Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the outcome of the Presidential election in Malawi as a major breakthrough for democracy.

Although the Malawi Election Commission has said official results are yet to be announced, indications are that Dr Lazarus Chakwera is poised for victory.

“New life to Malawi! Congratulations to the President Elect.A true believer in Christ.

Dr Lazarus Chakwera served at the helm of the Assemblies of God for many years.

The Lord has given Malawi a Godly man.Kudos to state organs’ professionalism and citizens’ vigilance.Well done Malawi,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Sugar producers Tongaat Hulett has hiked the price of sugar again, the third time in under a month.

Just last month, a 2kg of brown sugar was being sold for rtgs70 but now costs rtgs212.

Soldiers have assaulted journalists Munashe Chokodza and Leopold Munhende this evening, 24 June 2020, who were returning home from work. The duo was assaulted with military whips at the Warren Park shopping centre in Harare. The journalists work for online news sites 263Chatand NewZimbabwe.com respectively.

When the journalists dropped off at the shopping centre, the army was apparently dispersing people from the shopping centre. They stopped the two and questioned them as to why they were not observing the lockdown regulations. Both Munhende and Chokodza produced their press cards and explained that they were coming from work, as they are part of the essential service workers.

The soldiers apparently remarked, “You journalists think you are special in this country”, before ordering them to roll on the ground and assaulted the duo. They both sustained injuries in the process.

MISA Zimbabwe Lawyer Chris Mhike is assisting the journalists in reporting the case with the police for them to access medical care.

MISA Zimbabwe position

MISA Zimbabwe condemns these acts of barbarism by our men and women in uniform. Journalists cannot continue to be punching bags for daring to perform their professional duties, which are defined in the constitution with such impunity. These acts of barbarism are unacceptable in a country that claims to be a democracy, worse off 40 years after independence.

The assault of these journalists shows a clear disregard of media freedom by members of the security forces. It is a violation of Section 61 of the Constitution, the High Court ruling on the 20th of April 2020, which recognized the role of the media during the lockdown and the government’s statutory instrument classifying the media as an essential service in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 44 of the Constitution is very clear that the State and every person including state agencies at every level must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the declaration of rights.

MISA Zimbabwe seeks to emphasize that media freedom is essential to the creation of an open and democratic society and should not be interfered with. Journalists are contributing meaningfully to the general public’s access to information and as such their role should be recognized and respected.

MISA Zimbabwe, therefore, re-emphasizes to all the security forces and the general public that journalism is not a crime!

By A Correspondent- Reports from Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Teams in Matabeleland Province indicate that a significant number of shops are refusing to transact in local currency.

The trust in a report stated that shops in Umzingwane and Matobo Districts are reportedly refusing to accept payments in local currency, a move that has left some communities stranded.

“The deepening economic crisis characterized by hyperinflation has seen a surge in the prices of basic commodities countrywide. The prices increases have been attributed to the plummeting of the local currency against the US Dollar. Currently, the local currency is trading at 1usd: $88 on the parallel market,”the trust said.

Some shop owners at Mawabeni Business Centre in Umzingwane Ward 5 are allegedly refusing to take the local currency, accepting the Rand and USD for transactions. Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Teams in the area have raised concerns over the issue.

“This a worrying development especially considering that we are still on lockdown and most people are not working,” said one of the Habakkuk Trust Action Team member in the area.

In the meantime, community members in Matobo Ward 19 have lamented the unprofessional conduct displayed by shop owners as they are reportedly charging exorbitant prices to deter consumers from paying in local currency.

“Some products cost almost twice as much in local currency in order to force people to use the rand,” said  Shakespear Ndlovu, a Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team Convener in the Ward.

In Matobo Ward 11, shop owners are reportedly demanding forex for essential goods like mealie meal, sugar, cooking oil, and flour while accepting ZWL for smaller items like salt and matches.

In some parts of Nkayi District, it has been reported that shop owners are refusing $2 and $5 bond denominations alleging that they have since expired.

The Government’s inconsistency in the implementation of monetary measures coupled with placid enforcement efforts has been blamed for illicit trading practices prevalent in the retail sector. According to analysts, the move by Government to permit service stations to sell fuel in forex will accelerate the re-dollarisation of the Zimbabwean economy.

Habakkuk Trust implores the government of Zimbabwe through the Finance Ministry to enact measures to reduce illicit trade practices in the retail sector.

Five more people tested Covid-19 positive yesterday bringing the total number of people who have tested positive so far to 530.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care all new cases are of people who returned from South Africa and all are in isolation.

“As at June 24, 2020, Zimbabwe had 530 confirmed cases, including 123 recoveries and six deaths. Two of the cases were recorded in Midlands, two in Matabeleland South and one in Mashonaland West provinces,” read the statement.

Bulawayo now has 64 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Matabeleland South has 49 cases while Matabeleland North has 15 cases.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Norton legislator (independent), Temba Mliswa was on Wednesday banned from six Parliamentary sittings.

The ban was imposed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda who cited disorderly conduct in the Chamber.

The ban was imposed following Mliswa’s repeated interjections which in turn disrupted the business of the House.

Earlier on, Adv Mudenda had reprimanded Mr Mliswa for disorderly conduct that he did last week where, in a fit of rage, he charged at another legislator, not for the first time.

This is the first time advocate Mudenda has invoked the newly approved measures in the Standing Orders which were adopted by Parliament a fortnight ago allowing a presiding officer to prevent a legislator from attending sittings for a prescribed period.

When the Standing Orders were adopted, some analysts said they were meant to clip members of opposition parties in the country, particularly MDC Alliance who have been “disrespecting” President Mnangagwa by boycotting sessions he attended or walking out or singing as he steps into the chamber.

MDC Alliance members were saying president Mnangagwa was illegitimate after his ruling ZANU PF, in connivance with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission stole the 2018 presidential election

Business Times

The military is terminating its platinum mining deal with a Chinese firm to pave the way for new investors after over a decade of unfruitful engagement.

The development comes after Global Platinum (GPR) which was established in 2004 by the army and Chinese firm, Wanbao Rexco, has failed to mine a single ounce of the white metal from 520 million ounce platinum
resources rich mine along the Great Dyke area.

GPR technical manager Retired Brigadier General Livingstone Chineka told Business Times that the government is officially terminating the deal to
pave way for other investors.

“We are fed up with Wanbao Rexco since they came here in 2004 employing their own people and exploiting the country’s platinum resources for absolutely nothing, we can’t accept that.

“We knew that there was nowhere we were going with that deal but Covid-19 has made them accept that the deal is no longer in 2020 as world economies continue to crash due to the effects of the epidemic. The position is that Wanbao is no longer part of GPR and we expect the new investors to come on board when the lockdown restrictions come to an end,” Chineka said.

The army-Chinese marriage has been rocky amid claims the foreign investor was allegedly fleecing off the locals. The dispute centres on allegations that the company only employed Chinese explorers to carry out pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at inflated prices. Wanbao has spent over US$80m in exploration and feasibility studies.

A recent audit also stoked suspicions after US$20m was unaccounted for.
The Chinese company which was spending US$1m for maintenance
has finally dumped the project due to viability challenges.

Chinese feasibility studies were said to cost more than what the local
studies cost as the Asians wanted to take more money from the deal.

In January this year, the army and Chinese investors met VicePresident Chiwenga to plot the way forward for the platinum miner.

The parties agreed to work together but the situation did not take time
as Covid-19 intensified in March and everything stopped.

GPR is said to have untapped platinum claims of 86,7km2 which
is a way bigger than those of Ngezi, Mimosa and Unki mines combined.

Chineka said they were convinced that the argument about the project is not based on the economic viability of the project but completely driven by financial difficulties on the part of the Chinese partners.

He argued that the root of all their problems with their Chinese
counterparts was the failure by Wanbao to respect and honour
the local people as all personnel, materials came from China without
any benefit to the local people.

He also said petty things like exercise books, tissues and all stationery came all from the Far East yet there are a lot of local companies and skilled workers who can do the job.

When contacted for comment Wanbao officials could not pick their mobile phones.

Zimbabwe holds one of the world’s largest known platinum deposits and has been pushing mining firms operating in the country to build refineries to stop the export of raw platinum ore to earn more foreign currency.

Pictures- Two journalists Munashe Chokodza and Leopold Munhende assaulted by soldiers while on their way from work. @RSF_EECA @RSF_en pic.twitter.com/BSLxThO1Zu

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

2/ The two journalists Leopold Munhende and Munashe Chokodza were assaulted earlier this evening by 6 or 7 armed soldiers in Warren Park 1. They were stopped and questioned & after producing their press cards, they were made to lie down & assaulted. pic.twitter.com/gs4Ek8jYuk

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has announced that Sisters-in-charge at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have withdrawn their labour with immediate effect due to incapacitation.

In a letter dated 24 June 2020 and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, ZINA said nurses were withdrawing their labour until the government is serious about addressing their grievances. The letter read:

Re: INCAPACITATION OF SISTERS IN CHARGES AT PARIRENYATWA GROUP OF HOSPITALS

The above subject matter refers. We note with concern the lack of urgency by the employer in addressing issues raised by ZINA.

The ongoing incapacitation has not been doing any good to the patient care in this COVID 19 pandemic period.

We have noted that despite the sacrifices shown by nurses the employer has not been forthcoming.

As part of ZINA membership, we share the same grievances and we have been holding fort at our respective wards despite being overwhelmed by the workload.

After consultation and deliberations, we hereby notify that we are withdrawing our services with immediate effect until the employer takes the nurses grievances seriously by way of fruitful negotiations.

Own Correspondent

Norton legislator (independent), Temba Mliswa was on Wednesday banned from six Parliamentary sittings. The ban was imposed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda who cited disorderly conduct in the Chamber.

The ban was imposed following Mliswa’s repeated interjections which in turn disrupted the business of the House.

Earlier on, Adv Mudenda had reprimanded Mr Mliswa for disorderly conduct that he did last week where, in a fit of rage, he charged at another legislator, not for the first time.

We publish below the full altercation between Mliswa and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda before Mliswa was ordered out.

HON. T. MLISWA: Sir, they are provoking me. My dad taught that if I am beaten up at school, I must also hit back. They must be restrained, they are old people. I respect them and there are some ladies who are doing that and who are old enough to be my mother. Can they behave like mothers and not be involved in the fight of kids.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Can you sit down please

Hon. Member? Hon. Mliswa, what you were told by your father is inapplicable because at that time you were not a Member of Parliament.

Allow the Chair to control the House. Thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Sikhala, can we be procedural?

HON. SIKHALA: If these people continue to provoke like this Mr. Speaker and you protect them – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – [HON. T. MLISWA: I am ready to be suspended. I am better off in my Constituency than a bunch of empty heads like these …

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Hon. Mliswa, order. – [HON. T. MLISWA: Why are you not reprimanding them. Order, I will answer you. Hon. Mliswa, can you withdraw your language again?

HON. T. MLISWA: I cannot be told to withdraw all the time when others are not told to withdraw. It never works like that. The law is for both sides. Therefore, I withdraw but may they be reprimanded when it is their time. We are also human. Our self esteem is important when we come here. We were elected by people. They have the manifesto which they cannot follow and the economy is dying, why do they not work on that and call Government. The Ministers do not come.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, order Hon. Mliswa. The

Standing Order says and this will apply to Hon. Sikhala. If there is a Member who is making certain a pronouncement, bring this to the attention of the Chair.

HON. T. MLISWA: Mr. Speaker, I brought it up. On Hon. Chanda, I brought it up. It was well heard. I pleaded that I am being attacked, I kept on being attacked I said I can attack back. Over my dead father’s body, people heard me say that, please rescue me. I was being attacked but in your ruling you did not even reprimand him. The truth must be said and I am prepared to be suspended for the truth. My

Constituency is more important than being in this House.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, you are removed from the House for the next six sittings. – [HON. T. MLISWA: Even for good, I do not like being here. It is a useless House Mr. Speaker, it must be fair. Not partisan. My Constituency is more important.] – Hon. T. Mliswa left the House.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has imposed a ban for six sittings from Parliament against Norton MP, Mr Temba Mliswa for disorderly conduct in the Chamber.

What's your thought on this move by Mudenda?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

Own Correspondent

A shop owned in Bulawayo owned by the Deputy Minister of Industry Raj Modi is reportedly refusing to accept bond notes saying they are not money.

Prolific social media user and entrepreneur Kuda Musasiwa personally witnessed a case of a customer being turned away at the shop.

Musasiwa wrote on Twitter:

“Just buying some drinks for my In-laws at Hon. Raj Modi’s store. 1) They only takes Forex Cash 2) They turned a man who had a suitcase of bond notes sayin it’s not money!”

Just buying some drinks for my In-laws at Hon. Raj Modi’s store.
1) They only takes Forex Cash
2) They turned a man who had a suitcase of bond notes sayin it’s not money! pic.twitter.com/PHpWmOZpfD

— K (@begottensun) June 24, 2020

There has been chaos in the market following the introduction of the $10 still to be unveiled $20 notes as well as the announcement by the ministry of finance that they will be paying civil servants an allowance in US dollars. A lot of informal and not so informal businesses are rejecting bond notes and only some are accepting Zimbabwean dollars of any kind.

Own Correspondent

THOKOZANI Khupe will remain in charge of the MDC-T as acting president until September 5 when the party will hold its extraordinary congress at a yet to be announced venue.

Party deputy spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni said the extraordinary congress would be held from September 4 to 6 where a substantive president to replace the late leader Morgan Tsvangirai would be elected.

“You will be happy to know that we have come up with a date for our extraordinary congress . . . the date is from the 4th to the 6th of September,” Phugeni said.

“There are a few things I want you to note about this is that, the extraordinary congress is falling within the period given by the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court judgment, the Chief Justice issued a practice directive which suspended implementation of the judgement for about six weeks.”

He said counting of the three months started after the six weeks and September 4 would still be within the time limit provided by the court.

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

NewsDay

HEADS are rolling at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) over a video of President Emmerson Mnangagwa which appeared on the 8pm news bulletin sometime in April, where he told the nation that the controversial Drax International had donated US$60 million worth of medical stuff for the fight against COVID-19.

Cameraman Stan Marodza, who took the video clip and was accused by Information ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana of sneaking it onto the main news bulletin, has been suspended. Mangwana also accused Marodza of selling the video to Delish Nguwaya, the man at the centre of the US$60 million procurement scandal that has sucked in Mnangagwa’s family.

Nguwaya is currently battling to secure bail after he was arrested early this month over the scandal. Health minister Obadiah Moyo was last week arrested over the same case, but is out after being granted $50 000 bail.

In a letter dated June 19, the director of news and current affairs Gilbert Nyambabvu, instructed the ZBC human resources and administration director to charge Marodza with gross misconduct which could lead to dismissal.

“Following preliminary investigations, I am of the opinion that cameraman S Marodza committed gross misconduct in violation of section 11:25 of the ZBC employment code of conduct,” reads the letter in part.

The video allegedly embarrassed Mnangagwa and his family after they claimed that they had no links to Drax International or its representative Nguwaya, yet the clip shows the president standing next to Nguwaya and announcing a donation of US$60 million which he said came after he personally appealed to the company.

Nyambabvu, instead accuses Marodza of using the video clip, which has poor sound quality despite his bosses instructing otherwise.

“Upon returning to Pockets Hill, the reporter Abigail Tembo debriefed the news editor who consulted with the director of news and current affairs and it was decided that the US$60 million donation must be excluded from the reporter’s story due to poor audio,” Nyambabvu alleged.

Three days later, Marodza is alleged to have smuggled the story into the 8pm news as the top story, although paper trail shows that the story was cleared by a Wadzanai Mombera and Effort Magoso — the news bulletin manager before being aired.

Before Marodza’s suspension without pay, Mangwana had used his social media account to allege the cameraman had sold the footage to Nguwaya.

Contrary to Nyambabvu’s allegations that the audio was of poor sound quality, Mangwana said the clip was banned after it turned out the president had been misled into believing that a donation of US$60 million had been made to government.

The First Family has vainly tried to dissociate itself with Nguwaya despite appearing in several pictures with them.

Own Correspondent

Gen Philip Valerio Sibanda, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), says the level of corruption displayed by some of the country’s leaders is tantamount to selling out.

Watch Sibanda speak in the video downloading below. Please be patient while the video downloads

State Media

The trial of three former ZBC top managers will start on July 3 on charges connected with the transfer of a company car to one of them, senior regional magistrate Mr Trynos Utahwashe ruled yesterday.

Former ZBC CEO Patrick Mavhura, former head of finance, administration and human resources Benania Shumba and former human resources manager Stephen Kundishora are facing charges of duping the national broadcaster of, among other things, a Mazda BT50 which they gave to Shumba at a book value of zero instead of more than US$11 000.

They appeared before Mr Utahwashe who remanded them to the new trial date following an application for postponement by prosecutor Mr George Manokore on the basis that they wanted to formally subpoena witnesses.

The matter was scheduled for trial yesterday, but the State indicated that there was miscommunication between them and witnesses.

The State’s case is that on 17 August last year, Shumba wrote to Mavhura requesting to be allowed to buy the vehicle she had been issued by ZBC during her tenure.

Mavhura allegedly approved that she be allowed to buy the Mazda truck at zero cost, instead of US$11 000.

The State further says Mavhura, Shumba and Kundishora then wrote to the Central Vehicle Registry authorising that the vehicle’s ownership be transferred to Shumba.

TimesLive

Gen Philip Valerio Sibanda, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), says the level of corruption displayed by some of the country’s leaders is tantamount to selling out.

Speaking in a rare interview posted by Zanu-PF on Twitter, the army commander – who took over from retired general Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga after the November 2017 coup – said: “It’s unfortunate that after independence some of us went wayward and started corruptly amassing wealth, but during the war we were taught to share. It’s a value some of us maintain up to today.”

The general made the statement before the burial of Stanley Nleya, his colleague in the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) led by the late Joshua Nkomo during Zimbabwe’s war of independence.

When tanks rolled on to the streets of Harare in November 2017, one of the reasons behind the putsch was because the late former president Robert Mugabe had allegedly surrounded himself with “criminal elements” accused of corruption.

Today, Zimbabwe is ranked 158 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index as President Emmerson Mnangagwa loses the fight against corruption.

Speaking at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare during Nleya’s burial, Mnangagwa pleaded with people in positions of authority to be honest and exemplary in putting public interest ahead of selfishness.

“The war against our economic growth is ongoing but the enemies will never win if we remain united,” he said.

The latest corruption scandal in Zimbabwe involving US$60m siphoned in a tender scam for Covid-19 medical supplies hit closer to home for the president.

A friend of his son Collins, Delish Nguwaya, is in remand prison, while health minister Obadiah Moyo is out on bail over the same matter.

State Media

Polytechnic colleges and vocational training Centres will open on July 13, a Government minister has said.

Addressing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education on Monday, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the colleges will open in the same manner as universities.

“Tertiary education institutions that is polytechnics, teachers` colleges and industrial colleges will reopen on July 13, beginning with final year students who are the exam classes,” Prof Murwira said.

Those who are not in exam classes will only be coming on campus for critical hands-on lecturers, which cannot be substituted by virtual alternatives.

The announcement comes as polytechnics which were being used as quarantine facilities are being cleared for fumigation in preparation of students` return.

This completes a full circuit of the academic reopening in Zimbabwe after a Covid-19 forced suspension of activity.

Universities reopened in early June, while primary and secondary schools reopen on July 30.

Online

Police in the United States have arrested a Zimbabwean man from Arizona after allegedly finding a woman stabbed to death in his back seat.

Police arrested Dexter Mutongerwa, 31, for second degree murder in the fatal stabbing of an unidentified 18-year-old woman from Meraux.

According to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies were sent to a single-car crash on I-10 on June 22 when they first encountered Mutongerwa.

Police say Mutongerwa was behind the wheel of the crashed vehicle, bleeding from his hand. In the back seat was an 18-year-old woman with several stab wounds.

She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

After being treated for his wounds, police say Mutongerwa confessed to killing the woman. Police did not give any details for the motive behind the crime, but said the woman and her accused killer knew each other.

State Media

FORMER Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, already under High Court orders to explain where he found the money to buy a swathe of properties, has now been ordered to explain why he transferred US$10.4 million of police money to a company owned by relatives of a former colleague.

And the owners of the company, Rewstand Enterprises Private Limited, have been ordered to explain just what goods and services Rewstand delivered to the police that were worth US$10 401 500, detailing the contractual relationship with the police and supplying the delivery notes and payment vouchers. The two company owners also need to explain how they bought three properties between them.

Rewstands is co-owned by Abigail Makono (wife to an ex-police Senior Assistant Commissioner) and her sister Beulah Billie.

High Court judge, Justice Felistas Chatukuta ruled that Chihuri must explain his role in the engagement of the company by the police between October 2012 and July 2014.

Makono and Billie must not only explain what they delivered to the police but Makono was ordered to give the source of the money she used to buy two immovable properties in Harare, and detail her interest in those properties, and Billie must disclose the source of funds used to purchase a Mufakose house and explain her interests in that property.

Justice Chatukuta barred the two from dealing with or disposing of the properties without permission.

Chihuri’s daughter, Nicole, should, according to the court, explain her interests in a Mt Pleasant property measuring 4 000 square metres registered in her name.

Chihuri is already under investigation for allegedly side-tracking at least US$32 million of public funds into family companies and buying a large swathe of properties.

In a previous High Court case, Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi successfully applied for an order forcing Chihuri and his wife, Isobel Halima Khan, to explain how they acquired all these properties and to interdict them from having any dealings with the companies.

Neither Chihuri, his wife, two of his children, two in-laws and the companies listed on the application contested the application, which was then granted

Joining Chihuri and his wife in that order are daughter Samantha Hamadziripi Chihuri, son Ethan Takudzwa Augustine Chihuri, relatives Aitken and Netsai Khan, and Croxile Investments, Adamah Enterprises, Mastermedia (Pvt) Ltd, Mastaw Investments and Rash Marketing. The companies allegedly won orders for the supply of goods and services without going to tender.

According to the uncontested order, Chihuri is required to explain his relationship with Nodpack Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Croxile Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Mastaw Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Rewstand Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, Rash Marketing (Pvt) Ltd and Adamah Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd.

Chihuri and his wife are also required to explain their roles, if any, in the engagement of the companies by the police between July 2, 2014 and December 2017. The court also wants Chihuri’s wife to explain the nature of Nodpack Investments contractual relationship with the police which led to the police transferring US$5 766 251.31 from the force’s revolving fund to the company’s bank account held by Ecobank Borrowdale between July 28, 2012, to December 11, 2017.

The Chihuri family and relatives cited in the matter are further required to give details concerning Adamah Enterprises and Mastermedia and both companies’ contract with the police.

The two companies received a combined US$12 992 870 between March 25, 2013, and January 1, 2018.

Chihuri and his family and his listed relatives have also been ordered to explain their source of capital and engagement with the listed corporate entities while the Chihuri couple need to also disclose the financial rewards they received from that engagement.

Further, the couple and their co-respondents with an interest, or who once had an interest, in a fleet vehicles targeted for forfeiture should explain in detail the extent and scope of their interests with the top-of-the-range cars, some of them with personalised number plates.

The State is also seeking an explanation from Chihuri on how he acquired and funded the equipment which is installed at his farm in Mashonaland Central, acquired in 1990 for US$60 000 before it was transferred to his son Ethan through a donation valued at US$46 000.

The couple must also explain the source and origins of farm equipment at the family Shamva Farm known as Inyika Farm.

Mastaw Investments is registered in South Africa and the Chihuri couple have to explain their interest in the company and disclose details of a First National Bank account, produce bank records, and give the source of funds.

The explanation is to be made in writing individually by each person named in the order to the Prosecutor General within 15 days, said Justice Chatukuta.

Chihuri is under investigation for criminal abuse of office, money laundering, theft and fraud. He is being accused of establishing a “syndicated criminal mafia” meant to siphon public funds for his personal benefit and that of his cronies.

This, according to Mr Hodzi, would have entailed externalisation of money and laundering abroad.

The Prosecutor-General argued in his application that Chihuri established the companies in connivance with his relatives for the alleged purposes of siphoning funds from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s revolving fund.

Isobel Chihuri is the managing director for Mastaw Investments, which received US$3 823 285 from ZRP General Headquarters after giving an allegedly fake business address, said Mr Hodzi.

Rewstand Enterprises received US$10 401 500 from ZRP despite using an allegedly fake address. Investigations by the police found a different company operating from that address.

Nodpack Investments (Pvt) Ltd of Bure Close in Strathaven, Harare, whose directorship includes Clever Nziramasanga and had Isobel Halim Chihuri as general manager, allegedly received US$5 766 252.31 from the police.

But this address was a residential property for a Mrs Marange who does not know Nodpack, raising strong suspicion that the address was fake, the court heard.

Croxile Investments (Pvt) Ltd of 8 St Aubins Walk in Chisipite received US$1 892 040 from the police, with Vanessa Madalisto Banda listed as director and Isobel Chihuri as general manager. But the property owner is a Mr Matongo who does not know about Croxile.

ZRP also released US$10 575 732 to Adamah Enterprises Pvt Ltd of 29 Carsberg Avenue in Alexandra Park in Harare, which is also managed by Isobel Chihuri with Nelia Mafunga listed as director.

But investigations found that this address belonged to another company called Brightcoast Construction owned by Clever Nziramasanga.

Mastermedia (Pvt) Ltd, according to the State, is owned by Isobel Khan Chihuri and it received US$1 073 038.08 from the ZRP Revolving Fund from January 5, 2016 to February 9, 2017.

Rash Marketing, which is owned by a CBZ employee called Shingirai Maponga and his spouse, Sharon Maponga nee Tiyani, received US$764 370 from November 14, 2016 to December 12, 2016.

Chihuri also acquired 11 listed properties: Seven residential stands at Police Heights on Gletwin Farm in north-east Harare; 571 Zengeza Township; 9 hectares at Fishponds in Lomagundi District (Deed of Transfer 3177/90); Stand 231 in Athlone in Greendale (Deed 1214/85) measuring 4 639 square metres; and 431 Quinnington in Borrowdale (5284/14) measuring 5 500 square metres.

Four vehicles are also listed under assets that need explanation. Two combine harvesters, six tractors, two planters, three motorbikes and a boom spray were found at Chihuri’s farms at Shamva and Darwendale.

Masvingo Provincial Hospital is reportedly no longer admitting or treating any patients after nurses and doctors went on strike late last week citing poor working conditions underlined by poor pay, shortage of medicines and lack of personal protective equipment.

Reports suggest that patients were discharged from the hospital even those who were set to undergo surgery.

Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamu, however, denied reports that the hospital has completely shut down, telling TellZim News that operations at the hospital had been drastically scaled back in response to the strike.

He said:
They are operating with a very thin staff complement as most nurses have gone on strike.

The few available nurses are only attending to the most critical sections like the maternity ward where some care has to be given to expectant mothers at all cost.

Shamu admitted that no new patients were getting admitted but said senior nurses were manning the maternity ward and other critical areas.

A doctor who spoke to TellZim News dismissed the PMD’s statement saying all doctors were on strike and none were available to attend to cases.

Doctors and nurses at public health institutions went on strike last week in protest over rampant corruption by Ministry of Health officials as well as poor working conditions- Tell Zim

By A Correspondent

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1275871757656903681?s=20

All is not well at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House formerly known as Harvest House.

Pressure seems to be mounting for Douglas Mwonzora that he wants the MRT house exclusively for himself and his backers.

On Wednesday there was a party press briefing. Two of Dr. Thokozani Khupe’s aides Kudzanani Shumba as George Rice were barred from entering the building.

Mashumba was manhandled by one of Mwonzora security details who were manning the entrance while Rice was not allowed into the building altogether.

When the security details were asked who gave them instructions to bar the aides, their response was that it was from their President Mwonzora.

Speaking to ZimEye.com, Mashumba said, “it comes as no surprise that they are already calling him President as this is testified by his miniature motorcade he is seen travelling with these days.

“He preaches non-violence but he actually sponsors it on the other hand.”

Senator Mwonzora was contacted for a comment but his phone was not picked up. Also contacted were Senator Morgen Komichi and Vanguard Leader Shakespear Mukoyi who were asked to investigate, but their phones were switched off at the time. ZimEye also contacted Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada who confirmed knowledge of the incident having heard of it after the meeting. But Mashakada was quick to suddenly deny any knowledge of it. AUDIO/VIDEO BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the recall of Parliamentarians as “mere connivance by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Thokozani Khupe and Jacob Mudenda to destroy the people’s revolution.”

He also said the MDC Alliance was prepared to defend the will of the people.

“We will fight criminal connivance and corruption by 45 000 vote Khupe, Parliament’s Mudenda and Mnangagwa.

These shenanigans make us stronger than ever before.

MDC ALLIANCE MPs can’t be forced to belong to the MDC-T which they defeated in 2018.

This is ridiculous! We resist the illegal and unlawful recalls. We resist the illegitimate and unelected Mnangagwa.

Our 5 key fights are on a legitimate PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, REFORMS, CORRUPTION, CONSTITUTIONALISM (ALIGNMENT NOT AMENDMENT), LIVELIHOODS & RIGHTS,” wrote Advocate Chamisa on Twitter.

ZINASU says Zimbabweans have suffered for too long under Zanu PF dictatorship.

ZINASU has also joined hands with ZCTU to fight for the freedom of suffering Zimbabweans.

Watch video below :

Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based cleric, Isaac Makomichi, has vowed to stop satanic worship in South Africa.

In a statement the controversial preacher threatened to use his “prophetic grace” to cast a spell on the satanic church.

He described the opening of the satanic church as an abomination.

The South African Satanic Church opened its doors in February after a four-year-long idea was brought to life by the co-founders.

Thomas Matthew Miles-Nell, a member of the church, said as a satanist he found it refreshing that there was now an organisation that is representative of what true religious satanism was.

Jaco Venter, another member, said: “I am really proud of my country that my religion is being acknowledged and empowered.”

The church is a registered non-profit company under the category of a religious organisation.

Co-founders Adri Norton and Riaan Swiegelaar said they would like to dispel some of the misconceptions people may have about satanism.

Commenting on the satanic church founders’ remarks, Makomichi said:

“This should not be allowed to happen.This is a direct challenge to the entire Christian community.

I will personally travel to South Africa to confront the leaders of the satanic church.

They must be stopped physically and spiritually. I have the spiritual prowess to stop satanic worship,” declared Makomichi.

Makomichi is known for distributing what he calls the anointed love potion herb to women and girls across the country- for free.

Thirteen more Covid-19 infections in Zimbabwe were confirmed yesterday bringing the cumulative total to 525, with 448 being returning residents in quarantine centres and 77 being infected within Zimbabwe, including three new cases yesterday.

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare said last night that investigations were now in progress to identify the source of the three local infections.

South Africa’s cumulative total passed the 100 000 mark yesterday to reach 101 590, the worst in Africa and the region.

The South African death toll remains low by global standards of the epidemic at 1 991. Global totals reached 9 154 232, although this is regarded as a significant underestimate since full testing has never been universal, but with 473 650 deaths.

In several countries lockdowns have been reimposed or tightened after sudden spikes.

Germany, generally regarded as having the fastest reactions to the pandemic among European countries, started lifting its lockdown last month.

Tight lockdowns have now been imposed on two districts in North Rhine-Westphalia State following local spikes, with the most worrying being the 1 500 workers in a meat packing plant testing positive.

The World Health Organisation has reported a record increase in global Covid-19 infections on Sunday with 183 020 in just one day-The Herald

Correspondent

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1275871757656903681?s=20

All is not well at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House formerly known as Harvest House.

Pressure seems to be mounting for Douglas Mwonzora that he wants the MRT house exclusively for himself and his backers.

On Wednesday there was a party press briefing. Two of Dr. Thokozani Khupe’s aides Kudzanani Shumba as George Rice were barred from entering the building.

Mashumba was manhandled by one of Mwonzora security details who were manning the entrance while Rice was not allowed into the building altogether.

When the security details were asked who gave them instructions to bar the aides, their response was that it was from their President Mwonzora.

Speaking to ZimEye.com, Mashumba said, “it comes as no surprise that they are already calling him President as this is testified by his miniature motorcade he is seen travelling with these days.

“He preaches non-violence but he actually sponsors it on the other hand.”

Senator Mwonzora was contacted for a comment but his phone was not picked up. Also contacted were Senator Morgen Komichi and Vanguard Leader Shakespear Mukoyi who were asked to investigate, but their phones were switched off at the time. ZimEye also contacted Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada who confirmed knowledge of the incident having heard of it after the meeting. But Mashakada was quick to suddenly deny any knowledge of it. AUDIO/VIDEO BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Pictures- Two journalists Munashe Chokodza and Leopold Munhende assaulted by soldiers while on their way from work. @RSF_EECA @RSF_en pic.twitter.com/BSLxThO1Zu

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

2/ The two journalists Leopold Munhende and Munashe Chokodza were assaulted earlier this evening by 6 or 7 armed soldiers in Warren Park 1. They were stopped and questioned & after producing their press cards, they were made to lie down & assaulted. pic.twitter.com/gs4Ek8jYuk

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has announced that Sisters-in-charge at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have withdrawn their labour with immediate effect due to incapacitation.

In a letter dated 24 June 2020 and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, ZINA said nurses were withdrawing their labour until the government is serious about addressing their grievances. The letter read:

Re: INCAPACITATION OF SISTERS IN CHARGES AT PARIRENYATWA GROUP OF HOSPITALS

The above subject matter refers. We note with concern the lack of urgency by the employer in addressing issues raised by ZINA.

The ongoing incapacitation has not been doing any good to the patient care in this COVID 19 pandemic period.

We have noted that despite the sacrifices shown by nurses the employer has not been forthcoming.

As part of ZINA membership, we share the same grievances and we have been holding fort at our respective wards despite being overwhelmed by the workload.

After consultation and deliberations, we hereby notify that we are withdrawing our services with immediate effect until the employer takes the nurses grievances seriously by way of fruitful negotiations.

Correspondent

https://twitter.com/schikanza/status/1275871757656903681?s=20

All is not well at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House formerly known as Harvest House.

Pressure seems to be mounting for Douglas Mwonzora that he wants the MRT house exclusively for himself and his backers.

On Wednesday there was a party press briefing. Two of Dr. Thokozani Khupe’s aides Kudzanani Shumba as George Rice were barred from entering the building.

Mashumba was manhandled by one of Mwonzora security details who were manning the entrance while Rice was not allowed into the building altogether.

When the security details were asked who gave them instructions to bar the aides, their response was that it was from their President Mwonzora.

Speaking to ZimEye.com, Mashumba said, “it comes as no surprise that they are already calling him President as this is testified by his miniature motorcade he is seen travelling with these days.

“He preaches non-violence but he actually sponsors it on the other hand.”

Senator Mwonzora was contacted for a comment but his phone was not picked up. Also contacted were Senator Morgen Komichi and Vanguard Leader Shakespear Mukoyi who were asked to investigate, but their phones were switched off. ZimEye also contacted Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada who confirmed knowledge of the incident having heard of it after the meeting. But Mashakada was quick to suddenly deny any knowledge of it. AUDIO/VIDEO BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Own Correspondent

Five (5) people have tested positive for coronavirus this Wednesday, 24 June 2020 from 84 RDT screening tests and 654 PCR diagnostic tests that were conducted by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

All the cases were returnees from South Africa, and the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 530. The Health Ministry said in a statement:

Five (5) cases tested positive for COVID-19 today. These are all returnees from South Africa and are all isolated.

Recoveries were reported by the following provinces; Harare (32), Mashonaland East (11), Matabeleland South (15) and Midlands (1).

Today 84 RDT screening tests and 654 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to date is 64 520 (36 267 RDT and 28 253 PCR).

To date the total number of confirmed cases is 530; recovered 123, active cases 401 and 6 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has imposed a ban for six sittings from Parliament against Norton MP, Mr Temba Mliswa for disorderly conduct in the Chamber.

Adv Mudenda imposed the ban after Mr Mliswa repeatedly interjected thereby disrupting the business of the House.

We interview Mliswa on the matter. Stay tuned to ZimEye.com for this live interview coming up at 9:30pm Zim time.

Hon @TembaMliswa interview at 8.30pm (UK time) 9.30pm (Zim time) @schikanza pic.twitter.com/2lQ3keXq8b

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

Mandi Chimene now selling buns in Mozambique. Is this what happens to one after Zanu pf has used you and is done with you?

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

State Media

A 78-year-old man from Dete in Hwange District has been ordered by a court to compensate the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) of US$20 000 after he killed a leopard that had attacked him in the bush.

Amos Moyo of Thuthukani village on the edge of Hwange National Park used an axe handle to finish off the marauding big cat that had been caught by a trap he had set in Vulamashava bush.

The leopard attacked Moyo last Thursday when he went to check the trap, leaving him with serious injuries on both arms, head and face.

The leopard pounced on Moyo who used his hands to wrestle it after his axe had fallen down. He later managed to reach for the axe and struck it to death, after almost losing his right eye.

Moyo asked his nephew Perfect Ndimande (20) to carry the leopard carcase home where they skinned it with the help of Mr Tayi Moyo and Mr Gudu Justice Moyo.

Moyo and Ndimande were jointly charged with making, possessing or using Class Two traps and another of removing any animal or any part of an animal from any land or from one place to another on the land, when they appeared before Hwange magistrate Mr Rangarirai Gakanje.

Moyo told the court that he decided to trap the big cat as it had killed his goat.

“One of my goats was killed sometime in March and I saw some leopard spoors. I was frustrated when nothing was done after I reported to authorities,” said Moyo.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence. He was also ordered to compensate ZimParks of US$20 000 being the value of the leopard.

The magistrate said she considered his advanced age and that he almost lost his life, which was enough punishment.

Ndimande was fined $1 200 or four months in jail if he fails to pay by 31 July, and in addition, he was sentenced to a further two months in prison which were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within five years.

The magistrate said she considered that Ndimande did not participate in setting the trap, while Tayi and Gudu were not charged because they only participated in skinning the animal. The carcass, skin and trap were forfeited to the state.

Prosecuting, Ms Jamesina Makanza said Moyo committed the crime between Thursday last week and Sunday.

“During the period between 18 and 21 June Moyo set a Class Two spring jaw trap in Vulamashava bush and caught and killed a leopard. Moyo instructed Ndimande to carry the leopard home where they skinned it with Tayi Moyo and Gudu Justice Moyo,” said the prosecutor.

Investigations by ZimParks rangers who were on patrol led to Moyo’s homestead where they found the leopard carcass hanging from a tree and skin spread on the ground to dry. Moyo and Ndimande were arrested.

I formed this party in 1999 with Morgan Tsvangirai, and I'm prepared to fight to advance the legacy of Morgan Tsvangirai, says Mashakada | IS HE TELLING THE TRUTH? pic.twitter.com/t7WufDiWmW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

The revolutionary and pan African ZANU PF Youth League strongly condemns the callous shooting of Comrades Wendy Chikwaira (31) and Kennedy Tachiona (39) by a Chinese national, one Zhang Xuen (a general manager) following a wage dispute at Reeden Mine located some 25 kilometres out of Gweru.

The Youth League is deeply concerned and perplexed with this flagrant disregard of existing dispute resolution mechanisms encapsulated in Zimbabwe’s labour laws in preference of barbaric law of the jungle tactics.

The ZANU PF Youth League continues to stand with the toiling indigenes of Zimbabwe and we express our utter shock, dismay and grief at Zhang Xuen’s murderous actions which not only threaten the peace, progress and stability that characterises the Second Republic but actions which also risk being misinterpreted in the context of the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and its all-weather friend China.

We welcome in this regard the statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe wherein the Embassy said it would firmly “…support Zimbabwe’s law enforcement authority agencies to transparently and openly investigate and handle the case in accordance with the law of Zimbabwe.”

We vehemently condemn such callous acts that seek to destabilise the harmonious working relationships of people of all races.

Zimbabwe is a civilized progressive democratic nation and our Youth League is deeply perturbed by such an inhuman act.

It is our fervent hope that the law will speedily take its course and remind all employers (domestic and foreign) that workers have rights too.

Accordingly, we encourage the courts as well as mining regulation authorities to send an urgent and strong warning to those who dare take advantage of the humility of Zimbabweans by turning the mining sector into a wild-wild west where laws are senselessly flouted in pursuit of personal gain and greediness.  Such criminal and heartless acts have no place in a progressive and democratic Zimbabwe.

The ZANU PF Youth League also takes this opportunity to strongly condemn all forms of abuse and ill-treatment of workers in all sectors of the economy.

The ZANU PF Constitution in Article 2 clearly states the aims and objectives of ZANU PF as including “To uphold and fully apply fully the rule of equality before the law and equality of opportunities for all the people in Zimbabwe, regardless of race, tribe, sex, religion or origins.”

Defending the weak employee is thus in the DNA of the Youth League and we will not hesitate to perform our constitutional duty in this regard.

Furthermore, Article, 2 (12) of the ZANU PF Constitution clearly espouses and articulates ZANU PF’s negative stance towards all social ills including “…tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, racism, religious fanaticism, xenophobia and related intolerance, discrimination on the grounds of sex and all forms of exploitation of man by man in Zimbabwe…”

In the same vein, the revolutionary ZANU PF Youth League aims and objectives as stipulated in section 186 (1-3) of the ZANU PF Constitution clearly state that it is the duty of the youths to actively participate in the political, social, cultural and economic affairs of the country and to promote and protect the interests of the youths.

It must be noted in this regard that the ZANU PF Youth League’s interest arises not only from the fact that the victims of the shooting are Zimbabweans but equally that one of the victims is a youth as defined in the African Youth Charter and the ZANU PF Constitution.

We are as the youth duty-bound by the afore-mentioned constitution to defend the interests of these two unfortunate comrades in all aspects of their socio-cultural, political and economic endeavour.

It must be reiterated that Mr Zhang Xuen’s cold-hearted trigger happy and barbaric act is an affront upon the peace-loving and hardworking people of Zimbabwe and a law-breaking act against the sovereign people of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Youth League will studiously monitor the progress of this case and we encourage all employers and employees to abide by the law in all their labour relations as a means to foster and perpetuate order in our economy.

The ZANU PF Youth League will continue to stand in support and defence of all the hardworking youths of Zimbabwe.

State Media

THE Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Sekai Nzenza has, with the concurrence President Mnangagwa, appointed Dr Farai Karonga as chief executive officer for Zisco and three additional board members. Dr Karonga replaces, Mr Alois Gowo, who retired from the organisation early this year.

Once the backbone of Zimbabwe’s industry, Zisco has been on defunct mode since 2008 when it collapsed under hyperinflationary climate.

Engineer Martin Manhuwa, Mr Demand Gwatinetsa and Mr Edmore Tafirenyika add to the existing board led by Professor Gift Mugano. Other members are Mrs C. Zhanje, Ms M. Buzuzi, Mr M. Phiri and Ms S. Sidambe.

“The resuscitation of ZISCO Steel remains of paramount importance considering the parastatal’s pivotal role in the mining and manufacturing sector,” said Dr Nzenza in a statement.

“The minister is confident that board members and the CEO’s technical expertise will help lead the ZISCO Steel strategic direction and revive a vibrant national steel industry.”

Minister Nzenza said the appointed team must focus on best practice and good corporate governance hence the inclusion of a diversity of skills to contribute to the strategic direction and transformation of ZISCO into a formidable player in the mining sector.

Dr Karonga is an accomplished mining engineer with vast technical experience in the mining industry having served for institutions like RioZim (Pvt) Ltd, as acting general manager for the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and the University of Zimbabwe. He holds a Masters in Mining Engineering and a Doctorate in Mining Engineering.

Mr Gwatinetsa is an expert in mining engineering currently managing the holding company for the largest gold mining in Zimbabwe with overall strategic, financial and operational responsibility. He was part of an executive team that was managing the strategic turn-around of the largest coal mine (Hwange Colliery) in Zimbabwe while developing two further large collieries each.

Mr Gwatinetsa holds an MSc in Engineering, a Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Geology.

Mr Tafirenyika currently serves at Mimosa Mining Company with experience in strategic management of mining institutions. He previously served as a finance and administration manager of Zimasco’s smelting division. He holds Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration.

Engineer Manuhwa brings in experience, which spans over 20 years in power engineering protection, distribution as well production and manufacturing engineering consultancy.

He is currently the managing consultant of Zimbabwe Africa Infrastructure Development Group (ZAIDG), a consortium of consulting firms and a managing director of Industrial Energy Solutions.

Engineer Manuhwa holds Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The Thokozani Khupe MDC-T has pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to free MDC Alliance MP, Joanna Mamombe and two female party activists who are languishing in remand prison.

The three have been in prison for a fortnight for allegedly faking an abduction and torture in the hands of state security agents.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House on Wednesday, the Thokozani Khupe led MDC Spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, pleaded with the government to sympathise with the embattled activists.

“I do not know the circumstances beyond their denial of bail, but I am saying the system must be sympathetic to appreciate that these are young ladies,” Phugeni said.

“These are young ladies. They are in their youth and they are youth assembly members and we know that they are impressionable and we know that in politics, youths are used for all sorts of things.

“The legal system must be careful with how they deal with these young people when they are young. If there are mistakes they make, we should appreciate them.

“I am basically making an appeal for their release. I’m saying keep them out until they have been proven guilty by a competent court.”

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

State Media

A WOMAN from Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb who shared her nude pictures with a friend has been arrested together with three other women after the photos were shared in a residents’ WhatsApp group.

Linah Ncube (33) shared her nude pictures with Mpumelelo Nyoni (30) from the same suburb.

Nyoni further shared the pictures with Viola Chamboko (29) and Sheron Dube (22) who leaked the pictures.

The crime was committed between April last year to June this year when the quartet was arrested.

Ncube discovered that her nude pictures were being circulated after bumping into them on Mpopoma residents WhatsApp group platform.

She reported the matter to police who deployed the cyber crack team comprising Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit to investigate the matter.

Police’s investigation led to her arrest and that of three accomplices as it was established that she intentionally sent the pictures to Nyoni.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said while the other three had violated Ncube’s privacy, she was also liable for circulating the nude pictures.

“The three accused persons worked in cahoots and circulated pictures bearing nude photos of the complainant on WhatsApp platforms. They did this in full realisation that there was a real risk or possibility that their conduct would seriously impair the dignity of the complainant. The trio was also found in possession of five nude pictures belonging to the complainant on their phones which is indecent or obscene or prohibited,” said Insp Ncube.

He said police investigation also led to Ncube’s arrest.

“After a report was made a follow up was made where the accused was found to have intentional taken nude pictures of herself and sent them to her friend Nyoni,” he said.

Insp Ncube said the four are scheduled to appear in court soon.

He urged members of the public to desist from sharing nude pictures saying it was illegal and morally wrong.

“As police we urge members of the public to respect other people`s private lives. It is an offence to take and circulate nude or indecent pictures or videos on social media. Members of the public are also advised to report such acts as it tarnishes the image of other people and is a bad influence to the youths and children,” said Insp Ncube.

Insp Ncube said members of the public should report similar cases to the nearest police station, NetOne toll free number 110 or 0292-885479.

Dear Highfield West residents, you elected me in good faith, to represent you and serve. You chose me above all on the 31st July 2018. Today I come back again, as your former MP, thanking you for the support and patience for it’s almost 2 years now.

It’s not by choice that I have left parliament, but there are political questions that need to be solved. Questions of over ambitious people who lost elections, questions of selfish individuals that have chosen money and personal enrichment over the people. You chose MDC Alliance over MDC-T but well, Zanu being Zanu is here to destroy the people’s project.

However I’m so grateful to you, for the faith that you have always had in me, for the undying support. I have been recalled from parliament but not from your hearts. We shall continue to serve. This whole fiasco is meant to turn us away from issues that matter, the bread and butter issues. Corruption, RTGS salaries, inflammation, mis-governance. It’s a phase that has to make us stronger than before, a drama that has to turn the tables and unite us, as citizens above everyone else.

Peace will definitely come, change is inevitable makata anoshura mawere. My power lies in you, not parliamentary chairs, and as such, we will work together to restore the pride of our nation, to fight mis-governance and injustice as well as develop our constituency and improve each other’s welfare in love, as a United people.

Lastly, because you elected me, to represent your will, the will of the people I’m as well pleased to notify you that I have been recalled for siding with your will, for choosing your voice and sticking with the people’s choice, the people’s president advocate Nelson Chamisa. We are fighting a system , a cunning group of dictators but it shall come to pass. I remain clear and unshaken in the path of democracy and under his genuine leadership. Let’s remain focused and yes…

Zanu pf must go !

Kind regards, with love from myself

ZANU-PF is set to launch the hashtag #edfirst ahead of the 2023 elections aimed at highlighting the “successes of the new dispensation.”

Addressing a Zanu-PF Midlands provincial meeting in Gokwe recently, national Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda said President Mnangagwa is the party’s sole candidate in the 2023 harmonised elections.

He said #edfirst will be launched soon.

“We are going to launch #edfirst aimed at highlighting the successes of the new dispensation soon. We are launching #edfirst and no one is going to start to speak without telling us about ED Mnangagwa and the good that the new dispensation has done. President Mnangagwa while leading the new dispensation has recorded many successes which ought to be highlighted now. We are solely behind his candidature as the party leader in the 2023 Presidential elections,” said Matemadanda.

He said revived District Coordinating Committees (DCC) will strengthen party structures.

Matemadanda said they are targeting to double support for the President.

“We are targeting 5 million votes by 2023. In the last election 2,5 million people voted for President Mnangagwa and we are doubling that figure. It means from the cells to the province; we must stop fighting and work on recruitment of more party members. We want to double the 2018 vote so that we have the 5 million votes we need for our President,” he said.

“So, we are working on restructuring all cells by end of June, by end of July we work on branches and come August we work on the provinces. We are working on reviving the DCC and we are going to see each provincial leadership exchanging provinces to see the revival of DCC across the country.”

Matemadanda said the ruling party wants to reclaim all Parliamentary seats it lost to the opposition MDC Alliance.

The MDC Alliance, he said, was losing the plot as it is busy blaming the ruling party for its internal squabbles.

He said the real threat to Zanu-PF was now coming from within as some members plot against the party’s leadership and structures.

“To us there isn’t any opposition out there. The MDC Alliance is busy blaming is for its problems. We don’t care about them because we are a people driven party and our goal is to provide a good life for our people. But at the moment we feel we have opposition from within our party.

“We have people who want to assume leadership at all costs without following the laid down procedures. But it must be noted that succession starts from the cell to the District. That is why we are reviving the DCC structures,” he said.

Matemadanda said Members of Parliament and councilors who got more votes than President Mnangagwa must give the party their strategy amid indications that some of them were working against the party’s leadership.

He said MPs given food aid by President Mnangagwa for distribution in their constituencies should complete the task in time so that no one dies of hunger.

“President Mnangagwa is sourcing food aid for our people and MPs should take the food to the people. Some become busy to distribute and some stand accused of giving only their relatives and friends and this is causing conflicts. The food from the President must reach the intended beneficiaries,” said Matemadanda.

Meanwhile, the provincial leadership handed over washing soap, hand sanitisers and rice donated by President Mnangagwa to Gokwe South District Hospital.

The goods were handed over to hospital authorities by Politburo members Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Jorum Gumbo.

The country’s Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person was $680.00 while that for an average household of five persons was $3.398.00 in May 2020, latest official figures show.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat), the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person during the same period (May 2020) stood at $1.697.00 while that for an average of five persons per household was $8.484.00. Zimstat said in a statement:

The Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person in May 2020 was $680.00 while that for an average household of five persons was $3.398.00.

The Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person during the same period (May 2020) stood at $1.697.00 while that for an average of five persons per household was $8.484.00.

According to the agency, the TCPL is a combination of food and non-food items that an average family requires for it not to be deemed poor.

The TCPL for Zimbabwe stood at $1 485 per person in April which means that an individual required that much to buy both food and non-food items per month.

Pindula

By A Correspondent- A 40 year old Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic church member from Burma Valley in Manicaland Province has been taken to court facing rape charges after taking a Grade 7 pupil as a wife.

Tichaona Chinemo appeared before Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe on Saturday and was remanded in custody to July 3.

According to prosecutor Brian Goto, sometime in 2019, Chinemo allegedly proposed love to the complainant, whose age was not revealed, and she agreed.

The two had unprotected sexual intercourse several times this year until the girl fell pregnant and she subsequently eloped to Chinemo’s homestead.

On June 18, the complainant’s mother and social welfare workers found the minor at Chinemo’s homestead where she was living as his wife.

The matter was reported at Burma Valley Police Station leading to Chinemo’s arrest.

-Newsday

VACANCIES IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

THE HON. SPEAKER: On 23^rd June, 2020 which is today, Parliament was notified by the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirayi (MDC-T) Party that the following Members of Parliament had ceased to be the members of the MDC-T Party and therefore no longer represent the interests of the party in Parliament, with effect from 23^rd June, 2020. The Hon. Members affected are as follows:

1.    Hon Amos Chibaya – Mkoba Constituency

2.    Hon Happymore Chidziva – Highfield West Constituency

3.    Hon Bacilia Majaya- PR Mashonaland Central Province

4.    Hon Mucharairwa Mugidho – PR Masvingo Province

5.    Hon Virginia Z Muradzikwa – PR Harare Province

6.    Hon. Annah Muyambo – PR Harare Province

7.    Hon Francisca Ncube – PR Matabeleland North

8.    Hon Nomathemba Ndlovu – PR Matabeleland South

9.    Hon Murisi Zwizwai – Harare Central Constituency

Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that, “the seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or to the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it;”

Pursuant to the above, I do hereby inform the august House that vacancies have arisen in the constituencies stated above by the operation of the law. The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform his Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of the existence of the vacancies in line with Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 213] as amended

https://twitter.com/babachirasha/status/1275651039052603394?s=20

By A Correspondent- In a statement to the media which triggered furore, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said preliminary investigations, conducted by the police and other state security agents, show that Member of Parliament for Harare West Joanna Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, had links with people and organizations like the Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who coached them to claim that they were abducted and tortured by unknown assailants.

Kazembe said:

“… Needless to say, without at all preempting due process of the law, their three statements show glaring signs of rehearsal and even possible coaching which may not stand up to rigorous cross examination.

There is no relationship whatsoever between the findings of the medical examination that was carried out on them by the government medical officer in the presence of two human rights doctors of their choosing on 15 May 2020 and the injuries they claim to have suffered as a result of being subjected to beatings with ‘open palms, booted feet, fists, rifle butts and other blunt objects, including being thrown out of a moving car and being cut up with broken bottles and razor blades on their backs.

There was no evidence of any swelling, fresh lacerations, wounds or even fractures consistent with the kind of manhandling they claimed to have gone through. This being the case, it is important to advise the public that, in a bid to ascertain if there was any rape or sexual assault, samples were taken and results are pending.”

REPORT ON THE RE-ENGAGEMENT VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF SWEDEN AS PRESENTED BEFORE PARLIAMENT ON JUNE 23 2020

          HON. K. PARADZA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the Report on the Re-engagement visit to the United Kingdom of Sweden by a Parliamentary Delegation led by the Hon. Advocate J. F. Mudenda from 9^th to 10^th September, 2019.

          HON. MADIWA: I second.

          HON. K. PARADZA: 1.0    Introduction

1.1           Within the context of the current re-engagement process spearheaded by H.E. the President, Cde. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, and in pursuit of Parliamentary diplomacy as approved by Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly led a Parliamentary Delegation on a re-engagement visit to Stockholm, Sweden on 9 and 10 September 2019.

1.2    The delegation comprised the following Members and Officers of Parliament:

·                   Hon. Kindness Paradza, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade;

·                   Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education;

·                   Hon. Joshua Sacco, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce;

·                   Hon. Sen. Douglas Mwonzora, Member of Parliament;

·                   Ms. Rumbidzai Chisango, Principal External Relations Officer;

·                   Mr. Shepherd Manhivi, Committee Clerk and Secretary to the Delegation; and

·                   Mr. Clive Mukushwa, Security Aide to the Hon. Speaker.

1.3    From the onset, the delegation wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to H.E.  Alice Mashingaidze, the Republic of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Sweden together with her able staff and Mrs. Sofia Margareta Andrietta Calltorp, former Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe who completed her tour of duty in August 2019, for their sterling work in ensuring that the Parliamentary diplomacy visit to Stockholm was successful.

1.4    It should be noted that Stockholm is only one of the four capitals the delegation initially intended to engage. Due to circumstances beyond the delegation’s control, visits to Washington, London and Brussels had to be postponed to mutually agreeable dates in the first quarter of 2020.

2.0    Purpose of the Visit

2.1    The re-engagement visit sought to complement the efforts of the Executive by articulating the major political and economic reforms being instituted by the Second Republic through parliamentary legal processes. Furthermore, the interface sought to strengthen bilateral relations between the Parliament of Zimbabwe and the Swedish Riksdag in areas of common interest.

2.2    To that end, the delegation held several meetings with the following stakeholders:-

·                   Hon. Dr. Andreas Norlen, Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag and his delegation;

·                   Mrs. Irina Schoulgin Nyoni, Head of Africa Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and her delegation in place of the Swedish Foreign Minister who had resigned when the delegation arrived;

·                   Hon. Olle Thorell, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and his Delegation;

·                   Mrs Asa Jarskog, President of the Swedish-Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce;

·                   Anna Sundstrom, Secretary General of the Olof Palme International Centre for Democracy and her delegation; and

·                   Mr Leif Isaksson, International Secretary of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation and his delegation.

3.0    The Delegation’s Message to Stakeholders in Sweden

3.1    Of paramount importance, the delegation emphasised the opening up of democratic space in Zimbabwe under President Mnangagwa’s leadership whose mantra is that “Zimbabwe Is Open For Business” and should attain an upper middle income economy by 2030. The delegation informed their hosts that the New Dispensation under the leadership of President Mnangagwa had opened up the political democratic space. That is why 133 political parties emerged to contest the 2018 Harmonised Elections while 23 candidates registered to contest the presidential race. The electoral environment before, during and after was extremely conducive except for the regrettable violence in August 2018 and January 2019.

3.2    The stakeholders were informed that Parliament, through its constitutional mandate, is seized with instituting political and economic reforms. The reforms are anchored on the recommendations by International Election Observer Missions during the 2018 Harmonised Elections, civil society petitions and the Montlanthe Commission recommendations.

 3.3   With regards to electoral reforms, the delegation informed the Swedish stakeholders that POSA and AIPPA had been repealed while measures will be taken to strengthen the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct through Multi Party Liaison Committees, among other measures.

 3.4   Furthermore, the stakeholders were informed about the economic reforms being undertaken by Parliament to create a conducive environment for the ease of doing business. Accordingly, Parliament is currently considering the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Bill which is now at Committee Stage. Once promulgated into law, it will create a One Stop Investment Centre and will harmonise Special Economic Zones and Joint Venture economic enterprises in order to attract domestic and foreign direct investors in Zimbabwe.

3.5    Additionally, the delegation advised the stakeholders that the indigenisation legislation had been repealed by Parliament through the Finance Act of 2018 because it negated foreign direct investment. Foreign investors can now hold 100% shareholding if they so wish.

3.6    The delegation explained the ongoing political dialogue process comprising 19 political parties except the MDC-Alliance. Overtures are underway to ensure that the main opposition party, the MDC Alliance, becomes part and parcel of the political dialogue so that the political dialogue becomes inclusive.

 3.7   The delegation appealed to Sweden to assist Zimbabwe achieve a positive international image as it embarks on the highlighted reforms. In this context, the delegation called on the removal of the illegal sanctions which are hurting the Zimbabwean economy and the ordinary citizens.

4.0    Meeting with the Head of Africa Department- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

4.1    The Parliamentary delegation diplomatic overtures led to the resignation of the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Maggot Wallstrom, who strongly contended that failure to dialogue with Zimbabwe was a “bad policy” more so that the former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe was no more on Zimbabwe’s political arena. On the delegation’s arrival, she opined that,

“The other insight is that countries should not be isolated. It’s such a bad policy. Now that Mugabe has died, look back at Zimbabwe’s history and what happened when the country became isolated. How has it helped North Korea, how is it helping Iran? At the moment when countries are isolated, they join. They look inward and stop developing. To think that you should not meet them because you dislike their politics is the worst-it only gives more power to the reactionary forces and those who do not want democracy or democratic development. Then civilization itself goes backwards”.

Her resignation demonstrated the impact of the delegation’s visit, wittingly or unwittingly. As a result of her resignation, the delegation met with officials from the Africa Desk led by Mrs. Irina Schoulgin-Nyoni who is the Head of the Department for Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.

4.2    The delegation explained the electoral and economic reforms being championed by Parliament, specifically making reference to the repeal of POSA, AIPPA and the Indigenisation Act. POSA will be replaced by MOPA which is to be accented to and signed into law by the President. AIPPA is being substituted by the Freedom of Information Bill, Protection of Personal Information Bill and the Media Commission Bill in order to address freedom of assembly and expression as championed by the Constitution. 

4.3    While the officials made a commitment to advocate for Zimbabwe’s re-engagement, they noted the following areas for action by Zimbabwe:-

·                   Called for the need for dialogue between H.E. the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, and Leader of the main opposition Mr. Nelson Chamisa.

·                   Called on Zimbabwe to address currency volatility issues which create negative perceptions for investors.

·                   Called for specific programs to advance gender issues including gender budgeting.

·                   Called for programs to strengthen citizen’s involvement in political processes.

·                   Called for the expeditious adoption of key political and economic reforms through the Parliamentary legislative processes.

5.0    Meeting with the Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament)

5.1    The Meeting with the Hon Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag was held at the Riksdag Buildings. In attendance during this meeting were Ms. Sara Heikkinen Breitholtz, a Member of Parliament representing the Social Democratic Party and Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mats Nordberg, Member of Parliament representing the Sweden Democrats and a substitute Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms Yasmine Posio, Member of Parliament representing the Left Party and Substitute Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Teres Lindberg, Member of Parliament representing the Social Democratic Party and Vice Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Ms. Anna Karin Hedstrom, Head of the International Department of the Riksdag and Mr. Ralph Hermansson, International Parliamentary Advisor.

5.2    In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Andreas Norlen, Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag gave a historical background and the current composition of the Riksdag highlighting that the Riksdag was bicameral until 1971 when it became unicameral. The Riksdag comprises of 139 Members from 8 political parties who are elected after every four years. The Riksdag has 15 Standing Committees.

5.3    The host Hon. Speaker outlined his role as Speaker, specifically that he chairs the Riksdag Board, represents Parliament and Sweden both within and outside Sweden and he also leads the process of forming a government.

5.4    Hon. Advocate Mudenda extended his appreciation to the host Speaker’s gesture to meet the delegation at the Parliament Buildings. Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the Swedish IPU delegation for proposing an Emergency Item during the 140^th Assembly of the IPU held in March 2019 calling for humanitarian aid in support of victims of Cyclone Idai which ravaged parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.  Subsequently, Zimbabwe received humanitarian amounting to over 600 million United States dollars for the reconstruction efforts.

5.5    The Zimbabwe delegation elaborated on efforts being undertaken by the Parliament to effect political and economic reforms as well as alignment of laws to the country’s Constitution. It affirmed that the Parliament of Zimbabwe is committed to the upholding of the tenets of the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

5.6    The Swedish delegation welcomed the positive initiatives aimed at promoting democracy and democratic institutions through the political and economic reforms. In this regard, they called on the Parliamentary delegation to:

·                   Ensure the expeditious implementation of the highlighted political and economic reforms.

·                   Ensure an inclusive political national dialogue that should foster public trust, ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights as well as paying attention to gender based violence.

5.7    In response to some of the concerns raised by the Swedish Speaker of Parliament, the Hon. Speaker indicated that the political and economic reforms are matters of legislative processes that occur in time through Parliamentary due diligence. The Hon. Speaker further explained that the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Gender Commission speak to the political dialogue matrix and gender based violence respectively. Additionally, the Swedish funded Institutions such as the Zimbabwe Institute have been assisting in the political party inclusive dialogue efforts. In further response, the Zimbabwe delegation advised their Swedish counterparts that democracy is an evolving phenomenon. It has taken, for example, 584 years since 1475 for Sweden to evolve its democracy to what it is now. Thus, Zimbabwe’s democracy must be given chance to nurture its young democracy.

6.0    Meeting with the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

6.1    Hon. Olle Thorell, who is a Member of Parliament representing Social Democratic Party made reference to the long standing relations between Zimbabwe and Sweden which date back to the days of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle. Accordingly, he was keen to learn of new developments taking place in Zimbabwe and to explore possible areas of cooperation.

6.2    The delegation briefed the meeting on current developments highlighting the electoral and economic reforms, political dialogue and the re-engagement processes which seek to not only open Zimbabwe to the world but to enrich democratic processes as well. It made it clear that Zimbabwe has a Government formed in line with the results of the 2018 Harmonized elections.

6.3    Hon. Mwonzora briefed the Meeting on the position of the MDC Alliance highlighting that the party is advocating for mediated dialogue that is essential but that it must be genuine, unconditional and predicated on national issues.

6.4    With regards to possible areas of cooperation, the delegation appealed for funding to capacitate key institutions such as Independent Commissions to effectively discharge their mandate. In addition, there is need to increase funding to Parliament which is being channeled through the Zimbabwe Institute as well as the  scope for capacity building programmes.

6.5    The delegation appealed for the removal of sanctions and ending Zimbabwe’s isolation which has had a negative impact on the ordinary citizen.

6.6    Hon. Olle Thorell encouraged Zimbabwe to learn from the Swedish experience where all political parties had put aside their differences, formed alliances and a Government based on national interest. Accordingly, all political parties in Zimbabwe should engage in dialogue for the good of the country.      

7.0    Meeting with the President of the Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce (SSACC)

7.1    The Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non- profit making organisation that promotes trade and investment between Sweden and Sub-Saharan Africa.

 7.2   The President of the SSACC has a keen interest in Zimbabwe and as such is willing to market Zimbabwe to her membership as part of re-engagement through Business interface. However, she emphasised that Swedish businesses are averse to risk and corruption preferring to invest in countries where there is policy consistency and the legislative framework governing various sectors of the economy.

7.2    The Zimbabwe delegation informed the Chamber President that the Indigenisation Act has been repealed and the investments will now be driven under the ZIDA Act whose Bill is currently before Parliament. It will address the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe. The delegation assured the Swedish Chamber that foreign investors would be able to repatriate their profits back to their country.

7.3    The Chamber President welcomed the developments with regards to the progress on the ZIDA bill. In this regard, she proposed convening a dialogue where representatives from the Zimbabwe business community would interface with her Chamber Members. In this regard, the Swedish Southern Africa Chamber of Commerce is willing to facilitate this engagement.

8.0    Meeting with the Olof Palme International Centre

8.1    The Olof Palme International Center is currently supporting political party dialogue in Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Institute. In addition, the Zimbabwe Institute has supported Parliament in its capacity building programmes for both Members and Officers of Parliament. The Centre works closely with the Social Democratic Party in Sweden as well as the Swedish Trade Union Confederation.

8.2    The delegation, briefed the Secretary General of the Olof Palme Centre on current developments in Zimbabwe focusing primarily on electoral and economic reforms as well as the political dialogue efforts taking place in Zimbabwe.

8.3    The Secretary General of the Centre welcomed the positive developments taking place in Zimbabwe and expressed a keen interest in maintaining programmes under its funding. In the spirit of encouraging an all-inclusive dialogue, the Centre sponsors joint youth programs across the political divide through the Zimbabwe Institute. The Centre was keen in advancing political and economic reforms being undertaken by Zimbabwe and, therefore, there was need for sustainable interface with the Centre. 

9.0    Meeting with the Swedish Trade Union Confederation

9.1    The Swedish Trade Union Confederation is one of the largest Trade Union Centres in the world. It has a long history of financially and morally supporting Trade Unions in Zimbabwe.

9.2    The delegation and the Trade Unionist exchanged best practices on labour rights for all workers, including the civil service and the right to collective bargaining. Of particular interest to the delegation was the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (NTF) which Zimbabwe has crafted into law so that recommendations arising from NTF are legally binding to all parties to the negotiations.

9.3    Of note is that Members of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation have the right to support a political party of their choice although such a practice can create unnecessary political imperatives where there is change of government. 

10.0  Conclusion and Recommendations

10.1  The role of Parliament in the re-engagement process through Parliamentary diplomacy cannot be over emphasised. The visit to Sweden has strengthened the resolve to complement the Executive’s efforts in re-engaging the International Community and affirming the mantra that Zimbabwe Is Open for Business. Accordingly, efforts must be made to ensure that the delegation proceeds to Washington, London, and Brussels on the re-engagement trail through Parliamentary diplomacy. The visits will also help address the apparent negative perceptions about Zimbabwe.

10.2  While all stakeholders welcomed the positive developments as articulated by the delegation, it was clear that the international community expects Zimbabwe to focus on the implementation of political and economic reforms as well as the protection of human rights as enshrined in the country’s Constitution. Accordingly, Parliament of Zimbabwe will expedite the realisation of political and economic reforms as well as complete the aligning of all outstanding 60 laws to the country’s Constitution. This requires the concerted support of the Executive because it is the Executive that generally originates the Bills.

10.3  The Zimbabwe Embassy in Stockholm needs to continuously engage the Swedish Southern Africa Chambers of Commerce with the view of jointly convening the proposed Business Conference. In addition to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Parliament of Zimbabwe can delegate representatives from the Portfolio Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as Industry and Commerce to attend the Conference in order to unpack the ZIDA Bill once it is promulgated into law so as to foster business re-engagement.

10.4  From the delegation’s interaction with the Olof Palmer International Centre, there is a possibility of broadening the scope activities funded through the Zimbabwe Institute. Accordingly, there is need to engage the Zimbabwe Institute on possible areas of cooperation, especially in the quest for inclusive national political dialogue through national consensus building. Parliament should encourage the Zimbabwe Institute to carry on with the multi-party dialogue with the view of persuading political parties to embrace gender parity in their Party Constitutions in line with the national Constitution.

10.5  Parliament may wish to immediately appoint a Constitution Committee to oversee the implementation of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. In addition, this Committee would oversee the alignment of legislation with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

10.6  Corruption remains a major economic challenge and a major disincentive to local and foreign direct investment. Parliament should ensure that all institutions fighting corruption are adequately resourced through the National Budget so as to augment the President’s crusade against corruption. I thank you.

-NationalAssemblyHansard

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the recall of Parliamentarians as “mere connivance by Emmerson Mnangagwa, Thokozani Khupe and Jacob Mudenda to destroy the people’s revolution.”

He also said the MDC Alliance was prepared to defend the will of the people.

“We will fight criminal connivance and corruption by 45 000 vote Khupe, Parliament’s Mudenda and Mnangagwa.

These shenanigans make us stronger than ever before.

MDC ALLIANCE MPs can’t be forced to belong to the MDC-T which they defeated in 2018.

This is ridiculous! We resist the illegal and unlawful recalls. We resist the illegitimate and unelected Mnangagwa.

Our 5 key fights are on a legitimate PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT, REFORMS, CORRUPTION, CONSTITUTIONALISM (ALIGNMENT NOT AMENDMENT), LIVELIHOODS & RIGHTS,” wrote Advocate Chamisa on Twitter.

The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) welcomes the statement by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development concerning guidelines for the informal sector to reopen in line with Statutory Instrument 136 of 2020.

The guidelines announced are also in tandem with the self-regulation which VISET has been championing with our membership during the COVID-19 awareness campaigns we have been conducting nationally since the national lockdown was proclaimed. 

As VISET, our attention has been drawn to the issue contained in the guidelines pertaining to registration of Informal Traders with Local Authorities, as well as the allocations to be done at newly established and refurbished markets.

Past experience would have us know that, there are some unscrupulous amongst us who will seek to take advantage of such a noble intervention to allocate themselves and their associates multiple market stalls which are then rented at a premium, creating the infamous “Space Barons”

Informal Traders have been sorely affected by loss of incomes during this lockdown period and have also been adversely affected by demolitions of their market stalls, hence should be sheltered from any rent seeking tendencies.

We contend that the Local Authorities should by all means ensure this process is as transparent as possible and a sure way of achieving this is bringing on board informal sector representatives in all processes to be initiated in this regard.

This will ensure greater buy-in and conformity as well as removing suspicions of underhand dealings as has been the case in the past.

As an organisation, we would like to put on record the cooperation we have received in the past from Local Authorities during our awareness campaigns and would hope this can be continued as we embark on this next step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Further, we urge all Local Authorities to ensure that the process of construction and refurbishing of Traders Markets is expedited so as to certify the success of the reopening exercise.

Prepared by VISET Information and Publicity Department

Will fight criminal connivance & corruption by Mudenda and @edmnangagwa.MDC ALLIANCE MPs can’t be forced to belong to the MDCT they defeated in 2018.We resist the illegal & unlawful recalls.5 Fights on!-A legitimate PEOPLE’S GVT,REFORMS,LIVELIHOODS & RIGHTS!#corruptioniskillingus

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) June 24, 2020

….Part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's speech at Stanley Nleya's burial at the Heroes Acre …"It has come apparent that in our midst, there are wolves in sheep's clothing. The end is coming." pic.twitter.com/CIYwZmggT6

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 24, 2020

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF stalwart Ozias Bvute has lost a land dispute between him and a land developing couple Florence and Felix Pambukani after a High Court Judge declared the latter as the rightful owners of the 724 0475 hectares of land.

High Court judge, Tawanda Chitapi said the Pambukanis were the rightful owners of the land and ordered Bvute to pay the costs of the lawsuit.

Said Justice Chitapi:

The cancellation of deed number 2410/2010 in applicants’ name and the subsequent revival of certificate registered title number 6754/08 in the name of second respondent (Crowhill Farm (Pvt) Ltd) in the respect of certain immovable property namely an undivided 0,0298% being share number 702 in a certain piece of land situate in the District of Salisbury called Lot J of Borrowdale Estate measuring 724,0475 hectares be and is hereby declared null and void.

It has been disclosed in the papers that there are third parties who obviously innocently purchased stands in the property in dispute herein. The resolutions of the wrongful cancellation of the title deed transfer of 2010 in the name of the applicants must be restored.

Having noted the irregularity of third’s respondent (Registrar of Deeds) cancellation of the deed transfer 2410/10 it is no surprise that third and fourth respondents do not oppose the relief being sought.

What also remains unexplained is why Chigumba’s order was only executed upon or given effect on February 13, 2018 when the order had been granted on 29 October 2014, a period in excess of three years.”

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo Provincial affairs minister Judith Ncube has appealed to members of the public to pray for the country’s leadership as the country was going through a difficult time

She made the remarks on Tuesday at funeral service for  the late national hero Stanley Nleya held at the White City stadium yesterday. She said:

Let us also pray for our leaders because we are going through difficult times. We are battling with COViD-19 and we must follow laid down regulations so that we do not perish.

Her remarks come when the economic and humanitarian crisis in the country has only worsened over the last 24 months.

The country has inadequate energy, medicines, food and the government is failing to adequately pay its workers some of whom have already embarked on industrial action.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic has done less to help the situation.

Many informal traders were forced to suspend operations in March when the lockdown was imposed to stop the spread of the virus thereby further deteriorating living standards of many families in the country.

-newsday