By A Correspondent- Newly appointed MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has called for an overhaul of the toxic politics engraved in the nation because of Zanu Pf.

Said Mahere in an interview with a local publication:

“We believe that in order to free Zimbabwe, we need to dismantle the broken, toxic political system that is led by Zanu PF in all its forms and replace it with a government that is value-based and that has the people at heart.

We believe that the current system is not working and must be replaced with a new way of doing politics that champions people’s issues, integrity, competence, ideas, good governance, freedom, fairness, opportunity, innovation and an open, inclusive society that enables every Zimbabwean to prosper.”

The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have given the central bank governor John Mangudya, a fresh headache as businesses, citizens have been affected by the development.

ZimEye ran a poll to establish what needs to be done to resolve this crisis.

Below is the poll outcome….

The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have handed the central bank governor John Mangudya a fresh headache as businesses have been shattered with the economy brought down to its knees.

What needs to be done to solve this crisis?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 11, 2020

Own Correspondent

Newly appointed MDC Alliance national spokesperson Fadzai Mahere has declared that the opposition party will crack its whip on party parliamentarians who recently defied a directive to boycott parliament business.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party recently boycotted parliamentary proceedings to protest against the dismissal of four of its legislators at the behest of a faction opposed to the party leadership.

On March 31, the country’s Supreme Court declared that Nelson Chamisa’s leadership of the MDC left behind by founding President Morgan Tsvangirai was illegitimate and ordered the party to hold an election to replace him within three months.

The MDC Alliance said parliament, which is controlled by the ruling ZANU-PF party, had taken sides in the fight to control the opposition. The MDC suspended participation in parliament while it consulted members on its next move.

In the process some of its MPs defied the position and went on to attend parliament.

In a wide ranging interview with Zimbabwe Independent, Mahere said the opposition party will deal with the MPs ergo defied the directive.

“We are a party of rules, discipline and due process. The law will take its course in a fair, transparent manner in accordance with the dictates and internal processes of our constitution,” she said.

Asked on how effective the boycott of parliament was, Mahere said it was important for the party leaders to act unilaterally for any of the resolutions to be effective.

“It was effective because it gave us an opportunity to engage our constituents and grassroots and hear what their views are on what is transpiring in Parliament and how they want us to respond. It is important for party leaders not to act unilaterally. It is important for us to send a clear message to Parliament, to the MDC-T and to all Zimbabweans that we are bound by the will of the people. The people voted for the MDC-Alliance as led by president Chamisa,” said Mahere.

Among the MPs who attended were, Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada, Emakhandeni-Entumbane MP Dingilizwe Tshuma, Hwange East MP Sansole Tose Wesley, proportional representative MPs Memory Mbondiah, Dorcas Sibanda and Ruth Labode.

Among those who also attended were Southerton MP Peter Moyo, Virginia Mafuta, Tekeshe, Joice Makonya, Francesca Ncube, Brightness Mangora, Vincent Tsvangirai and Winnie Kanguni.

Own Correspondent

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Friday address the nation on the country’s Covid-19 lockdown situation.

Zimbabwe has been on lockdown for over two months with authorities taking a phased approach to reopening the economy.

Mnangagwa last month extended the country’s lockdown indefinitely and announced his administration shall review its lockdown measures every two weeks.

This Friday shall however be the third week since he announced plans to proceed by two-week reviews.

Mnangagwa Thursday called for a press briefing at State House to let the nation know about his plans for the general Covid-19 situation in the country but was forced to move it to this Friday.

Mnangagwa’s planned address to the nation comes after a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases since the last lockdown extension.

Current statistics shows the country now has 334 positives cases.

Own Correspondent

MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa recently appointed lawyer and party politician Fadzayi Mahere as spokesperson of the party.

Mahere, replaced Daniel Molokele, as part of the opposition party’s attempts to sharpen the National Standing Committee which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the party.

Zimbabwe Independent senior reporter, Bridget Mananavire (BM), spoke to Mahere (FM), to unpack the party’s position and strategy.

In the interview, Mahere prayed for a complete change in the politics of the country wishing that the next generation of politicians in the country will have something different to attend to than her generation where the politics is more of squabbles than anything else.

Below is the extract of the interview:

BM: First, we congratulate you on your appointment to the influential position of MDC-Alliance spokesperson. However, the appointment comes at a time the party is embroiled in power struggles. How has been your experience so far?

FM: Thank you. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and be a voice for citizens at such a critical juncture for the nation. The experience has been exhilarating. I have had to hit the ground running but I am humbled by the opportunity to bring clarity at such a critical moment in the party’s history.

BM: How are the power struggles affecting the party, seeing there is a move to replace some MPs that were voted for on the MDC-Alliance ticket?

FM: The agenda for change has always come against adversity with some seeking personal power over the common good. However, this has never stopped us from our true purpose, which is a just, equitable and democratic space that allows all Zimbabweans to flourish without fear or favour. These challenges are a side show designed to distract the nation from the rot and decay being presided over by Mr (Emmerson) Mnangagwa and his colleagues. We will continue to fight against underhand moves to circumvent the people’s will as expressed in the 2018 elections. We remain resolute and clear that our energies are best spent on prioritising national issues.

BM: Does the MDC-Alliance have a clear strategy for defeating the Thokozani Khupe, Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi camp?

FM: Yes. Our strategy is to always go back to the people because that’s where our power lies.

BM: Still on strategy, last week MPs returned to Parliament after a boycott. First, was the boycott effective in any way and, second, what influenced the decision to return to Parliament?

FM: It was effective because it gave us an opportunity to engage our constituents and grassroots and hear what their views are on what is transpiring in Parliament and how they want us to respond. It is important for party leaders not to act unilaterally. It is important for us to send a clear message to Parliament, to the MDC-T and to all Zimbabweans that we are bound by the will of the people. The people voted for the MDC-Alliance as led by president Chamisa.

Nobody has the prerogative to alter that mandate and give MDC-Alliance votes to a different party. Political parties are not made in courtrooms or through violent army takeovers. Political power comes from the people. It is imperative that we drive that message home over and over.

BM: There are those MPs who continued attending Parliament during the period of withdrawal, what is their fate in the party?

FM: We are a party of rules, discipline and due process. The law will take its course in a fair, transparent manner in accordance with the dictates and internal processes of our constitution.

BM: some citizens have been calling for a so-called signal from MDC-Alliance as they anxiously hope the leadership of the party will lead demonstrations. Is the MDC-Alliance going to take this up?

FM: The right to peaceful protest, peaceful demonstration and resistance is constitutionally protected. The movement will adopt this among many other strategies to fight the system. What is critical is that a broad church of actors that comprises all Zimbabweans including the church, civil society, trade unions, the student movement, business, artists and every sector of society joins hands in the fight. We all want to see Zimbabwe rise from the ashes.

We therefore all have a duty to come together and speak with one voice and act to make the change happen.

BM: Some sectors have criticised the opposition of failing to offer a strong alternative government and a clear message and position on type of governance. How do you respond to this?

FM: As a party, the MDC-Alliance has designed policies that will have an impact on the entire nation, not only affect its supporters. We are a government in waiting.

Therefore, the nation can expect alternative policy formulation as articulated in our RELOAD policy document which is publicly available and which we will continuously speak to as we articulate our plan for progress.

BM: Do you believe a revolution is needed to free the country from the Zanu PF regime or do you think elections are the way to go?

FM: We believe that in order to free Zimbabwe, we need to dismantle the broken, toxic political system that is led by Zanu PF in all its forms and replace it with a government that is value-based and that has the people at heart. We believe that the current system is not working and must be replaced with a new way of doing politics that champions people’s issues, integrity, competence, ideas, good governance, freedom, fairness, opportunity, innovation and an open, inclusive society that enables every Zimbabwean to prosper.

BM: Zanu PF’s acting spokesperson, Patrick Chinamasa, last week said there is no oppression in Zimbabwe. How do you respond to this?

FM: One needs to look at the daily struggles that the ordinary Zimbabwean faces to see that this is an outright lie—there is the erosion of our democratic freedoms, unending corruption, the destruction of livelihoods, hyperinflation, a hunger crisis, chronic unemployment, a leaderless lockdown, a public health disaster, the persecution of lawyers for doing their work, abductions, torture and the sexual assault of women. Oppression surrounds us everywhere we go.

BM: What is the MDC-Alliance’s next move from here?

FM: We will continue to fight this battle on every conceivable front. We will continue to remind Zimbabweans that this is not a fight for the MDC-Alliance but it is a fight for freedom. Democracy is on trial and what we see is a battle for the soul of the nation. We all have a duty to be engaged, to ask, to speak and to act. It cannot be a crime to speak truth to power. It cannot be a crime to hold the government to account. It cannot be a crime to complain that one is hungry. We will not stop talking about the daily struggles that Zimbabweans face as the nation continues in a state of crisis as a result of the bad governance caused by our political elites.

BM: What are the main issues the MDC-Alliance is convinced must be addressed in Zimbabwe at the moment?

FM: As was highlighted by president Chamisa at the beginning of 2020, we will focus our efforts on five key issues, namely the fight for a people’s government and reforms; the fight for a better life and livelihoods; the fight against corruption; the fight for the rule of law; and the fight in defence of the constitution.

BM: How are you, the leadership, going to make the MDC strong again?

FM: The MDC-Alliance is already strong. It carries the strength of the people’s mandate and it is this commitment to the people that we will continue to strengthen.

BM: What message do you carry for Zimbabweans right now?

FM: I want to inspire hope and a thirst for change among Zimbabweans. I hope to be able to contribute to rekindling our self-belief and imagination as a people. I hope to leave this world having participated in setting Zimbabwe on a clear path to becoming the Great Zimbabwe we know it can be.

My dream is that my children and the next generation fight a different struggle from the one that we are fighting today. I wish for progress and that this, too, may pass.

Zimbabwe Independent

FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube (pictured) on Wednesday told glum-faced Zanu PF heavyweights in a closed-door politburo meeting that the economy is in terrible shape and he has no magic wand to rescue it overnight, Zimbabwe Independent reports.

The Treasury chief was responding to questions from ruling party leaders on his plans to revive the troubled economy.The decision to summon him to the meeting, alongside Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya, comes amid mounting fears among Zanu PF bigwigs that the party could lose the 2023 general election owing to the catastrophic economic decline, which they fear is angering the population and alienating voters.

For a long time, some party heavyweights have been unsettled by Ncube’s economic policy thrust, which has seen inflation ballooning to 765% amid severe exchange rate volatility. Incomes and savings have been eroded, condemning most citizens to untold poverty.

Senior party officials have been unhappy with Ncube, accusing him of sabotaging the party through economic mismanagement. Mangudya’s monetary policies have also been subjected to critical scrutiny by party leaders anxious to retain political power.

Ncube’s policies, espoused in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), are widely blamed by Zanu PF hardliners for the deteriorating economy.
Criticism from the party hawks had somewhat subsided ahead of this week’s tense meeting after Ncube received strong backing from President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who recruited the economics professor from Europe where he was running a consultancy firm, and deployed him as a technocrat with solutions to fix the ailing economy.

But since coming on board as a cabinet minister, Ncube has been tiptoeing around political landmines at every turn, having introduced sweeping policy changes which have not improved the fortunes of a devastated economy.

Insiders said at this week’s politburo meeting, the big guns were once again trained on Ncube, mostly by party heavyweights who were booted out of the government during the September 2018 cabinet reshuffle. Led by Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, they unequivocally stated that they feared the party would face difficulties in the election unless Ncube, as head of Treasury, urgently addresses the worsening economic crisis.

However, Ncube and Mangudya reportedly told the meeting in no uncertain terms that they possessed no magic wand to turn around the economy.

“The main issue was that of the economy and how prices of basic goods and services have skyrocketed so terribly since he became Finance minister. He was mainly taken to task by politburo members who are out of government over the state of the economy. The politburo members said they were deeply worried that this could alienate the party from potential voters because people are suffering,” a politburo member said.

The source said much of the criticism came from Mpofu and former finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, who demanded answers from the country’s two economic policy tsars.

“Most criticism came from Mpofu and Chinamasa, but all members basically expressed concern over the way the economy was being run. Generally, the two were being accused of working against the party. As you may know, to us the government is subservient to the party, which is then responsible for articulating these policies to the people. So what we have done now is to summon some of these ministers whose policies seem to work against Zanu PF interests,” the party official said.

“So as the Finance minister and governor, we told them that they must fix the economy with great urgency since it’s their area of responsibility, but they clearly stated that things have gone out of hand and it would take a miracle for things to normalise anytime soon unless government, as a matter of urgency, develops a strategy to fund the productive sectors of the economy.”

He added: “Mthuli Ncube, in particular, said the economy was going to take a long time to recover, depending on the necessary interventions. However, he indicated that in the long run, his TSP would bear fruit, but you could see no one was buying that narrative.”

Sources said Mangudya was taken to task over the proliferation of illegal foreign currency traders who are being blamed for fueling inflation.
As of yesterday, the United States dollar was trading at ZW$80, with no sign of respite, despite several measures by the central bank aimed at containing the situation.

However, just like Ncube, Mangudya told the meeting that he, too, was running out of options to plug loopholes exploited by parallel market forex dealers, having already seen a myriad of his measures coming to naught.
“As governor, he was asked to act on the

high level of instability in the exchange rate which has seen the local currency getting so severely corroded that salaries no longer mean anything. Mangudya said the major problem was that we are importing everything as a country and producing very little.

“He said, for instance, we grow wheat enough only to last three months and import wheat for the rest of the year, hence the high prices of bread. He told the meeting that unless government prioritised funding for the productive sectors of the economy, there was no hope,” a politburo member said.

“All raw materials are being imported. Mangudya stated that he was having a hard time trying to arrest the runway inflation and was running out of options after so many loopholes emerged as he sought to close one after another. He said players in the forex dealings have become so skillful that by the time they come up with a measure to control it, they would already have plotted a new way,” the politburo source said.

The Zimbabwean dollar has continued on a free-fall on the parallel market despite several measures by the monetary authorities in the past two years to shore it up, including the appointment of a special taskforce to stabilise the local unit.

Among other measures, the government in mid-2019 banned the use of foreign currency and re-introduced the Zimdollar which had been demonetised for more than a decade.

In March this year, Ncube announced he would introduce a “managed float” exchange rate regime, effectively abandoning strict control of foreign exchange by the central bank, in a series of currency reforms that have failed so far.

The move effectively brought the US dollar back into formal circulation, but the Zimdollar’s significant decline has gathered pace.

Own Correspondent

Payment of bride price will no longer be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Government had noted that some guardians were commodifying the institution of marriage and were sometimes withholding their consent until the full bride price had been paid.

What’s your take on this new law. Make your call in the poll on the link below:

Poll: Payment of bride price, Lobola will no longer be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law, government has decided.

What do you think about this decision?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 12, 2020

Own Correspondent

Zimbabweans believe that the immediate move to turn around the country’s economic fortunes is to get rid of the Zimbabwean dollar and spare the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya.

In a poll run by ZimEye.com on Thursday, a 57% majority believe that the problem is the local currency not the man managing the currency.

The Zim Dollar has in recent weeks been tumbling down in the parallel market going as low as US$1 to ZWL$80 in the streets of Harare.

The fall in the dollar has seen incessant price increases of most basic commodity with bread hitting a high of up to ZWL$70 in a bid to match the US$0.90 price.

35% believed that Mangudya should actually be dismissed for the economy to stabilise.

The Reserve Bank governor has been battling to fight the fall of the local currency he forced back in February 2008, in the process coming up with hoards of numerous inconsistent policies.

Just 2% of the respondents believed that Mangudya and his Dollar must be given a chance to work out.

Below is the outcome of the poll.

The collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar this week and runaway inflation have handed the central bank governor John Mangudya a fresh headache as businesses have been shattered with the economy brought down to its knees.

What needs to be done to solve this crisis?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) June 11, 2020

State Media

President Mnangagwa will today launch the Zupco Urban Buses initiative at Chinhoyi University of Technology grounds.

The launch, which seeks to address transport challenges particularly in the town, follows the successful roll out of similar programmes in other urban centres.

The revival of Zupco has also seen a number of private player franchising with commuter omnibuses having joined the bandwagon across the nation.

Confirming the launch, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka told The Herald on the sidelines of the preparatory meeting, which was attended by all provincial heads of Government departments at CUT grounds that the launch would accord the province an opportunity to interact with the President and air transport challenges being faced by the province.

“The President will launch Zupco urban buses here in Chinhoyi on Friday (today), which is line with new dispensation’s plans to provide its citizens with affordable and cheap modes of transport,” she said.

She said the province had a number of districts and wards that were being serviced by unscrupulous private transporters and the initiative by the President would go a long way in providing affordable and decent transport.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, she said, the number attendees was expected to be restricted to the stipulated guidelines.

Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe recorded another 12 infections yesterday, taking the total to 332, with four deaths and now 51 full recoveries.

Out of the new cases, 11 were among returning citizens and residents in quarantine centres and the 12th was a contact of a known case.

State Media

Managers at the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) and Government officials were this week quizzed by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) during investigations into procurement, including Covid-19 protection equipment and test kits.

According to reports, the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga and Natpharm Managing director and a senior official from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) were summoned by the commission.

ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo confirmed yesterday that investigations were still in progress and said no one had been charged yet.

“This week our investigators interviewed a number of officials over alleged irregular procurement of drugs. They were asked questions before going back to their homes. We are still investigating, and after information gathering, we will then make a decision on whether or not there was any criminal conduct. After that, we may have to decide on who should be charged,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.

This comes as Government has ordered NatPharm to cancel all contracts for the supply and delivery of medicines and surgical sundries by Drax Consulting SAGL.

In a letter on Friday last week to NatPharm managing director Mrs Flora Sifeku, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Gibson Mhlanga ordered the cancellation on Treasury instructions and further ordered that NatPharm must today be ready to present evidence of the cancellation.

“You are being directed to cancel all contracts that you had with Drax SAGL with immediate effect. Please be advised that this process needs to be completed by latest Friday June 12, 2020 and all documentation showing cancellation of the same to be submitted in my office by then. Please treat this issue with the urgency that it requires,” wrote Dr Mhlanga.

Dr Mhlanga confirmed the cancellation of the contracts, adding that he was following instructions from Treasury but declined to go into detail.

Mrs Sifeku confirmed having received the letter, but could not give further comment.

Represented by Mr Delish Nguwaya in Zimbabwe, Drax SAGL entered into an agre1ement with Government for the supply and delivery of medicines and consumables worth US$20 million.

The drugs started coming into the country at the beginning of the year in batches.

Later this year, Drax SAGL was awarded an additional tender to provide Covid-19 supplies and was subsequently given preferential treatment for the release of its Covid-19 emergency medical supplies that were stuck at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

There were concerns the company was allegedly overpricing its Covid-19 supplies.

After negotiations between Government and Drax SAGL officials over one bill of nearly US$1 million, an agreement was thrashed that the bill come down to about US$660 000.

Finance and Economic Permanent Secretary Development George Guvamatanga told a Parliamentary portfolio committee dealing with his ministry a few days before the cancellation order that as part of its statutory duties his ministry checked each Government procurement order to see if Zimbabwe was getting value for money before approving payment.

While Treasury did not raise the procurement orders nor did it choose what was ordered or choose suppliers, it did do the final checks over the value being given and would cancel orders that did not seem to give value for money.

State Media

Payment of bride price will no longer be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said Government had noted that some guardians were commodifying the institution of marriage and were sometimes withholding their consent until the full bride price had been paid.

Minister Ziyambi said this on Wednesday while presenting the Marriages Bill in the Senate, which went through the National Assembly last week.

“The transfer of marriage consideration (lobola) in our indigenous culture traditionally solidified bonds between families, but a disturbing trend has developed over time to commoditise or monetise the marriage relationship for material gain,” he said.

“Some guardians of brides hold out for the highest possible gain for themselves, while others refuse consent to the formalisation of marriage until the last cent of the marriage consideration is paid.

“This is why so many of our customary and non-customary marriages are unregistered. To solve this issue, the Bill will no longer require a customary marriage officer to satisfy himself or herself that there has been an agreement on the transfer of marriage consideration.”

Minister Ziyambi said the Bill did not seek to abolish lobola.

“If the parties do agree on the transfer of such consideration the Registrar (of Marriage) is under obligation to record it when registering the marriage to minimise disputes about the terms of such agreements,” he said.

Minister Ziyambi said the Bill sought to protect children borne out of unregistered customary law unions when one or both of them contracted a registered marriage with another person.

He said it was for that reason that Government came up with a civil partnership provision, which he said was introduced in good faith, but had since been rejected at the instigation of some religious groups who felt it encouraged “small houses,” a colloquial term for extra-marital or unrecognised unions.

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclamation of the “Presidential National Prayer Prayer Day is a reflection of the highest level of blasphemy given his administration’s blatant abuse of human rights, the persecution, harassment and torture of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents.

On Wednesday Mnangagwa’s administration, rearrested three MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leaders Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

The three MDC Alliance youth leaders were abducted and severely tortured by suspected state security agents last month.

“The Voice of the People is the Voice of God ” was Mnangagwa’s favourite maxim when he rose to power after overthrowing his long time boss, Robert Mugabe, with the help of the military in November 2017.

Analysts say Zimbabwe’s listening President no longer listens and anyone who opposes him is either silenced through arrests and torture.

Ironically at a time Mnangagwa is persecuting Zimbabweans, he has declared June 15 as the Presidential National Prayer Day.

In the book of 1 Kings 21:7-15 Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) the most wicked woman in the bible calls for a fast. Church leaders say Mnangagwa has no spiritual authority to proclaim a fast:

…Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.

In those letters she wrote:
So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.

They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”

As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.”

On Thursday Mnangagwa had the audacity to quote 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place.”

One church leader observed :
” Mnangagwa has the temerity to call for a national day of prayer and fasting when the nation is already FASTING due to the economic hardships at the hands of his corrupt regime which has milked dry the country’s national coffers and crippled industry.

One would expect Mnangagwa to make applicable in his life the same bible verse and turn from his wicked ways.”

A respected media practitioner has also indicated Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer:

“Best to leave these things to the church. Mr Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer. His government continues to abuse and intimidate citizens whilst allowing the rich and powerful around him, including his own sons, to engage in blatant acts of corruption.”

Our 2 NPF officials that were being detained at Braeside police station have just been realeased without any charges pressed. pic.twitter.com/2K3RB3kEJ0

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) June 11, 2020

11 June 2020

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Thursday 11 June 2020
pressed a cocktail of charges including faking abduction and
disappearance against three opposition MDC-Alliance party youth
leaders, who are victims of abduction and torture after they
re-arrested them on Wednesday 10 June 2020.

ZRP members charged Harare West legislator Hon. Joana Mamombe aged 27 years, Cecilia Chimbiri aged 31 years and Netsai Marova aged 25 years
with defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in
section 184(1)(f) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act
for allegedly making false statements to some law enforcement agents
alleging that they had been unlawfully detained or kidnapped by some
unknown people, who claimed to be police officers, when they went
missing on 13 May 2020 and dumped at Muchapondwa Business Centre in
Bindura in Mashonaland Central province.

The trio is represented by Jeremiah Bamu, Roselyn Hanzi and Tinomuda
Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

The law enforcement agents also charged Hon. Mamombe with contravening section 4(1)(a) of the Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order Statutory Instrument 77/2020.

ZRP members claimed that Hon. Mamombe breached some national lockdown regulations on 24 April 2020 at Chichera farm in Marlborough suburb, where while in the company of some unnamed people, she unnecessarily moved around the farm while conducting some interviews with the farm tenants.

Marova and Chimbiri were also charged with violating section 37(1)(b)
of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after they allegedly
participated in an anti-government demonstration held on 19 February
2020, where they held some placards written “Respect our
Constitution”, “ED enda”, “Hatichada kunyengerera” and “Hatipihwe
order nemasaskamu.

Already, Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova are set to stand trial in
August after they were first arrested on 26 May 2020 and charged with
committing public violence for allegedly participating in an
anti-government protest against hunger during the national lockdown
period.

The trio, which was granted RTGS$1 000 bail and asked to report once
in a fortnight at police stations, was accused of gathering with
intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry as
defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform)
Act and for contravening section 5(3) (a) as read with section 5(1) of
Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020 of Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention,
Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020.

Prosecutors allege that Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova participated
in an illegal demonstration held on 13 May 2020 in Warren Park 1
suburb in which opposition MDC-Alliance party supporters allegedly
staged a flash demonstration protesting against hunger at a time when
the country was under a government enforced national lockdown.

The decision to press criminal charges against Hon. Mamombe, Chimbiri
and Marova came at a time when the trio was receiving treatment at a
local medical facility following their abduction, disappearance and
torture on 13 May 2020.

To date, no arrests have been made by ZRP members of people who
abducted, disappeared and tortured the opposition youth leaders with
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Hon. Kazembe Kazembe
accusing them of faking their abduction and torture, a charge which
their lawyers deny.

-ZLHR

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is deeply concerned by the
arrest of Bulawayo-based lawyer Dumisani Dube on Saturday 6 June 2020.

Dube is facing the charge of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

These allegations arise from a matter wherein Dube represented his
client and filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High
Court, and obtained an order in favour of his client.

According to the state, Dube allegedly filed a fake certificate of service purporting to have served one of the Respondents in the matter, when he had not, and thereafter proceeded to obtain an order by default.

ZLHR notes with concern that the allegations arise from conduct of a lawyer during the course of his work, and the law has remedies available to address such issues. The use of the criminal justice system against lawyers is frowned upon and viewed as an attack on the legal profession.

ZLHR condemns the increasing targeted arrests of lawyers during execution of their professional duties.

As a lawyer, Dube has the right to practice a trade of his choice as provided for under section 64 of the Constitution and when practicing, he should do so without fear or favour.

In terms of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the state has an obligation to guarantee the functioning of lawyers without fear of harassment, intimidation or threats of prosecution for conducting their duties.

Lawyers must not be identified with the cause of their clients and lawyers should enjoy immunity for executing their professional duties
in good faith.

For ZLHR, it is distressing that we are seeing a worrying rise in the
intimidation, threats and reprisals of lawyers in Zimbabwe.

Dube becomes the second lawyer to be arrested this week after the
arrest of Advocate Thabani Mpofu on 1 June 2020 on the same allegation
of defeating or obstructing the course of justice as defined in section 184(1)(d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

In both cases, the lawyers were arrested on allegations arising from
their role of representing their clients.

On Saturday 6 June 2020, Dube, who was represented Prince Bhutshe-Dube
and assisted by Godfrey Nyoni of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights,
appeared at Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo and was granted
RTGS$5 000 bail and returns to court on 18 June 2020.

ZLHR therefore demands;

1.      That the state puts an end to the targeted arrest of lawyers on
allegations that arise from representing their clients;

2.      That matters relating to the conduct of lawyers should be referred
to the Law Society of Zimbabwe, a body that is responsible for the
regulation of lawyers at law.

By A Correspondent- Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema has added his voice in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in Zimbabwe that has seen government officials exposed over looting COVID-19 funds.

He speaks when calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to relieve the Health Minister, Obadiah Moyo of his duties over poor management of COVID-19 relief funds have intensified lately after it has emerged that the Ministry purchased personal protective equipment at exorbitant prices.

The campaign is being championed by a number of people including Alex Tawanda Magaisa, the former Chief of Staff in the office of the late former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai and award-winning journalist and filmmaker Hopewell Chin’ono.

Posting on Twitter, Malema said:

We applaud the fight against corruption and looting of public funds going on in Zimbabwe. It is cruel and evil for anyone regardless of who they are to steal money meant to help citizens fight Covid-19. There is nothing revolutionary or patriotic about thieving. Pasi neMbavha! (Down with Thieves!).

Zimbabwe has reportedly lost millions of dollars since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic with government officials named among the culprits.

This comes when the Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has applied for financial assistance at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) observing that the country’s economy will totally crumble if the World body does not provide the funds.

The Southern African country is ranked among the worst corrupt countries in the world and the rot has affected economic growth leaving the masses in abject poverty for decades.

By A Correspondent- The spokesperson of the National Patriotic Front (NPF), Jealousy Mawarire has accused the Home Affairs Minister of abusing his office to settle political scores adding that he has kicked a hornet’s nest.

The statement comes after two members of the NPF, Wonder Mashange and Dickson Mafios, both from Mashonaland Central were arrested.

Commenting on the arrest, Mawarire said:

The arrest of the 2 NPF officials from Mashonaland Central where Kazembe hails from is clear testimony the Minister is using the police to fight political battles. We condemn abuse of power, the security agents & courts.

This war the regime started will not end well. #TatambaZvakwanaTensions between the state and the civilians and or between the ruling party and opposition parties are threatening the peace and security existing in the country.

The tensions are being heightened by the deteriorating democratic space and the acute economic and humanitarian crisis in the country.

-Pindula

Daily News

THE High Court has upheld a conviction passed against reinstated MDC chairperson Morgen Komichi for disrupting announcement of 2018 election results after his appeal was dismissed for lack of merit.

Komichi was fined $200 or two months in prison after he was convicted of disrupting the announcement of the July 30 presidential election results in 2018.
Harare magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura also wholly suspended a three-month jail sentence for five years on condition of good behaviour.

In his appeal against the conviction, Komichi — through his lawyers then, Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni — argued that the lower court had erred by reading the term “proceedings” out of context or contrary to rules of statutory interpretation.

He argued that he had not interrupted the announcement of results as he made his address during an adjournment.
However, Justice Philda Muzofa ruled that the announcement of results was a process that involved setting up of the rooms and transmission of the results.

“Simply put the appellant’s interpretation is that the proceedings should be confined to the time when Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) officials were sitting and making announcements. This approach narrows the announcement proceedings to an event and not a process,” Muzofa said.

“To our mind even an interference of the transmission of the provincial results to the HICC would constitute a disturbance in the proceedings of the announcement of results. The legislature intended to preserve the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that they proceed smoothly to their logical conclusion.”

Muzofa noted that there was evidence that the appellant’s conduct resulted in some commotion as representatives from other political parties responded to his announcement.

“The appellant’s conduct should not be condoned, especially in view of the fact that the same Act provides for recourse that any disgruntled member could pursue to remedy any perceived irregularities. It is our considered view that the court a quo did not misdirect itself.”
Circumstances leading to Komichi’s conviction are that on August 2, 2018, he was at Harare International Conference Centre where Zec was announcing the July 30 presidential election results.

After a break, Komichi went to the podium reserved for commissioners announcing the results, took the microphone and announced that the MDC Alliance was rejecting the election results.

State Media

The trial of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of $5,6 million is set to resume in two weeks following the Supreme Court ruling on Monday, overturning his acquittal at the High Court.

The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (sacu) welcomed the ruling and now seeks to implement the decision without delay.

In a statement yesterday, sacu welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and made it clear that it would implement the court’s decision to the best of its ability.

However, the anti-corruption unit said it was aware of statements circulating within the public domain suggesting that criminal charges against Chivayo and his company are to be discontinued.

“These sentiments do not represent true facts as they stand. sacu is proceeding with prosecution of the accused person as has been directed by the Supreme Court,” said sacu, adding that the proceedings, which were halted by the High Court in March last year, would resume within a fortnight.

When the proceedings were stopped, one witness had already taken to the stand.

“A number of witnesses will now be called to testify in this case,” said sacu, warning that any interference with the witnesses either directly or indirectly would be dealt with in terms of the law.

The resumption of Chivayo’s trial follows the National Prosecuting Authority appeal against the decision of the High Court absolving the businessman and his company of any criminal liability in the botched multi-million dollar deal with the power company.

Justice Owen Tagu had upheld Chivayo’s application for review of the trial court decision, rejecting his application for exception to the charges.

The National Prosecuting Authority took the matter up to the Supreme Court on appeal and successfully quashed the decision of the High Court.

Justice Makarau ruled that the High Court erred in interfering with the unterminated criminal proceedings before the trial magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube and ruled that the fraud trial could now proceed.

Chivayo was facing three counts of fraud when the High Court cleared him of all the charges in July 2018, ruling that it was a civil matter rather than a criminal case.

Zim Live

HARARE – A teachers’ union says the government must assess the threat of the coronavirus spread in gatherings exceeding 50 people by first opening bars, churches and weddings – before schools can re-open.

The Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) says it is going to court to block the “premature” opening of schools, starting with Form 4 and Upper Sixth pupils who are sitting the ZIMSEC exams from June 29 until July 22.

The government has pushed back the re-opening of schools to July 28.

The union says the government is woefully prepared for any potential outbreak of the virus in schools, and is also demanding a massive recruitment of more teachers in order to decongest classrooms.

The union wants pupils and teachers to be supplied with free masks, and testing on site.

“It is against this frustrating background that we will be forced to block opening of schools and the writing of June examinations,” ARTUZ said in a statement Wednesday.

“We are seeking an interdict from the courts to block both the writing of June examinations and opening of schools on July 28. We are also mobilising for massive street protests by teachers and parents demanding salary review for teachers. We remain open to dialogue.”

ARTUZ said between May 2 and June 8, it had joined six other teachers’ unions in writing petitions to the government demanding minimum safety standards for learners and teachers, before schools can open. They have received support from a parliamentary committee on education.

The government says it is training headmasters to prepare for the schools re-opening.

A key demand by ARTUZ is for the hiring of more teachers 90,000 more teachers in order to decongest classes.

“On opening of schools, 136,000 teachers and almost five million learners will be admitted in our schools. The teacher complement will have to be boosted by 90,000 teachers to achieve social distancing in our classrooms and plug the gap of staff shortage,” ARTUZ demanded.

The union also accused the government of using teachers and school children as guinea pigs.

“They should open churches, bars and weddings first before schools to assess the contagious effect of gatherings of 50 plus people,” said ARTUZ.

Own Correspondent

The MDC has issued the following statement after the Security services council yesterday addressed a press conference to dismiss rumours they said were circulating about an imminent coup in Zimbabwe:

STATEMENT ON THREATS AGAINST MDC ALLIANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY. CHURCH & PRO-DEMOCRACY FORCES BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

On the evening of the 10th of June 2020, the Working Committee of the National Security Council of Zimbabwe convened in terms of s209 of the Constitution issued a statement concerning “rumours of an imminent coup d’etat in Zimbabwe.” The statement accuses the legitimate oppostion movement of engaging in an externally sponsored regime change onslaught since 2000 and of “irregular warfare”, “terrorism” and “insurgency”.

The Council attacks our Vice-Chairperson, Hon Job Sikala, the church, civil society, and other pro-democracy forces. It further accuses the opposition of faking abductions as part of this alleged warfare. The Council’s statement strikes at the heart of democracy in Zimbabwe and is the latest in a series of co-ordinated and incessant attacks on the MDC Alliance. The statement comes shortly after Minister Kazembe made defamatory claims against the person of the President in his statement on the abduction of the MDC trio. It also follows the unwarranted arrest of Vice-Presidents Biti and Kore and leaders of the National Standing Committee for requesting police assistance to enter their party offices. This is against the backdrop of spurious allegations against Secretary-General Hwende about the alleged petrol bombing of a car, the arrest of National Youth Assembly Chairperson, Obey Sithole, on unfounded allegations of public violence, and the continued harassment of several party members in meritless court cases on charges of subversion.

ServicesBuildingHomeGroceries
DatingJobsCommercialHealth
We have also witnessed the re-arrest of Alliance Youth Assembly members, Joanna Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova on allegations that they obstructed the course of justice by making a false report relating to their abduction, torture and sexual assault three weeks ago. The perpetrators of their torture are yet to be earnestly investigated. We re-iterate the call for an independent investigation into the crimes committed against them.

The world most be on notice that, as the national crisis deepens, the state is at war with its citizens. The continued erosion of our rights and freedoms signals a clear intent to return the nation to one-party rule.

However, we remain firm in our resolve to win Zimbabwe for change.

Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson

Change That Delivers

THE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the 15th of June 2020 as the Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting.

In a statement the Mnangagwa emphasized the need to continue abiding by the set COVID-19 regulations while at the same time resorting to prayer and fasting so as to conquer the pandemic.

“As your President during this very difficult season in which our nation and indeed the world face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am humbled to invite you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to take time in prayer and fasting as a nation before the almighty God to seek his mercy, wisdom, help and healing to overcome this deadly pandemic. In doing so we however diligently continue to observe every precaution necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, “he explained.

The President highlighted that the call for the Presidential National Day of Prayer had been inspired by a scripture from the Bible.

” The Lord joins us through his words in King Solomon in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place, “

‘Standing on this scripture, I, therefore, proclaim 15 June 2020 as The Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting,” he said.

“I also urge all on this day, to join us in giving up some meals in fasting. It will be best to arrange in this service as families, small, groups or church services not exceeding 50 people, and observing the precautions we have been taking to the prevent the spread of the Coronavirus,” he noted

The Presidential National Day of Prayer will be broadcast live on ZBC TV from 10 am to 12 pm.

By A Correspondent- A neglected memorial museum to Cecil Rhodes in Zimbabwe has been gutted in a suspected arson attack.

The historic building, built in 1897, was used as stables for the Victorian colonialist and former prime minister of the Cape Colony’s horses.

It stands just outside the Matobo National Park in Southern Zimbabwe – the country formerly known as Rhodesia founded by the vicar’s son from Bishop’s Stortford.

Rhodes, born at Netteswell House in South Road in 1853, had a farm in the area close to the country’s second city, Bulawayo.

After he died in 1902, the gold and mining magnate now reviled as a white supremacist was entombed nearby at World’s View, also known by its Ndebele name Malindidzimu, in the Matobo Hills.

The stables were protected by the National Museums and Monuments Act as a landmark and, although neglected, had remained a tourist spot until damaged by the blaze on Sunday, May 31.

On her Facebook page, Moira Fitzpatrick, regional director of the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, which is a Government department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, posted: “It happened early evening. I was out there with police and fire brigade while they put out the fire.

“All I can say for sure is that someone deliberately started a fire on the wooden loft floor.”

In both Zimbabwe and in Oxford, where Oriel College has a statue of former student Rhodes, commemoration of the imperialist has prompted demonstrations and demands for their removal by the #RhodesMustFall movement.

Recent #BlackLivesMatter protests across the world have renewed calls for the Rhodes Arts Complex in South Road, Bishop’s Stortford, to be renamed too and after a trio of petitions signed by thousandsof people, the centre and museum trustees have agreed to look at the issue as part of general rebranding and reorganisation already underway. A sign outside the centre has now been defaced.

In 2018, as part of the dissertation which helped her win a first class degree from Exeter University, former Herts and Essex and Bishop’s Stortford High School student Daisy Aylott interviewed town residents about Rhodes and how he is remembered.

She said: “I found a clear divide in opinion. The majority argued he is part of Bishop’s Stortford’s history whether we like it or not, and removing his name allowed him to be re-written out of history.

“The minority believed Bishop’s Stortford needs a wakeup call to re-assess its understandings of the British Empire and the brutalist role Rhodes had within this. This showed me how distorted our understandings are of the British Empire, with many knowing very little about how we exploited foreign lands and massacred indigenous populations under the guise of financial gain.

“In light of my findings and the global Black Lives Matter movement gaining momentum around the world, we need to be educated and re-learn about the British Empire for all its horrors to understand why having Rhodes’ name linked to Bishop’s Stortford should not be a cause for celebration.

“Much like the slave trader Edward Colston’s statue falling in Bristol, Cecil Rhodes’ name should ‘fall’ from Bishop’s Stortford, and then be placed in the museum for all to learn about his dark oppressive past and appreciate why the British Empire and Rhodes are coming under the spotlight once again.

“You cannot remove Rhodes and take action without first changing our education and understanding of our collective past.”

By A Correspondent- The government of Zimbabwe has released 270 people who have been detained in Harare quarantine centres since their return to the country.

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo said all the released returnees had tested negative for the coronavirus.

The development comes amid reports that the centres are in shambles and are themselves a health hazard to detainees. Moyo said:

It is not in our interest as the government to detain people for periods which are longer than stipulated,” Moyo said.

If they are negative, they should be released and allowed to go home. If positive, they will be placed in isolation.

Some returnees have been escaping from quarantine centres where life is reportedly horrible as some do not have running water and adequate food.

The Ministry of Health also reported that the biggest number of the known coronavirus cases are returnees mainly from South Africa.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Gweru City Council has introduced a new tariff schedule for this year which will see residents parting ways with huge amounts of money for erecting illegal structures and or houses without approved plans.

The move has been criticised by Gweru Residents Forum director Charles Mazorodze who said the local government authority hiked tariffs without consulting residents.  Reads the schedule in part:

Commercial per plan building from $7 500 to $177 364, industrial per plan building $10 000 to $236 485 and institutional per plan building from $5 000 to $188 243.

It also observed that the building penalty for unapproved plans in high-density areas has been hiked from $1 500 to $35 473, medium-density from $2 000 to $47 297, while that of low-density suburbs has been increased from $2 500 to $59 121.

The schedule also indicated that construction of houses in high-density areas without council inspection now attracts a fine of $3 547 from $150; medium-density $4 730 from $200 and low-density, $5 912 from $250 while developing commercial stands without municipal inspection will attract a penalty of $17 736 from $750.

The local council’s mayor, Josiah Makombe, said the tariffs were in line with the prevailing market forces adding that the tariff regime also changed mainly due to the existing macroeconomic environment, which is hyperinflationary.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has castigated the decision by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to suspend elections in the country to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

Below is the MDC Alliance’s statement in full.

11 June 2020
STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF ELECTORAL ACTIVITIES BY ZEC MDC-ALLIANCE

The MDC Alliance is concerned by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s unconstitutional decision to indefinitely suspend electoral activities because of the COVID-19 pandemic without regard for the Constitution, the country’s electoral laws and respect for the citizens’ civil and political rights. We are of the firm view that ZEC’s conduct is unlawful, unreasonable and unfair for the reasons that are set out below:

1. The indefinite suspension of electoral activities violates section 158(3) of the Constitution which states that elections should be conducted within 90 days following a parliamentary or local authority vacancy. There is no provision for the postponement of this 90-day time frame. The Chiredzi Ward 16 by-election was indefinitely postponed by ZEC on the 25. of March 2020. Additionally, there are five confirmed local government vacancies. Most of them have exceeded the 90-day time frame. Accordingly, ZEC is in breach of the Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law and supersedes any Act of Parliament or subsidiary legislation. ZEC has fallen foul of this binding constitutional provision. It has not approached a court of law to correct the anomaly in accordance with best practice as seen in other jurisdictions faced with the same difficulty.

2. ZEC has acted unilaterally in deciding to issue a blanket indefinite suspension of electoral activities. The electoral management body did not consult political parties, civic society organisations or voters as would be required by the dictates of sound administrative conduct.

3. The statement by ZEC is vague concerning which electoral activities have been suspended. There is no clarity on the status of by-elections in local authorities, constituency seats, proportional representation vacancies, and legally stipulated continuous electoral activities that include voter education and voter registration which require minimal physical interaction. With appropriate social distancing and hygiene etiquette measures, we believe that all these electoral activities can continue in the same way that court and parliamentary activities have resumed, without causing a public health disaster.

4. Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, electoral reforms remain outstanding. We demand electoral reforms and the alignment of electoral laws to the Constitution. Most urgently, consultation on the delimitation exercise should commence forthwith.

By A Correspondent- In a very disturbing case, a woman is reported to have forced her 2-year-old stepchild to sit on a hot stove as a way to get back at and punish her husband who she suspected was cheating on her.

The woman Yvonne Chifamba (23) and her husband Trust Mangana (27) were arrested on Tuesday and were detained at Waterfalls Police Station. The two had initially agreed to keep the crime under wraps. However, they were arrested after they finally decided to seek medical help for the minor after they failed to manage the burns on their own.

Speaking to the publication, Deputy provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova said:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the arrest of a Waterfalls couple in connection with a case involving a minor.

“Circumstances were that that the step-mother of the child had a misunderstanding with the father accusing him of infidelity.

“During the debate the step mother is alleged to have grabbed the minor and placed him on a hot stove and the couple are reported to have agreed to conceal the act.

“Investigations have since begun and we would like to thank members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the two.

“Police continue to urge members of the public to report any criminal activities within their communities to police for the law to take its course,”

-StateMedia

The Women’s Academy for Leadership has urged Zimbabwean authorities to drop the charges against the MDC Alliance trio and engage independent investigators to bring the pepetrators of the abduction and torture against the girls to account.

MDC Alliance youth leaders Cecilia Chimbiri, legislator for Harare West Joana Mamombe and Netsai Marova were abducted and tortured in May 2020 after they were arrested at a roadblock in Harare before they were found dumped in Bindura days later.

The trio, were however subjected to hospital court processes before they had fully recovered from their ordeal which included sexual assault.

Days after they were granted bail, the trio were hauled to court again where they had part of their bail conditions changed resulting in the consfictation of their passports over fears that they were planning to flee the country.

A day later, the three MDC Alliance activists were arrested again and charged with making a false report regarding their alleged abduction and sexual assault.

They are appearing at court Thursday afternoon.

Said the WALPE:

2/2 The Govt should drop charges & allow @UNHumanRights to come and conduct an independent investigation into the matter. The Govt must arrest the perpetrators and not the victims. We stand in solidarity with these women leaders until the perpetrators are brought to book

— Women's Academy for Leadership (@WalpeAcademy) June 11, 2020

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proclamation of the “Presidential National Prayer Prayer Day is a reflection of the highest level of blasphemy given his administration’s blatant abuse of human rights, the persecution, harassment and torture of opposition members and perceived Zanu PF opponents.

On Wednesday Mnangagwa’s administration, rearrested three MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leaders Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

The three MDC Alliance youth leaders were abducted and severely tortured by suspected state security agents last month.

“The Voice of the People is the Voice of God ” was Mnangagwa’s favourite maxim when he rose to power after overthrowing his long time boss, Robert Mugabe, with the help of the military in November 2017.

Analysts say Zimbabwe’s listening President no longer listens and anyone who opposes him is either silenced through arrests and torture.

Ironically at a time Mnangagwa is persecuting Zimbabweans, he has declared June 15 as the Presidential National Prayer Day.

In the book of 1 Kings 21:7-15 Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) the most wicked woman in the bible calls for a fast. Church leaders say Mnangagwa has no spiritual authority to proclaim a fast:

…Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.

In those letters she wrote:
So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.

They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”

As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.”

On Thursday Mnangagwa had the audacity to quote 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place.”

One church leader observed :
” Mnangagwa has the temerity to call for a national day of prayer and fasting when the nation is already FASTING due to the economic hardships at the hands of his corrupt regime which has milked dry the country’s national coffers and crippled industry.

One would expect Mnangagwa to make applicable in his life the same bible verse and turn from his wicked ways.”

A respected media practitioner has also indicated Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer:

“Best to leave these things to the church. Mr Mnangagwa has no moral authority to call anyone to prayer. His government continues to abuse and intimidate citizens whilst allowing the rich and powerful around him, including his own sons, to engage in blatant acts of corruption.”

By A Correspondent- Former Zanu PF youth league official Godfrey Tsenengamu has made claims that Zanu PF is captured by wealthy benefactors and they are no longer keen to fight corruption.

Tsenengamu said the ruling party’s top officials have received top of the range vehicles for the “wealthy benefactors” and they cannot go against their sponsors:

The majority of them are getting salaries from these wealthy benefactors, they are given cars and the fuel they use. How do you expect people to go against someone who is sponsoring them

Tsenengamu also said the whole system in Zanu PF was made up of looters:

It is not about the whole party, it is about a clique of people who are in the leadership, who instead of being leaders, they have turned themselves into looters. Whenever you challenge looting, you are always going to face the music whenever you challenge corruption. Because corruption is in their DNA, they will deal with you

He also went on to sensationally claim that President Mnangagwa was an accomplice to all the corruption that was happening around him:

I would not want to say President Mnangagwa is corrupt or not, but what I can say is, in one way or the other, the President is an accomplice in all the corruption that is happening around him. He has failed to act decisively and he finds himself in the company of those who are corrupt all the time. He appointed a commission to investigate internal allegations of corruption but it suffered a stillbirth up to now

However, Zanu PF through Victor Matemadanda dismissed Tsenengamu’s claims and said:

Those are lies. What happens if I show you evidence that I bought my car? I have the papers of that car and I keep them because I know that some people are going to make these allegations

Tsenengamu was suspended earlier this year for naming and shaming corrupt individuals he said were wreaking havoc in the economy.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- The trial of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) of $5,6 million is set to resume in two weeks following the Supreme Court ruling on Monday, overturning his acquittal at the High Court.

The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (sacu) welcomed the ruling and now seeks to implement the decision without delay.

In a statement yesterday, sacu welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and made it clear that it would implement the court’s decision to the best of its ability.

Meanwhile, Energy minister Fortune Chasi has given Intratrek exactly six months to feed 10 megawatts into the national grid, adding intrigue to the raging court case against the company after the Supreme Court this week ruled that its owner Wicknell Chivayo should stand trial.

Chivayo won a tender in 2015 to build a solar power plant in Gwanda, expected to feed 100 megawatts into the national grid, but the company missed the deadline due to protracted disagreements with government.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Human rights lawyers and doctors yesterday accused Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe of lying to cover up for the alleged abduction and sexual assault of three MDC Alliance activists, who included Harare West MP Joanah Mamombe, by State security agents.

Kazembe last week claimed lawyers and doctors worked with MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa, Western embassies, churches and other non-governmental organisations to stage-manage the abduction of Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova in order to pursue a regime change agenda.

But lawyers representing the trio, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights as well as Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights tore into Kazembe, accusing him of lying.

The lawyers demanded a retraction from the minister if he failed to back his claims with evidence.

In a pre-suit notice letter dated June 4 and addressed to Kazembe, the lawyers from Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners accused Kazembe of pursuing a Zanu-PF agenda in the matter together with other senior party officials.

They said the abducted MDC Alliance activists had always questioned the sincerity of the government, arising from a series of events during the purported investigation.

He said Kazembe’s decision to rush to the media was “further victimising” the three activists.

“It is now more apparent from your statement that no investigations are actually being carried out except an active exercise by the State (led by yourself) to seek to discredit the accounts of the victims of the enforced disappearance on behalf of the political party you represent in government,” part of the letter read.

Kazembe is also the Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central province.

The lawyers said it was worrying that several Zanu-PF officials such as Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo and politburo member Patrick Chinamasa, among others, had repeatedly made disparaging statements about the enforced disappearance.

They said the involvement of Zanu-PF explained the leaking of crucial information such as photographs, taken only by the police, and images taken from inside a police station.

The lawyers also demanded explanation on how information only availed to the police ended up in the hands of Zanu-PF officials.

“This has ceased to be a legitimate investigation and has become an overzealous public relations exercise on your part at the expense of the victims. This is deplorable to say the least,” they said, accusing Kazembe of not being clear on the exact agencies investigating the case.

They said they remained concerned by the numerous visits to the hospital by people masquerading as nurses or lawyers while others continue trailing parents of the victims.

On issues raised including that the victims were not co-operating with the investigating officers, the lawyers said: “Your statements are, therefore, disingenuous and wholly divorced from the truth and seek to achieve a sinister motive.

“… One also wonders if you are an expert witness who can authoritatively interpret and speak on medical reports.

“It is, in any event, a conclusion that is wholly inconsistent with the medical records, including the medical records relating to sexual assaults, conducted by the government medical doctor(s), and whose results have already been produced despite your pretence that these are still pending.”

Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal Practitioners added: “For the record, medical affidavits relating to complaints of sexual assaults have already been made and the medical findings relating thereto fully explained to the three victims.

“We are placing you on notice, that should the State choose not to call you as a witness, we reserve the right on behalf of the three victims to have you subpoenaed to testify and be cross-examined on these outrageous and hurtful statements.

“In the event that you should ignore these reasonable demands, we reserve the right on behalf of our clients to seek all legal remedies available to us and our clients in terms of the Constitution and other applicable laws.”

They vowed to subpoena Kazembe to testify during the trial of the three.

-Newsday

Below is the full thread posted by Energy minister Fortune Chasi over his alleged interference in the Gwanda solar project and the letter he allegedly wrote to the board to withdraw charges against controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo.

Below is the full text:

GWANDA PROJECT: I promised to respond to the various questions that many have asked regarding the decision Gvt has taken on the future of the project.

The interest and concern shown by the public is both proper & warranted. Below I will set out the reasoning that has informed my stance on the matter.

Over the past yr since I was appointed I have hoped that a resolution would be found once the Board was in place . My hope was premised on the fact that there was a court order which required that the parties meet and agree.

I will endeavor to set out the circumstances of this matter as briefly and as concisely as twitter will allow

Just for completeness it’s important to note the 100 MW Gwanda Solar Project was advertised as a public tender, and, on the face of adjudicated upon and awarded.

What are the options open to the country? Zesa lost twice in the High Court. They appealed to the Supreme Court. The appeal has been pending for a while. It does not have a set down date as yet. Can we afford the luxury of endless litigation in the light of a new financing plan ?

It is possible that I may have made a mistake in the decision I have taken. I take full responsibility for it.

Should we completely ignore the fact that the experts like Utedzi have promised that within a period of 6 mths they will deliver the initial 10 mw? Should we instead start a new process that will take no less than 18 mths before work begins making it effectively 7 yrs?

Should we discount the fact that Mr Utedzi who is now consulting for Intratek, has world class experience and has recently switched on a solar plant at nyabira?

Watch the live video loading below….

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has set aside 15 June as the national day of prayer adding that he hopes the nations would join him in prayer as he invites Christ to help Zimbabwe fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was revealed in a statement which reads:

As your President during this very difficult season in which our nation and indeed the world face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am humbled to invite you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to take time in prayer and fasting as a nation before the almighty God to seek his mercy, wisdom, help and healing to overcome this deadly pandemic. In doing so we however diligently continue to observe every precaution necessary to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Quoting the scriptures, Mnangagwa said:

The Lord joins us through his words in King Solomon in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 13 -15 which reads; If I send pestilence among my people and my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attend to the prayer that is made in this place

Standing on this scripture, I, therefore, proclaim 15 June 2020 as The Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting. I also urge all on this day, to join us in giving up some meals in fasting. It will be best to arrange in this service as families, small, groups or church services not exceeding 50 people, and observing the precautions we have been taking to the prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.”

Zupco has been run down since its creation

Watch the live video loading below as preacher Talent Chiwenga tears into Emmerson Mnangagwa’s minister Kazembe Kazembe…..

By Jane Mlambo| Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga has condemned the government move to proceed with school examinations saying the country is not ready to open doors to children without following proper procedures.

Making a presentation before Parliament last week, Mushonga said without running water in schools, it will be difficult to maintain hygiene and keep children safe from COVID-19.

“Our position is we’re not ready as a country to proceed with examinations on the dates that have been set by Zimsec. In particular because of the things that we’re talking about. Honourable Members in the Committee were even saying that it is not just rural areas but even urban areas themselves — there’s no running water. We know that our young children are trying to sew and do masks — which is a fantastic idea in terms of the training but we also need to understand whether the standards have been checked. This is why we have the Standards Association of Zimbabwe — really, for us, any mask that somebody is going to wear has to be a mask that conforms with the WHO standards,” said Misihairabwi-Mushonga.

“When did it become a crime to ask government to stop sanctioning its soldiers to murder innocent citizens?“

Preacher Talent Chiwenga has queried why government is focusing on trivialising the minor and targeting non offenders while ignoring murderers who killed innocent citizens on August 1 2018.

Chiwenga said Kazembe Kazembe should first arrest and convict soldiers who killed 7 innocent citizens using guns in broad daylight instead of threatening to unleash the long arm of the law against him and the media among others.

“Mr Kazembe Kazembe, you have always been trying to abduct me and kill me. You are a member of a leadership cult that is bloody. You survive on killing people and silencing people…you are used to doing things with impunity. Zimbabwe does not belong to Zanu Pf, neither does it belong to Mr Mnangagwa but to Zimbabweans…

Not long ago Mr Matemadanda, survived after he was saved by the people when Robert Mugabe wanted to kill him for speaking the truth. Now he does not speak about the safety of others….this is simply because he now belongs to that cult. why should there be no freedom after speech?

People are afraid to speak. Everyone is afraid and people are only able to speak when they are behind their blankets.

Ini pachezvenyu are cowards. You are afraid to face your weaknesses.”

Watch the live video loading below….

By A Correspondent- Preacher Talent Chiwenga has torn into prophets who are in the habit of showering praises at the ruling party despite it commiting atrocities against citizens.

In a highly charged up response to Zanu Pf’s press statement threatening him and ZimEye, Nehanda Radio, Gambakwe media among the opposition and civil society organisations, Chiwenga said he will not back down and worship the ruling party like what most prophets in Zimbabwe did.

He said:

“Zanu Pf has never invited me to their functions because i do not compromise the word to suit them.

I do not seek to be recognised by Kazembe Kazembe or even any government official because it doesn’t add value to my assignment. I do not seek validation from you.”

Watch the live video loading below….

Preacher Talent Chiwenga has responded to the statement by minister Kazembe Kazembe saying his statement was dangerous and inflamatory.

He said:

“… those who sympathise with Zanu Pf will take the law into their own hands… they have put my life in danger. I do not know in what way i am being described as violent…

I do not have the capacity to comment on the scope of the coup de tat. In his own threats, the long arm of the law will catch up with me and others. … it’s the long arm of lawlessness. We are not safe.. coughing may be dangerous according to Zanu Pf.

It’s unfortunate that Kazembe Kazembe and Mnangagwa sees me in that light. I do not see myself as an anti government preacher. …I do not support Zanu Pf, I do not support MDC neither do i support any political parties. I support Jesus Christ…

I am not allowed Mr Kazembe Kazembe to have fellowship with unfruit works of darkness. The word of God insructs me to rebuke them,”

Watch the live video loading below….

On Sunday the 7^th of June, the 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement led by the organisation’s Deputy Executive Director donated a food hamper to the bereaved family of Levison Ncube.

Levison Ncube was brutally assaulted by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police at around 7pm on the 30^th of March 2020 at the first day of national lockdown in government efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The said policemen are alleged to have struck Levison on the head and he lost consciousness just meters from his home for allegedly defying government orders for people to stay at home. He was taken to Mpilo hospital around 10pm with much stalling from the police officers who were trying to delay and maybe slip away from what they had done. He was attended to by a Doctor around 11pm and then 1pm.

He is said to have regained consciousness on the 3^rd of April and discharged from the hospital although he had clear signs of paralysis on one side of his body and then eventually succumbed to what the post-mortem report said was “subarachnoid haemorrhage and head trauma”.  Simply put he died from severity of beatings he took on the head from the not so honourable members of the Police force. He was 25.

The greater tragedy is that all this happened in full view of his pregnant girlfriend who was with him when this horror befell them. She will not only live with the trauma of having her loved one stolen away from her, but also must explain to their unborn child how the brutality of the security forces robbed them of a father and husband.

Levison was also the lone breadwinner of his extended family, providing for his siblings, cousins and elderly. The family asked the government for funeral and burial assistance but was snubbed as the Police coldly threw out their plea by saying they are “still conducting investigations and any sort of assistance would be an admittance of guilt”

Asked for comment Assistant Inspector Msebele said the Police can no longer make a comment on this matter as it already in the courts.

Handing over the grocery donation Mr Greater Sibanda condemned the conduct of the police officers and the heavy handedness of Law officers in discharging their duties.

“We as the 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement are here to pay our respects and mourn with the Ncube family on the horrific and untimely loss of their beloved one. We as the organisation do not encourage members of the public to break laws of the land.

We strongly feel, however that if laws are broken, due process should be followed with greatest care of human dignity and sanctity of life as prescribed not only in the constitution but also in the Human rights charter. We condemn in strongest terms this heinous and atrocious conduct that has led to the untimely death of this young man.

The 1893 Mthwakazi Human Rights Restoration Movement is deeply concerned by the continued use of brute force on citizens not only on this Ncube case but also of others that we continue to learn of.

Two weeks ago, we were at Cowdrypark giving a shoulder of comfort to two ladies who were stripped off their dignity, shamed and tortured by the members of the Police force for merely expressing themselves in their language. This is a travesty!

The public looks up to these Law officers for refuge, security and protection. How can they go to them now as they have turned to be the very monsters that they run from?”

Finally Sibanda said:

“We would like to urge the government to ensure the safety of its citizens and bring timely justice on this tragic incident. Wounds never heal without justice and so the quicker the law acts on the murder of Levison, the quicker the family and nation will heal and move on. We as the people of Mthwakazi demand this justice, for Levison’s soul to rest in peace, for the family to find comfort and for the nation to heal”,

By A Correspondent- According to the state media, the state is alleging that President Mnangagwa’s niece Chirambe Chikafu posing as his daughter did the following:

1. In 2010, she approached CBZ and tried to open an account using a defensive driving certificate as an identity. The bank wanted a real ID and said no, but she allegedly connived with CBZ employee Lilian Mateta, who processed the account without the needed ID.
2. In February 2011, Chikafu, while using the name Chantelle Mnangagwa, received a US$2 000 overdraft.
3. In August 2011, she was lent another US$15 000 after submitting a Deed of Transfer she allegedly stole from her mother, Grace Chikafu.
4. On September 12, 2012, she received a US$20 000 loan and failed to repay accruing a US$88 775 debt in the process, including interests.
5. On November 19, 2019 Chikafu is said to have approached Nyasha Mutyambizi and passed herself as Chantelle Mnangagwa. She allegedly sought an agreement to mine in Umfurudzi Safari Area and tendered a fake ID. The Parks and Wildlife Management reportedly consented and issued the agreement. With that piece of paper, she approached the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development seeking a special gold mining grant for 200 hectares in the reserved area.

-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- ZACC is reportedly probing NetOne Non-Executive Director Rangarirai Mathias Mavhunga for not revealing his personal interest in a transaction involving FMC Holdings Limited and NetOne, Business times reports.

According to the publication NetOne entered into an agreement with FMC Holdings which would see NetOne facilities its customers acquire microfinance loans from FMC.

According to an affidavit filed by the investigating detective Collius Mushambi:

When the agreement was entered between the two parties, the accused did not disclose to NetOne Cellular board his involvement in FMC which might have favoured FMC to obtain the facility in contravention of Section 173 (1) (a) (ii) of the Criminal Law and Codification and Reform Act

A warrant of search and seizure signed by Magistrate Tendai Muchini reads in part;To the peace officers and other officers of the law, proper to the execution of criminal law warrants, whereas from information taken upon oath before myself, there are reasonable grounds for believing that NetOne Cellular is in possession or control of the following documents and records which are required as exhibits in a criminal docket and that is necessary for the purpose of investigating or detecting a case of corruptly concealing from a principal, a personal interest in a transaction.

These are therefore in the state’s name to command you to proceed to NetOne Cellular and there from immediately obtain and take into custody the mentioned articles and take them to a police station or other place of safety until the matter is finalised or until you further receive orders from the Court

Efforts to get a commend from Mavhunga failed as he could not be reached to speak to editors.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo are indiscriminately assaulting residents in the central business district ordering them to go back home.

The development comes following an increase in the number of roadblozks that have been mounted in the town this morning.

Said a resident who spoke to ZimEye:

“We do not know what is happening and why we are being subjected to such. The police have increased their presence on our roads but what is worying is why they are beating up people in the CBD instructing everyone to go back home.”

The development comes following the presentation of a 6 paged press statement yesterday by government dismissing an imminent coup.

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

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Wednesday that Zimbabwe’s currency was under attack from businesses that were constantly hiking prices adding that his administration was aware that this was part of a wider and sinister political plot against his government.

A year after the southern African nation ended a decade of dollarisation and reintroduced the Zimbabwe dollar, the local currency has tumbled on the black market, fuelling price increases and pushing inflation to 765%.

When Mnangagwa took over from Robert Mugabe in 2017 after an army coup, he promised to revive the economy, but life has become harder as people grapple with acute shortages of foreign currency, medicines and food, and unemployment above 80%.

Said Mnangagwa at a politburo meeting held in the capital Harare, a few hours before the security sector bosses dismissed as false coup plot reports:

“We are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models by the private sector.

We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda they will never win.”

Economic analysts say the government’s budget is under pressure from spending to combat the coronavirus outbreak, which will force authorities to resort to printing money, stoking inflation further.

Inflation is seen ending this year way above the central bank and treasury’s target of 50% due to a weak exchange rate and shortages of food following a drought.

Mnangagwa said reports last month of three opposition activists Harare West legislator Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova who were allegedly abducted and tortured by state security agents were part of a coordinated plan to cause unrest.

The activists are receiving treatment in hospital and have been charged with taking part in an illegal protest and breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

The trio were on Monday hauled back at court where they had part of their bail conditions altered and ordered to surrender their passports amid fears by the Mnangagwa led administration that they were planning to escape from the country.

A day later, they were arrested and taken into custody accused of falsifying their abduction. They are appearing at court Thursday morning.

On Wednesday, United Nations human rights experts urged Zimbabwean authorities to “urgently prosecute and punish the perpetrators of this outrageous crime”.

By A Correspondent- A returnee who last week escaped from quarantine at Marymount Teachers College in Mutare on the 22nd of May has been hauled to court.

The male returnee who appeared in court on the 6th of June after he tested positive for Covid-19 has been placed under institutional isolation at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.

Last week, government revealed that it would soon make public names of those who escape quarantine facilities as part of measures to warn communities of potential risks within their midst.

A total of 149 returnees have so far escaped from quarantine centres, although some have been apprehended and charged.

Speaking during a media briefing on the National Taskforce on Covid-19 Taskforce, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said manpower had been increased at quarantine centres to curb such incidents.

She also said law enforcers had reinforced their operations to encourage adherence to lockdown measures.

Said Mutsvangwa:

“Government wishes to remind the nation that we are still under lockdown. We need to de-congest our public places by only going out when it is absolutely necessary.

In the same vein, Government thanks all communities that have taken it upon themselves to report those who abscond from quarantine centres and those who illegally enter the country.

The importance of the posed risk by border jumpers and quarantine absconders cannot be overstated. Going forward, persons who abscond from quarantine centres will have their details published so that communities are aware of the potential risks in their midst.”

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

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda of regime change.

In his opening remarks at the 340th ordinary session of the ZANU PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa pointed to the abduction of three MDC Alliance members, namely Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, as part of the grand plot by the country’s detractors to tarnish Government’s image.

Mnangagwa, however, said the alleged abductions had been exposed for their inconsistencies by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe in his recent statement.

“Concurrently during this period was the resurgence of hate speech and language which are not characteristic of the values we seek to be embedded in our country under the Second Republic. This vile culture must be rejected by all peace-loving people,” he said.

Mnangagwa said the confrontational actions were well coordinated and planned.

“I am aware that the intention was to cause despondency, unrest, violence and to render the country ungovernable. These acts should never be tolerated. I urge the Party and nation as a whole, to remain alert. Let us refuse to be divided by vigilantes who are hired by hostile foreign governments to distract us from our quest to grow our economy and improve the quality of lives for all, in peace, unity and love,” he said.

Meanwhile, the three opposition party activists were seized from the hands of their lawyers Wednesday to face fresh charges of faking their abduction.

Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova in May claimed they were abducted by state security agents who later drove them out of Harare to subject them to acts of both physical and sexual abuse.

They later spent weeks under police and prisons guard while recovering for injuries sustained, at a Harare private hospital.

The three also face charges of violating the country’s lockdown regulations through a flash anti-government demonstration they staged in Harare’s Warren Park suburb earlier on the day of their alleged abductions.

They are expected to appear in court today.

Own Correspondent

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday claimed that the country’s business fraternity is in a fight to topple him from power.

In his opening remarks at the 340th ordinary session of the ZANU PF Politburo, President Mnangagwa noted that the Government and its leadership have of late come under attack from detractors bent on fomenting instability in the country.

He vowed to take the war to the country’s “political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents” who are pushing a nefarious agenda of regime change.

“On the economic front, we are witnessing a relentless attack on our currency and the economy in general through exorbitant pricing models. We are fully cognisant that this is a battle being fuelled by our political detractors, elite opportunists and malcontents who are bent on pushing a nefarious agenda.

“They will never win. We did not liberate this country for selfish, profiteers and greedy individuals, but for all people in our land who have a right to enjoy a better quality of life. As a party we must always strive to achieve this,” said President Mnangagwa.