N’Golo Kante missed Chelsea’s training session on Wednesday due to fears of coronavirus.
The midfielder was allowed to skip the training by coach Frank Lampard after registering a negative coronavirus test and conducted his first socially distanced session on Tuesday.
Kante’s decision to stop attending the training lies in his medical history. He collapsed in the dressing room at Cobham in March 2018 in front of his team-mates but was cleared him of concerns about his heart.
The 29-year-old will now train at home and the club will continue their efforts to make their training ground safe for the rest of their squad.-Soccer 24
At the 73rd meeting of the World Health Assembly —its first-ever to be held virtually—delegates adopted a landmark resolution to bring the world together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution, co-sponsored by more than 130 countries, was adopted by consensus.
It calls for the intensification of efforts to control the pandemic, and for equitable access to and fair distribution of all essential health technologies and products to combat the virus.
It also calls for an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the global response, including, but not limited to WHO’s performance.
As WHO convened ministers of health from almost every country in the world, the consistent message throughout the two-day meeting—including from the 14 heads of state participating in the opening and closing sessions —was that global unity is the most powerful tool to combat the outbreak. The resolution is a concrete manifestation of this call, and a roadmap for controlling the outbreak.
In his closing remarks, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “COVID-19 has robbed us of people we love.
It’s robbed us of lives and livelihoods; it’s shaken the foundations of our world; it threatens to tear at the fabric of international cooperation. But it’s also reminded us that for all our differences, we are one human race, and we are stronger together.”
The World Health Assembly will reconvene later in the year.
Credit :WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|Government is set to tighten lockdown restrictions as COVID -19 cases continue to rise.
See below the Health Ministry’s latest update:
Today 830 RDT screening tests and 443 PCR diagnostic tests were done.
The cumulative number of tests done to cate is 32 862 (18 244 RDT and 14 618 PCR).
To date the local number of confirmed cases is 48; recovered 18, active cases 26 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.
The Ministry also urges members of the public to stay at home and avoid going to crowded places because where people come together in crowds, it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based clergyman, “Prophet” Isaac Makomichi has challenged sacked Deputy Information Energy Mutodi to apologize to the nation for posting outrageous remarks about MDC Alliance Youth leaders, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.
Makomichi, who is the leader of Calvary Prayer Group and the president of Vulnerable Youth Support Network Trust, has also urged the former Deputy Minister to apologize to the concerned MDC Alliance officials’ families.
Mutodi shocked all and sundry when he posted on Twitter:
“Details emerge MDC youths Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova, and Cecilia Chimbiri went out for a romantic night to Bindura with their lovers who are artisanal miners. They parked their car at a police station for safety but tragedy struck when they demanded foreign currency for services.”
In a statement, Makomichi implored Emmerson Mnangagwa to get rid of bad elements that are tarnishing his image.
“I call on Energy Mutodi to apologize to the nation for the outrageous remarks about the MDC Alliance leaders.
I was shocked by the remarks and I therefore urge Mutodi to apologize to the concerned MDC Alliance members in his personal capacity.As a Christian Mutodi must apologize for the remarks he made, otherwise the anger of God will be upon him.If you do not repent you will go to hell.
There are some people who are tarnishing the President’s name and I hope he will uproot such elements.Their aim is to soil his image.
I personally appreciate the President’s efforts to revive the economy,” said Makomichi.
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leadership notes with great concern of an ongoing blitzkrieg by some notorious law enforcement agents as a veneer to cover up for their grossly and dastardly nocturnal acts of abduction and torture that has so far been abundantly condemned by all sections of society.
Failed Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rogue regime must not atone for their embarrassment caused by failure to account for the abduction and torture of our 3 female youth leaders by making further indiscriminate illegal arrests of activists and youth leaders.
Since the exposure of the regime’s lies over abduction of Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, the state security agents for the past week has been harassing activists and besieging our homes heavily armed in an operation to indiscriminately arrest every known MDC Alliance Youth leaders and activists.
Just yesterday, the paranoid regime besieged Harare Youth Chairman, Stanley Manyenga’s residence, arrested him and charged him with trumped up charges for participating in a demonstration in Warren Park.
Again yesterday, the panic stricken regime besieged female activist, Taurai Nyamanhindi’s Zengeza residence heavily armed with AK 47s on a mission yet to be established. Luckily, Nyamanhindi was not at her home.
By its very own admission, ZRP issued a ‘wanted dead or alive’ tag on MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Chairman, Obey Luther Sithole, SG Gift Siziba and several National Executive youth leaders.
As if the abduction and torture was not horrendous enough, the regime again intends to re-arrest Chimbiri, Mamombe and Marova on trumped up charges.
The heavy presence of both uniformed and plain clothed state security details at the trio’s hospital bedside is a sure confirmation of patients under arrest.
Clearly Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship is already undertaking a fresh Night of Long Knives operation on activists and youth leaders as a way of thwarting looming danger to Mnangagwa’s presidency.
Mnangagwa knows the people are hungry and angry hence a hatched up plan to indiscriminately arrest all known activists and youth leaders.
Whilst we are raising alarm on our security situation, certainly it must not be misconstrued to be a sign of fear but alertness.
As MDC Alliance Youth Assembly, we will do whatever it takes to protect ourselves from a notorious, monstrous and bloody thirsty military regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Enough is enough!
From the mountain top.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCAllianceYouth Assembly NationalSpokesperson
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka has described sacked Deputy Information Energy Mutodi as a talkative person who should learn to calm down.
“You see mfana, hazvidi Energy yedzungu. When you rise by a mere cup captioned “I am the boss”, your fall and political irrelevance might be at the speed of the fall of same Komichi…,” said Tamborinyoka.
Norton MP Temba Mliswa also castigated Mutodi’s remarks about MDC Alliance Youth Leaders.
“The order the firing should’ve taken was 1. M. Mutsvangwa, 2. N. Mangwana and 3. E. Mutodi but if bottom up is an indicator of the rest’s fate we patiently wait.
I don’t condone the reckless statements made by @energymutodi the most recent being an insult to women and unparliamentary. It was uncalled for, he crossed the line. Besides being fired, the tweet should be removed; it’s unacceptable, insanity being the only reasonable excuse,” said Mliswa.
Own Correspondent|ZimEye.com readers have reacted to excitable Supreme Court ruling imposed MDC-T National Chairman Morgen Komichi’s move to block MDC President Nelson Chamisa meeting with the party’s 2014 structures.
Komichi had issued a statement claiming that Chamisa risked getting himself arrested if he would go ahead and hold the meeting with the structures which was set for Thursday morning.
In response a ZimEye.com reader blasted Komichi as follows:
“Anyone can meet anyone as they wish. You don’t need court order to meet. You go ahead with organising EOC as stipulated by the court,”
“All other activities including going to watch football as a grp of 2014 executive is on ones choice. Komichi wavakufarisa,” wrote the ZimEye.com reader.
Komichi had issued the statement below:
“The call of the MDC 2014 structures by Mr Nelson Chamisa through Farai Chinobva to meet in Harare is illegal and in contempt of the Supreme Court ruling of the 31March 2020 that declared Mr Chamisa an illegitimate President of the party (MDC).
“According to the mentioned SC judgement, Mr Nelson Chamisa is not the President of the party and therefore has no right whatsoever to call for any meeting of MDC Structures.
“The only MDC leadership that is by law allowed to assemble MDC Structures is Dr. Khupe (Acting President), Sen. Douglas Mwonzora ( Secretary General) and myself (Chairman of the party).
“Mr Chamisa must be warned and reminded that he risks breaking the laws of the land!,”
Farai Dziva| Norton MP Temba Mliswa has urged Emmerson Mnangagwa to fire Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana following the sacking of Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi.
Mliswa also castigated Mutodi’s remarks about MDC Alliance Youth Leaders.
“The order the firing should’ve taken was 1. M. Mutsvangwa, 2. N. Mangwana and 3. E. Mutodi but if bottom up is an indicator of the rest’s fate we patiently wait.
I don’t condone the reckless statements made by @energymutodi the most recent being an insult to women and unparliamentary. It was uncalled for, he crossed the line. Besides being fired, the tweet should be removed; it’s unacceptable, insanity being the only reasonable excuse,” said Mliswa.
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka described Mutodi as a talkative person who should learn to calm down.
“You see mfana, hazvidi Energy yedzungu. When you rise by a mere cup captioned “I am the boss”, your fall and political irrelevance might be at the speed of the fall of same Komichi…,” said Tamborinyoka.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has called on “those in power to repent” and stop the persecution of citizens.
Below is Bishop Magaya’s bold statement:
View and judge evil in the light of high principles :my reading of the spirit of Beatrice Mtetwas open letter to the president and his top aids.
An open letter to President Mnangagwa written by Beatrice Mtetwa , a respectable leading human rights lawyer is as piercing as it is as satiric lash not only to the head of state ,but also to his wife Amai Auxillia whose “philanthropic”work has been dramatized in all public media,Her loud silence on the recent abduction and torture of Harare west member of parliament Joana and her two friends Cecillia and Netsai if juxtaposed along her “philanthropic”work makes a parody of her acts of charity.
The letter also appeals to those man and women i.e the likes of Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri who by the way is also married to a Bishop and therefore can be called “mai Bishop”to speak out against the latest abductions.
The letter is a gentle reminder to some comrades of how at some point they suffered persecution under the former President Mugabe and how they received a lot of support and solidarity from the lawyers and also civic society whom they earlier on used to vilify and labelled puppets. Matemadanda, Mahiya and others remember quite well how they were persecuted.it is saddening now to hear again Cde Matemadanda ridiculing the same civil society organizations because he now enjoys the comfort and the security that the state in the second republic offer him.
I remember clearly when we held public prayer meetings in Africa unity square,the week that followed the anti Mugabe march in 2017 that Cdes Mutsvangwa ,Matemadanda and Mahiya came to speak in solidarity with the gathering masses and the church that had been coordinating the prayer meetings.I remember clearly hearing them saying ,”Your war veterans will protect you from now on wards. I remember clearly one of them hugging me and saying,well done and thank you Bishop”.I also remember making a public demand during that week that the freedoms we were experiencing then were not supposed to be short lived.
What we have witnessed in the past two and a half years clearly points to the biblical truth that “the heart of man is deceitful above all things,it is desperately wicked.
and who can know it’? (Jeremiah 17 vs 9 ).It is tragic to speak it but true to say that the country has never moved in the positive from the Mugabe era.
Just to reiterate what my sister Beatrice wrote ,and taking it further ,persecution does not become wrong only when it happens to us ,or to people that we so much love,persecution does not only become real when it happens to you or to your beloved and become stage managed when you think you are safe because you and the persecutors will be one.Torture and abductions are real in Zimbabwe and they are evil ,and should be viewed as such.
When Linda Masarira was arrested and persecuted and imprisoned at Chikurubi in 2016 it was not stage managed.I remember going to see her and to pray with her.When Professor Madhuku was tortured and injured in March 2007,it was not stage managed,i went to pray with him when he was hospitalized at Avenues Clinic.I pray and hope that these two do not think sincerely that these tortures and abductions are stage managed.
I plead that we allow God to continually sensitize our conscience.It is dangerous to have your conscience seared with a hot iron.I am directing these to both those that abduct and torture as well as those that now sympathize with the torturers,God will not just judge those that commit acts of wickedness ,but those that approve of them(Rom 1 vs 32 ).
On the 28th of June 2016 at a press conference that we held as Zimbabwe Divine Destiny in commemoration of the UN International day against torture i warned not only those that authorized ,masterminded and executed torture,but also those that aided ,approved,sympathized with and found security in those who were at the helm of the system.
I remember clearly stating that Prof Jonathan Moyo,Kasukuwere,Chombo and even President Mugabe himself were not safe.We all know what happened .I firmly reiterate here on the basis of the integrity of the word of God and the Authority invested in the church,that not anyone among those at the helm of power now and their sympathizers are safe. Please repent
To the rest of the church and the masses of Zimbabwe ,God is building a movement of definers of historic transitions.Be part of it .Pray prophetically and most fervently.Speak against evil .
Push in labour pains the birthing of a new Zimbabwe.God save Zimbabwe.
I hear you wanted to tender in your resignation from PAC a few days ago but you were called for a meeting with Idhii and his lawyer cousin who was instrumental in your PAC appointment to be convinced otherwise. Money said to have changed hands, true or false? https://t.co/XP4PRmStmR
— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) May 21, 2020
By Knowledge Hakata- Sir you have become a Twitter President of which most of the people who are following you are in the diaspora the ones who did not vote for you.
We now need you to call for a Massive but PEACEFUL civil disobedience.
The 2.6 million ordinary Zimbabweans voted in order for you to lead them but you have failed dismally and you continue to fail every passing day.
Your party members continue to be brutalized, tortured and raped each day but you only reply to the pubic via twitter.
Zimbabweans needs a visionary leader who can take the bull with its horns, the typical of the late iconic leader Morgan Tsvangirai in his early days as the President of MDC.
You have the brains Mr. President but your procrastination to take on Zanu Pf is frustrating millions of Zimbabweans.
Zimbabweans still love you but they are now losing their patience on you because you are failing to take action.
I don’t mean to destroy or destabilize your party but your leadership qualities sucks big time, Zimbabweans have been waiting for a signal and millions of ordinary Zimbabweans are dying of hunger every day.
You have told your MPs to stay at home but what about the voters who voted for them, the ones that are languishing in poverty and hunger.
We cannot wait for the 2023 presidential elections knowing that Zanu Pf will trounce you again via rigging, please sir can you show us the way, the position you are occupying doesn’t need a Twitter President at all cost.
Zimbabweans are working like donkeys especially in South Africa and majority of them they are backing you to give them a signal.
The economy is burning, people are dying everything in Zimbabwe is not just working at all and everyone’s hope is totally pinned on you Mr. President.
Mr. 2.6 million votes sir, you are becoming clear that you lack leadership qualities and the more you fail to take the lead the more the main opposition continues to die a natural death.
Look what is happening in your own house you are leading, they are untold divisions, while you should be focusing on removing idiots in Zanu Pf from power rather your own house is on fire.
Please Nelson Chamisa you need to show us the way, Zimbabweans are tired of the everyday life they are facing.
Mawhindi, kombi drivers, unemployed youths, the working class, those in the diaspora, those in rural areas and even me, we are all waiting for you to lead us into the streets of our motherland Zimbabwe
You cannot fight Mnangagwa with a Bible sir, those guys in Zanu Pf understands violence and let’s take them head-on
40 years later No electricity-No Clean Water-Women are being raped- People are being tortured
Youths are unemployed-No Pensions-No currency-NO EVERYTHING
Nelson Chamisa ITS NOW OR NEVER
Knowledgehakata is the founder of Demos Cratos a Human Rights Organisation and can be contacted on [email protected]
A raging fire ravaged Banket Hospital pharmacy and store room, last night.
Medicines and other supplies worth thousands of dollars were destroyed, the state media reports.
The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained at the time of writing. It was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault of an explosion of alcohol based sanitisers inside the warehouse.
Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera said investigations are still underway.
Zvimba South Legislature, Dr Philip Chiyangwa who visited the hospital this morning in the company of Zvimba West Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon Ziyambi Ziyambi said the thousand of drugs and infrastructure were destroyed.
“The fire has destroyed thousand of drugs, medical supplies and infrastructure worth thousands of dollars,” he said.
Dr Chiyangwa implored well-wishers to chip in to resupply the health institution.
In a separate interview, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland West, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the incident was a huge blow to the entire provincial health system and the fight against COVID-19.
Patients who were admitted at the hospital have since been transferred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital while the department of public works attended the scene to ascertain the impact of the damage.-
Former Herald Editor Tichaona Zindonga claims that Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba and ousted Deputy Government Spokesperson Energy Mutodi plotted to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa working on behalf of the military.
Zindoga made the remarks in a Twitter thread commenting on the firing of Mutodi by Mnangagwa on Wednesday.
Zindoga claimed that Charamba and Mutodi wanted to replace the president with an unnamed individual.
Read the full statement below:
No, I’m not rejoicing. This time last year the ex junior Minister Mutodi forced me to write a report on why I had been pictured, on different ocassions, with opposition leader @nelsonchamisa and youth leader Bvondo.
His superiors in the ministry laughed the order off because he had no real authority to do so. However, I did it for strategic reasons not least because the allegations formed part of dossiers alleging that I was an @mdczimbabwe plant and that I had met @nelsonchamisa in Moza.
These dossiers were laid before President Mnangagwa on at least two occassions between January and September. Mutodi was not working alone. He worked with @Jamwanda2 and rogue elements of military intelligence in an effort to win turf war at Ministry of Info.
They were part of a grander factional plan to weaken Mnangagwa and prop up a certain individual to succeed him, short or long term. And Mutodi has been part of this scheme and once at Holiday Inn loudly vowed to defend certain preferred journos to the last drop of his blood
The mastermind of this factional scheming is none other than George Charamba aka @Jamwanda2 who has an inordinate sense of entitlement towards State media as his fiefdom, and is deluded to the extent of thinking he can be a kingmaker of Zimbabwe’s politics…
Energy and @Jamwanda2 erratic behaviour, publicly shown on Twitter lately, display increasing frustration and lack of fortitude in the face of failure of their factional agenda to torpedo President Mnangagwa.
But I said I’m not rejoicing. Never held anything against Mutodi. As my MP in Goromonzi West actually sought a good working relationship for the sake of our community. Recently, I actually sent him a message availing my services for possible Covid-19 messaging campaign.
Lastly, I wish him well in his future endeavours and expect him to commit more energies serving our people – the villagers he complained were disrupting his sleep – in Goromonzi West. As always, I will be all too happy to assist in whatever way. Including succeeding him!
By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says it has noted a picture circulating on social media showing a person holding bundles of ZW$10 notes which were released into circulation on Tuesday this week.
In a statement, the Central Bank said it has established that, based on the serial numbers on the notes, the $10 bills were paid out to a customer by First Capital Bank.
Here is the statement in full:
PICTURE CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWING BUNDLES OF NEW ZW$10 NOTES
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) has noted a picture circulating on social media showing a person holding bundles of ZW$10 notes, which banks started paying out to customers from the 19th of May, 2020.
After comparing the serial numbers shown in the social media picture against our cash disbursement records, we established that at least some of the cash shown in the picture was part of cash disbursed by the Bank to First Capital Bank Limited (First Capital Bank). First Capital Bank then paid out this cash to a customer.
Investigations have established that, in paying out the cash to its customers, First Capital Bank adhered to the ZW$1000 limit per customer.
It is, therefore, likely that the person shown in the picture holding the cash bundles, may have received the cash from different people, either as an illegal money changer or in the course of business.
A Kwekwe Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Paul Charadza, was found dead in his apartment in Msasa Park in Kwekwe on Monday.
The lecturer’s body was discovered by fellow tenants after he had been missing for about 24 hours.
Kwekwe Polytechnic Principal Evans Musara said the now deceased was last seen on Friday when he reported for duty and he had no signs of being unwell.
Charadza’s uncle, Joram Matina said the body was found with traces of blood on the mouth, nose, and eyes and the family was awaiting a post mortem to understand what happened. He said:Although we are not saying there was foul play, we cannot rule out that factor totally. We await the results of the post-mortem.
We are still in shock as he did not have a history of any sickness. He was fit and was doing his daily work, as usual, we were shocked to hear he had passed on.
Charadza’s body was found on Monday after he had gone missing on Sunday morning.
His body was taken to Bulawayo for post-mortem and the results are expected on Thursday.
NO private school has been granted permission to charge fees for online lessons as virtual learning does not translate to the start of the second term, an education official has said.
Government is making plans for schools to open for examination classes and says no school has been authorised to charge fees yet, even for online lessons in terms of the Education Act.
Some private schools are charging deposits of between $14 000 and $30 000 insisting that they will be teaching pupils online.
The schools are threatening parents that if they do not pay, the fees will be adjusted according to the foreign exchange fluctuations based on the parallel market.
The schools are also excluding pupils whose parents or guardians have not paid fees from online learning.
Some parents have expressed concern that while they are made to pay exorbitant amounts for online lessons, they have to buy gadgets and data to enable their children to access the online content, putting the cost of education beyond their reach.
Bulawayo Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs Olicah Kaira said some private schools had applied to conduct online lessons but pledged to do so freely.
“All the schools are telling me that online lessons are for free, especially Google-Classroom. Everyone is saying it is for free. Christian Brothers College (CBC), Girls College, Petra schools say no child pays for Google-Classroom. That is what we have been made to understand,” she said.
“Those who want to conduct online lessons and demand fees payments, they all know that they must be given permission by the Permanent Secretary. That is the position that I know. No child should be denied education services due to the fact that their parents or guardians have not paid fees. We must engage with parents.”
She said Government will descend heavily on those institutions found on the wrong side of the law.
“We don’t want to hear anything to do with payment of fees. We are still on lockdown, schools are closed. Those demanding fees are demanding fees for which term? If you want to charge for anything you want to do in registered schools be it Government or private schools, they operate using the Education Act. It is the principal Act of the Ministry. It is very clear people should seek authorisation,” said Mrs Kaira.
She promised to engage schools that were violating the education policy stating that Government will descend heavily on those institutions found on the wrong side of the law.
By A Correspondent- Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo said that his ministry has requested for more deployments of security forces to tighten the lockdown in urban areas after an increasing number of citizens are disregarding the stay at home order.
Moyo told the Daily News that the country risks a second wave of coronavirus infections as more and more people have become visible on the streets coupled with some returning citizens testing positive for COVID-19. Said Moyo:
While we have been able to control local transmission, we are worried about the number of people who are getting into towns because there is a possibility of a second wave of transmissions.
And as such, we have engaged the security forces to step in to enforce the lockdown, so that people stay at home and only essential service workers are allowed into towns.
We are also concerned that some returning citizens are bringing the disease, and we have thus upped security surveillance not only in towns but also along our borders because there is a danger of infected people getting into the country undetected.
According to the Health Ministry, as of 20 May 2020, the local number of confirmed cases was 48; recovered 18, active cases 26 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.
MDC Alliance members are free to contest at the upcoming court-sanctioned MDC -T Congress slated for July 2020.
This was revealed by Morgen Komichi who said this while speaking to the Business Times recently.
He said:
We are going ahead with the planning of holding of the elective congress as ordered by the Supreme Court ruling and we have decided to invite Chamisa and his team of MDC Alliance leadership to contest in the elections.
As you are aware most of the top leadership of the MDC Alliance were also leaders in 2014 party structures. Everyone who is a member of the MDC party is free to come and contest in the congress and many of the senior members that are now associated with Chamisa have told us that there will be at the congress.
Komichi also said he received word that Chamisa is not interested in participating in the 31 July 2020 Congress, he, however, said he has heard that MDC Alliance file members and rank are willing to participate in the elections. Hwende, the MDC Alliance Secretary-General dismissed Komichi and said they do not recognise Khupe as their leader since they already elected their leader.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has ordered police officers to stop issuing information to members of the media saying such engagements are causing unnecessary alarm among the members of the public.
In a memo signed by the CG OPS and directed to all stations dated May 20 2020 , all police details were warned against leaking information.
“Officers and Members are once again reminded to adhere to police standing rules governing communication with the media. Some officers have shown a tendency of giving information to the press that has caused a lot of anxiety and dischord.
“This behavior should stop forthwith. This tendency of giving out information that pertains to police operations must be left to the relevant authorities and in any event with clearance from Police General Headquaters. Stern measures will be taken against police officers who choose to disregard this message,” said the memo in part.
The development comes at a time when the ZRP has tightened its grip on information forcing members of the press to find alternative ways to source for information within the officers’ ranks.
This has resulted in very sensitive information finding its way into the public domain especially on social media.
However, ZRP officers , like any other public servants are bound by strict regulations under the Official Secrets Act which directs them not to leak any information encountered during the discharge of duties.
By A Correspondent- Schools will likely open in 4 weeks time, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Ms Thumisang Thabela has revealed.
She said this while presenting the School Reopening Strategy to the Parliament Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.
Ms Thabela said schools will reopen in phases:
Schools will be opened in phases. First phase will see exam classes going to school. This phase needs about four weeks to put in place.
Phase two will see those writing next year going to school these are learners in Grade six, form three and Lower Six.
Phase three will see Grade three, four and five returning to school. Forms one and two will also do the same.
Ms Thabela also said they will try to maintain social distancing even in schools and some learners will have to learn in tents when learning starts:
As we get to phase three we are very sure at that time classrooms will be used up. We will be using tents, mobile classrooms one day classes. There is a lot of infrastructure that might be called up. The infrastructure and human resource will be stretched at this point
Meanwhile, ZIMSEC June exams are expected to start on 22 June 2020.
By A Correspondent- An education official has said the government has not yet approved online school fees for private schools and the onset of virtual leaning at most private schools does not signify or translate to the beginning of the second term.
This was revealed by Bulawayo Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs Olicah Kaira who said those that want to charge fees for virtual learning were supposed to get permission from the ministry or offer the service for free:
We don’t want to hear anything to do with payment of fees. We are still on lockdown, schools are closed. Those demanding fees are demanding fees for which term? If you want to charge for anything you want to do in registered schools be it Government or private schools, they operate using the Education Act. It is the principal Act of the Ministry. It is very clear people should seek authorisation
Mrs Kaira said other schools like Girls College and Petra were using Google Classrooms and have communicated that no one is supposed to pay for the service, a development she felt must universally apply in all schools that are conducting online classes. Schools are reportedly threatening parents that if they don’t pay the designated online school fees they will have to pay more or their children will be excluded from learning.-statemedia
B A Correspondent- Cecilia Chimbiri has said she will sue Zimbabwe Republic Police following the leaking of her half-naked photos on social media after her abduction, Open Parly reports.
Chimbiri’s lawyer Rose Hanzi has written to the Police Chief Godwin Matanga asking that the police fully investigate to determine how and under whose instruction “photographs of our client have been disseminated”
Chimbiri’s lawyers wrote:
We are extremely concerned that the dissemination of the said photographs is in direct violation of the guidelines provided in the 2012 Protocol on Multi-Sectoral Management of Sexual Abuse and Violence in Zimbabwe. The ZRP is a signatory to this protocol and all its officers are bound by its provisions,
Further be advised that we will be taking legal action against all those responsible in their official and individual capacities for damages. Accordingly, this letter serves as due notice in terms of Section 6 of the State Liabilities Act.
We further advise that we will not hesitate to invoke all constitutional and legal remedies available to our client, including suing all police officers, as well as the command structure involved in the present obtaining violation of our clients’ rights. Further, be advised that we will be taking legal action against all those responsible in their official and individual capacities for damages
According to Hanzi, the leaked photos were taken by a female police officer identified as Chief Superintendent Philip as evidence gathering for the purpose of the investigation, and it was brought to her attention that photos of her client taken by Chief Superintendent Philip were circulating on different social media platforms.
State Media|Two Malawian border jumpers who tested positive to Covid-19 during profiling and screening at the Beitbridge Quarantine and Isolation Centre located at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Hotel escaped yesterday.
One of the escapees was intercepted by security agents as he sought transport to Malawi at the closed Dulivadzimu long-distance bus terminus.
His accomplice was by last night still unaccounted for with police descending on all trucks leaving and entering Beitbridge. The development came barely 24 hours after 19 people escaped on Monday night. To date, 29 people have escaped since the centre opened for operations.
The two are part of 41 Malawians who were intercepted by security agents on patrol after skipping the border from South Africa. The group was intercepted while seeking transport to Malawi at a local truck stop.
After interception they were taken for profiling and screening where seven men and one woman tested positive and were put into isolation. The woman has a minor child who tested negative and the immigrants were put into isolation pending further PCR tests, while 32 were transferred to Harare pending repatriation to Malawi.
Police officer commanding Beitbridge District (Dispol), Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said they had beefed up security at the isolation centre and around the main quarantine centre.
“We have beefed security in all aspects and we are not taking lightly to those seeking to compromise public health,” he said. “Indications are that most of those who e cape from quarantine use long-distance trucks to travel to their destinations.
“Starting from tonight (last night), we are clamping down on all truckers who carry people without movement permits. We are going to be having a number of roadblocks to enforce compliance on all north or southbound trucks.
Said Chief Supt Nyongo: “We have put security at the isolation centre and on the parameter of the main quarantine centre and are being assisted by the Zimbabwe National Army, the Support Unit and the Duty Uniform Branch (DUB)”.
The Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi said they were working with the Malawian Embassy to repatriate the 32 migrants who have been moved from Beitbridge.
In a related development, over 2 000 Zimbabweans have passed through the Beitbridge quarantine centre in the last two weeks, most of whom have been moved to quarantine centres closer to their final destinations.
The Beitbridge centre can carry 280 people on quarantine and 70 on isolation but the Government has set the maximum at 150. By last night, the place had 60 people housed in one wing of the hotel to tighten security.
Own Correspondent|Highly placed ZimEye.com sources have indicated that police officers will today pounce on MDC officials set to hold an executive meeting at the party offices in Harare.
The sources indicated that the police already have a warrant of arrest with a list of names of members of the MDC to be arrested.
“Police will arrest some members attending NEC and NC meeting at harverst house tomorrow (today) the 21st of May 2020 amid allegations that the organisers of the Warren park illegal demonstrations will be in attendance,” said the sources.
“Some names that are on the list are Chamisa, Biti, Bhasikiti, Bhebhe, Sikhala, Hwende, and the entire youth wing,” said the sources.
The sources further claimed that the police law and order section at Harare Central Police Station have intercepted information from mobile phones to the effect that the abduction of senior party youth league members last week was fake.
“Police has intercepted chats and calls to the effect that it is now clear that the abducation was fake and all culprits will be brought to book to face the full wrath of law including organisers of the illegal demonstration,” says the tip off.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MDCT CHAIRMAN
Re: In contempt of Court
Att: MDC 2014 STRUCTURES
The call of the MDC 2014 structures by Mr Nelson Chamisa through Farai Chinobva to meet in Harare is illegal and in contempt of the Supreme Court ruling of the 31March 2020 that declared Mr Chamisa an illegitimate President of the party (MDC).
According to the mentioned SC judgement, Mr Nelson Chamisa is not the President of the party and therefore has no right whatsoever to call for any meeting of MDC Structures.
The only MDC leadership that is by law allowed to assemble MDC Structures is Dr. Khupe (Acting President), Sen. Douglas Mwonzora ( Secretary General) and myself (Chairman of the party).
Mr Chamisa must be warned and reminded that he risks breaking the laws of the land!
Own Correspondent| Information just received indicates that MDC President Nelson Chamisa has invited all members of the MDC-T 2014 congress structure for an urgent meeting at the party headquarters in Harare today.
The agenda of the meeting was not clear at the time of this article. The meeting may be a sign that Chamisa could be planning to contest in the Supreme Court ordered congress according to analysts.
Own Correspondent|Uganda has revised downwards its tally of positive coronavirus cases to 145 from 264 after deducting the number of all foreign truck drivers who had tested positive.
The number released on Wednesday includes the 10 new cases with the Ministry of Health saying President Museveni advised the revision.
“Today, 20 May 2020, 10 new COVID-19 cases confirmed. 9 new cases are truck drivers while 1 case is a contact case. Following a Presidential Directive of deducting all foreign truck drivers from Uganda’s total confirmed case count, the confirmed COVID-19 cases now stand at 145,” Uganda’s Health Minister said on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, Uganda had sent 124 truck drivers back to their respective countries after they tested positive.
So far, Uganda has not reported any death related to the new coronavirus and plans to start easing strict lockdown measures from June 2.
There are also plans to reopen schools targetting the learners set to do their national examinations this year.
In the East African region, Kenya’s coronavirus cases rose by 66 to 1,029 cases. The new cases include 64 Kenyans, one Rwandan and one Somali national. The number of recovered patients rose to 366 after another 8 patients recovered and got discharged from the hospital.
Rwanda’s cases have risen to 314 after 6 new cases were registered from the 982 samples tested on Wednesday. The country also registered 7 more recoveries (total 216).
No updates have come from Tanzania whose confirmed cases still stand at 509 and 21 deaths. The active cases stand 183 but the government of President John Pombe Magufuli has been accused of concealing the true extent of coronavirus impact in the country.
Burundi which went to polls on Wednesday, still has its cases at 42 while South Sudan’s cases stand at 290 with 4 recoveries. Africa’s most infected country, South Africa recorded 27 new deaths (339 total) on Wednesday and 803 new cases. In Egypt, there were 21 new deaths and 745 new cases. Algeria registered 7 new deaths and 165 new cases. Madagascar registered 45 new cases.
Globally, 5,057,280 people have been infected as of May 20 while 328,194 have died and 2,008,283 have recovered from the disease.
Former ZESA Holdings group chief executive officer Joshua Chifamba has been acquitted of criminal abuse of office charges, in which he was jointly charged with former Energy Minister Elton Mangoma and Zesa Enterprise managing director, Tererai Luis Mutasa for engaging a South Korean electricity company in a local project without the Treasury and board’s approval.
ZESA Holdings Chief Executive Joshua Chifamba (centre), Zimbabwe Power Company Acting Managing Director Joshua Chirikuutsi (right) and ZETDC managing director Julian Chinembiri before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy ZESA Holdings Chief Executive Joshua Chifamba (centre), Zimbabwe Power Company Acting Managing Director Joshua Chirikuutsi (right) and ZETDC managing director Julian Chinembiri before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy Chifamba, who was being represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya, was acquitted at the High Court after he sought a reveal on the dismissal of his application for discharge at the close of the State’s case by Harare magistrates Francis Mapfumo.
In his application for discharge at the close of the State’s case Chifamba, through lawyer Rubaya argued that the State had failed to establish a prima facie against him.
Chifamba also submitted that Zesa Enterprises was not a procurement entity and it was not a statutory corporation.
He argued that it was not a legal requirement to go to tender before the partnership agreement was entered into between Techpro and Zesa Enterprises.
He said, with that in mind, they did not act contrary to or inconsistent with their duties by engaging the South Korean company without going to tender.
High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero ruled that the trial magistrate Mr Mapfumo erred when he accepted Chifamba’s argument.
EIGHT people have been arrested in Beitbridge for smuggling groceries, blankets and electrical equipment from South Africa.
Police are still to assess the value of the smuggled goods.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the goods were handed over to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).
“Police in Beitbridge have arrested eight people for smuggling and intercepted a Nissan Caravan and a Nissan PG720 truck loaded with various groceries, electrical equipment and blankets.
“Investigations established that the goods were smuggled through an illegal crossing point known as Pande 2 Gate 7. All the recovered goods were handed over to Zimra,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
The eight suspects are Last Moyo (34), Edward Zemba (38), Aledi Moyo (26), Talent Moyo (29), Maryline Ndlovu (29), Ntombizodwa Shoko (35) Sikhangele Ndlovu (34) and Memory Ncube (38).
Asst Comm Nyathi urged travellers to declare all their items to avoid arrest and unnecessary embarrassment.
“Police implore individuals, groups and even institutions to follow laid down customs and excise formalities to avoid being arrested.
“Operations to curb smuggling will be intensified by the police and other security services,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Recently a truck driver and two passengers were arrested in Beitbridge for allegedly smuggling groceries from South Africa.
Police manning a security check point along Beitbridge-Bulawayo Road discovered that the truck that was ferrying maize-meal had some grocery items that had not been declared.
The three were then arrested for smuggling.
Earlier this month, police in Beitbridge intercepted groceries worth R83 446 and arrested two people for smuggling.
Knowledge Hakata|Sir you have become a Twitter President of which most of the people who are following you are in the diaspora the ones who did not vote for you.
We now need you to call for a Massive Civil Disobedience.
The 2.6 million ordinary Zimbabweans voted in order for you to lead them but you have failed dismally and you continue to fail every passing day.
Your party members continue to be brutalized, tortured and raped each day but you only reply to the pubic via twitter.
Zimbabweans needs a visionary leader who can take the bull with its horns, the typical of the late iconic leader Morgan Tsvangirai in his early days as the President of MDC.
You have the brains Mr. President but your procrastination to take on Zanu-PF is frustrating millions of Zimbabweans.
Zimbabweans still love you but they are now losing their patience on you because you are failing to take action.
I don’t mean to destroy or destabilize your party but your leadership qualities sucks big time, Zimbabweans have been waiting for a signal and millions of ordinary Zimbabweans are dying of hunger every day.
You have told your MPs to stay at home but what about the voters who voted for them, the ones that are languishing in poverty and hunger.
We cannot wait for the 2023 presidential elections knowing that Zanu-PF will trounce you again via rigging, please sir can you show us some iron balls, the position you are occupying doesn’t need a Twitter President at all cost.
Zimbabweans are working like donkeys especially in South Africa and majority of them they are backing you to give them a signal.
The economy is burning, people are dying everything in Zimbabwe is not just working at all and everyone’s hope is totally pinned on you Mr. President.
Mr. 2.6 million votes sir, you are becoming clear that you lack leadership qualities and the more you fail to take the lead the more the main opposition continues to die a natural death.
Look what is happening in your own house you are leading, they are untold divisions, while you should be focusing on removing idiots in Zanu-PF from power rather your own house is on fire.
Please Nelson Chamisa you need to show us the way, Zimbabweans are tired of the everyday life they are facing.
Mawhindi, kombi drivers, unemployed youths, the working class, those in the diaspora, those in rural areas and even me, we are all waiting for you to lead us into the streets of our motherland Zimbabwe
You cannot fight Mnangagwa with a Bible sir, those guys in Zanu-PF understands violence and let’s take them head-on
40 years later No electricity-No Clean Water-Women are being raped- People are being tortured
Youths are unemployed-No Pensions-No currency-NO EVERYTHING
Knowledge Hakata is the founder of Demos Cratos a Human Rights Organisation
The family of a truck driver from Lower Gweru, who has been self-isolating at home, has been subjected to abuse at the hands of ignorant villagers who believe they will spread Covid-19 in the area.
The truck driver’s teenage son was on Sunday allegedly assaulted by villagers who demanded the relocation of the family.
Sources in Makepesi Village said the driver arrived for self-isolation on Friday following advice from health officials.
It is normal for people who have been outside the country to self-isolate first before going into public spaces.
Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, who is also provincial Covid-19 taskforce chairperson Larry Mavima yesterday said the driver has since tested negative.
“The man tested negative and you can get details from Dr (Reginald) Mhene (Midlands Provincial Medical Director and provincial Covid-19 taskforce epidemiology and technical services chairperson),” said the Minister.
Said Dr Mhene: “I don’t have details as yet. Am looking for the details.”
Chief Chisadza under whose jurisdiction Makepesi falls, confirmed the arrival of the driver at his home.
“Yes, we had a meeting with health officials with regards to the driver. He is at his home but the challenge is stigmatisation. But what I know is that health officers came and assessed his home before they brought him which on its own should mean that he is not a danger to the community. The villagers lack knowledge because they think that being Covid-19 positive is a death sentence,” he said.
Asked if the driver’s family had faced abuse from fellow villagers, Chief Chisadza said: “I didn’t see the discrimination or abuse but I heard that one of the family members was beaten at the shops. Now for fear of abuse or discrimination they are staying indoors and can’t even go to the shops or to fetch water or firewood. I appeal for this family to be assisted.
“Education is needed because you can be Covid-19 positive and recover we have more recoveries than deaths. But it’s a matter of taking the education to the people. I call upon Government departments to reach out to the people and also support this family so that they have food and other basic commodities because they are being discriminated against.”
A Chronicle crew visited the driver’s home but could not talk to members of the family as there was no one outside the yard and the gate was locked.
Gweru Provincial Hospital medical superintendent Dr Fabian Mashingaidze said people can self- isolate without any problems.
“Self-isolation can happen to a case that doesn’t have symptoms. This is when you remain in your home or accommodation and avoid contact with other people. Most people who need to self-isolate will probably be advised to do so for 14 days. You don’t go to public places where you might have contact with other people, such as work, school, childcare, church, university or public gatherings,” he said.
Correspondent|About 44 illegal immigrants that cut across some African countries including Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe were arrested by the South African Police Service for violating Lockdown order at Bethlehem in the Free State.
According to reports, the culprits were arrested based on a tip of by the members of the neighborhood.
Upon arrival, they found about 55 men of which 44 are discovered to be living the country without valid papers.
Police image maker, Motantsi Makhele disclosed to news men that only 11 people are legally permitted to reside in South Africa among the crowd that gathered to watch the match.
As at the time of this report, plans are underway for the deportation of the culprits back to their countries.
South Africa now has zero tolerance for undocumented foreigners in South Africa.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have accused the Zambian government of attempting to annex part of the territory belonging to DRC. Tensions brewed between Zambia and the DRC following skirmishes between the armed forces of the two countries at a border last week.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) disclosed the armies’ clashes on the border had resulted in further displacements, particularly in the Moba territory.
The incident is the first sign of cross-border tension between the DRC and Zambia since the meeting in October last year between the authorities of Tanganyika in DRC and Zambia to normalize the situation at the border.
Gilbert Kankonde, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior said tensions exist between Zambia and the DRC towards Mpweto where Zambians are showing signs of wanting to annex part of DRC territory.
This is according to Africa News Correspondent Gaël Mpoyo who reported that Congolese authorities suspect Zambia of wanting to annex a part of the territory belonging to DRC. He said these sentiments were shared during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi on Friday.
And National Deputy Jean Manda confirmed the presence of Zambian forces in Mulilo in Moba territory after his stay in the region.
“Tensions persist on the border from March 13th when Zambian forces occupied several villagers along Lake Tanganyika in Moba territory, this is the case of Villages of Kibanga, Libondwe and Kalibamba in the Molilo area located about 300 Kilometers east of the city of Moba. The Congolese military are entrenched in the Molilo Centre with Headquarters based in Moba Centre to control this part of the south eastern part of Moba,” Mpoya said.
He said Zambian forces are occupying villages in Mulilo from Moba territory on the border since the October meeting.
“Zambian soldiers are now occupying territories that they did not even occupy before like Kapingo, now they have come back in force and they have positioned war machines there.”
He said during the diplomatic sessions, authorities of the two countries have agreed to resolve this border dispute peacefully.
“It should be recalled that similar incidents have occurred in 1996, 2006 and December 2016 around a Congolese town easily accessible from Zambia while on the Congolese side the swamp makes it difficult to access. The tension is still very high,” he said.
Mpoya said the Congolese military is in position just waiting for orders.
“Moreover repeated invasions by Zambian forces have been reported in Old Tanganyika, two Congolese provinces bordering Zambia since the beginning of the year, after clashes between the naval forces of the two counties after fishermen using illegal nets. The situation is astonishing given that the two counties have normal diplomatic relations,” he said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has announced that 2 positive COVID-19 cases were recorded on Wednesday 20 May 2020 from 830 RDT screening tests and 443 PCR diagnostic tests done.
In its daily coronavirus (COVID-19) update released on Wednesday evening, the Ministry said the cases are female returnees, 1 from Botswana and 1 from South Africa who both tested positive on the 8th day of quarantine.
The two new cases take the number of confirmed cases to 48.
Below are the highlights of the situation report:
TWO (2) cases tested positive for COVID-19 today. The cases are female returnees, 1 from Botswana and 1 from South Africa who both tested positive on the 8th day of quarantine.
Today 830 RDT screening tests and 443 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to cate is 32 862 (18 244 RDT and 14 618 PCR).
To date the local number of confirmed cases is 48; recovered 18, active cases 26 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.
The Ministry also urged members of the public to stay at home and avoid going to crowded places because where people come together in crowds, it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre.
A KWEKWE Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering Lecturer was found dead in his apartment in Msasa Park in Kwekwe on Monday.
Fellow tenants discovered Paul Charadza’s body after he had been missing for about 24 hours.
Kwekwe Polytechnic Principal Mr Evans Musara confirmed the incident.
He said Mr Charadza was last seen when he reported for work on Friday.
“We are still in a state of shock. I personally last saw him on Friday when he came to the campus. He was fit and he had no signs of being unwell,” said Mr Musara, before referring further questions to the family.
Charadza’s uncle, Mr Joram Matina said the family was awaiting a post mortem to understand what happened.
”Although we are not saying there was foul play, we cannot rule out that factor totally. We await the results of post-mortem,” he said.
“We are still in shock as he did not have a history of any sickness. He was fit and was doing his daily work as usual, we were shocked to hear he had passed on.”
Charadza was found dead on Monday after he had gone missing on Sunday morning.
Police took Charadza’s body to Bulawayo for post-mortem and the results are expected tomorrow.
Mr Matina said the body was found with traces of blood on the mouth, nose, and eyes.
“There is nothing we can say for now and we have to wait for post-mortem results. But we have lost a figure in the family who was there for everyone. He was ready to assist anyone,” said Mr Matina.
Charadza is expected to be buried in Chivi on Friday.
Pindula|National Association of Vendors Unions of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ) chairman Sten Zvorwadza says Zimbabwe will not go anywhere because cabinet ministers appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa have empty heads and have no capacity to run the country.
Zworwadza said he initially gave Mnangagwa a chance but has now realised the country is burning and people are suffering because of his appointees’ ineptitude. Said Zworwadza:
I’m very objective and run away from misleading the people of Zimbabwe. I want to share with you today the reason why our government failed.
The first reason is that the composition of the Ministers running the affairs of our country is a great joke. Most Ministers are empty heads, without any ability to even manage their own salaries and allowances.
They blow their salaries and allowances recklessly and resort to corruption for survival. How do we get better as a country under such economic brutal circumstances?
Zvorwadza had no kind words for the opposition MDC Alliance, saying the party’s leaders are very myopic and believe in spoiling as a strategy to win hearts of the electorate.
He added that the “Kudira Jecha” strategy is not a solution to the country’s problems as it only makes people suffer more.
State Media|The business sector has said it is still looking into the implications of the recent High Court ruling, which declared unconstitutional a Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) exchange control directive ‘mutating’ money held in foreign currency accounts into Zimbabwe dollar-denominated accounts.
The decision ordering CABS to pay an architectural company Stone/Beatie Studio, holder of an account with the financial concern, US$142 000 within seven days, was delivered recently by Justice Happias Zhou.
The Treasury hinted at the weekend that it will approach the Supreme Court this week to contest the High Court decision, which is in conflict with that of the Supreme Court early this year.
The ruling also brings under spotlight the recent Supreme Court ruling on the similar issue, ordering all debts to be settled in local currency in line with the RBZ regulations in a case involving Zambezi Gas Private Ltd and NR Barber.
In an interview, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries immediate past president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe, said they were still trying to unpack the ruling on the implications it has on businesses.
“We are studying the ruling, as well as to full implications on our members,” he said.
Tiles for Africa managing director, Mr Spencer Madziya, felt the lower court judgment sets the pace on how the Constitutional Court might deal with the interpretation of Statutory Instrument 11/2019, which the Supreme Court dealt with in the Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe case.
“The issue needs to be addressed conclusively because it does not make sense that an obligation expressed in the United States currency should mutate into RTGS simply because an instrument has said so,” said Mr Madziya.
“To me, it matters not whether that result has been done via a central bank directive or an instrument. The net effect is to erode an individual’s proprietary rights.”
Economist Mr Eddie Cross said the ruling came at a time when resources for many businesses and individuals had been eroded to meet their obligations, hence the decision would be appealed.
“The decision will be appealed as no one has the resources to meet the obligations created by the decision,” he said.
Justice Zhou held that the RBZ or the State could not enact laws which apply retrospectively and breaks up foremost principles of the Constitution, in particular the rule of law and right to property.
The ruling followed a lawsuit by business partners — Ms Penelope Douglas Stone and Mr Richard Harold Stuart Beatie, represented by Mr Tendai Biti — claiming US$142 000, which their company had deposited in its business account held at CABS.
They also sued RBZ and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Justice Zhou granted the application and ordered CABS, the duo’s bankers, to pay The Stone/Beattie Studio US$142 000, which is the amount that they held in their account in 2016 or transfer it into a “nostro” account nominated by the applicants within seven days of the judgment.
He found that the contract between a bank and its client was in United States dollar denomination and the central bank could not unilaterally mutate it into the RTGS currency.
The legal fight between the business partners and their bank spilled into the High Court following RBZ exchange control directive RT120/2018 issued on October 4, 2018.
The directive separated the RTGS Foreign Currency Account from a Nostro Foreign Currency Account based on the source of funds.
Money from the pair’s business could only be paid in bond notes and coins, but not in the United States dollar, which was the currency in which it was denominated.
State Media|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says the country has adequate capacity to meet its monthly foreign currency requirements.
According to central bank figures, Zimbabwe requires US$100 million a month for industry and critical imports such as fuel.
Addressing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya, said Diaspora remittances and free funds available in the country alone can meet the country’s forex needs.
And that is without factoring in some export receipts.
“Our Diaspora remittances and free funds reach at least US$100 million a month; the economy needs US$100 million a month. If we harness this money, even without factoring in some exports, we will have sufficient forex for the economy,” he said.
Last year, Zimbabwe received US$635 million in remittances, representing a 2,6 percent increase from US$619,25 million in 2018.
‘Free funds’ – foreign currency received by individuals, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and embassies — were relaxed as to be allowed wider use by the general public in March.
And in a move aimed at oiling the market with forex, the RBZ said corporates receiving free funds from domestic transactions were allowed to use the funds for their own use either for foreign or for domestic payments.
This came on the back of the promulgation of Statutory Instrument 85 of 2020, which legalised the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions at a fixed exchange rate of 25 local dollars for every United States dollar.
Observers have, however, warned that due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Diaspora remittances might wane this year.
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), in a recent paper titled “Zimbabwe Covid-19 Response Mechanism: The Resource Factor”, projected a drop in remittances by Zimbabweans in the Diaspora due to a broader economic downturn attributable to Covid-19.
“With South Africa being the biggest host nation to Zimbabwe’s Diaspora population and accounting for over 56 percent of remittances, the restrictions in terms of movement of goods and the disruption to business will have negative effects to the majority of ordinary Zimbabweans,” said ZIMCODD in the paper.
“Consequently, the expected decline in Diaspora remittances has a net effect on the country’s current acute foreign currency challenges.
“A decline in individual cash remittances is also going to affect small-to-medium-scale businesses in retail, hardware as the remittances form a primary source market for these back of the value chain businesses.”
Meanwhile, the RBZ governor told the Parliamentary Committee that there is no rationality in the jump in the parallel market rate, which is estimated to be around 60 to the US dollar, saying the black market continues to persist because people are jobless.
“There is need for the country to boost production and therefore job creation. The black market is now an industry as people are jobless. A few transactions on the black market can easily push the parallel market rate. The official rate remains at 25,” said Dr Mangudya.
“The parallel market rate is going up because forex dealers have been active during the lockdown, especially through mobile money transactions, which is one of the reason why we moved to block suspicious mobile agent lines. We have nothing against the mobile money operators.”
The RBZ and Econet Wireless — one of the mobile telecommunications operators — are currently in a legal dispute over the move by the former to freeze agent lines.
Some observers say some businesses offering services to Government during this lockdown period also needed to be kept on check because some of them were also emptying their local dollar payments onto the black market.
State Media|The High Court will rule on Friday next week on preliminary issues raised by lawyers representing MDC-Alliance and MDC-T in a suit brought by MDC-A seeking a ban on the MDC-T recalling from Parliament more legislators elected on the MDC-A ticket.
The main preliminary issue is whether the court has the power to interdict a parliamentary process and whether MDC-A has the legal standing to bring the suit.
In the urgent hearing, MDC-A along with two legislators Happymore Chidziva and Wellington Mariga, approached the High Court seeking an interdict against further recall and expulsion from Parliament of any more MPs elected into Parliament on the party’s ticket.
This followed the recent recall from Parliament of four MDC Alliance MPs — Charlton Hwende, Thabitha Khumalo, Prosper Mutseyami and Lilian Timveous — by reinstated MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora.
The MDC-A legal team was led by Mr Tendai Biti, while MDC-T leader Dr Thokozani Khupe was represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku. Because the court was first looking at preliminary issues raised by the MDC-T, Prof Madhuku addressed the court first.
Prof Madhuku’s main argument was that the court could not hear the case for two reasons, that a political party had no inherent constitutional right to sue on behalf of Members of Parliament and that the MDC-A was not a legal person, being just an umbrella body for a group of political parties.
Mr Biti’s main argument was that the MDC Alliance was the actual party that had sponsored the legislators in the election and that therefore the MDC-T, whatever its legal status, could not recall legislators since the MDC-A was now in fact, a party in its own right.
He argued that the matter was urgent because the MDC-T was threatening to recall more legislators if they continued to identify themselves with the MDC Alliance. Thus the MDC-A wanted the relief of an interdict, pending the finalisation of the matter.
Going into detail, Prof Madhuku said: “Under our Constitution, a political party does not own Members of Parliament.” He submitted that the court should throw out the application on the basis that it was incurably defective at law, citing a number of procedural irregularities characterising the urgent application.
Prof Madhuku also argued the application, though disguised as an urgent chamber application, was targeted on Parliament and was essentially an allegation that Parliament will fail to fulfil its Constitutional obligations to protect the tenure of seats. Only the Constitutional Court had jurisdiction to deal with such a matter, he said.
“The relief sought is unconstitutional on the basis that the court cannot interdict parliamentary process on an urgent basis in view of the doctrine of separation of powers,” said Prof Madhuku.
He also argued that the MDC-A had no legal standing to bring such an application because it was not a legal person. Even if the party was held to be a legal person, the MDC-A still had no legal basis to represent Members of Parliament. This disqualified Chidziva and Mariga to be independently before the court if the MDC-A was held to be improperly before it.
Prof Madhuku also accused MDC-A lawyers led by Mr Biti of hiding the Supreme Court judgment that gave rise to the recalling of the MPs.
When Mr Biti rose to counter-argue the matter, he was shown the Alliance Agreement by Justice Tawanda Chitapi. It was signed by the late Morgan Tsvangirai, which showed that the parties to the electoral pact would remain independent and separate, which the MDC-T argues means it has the power to recall MPs who were sponsored in the Allaince line-up by the MDC-T. The alliance allocated blocks of right of nomination to the parties forming the Alliance.
But Mr Biti argued that the alliance agreement had died a natural death because the MDC-A was now a party.
Mr Biti was also shown two letters, one written by Mr Hwende on March 2 this year, giving Mr Douglas Mwonzora final warning. The letter was written on MDC letterhead not on MDC-A letterhead. When asked to explain, the lawyer could not offer an explanation.
He was also at pain to explain why the letter recalling Victoria Falls mayor signed by Mr Hwende on February 24, was on the MDC letterhead.
He argued that the judge should “ignore the alliance agreement”.
Justice Chitapi reserved ruling to May 29, to study the submissions made by the parties’ lawyers on the preliminary issues, before going into the merits of the case.
In its application MDC-A wants the court to stop Mr Mwonzora, Dr Khupe, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo from recalling legislators and local government councillors elected under the MDC-A ticket.
The MDC-A also wants Adv Mudenda, Senator Chinomona and Minister Moyo barred from accepting instructions from the Dr Khupe-led party to expel its members.
State Media|ZANU PF veteran member Absalom Sikhosana was buried at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.
Burial proceedings for Sikhosana, who succumbed to a heart ailment in Bulawayo over the weekend, started at Stodart Hall in Mbare, with President Mnangagwa leading the body viewing session followed by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and Harare Metropolitan Province Minister Oliver Chidau.
Service Chiefs and family members were among the mourners at Stodart Hall and at the Heroes Acre.
However, unlike past burial ceremonies, few mourners were allowed in due to social distancing measures adopted by Government to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Apart from the small numbers of mourners, every one present was wearing a face mask and also went through body temperature checks and hand-washing before entering the main auditorium.
After body viewing, the proceedings moved to the National Heroes Acre where groups including the Police Band rendered mourning music.
Again attendance was limited, with people maintaining social distancing in line with WHO guidelines. All the mourners were screened before entering the main arena at the shrine. The Covid-19 pandemic essentially forced people to come in limited numbers.
Addressing the mourners, President Mnangagwa said Zanu-PF had lost a stalwart, a patriot and a disciplined cadre.
He said the void left by the late national hero was irreplaceable and the nation would be poorer without him.
President Mnangagwa said Sikhosana participated in the liberation struggle and trade unionism during the colonial Rhodesia and in the early years of independence.
“The late Cde Sikhosana was ours together. He belonged to the larger family of comrades-in-arms from the liberation struggle and to his fellow Zimbabweans in general,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We, thus, celebrate our late national hero’s goodness, unassuming character and the journey of a life well-travelled. His indelible leadership of the Youth League, which he chaperoned for a long time, helped to transform it into a formidable vanguard of the ruling party. He endured suffering at the hands of the white man while he laboured to acquire an education and life supporting skills.”
President Mnangagwa said Sikhosana’s oratory and organising skills landed him the post of regional organiser for the Rhodesian Clothing and Garment Workers Union.
He said while nationalist politics was risky business in the early 1970s, only the brave young men and women of the calibre of Sikhosana could withstand the wrath and brutality of the settler regime.
“Thus the late Cde Sikhosana bore the scars of his running battles with the colonial administration, which hunted him down,” said the President.
“He was arrested several times and subjected to severe torture. Cde Sikhosana was not deterred by the regime’s brutal intimidation. Instead, he mobilised many to thwart the regime’s nefarious machinations including rejection of the 1971 Pearce Commission proposals.”
Sikhosana was born on October 26, 1949 in Matobo District under chief Masuku in Matabeleland South province.
He did his primary education from 1956 to 1964 before undertaking his secondary education from 1965 to 1968.
One of the abducted women in hospital after they were dumped.
Own Correspondent|President Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to remain peaceful during this time of Covid-19 and avoid endangering the lives of other citizens through illegal demonstrations to score cheap political scores.
He said Covid-19 was real and no one was immune to the virus.
The President made these remarks at the burial of national hero Absolom Sikhosana at the National Heroes Acre yesterday.
“I wish once again to draw the attention to the nation to the invisible enemy that has visited us in the form of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19,” he said.
“It is a real threat to us all and no one is safe or immune from it. Let us keep adhering to the World Health Organisation guidelines for preventing its spread. I want to end my remarks by reminding us to remain united and to keep the peace. We must never endanger the lives of our people through illegal, reckless and unwarranted demonstrations for political grandstanding. We are one people, one nation, one Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa’s remarks come in the wake of a demonstration staged by MDC-Alliance members in Warren Park, Harare, last week which led to the abduction of three female leaders of the youth wing of the opposition party.
The three women, all leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change’s youth movement, were arrested at a roadblock guarded by police and soldiers after the protest against the state’s failure to provide for the poor during the country’s Covid-19 lockdown.
They then disappeared until they were found on a roadside on Friday morning two days after the abduction 60 miles away from the capital by a local man, badly injured and traumatised.
Reports indicate that masked assailants bundled the three women into an unmarked Toyota Wish and drove them away.
Mnangagwa did not speak about the abductions in his address.
A ONE-YEAR-OLD baby drowned in a bucket full of water after her grandmother left her unattended in Fort Rixon.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Sunday at around 4PM in Mbili Village.
He said the old woman left her one year three-month-old granddaughter playing in the bedroom while she was working in the kitchen.
“I can confirm that we recorded a sudden death case involving a one year three-month-old baby.
The baby was at home with her grandmother who left her playing in the bedroom as she went to carry out some chores in the kitchen. A few minutes later she found that her grandchild had drowned in a bucket full of water. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and investigations are underway,” said Chief Insp Ndebele.
He urged guardians not to leave children unattended for a long time especially if they are in an environment that could endanger their lives.
In another incident, an illegal gold panner died after a mine shaft collapsed in Gwanda.
Chief Insp Philisani Ndebele said the incident occurred on Sunday at around 5PM at Bina mine area.
He said the now deceased Tedious Munyevu (39) from Garikai area in Gwanda was working with another man when the shaft collapsed and rocks fell on him.
“I can confirm that we recorded a sudden death case which occurred in Bina Mine area.
The now deceased was illegally panning for gold with his counterpart. They went down into a 1,7-metre-deep and while they were working in it the shaft collapsed and some rocks fell on Munyevu’s back and head,” he said.
“His colleague managed to pull him out of the shaft with the assistance of a passerby while he was still alive. They took him home where he died a few hours later.”
Chief Insp Ndebele urged people to desist from engaging in illegal gold panning activities as that endangers their lives. He also urged people to seek medical help in case of accidents and not harbor injured people in their homes.
“Even when people are injured while conducting illegal activities, they must seek medical assistance. In this case Munyevu’s partner took him home instead of rushing him to the hospital in order to get professional assistance. Maybe his life could have been spared,” he said.
“As police we would also like to urge mine owners and managers to ensure that their workers have safety clothing at all times.
Equipment also needs to be frequently assessed to ensure that it’s in good condition.”-State media
Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo said that his ministry has requested for more deployments of security forces to tighten the lockdown in urban areas after an increasing number of citizens is disregarding the stay at home order.
Moyo told the Daily News that the country risks a second wave of coronavirus infections as more and more people have become visible on the streets coupled with some returning citizens testing positive for COVID-19.
Said Moyo: While we have been able to control local transmission, we are worried about the number of people who are getting into towns because there is a possibility of a second wave of transmissions. And as such, we have engaged the security forces to step in to enforce the lockdown, so that people stay at home and only essential service workers are allowed into towns.
We are also concerned that some returning citizens are bringing the disease, and we have thus upped security surveillance not only in towns but also along our borders because there is a danger of infected people getting into the country undetected.
According to the Health Ministry, as of 20 May 2020, the local number of confirmed cases was 48; recovered 18, active cases 26 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.-Daily News
I am traumatised, I normally get strong but I am trying to be strong and courageous, but inside me, all my nerves are broken down, says Cecilia's Father. pic.twitter.com/p8RMjM30AJ
Own Correspondent- ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday fired the man who invented the fake poison of Gwanda in August 2017, Energy Mutodi from his role as Deputy Minister of Information.
Mutodi has a history of deceiving the nation on Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Gwanda so called poisoning incident in November 2017. He is also known for misleading the nation in 2014 claiming that Joice Mujuru attempted to poison the then president, Robert Mugabe, events that led to Mnangagwa rising as Vice President and subsequently President later in 2017.
A press statement issued by the President’s office late Wednesday evening indicates that the dismissal is with immediate effect.
The letter reads as follows:
Termination of Employment: Dr Energy Mutodi. Deputy Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services. 20 May 2020
The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M.J.M. Sibanda, has announced the termination of employment by His His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, of Dr Energy Mutodi as Deputy Minister of Government in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
The termination which is with immediate effect is in terms of Section 108 (la) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) of 2013.
Efforts to get a comment from Mutodi and his superiors in government are currently underway.
Mutodi attracted the ire of the nation on Wednesday when he flighted a tweet indicating that the three MDC Youth Leaders who were abducted last week were involved in s s*x for money deal that went wrong.
The cases are female returnees, 1 from Botswana and 1 from South Africa who both tested positive on the 8th day of quarantine.
Today 830 RDT screening tests and 443 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to cate is 32 862 (18 244 RDT and 14 618 PCR).
To date the local number of confirmed cases is 48; recovered 18, active cases 26 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.
The Ministry also urges members of the public to stay at home and avoid going to crowded places because where people come together in crowds, it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of at least 1 metre.
The Heads of Mission of the Delegation of the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden and the Heads of Mission of Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America issue the following statement in Zimbabwe:
The Heads of Mission expect from the Government of Zimbabwe a swift, thorough and credible investigation into the abduction and torture of opposition Member of Parliament Joana Mamombe, along with Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova and allegations of the assault on Nokuthula and Ntombizodwa Mpofu in Bulawayo. The perpetrators of heinous acts of this kind and other human rights violations need to be identified and prosecuted.
The Zimbabwean Constitution prohibits enforced disappearances, torture, violence against women, and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The Heads of Mission exhort Zimbabwean authorities to respect these fundamental rights and full adherence to Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations.
The Heads of Mission further urge all protagonists to resolve political conflicts through constructive dialogue and remain clear that international re-engagement is contingent on the genuine and sustained implementation of political and economic reform.
Open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa from Beatrice Mtetwa On May 19, 2020 5,506
By Beatrice Mtetwa
Sir, I address you, not because you personally abducted, tortured and sexually abused JOANA MAMOMBE, CECILIA CHIMBIRI and NETSAI MAROVA. Neither do I address you because I know or am in other way connected with the three young women. I address you as the head of all government institutions in Zimbabwe. I address you as the man who appointed each one of the persons who head our government institutions.
In particular, you appointed the Commander of our Defence Forces, the Commissioner General of our Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Minister in Charge of our State Security, the Director General of Our Central Intelligence Organization.
All four appointees are supposed to be non-partisan and to protect Zimbabweans from both external and internal attacks on their persons, property, integrity and to at all times ensure that rights granted by the Constitution are enjoyed by all.
Instead of protecting the three young women, appointees instead allowed the violation of their persons and their rights in the most despicable of ways. I therefore address you, your Excellency, not only as someone who lives in Zimbabwe, but as a woman, a mother to Zimbabwean children who include a daughter who could easily have been anyone of the three young women so despicably abused by agents of your appointees.
I also wish to point out the gendered nature of these violations where it is clear that these women were targeted for these violations because they are women who have chosen to participate in the country’s politics. The attacks on them is therefore clearly designed to dissuade young women from engaging in politics outside of the ruling party.
Allow me to directly address your appointees through you, Sir. To you General Valerio Sibanda, in your capacity as head of our Defence Forces, if anyone of your men and women were involved in the despicable acts perpetrated against these three young women, you are as responsible as if you held that gun that was used to simulate sexual intercourse.
If none of your members were involved, as head of the Defence Forces, which is associated with guns, you have the obligation to prove through a public and inclusive process that the members of the Defence Forces had nothing to do with these abominable acts.
And as a member of JOC, you have the added responsibility to ensure that none in the defence, security and police sectors do anything that puts the government of Zimbabwe into disrepute. So, even if none of your members were directly involved in these atrocities, you still have the obligation to ensure that those responsible for the abduction, torture and other abuses these young women were subjected to are publicly brought to account for their actions.
Anything less from you will taint you with every indignity and illegality these three suffered. The goodwill that the people of Zimbabwe showed to members of the army that memorable day in November, 2017 requires that your reciprocate and reassure Zimbabweans that you still lead a people’s army. That the country is still awaiting for reprisals against members of the army who gunned down unnarmed civilians remains a sore point for Zimbabweans.
It is time that you are seen to be a People’s Army. And to you, vaMatanga, our esteemed Commissioner General of Police, you inherited an organization which had become so discredited that it was no different from a rag-tag police force for an aspiring government in a war torn country hoping to take over power.
Only, it was worse in that it was actually the government’s police force, which in terms of the Constitution should be a Police Service. So discredited it was that even his Excellency, your boss, who had not committed any crime, could not trust it and the courts to protect him. He felt safer in the hands of the police of neighbouring countries.
As a Police Service, you have an obligation to protect and secure the lives of those who live in Zimbabwe. You have an obligation to maintain law and order by ensuring that abductors are hunted down like the scum that they are.
You, Commissioner General, will remember the jubilation of November, 2017. You will recall how the police, as law enforcement agents, played second fiddle to members of the army. So discredited were the police that they were wholly identified with the fallen regime. Is this the legacy you want to leave as Commissioner General of the Second Republic?
Is this what the New Dispensation means for your police? Sir, these three young women were taken at a roadblock manned by uniformed police and were taken to your top Central police station after they were “arrested”. They were under your roof. No Zimbabwean will believe that they were released to unknown third parties by your police without any due process requiring identification.
As a former public prosecutor, I am aware, Sir, that the command structure within the police is such that none of your underlings within the police would have released the three to the abductors and torturers without the specific say so of their immediate superiors.
Furthermore, every occurrence at a police station is recorded and you owe the nation an explanation why their attendance at Central Police Station would not have been recorded in the Police Occurrence Book. And none of their superiors would have authorised their release to third parties without first conferring with those above them.
Unless you want to tell the nation you are merely a seat warmer, the buck stops with you on how “arrested” persons were unlawfully removed from your premises by abductors and torturers. Unless you therefore tell the nation how this happened, you are directly responsible and complicit in everything that happened to them.
To you, Minister of State Security, Mr Owen “Mudha” Ncube, your ascension to this throne was controversial. So, prove the country wrong by coming out and openly accepting any role your agents might have played in this. If your agents were not involved, all the more reason to leave no stone unturned in unravelling who the abductors and torturers are.
You can even resort to a few fall guys who will take the can and be pardoned thereafter as has happened many times before. At least it would look as if you care. And you need that little respect where a few people might think that you are a good guy. Intelligence Services in terms of our Constitution are supposed to be non-partisan.
That the abused women are members of the opposition requires that you scrupulously investigate this matter so that any suggestions or perceptions that opposition party women politicians were targeted is dispelled. Your Excellency, this is also to your comrades who were there when the second republic came into being. I remember the abuse the leaders of the War Veterans Association were subjected to in the run up to the removal of the old dispensation.
I remember being asked by one of the Comrades to help in the trumped-up charges brought against them for exercising freedoms granted to them by the constitution. I remember how it was clear that your comrade Victor Matemadanda, now Deputy Minister of Defence, was targeted for elimination on a contrived night time trip to Gokwe on the pretext of going to search his house.
I remember how we resolved that we would drive in a convoy to wherever the comrade was taken regardless of the time of day. I remember how our team resolved to stay with him at the Law & Order Section all night if that was necessary and indeed I got home at 01.00hrs that night after following the police to where he was finally lodged that night and ensuring his name was entered in the detention book. Comrade Matemadanda, do you remember that night?
Do you remember how we taught you and comrade Headman Moyo how to walk when manacled together with leg irons? Do you remember Dave Drury tying your one leg to that of Comrade Headman Moyo’s leg with his tie and the two of you practising to walk whilst carrying your plastic of provisions? Do you, in the War Veterans Association believe that this was done so that your dispensation could abduct, torture and abuse young women exercising the same rights that the old dispensation harassed and arrested you for? Would you be alive today if we had not kept vigil with you that night to avoid harm befalling you? And my old friend Oppah, how would you feel if your two daughters were subjected to this treatment by any group that comes in as another new dispensation? And yes, comrade Monica, is this what you and Chris were ostracised for in the run up to the coup that was not a coup?
And to all you mothers in the New Dispensation, is this what you are all about? Is this the legacy that you want to leave as the Second Republic? Kirsty Coventry, you are the Minister responsible for Youth. The abducted and tortured young women are youths who fall under your protection.
Your silence in the face of the abduction and torture of youthful young women is astounding, as is the silence of the Minister of Women’s Affairs. Is this what you want your child to think you stood for when she is old enough to read about these occurrences under your watch? And to the entire Zanu (PF), especially the Women’s League, is this who you are? Is this what you fought for?
Is this what you want your legacy to be? And Your Excellency, this is to your wife, the Mother of the Nation, the Angel of Mercy. Amai, tinokutenda nemabasa ako emufushwa. We now appeal for your visibility as our Angel of Mercy, your daughters have been abducted, tortured and abused in ways that as a mother you would not want to hear.
Why have you been silent in the face of such despicable acts against your daughters? Why have we not seen you with sadza nemufushwa, or even potatoes and vegetables to visit these children who need your intervention?
Surely, you and your foundation are appalled at this egregious breach of our constitution. Isn’t the very reason you visibly care for women and children because you care for their well being? Can a tortured and abused women-folk be sustained by mufushwa alone?
The nation awaits your signal on how we should respond to one of the most despicable acts of the New Dispensation. I am sincerely yours,
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has dismissed Douglas Mwonzora’s assertion that MDC Alliance is not a political party.
Chamisa argued ZANU PF did not cease to exist when it merged with ZAPU in 1987 in a pact known as the Unity Accord.
Chamisa tweeted : “Is Zanu PF not a political party because it is an alliance or a unity accord between Zanu and Zapu?
Mwonzora told ZBC News on Tuesday, the Alliance was not a political party but an electoral pact which ceased to exist at the end of the 2018 harmonised elections.
Sexual harassment(hereunder referred to as s/h) at the workplace is a species of unfair discrimination which is prohibited in terms of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the Act).
The Code of Good Practice on the handling of Sexual Harassment Cases in the Workplace of August 2005 (hereunder referred to as the Code) was enacted to add flesh to the skeleton provisions of section 54 (1) (b) of the Act. The Code seeks to, inter alia, eliminate s/h at the workplace, provide the procedure on how to deal with cases of s/h at the workplace and to encourage and foster the development of policies and procedures to combat and deal with s/h at the workplace.
Item 4 of the Code defines s/h as sexual conduct which has a tendency of undermining or infringing the dignity, privacy and integrity of the victim. The conduct must be an impediment to the achievement of equity at the workplace. Conduct that is otherwise normally categorized as s/h will not constitute s/h if such conduct is mutual and welcome or committed against a willing participant.
S/h can happen in a variety of ways such as; physical s/h, verbal s/h, non-verbal s/h, victimisation which emanates from the refusal by an employee to submit to sexual advances, quid pro qou s/h which occurs for example when owner, employer, supervisor undertakes or attempt to influence or influences the process of employment, promotion, dismissal, salary increament or other benefits of the employee or job applicant in exchange of sexual favours.
Most of the different forms of s/h can lead to both a criminal prosecution as well as a misconduct disciplinary hearing leading to dismissal, compensation or even imprisonment depending on the gravity of the infringement of human dignity involved.
Any one of the following persons can qualify as either perpetrators or victims of s/h; owners, employers, managers, supervisors, employees, job applicants, clients, suppliers, contractors and others having dealings with the business.
Don’t be a perpetrator or victim of sexual harassment. Maybe you are already a victim or a perpetrator of sexual harassment.
The family of a truck driver from Lower Gweru, who has been self-isolating at home, has been subjected to abuse at the hands of ignorant villagers who believe they will spread Covid-19 in the area.
The truck driver’s teenage son was on Sunday allegedly assaulted by villagers who demanded the relocation of the family. Sources in Makepesi Village said the driver arrived for self-isolation on Friday following advice from health officials.
It is normal for people who have been outside the country to self-isolate first before going into public spaces.
Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister, who is also provincial Covid-19 taskforce chairperson, Larry Mavima yesterday said the driver has since tested negative.
“The man tested negative and you can get details from Dr (Reginald) Mhene (Midlands Provincial Medical Director and provincial Covid-19 taskforce epidemiology and technical services chairperson),” said the Minister.
Said Dr Mhene: “I don’t have details as yet. Am looking for the details.”
Chief Chisadza under whose jurisdiction Makepesi falls, confirmed the arrival of the driver at his home.
“Yes, we had a meeting with health officials with regards to the driver. He is at his home but the challenge is stigmatisation. But what I know is that health officers came and assessed his home before they brought him which on its own should mean that he is not a danger to the community. The villagers lack knowledge because they think that being Covid-19 positive is a death sentence,” he said.
Asked if the driver’s family had faced abuse from fellow villagers, Chief Chisadza said: “I didn’t see the discrimination or abuse but I heard that one of the family members was beaten at the shops. Now for fear of abuse or discrimination they are staying indoors and can’t even go to the shops or to fetch water or firewood. I appeal for this family to be assisted.
“Education is needed because you can be Covid-19 positive and recover we have more recoveries than deaths. But it’s a matter of taking the education to the people. I call upon Government departments to reach out to the people and also support this family so that they have food and other basic commodities because they are being discriminated against.”
A Chronicle crew visited the driver’s home but could not talk to members of the family as there was no one outside the yard and the gate was locked.
Gweru Provincial Hospital medical superintendent Dr Fabian Mashingaidze said people can self- isolate without any problems.
“Self-isolation can happen to a case that doesn’t have symptoms. This is when you remain in your home or accommodation and avoid contact with other people. Most people who need to self-isolate will probably be advised to do so for 14 days. You don’t go to public places where you might have contact with other people, such as work, school, childcare, church, university or public gatherings,” he said. Chronicle/state media
A Polytechnic Mechanical Engineering Lecturer from Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown, Kwekwe, was found dead in his apartment in Msasa Park on Monday.
Fellow tenants discovered Paul Charadza’s body after he had been missing for about 24 hours. Kwekwe Polytechnic Principal Mr Evans Musara confirmed the incident.
He said Mr Charadza was last seen when he reported for work on Friday.
“We are still in a state of shock. I personally last saw him on Friday when he came to the campus. He was fit and he had no signs of being unwell,” said Mr Musara, before referring further questions to the family.
Charadza’s uncle, Mr Joram Matina said the family was awaiting a post mortem to understand what happened.
” Although we are not saying there was foul play, we cannot rule out that factor totally. We await the results of post-mortem,” he said.
“We are still in shock as he did not have a history of any sickness. He was fit and was doing his daily work as usual, we were shocked to hear he had passed on.”
Charadza was found dead on Monday after he had gone missing on Sunday morning.
Police took Charadza’s body to Bulawayo for post-mortem and the results are expected tomorrow.
Mr Matina said the body was found with traces of blood on the mouth, nose, and eyes.
“There is nothing we can say for now and we have to wait for post-mortem results. But we have lost a figure in the family who was there for everyone. He was ready to assist anyone,” said Mr Matina.
Charadza is expected to be buried in Chivi on Friday. He is survived by his wife and three children. State Media/Chronicle
By Investigative Editor | A male Zimbabwean who is boasting of assaulting the three tortured MDC leaders Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe, and Netsai Marova, has threatened to repeat the same on the late Hilton Tamangani’s Father.
The three were abducted after being arrested in Harare on the 13th of May last week, and following denials by the police who began saying they never arrested them, were found tortured and dumped in Musana, Bindura 2 days later, on Friday. (Their vehicle is still parked at the same police station since the 13th May 2020).
Tamangani was murdered by uniformed police officers in October last year, having also been cruelly denied medical attention, after being slapped with false charges of stealing police helmets.
On Monday night, during the heated moments when millions of Zimbabweans were circulating pictures of a certain Tawanda Mutesva, fingered by whistleblowers for abducting the three women, the aggressor appeared as if in a panic while telephoning Mr Tamangani twice via both voice and videocall, which calls were not successfully answered due to a technical glitch.
Soon after this, the aggressor began typing messages through to Tamangani.
In the written threats, the man appeared as if he is the same individual previously flighted on social networking website, Facebook, as the main suspect in abducting the three. He appeared more concerned about his pictures being published on the Facebook website, but left an open puzzle as he laid all the blame on Hilton Tamangani Senior.
The development comes as there is no connection whatsoever between the abducted women and Tamangani’s father, and the allegations against Tamangani of posting the aggressor’s pictures on Facebook, were found bizarre.
The only Zimbabwean man likely to be most worried about their pictures being posted on Facebook in the last week, is an abductor-suspect named by some whistleblowers on ZimEye.com on Sunday night.
All this happened following an evening program on Sunday, when ZimEye telephoned an accused male whose pictures show him dressed in a blue suit- during the program, the accused continued to deny that he is linked to the abduction of the three. He was very aggressive and later on terminated the call after barely 2 minutes.
While on the same program, a victim of last year’s January brutality, Mr Owen Chari, telephoned to declare he strongly remembers the voice of this blue shirted man; as that of a man who during his own abduction last year, ordered that his legs be broken with a log, while assaulting him.
The aggressive man who contacted Mr. Tamangani on Monday night, telephoned and messaged him using a different number from the one ZimEye had used on Sunday night. The latest number registered in an evidently dummy name is as below:
the user packet traced through the Ecocash network. Since last year state agents have been noted for registering cell phone numbers using fake names for the purpose of carrying out their hit jobs.
Writing to Mr. Tamangani, via the WhatsApp platform, the man began accusing him (Tamangani) of posting his pictures on the Facebook website.
He started off by throwing an emoji of anger while saying:
“You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa.” – you are trying to be big headed for nothing.
He began accusing Tamangani of labeling him the murderer of the late Tamangani son, Hilton, when in fact, the deceased’s father had only posted a picture of the three activists with a message accusing the Zimbabwean regime (or police) for ending his (junior’s) life in October last year.
“You said I killed ur son I saw ur post,” the aggressor wrote.
The extremely agitated man continued to rage on as if he is one of the police officers referred to by Mr Tamangani.
Tamangani then cited evidence saying he had only complained about police officers who killed his son. He referred the aggressor to his original message posted on the Facebook website which reads:
This evil regime killed my son in very similar circumstances. First the pariah state illegally arrested Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani. Next; the scandalous regime isolated Hilton out of everyone’s reach. Just 7 days later, my Little Hilton was stone dead. Absolutely diabolic stuff.
Tamangani said: “You don’t understand. I reposted photo[s] of abducted women. And I said that’s what police did to my son. Where are you getting it wrong?”
To this, the aggressor, replied with an insult, saying: “PASURI?”
Tamangani then asked: “Are you the one who killed my son ?,” and he answered saying: “Ingoziva kt paukuuya ma1 chaiwo coz zvanakakugadzirira you will be shocked.” – just know that when you return (to Zimbabwe), you will be shocked when you see what I will do to you. ”
Speaking to ZimEye last night, Mr Tamangani said, “This guy honestly thought I am the one who posted that photograph of the man who people are saying abducted the three girls.
“He honestly believed that it is me. That’s why in the conversation, he says why did you post my photograph.
“He honestly believed that it is me. And that is where we are coming from … It was a damaging photograph… ”
ZimEye has performed several packet tracing forensics one of which was the simple method using the Ecocash network.
ZIMEYE WILL LIVE STREAM THE INTERVIEWS TODAY
ANALYSIS: WHO DO YOU THINK THIS MANIS?-
A) WHO IS THIS MAN? B) WHAT IS HIS MOTIVE/AGENDA? C) WHAT DOES HE WANT TO ACHIEVE IN TELEPHONING TAMANGANI? D) IS THIS A MERE PRANK?
E) IS IT A GUILTY CONSCIENCE FOR ASSAULTING BOTH HILTON ANS THE GIRLS?
F) IS HE JUST BEING DELUSIONAL?
POSSIBILITIES & POINTERS: 1. He already has prior hatred (fear or irritation) for me, says Tamangani. 2. The person threatening Tamangani is the same person whose picture was advertised as one of the abductors of the three MDC female leaders. 3. The only person who could be worried about his picture being posted on Facebook, in the last week, is this suspect named on ZimEye.com on Sunday night. 4. He is the one responsible for abducting the three: Cecilia’, Joana, and Netsai. He even tacitly and directly confesses so, threatening Tamangani while saying: “You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa.” – being big headed for nothing.
ZimEye reveals the full WhatsApp chat below
FULL CHAT HISTORY:
18/05/2020, 18:50 – Messages to this chat and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info. 18/05/2020, 18:50 – +263 77 872 4684: ? 18/05/2020, 18:51 – +263 77 872 4684: You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa 18/05/2020, 18:52 – +263 77 872 4684: Ndakakumirira paunodzoka ziva zveku poster pamhata 18/05/2020, 18:54 – +263 77 872 4684: Missed voice call 18/05/2020, 18:54 – +263 77 872 4684: Missed video call 18/05/2020, 18:57 – +263 77 872 4684: Urikudei 18/05/2020, 18:57 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: It’s you phoning me. 18/05/2020, 18:57 – +263 77 872 4684: ImbWa 18/05/2020, 18:58 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: What have I done to you. 18/05/2020, 18:58 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: ??? 18/05/2020, 18:59 – +263 77 872 4684: You said I killed ur son I saw ur post 18/05/2020, 19:00 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: What post ??? I always say Zimbabwe police killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:00 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: And that’s what happened. Police killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:00 – +263 77 872 4684: Why did you post my pic on Facebook 18/05/2020, 19:02 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: You don’t understand. I reposted photo of abducted women. And I said that’s what police did to my son. Where are you getting it wrong ??? 18/05/2020, 19:03 – +263 77 872 4684: PASURI? 18/05/2020, 19:04 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Are you the one who killed my son ??? 18/05/2020, 19:05 – +263 77 872 4684: Ingoziva kt paukuuya ma1 chaiwo coz zvanakakugadzirira you will be shocked 18/05/2020, 19:05 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Are you the one who killed my son ??? 18/05/2020, 19:06 – +263 77 872 4684: Will answer you pauchauya 18/05/2020, 19:07 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Maybe you’re a coward. See you later then. 18/05/2020, 19:07 – +263 77 872 4684: Iri boe mdhara 18/05/2020, 19:08 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Watch for posts. More coming. 18/05/2020, 19:09 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk the coward will be waiting for your return 18/05/2020, 19:09 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk waiting 18/05/2020, 19:09 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Am also waiting to meet all those who killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:10 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk 18/05/2020, 19:12 – +263 77 872 4684: Wakajaidzwa neshamwari dzamai vako just wait and see zvanichakuita 18/05/2020, 19:12 – +263 77 872 4684: dakuripaza zimusoro iroro 18/05/2020, 19:13 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Very fake. You cant even admit kuti you killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:14 – +263 77 872 4684: Boe mdhara ndatopedza nemi so 18/05/2020, 19:14 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: A coward killed my son. What a joke. 18/05/2020, 19:15 – +263 77 872 4684: We shall see 18/05/2020, 19:16 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: You killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:17 – +263 77 872 4684: zvawafunga?♀ 18/05/2020, 19:17 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Why are you angry at me. That’s what I don’t understand. 18/05/2020, 19:18 – +263 77 872 4684: Ndapedza newe shaa 18/05/2020, 19:20 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Ndiwe wandi tanga. Ndiwe uri kundi tuka. You are threatening me. Of course I want to know why. 18/05/2020, 19:22 – +263 77 872 4684: Go to hell 18/05/2020, 19:24 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: I thought you phoned me to tell me how I wronged you. 18/05/2020, 19:26 – +263 77 872 4684: Rara iwe wakundinyaudza nxaaa 18/05/2020, 19:27 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: I killed nobody. You won’t find me in hell.
Douglas Mwonzora’s lawyer, Prof Lovemore Madhuku speaks to ZimEye just after the High Court hearing embroiling MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa and Mwonzora over the recalling of MDC Alliance MPs.
By Investigative Editor | A male Zimbabwean who is boasting of assaulting the three tortured MDC leaders Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe, and Netsai Marova, has threatened to repeat the same on the late Hilton Tamangani’s Father.
The three were abducted after being arrested in Harare on the 13th of May last week, and following denials by the police who began saying they never arrested them, were found tortured and dumped in Musana, Bindura 2 days later, on Friday. (Their vehicle is still parked at the same police station since the 13th May 2020).
Tamangani was murdered by uniformed police officers in October last year, having also been cruelly denied medical attention, after being slapped with false charges of stealing police helmets.
On Monday night, during the heated moments when millions of Zimbabweans were circulating pictures of a certain Tawanda Mutesva, fingered by whistleblowers for abducting the three women, the aggressor appeared as if in a panic while telephoning Mr Tamangani twice via both voice and videocall, which calls were not successfully answered due to a technical glitch. Soon after this, the aggressor began typing messages through to Tamangani.
In the written threats, the man appeared as if he is the same individual previously flighted on social networking website, Facebook, as the main suspect in abducting the three. He appeared more concerned about his pictures being published on the Facebook website, but left an open puzzle as he laid all the blame on Hilton Tamangani Senior.
The development comes as there is no connection whatsoever between the abducted women and Tamangani’s father, and the allegations against Tamangani of posting the aggressor’s pictures on Facebook, were found bizarre.
The only Zimbabwean man likely to be most worried about their pictures being posted on Facebook in the last week, is an abductor-suspect named by some whistleblowers on ZimEye.com on Sunday night.
All this happened following an evening program on Sunday, when ZimEye telephoned an accused male whose pictures show him dressed in a blue suit- during the program, the accused continued to deny that he is linked to the abduction of the three. He was very aggressive and later on terminated the call after barely 2 minutes.
While on the same program, a victim of last year’s January brutality, Mr Owen Chari, telephoned to declare he strongly remembers the voice of this blue shirted man; as that of a man who during his own abduction last year, ordered that his legs be broken with a log, while assaulting him.
The aggressive man who contacted Mr. Tamangani on Monday night, telephoned and messaged him using a different number from the one ZimEye had used on Sunday night. The latest number registered in an evidently dummy name is as below: the user packet traced through the Ecocash network. Since last year state agents have been noted for registering cell phone numbers using fake names for the purpose of carrying out their hit jobs.
Writing to Mr. Tamangani, via the WhatsApp platform, the man began accusing him (Tamangani) of posting his pictures on the Facebook website.
He started off by throwing an emoji of anger while saying: “You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa.” – you are trying to be big headed for nothing.
He began accusing Tamangani of labeling him the murderer of the late Tamangani son, Hilton, when in fact, the deceased’s father had only posted a picture of the three activists with a message accusing the Zimbabwean regime (or police) for ending his (junior’s) life in October last year.
“You said I killed ur son I saw ur post,” the aggressor wrote. The extremely agitated man continued to rage on as if he is one of the police officers referred to by Mr Tamangani.
Tamangani then cited evidence saying he had only complained about police officers who killed his son.
He referred the aggressor to his original message posted on the Facebook website which reads: This evil regime killed my son in very similar circumstances.
First the pariah state illegally arrested Hilton Tafadzwa Tamangani. Next; the scandalous regime isolated Hilton out of everyone’s reach. Just 7 days later, my Little Hilton was stone dead. Absolutely diabolic stuff.
Tamangani said: “You don’t understand. I reposted photo[s] of abducted women. And I said that’s what police did to my son. Where are you getting it wrong?” To this, the aggressor, replied with an insult, saying: “PASURI?”
Tamangani then asked: “Are you the one who killed my son ?,” and he answered saying: “Ingoziva kt paukuuya ma1 chaiwo coz zvanakakugadzirira you will be shocked.” – just know that when you return (to Zimbabwe), you will be shocked when you see what I will do to you. ”
Speaking to ZimEye last night, Mr Tamangani said, “This guy honestly thought I am the one who posted that photograph of the man who people are saying abducted the three girls. “He honestly believed that it is me. That’s why in the conversation, he says why did you post my photograph.
“He honestly believed that it is me. And that is where we are coming from … It was a damaging photograph… ” ZimEye has performed several packet tracing forensics one of which was the simple method using the Ecocash network.
ANALYSIS: WHO DO YOU THINK THIS MAN IS?- A) WHO IS THIS MAN? B) WHAT IS HIS MOTIVE/AGENDA? C) WHAT DOES HE WANT TO ACHIEVE IN TELEPHONING TAMANGANI? D) IS THIS A MERE PRANK? E) IS IT A GUILTY CONSCIENCE FOR ASSAULTING BOTH HILTON ANS THE GIRLS? F) IS HE JUST BEING DELUSIONAL? POSSIBILITIES & POINTERS:
He already has prior hatred (fear or irritation) for me, says Tamangani.
The person threatening Tamangani is the same person whose picture was advertised as one of the abductors of the three MDC female leaders.
The only person who could be worried about his picture being posted on Facebook, in the last week, is this suspect named on ZimEye.com on Sunday night.
He is the one responsible for abducting the three: Cecilia’, Joana, and Netsai. He even tacitly and directly confesses so, threatening Tamangani while saying: “You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa.” – being big headed for nothing. ZimEye reveals the full WhatsApp chat below FULL CHAT HISTORY:
18/05/2020, 18:50 – Messages to this chat and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info. 18/05/2020, 18:50 – +263 77 872 4684: ? 18/05/2020, 18:51 – +263 77 872 4684: You are the next target kuda kukura musoro zvisina basa 18/05/2020, 18:52 – +263 77 872 4684: Ndakakumirira paunodzoka ziva zveku poster pamhata 18/05/2020, 18:54 – +263 77 872 4684: Missed voice call 18/05/2020, 18:54 – +263 77 872 4684: Missed video call 18/05/2020, 18:57 – +263 77 872 4684: Urikudei 18/05/2020, 18:57 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: It’s you phoning me. 18/05/2020, 18:57 – +263 77 872 4684: ImbWa 18/05/2020, 18:58 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: What have I done to you. 18/05/2020, 18:58 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: ??? 18/05/2020, 18:59 – +263 77 872 4684: You said I killed ur son I saw ur post 18/05/2020, 19:00 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: What post ??? I always say Zimbabwe police killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:00 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: And that’s what happened. Police killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:00 – +263 77 872 4684: Why did you post my pic on Facebook 18/05/2020, 19:02 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: You don’t understand. I reposted photo of abducted women. And I said that’s what police did to my son. Where are you getting it wrong ??? 18/05/2020, 19:03 – +263 77 872 4684: PASURI? 18/05/2020, 19:04 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Are you the one who killed my son ??? 18/05/2020, 19:05 – +263 77 872 4684: Ingoziva kt paukuuya ma1 chaiwo coz zvanakakugadzirira you will be shocked 18/05/2020, 19:05 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Are you the one who killed my son ??? 18/05/2020, 19:06 – +263 77 872 4684: Will answer you pauchauya 18/05/2020, 19:07 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Maybe you’re a coward. See you later then. 18/05/2020, 19:07 – +263 77 872 4684: Iri boe mdhara 18/05/2020, 19:08 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Watch for posts. More coming. 18/05/2020, 19:09 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk the coward will be waiting for your return 18/05/2020, 19:09 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk waiting 18/05/2020, 19:09 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Am also waiting to meet all those who killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:10 – +263 77 872 4684: Olk 18/05/2020, 19:12 – +263 77 872 4684: Wakajaidzwa neshamwari dzamai vako just wait and see zvanichakuita 18/05/2020, 19:12 – +263 77 872 4684: dakuripaza zimusoro iroro 18/05/2020, 19:13 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Very fake. You cant even admit kuti you killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:14 – +263 77 872 4684: Boe mdhara ndatopedza nemi so 18/05/2020, 19:14 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: A coward killed my son. What a joke. 18/05/2020, 19:15 – +263 77 872 4684: We shall see 18/05/2020, 19:16 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: You killed my son. 18/05/2020, 19:17 – +263 77 872 4684: zvawafunga路♀ 18/05/2020, 19:17 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Why are you angry at me. That’s what I don’t understand. 18/05/2020, 19:18 – +263 77 872 4684: Ndapedza newe shaa 18/05/2020, 19:20 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: Ndiwe wandi tanga. Ndiwe uri kundi tuka. You are threatening me. Of course I want to know why. 18/05/2020, 19:22 – +263 77 872 4684: Go to hell 18/05/2020, 19:24 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: I thought you phoned me to tell me how I wronged you. 18/05/2020, 19:26 – +263 77 872 4684: Rara iwe wakundinyaudza nxaaa 18/05/2020, 19:27 – Hilton Tamangani OCOG: I killed nobody. You won’t find me in hell.
The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) June 2020 exams will start on 22 June and end on 22 July.
This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Tabela during a hearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education chaired by Honourable Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga (Proportional Representation) in Harare this Wednesday.
She said the Education Ministry noted that there are a number of issues which will be considered before schools can re-open.
The issues have to do with the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Child Care which are meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.
Thabela said schools need to be disinfected while more furniture is required for social distancing with each school expected to have an infrared thermometer for testing purposes.
An announcement will be made on how the June examinations will proceed, Thabela added.-ZBC News
The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) June 2020 exams will start on 22 June and end on 22 July.
This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Tabela during a hearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education chaired by Honourable Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga (Proportional Representation) in Harare this Wednesday.
She said the Education Ministry noted that there are a number of issues which will be considered before schools can re-open.
The issues have to do with the guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Child Care which are meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus.
Thabela said schools need to be disinfected while more furniture is required for social distancing with each school expected to have an infrared thermometer for testing purposes.
An announcement will be made on how the June examinations will proceed, Thabela added.-ZBC News
It seems like Zodwa Wabantu’s latest relationship with her Ben 10 Vusi has taken a knock and the two are on a break.
Speaking to Drum Magazine the dancer has revealed that although the two had been on lockdown together, Vusi has since left.
Elaborating further Zodwa says things started going sour after the break in at her Durban house that saw robbers making away with items worth over R100 000.
She even issued a statement that she was willing to pay a reward of R30 000 to recover her stolen property.
On the reason for the breakup she said “Things were not working out, he left but I’ve learnt that you must allow people to leave. You accept things as they come and as they are and allow people to be themselves.” Vusi is her second public relationship after her breakup with Ntobeko Linda a year ago.
Although things are not working out on the personal front, Zodwa Wabantu is expanding her beauty business.
After launching her perfume range which consists of two perfumes she is gearing up to launch her petroleum jelly and lipstick.
Meanwhile, Zenande Mfenyana is expecting her bundle of joy and after keeping it under wraps for the longest time on Mothers Day she finally shared the good news.-State media
A SELF-STYLED prophet from Mabvuku was yesterday sentenced to an effective seven years in prison with labour for raping his patient twice.
Harare regional magistrate, Mr Godwin Chizhande had initially slapped Allen Nyabereka (23) with 10 years imprisonment, but conditionally suspended three years Nyabereka pleaded not guilty, but Mr Chizhande convicted him due to overwhelming evidence against him.
Charges against Nyabereka stemmed from an incident on May 29 this year when the 20-year-old complainant fell sick and decided to seek help from Nyabereka.
The complainant, who was in the company of her father and another relative, went to Nyabereka’s Mabvuku residence and found people queuing, waiting to be served.
They joined the queue and when their turn came, they went inside the house and Nyabereka ordered the complainant’s father and an accompanying relative to leave the room. Nyabereka and the girl remained in the room and the door was closed as well as the windows. The court heard that Nyabereka administered an ointment into the complainant’s nose and eyes and she felt dizzy, before losing consciousness. Nyabereka stripped her before raping her.
When the complainant regained consciousness, she discovered that Nyabereka had raped her, but she was ordered to quickly dress up and wait outside for more rituals.
Nyabereka then served the last person in the queue and again called the girl into the room. He administered the same ointment again into her nose and she fell unconscious. While she was unconscious Nyabereka raped her again and dismissed her afterwards.
In mitigation, Nyabereka said he was a youthful first offender who was not married and deserved the lenience of the court.
LESSONS FOR TODAY The State has been tough on religious leaders or self-styled prophets found guilty of sexual offences, the crime is still being committed.
Sexual abuse is on the rise in modern prophetic churches as there is lack of structures to hold leaders accountable, and institutional systems tend to protect predators and harm victims.-State media
There is this false notion from some group of gays like @mawarirej that if u are a leader or if u hold a senior position in the Party, in this case yours truly, then u hv got to be a punch-beg of personal insults & smile. No, in ndokutsotsonya. Twabamu!! Hapana Sabhuku pa twitter pic.twitter.com/KMmsYX9jzr
— Hon. Tafadzwa Mugwadi (@TafadzwaMugwadi) May 16, 2020
Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi has been fired from the government job by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This was confirmed Wednesday in a press statement by Permanent Secretary Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet Regis Chikowore.
Watch Live video downloading below. Please be patient as the video downloads.
The unnamed nurse, who claimed she was ‘too hot’ to wear her uniform and the PPE, was disciplined by hospital bosses in Tula, Russia, after working just underwear on a coronavirus ward
The unnamed Russian woman was working on a Covid-19 ward, treating only male patients, a a hospital in Tula.
The image quickly went viral, as she can be seen wearing matching black bra and knickers as she writes a patient’s chart.
But hospital chiefs were not amused and punished the nurse for “non-compliance with the requirements for medical clothing”.
The nurse, in her 20s said she was “too hot” wearing her nurses’ uniform under the gown.
She told her managers at Tula Regional Clinical Hospital that she did not realise the PPE she wore when treating coronavirus patients was so transparent.
Zimbabwe music legend Thomas Mapfumo slams the abduction of opposition MDC Alliance’s Harare West MP Joanna Mamombe and youth leaders Cecilia Chembiri and Netsai Marova.
Mapfumo who was a guest on Lance Guma LIVE said the youth in Zimbabwe have the task of liberating the country from the brutal grip of Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Farai Dziva| The Ministry of Information and Publicity has announced that Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi has been fired with immediate effect.
“President @edmnangagwa has terminated employment of Dr Energy Mutodi @energymutodi as Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services,” the Ministry posted on Twitter.
See full statement below :
Termination of Employment: Dr. Energy Mutodi. Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
20 May, 2020
The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. M.J.M. Sibanda, has announced the termination of employment by His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, of Dr. Energy Mutodi as Deputy Minister of Government in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
The termination which is with immediate effect, is in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) of 2013.
R. Chikowore Permanent Secretary, Presidential Communications Office of the President and Cabinet.
Some of the group had allegedly been involved in cross-border smuggling along the Limpopo River.
Police are still hunting for 19 people who escaped from a quarantine centre in Beitbridge border town.
Some of the group had allegedly been involved in cross-border smuggling along the Limpopo River.
The 19 are said to have escaped on Monday from a hotel that’s being used as a quarantine centre in Beitbridge.
The state-run Herald said the group tested negative for Covid-19 when they were admitted.
In a separate report, the paper said four men recently sent home from South Africa and quarantined at Prince Edward School in Harare have been arrested for breaking into student lockers.
Government schools are being used to quarantine hundreds of returning residents, raising concerns over when children will be able to return to school.
Zimbabwe has so far only confirmed 46 cases of COVID-19, but there are fears infections will increase dramatically if returning residents aren’t quarantined.
Own Correspondent|News just received indicate that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired loose canon Energy Mutodi from his role as Deputy Minister of Information.
A press statement issued by the President’s office late Wednesday evening indicates that the dismissal is with immediate effect.
The letter reads as follows:
Termination of Employment: Dr Energy Mutodi. Deputy Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services. 20 May 2020
The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M.J.M. Sibanda, has announced the termination of employment by His His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, of Dr Energy Mutodi as Deputy Minister of Government in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
The termination which is with immediate effect is in terms of Section 108 (la) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) of 2013.
Efforts to get a comment from Mutodi and his superiors in government are currently underway.
Mutodi attracted the ire of the nation on Wednesday when he flighted a tweet indicating that the three MDC Youth Leaders who were abducted last week were involved in s s*x for money deal that went wrong.
Times Live|Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya prays for Zimbabweans to “understand economics”, as annual inflation stands at 934%, according to independent economists.
Government figures claim a 676% inflation rate as of March.
Appearing on Wednesday before parliament’s budget and finance committee, led by Felix Mhona, Zanu-PF’s Chikomba Central MP, Mangudya said: “I pray for Zimbabwe each morning, saying, ‘Oh God, help Zimbabweans understand economics’,” he said.
The governor pinned poor economic performance to indiscipline in the financial services sector, where he singled out mobile money agents for operating like “Ponzi schemes” which he likened to “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
He also conceded that there was low production and economic activity in the country.
“There’s a demon in this country causing economic instability. It’s like coronavirus but we have to trace it. We have to understand the root cause of our economic challenges. We should not spend a lot of time focusing on symptoms,” he said.
The MDC Alliance party in Masvingo remains intact after Khupe-Komichi-Mwonzora and Mudzuri led MDC T party was rejected by Chiredzi West and Chiredzi South constituencies.
Khupe MDC T party has been rejected by two rural constituencies.
Furthermore, MDC T Khupe suffered another heavy blow in Chiredzi West, which is an urban constituency.
In 2018, MDC Alliance held one of the biggest rallies at Tshovani stadium, approximately 70 000 people attended this rally , which was addressed by President Chamisa.
In Chiredzi South, the MDC Alliance National women vice- chairlady and Masvingo Proportional Representatives Mrs Mugidho and MDC Alliance National youth member councillor Mutubuki were the facilitators of the consultative meetings.
In Chiredzi South two meetings were held in Chikombedzi and Save.
The MDC Alliance members both in 2014 and 2018 structures declared their full support to President Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance party.
Mrs Makondo MDC Alliance chairlady said: “As MDC Alliance party members and supporters we are solidly behind President Chamisa and MDC Party. In 2018 we voted for MDC Alliance President Chamisa, our member of Parliament and councillors. We never voted Khupe MDC T. Therefore, we reject Khupe led MDC T.”
On the other hand, Mr Chauke, the MDC Alliance vice chair, was of the view that, “Courts cannot dictate to us as MDC Alliance who is our President. In addition, no courts can dictate to us which political party to join. We join MDC Alliance voluntary as stipulated in Zimbabwean constitution. Therefore, as Chiredzi South will reject Khupe MDC T.”
In Chiredzi South, the fearless youthful councillor Gilbert Mutubuki, ward 18 Chiredzi West thundered, “I am MDC Alliance Member under the leadership of Advocate Chamisa. In 2018, l contested on MDC Alliance party ticket and won because of MDC Alliance party and President Chamisa’s popularity. Therefore, l reject Khupe MDC T and l am ready to be recalled by Mwonzora and cabal.”
At the same meeting, the brave and hardworking MDC Alliance National women vice -chairlady, Mrs Mugidho said,” Let it be known that l am not into politics for money. It’s Khupe who is into politics for money as she once confessed. Mwonzora-Komichi-Mudzuri and Khupe have decided to sell people’s struggle. I dare Mwonzora to recall. I don’t care. I am strongly behind President Chamisa and MDC Alliance party. “
In Chiredzi West, MDC Alliance cadres held a consultative meeting at MDC Alliance national women vice-chairlady’s house.
At the meeting, MDC Alliance National youth leader Ms Tsungi declared that, “We as MDC Alliance youth in Chiredzi West and nationally, we are behind President Chamisa and we are ready to defend and support our Party and President.”
The meeting did not end well as Central Intelligence officer interrupted the meeting. The vedio of CIOs interpruting the meeting is available (from councillor Mutubuki).
In the vedio, Chiredzi West MDC Alliance members are seen fearless engaging the cio operative.
In Chiredzi East, all MDC Alliance structures are very clear on President Chamisa. Mr Ian Makuni, a shadow councillor in ward 4 said, “We MDC Alliance councillors in Chiredzi East and our Member of Parliament support President Chamisa. We contested under our Party MDC Alliance. We declare our solidarity with President Chamisa and MDC family.”
In Chiredzi North, the support of President Chamisa is extraordinary among the structures and supporters. Mr Chinyanga, ward 24 in Chiredzi North said, “All MDC Alliance members in our Chiredzi North district totally supports MDC Alliance party and President Chamisa.”
In 4 Chiredzi constituencies, 2018 MDC Alliance shadow councillors and members of Parliament declared their support to MDC Alliance party and President Chamisa.
More so, many 2014 MDC Alliance structures declared their unwavering support to president Chamisa.
Mr Farai Chinobva, the MDC Alliance national organizing Manager said: “I applaud MDC Alliance structures in Chiredzi South and Chiredzi West for supporting MDC Alliance party and President Chamisa. Mwonzora, Khupe, Komichi and Mudzuri have been totally rejected in Masvingo province. Keep it up, Masvingo MDC Alliance family. I want to thank all those who are supporting these programs in different forms.”
In Masvingo West, the energetic MDC Alliance national youth member leader Tettler Mwatenga encouraged Masvingo West MDC Alliance youth when she, “l want to encourage youths in Masvingo West to rally behind our president Nelson Chamisa, to defend our party, to recruit more youths and to gear up for action.”
MDC Alliance National youth leader iron lady, Tettler Mwatenga has been involved in many MDC Alliance legal demonstrations fighting for youth emancipation.
Own Correspondent|ZimEye.com is currently inundated with enquiries from readers and followers on the latest update from the High Court in Harare where the MDC Alliance appeal is being heard.
The latest available detail is that the Court is as at the time of this article, on Wednesday 7pm, still hearing submissions on the hearing of the MDC Alliance interdict to stop the rival faction led by Dr Thokozani Khupe from further recalling legislators from parliament.
This came amid reports that Manicaland Senator Douglas Mwonzora who was recently reinstated as the MDC-T Secretary General by the Supreme Court was set to wield axe on six more legislators aligned to Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance.
Both parties to the case have been making their submissions and the judge should be making a determination later into the night as the case is expected to drag longer.
State Media|NINE Malawian border jumpers who were intercepted along with 32 others after skipping the border from South Africa have tested positive for Covid-19.
They have now been put on isolation at the National Social Security (NSSA) hotel in Beitbridge. Thirty two others have since been moved by the Government to their embassy in Harare pending repatriation.
The group was intercepted yesterday by security agents on patrol while seeking transport from haulage trucks at a local truck stop. The Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Totamirepi Tirivavi confirmed the developments today.
“The group was profiled and screened for the Covid-19 and nine have been isolated in Beitbridge pending further PCR tests,” he said.
“These will only be allowed to travel once they are fit to do so. We have since moved 32 others to Harare in liaison with the Malawian Embassy pending their repatriation.”
Meanwhile, the police are yet to locate 19 people who escaped quarantine in Beitbridge on Monday night.
The escapees are part of the people arrested along the Limpopo for facilitating the smuggling of goods. So far 27 people have escaped from the centre since it started operating. The first group of eight absconded in the first week of operation prompting authorities to beef up security with the army. The Beitbridge quarantine centre can carry 280 people but the Government has set the maximum at 150.
By midday today the centre had 60 people which includes 33 male adults, seven boys, 15 female adults and five young girls. In addition, the place is used for screening and dispatching Zimbabweans coming from South Africa to different provincial quarantine centres nearer to their final destinations.
Former Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane gracefully handing over power to Moeketsi Majoro
EWN|Lesotho officially has a new prime minister. It’s now former Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro was sworn-in on Wednesday morning to seal his appointment by King Letsie III.
Dignitaries and diplomats attended the ceremony in Maseru. Outgoing Prime Minister Tom Thabane symbolically handed over to the incoming Majoro.
Thabane resigned officially on Tuesday after battles with rival factions in his own party, as well as growing discontent around his leadership from other political parties and the public.
Majoro was flanked by his wife and two daughters who were wearing matching outfits – as well as his mother.
He said he owed his political career to Thabane who recruited him in 2013 as development minister.
The 59-year-old economist said he would hit the ground running, tackling COVID-19, food security, youth unemployment and independence of state institutions.
He is now expected to appoint his Cabinet from at least the two parties in the new coalition government.
MAJORO’S FIRST PRIORITIES
The 59-year-old Majoro is an economist who was once a director of the IMF.
He was nominated as prime minister after Thabane’s four-party coalition collapsed, relegating Thabane to the position of caretaker prime minister.
In an interview with Eyewitness News last week, Majoro said he had no choice but to make the COVID-19 response his first priority when he took over, saying COVID-19 and food security would be his main priorities.
Majoro is well aware of the health service challenges facing Lesotho.
He has always maintained he doesn’t believe that the country does not have any COVID-19 cases but the first one is now confirmed.
“We have to double our efforts to know how much infection is in our community. We moved in with lockdown too early and the impact on the economy was immense, but we have a little bit more capacity.”
Majoro said to achieve this, he wanted politicians who also have technical knowledge in his Cabinet.
“You cannot provide a solution unless you understand in-depth what the problem is. You cannot provide a superficial solution, you cannot brainstorm a solution. It’s not enough to sit down as Cabinet ministers and speak with passion, solutions are not created like that. We need to bring in knowledge but it’s a political process. It’s a game of balancing interests.”
THABANE AND TURMOIL
Thabane himself is no stranger to political turbulence.
He first came to power in 2012 as head of the country’s first coalition government, formed after inconclusive polls.
But the alliance was marred by political bickering, which culminated in a coup attempt in August 2014 when soldiers attacked police posts and surrounded his official residence.
The failed putsch prompted him to flee to South Africa.
He returned home in February 2017, saying he still feared for his life, although he went on to win snap elections just four months later.
His victory stirred hopes of stability to the hilly country, which has a long history of political turmoil.
An old hand in Lesotho politics, Thabane founded the All Basotho Convention in 2006 after years of manoeuvering between political parties.
Before becoming prime minister, he served in various Cabinet posts such as foreign affairs and home affairs.
In an exclusive interview with AFP last week, Thabane said he was looking forward to retirement and all he wanted was to be “left alone”.
He has not yet been charged for the ex-wife’s murder but when he briefly appeared in court in March, his lawyer sought to have him granted immunity. The case has not been heard yet.
Thabane said he would retire to his personal house in his constituency on the outskirts of Maseru.
He said he planned writing a book about his life, returning to the plays of Shakespeare, which he studied at university, and serving as a lay minister in his evangelical church.
The Israeli News newspaper, Jerusalem Post reports that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has called on his army to prepare for combat over Ethiopia’s plans to start filling its hydropower Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in the rainy season.
The President ordered the armed forces to be on the “highest state of alert.” In response, Ethiopia reportedly deployed anti-aircraft missiles in the vicinity of the Renaissance Dam.
Formerly known as the Millennium Dam, GERD is a gravity dam on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia that has been under construction since 2011. At 6.45 gigawatts, the dam will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa when completed, as well as the seventh largest in the world. And as of October 2019, the works on the dam stood at approximately 70% completion. Once completed, the Dam’s reservoir could take from 5 to 15 years to fill with water, depending on hydrologic conditions, and, even more important: depending on the reactions of the countries most likely to be affected: Egypt and Sudan.
An Ethiopian Foreign Office spokesperson has stated on Monday that “Ethiopia’s plan to start filling GERD this rainy season is part of the scheduled construction without needing to notify Sudan and Egypt.” According to Ethiopia’s news agency ENA, the spokesman said: “There is no way that we have necessarily inform them (Egypt and Sudan) when we will start filling.”
On May 11, Egypt submits a 17-page letter to the United Nations Security Council protesting Ethiopia’s actions and demanding that it halt construction until an agreement is reached. On Monday, Addis Ababa sent a letter to the UNSC saying Ethiopia has no legal obligation to seek Egypt’s approval to fill GERD, and blamed Cairo for the deadlock in talks between the two countries.
Source: Jerusalem Post
IN SUMMARY
• Addis and Cairo have failed to agree on the filling period with both countries accusing each other of being stiff in their conditions.
• Ethiopia pulled out of the US-led talks on the Nile dam accusing the US and the World Bank of overstepping their observer roles and favouring Cairo’s interest.
• GERD, locally funded, is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts once upon completion.
Ethiopia has said it will continue with its plans to fill its $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) from July, despite Egypt’s claim that the move could be lead to regional instability.
In a letter to the UN Security Council on Monday, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedu Andargachew said that Addis Ababa “does not have legal obligation” to seek Egypt’s approval to fill GERD.
Gedu was responding to Egypt’s recent complaint to UNSC in which Cairo sought the intervention of the UN executive body to stop Ethiopia’s plan to start filling what would be Africa’s largest power dam.
Egypt said Ethiopia’s move to fill the dam before reaching a final agreement with riparian states “potentially poses a serious threat to peace and security throughout the region”.
“This [filling the dam] would jeopardise the water security, food security and indeed the very existence of over 100 million Egyptians who are entirely dependent on the resource of the Nile River for their livelihoods,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a 17-page complaint document to UNSC dated May 1.
Ethiopia and Egypt have failed to agree on the filling period with both countries accusing each other of being stiff in their conditions.
On April 10, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed a “first stage filling” strategy that would allow GERD reservoir to retain 18.4 billion cubic meters of water over a two-year period.
However, both Egypt and Sudan fear the reservoir, with a holding capacity of 74 billion cubic meters, will affect their water share from the Nile River.
Addis had initially planned to fill the dam in three years but it lengthened the period to between six and seven years. However, Egypt’s proposal has always been the dam to be filled in 15 years in order to avoid detrimental impact downstream.
Now Ethiopia says all necessary preparations for the first filling of the dam have been completed.
“This storage is meant to begin testing of the power plant, effectively releasing the water downstream. Furthermore, the impoundment is carried out in two years with 4.9 billion cubic meters of water in the first year and 13.5 [billion] cubic meters of water in the second year,” Gedu said.
“Moreover, the rules for first stage filling are not the creation of Ethiopia; rather, they are taken from the non-controversial sections of the entire ‘guidelines and rules’ worked out by the three countries.”
“Therefore, Ethiopia is in full compliance with the DoP [Declaration of Principles] and made a remarkable and generous gesture in offering an agreement to Egypt,” Gedu argued.
Ethiopia pulled out of the US-led talks on the Nile dam accusing the US and the World Bank of overstepping their observer roles and favouring Egypt’s interest.
A negotiator in the talks Zerihun Abebe on Tuesday said he was surprised at Egypt lodging a complaint to UNSC accusing Addis Ababa of “unilateralism’’.
“Ethiopia has a sovereign right to fill the dam constructed within its borders and through local funding,” Abebe was quoted as saying by Turkish news agency Anadolu.
“Ethiopia invited both Egypt and Sudan and shared details about the GERD in 2012 and kick-starting a process of trilateral talks. And that was based on Ethiopia’s firm stand on the principle of cooperation, regional partnership and to find a win-win solution,’’ added Abebe.
GERD, locally, is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts once upon completion.
Mkhize was speaking during a briefing with health experts last night on the country’s COVID-19 projections.
JOHANNESBURG – As most parts of the country prepare to move to level three lockdown restrictions, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has admitted that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Africa doesn’t qualify to move down the levels just yet.
Mkhize was speaking during a briefing with health experts on Tuesday night on the country’s COVID-19 projections.
The country now has 17,200 cases with 312 deaths.
Mkhize explains the criteria for easing lockdown regulations from the WHO.
“The WHO has said that we need to start showing that the numbers are declining, and infections are not increasing. We are nowhere near that.”
But he said that’s not the only thing South Africa had to take into account before deciding on moving down the levels of restrictions.
“We are balancing the issue of hunger, food security, job protection, the issue of the economy and the issue of constriction to social disruption. Those are the issues that have to be taken to account.”
The minister said on the positive side, community transmission had remained low except for the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said his government was consulting with various sectors to prepare for less stringent lockdown measures.
Makhura said the province was ready to move to level three but would need the help of business leaders and law enforcement to ensure compliance with regulations.
He has cited the ailing economy as one of the reasons level three must be affected across the province.
“Every scenario says that COVID-19 on the economy would be no less than the scale of the 1929 Great Depression. I think is something very serious.”
Own Correspondent|Pretoria-based Zimbabwean businessman Justice Maphosa who at one time rescued President Emmerson Mnangagwa from imminent death has sent a load of food and basic necessities to the Zimbabwean nationals who were repatriated from South Africa last week amidst the current lockdown imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The more than 1,000 food parcels will also provide humanitarian relief for the elderly and orphaned children in the small town of Gwanda, in southern Zimbabwe, where the Bigtime Strategic Group founder and chief executive Maphosa was born.
“We gave away 1,100 food parcels. Four hundred of the food parcels are for the people in the buses [the repatriated Zimbabweans]. When they finish [quarantine], they will take some food parcels with them to share with their families,” Maphosa said.
Each food parcel for the returnees includes 25 kg of maize meal, 2 kg of rice, 2 kg sugar, 2 litres of cooking oil and soap.
“The same food items are for 700 people in my hometown of Gwanda. As I remember everyone who is struggling, I remember the people from the community that raised me,” Maphosa said.
“The only criteria that is non-negotiable is that the food set aside for the Gwanda community – is only for the elderly and the orphans, there must never be a mistake. By elderly, I mean someone who is a pensioner, with no other source of income and over the age of 60,” he said.
The Pretoria-headquartered Bigtime Strategic Group has also donated at least 3,000 gloves and masks as well as sanitisers for the Zimbabwean returnees now quarantined in Bulawayo and Harare.
“They will each get one pair of gloves and a mask for each day they are in quarantine, so that they are able to change them,” Maphosa said.
On Friday, Maphosa hired the six buses that left Gauteng, ferrying hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals who have been stranded in South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi said the many Zimbabweans returning home had lost their sources of income.
“What has necessitated the repatriation is the hardship some of our nationals are facing following this proclamation of the national state of disaster and the lockdown measures that have been implemented, which have entailed that we stay at home, without being able to go out and do normal activities.
“The (stranded Zimbabweans) have indicated that they wish to go back home, and the embassy, working with the Bigtime Strategic Group has been able to put together some resources to support their return home,” Hamadziripi said.
The United Nations’ migration agency, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), led by chief of mission Lily Sanya was providing technical support to the embassy in planning the trip logistics and carrying out this humanitarian repatriation exercise.
The technical support also included co-ordination of pre-departure arrangements, pre-embarking medical check and distribution of Covid-19 awareness material.
Own Correspondent|The City Parking Private Limited has announced a hike in Parkades and Parking Lots effective the first of June.
In a statement, the company’s finance manager Mr. Itai Mavhera said the development has been necessitated by the increased employment and operational costs prevailing in the current inflationary environment. Mr Mavhera, however, said the company will endeavour to keep the charges as low as possible taking into consideration the plight of the motoring public.
The reviewed tariffs will be as follows, Unreserved ZWL$ 1000, Reserved ZWL$ 1 200, New/Tag Replacement ZWL$ 800 and Casual ZWL$ 200 per hour.
THE Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has threatened legal action against government over the alleged lack of consultation by the Primary and Secondary Education ministry on modalities for the re-opening of schools in the face of COVID-19.
In a letter addressed to the Education ministry dated May 18, PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said the educators were not willing to go back to school anytime soon fearing COVID-19 infection.
A formal engagement between PTUZ and the ministry before schools re-open is necessary “to avoid second-guessing each other and as well as for the purpose of collectively plotting the way forward for our education in light of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus epidemic”, Majongwe argued.
“The idea that the government can plan the date of re-opening schools without consulting a core constituency such as teachers is such an oversight that would normally end with lawyers for both sides tussling in court over the matter, and I believe you do not want to hazard that.
“We are not being cowards, and we believe there is no need for the ministry and government to exhibit Dutch courage in the face of the disease. Why then would the same government choose to experiment with learners and teachers when all other categories of interaction remain banned?”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced last week that examination classes under a COVID-19 safe environment will be re-opening, while plans were underway to re-open the entire education sector at a later stage.
Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema on Monday claimed that the government was putting in place adequate measures to protect teachers and learners ahead of the re-opening of schools.
“As a ministry, we have put in place plans to best prepare and support teachers and learners for a safe, secure and seamless transition back to quality teaching and learning in schools,” he said.
Teacher organisations, however, yesterday said government’s decision to hastily open schools without putting in place mitigatory measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 would endanger both the teachers and pupils.
The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) and PTUZ said the most worrying development was that schools were used as quarantine centres.
“Sadly, this announcement is in direct conflict with the situation obtaining on the ground, where schools are being used as COVID-19 quarantine centres,” Zimta said in a statement.
“This raises the simple question: Where are these classes expected to be carried out if these institutions are being used as quarantine centres?”
The teachers also accused government of abrogating its duty and forcing schools to produce protective clothing such as face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.
ZIMBABWEAN returnee from South Africa, Nomathemba Ndlovu (31), who died on Sunday night at Mkoba Teachers College quarantine centre in Gweru, was chronically ill and still awaiting COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavhima said yesterday.
Mavhima, however, said the Zhombe woman’s rapid diagnostic test results came back negative.
“The 31-year-old from South Africa had been chronically ill for a month while still in South Africa,” he said.
“She came on May 17 and was coughing and on treatment from South Africa. She was on a course of antibiotics, haematinics and painkillers.”
Mavhima said although her temperature was normal, her condition kept deteriorating until she died.
“She was screened for COVID-19 using RDT [rapid diagnostic tests] and was negative,” he said.
“Samples for COVID-19 PCR were taken and we are waiting for results.”
To date, there are 358 returnees from South Africa and Botswana quarantined at Mkoba Polytechnic and Mkoba Teachers colleges.
There has not been any confirmed case of the coronavirus in the Midlands province.
Meanwhile, the Gweru City Council run Infectious Diseases Hospital recently received a borehole donation from Mimosa Mine as well as blankets and sheets from River Valley Properties.
Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee yesterday confirmed the donations.
Several Watford players have reportedly refused to train amid revelation that three people at the club tested positive for coronavirus.
Captain Troy Deeney was the first to declare he would not be attending training which will start on Wednesday as he fears putting his baby son in danger.
And following the news that one Watford player and two staff members contracted the virus, more players at the Vicarage Road are joining Deeney’s stance and refusing to return to training, according to The Athletic website.
The Hornets released a statement on Tuesday night confirming the three positive tests.
The statement read: “Watford Football Club confirms that three people have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus following testing at the training ground over the past 48 hours.
“Of those three positive tests, one is a player and two are members of staff. All three have asked that medical confidentiality be respected and, therefore, the club will not be naming those involved.
“All three will now self-isolate for seven days – in line with the protocols set out in Premier League guidelines – before being tested again at a later date.
“Strict adherence to the Premier League guidelines has ensured the training ground remains virus-free and a safe environment for the players to continue to work.
“The club will continue to liaise closely with the affected personnel and there will be no further comment.”-Soccer 24
Winston Mhango has confirmed that a couple of clubs in Zambia are interested in his services as his contract with Kabwe Warriors nears its end.
The defender crossed to the north of Zambezi after winning the league championship with FC Platinum in 2018. Former Kabwe coach Tenant Chilumba lured him during his reign at the club.
Mhango signed a one-and-half year contract which will expire this month.
Speaking to the Chronicle, the 30-year old says the coronavirus lockdown is slowing the talks with the interested clubs, but he hopes to make a move anytime soon.
“I greatly enjoyed my stay at Kabwe Warriors after being signed by Tenant Chilumba, who is now with Forest Rangers,” he said. “I am glad that my one-and-a-half-year stint has helped me attract the interest of other big Zambian clubs.
“The Covid-19 lockdown is slowing things but all things being equal, I should be moving.”
Mhango added he is not thinking of returning to play in Zimbabwe in the coming seasons.
“I believe I still have a lot to offer to Zambian football and as such I’m not thinking of returning to Zimbabwe soon,” said the defender.
Farai Dziva|Warriors coach Zdravko Logarušić says he can’t wait for football to return so that he takes charge of the senior men’s national soccer team and do what he is being paid for.
The Croat, who has not presided over a single competitive game with the country’s flagship football team since he was appointed in January, is at home in light of the indefinite lockdown enforcement by government to prevent the spread of Covid-19, a pandemic which has resulted in all football activity being suspended.
Speaking to The Herald newspaper, Logarušić said:“I will be lying if I say I have been home sick. The truth is football is my profession and I have always been praying for its return all this time,” he said.
“I am very hopeful that football will return soon. You know, sitting at home without football, is not normal. I am hoping that the disease is eradicated completely and we go back to our normal lifestyle with football at the centre of everything.
“I am not happy receiving the salaries which I have not worked for. I want to be coaching football. I want to be watching football. I eat football and nothing else so I can’t say anything else.” he added.
Shabanie chairman Elias Marufu is hoping for a return to the top-flight after paying their Zifa Central Region affiliation fee.
The was among the teams that delayed confirming their participation in lower divisions owing to affiliation fee challenges.
Marufu, who is bouncing back after he had left the club, came back with the team he was working with previously.
“We are happy that we are now able to play in the division one after having some challenges.It was a little bit hard for us to pay the required affiliation fee but the mine came to our rescue.
“Going forward we want to be well structured and be professional that we can attract sponsors.
“We always wanted Shabanie to be where it belongs and we are looking forward to bounce back in the Premier League.
“We are hoping that our club will soon be a competitive side in the country,” he said.-H-Metro
Geneva, 15 May 2020 – Presidents Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica and Sebastián Piñera of Chile joined WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today to announce progress on a technology platform that aims to lift access barriers to effective vaccines, medicines and other health products against COVID-19.
Costa Rica proposed the idea at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and several countries are now backing the proposal. “Our proposal relies on solidarity,” said President Alvarado of Costa Rica.
“It’s a Solidarity call to action to Member States, to academia, to companies, research institutions and cooperation agencies, based on global social responsibility, on a voluntary basis, promoting more global nonexclusive voluntary licensing.”
“We need to unleash the full power of science, without caveats or restrictions, to deliver innovations that are scalable, usable, and benefit everyone, everywhere, at the same time,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Traditional market models will not deliver at the scale needed to cover the entire globe. Solidarity within and between countries and the private sector is essential if we are to overcome these difficult times.”
“Chile, like most countries in the international community, considers that only through international cooperation is it possible to emerge victorious from the crisis caused by COVID-19,” said Ambassador Cristian Streeter, Director of Multilateral Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of President Piñera of Chile.
The platform will pool data, knowledge and intellectual property for existing or new COVID-19 health products to deliver ‘global public goods’ for all people and all countries.
Through the open sharing of science and data, numerous companies will be able to access the information they need to produce the technologies, thereby scaling up availability worldwide, lowering costs and increasing access.
WHO and Costa Rica will officially launch the platform on 29 May. On that date, a Solidarity Call to Action will be published on WHO’s web site where governments, research and development funders, institutions and companies can express their support.
The solidarity of all of WHO’s Member States will be critical to ensuring the technology platform can be a meaningful tool for equitable access to COVID-19 health products.
Credit: WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Geneva, 15 May 2020 – Presidents Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica and Sebastián Piñera of Chile joined WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today to announce progress on a technology platform that aims to lift access barriers to effective vaccines, medicines and other health products against COVID-19.
Costa Rica proposed the idea at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and several countries are now backing the proposal.
“Our proposal relies on solidarity,” said President Alvarado of Costa Rica.
“It’s a Solidarity call to action to Member States, to academia, to companies, research institutions and cooperation agencies, based on global social responsibility, on a voluntary basis, promoting more global nonexclusive voluntary licensing.”
“We need to unleash the full power of science, without caveats or restrictions, to deliver innovations that are scalable, usable, and benefit everyone, everywhere, at the same time,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Traditional market models will not deliver at the scale needed to cover the entire globe. Solidarity within and between countries and the private sector is essential if we are to overcome these difficult times.”
“Chile, like most countries in the international community, considers that only through international cooperation is it possible to emerge victorious from the crisis caused by COVID-19,” said Ambassador Cristian Streeter, Director of Multilateral Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of President Piñera of Chile.
The platform will pool data, knowledge and intellectual property for existing or new COVID-19 health products to deliver ‘global public goods’ for all people and all countries.
Through the open sharing of science and data, numerous companies will be able to access the information they need to produce the technologies, thereby scaling up availability worldwide, lowering costs and increasing access.
WHO and Costa Rica will officially launch the platform on 29 May. On that date, a Solidarity Call to Action will be published on WHO’s web site where governments, research and development funders, institutions and companies can express their support.
The solidarity of all of WHO’s Member States will be critical to ensuring the technology platform can be a meaningful tool for equitable access to COVID-19 health products.
Credit: WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information like/ follow our Facebook page:
Farai Dziva| In a move that is likely to dent Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi’ s political project, Elias Mudzuri has slammed the recall of opposition party MPs from Parliament.
Mudzuri, quoted by NewZimbabwe.com, said the bloodbath should stop to allow opposition MPs to do their work.
“I don’t enjoy anyone getting out of Parliament.
I don’t want that to happen, as a senior member, those people have worked in their own different ways whether they went there (Parliament) by hook or crook but they are there representing the MDC.
We don’t want to withdraw Parliamentarians.
Why should we want them not to work for the people? Their job is within their constituencies.
Right now it’s the time of COVID-19 and I have said we don’t want to recall any Parliamentarians,”said Mudzuri.
Farai Dziva|The Ministry of Health and Childcare has pointed out that children under two years should not wear face masks as they are unable to remove them.
“Babies and children under 2 years of age should not wear face masks as they cannot remove the masks when they feel suffocated.
As much as possible, babies and young children should be kept away from public places,” said the Health Ministry in a statement.
See also the latest update on COVID -19 cases in Zimbabwe:
No case tested positive for COVID-19 today.
Today 1 291 RDT screening tests and 553 PCR diagnostic tests were done.
The cumulative number of tests done to date is 31 589 (17 414 RDT and 14 175 PCR). To date the total number of confirmed cases remains 46; recovered 18, active cases 24 and 4 deaths, since the onset of the outbreak on 20 March 2020.
The Ministry also discourages members of the public from stigmatising or teasing anyone about being sick with COVID-19 because the virus does not follow geographical boundaries, ethnicity, age, ability or gender.
Open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa from Beatrice Mtetwa On May 19, 2020 5,506
By Beatrice Mtetwa
Sir, I address you, not because you personally abducted, tortured and sexually abused JOANA MAMOMBE, CECILIA CHIMBIRI and NETSAI MAROVA. Neither do I address you because I know or am in other way connected with the three young women. I address you as the head of all government institutions in Zimbabwe. I address you as the man who appointed each one of the persons who head our government institutions.
In particular, you appointed the Commander of our Defence Forces, the Commissioner General of our Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Minister in Charge of our State Security, the Director General of Our Central Intelligence Organization.
All four appointees are supposed to be non-partisan and to protect Zimbabweans from both external and internal attacks on their persons, property, integrity and to at all times ensure that rights granted by the Constitution are enjoyed by all.
Instead of protecting the three young women, appointees instead allowed the violation of their persons and their rights in the most despicable of ways. I therefore address you, your Excellency, not only as someone who lives in Zimbabwe, but as a woman, a mother to Zimbabwean children who include a daughter who could easily have been anyone of the three young women so despicably abused by agents of your appointees.
I also wish to point out the gendered nature of these violations where it is clear that these women were targeted for these violations because they are women who have chosen to participate in the country’s politics. The attacks on them is therefore clearly designed to dissuade young women from engaging in politics outside of the ruling party.
Allow me to directly address your appointees through you, Sir. To you General Valerio Sibanda, in your capacity as head of our Defence Forces, if anyone of your men and women were involved in the despicable acts perpetrated against these three young women, you are as responsible as if you held that gun that was used to simulate sexual intercourse.
If none of your members were involved, as head of the Defence Forces, which is associated with guns, you have the obligation to prove through a public and inclusive process that the members of the Defence Forces had nothing to do with these abominable acts.
And as a member of JOC, you have the added responsibility to ensure that none in the defence, security and police sectors do anything that puts the government of Zimbabwe into disrepute. So, even if none of your members were directly involved in these atrocities, you still have the obligation to ensure that those responsible for the abduction, torture and other abuses these young women were subjected to are publicly brought to account for their actions.
Anything less from you will taint you with every indignity and illegality these three suffered. The goodwill that the people of Zimbabwe showed to members of the army that memorable day in November, 2017 requires that your reciprocate and reassure Zimbabweans that you still lead a people’s army. That the country is still awaiting for reprisals against members of the army who gunned down unnarmed civilians remains a sore point for Zimbabweans.
It is time that you are seen to be a People’s Army. And to you, vaMatanga, our esteemed Commissioner General of Police, you inherited an organization which had become so discredited that it was no different from a rag-tag police force for an aspiring government in a war torn country hoping to take over power.
Only, it was worse in that it was actually the government’s police force, which in terms of the Constitution should be a Police Service. So discredited it was that even his Excellency, your boss, who had not committed any crime, could not trust it and the courts to protect him. He felt safer in the hands of the police of neighbouring countries.
As a Police Service, you have an obligation to protect and secure the lives of those who live in Zimbabwe. You have an obligation to maintain law and order by ensuring that abductors are hunted down like the scum that they are.
You, Commissioner General, will remember the jubilation of November, 2017. You will recall how the police, as law enforcement agents, played second fiddle to members of the army. So discredited were the police that they were wholly identified with the fallen regime. Is this the legacy you want to leave as Commissioner General of the Second Republic?
Is this what the New Dispensation means for your police? Sir, these three young women were taken at a roadblock manned by uniformed police and were taken to your top Central police station after they were “arrested”. They were under your roof. No Zimbabwean will believe that they were released to unknown third parties by your police without any due process requiring identification.
As a former public prosecutor, I am aware, Sir, that the command structure within the police is such that none of your underlings within the police would have released the three to the abductors and torturers without the specific say so of their immediate superiors.
Furthermore, every occurrence at a police station is recorded and you owe the nation an explanation why their attendance at Central Police Station would not have been recorded in the Police Occurrence Book. And none of their superiors would have authorised their release to third parties without first conferring with those above them.
Unless you want to tell the nation you are merely a seat warmer, the buck stops with you on how “arrested” persons were unlawfully removed from your premises by abductors and torturers. Unless you therefore tell the nation how this happened, you are directly responsible and complicit in everything that happened to them.
To you, Minister of State Security, Mr Owen “Mudha” Ncube, your ascension to this throne was controversial. So, prove the country wrong by coming out and openly accepting any role your agents might have played in this. If your agents were not involved, all the more reason to leave no stone unturned in unravelling who the abductors and torturers are.
You can even resort to a few fall guys who will take the can and be pardoned thereafter as has happened many times before. At least it would look as if you care. And you need that little respect where a few people might think that you are a good guy. Intelligence Services in terms of our Constitution are supposed to be non-partisan.
That the abused women are members of the opposition requires that you scrupulously investigate this matter so that any suggestions or perceptions that opposition party women politicians were targeted is dispelled. Your Excellency, this is also to your comrades who were there when the second republic came into being. I remember the abuse the leaders of the War Veterans Association were subjected to in the run up to the removal of the old dispensation.
I remember being asked by one of the Comrades to help in the trumped-up charges brought against them for exercising freedoms granted to them by the constitution. I remember how it was clear that your comrade Victor Matemadanda, now Deputy Minister of Defence, was targeted for elimination on a contrived night time trip to Gokwe on the pretext of going to search his house.
I remember how we resolved that we would drive in a convoy to wherever the comrade was taken regardless of the time of day. I remember how our team resolved to stay with him at the Law & Order Section all night if that was necessary and indeed I got home at 01.00hrs that night after following the police to where he was finally lodged that night and ensuring his name was entered in the detention book. Comrade Matemadanda, do you remember that night?
Do you remember how we taught you and comrade Headman Moyo how to walk when manacled together with leg irons? Do you remember Dave Drury tying your one leg to that of Comrade Headman Moyo’s leg with his tie and the two of you practising to walk whilst carrying your plastic of provisions? Do you, in the War Veterans Association believe that this was done so that your dispensation could abduct, torture and abuse young women exercising the same rights that the old dispensation harassed and arrested you for? Would you be alive today if we had not kept vigil with you that night to avoid harm befalling you? And my old friend Oppah, how would you feel if your two daughters were subjected to this treatment by any group that comes in as another new dispensation? And yes, comrade Monica, is this what you and Chris were ostracised for in the run up to the coup that was not a coup?
And to all you mothers in the New Dispensation, is this what you are all about? Is this the legacy that you want to leave as the Second Republic? Kirsty Coventry, you are the Minister responsible for Youth. The abducted and tortured young women are youths who fall under your protection.
Your silence in the face of the abduction and torture of youthful young women is astounding, as is the silence of the Minister of Women’s Affairs. Is this what you want your child to think you stood for when she is old enough to read about these occurrences under your watch? And to the entire Zanu (PF), especially the Women’s League, is this who you are? Is this what you fought for?
Is this what you want your legacy to be? And Your Excellency, this is to your wife, the Mother of the Nation, the Angel of Mercy. Amai, tinokutenda nemabasa ako emufushwa. We now appeal for your visibility as our Angel of Mercy, your daughters have been abducted, tortured and abused in ways that as a mother you would not want to hear.
Why have you been silent in the face of such despicable acts against your daughters? Why have we not seen you with sadza nemufushwa, or even potatoes and vegetables to visit these children who need your intervention?
Surely, you and your foundation are appalled at this egregious breach of our constitution. Isn’t the very reason you visibly care for women and children because you care for their well being? Can a tortured and abused women-folk be sustained by mufushwa alone?
The nation awaits your signal on how we should respond to one of the most despicable acts of the New Dispensation. I am sincerely yours,
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa has dismissed Douglas Mwonzora’s assertion that MDC Alliance is not a political party.
Chamisa argued ZANU PF did not cease to exist when it merged with ZAPU in 1987 in a pact known as the Unity Accord.
Chamisa tweeted : “Is Zanu PF not a political party because it is an alliance or a unity accord between Zanu and Zapu?
Mwonzora told ZBC News on Tuesday, the Alliance was not a political party but an electoral pact which ceased to exist at the end of the 2018 harmonised elections.
