Police adversarial the bail application.
Joanna Mamombe shortly after being released by their abductors.
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda of regime change.
In his opening remarks at the 340th ordinary session of the ZANU PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa pointed to the abduction of three MDC Alliance members, namely Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, as part of the grand plot by the country’s detractors to tarnish Government’s image.
Mnangagwa, however, said the alleged abductions had been exposed for their inconsistencies by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in his recent statement.
“Concurrently during this period was the resurgence of hate speech and language which are not characteristic of the values we seek to be embedded in our country under the Second Republic. This vile culture must be rejected by all peace-loving people,” he said.
Mnangagwa said the confrontational actions were well coordinated and planned.
“I am aware that the intention was to cause despondency, unrest, violence and to render the country ungovernable. These acts should never be tolerated. I urge the Party and nation as a whole, to remain alert. Let us refuse to be divided by vigilantes who are hired by hostile foreign governments to distract us from our quest to grow our economy and improve the quality of lives for all, in peace, unity and love,” he said.
Meanwhile, the three opposition party activists were seized from the hands of their lawyers Wednesday to face fresh charges of faking their abduction.
Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova in May claimed they were abducted by state security agents who later drove them out of Harare to subject them to acts of both physical and sexual abuse.
They later spent weeks under police and prisons guard while recovering for injuries sustained, at a Harare private hospital.
The three also face charges of violating the country’s lockdown regulations through a flash anti-government demonstration they staged in Harare’s Warren Park suburb earlier on the day of their alleged abductions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday claimed that the country’s business fraternity is in a fight to topple him from power.
In his opening remarks at the 340th ordinary session of the ZANU PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa noted that the Government and its leadership have of late come under attack from detractors bent on fomenting instability in the country.
He vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda of regime change.
“On the economic front, we are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models. We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda.
“They will never win. We did not liberate this country for selfish, profiteers and greedy individuals, but for all people in our land who have a right to enjoy a better quality of life. As a party we must always strive to achieve this,” said President Mnangagwa.
Your paper which disregards the real on the ground Zim definition of the Death Penalty, serves as mere political campaign material for Mnangagwa who's been investigated by the UN several years running. Are you willing to do another paper with real data as advised? @DeathPenaltyPhttps://t.co/eAKQ8QSsJdpic.twitter.com/2qpuIRed6r
By Editorial Moderators | Thank you Dona. One major problem is none of your findings appear important to the Zimbabwean people, contrary to what you said above. Why did you exclude questions such as:
Does repealing the death penalty change anything in Zimbabwean day to day life?
Does repealing the Death Penalty improve respect for the sanctity of human life in Zimbabwe?
Does removing the Death Penalty mean the govt now upholds the sanctity of life?
Is the govt sincere by repealing the Death Penalty or they are just playing public relations games while continue to kill people daily?
Without addressing these questions which you can easily obtain in a day online, your paper is meaningless, and only serves as campaign material for Emmerson Mnangagwa, a man who has announced that he will send the army after civilians once he suspects they are responsible for stopping the rain. (3rd Jan 2020, Harare), and whose record of extra judicial killings of black citizens has surpassed that of apartheid South Africa.
There are several UN investigations done to date, the last one published as late as yesterday. – ZimEye
Some shocking news came in from the African nation of Burundi informing Africans about the death of Mother of Burundi’s Late President, Pierre Nkurunziza, Domtillie Minani.
Rumors have it that she died of COVID-19.
According to the Africa Facts Zone, as at yesterday, the late President Nkurunziza’s sister and wife were still admitted at different hospitals.
The fmr first lady, Denise Bucumi was reportedly hospitalized at Aga Khan hospital Nairobi, also receiving treatment for Covid-19 although she had returned to the country yesterday evening following the death of her husband, the BBC reported.
Her return came just hours after the death of her husband was announced by the Burundian government, the statement had said the fmr President died of a heart attack.
According to the BBC, who quoted an unnamed source, Mrs. Nkurunziza was discharged from the private hospital on Tuesday.
The fmr first lady, Mrs. Nkurunziza, a mother of five and devout Christian, is popular in the country for her philanthropic work through her foundation called Buntu.
The fmr president, Nkurunziza, 55, who’s tenure was to elapse by August after spending 15 years in power, will be succeeded by Evariste Ndayishimiye who won the May 20 presidential election.
The government had declared seven days of national mourning for the late president.
But shocking reports have also indicated that the President-elect Evariste who is billed to take over, is also admitted at Bumureki Hospital in the city’s capital, Bujumbura and even the Speaker is also sick.
The (late) Pierre Nkurunziza’s mother, Domtillie Minani sadly passed on, just a day after her son Pierre died.
It is indeed a dark period for the people of Burundi as the country prays earnestly for the top hierarchy and cabinet to get well soon even as they mourn the president and his mother.
In 1980, there appeared a man from nowhere who was no near leadership, rose from SG position to become the leader of Zanu sidelining the prospective candidate who was Ndabaningi Sithole and others who were next in line. Zimbabweans accepted it and eventually he became the Prime Minister and thereafter, subsequently, he was elevated to the post of the President. Who was the aide to Mugabe during those days? There was tension between Zanu PF and Zapu, and Mugabe could not see eye to eye with Joshua Nkomo, which led to massacres in Matebelaland, popularly known as Gukurahundi, which led to butchering of more than 20 000 civilians under the disguise of restoration of order and peace. Perence Shiri, Mnangagwa and others were holding key state positions. The rest is now under water the bridge. After that, still Zimbabweans accepted the situation, although there was no closure to the events leading to the loss of lives, the very same people were awarded with key positions and today some are ministers, some are occupying key state roles in the security establishment, and we have Emmerson Mnangagwa at the helm of our country. In 1997, we had War veterans and collaborators who came out guns blazing demanding something because they went to war led by popular and notorious charlatan Chenjerai Hunzvi, and he was successful, and War Vets were awarded $50 000 each, money which was not on the budget. According to the then Minister of Finance, the money was not even on the supplementary budget, forcing the treasury to go out of it’s way to borrow funds to facilitate this deal. Zimbabweans were watching, and it was actually them who celebrated on thw streets, squandering such leverages, some took to beerhalls, some night clubs, some multiplying concubines, and the rest is history. The very same group led to farm invasions leading to a chaotic land reform, and Mugabe and Mnangagwa were the chief architect of this land grabbing throughout the country leading to poverty increase and threats to food security within the southern region. Zimbabwe was known to be a breadbasket within Southern Africa, and Agriculture contributed 60% towards our Gross Domestic Product ( GDP). Zimbabweans believed in everything and actually there were on the forefront of the invasions, and today those farms have dogs and cats and use of catapults, the rest is history. During this period, Zimbabwe started importing wheat and other cereal crops from outside to sustain our situation which was fast becoming similar that of Democractic Republic of Congo ( DRC). During those days Kabila and Mugabe developed a relationship which led to our soldiers dying in the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the war whilst minerals and particularly alluvial diamonds were at the centre of the conflict. Mnangagwa was part of the team that endorsed the DRC conflict, and Zimbabweans remained spectators in all such incidents, and majority perished in the post – conflict era. Who benefited from the conflict? As a result people ended up losing their relatives and resources to support a one mand band in the disguise of assisting foreign lands which were under attack.
In 2008, the then President Robert Mugabe lost elections to the late MDC leader Morgan Richard Tsvangirai resulting to second round popularly known as ” run off”, some they call it short sleeves or long sleeves. The then Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa was assigned by Mugabe to go and stand in for him at a SADC meeting in Zambia, when the former Vice President Joice Mujuru was the most senior person to him. This led to a Government of National Unity ( GNU), Mugabe became the President and Tsvangirai occupied the Premier role resulting in a fragile unity arrangement for five years. Before the signing of the MOU and the GPA agreement, it was actually Tsvangirai who flew to Botswana to hide there for almost 6 weeks at the heighten of butchering of innocent civilians. People had voted for a new Government, and why did they accept a GNU? Why did Tsvangirai accept the signing of MOU? Why did he flee to Botswana, when State House was actually 100 metres away from him ? Let’s lie on the bed. We must accept and take responsibility of such torrid times. Where on earth have you found the winner accepting a junior role in any settlement to please the loser? Who led the butchering of innocent lives during the 2008 madness? The rest is history. After the signing of GNU, and the introduction of US dollar, there was jubilation with the same Zimbabweans, they were alover flattering and endorsing the same arrangement. This was coup to the people and the will of the people was never respected.
During the GNU, who became the Lawyer to Gideon Gono the then Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe? It was actually Biti the then Minister of Finance and respected Secretary General of the Movement for Democratic Change who insisted that we must not enter into GNU with Mugabe, the tyranny will fall within a short space of time. There was no option except to enter into the shaky arrangement.
During Edison Zvobgo, the then Minister of Justice and Minister without portfolio is the one who masterminded the amendment of key clauses in the constitution resulting in more powers to the Executive President, I guess he was promised that he will be next in line or successor after the departure of Robert Mugabe, and this never happened. Zvobgo was relegated and later dismissed from the Government, but unfortunately the constitution was already in place, and Mugabe had all the Executive powers. The rest is history.
Within Zanu PF we witnessed the Tsholotsho declaration led by Jonathan Moyo and Emerson Mnangagwa, popularly known as Dinyane fiasco which Mugabe got to know first hand information few days before their convention. The alleged toppling of Mugabe led to more than 6 chairpersons losing their positions in the ruling party. The same Jonathan Moyo we have on twitter today was the mastermind of the alleged Tsholotsho declaration which saw the former Minister of Information and Mnangagwa being demoted from Government. Subsequently, there was a fall out with their master Robert Mugabe.
In 2014, the then Minister of Water and bla bla, was elevated to the post of Vice President. Mugabe went round the country claiming that in his dreams, he saw a woman, and he repeatedly said ” this time it’s a woman”. Guess who accepted this? Zimbabweans were on the forefront of it, and there was a lot of jeering from all corners and mostly Zanu PF supporters, we call this ” kuitiswa”.
When Mugabe played his games, Mujuru was kicked out of both Government and ruling party, and she went into political hibernation, and this resulted in Amai Grace Mugabe and others fronting Mnangagwa to be Vice President and subsequently Dr Amai the Women’s league Boss. The Mande Chimenes and Jonathan Moyo and others were alover heaping praises to the first family and throwing insults alover. Mnangagwa fell out in favour of his boss and his long time friend, and he was fired from Government, with a number of charges laid against him. He had no option except to escape the country. I remember Kasukuwere the then Minister of Youth, and the Zanu PF Commissariat gagged ED calling him a boarder jumper after he escaped from the ruthless state machinery which were swarming alover him.
Shortly before the sacking of the Veep, his dismissal from both Government and ruling party was widely endorsed by all the entire 10 provinces leading to the ouster of Emerson Mnangagwa. The same 10 provinces endorsed the coming back of the same Emerson Mnangagwa as the New leader of Zanu PF. Same structures, same people, same regalia, same building, same logo and same official stamp?? Zimbabweans do we really know what we want ???
Shortly before the bouncing back of Mnangagwa, there was wide speculation that he fled the country through eastern borders of Mutare – Mozambique where he actually walked and toiled the whole night with Emmerson ” Junior” raising fear of his safety on the landmines. Zimbabweans felt sorry for him and messages started pouring in wishing him well. I remember Larry Mavhima penned a letter wishing him well and assuring the nation that he was well.
I spoke to a number of Zanu PF officials during that period who lamented the departure of Mnangagwa and they were hopeful that Mugabe would be ousted to pave way for the former Minister of Defence and Justice.
When Mugabe was kicked out of power, majority of people walked to town, and there was jubilation and the CBD was packed and they shouted ” ngaaende”, resulting in his sad departure asante sana and resigning. Zimbabweans had none of it and they threatened to evict him from his Borrowdale mansion popularly known as ” Blue Roof”. Whom did they want? They wanted Shumba murambwi, Emmerson Mnangagwa popularly known as Garwe. It was during the heighten of the military coup, we witnessed placards and portraits of Mnangagwa and Chiwenga doing rounds alover, kutonga kwaro gamba. Today we are in this mess because of the popular march which led to Mugabe’s ouster. Who marched? Lest you forgot?
Advocate Chasi, the then Deputy Minister who was active on social media particularly the tweeter and many gave him this name ” Chasi chibaba chibabest”, heaping praises on the Energy Minister and this resulted in the elevation of Chasi to the role of Energy which is in charge of all power parastatals and boards. Simply because of those tweeter rants, we witnessed Zimbabweans opening pages inscribed ” Chasi for 2023, and the listening President appointed him to the role of a full cabinet Minister. Today. The very day when Chasi became the Energy Minister, he called for the imminent arrest of Wicknell Chivhayo who defrauded the state more than 7 Million United States Dollars ( USD). A surprise u turn today the same Chasi is now protecting the same character. My question is who heaped praises on Advocate fortune Chasi?? Zimbabweans !!!
When Mnangagwa bounced back after the politburo and central committee of Zanu PF agreed that he must be reinstated as the New leader of Zanu PF and State, Zimbabweans endorsed him, and the popular song ” mudhara achauya”, was popular during those days leading to his arrival at the Robert Mugabe International Airport.
The gigantic stadium had an overflow and there were fears of a possible stampede, all wanted to witness a new President from mars whom they had never seen in their lifetime, amongst them was the then Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, the Alliance MDC President Nelson Chamisa and amongst other top opposition leaders, and this was a sign that Mnangagwa from mars was widely endorsed.
Few days ago I was watching the photos of Tsvangirai and Chamisa hugging each other at the national sports stadium. I also went through same shootings at Tsvangirai residence when the then Vice President Nelson Chamisa and other top MDC officials welcomed Mnangagwa and Chiwenga at the former Premier’ s residence at number 7 Kew Drive Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe. Where is the problem now? Everything was in order !!!
The then Deputy Minister of Information Energy Mutodi mocked the public in 2016/7 holding a mug inscribed ” I’m the boss” , at Mnangagwa’ s farm in Kwekwe during Mugabe’s annual leave, celebrating the elevation of ED as the Vice President and possible successor, and I guess people like Energy knew the whole deal and possible take over. Mutodi escaped from the jaws of the lion when we witnessed his persecution and arrests at the hands of Mugabe’s vicious state machinery, many Zimbabweans sympathized with him leading to his elevation as the Deputy Minister. There is Energy now claiming Joanna Mamombe was not abducted , there was a row deal between herself and client which did not go well claimed the Goromonzi South legislator. There was an outcry on social media and throughout the country leading to his sacking !! Really zvashata papi futi? I’m the boss subscriber who almost sacrificed his life for ngwena.
Zimbabweans are now crying for another November 2017 episode and after that who will be next in line? I would rather ask who is the next in line? Musatiitise ma Zimba, March at your own peril.
What exactly do you wants Zimbabweans? Who accompanied Mnangagwa to the boarder at the jaws of a lion? It was Emmerson Junior. Today who is displaying those flashy vehicles around town? Who is Dextar International? Who is on the lead to loot Covid – 19 donations? Who is on the lead to loot minerals? Who is on the lead to loot Command Agriculture funds?
Subsequently, we prepared the bed, we must lie on it !!!
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is a Policy Advisor and Researcher and Head of Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking, and he can be contacted at [email protected]
Botswana deports 22 Covid-19 cases to their countries, they now have 1 active case
The government of Botswana has so far deported 22 COVID-19 cases back to their respective countries.
In its battle against the pandemic, the Botswana government has implemented strong border control measures to avoid imported cases.
To date Botswana has recorded 48 Covid-19 cases, 24 recoveries, transferred out 22 cases, 1 active case and 1 death.
Meanwhile, the Botswana government has quarantined its citizens including 3 students and their families after they illegally crossed the border from Zimbabwe where they had visited their relatives.
In an interview, Tshesebe acting station commander Assistant Superintendent Otlaadisa Mogotsi said his office quarantined three siblings and their mother who used illegal entry points to enter into Botswana from Zimbabwe on May 31.
He said all of the family of four was returning home from their relatives in Zimbabwe so that the children could go back to school on June 2.
He added they managed to quarantine a woman in her late 30s and her Standard 7 son who schools at Ramokgwebana Primary School. They jumped the Botswana borderline near Siviya village on Monday.
ZANU-PF party has expelled Killer Zivhu from the ruling party with immediate effect.
The decision to fire the Chivi South legislator and businessman was announced at the ruling party’s Politburo meeting on Wednesday in Harare.
Zivhu’s political career has been hanging by a thread after the ruling party in Masvingo province recommended his expulsion citing treacherous behaviour.
Now that the Politburo has upheld the decision to fire Zivhu, he automatically ceases to be the ruling party legislator for Chivi South, necessitating a by-election.
Zivhu had previously snubbed efforts by his Masvingo province to drag him to a hearing.
The party also complained that despite repeated warnings, he “continued with his treacherous behaviour even after the prohibition order by using the social media to push for a meeting between First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s wife Sithokozile.”
The controversial Chivi South legislator stood accused of violating party rules via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Twitter where he allegedly said he was going to push for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa.
Zivhu is also accused of having initiated the process of collecting signatures for people in support of his initiative for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and the MDC-Alliance leader.
Meanwhile, Zivhu has blamed his sacking on unnamed politburo official who he says owes him US$1.5 million.
He added that he reported the official to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in an effort to recover his money and this has ultimately led to his sacking. Said Zivhu:
“My effort to recover 1.5 million USD from the most powerful Politburo member yandidzingisa (led to my sacking). I reported him to ZACC and I was about to give them evidence. The Chamisa story is just a cooked one. The man was so vicious in the Politburo meeting today to make sure ndadzingwa (that I was fired).”
“I will remain a Zanu pf member by heart and support the President on his vision 2030. I will not stand as Independent whatever comes. I love Zanu pf the people in my constituency will forever cherish my work.”
The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have handed the central bank governor John Mangudya a fresh headache as businesses have been shattered with the economy brought down to its knees.
What needs to be done to solve this crisis? Have your say on the matter in the poll below.
A man holds Zimbabwean Dollar Bond Notes with US Dollars
The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have handed the central bank governor John Mangudya a fresh headache as businesses have been shattered with the economy brought down to its knees.
The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have handed the central bank governor John Mangudya a fresh headache as businesses have been shattered with the economy brought down to its knees.
As Zimbabwe’s economy plummeted, it required between ZWL$80 and ZWL$82 to buy US$1 on the black market this week, meaning this is making it harder for local companies to import goods.
Shortages have also sunk much of the population in a deepening crisis and many are struggling to survive.
Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange is expected to weaken further. Annualised inflation hit 766% in April, a headache for companies and individuals that are struggling under rising costs as well as the hefty devaluation of the Zimbabwe dollar.
Soaring prices have cut into social development gains.
The crisis has been compounded by low confidence in the local currency which has hit rock bottom.
“The (Monetary Policy) Committee expressed serious concern over the continued deterioration in the exchange rates that were widely being used by the private sector,” Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, John Mangudya said adding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) welcomed action taken by the bank to curb speculative trading in foreign exchange using banking platforms.
Mangudya said the MPC also resolved that a formal market-based system of foreign exchange trading will be put in place, leaving half the population in need of food.
The runaway price rises which have seen annual inflation rate soaring is likely to remain at high level in the coming months as currency continues to plunge against the greenback.
Mangudya is targeting inflation to decline to 50% by end of 2020. This will give currency some relief.
But, this is highly unlikely.
Mangudya has since imposed stiff sanctions to try to cripple it further. With the Zimbabwe dollar spiralling downwards, the RBZ recently froze the EcoCash agent accounts for dealers believed to be using the accounts to buy foreign currency, which fuels downward pressure on the Zimbabwe dollar.
Early last year, Zimbabwe outlawed the use of foreign currencies in local transactions as part of efforts to stem speculative attacks on the Zimbabwe dollar. The exchange rate was initially pegged at ZWL$2.5: US$1.
But the faith in the home-grown currency continued to founder. The exchange rate closed the year at ZWL$25: US$1. Now, it has weakened by more than 3000% on the black market to ZWL$80: US$1.
But the exchange rate is almost 230% stronger at ZWL$25: US$1.
Mangudya said the local currency has been besieged by the speculative tendencies.
The plunge in the currency underscores the shortage of foreign exchange in Zimbabwe whose gross domestic product contracted by 6.5% last year.
The economy is likely to contract by over 10% this year, according to several economists.
This comes as government’s efforts to de-dollarise the economy are floundering.
To ensure that foreign currency trades were monitored in real time, the committee urged the bank to expedite the implementation of the electronic foreign exchange trading system for compulsory use by Bureaux de Change, Mangudya said.
Mnangagwa wants to kill Joana, Cecilia, Netsai same way Tsvangirai, Joshua Nkomo were put out, Crocodile Gang William Ndangana's secretary says pic.twitter.com/xcbsnCs0a9
Response to threats and allegations by Kazembe Kazembe against my person:
BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC National Vice Chairman.
It was not surprising that Kazembe Kazembe of ZANU PF issued a statement of threat against my person lumping myself to delusions of a coup in our country. Firstly, I am a grounded democrat who will never ever buy into coups. This is the reason why I was a spectator and did not participate in the November 17, 2017 facade. I amongst many, recused myself from the deception of the time, for I knew what it was. The involvement of the military in the politics of the nation in the history of mankind has led to the undermining of the very foundations of democracy in many states. In my study of history at University level, coups have never been a panacea to democracy and happiness of the people.
It was surprising that Kazembe Kazembe in his lack of understanding of my persona threatened my person in the company of our National Security Services Chiefs who are the people’s final line of defense. He stated that myself and my exiled brother Saviour Kasukuwere peddle lies about an imminent coup in our country. This statement is not only a lie but delusion of grandeur. I am grounded in the people and believe in people power not any other force. When I saw my brothers from the Security Services Chiefs in his company, I became proud because General Valerio Sibanda and Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and other luminaries of the liberation struggle represent the dreams of the people of Zimbabwe as the liberation struggle was fought for the liberty of its people and their happiness. Their constitutional duty is to be the people’s shield and the territorial sanctification of Zimbabwe. No one disputes their immutable value today and tomorrow to Zimbabwe. They remain the pillar of the security and safety of Zimbabweans. The target politicking of Kazembe Kazembe won’t work in the 21st century to tarnish political contenders and besmirch their reputation in the eyes of the people. All power is grounded in the people and I am on the side of the people and they will stand with me throughout these threats. Let it be reassured. I will never walk this journey alone. I will be with the people behind me.
I have told the people of Zimbabwe several times that my life is under threat and in danger. Some did not take it seriously and others thought it was political grandstanding. I ended up informing my employer the Law Society of Zimbabwe about the security threats and dangers around my life. Many a times, I have escaped assassination attempts on my life through road accidents, maltreatment and torture. I am being trailed on a daily basis by unknown individuals.
My freedom as a person has long been lost. I no longer have a social life but that will never dissuade nor deter me from speaking on behalf of the voiceless and the oppressed. Our people need happiness and their cry is that Zimbabwe belongs to everyone and all of us. We all need a share of the national cake and happiness.
It is cowardice to try and silence everyone into submission when our country is being looted dry right in our eyes. The resources in our country belong to every Zimbabwean. They are not there for the loot of the few. I represent that voice of a starving soul throughout Zimbabwe. Our people are suffering. They need happiness in their lifetime and it is that voice and reason why I speak on their behalf. I speak on behalf of the poverty stricken unemployed youth. I speak on behalf of the starving vendor, a suffering farm labourer, a peasant farmer whose produce has been reduced to nothing, a teacher whose salary can only afford a bar of soap, a packet of matemba and 2 litres of cooking oil, a soldier whose life is so difficult that they are no longer able to send their children to school. A police officer who after the end of the month is not able to make his wife and children happy. University and college graduates who have become faces of destitution. Zimbabwe is filled with sorrowful faces, souls and hearts. They cry everyday for their liberty, freedom and joy. This is a society I am prepared to die for. No matter the amount of intimidation, I will never relent on my calling by God to fight on behalf of the oppressed.
In light of these threats, by this response, I have informed domestic, regional and international authorities about the danger of the threat to my life by the ZANU PF regime through Kazembe Kazembe. Cry Zimbabwe cry. We shall be free one day.
Another 285 returnees went home yesterday after testing negative for Covid-19 in mandatory quarantine facilities, with 115 more set to get their test results tomorrow.
The continued quarantining of returning residents is instrumental in controlling the spread of Covid-19 as the overwhelming majority of infected Zimbabweans were infected outside the country with only a small minority being infected within the community.
Yesterday, another six patients, all returning Zimbabweans, were confirmed as infected, bringing the cumulative total of confirmed infections to 320, although 49 of these have now been confirmed as recovered with the death toll still at four.
So far, 1 400 returning citizens and residents have been released from quarantine centres after being found free of infection.
In the latest batch of releases, returnees that were quarantined at Harare Polytechnic (95), Queen Elizabeth (37), Prince Edward (80) and Roosevelt (73) were discharged yesterday after testing negative to Covid-19.
But in these groups, another 56 who were found to be infected in tests have to wait in isolation hospitals until they are able to go home as uninfected recovered cases. Those that tested positive from all the quarantine facilities have since been taken to Parirenyatwa isolation centre (2), Wilkins (40) and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital (14).
Ninety returnees quarantined at Mabelreign Girls High School, Belvedere Technical College (5) and 20 at Prince Edward Boys High, will know their fate today, with those testing positive set to be moved to isolation facilities while those testing negative go home.
Speaking on the sidelines of a handover ceremony of one of the ambulances to Harare Metropolitan Province yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said the exercise will cascade to all other provinces of the country.
The ambulances were donated by CBZ Holdings to Government through President Mnangagwa recently.
Dr Moyo said they decision to release the returnees was designed to clear all quarantine facilities and pave way for new returnees who will be tested using the antigen based test, PCR, on their first day in line with new guidelines.
The new guidelines stipulate that returnees shall be tested using PCR on day one before they are even taken for compulsory quarantine, with those who test positive immediately taken to isolation facilities while those who test negative will go into mandatory quarantine facilities.
A second test is done on day eight for those in quarantine facilities, again, using the PCR test from which those positive would be taken to an isolation facility with those negative discharged and allowed to complete their 21-days of quarantine at home.
However, those discharged will be followed up on with another PCR test on day 21 before they are certified free of Covid-19.
“The whole process of testing and discharging has been done and this has been done very efficiently and we have set the parameters on how it should be done. There are now guidelines on how we should be working with people in the quarantine areas. They are not there to be disadvantaged, they are there to be assisted as we follow the regulations as published,” said Dr Moyo, who was accompanied by is deputy Dr John Mangwiro.
He said laboratories were now geared to ensure there was no backlog while clinicians have been advised not to hold onto results.
Government is working on ensuring there is a doctor to assist returnees with other ailments at every quarantine centre.
Dr Moyo said all provinces were expected to do the same going forward and have since been given test kits and consumables to effect the new measure.
A number of returnees had gone beyond eight days in mandatory quarantine owing to a shortage of test kits to determine their eligibility for discharge prompting criticism from human rights pressure groups.
Meanwhile, Dr Moyo handed over one of the ambulances donated by CBZ through President Mnangagwa recently. Receiving the ambulance on behalf of Harare Metropolitan Province, Chitungwiza acting town clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu said the ambulance would be useful.
“We are very much grateful for the boost to our resources. This ambulance will go a long way in the fight against Covid 19 in our province,” said Dr Kasu.
The Zanu PF Politburo yesterday expelled Chivi South legislator, Killer Zivhu following a recommendation by the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).
Mr Zivhu’s expulsion was announced by the party’s acting secretary for Information and Publicity Patrick Chinamasa at the end of the 340th Ordinary Session of the Politburo.
Apart from Mr Zivhu’s expulsion, former Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira was also removed from the Central Committee until her corruption cases involving abuse of funds at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) had been resolved at the courts.
“The NDC recommended to the Politburo that Cde Killer Zivhu from Masvingo province be expelled and the Politburo upheld that recommendation and Cde Zivhu is expelled with immediate effect,” Chinamasa said.
Mr Zivhu’s home province of Masvingo recommended his expulsion after he used social media to push for a meeting between First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s wife Sithokozile.
He did this as part of his initiatives to push for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa.
Mr Zivhu was accused of breaking party protocol and was only recommended for expulsion after he ignored several warnings.
Meanwhile, the NDC has also recommended the reinstatement of Aplonia Munzverengwi as the political commissar for the Women’s League.
The Politburo will discuss the issue at the next meeting.
Nyarai Tsvuura was restored as the Mashonaland East Women’s League provincial chairperson.
In Manicaland Joseph Mujati, Simon Mapfumo, Betty Dhliwayo and Prosper Sithole were reinstated into the party after the Politburo nullified their suspensions.
Human chameleon Chirambe Chikafu armed with four different ID cards and a fake address allegedly passed herself off as “Chantelle Mnangagwa” daughter of the President, to defraud CBZ of US$37 000, plus interest, and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority of a gold claim.
When she appeared before Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba yesterday, yet another identity appeared as she assured the court that she was really “Chantelle Chikafu Mnangagwa” and was actually only a niece of the President.
She told the court that she lost her national identification card.
Ms Mashamba agreed that bail was inappropriate as there was a real possibility Chikafu could disappear into yet another identity and remanded her in custody until 23 June on two counts of fraud.
Chikafu (44) of Tynwald South was not asked to plead.
State counsel Mr Lancelot Mutsokota opposed bail saying she was using four different national identification particulars and if released on bail, Chikafu could manufacture yet more IDs and commit more offences.
“According to police investigations, accused has four IDs she is using including the name Chantelle Mnangagwa. She was also fined $6 000 on a previous conviction in Mount Darwin. She had given the police the address of 4099 Tynwald South in Harare, but she had left those premises three years ago and the stand is now a private college.
“Bearing in mind that she has four IDs she is using, she will manufacture false documents and had the propensity to commit similar offences while linking herself to the President, whereas her name is Chirambe Chikafu. The cellphone she provided, 0772 289 977 is registered in the name of one Chantelle Chikafu. This also shows that she uses various alias,” said the prosecutor.
Prosecutor Mutsokota told the court that there are 10 witnesses who will testify on how she committed the offences.
In her response through her lawyer, Chikafu told the court that she was actually the daughter of President Mnangagwa’s elder brother, Partson Mnangagwa, and he had deposed an affidavit in court asserting that he was her father.
She was facing a plethora of civil suits at the High Court and on Friday last week she filed an urgent chamber application against the termination of gold mining contract with the National Parks and Wildlife Authority. On Monday, the chamber application was served on ZimParks and within two hours, she was called to come and see the director-general of ZimParks.
“That was when she was ambushed and arrested, as if she was on the run. This was made to make count two,” the defence told the court.
Chikafu told the court that a miner, John Maungwa caused her arrest, following misunderstandings on boundaries to their gold claims.
“There was a Government facility where youths would get loans during the time of former minister Saviour Kasukuwere.”
She obtained a loan and when she failed to pay the loan an agreement was made with Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation. Later the loan was paid in full,” she said.
The court was given an outline of the State case. In 2010, she approached CBZ and tried to open an account using a defensive driving certificate as identity. The bank wanted a real ID and said no, but she allegedly connived with CBZ employee Lilian Mateta, who processed the account without the needed ID.
In February 2011, Chikafu, while using the name Chantelle Mnangagwa, received a US$2 000 overdraft.
In August 2011, she was lent another US$15 000 after submitting a Deed of Transfer she allegedly stole from her mother, Grace Chikafu. On September 12, 2012, she received a US$20 000 loan and failed to repay accruing a US$88 775 debt in the process, including interests.
On November 19, 2019 Chikafu is said to have approached Nyasha Mutyambizi and passed herself as Chantelle Mnangagwa. She allegedly sought an agreement to mine in Umfurudzi Safari Area and tendered a fake ID.
The Parks and Wildlife Management reportedly consented and issued the agreement. With that piece of paper she approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development seeking a special gold mining grant for 200 hectares in the reserved area.
The special grant was granted in December 2019. It was later discovered that the mine site that was granted to her belonged to John Maungwa.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, flanked by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (left), State Security Minister Owen Ncube and Service Chiefs, addresses the media
Zimbabwe’s security chiefs yesterday dismissed rumours of an imminent military coup in Zimbabwe.
They urged Zimbabweans to be wary of plots to create instability and to undermine the authority of the Government, warning that those engaging in treasonous acts would be punished.
In a strongly-worded statement issued at a media conference yesterday evening by the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe, the security establishment said it had noted with “grave concern”, a recent upsurge in rumours aimed at tainting the image of President Mnangagwa and to render the country ungovernable.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe issued the statement on behalf of the council and in the presence of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, State Security Minister Owen Ncube and security commanders.
Service chiefs present were Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Paradzai Zimondi, and Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation Isaac Moyo.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary Aaron Nhepera, Defence and War Veterans Permanent Secretary Ambassador Mark Grey Marongwe, and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana also attended the media briefing at Munhumutapa Building.
“The Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe has noted, with grave concern, a recent upsurge in rumours suggesting an imminent military coup d`etat in the country,” said Minister Kazembe.
The Government wanted, through the agency of the Working Committee of the National Security Council, convened in terms of Section 209 of the Constitution, “to unequivocally debunk and dismiss these rumours with the contempt they deserve”.
Minister Kazembe said the committee had identified those behind the falsehoods and these included former senior Zanu PF member Saviour Kasukuwere and MDC-Alliance deputy chairman Job Sikhala.
“Government would like to sternly warn purveyors of this medley of falsehoods, who include characters such as Saviour Kasukuwere, Job Sikhala and a coterie of their accomplices who we are aware of, not to cry foul when the long arm of Zimbabwean law catches up with them in due course,” said Minister Kazembe.
Some preachers provoking unrest through religious sermons were said to be part of the destabilisation agenda. They were part of a group of civic society players, diplomats, opposition politicians and online media platforms believed to have been recruited to push for an ill-fated National Transitional Authority.
“This narrative, which also sets an agenda for and promotes negative political activism, including coordinated fake abductions and media campaigns, has of late roped in several self-proclaimed local and international prophets.
“These include one US-based Nathan Humbryd of the so-called Miracle Ministries,Talent Chiwenga, a self-styled rabid anti-Government Harare First Street preacher, Simon Chiloh of the so-called Deeds of Christ Ministries and a few others,” said Minister Kazembe.
Some of the online media platforms that had been roped into the regime change agenda included Gambakwe Media, Nehanda Radio and ZimEye.
Zimbabweans were reminded that conversations around leadership change will only be tolerated in the ballot box during the 2023 election.
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Mnangagwa wants to kill Joana, Cecilia, Netsai same way Tsvangirai, Joshua Nkomo were put out, Crocodile Gang William Ndangana's secretary says pic.twitter.com/xcbsnCs0a9
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda to cause regime change as the revolutionary party tackles the economic challenges that the country is presently facing.
Yesterday President Mnangagwa chaired an eight-hour long politburo meeting that focused mainly on ending the current economic challenges, which the ruling party noted are being stirred by an invisible hand that is determined to breed chaos in the country.
This comes as the economy has been going through turbulent times notwithstanding the fact that Government has put in place a raft of measures and interventions to spur economic growth.
And despite that Zimbabwe is currently selling its tobacco, the country’s major cash crop, the Politburo also noted that the Zimbabwean dollar continues to depreciate against the United States dollar due to a speculative exchange control environment that is being manipulated by an invisible hand.
While giving his opening remarks of the 340th ordinary session of the Zanu PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa noted that Government and its leadership have of late come under attack from the detractors trying to foment instability in the country.
“On the economic front we are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models. We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda.
“They will never win. We did not liberate this country for selfish, profiteers and greedy individuals, but for all people in our land who have a right to enjoy a better quality of life. As a party we must always strive to achieve this,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President pointed to the alleged abduction of three MDC Alliance members, namely Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, as part of the grand plot by the country’s detractors to tarnish Government’s image.
The President however, said the alleged abductions had been exposed for their inconsistencies by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in his recent statement.
“Concurrently during this period was the resurgence of hate speech and language which are not characteristic of the values we seek to be embedded in our country under the Second Republic. This vile culture must be rejected by all peace loving people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu PF’s First Secretary said the confrontational actions were well coordinated and planned.
“I am aware that the intention was to cause despondency, unrest, violence and to render the country ungovernable.
These acts should never be tolerated. I urge the Party and nation as a whole, to remain alert.
Let us refuse to be divided by vigilantes who are hired by hostile foreign governments to distract us from our quest to grow our economy and improve the quality of lives for all, in peace, unity and love,” President Mnangagwa said-State media
Mnangagwa wants to kill Joana, Cecilia, Netsai same way Tsvangirai, Joshua Nkomo were put out, Crocodile Gang William Ndangana's secretary says pic.twitter.com/xcbsnCs0a9
THE councillor for Ward Six, Clr Joseph Itani Muleya, who is also the Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson of the natural resources management committee, said hyenas have been terrorising villagers since last year.
He also said elephants were reportedly destroying crops in several areas, while the hyenas were killing livestock in Ward Six.
“Last year between January and December, hyenas killed a total of 272 donkeys, 76 head of cattle and 344 goats in Ward Six, which includes Umzingwane, River Ranch and Makakavhule villages.
“We recently hired officials from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to assist in controlling these marauding animals, but our coffers have run dry and we are now appealing for more funding to fight the on-going onslaught.
“You will realise that Beitbridge district is a wild animal area and hence the need to urgently address the problem considering the rate at which our livestock is being killed as we watch helplessly,” Clr Muleya said-State media
The Zanu PF Politburo yesterday expelled Chivi South legislator, Mr Killer Zivhu following a recommendation by the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).
Mr Zivhu’s expulsion was announced by the party’s acting secretary for Information and Publicity Patrick Chinamasa at the end of the 340th Ordinary Session of the Politburo.
Apart from Mr Zivhu’s expulsion, former Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira was also removed from the Central Committee until her corruption cases involving abuse of funds at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) had been resolved at the courts.
“The NDC recommended to the Politburo that Cde Killer Zivhu from Masvingo province be expelled and the Politburo upheld that recommendation and Cde Zivhu is expelled with immediate effect,” Chinamasa said.
Mr Zivhu’s home province of Masvingo recommended his expulsion after he used social media to push for a meeting between First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s wife Sithokozile. He did this as part of his initiatives to push for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa.
Mr Zivhu was accused of breaking party protocol and was only recommended for expulsion after he ignored several warnings.
Meanwhile, the NDC has also recommended the reinstatement of Cde Aplonia Munzverengwi as the political commissar for the Women’s League. The Politburo will discuss the issue at the next meeting.
Nyarai Tsvuura was restored as the Mashonaland East Women’s League provincial chairperson-State media
Own Correspondent|Controversial Masvingo based preacher, Isaac Komichi has invited Douglas Mwonzora, Morgen Komichi and Thokozani Khupe to his house for a “cleansing and baptism” ceremony.
This, Makomichi claims, will remove the “curse” upon the three politicians,after that the three must join Advocate Chamisa and ask for apology.
Makomichi is the leader of Calvary Prayer Group and the president of Vulnerable Youth Support Network Trust.
In a statement Makomichi urged the three politicians to “confess their sins.”
“I have written an invitation letter to Douglas Mwonzora, Morgen Komichi and Thokozani Khupe.
I want them to confess their sins and I will then baptise them.As I see things right now, the three are unclean before the Lord.
If they do not confess their sins they will not go anywhere.
As I have said, the three must confess because if they do not confess, the country will not move forward.
Every political leader must be clean.
I hope the three will take note of my advice because I am instructing them from a prophetic office.”
The controversial preacher has been criticized for administering what he calls the anointed herb to women and girls across the country.Last week an association of sex workers in Masvingo threatened to sue “Prophet Makomichi” for disrupting their activities.
Farai Dziva| UN experts have challenged Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to drop charges against three MDC Alliance youth leaders, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.
The UN has also called for an immediate end to the pattern of disappearances and torture aimed at suppressing dissent.
See UN experts’ statement :
The charges against the three women should be dropped.
Targeting peaceful dissidents, including youth leaders, in direct retaliation for the exercise of their freedom of association, peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is a serious violation of human rights law.
Enforced disappearances of women often involve sexual violence, and even forced impregnation, with enormous harm inflicted not only on their physical health and integrity but also in terms of the resulting psychological damage, social stigma and disruption of family structures.
Under the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, which includes enforced disappearance and violence against women, Zimbabwe must take all measures in its power to prevent such abuse, to investigate suspected violations, and to bring any perpetrators to justice.
Human chameleon Chirambe Chikafu armed with four different ID cards and a fake address allegedly passed herself off as “Chantelle Mnangagwa” daughter of the President, to defraud CBZ of US$37 000, plus interest, and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority of a gold claim.
When she appeared before Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba yesterday, yet another identity appeared as she assured the court that she was really “Chantelle Chikafu Mnangagwa” and was actually only a niece of the President.
She told the court that she lost her national identification card. Ms Mashamba agreed that bail was inappropriate as there was a real possibility Chikafu could disappear into yet another identity and remanded her in custody until 23 June on two counts of fraud.
Chikafu (44) of Tynwald South was not asked to plead. State counsel Mr Lancelot Mutsokota opposed bail saying she was using four different national identification particulars and if released on bail, Chikafu could manufacture yet more IDs and commit more offences.
“According to police investigations, accused has four IDs she is using including the name Chantelle Mnangagwa. She was also fined $6 000 on a previous conviction in Mount Darwin. She had given the police the address of 4099 Tynwald South in Harare, but she had left those premises three years ago and the stand is now a private college.
“Bearing in mind that she has four IDs she is using, she will manufacture false documents and had the propensity to commit similar offences while linking herself to the President, whereas her name is Chirambe Chikafu. The cellphone she provided, 0772 289 977 is registered in the name of one Chantelle Chikafu. This also shows that she uses various alias,” said the prosecutor.
Prosecutor Mutsokota told the court that there are 10 witnesses who will testify on how she committed the offences.
In her response through her lawyer, Chikafu told the court that she was actually the daughter of President Mnangagwa’s elder brother, Partson Mnangagwa, and he had deposed an affidavit in court asserting that he was her father.
She was facing a plethora of civil suits at the High Court and on Friday last week she filed an urgent chamber application against the termination of gold mining contract with the National Parks and Wildlife Authority. On Monday, the chamber application was served on ZimParks and within two hours, she was called to come and see the director-general of ZimParks.
“That was when she was ambushed and arrested, as if she was on the run. This was made to make count two,” the defence told the court.
Chikafu told the court that a miner, John Maungwa caused her arrest, following misunderstandings on boundaries to their gold claims.
“There was a Government facility where youths would get loans during the time of former minister Saviour Kasukuwere.”
She obtained a loan and when she failed to pay the loan an agreement was made with Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation. Later the loan was paid in full,” she said.
The court was given an outline of the State case. In 2010, she approached CBZ and tried to open an account using a defensive driving certificate as identity. The bank wanted a real ID and said no, but she allegedly connived with CBZ employee Lilian Mateta, who processed the account without the needed ID.
In February 2011, Chikafu, while using the name Chantelle Mnangagwa, received a US$2 000 overdraft.
In August 2011, she was lent another US$15 000 after submitting a Deed of Transfer she allegedly stole from her mother, Grace Chikafu. On September 12, 2012, she received a US$20 000 loan and failed to repay accruing a US$88 775 debt in the process, including interests.
On November 19, 2019 Chikafu is said to have approached Nyasha Mutyambizi and passed herself as Chantelle Mnangagwa. She allegedly sought an agreement to mine in Umfurudzi Safari Area and tendered a fake ID.
The Parks and Wildlife Management reportedly consented and issued the agreement. With that piece of paper she approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development seeking a special gold mining grant for 200 hectares in the reserved area.
The special grant was granted in December 2019. It was later discovered that the mine site that was granted to her belonged to John Maungwa. Herald/state media
Response to threats and allegations by Kazembe Kazembe against my person:
BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC National Vice Chairman.
It was not surprising that Kazembe Kazembe of ZANU PF issued a statement of threat against my person lumping myself to delusions of a coup in our country. Firstly, I am a grounded democrat who will never ever buy into coups. This is the reason why I was a spectator and did not participate in the November 17, 2017 facade. I amongst many, recused myself from the deception of the time, for I knew what it was. The involvement of the military in the politics of the nation in the history of mankind has led to the undermining of the very foundations of democracy in many states. In my study of history at University level, coups have never been a panacea to democracy and happiness of the people.
It was surprising that Kazembe Kazembe in his lack of understanding of my persona threatened my person in the company of our National Security Services Chiefs who are the people’s final line of defense. He stated that myself and my exiled brother Saviour Kasukuwere peddle lies about an imminent coup in our country. This statement is not only a lie but delusion of grandeur. I am grounded in the people and believe in people power not any other force. When I saw my brothers from the Security Services Chiefs in his company, I became proud because General Valerio Sibanda and Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and other luminaries of the liberation struggle represent the dreams of the people of Zimbabwe as the liberation struggle was fought for the liberty of its people and their happiness. Their constitutional duty is to be the people’s shield and the territorial sanctification of Zimbabwe. No one disputes their immutable value today and tomorrow to Zimbabwe. They remain the pillar of the security and safety of Zimbabweans. The target politicking of Kazembe Kazembe won’t work in the 21st century to tarnish political contenders and besmirch their reputation in the eyes of the people. All power is grounded in the people and I am on the side of the people and they will stand with me throughout these threats. Let it be reassured. I will never walk this journey alone. I will be with the people behind me.
I have told the people of Zimbabwe several times that my life is under threat and in danger. Some did not take it seriously and others thought it was political grandstanding. I ended up informing my employer the Law Society of Zimbabwe about the security threats and dangers around my life. Many a times, I have escaped assassination attempts on my life through road accidents, maltreatment and torture. I am being trailed on a daily basis by unknown individuals.
My freedom as a person has long been lost. I no longer have a social life but that will never dissuade nor deter me from speaking on behalf of the voiceless and the oppressed. Our people need happiness and their cry is that Zimbabwe belongs to everyone and all of us. We all need a share of the national cake and happiness.
It is cowardice to try and silence everyone into submission when our country is being looted dry right in our eyes. The resources in our country belong to every Zimbabwean. They are not there for the loot of the few. I represent that voice of a starving soul throughout Zimbabwe. Our people are suffering. They need happiness in their lifetime and it is that voice and reason why I speak on their behalf. I speak on behalf of the poverty stricken unemployed youth. I speak on behalf of the starving vendor, a suffering farm labourer, a peasant farmer whose produce has been reduced to nothing, a teacher whose salary can only afford a bar of soap, a packet of matemba and 2 litres of cooking oil, a soldier whose life is so difficult that they are no longer able to send their children to school. A police officer who after the end of the month is not able to make his wife and children happy. University and college graduates who have become faces of destitution. Zimbabwe is filled with sorrowful faces, souls and hearts. They cry everyday for their liberty, freedom and joy. This is a society I am prepared to die for. No matter the amount of intimidation, I will never relent on my calling by God to fight on behalf of the oppressed.
In light of these threats, by this response, I have informed domestic, regional and international authorities about the danger of the threat to my life by the ZANU PF regime through Kazembe Kazembe. Cry Zimbabwe cry. We shall be free one day.
