SUSPENDED judge Justice Francis Bere had his bid to block a tribunal inquiring into his fitness to hold office, after a lawyer accused him of interference in a civil case, ruled as non-urgent by the High Court, meaning that the tribunal will probably report before his attempt to block the probe is concluded.
Justice Bere was serving at both the Constitutional and Supreme Court benches when he was suspended in March this year, to pave way for a probe into potential misconduct. He approached the High Court seeking, as a matter of urgency, a ruling to set-aside the Judicial Service Commission’s decision to refer his case to President Mnangagwa recommending an inquiry into his alleged misconduct. The finding of non-urgency means that the tribunal can now sit.
The three-member panel is chaired by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako. The other two are Harare lawyer Mrs Rekayi Maphosa and Advocate Takawira Nzombe. Dismissing Justice Bere’s application, High Court judge Justice Alfas Chitakunye ruled the matter was not urgent.
He found that the application intended to sidestep the practice direction issued by the Chief Justice Luke Malaba suspended filing of litigation at the courts during the period of national lockdown and only allowed urgent and bail applications to be brought to court.
The High Court has today declared invalid the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Exchange Control Directive No. R120/2018, which created FCA “nostro” accounts as distinctive from “RTGS” accounts, as it is unconstitutional.
The ruling comes after Penelope Douglas Stone from The Stone/Beattie Studio took CABS, RBZ and ministry of finance to court over a US$142 000 deposit in its building society’s account.
Justice Happias Zhou granted the application on the grounds that the RBZ decision was not legally and morally justified, to change the currency of a bank account by simply renaming it.
The court ordered CABS, the applicants’ 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.
One more Zimbabwean has recovered from the coronavirus bringing the total to 13.
All those tested yesterday were negative which means Zimbabwe remains with 37 cases of whom 13 have recovered and four have died.
So far 24 890 people have been tested.
The number of active cases has been reduced to 20 with the majority being in Bulawayo which has 11 cases. Harare is now down to four, with Mashonaland West having another four and one in Mashonaland East.
There are no coronavirus cases in six other provinces-Matebeleland South, Matebeleland North, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.
Some 4.4 million cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the world of which 2.5 million are active.
A total of 298 442 people have died of the virus.
The highest number are in the United States which has 85 197, followed by the United Kingdom with 33 186 and Italy with 31 106.
As the People’s party, the MDC Alliance is totally appalled and strongly condemns the evil abduction of our Youth Assembly leaders, national Deputy Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organising Secretary Netsai Marowa and Secretary for Policy and Research Hon. Joana Mamombe (MP).
We demand their unconditional and immediate release.
This must be followed up with a strong reprimand and disciplinary action against all the repressive apparatus involved in the abductions including the individuals who gave the orders.
As the People’s party, we have no doubt that our Youth Assembly leaders forced disappearances has the tacit approval of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimate regime.
Indeed, the illegitimate regime has been at the centre of using abductions as a strategy to deal with dissent.
This unrepentant behavior of the regime is at the centre of Zimbabwe’s isolation from the family of nations.
It has no place in modern day society.
The People’s party calls upon all the progressive forces for democracy both nationally and internationally to confront this ever-growing trend of State sanctioned forced disappearances.
Indeed, this latest incident of the abduction of our Youth Assembly leaders must not be viewed in isolation at all.
For example, in January of 2019, several MDC Alliance members were abducted only to be dumped at police stations after being tortured for hours.
Then there has also been the abductions of comedians, trade union leaders including the then leader of the Hospital Doctors Association Dr. Peter Magombeyi.
Worse still, some of the people abducted in the past like Itai Dzamara and Patrick Nabanyama are still yet to be found while some like Tonderai Ndira were killed in cold blood and their bodies found chopped into pieces.
As the People’s party, we would like state it in unequivocal terms that these abductions which are a gross Crime Against Humanity; are totally unacceptable and must come to an end forthwith.
In any case, Zimbabweans have a legal right to join, form or participate in activities of political parties of their own choice in line with Section 67 of the national Constitution.
In a new Zimbabwe led by our People’s government, such kind of repressive behaviour and conduct will not be tolerated nor accepted.
Peace, justice and freedom shall be guaranteed to all Zimbabweans regardless of their political affiliations or divergent views.
Issued by the MDC Alliance Department of Communications
Our attention has been drawn to the use of a wrong picture to accompany a story about one of our local footballers who was spotted playing social soccer during the Coronavirus Lockdown.
We wish to retract and apologise for the wrong use of the image of Edmore Chirambadare in our news article on the 11th of May entitled “Professional Footballer Spotted Playing Social Soccer In Budiriro During Lockdown.”
We inadvertently used his image instead of the image of Michelle Katsvairo of Highlanders Football Club in our story.
We regret the inadvertent error and apologise to Chirambadare, his fans and his club for any inconvenience the use of his image may have caused him.
The Zimbabwean Human Rights NGO Forum has accused the government of attempting to do a hostile takeover of kombis through Zupco.
Under the current Level 2 Coronavirus lockdown, kombis are not allowed to operate. Buses operating under the ZUPCO banner are however allowed to operate. The government has asked private transport operators to register as ZUPCO transporters in order to be classified as official service providers.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said the move is unfair and has been considered a hostile takeover attempt:
Statutory Instrument (SI) 99 of 2020 Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) National Lockdown (Amendment Order No.5, 2020) stipulated that public buses are the only mode of public transport allowed. Omnibus like Kombis and smaller taxis are still not permitted to operate.
Private transport operators have been negatively affected by the pronouncement. According to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo, private transport operators to be classified as official service providers have to register with Zupco so that they can operate during the lockdown period. However, coercing private transport operators to join Zupco is an unfair practice and private transport operators have seen the move as a hostile takeover of their business.
Burundi has ordered the World Health Organization (WHO) official to leave the country. The official was directed to vacate the country alongside three other health experts over utterances that Burundi government is operating in denial.
Foreign Affairs Ministry declared the WHO official Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo and three others as ‘persona non grata’ and gave them 24 hour ultimatum to leave the country.
Dr Mulombo among Prof Tarzy Daniel, Dr Jean Pierre Murunda and Dr Ruhana Mirindi Bisimwa were declared ‘personna non grata’ in Burundi by doubting the figures given by the ministry of health about Covid-19 infections in the country.
Burundi has been on the chopping board with critics blaming the authorities for negligence by holding elections in the midst of a pandemic. The elections slated for May 20 have precipitated campaign rallies with various candidates traversing the country soliciting for votes.
There are only 15 confirmed cases of Covid-19 cases in Burundi with one fatality recorded.
By A Correspondent- Journalist Zenzele Ndebele has alleged that Nelson Chamisa’s Deputy Lynette Karenyi Kore is part of Thokozani Khupe’s MDC T Standing Committee.
Zenzele alleged that he has the V11s to prove that Kore was contributing to deliberations being made on that group.
He posted on twitter:
“At 11 am I will publish Kore’s chats participating in an MDCT standing committee what’s app group yesterday. I asked her this morning and she admitted it’s her then blocked me when I asked why she is in an MDCT what’s app group.”
While efforts to get a comment from VP Kore were futile by the time of publishing, ZimEye was informed Kore is not at all against her boss. Senator Lilian Timveous speaking in a forum described the story as fake news- THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.
The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) have urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to ensure that legislator Joana Mamombe and two other MDC Alliance officials, who were reportedly arrested on Wednesday, are found.
Harare West legislator, Joanna Mamombe who is also the Nelson Chamisa led party’s secretary for policy and research, together with youth assembly vice-chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri and deputy organising secretary Netsai Marova were rounded up by police after the protest held in the capital’s Warren Park suburb but their whereabouts are up to now unknown.
Agency Gumbo, a lawyer for the three, said they had gone to several police stations in search of the opposition members, but could not find them, with the cops denying ever having arrested them.
This is despite the fact that police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi had earlier confirmed the arrest of MDC officials.
“[We are] concerned to hear lawyers still not told of (the) whereabouts of three female MDC officials reportedly arrested in Harare,” the UK embassy tweeted.
“[We] urge authorities to use their resources to locate (them) urgently in line with security services’ obligation to act at all times in line with Zimbabwe’s law and constitution”.
The European Union also took to the same platform to register its concern.
“We are concerned that three female MDC officials remain missing after they were reportedly arrested in Harare yesterday.
“We urge authorities to swiftly and in line with constitutional and legal obligations (to) assist lawyers and relatives to establish their whereabouts and wellbeing.”
Mfundo Mlilo, an activist, tweeted that he had received a message from Mamombe on Wednesday, telling him that she had been arrested.
He said he organised food and lawyers and went to Harare Central Police station, where he expected to find Mamombe, but the police denied ever having arrested her.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has said it will be filing a court application in order to force the authorities to reveal where the MDC officials are.
Despite loud calls for his resignation by his own All Basotho Convention (ABC) party, coalition partners, the opposition and civic organisations, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane is stalling in the hope that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will help him secure immunity from prosecution.
However, analysts warn the regional body against supporting such a deal. They say this would set a dangerous precedent where politicians would be emboldened to commit crimes safe in the knowledge that they are guaranteed immunity when they leave power.
Analysts further warn that SADC risks soiling its own image by practicing double standards. This is because the regional body has previously recommended the prosecution of Mr Thabane’s political rivals and members of the security agencies accused of serious crimes and fueling instability from 2014 to 2017.
Since the beginning of the year, Mr Thabane has come under intense pressure from his own ABC party to step down. The party considers him a liability especially after he and his wife, Maesaiah Thabane, were implicated in the 14 June 2017 murder of his ex-wife, Lipolelo Thabane.
The party says it cannot have a murder suspect in charge of government. Even before this, the veteran leader was already under intense pressure to go from the party faction aligned to his ABC deputy Professor Nqosa Mahao.
The pro-Mahao ABC’s national executive committee (NEC) accuses Mr Thabane of dictatorial tendencies and flouting the will of party members after he refused to accept the February 2019 election of Prof Mahao and others into the NEC.
The ABC has since agreed a deal with the main opposition Democratic Congress (DC) to form a new government which excludes Mr Thabane. Two of Mr Thabane’s three current coalition partners, namely Thesele Maseribane of the Basotho National Party (BNP) and Keketso Rantšo of the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL) support the moves to oust him.
They have also been joined by the Lekhetho Rakuoane-led opposition Popular Front for Democracy (PFD).
This leaves Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki’s Alliance of Democrats (AD) as the only party backing Mr Thabane’s bid to remain in office.
Despite all the forces ranged against him, Mr Thabane continues to cling on, insisting that he will only consider stepping down at the end of July 2020 and even then, he will only go on his own terms.
The ABC and the opposition are having none of this and insist that he should go without further delay. Over the past three weeks the South African-led SADC mediation team has visited the country twice to break the deadlock and expedite Mr Thabane’s departure.
South African special envoy, Jeff Radebe has even issued a communique, saying Mr Thabane must be allowed to leave office with “dignity, grace and security”.
This has been interpreted by some analysts as an indication that SADC favours a compromise deal to allow Mr Thabane to go in exchange for immunity from prosecution for Lipolelo’s murder.
But such a compromise would be a big mistake, according to political analyst and Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) director Tsikoane Peshoane.
Mr Peshoane says SADC appears to be contradicting itself and practicing double standards by calling for Mr Thabane to be guaranteed a safe, dignified and secure exit when the regional body is fully aware that he faces murder charges.
“SADC’s apparent endorsement of a deal to give Thabane’s safe exit is an oversight on the part of the regional body,” Mr Peshoane said in an interview this week.
“SADC is likely to find itself practicing double-standards as it had already prescribed mechanisms for dealing with such alleged crimes,” he said.
He was referring to the Justice Mpaphi Phumaphi-led SADC commission of inquiry’s 2016 recommendations for the prosecution of politicians and members of the security agencies accused of the June 2015 murder of army commander Lieutenant General Maaparankoe as well as other human rights violations.
Former army commander, Lt-Gen Kamoli, was forced to retire on 1 December 2016 by SADC. He is one of those who have been charged with murder in line with the SADC recommendations. Lt-Gen Kamoli has also been charged with treason in connection with the 30 August 2014 attempted coup against Mr Thabane’s first government. He has been charged alongside Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader Mothetjoa Metsing and his Movement for Economic Change (MEC) counterpart Selibe Mochoboroane.
SADC has also assisted the police to investigate the 5 September 2017 assassination of army commander Lt-Gen Khoantle Motšomotšo allegedly by Colonel Tefo Hashatsi, Brigadier Bulane Sechele and other soldiers.
The regional body also helped the police to investigate the Lipolelo murder. Overally, the approach of SADC has been that all crimes must be investigated and prosecuted. Any attempts to shield Mr Thabane would thus contradict this approach, analysts say.
Mr Thabane thus far appears determined to avoid prosecution.
He has filed a Constitutional Court application to stop the courts from trying him while he remains in office. In a bid to ensure that he will never be prosecuted even after he leaves office, Mr Thabane has told the SADC mediation team that he is prepared to leave immediately only if he is guaranteed immunity.
But as analyst and prominent lawyer Advocate Letuka Molati says, SADC had already set a precedent where politicians and others are tried for their alleged crimes. He warned the regional body against double standards just to save Mr Thabane from prosecution.
“SADC set a precedent through the Phumaphi Commission’s recommendations and its subsequent assistance to Lesotho to investigate other crimes. All suspects should be tried for their alleged crimes regardless of their status.
“Why should Thabane be treated differently now? The prime minister should be prosecuted in terms of the applicable laws of Lesotho even when he leaves office,” Adv Molati said.
National University of Lesotho (NUL) Political Science lecturer, Mohlomi Mahlelebe, said SADC should not even be listening to Mr Thabane’s demand for immunity in the first place. He said Lesotho was a sovereign state which has its own laws regarding the prosecution of suspects.
He said the fact that the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security is currently led by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa- himself a man with a long record of human rights abuses- probably explained why SADC was even willing to listen to Mr Thabane’s demands for immunity.
He however warned that the regional body’s credibility, which has already taken a huge battering for its failure to resolve the crises in Zimbabwe and other member countries, would suffer more if it protected Mr Thabane.
“Prime Minister Thabane is among the African leaders who are said to have committed serious political offences in the past and he should be made to account for his iniquity.
“Should Thabane be offered immunity from prosecution, SADC’s credibility would suffer more. SADC should allow the courts in Lesotho to deal with the Thabane (murder) case,” Mr Mahlelebe said.
What is sauce for the goose should therefore be sauce for the gander. SADC should not risk further soiling its image by allowing one set of rules for Mr Thabane and another for the rest of Lesotho’s politicians who have already been prosecuted for crimes at the behest of the regional body.
Lesotho will not know peace and stability if SADC helps to set a new precedent where some politicians are shielded from prosecution for their alleged crimes.
There has been a fresh twist in the arrest/enforced disappearance of MDC secretary for policy and Harare West legislator Joanna Mamombe, youth assembly vice-chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri and deputy organising secretary Netsai Marowa by police in Harare on Wednesday.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that the trio was arrested for holding an unsanctioned demonstration in Warren Park suburb.
However, on Thursday, MDC Alliance Secretary for Welfare Maureen Kademaunga visited Harare Central Police with their lawyers but the Officer In Charge insisted that they never arrested the trio.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ass Comm. Nyathi promised to give more details following the arrest of the trio.
He said:
There was an unsanctioned demonstration that took place in Warren Park. Police are still conducting some investigations over the matter.
Yes, there are some people who have been picked up over the demo, but we will give finer details later.
People should desist from engaging in illegal activities such as unsanctioned demonstrations, especially this time when the nation is fighting the coronavirus.
On behalf of families of Harare West legislator Hon. Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marowa, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has filed a Habeas Corpus application seeking to compel Zimbabwe Republic Police members to investigate and determine the whereabouts of the three missing persons within 12 hours of the granting of a court order.
Former MDC Vice President Engineer Elias Mudzuri says the party has been infiltrated by individuals who do not follow the founding values of the labour backed opposition movement.
Mudzuri added that the party was now forcing its members of parliament to tow the party instead of engaging with them.
“Fascism starts with unwarranted intimidation of respectable Members of Parliament so as to coerce them to tow the line. Party deployees must be treated with the dignity and respect commensurate with their status in society to avoid putting the name of the party into disrepute.” He said.
Mudzuri one of the three MDC senators who have broken ranks with the main MDC faction led by Nelson Chamisa and is warming up to the new leadership of the smaller faction led by Thokozani Khupe.
President Mnangagwa hints at lockdown extension indicating that his priority is to save lives first before the economy. President Mnangagwa yesterday said he was under pressure to lift the national lockdown and re-open the country’s economy but indicated that his priority is to save lives first before the economy. The extended lockdown is set to end on May 17.
Mnangagwa further indicated that he was considering extending the 11-member inter-ministerial taskforce set up to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The MDC STUDENTS COUNCIL is greatly disturbed by the disappearance of three female youth assembly leaders, Vice Chairperson Cecelia Chimbiri, Secretary for Policy and Research Hon Joanna Mamombe and our Deputy organizer Netsai Marova who is also our former Students Council Deputy Organizer
We demand for the immediate and unconditional release of these three who were abducted at a road block by ZANU PF’s agents of oppression while exercising their rights to demonstrate against the shenanigans of the regime and effects of the lockdown such as hunger and poverty in Zimbabwe.
Their only crime is expressing themselves and the response by the government is a clear indication that it has no answer to our bitter cries. It is abundantly clear that the illegitimate government continues declaring war on us and we cannot take it anymore.
These actions by the clueless and ruthless regime of abducting members of the opposition and torturing them are not going to deter us from demanding for the Zimbabwe we want. As Students we say enough is enough, we will not be silenced until they abduct us all!
Our message to the illegitimate government is clear. The period of oppression is over, the misery it has caused in citizens is enough. It’s time for resistance and we are not retreating.
THREE boys cheated death over the weekend after they were attacked by two lions in Chief Musikavanhu’s area in Chipinge.
Two of them were injured while the other escaped unharmed.
One of the victims was released from hospital yesterday, while the second is recovering from injuries sustained during the attack.
The boys, who were on their way to a crop field, were attacked as they passed through a place where the lions were feasting on a donkey they had killed earlier.
The lions are suspected to have strayed from nearby game parks.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident yesterday saying: “Our animals are overpopulated and they then encroach into human settlements in search of water and food.”
The incident came after wild animals have killed 20 people in the last three months and injured the same number, including the two boys.
Lions are understood to be presently terrorising villagers in Bikita, where they are killing cattle and ZimParks has since deployed officers to the district to monitor the situation.
Mr Farawo said the human-wildlife conflicts were expected to escalate as Zimbabwe moved into winter, when there was a shortage of water and food in game parks, resulting animals moving into communities.
He expressed concern over the damage inflicted by wild animals in communities which were also losing crops to buffaloes and elephants and urged people to provide ZimParks with information so that they could be assisted quickly.
In rare cases, troublesome animals are put down while in others, they are scared away.
Multiple users of NetOne & TelOne reported that they faced network problems around 2PM today – with both service providers leaving users in the dark.
NetOne users couldn’t call or use the USSD to purchase airtime and other services. TelOne users had access to the internet disrupted briefly. The knowledge we have suggests the problems may have started around 2:55 PM.
It’s not clear just how many users were affected and for how long but it seems whatever the problem was it has been resolved now and service has been restored for both sets of customers.
263chat|Exiled former Zanu PF politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo has confessed that he at some point in 2018 contemplated joining the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC Alliance) led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa though he now feels political parties are no longer the best instrument to force change of government.
Responding to an Open Parly Twitter Chat, Professor Moyo called on Zimbabweans to work together beyond the boundary of political parties if the country is to realise change of administration.
“No I have never ever thought of joining the MDC but in 2018 the thought of joining the MDC Alliance crossed my mind. But only just. That thought has since been overtaken by the clear and present need for Zimbabweans to work together beyond the boundaries of political parties,” said Moyo.
He added that he no longer has time to waste in party politics as it is an outdated instrument of change.
“I have no time to waste in party politics. In any event, I think political parties are outdated as instruments for reforms or real change in Zimbabwe. What’s now needed is a broad movement of coalitions,” added Moyo.
He also rubbished the idea of a National Transitional Authority though he reckoned that it could be a problem to an unknown problem in the country.
“I have never called for a National Transitional Authority (NTA) but I have recognised that there are some in our midst who want it. So far an NTA is a solution to an unknown problem. Political solutions must make manifest sense in relation to the problems they seek to resolve,” said Professor Moyo.
Professor Moyo left Zimbabwe in November 2017 following a military coup which displaced the then President the late Robert Mugabe replacing him with his long time confidante Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Since then, he has become a strong critic of Mnangagwa’s administration.
Serie A clubs have agreed to resume the campaign on June 13 following the coronavirus suspension since mid-March.
The League released a statement after a meeting held on Wednesday.
“Regarding the resumption of sporting activity, the date of June 13 June for the resumption of the championship was indicated, in accordance with government decisions and in accordance with the medical protocols for the protection of players and all professionals,” read the statement.
The Italian top flight, however, still requires government approval before it can officially confirm play will resume on June 13.-Soccer 24
The English FA has taken FIFA to court over Chelsea’s transfer ban which was imposed in February last year.
The London-based side was sanctioned for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. The ban sanction was reduced following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport [CAS] in December.
The FA was also punished for not doing enough to guarantee Chelsea followed the rules and fined US$358,000 after an initial appeal.
It was also given six months “to address the situation concerning the international transfer and first registration of minors in football.”
The association has now lodged an appeal at CAS over FIFA’s disciplinary processes, hoping to get their sanction reduced also. The case will be heard on 26 June.
And with coronavirus crisis still ongoing, the appeal will be heard via video conference or settled through written submissions.
Chelsea will not be involved in the legal hearing but their case could influence proceedings.-Soccer 24
What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks.
Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks.
However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses.
Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.
This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information like/ follow our Facebook page:
Farai Dziva|Former Warriors and Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa has revealed that he once considered rejoining the Harare giants two years ago.
Pasuwa won a record-breaking four consecutive league titles with DeMbare between 2011-14 before assuming the reigns at the senior men’s national soccer team.
The Nyasa Bullets head coach has now revealed he contemplated rejoining the blue and white army but couldn’t do so because of the respect he has for Lloyd Mutasa, who he would have replaced had he agreed to take the offer.
“Remember, when I arrived at Dynamos as a coach back in 2011, it was Lloyd (Mutasa) who was in charge,” he told The Herald.
“I really wanted to come back but the fact that it was Mutasa again in charge made me think otherwise. iwouldn’t do that. It would have appeared as if I was backbiting my friend (Mutasa) and the fact that I had agreed to take, over seven years before, would have read like a series and soap opera with the same actors,” explained the gaffer.
Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has urged the opposition MDC supporters not to vote for poor politicians saying they will end up serving their interests ahead of the nation and their party.
Mliswa was commenting on the power tussles currently bedevilling the MDC saying the real drama will begin when the house resumes sitting.
“MDC-A/MDC-T showdown and saga will only take off once Parliament resumes sitting. It’s obvious that those not supporting Chamisa are those who won’t win the elections. It only makes sense for them to be aligned with Khupe,” said Mliswa.
He questioned the rationale of the the legislators who have chosen to follow Dr Thokozani Khupe saying it could be those who are sure they will not win elections.
“BUT that begs the question- how far will they go with Khupe? This is a lesson for the electorate- never vote for poor politicians as it’s obvious they will serve their interests first before they look to taking care of anyone else.
“This is why it’s important for public office bearers to declare their assets. I also foresee the international community bear down hard on ZANU – PF Govt as they will deem the development as an undemocratic process. They will not say anything but they will quietly act,” said Mliswa.
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is to blame for the persecution of MDC Alliance Youth leaders, the country’s main opposition party has said.
See full statement below :
As the People’s party, the MDC Alliance is totally appalled and strongly condemns the evil abduction of our Youth Assembly leaders, national Deputy Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organising Secretary Netsai Marowa and Secretary for Policy and Research Hon. Joana Mamombe (MP).
We demand their unconditional and immediate release.
This must be followed up with a strong reprimand and disciplinary action against all the repressive apparatus involved in the abductions including the individuals who gave the orders.
As the People’s party, we have no doubt that our Youth Assembly leaders forced disappearance has the tacit approval of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimate regime.
Indeed, the illegitimate regime has been at the centre of using abductions as a strategy to deal with dissent.
This unrepentant behavior of the regime is at the centre of Zimbabwe’s isolation from the family of nations.
It has no place in modern day society.
The People’s party calls upon all the progressive forces for democracy both nationally and internationally to confront this ever-growing trend of State-sanctioned forced disappearances.
Indeed, this latest incident of the abduction of our Youth Assembly leaders must not be viewed in isolation at all.
For example, in January of 2019, several MDC Alliance members were abducted only to be dumped at police stations after being tortured for hours.
Then there has also been the abductions of comedians, trade union leaders including the then leader of the Hospital Doctors Association Dr. Peter Magombeyi.
Worse still, some of the people abducted in the past like Itai Dzamara and Patrick Nabanyama are still yet to be found while some like Tonderai Ndira were killed in cold blood and their bodies found chopped into pieces.
As the People’s party, we would like state it in unequivocal terms that these abductions which are a gross Crime Against Humanity; are totally unacceptable and must come to an end forthwith.
In any case, Zimbabweans have a legal right to join, form or participate in activities of political parties of their own choice in line with Section 67 of the national Constitution.
In a new democratic Zimbabwe led by our People’s government, such kind of repressive behaviour and conduct will not be tolerated nor accepted.
Peace, justice and freedom shall be guaranteed to all Zimbabweans regardless of their political affiliations or divergent views.
Issued by the MDC Alliance Department of Communications
By A Correspondent- Canada in Zimbabwe has revealed that it is worried about the safety of the MDC Alliance activists who were reportedly arrested yesterday but whose whereabouts are now unknown.
The development comes after the Zimbabwe republic police this afternoon said the missing youth leaders were not in police custody.
Said Canada in Zimbabwe:
We are worried about the safety of the three female MDC officials who were reported missing last night. We call on authorities to investigate and to assist their lawyers and families locate them.
— Canada in Zimbabwe (@CanEmbZimbabwe) May 14, 2020
Added the MDC London Branch…
In other words this operation has been taken over by the military.Outside the protection of the law, these ladies are in a situation of utter vulnerability and are especially at risk of being tortured or executed with complete impunity.@DominicRaab@UKinZimbabwe @PeterHainhttps://t.co/RzQef7E4nE
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly is abundantly concerned about the continued forced disappearance of our top female leaders, Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Policy and Research Secretary Hon Joana Mamombe.
We have no any ounce of doubt that the trio are being illegally held incommunicado by the State.
There is every reason for us to believe that the State is responsible for the forced disappearance of our female comrades especially given that all of the trio unambiguously indicated that they were taken to Harare Central Police Station soon after what was perceived to be an arrest at a roadblock near Showgrounds.
It is very clear that the rogue regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa is testing waters by continually holding the trio incommunicado.
Unfortunately they are testing the depth with both feet and that is very dangerous!
We had enough of this kind of fascist-like nonsense since Emmerson Mnangagwa took over the reigns through a coup.
Simply put, the regime has outstretched our patience and like any normal beings we are forced to react with equal force.
We demand the immediate release of our female leaders unscathed or else we release our anger through a language best understood by dictators!
No to abductions!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma *MDCAllianceYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
A cornered robber, who was allegedly part of a gang that stole US$59 000 from a businessman after posing as police officers enforcing lockdown regulations in Harare city centre, surrendered himself to the police, a court heard.
Nyaradzai Wisdom Mazviwanza (34) appeared at the Harare magistrates court yesterday charged with robbery. He was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before magistrate Richard Ramaboa, who remanded him out of custody to May 27. Three alleged accomplices – Simba Kanyepi (24), an illegal foreign currency dealer who works for and stays with the victim, Hemish Chagadama (32) and Shingai Mazviwanza (29) – have since been arrested after robbing Mr Luke Kwezera. They were each freed on $5 000 bail.
It is alleged that on April 24, Mr Kwezera decided to go to a car sale in Newlands to see a client who wanted a lot of cash in United States dollars. At around midday Kanyepi, who was in the same car as Mr Kwezera, texted Chagadama and Shingai Mazviwanza and told them that his boss was carrying US$59 000 in his car. He disclosed where it was hidden and where they were going. The gang members raced to the same car sale.
They told Kanyepi not to continue texting them since they had spotted the two and were following them. After the intended money transaction had failed, Mr Kwezera passed through town on his way home. Chagadama, Mazviwanza and others who are still at large suddenly blocked Mr Kweredza’s car at the intersection of Sam Nujoma Street and Robert Mugabe Road in the city centre.
Three of the robbers were wearing police uniform and holding batons. They reportedly confronted Mr Kwezera demanding his permit to move around since the country was under lockdown. Then they allegedly slapped him, took his car keys from the ignition, handcuffed and bundled him into the back seat. They searched him and took his three cellphones, a Samsung J4, Samsung M30 and Samsung M20.
In the melee, a silver Mercedes Benz arrived with other members of the gang. The gang grabbed the US dollars, and kept Mr Kwezera and Kanyepi who was still pretending to be a victim, in his car saying they were driving the two to Rhodesville Police Station.
Instead, they drove Mr Kwezera’s vehicle to the roundabout at the intersection of Mutare Road and Harare Drive, where they removed the handcuffs and dumped him. Chagadama and Mazviwanza bought vehicles with their share of the loot two days after the robbery.
By A Correspondent- Journalist Zenzele Ndebele has alleged that Nelson Chamisa’s Deputy Lynette Karenyi Kore is part of Thokozani Khupe’s MDC T Standing Committee.
Zenzele alleged that he has the V11s to prove that Kore was contributing to deliberations being made on a whatsapp group deliberating the upcoming MDC T congress and the party’s strategies.
He posted on twitter:
“At 11 am I will publish Kore’s chats participating in an MDC- T standing committee what’s app group yesterday. I asked her this morning and she admitted it’s her then blocked me when I asked why she is in an MDCT what’s app group.”
Efforts to get a comment from VP Kore were futile by the time of publishing.
All MDC Alliance MPs, in line with their party directive, were conspicuous with their absence in the Industry and Commerce Parliamentary Committee meeting held on Thursday the 14th of May 2020.
Members from as far afield as Hwange and some within a kilometre of the precincts of Parliament, failed to attend this crucial Industry and Commerce committee meeting.
The Zanu PF members who came for the meeting noted that the absence of the hard thinking and strategic minded MDC Alliance MPs made them to have the shortest meeting ever in this committee as the brains behind the committee did not pitch up.
Comprehensive decisions could not be made as Zanu PF feared that they would make unhealthy choices on their own. Even though all Zanu members were present, the Chairperson of the committee complained that he missed the vibrancy of the MDC Alliance members who always made the meetings to be lively with sound debate.
The MDC Alliance think-tank MPs who did not attend the Industry and Commerce Parliamentary Committee meeting were;
Hon C Moyo Hon W Sansole Hon L Mukapiko Hon Banda Hon E Mushoriwa Hon Tarusenga Hon Chikudo Hon L Chimina Hon I Nyoni
Farai Dziva|The chairperson of the MDC Alliance Women’s Assembly, Paurina Mpariwa has described the arrest of three MDC youth leaders as a desperate attempt to muzzle democratic voices in the country.
See full statement below :
The news on the arrest of Deputy Youth Chair, cde Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organising Secretary cde Netsai Marowa and the Secretary for Policy and Research Hon Joana Mamombe showed me that the Government is in panic mode.
The three ladies were arrested at a roadblock near the show grounds and their whereabouts remain unknown.
They communicated with other Youth leaders and told them that they were at Harare Central Police Station.
Their lawyers and party leadership looked for them there and could not find them.
My fear as a mother now is that the police are going to harm them since it is known to be their Modus Operandi.
They want to instil fear in the people because they know the power lies with the people.
They know pretty well that the people of Zimbabwe are dying of hunger under lockdown and they know that the masses are angry that they want to impose leaders on them.
These youths are the leaders of the future Zimbabwe and all what they are demanding is their rights and freedoms. They are harmless youths with no guns at all and the police had no right to arrest them without a crime. If they had committed a crime, the police was just supposed to open a docket, but alas this did not happen.
I am appealing to all progressive forces to help us search for our children. They are innocent and do not deserve this.
Lastly I would like to urge all women structures of the party to join hands with me as we search for our children and expose the government of their terrorist behaviour. This is a barbaric act that can only be done by cowards who think they can stop the wind of change by arresting those in leadership. The people of Zimbabwe shall liberate themselves from bondage. Rise up women of Zimbabwe!
The time is now! It’s now or never! We demand the release of Cecilia, Joanna and Netsai NOW! Wathinthu’mama, Wathinti’mbokodo Womandla!!!!!!!
Paurina Mpariwa (Hon) Chairperson – MDC Alliance Assembly of Women
VETERAN radio and TV sportscaster Spencer Banda is in trouble as dozens of former students of Sodbury High School where his father was a principal are accusing him of raping and sexually abusing them multiple times.
This is not the first time Banda, a former ZBC TV presenter, has been accused of rape.
In 2006, while he was still in the employ of ZBC, Banda was arrested and charged with rape. He appeared before Chinhoyi magistrate Mr. Wantson Chagwiza to answer to the charges, involving two girls, both aged 14, whom he allegedly raped. It remains unclear how the case was concluded, but Banda eventually did not go to prison
Now, the at Sodbury Secondary School, located in Mashonaland West, Darwendale area, some 65 km from Harare and near Inkomo Barracks, which is allegedly owned by Spencer Banda, allegations of rape against Banda have resurfaced.
Former students at the school have formed a social media platform, supported by women’s rights activists and lawyers, to expose the popular sportscaster who they allege raped them.
Among the prominent people supporting the call for the arrest of Spencer is Olinda Chapel, a UK-based socialite, who has promised to ensure Spencer is arrested before the weekend.
Students in the WhatsApp group have also confronted Spencer and his wife after adding them to the group.
Spencer admitted to falling in love with the underage girls, but denied ever sleeping with any of them, in a chat seen by this publication. He profusely apologized and pleaded with the former students, who are now parents, to forgive him.
In 2018, Spencer Banda was allegedly bashed by a Harare man after having been caught red-handed with the man’s wife.
Watch the video loading below as former students of Sodbury narrate how they were raped by Spencer Banda at the school around 1998 to 2001.
Farai Dziva|Prominent social humanity scientist, Prosper Tiringindi has accused Zanu PF of using COVID-19 donations to advance its political interests.
According to Tiringindi, Zanu PF is using COVID-19 donations to campaign for the 2023 elections.He also accused Zanu PF of insincerity.
“Zanu PF is distributing COVID-19 aid through its members and structures.
Perceived opponents are being left out of the distribution processes happening simultaneously countrywide.
In actual fact Zanu PF is already campaigning for the 2023 elections using the same donations.
That is how Zanu PF manipulates votes.In addition the ruling party uses intimidation, violence and gerrymandering to influence election results,” said Tiringindi.
Farai Dziva|Prominent social humanity scientist, Prosper Tiringindi has accused Zanu PF of using COVID-19 donations to advance its political interests.
According to Tiringindi, Zanu PF is using COVID-19 donations to campaign for the 2023 elections.He also accused Zanu PF of insincerity.
“Zanu PF is distributing COVID-19 aid through its members and structures.
Perceived opponents are being left out of the distribution processes happening simultaneously countrywide.
In actual fact Zanu PF is already campaigning for the 2023 elections using the same donations.
That is how Zanu PF manipulates votes.In addition the ruling party uses intimidation, violence and gerrymandering to influence election results,” said Tiringindi.
By A Correspondent- Radio personality Spencer Banda speaks in an exclusive interview with ZimEye after he allegedly raped several girls including a 13 year old girl who narrated her ordeal to this publication.
The victim, one of the over 20 victims said Spencer forced himself on her the first time and failed to penetrate because she was still a vi_rgin and a minor.
However, he later instructed a prefect and the headboy to call the girl while others were sleeping from the dormitory and raped her twice at the classrooms.
She however contracted gonorrhea and her parents did not make a police report despite the doctor confirming that she had a sexually transmitted infection.
“My mother instead accused me of sleeping with older men and never gave me a chance to say my side of the story…. Spencer, i hope you get what you deserve for what you did to me and many other girls.”
Watch the live video loading below as several victims opened up on their horrendous ordeal…..
Farai Dziva|A list of top 15 Zimbabwean “prophets” has torched social media storm and the majority of users are sceptical of their credentials.
Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi of the anointed love portion herb, Twabam, Uebert Angel and Walter Magaya are among those on the list.The list is circulating on various social media platforms.
The majority of social media users say the credibility of the “prophets” is questionable while their ardent followers believe they are anointed servants of God.
Below is the list:
Uebert Angel- miracle money
Emmanuel Makandiwa- miracle baby
Walter Magaya – Aguma herb
Utahwashe- miracle money
Passion Java- shona tounges
T Freddy – miracle spectacles
Madzibaba Enoch – Coronavirus prophecy
Madzibaba Mozie – miracle wealth
Isaac Makomichi – Love potion herb
Chiza- political prophecies
Madungwe- claimed to have braai with God
Sanyangore- claimed to walk on top of water
Miracle Paul- miracle temple to see life events
Madzibaba Israel coca cola – claimed to have keys to Christianity 15.Madzibaba Steven go back to sender
By A Correspondent- The Covid-19 testing laboratory in Bulawayo, which has been struggling to clear a backlog of about 700 cases, has stopped conducting tests due to a critical shortage of consumables.
The state media however reported that government is already looking into the issue.
This was revealed yesterday by the director of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Applied Genetic Testing Centre, Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini.
Mr Dhlamini made the remarks during a tour of Nust by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation and Science Technology Development Deputy Minister Raymore Machingura to assess the university’s state of preparedness in response to the fight against Covid-19.
Mr Dhlamini attributed the latest development to the non-availability of testing kits to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at Mpilo Central Hospital’s National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTBRL). He said so far, they had conducted more than 3 000 tests at Mpilo’s NTBRL using Nust resources with an average of 350 PCR tests per day.
“There is a backlog of over 700 cases not tested and as Nust, we ended up saying we can longer continue subsidising this Covid-19 testing. The institution is not being paid for it, but we are using our resources hence we are saying until we receive the requisite resources, we are not going to be doing the testing and that is what is on the ground,” he said.
“If you go to Mpilo Central Hospital right now you will realise that there is no testing happening because the supplies are not there and it’s a sad development. I am therefore pleading with our ministry to talk with officials at the Ministry of Health and Child Care to support our team as we are using our machines without getting any compensation.”
Mr Dhlamini said Nust offered to assist the Mpilo NTBRL with qualified personnel and the real-time PCR testing machines that can be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) from various samples.
“We were made to believe that we were supposed to be capacitated in terms of resources for testing and all we got were donated PRC testing kits and there was nothing else in terms of consumables. We were being promised that these things are coming and we kept on telling the relevant authorities that we are coming from the Nust innovation hub where our role is to make money by DNA testing for the institution,” he said.
“Now we have moved our equipment and staff to Mpilo and we are no longer doing our core business, which is generating funds for the university through DNA testing and to make matters worse we were not given consumables.”
Mr Dhlamini said despite lending the Ministry of Health and Child Care their laboratory equipment such as micro-centric tubes, the university is not getting enough support.
“We have sent numerous emails to different people including the Minister of Finance and Economic Development who was here recently and he promised to look into this issue, but nothing is coming through. There is need at that level to say that someone has to pay because we can’t be doing charity work at this point in time,” he said.
Bulawayo’s Covid-19 testing started at Mpilo last month after Nust moved in some of its equipment to complement Government efforts in fighting the pandemic. Previously, tests were only conducted at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said they were seized with the matter. She said they are now engaging Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo in his capacity as the provincial representative on the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19.
“The development at Mpilo Central Hospital is unfortunate. I am aware that those people are willing and committed to do their work and I believe if they get the requisite tools, they are bound to deliver,” she said.
“I am, therefore, engaging our representative Minister July Moyo who is our representative here in Bulawayo at national taskforce level so that he looks into this issue. As Bulawayo, we regret that it has turned out that way, but we are addressing the issue and giving it the urgency that it deserves in light of this global pandemic.”
Lately, the testing centre has been overwhelmed with samples following increased tests nationally.
Acting Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo confirmed the surge in Covid-19 samples which the laboratory was not capacitated to handle. The backlog is even affecting suspected Covid-19 patients who are told to self-isolate while waiting for results.
So far, Bulawayo has recorded 12 positive Covid-19 cases with one of them being fatal. The situation has seen Bulawayo delaying retesting the 11 other Covid-19 patients to check if they have recovered. The laboratory is supposed to conduct PCR tests for Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands and Masvingo.
Contacted for comment, the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo referred questions to the director for laboratory services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Raiva Simbi who was, however, unavailable.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Machingura said he was happy with the work by Nust in assisting the nation in terms of fighting Covid-19.
“When we came here, we were very impressed with what we saw at Nust where they are producing sanitisers. We have also given them tips on how they can increase production and the thrust by Nust to engage SMEs is very encouraging,” he said.
Most of the products from Nust are taken to Natpham and Bulawayo City Council. Nust in partnership with TICOZ Enterprises, has produced 10 000 face masks.
The Ministry would like to report that today, 830 rapid screening tests and 133 PCR tests were done in both the public and private sector. All the PCR tests done today were negative for COVID-19.
Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has thirty-seven confirmed cases, including thirteen recoveries and four deaths. The latest recovery is a man from Harare who was confirmed following two consecutive PCR negative test results from samples taken at least 24 hrs apart.
Cumulatively, a total of 13 699 rapid screening tests and 11 191 PCR diagnostic tests have been done to date…
In line with our COVID-19 containment strategy, the Ministry continues to implement a comprehensive package of services, based on prevention, intensified surveillance both at community and health facility level, timely case detection, testing, isolation and management of all COVID-19 cases.
The Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to remind the nation that the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to practise good personal hygiene, always wear a face mask in public places and exercise social distancing.
Avoid touching the face mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
For assistance, please call the COVID-19 tollfree hotline number: 2019.
By A Correspondent- Self exiled former cabinet minister Prof Jonathan Moyo has said his preferred presidential candidate was Sydney Sekeramayi because he was not in a position to prepare Grace Mugabe to take over from her late husband Robert Mugabe.
Said Moyo:
I was not in a position to prepare Amai Mugabe to takeover from her husband. The chilling thought of getting involved in President Mugabe's family matters never crossed my fearful mind. And I never saw her as presidential material. My public choice was Sydney Sekeramayi!
The ZRP wishes to make it clear that the MDC Alliance members who include Johanna Mamombe, Obey Sithole, Ostallous Siziba, Stanley Manyenga and Justin Chidziva who were involved in an illegal flash demonstration on 13/5/20 in Warren Park, Harare are not in police custody.
Their lawyer has been in contact with Officer Commanding Police, Harare Province and was told to bring his clients for an interview with regards to the above cited matter. This is the official position.
Police, therefore dismisses all social media insinuations that the MDC members were either detained or are in police custody.
Their lawyer has been in contact with Officer Commanding Police, Harare Province and was told to bring his clients for an interview with regards to the above cited matter. This is the official position.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) May 14, 2020
Police, therefore dismisses all social media insinuations that the MDC members were either detained or are in police custody.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) May 14, 2020
There has been a fresh twist in the arrest/enforced disappearance of MDC secretary for policy and Harare West legislator Joanna Mamombe, youth assembly vice-chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri and deputy organising secretary Netsai Marowa by police in Harare on Wednesday.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that the trio was arrested for holding an unsanctioned demonstration in Warren Park suburb.
However, on Thursday, MDC Alliance Secretary for Welfare Maureen Kademaunga visited Harare Central Police with their lawyers but the Officer In Charge insisted that they never arrested the trio.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ass Comm. Nyathi promised to give more details following the arrest of the trio.
He said:
There was an unsanctioned demonstration that took place in Warren Park. Police are still conducting some investigations over the matter.
Yes, there are some people who have been picked up over the demo, but we will give finer details later.
People should desist from engaging in illegal activities such as unsanctioned demonstrations, especially this time when the nation is fighting the coronavirus.
By A Correspondent- A pregnant woman went into labour upon arrest on the same day she had stolen two sheep from a fellow villager in Mudzi.
Sarudzai Mukwaira, 37, gave birth to a baby boy the day she got arrested along with her accomplice niece Erina Joswa, 30 both under chief Nyamukohwo in Mudzi District.
The duo allegedly stole the sheep from Tombotiya family’s kraal and skinned them in the bush before taking the meat to their homestead.
The incident was confirmed by Mashonaland East Provincial spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza. He said:
The two women are now in police custody assisting with investigations. On Monday at around 2 am the two accused persons Sarudzai Mukwaira and Erina Joswa residing at Mukwaira village proceeded to Tombotiya’s place of residence.
Erina entered the pen and killed the sheep by strangling them whilst Sarudzai was checking if any person was coming.
They took off with sheep on their heads and went through the forest to avoid a trace of prints.
They took the stolen sheep to Sarudzai’s homestead and hid them in the wardrobe and at around 7 am, they them started skinning the animals.
Upon arrest by members of the neighbourhood watch committee, the women denied the charges but a search was conducted leading to the discovery of a dish containing two slaughtered sheep.
The suspects held pending a court appearance, Insp Mwanza added.
STATEMENT BY MDC ALLIANCE MPS FOR RURAL CONSTITUENCIES Perturbed by the 31st of March 2020 SC judgement and its creation of a legal lacuna. Observing that the judgement of SC was over MDCT and not MDC Alliance recognising that MDCT and MDC Alliance contested the 2018 elections as two distinct political entities, and both parties held their respective Congresses.
Noting that there are some egocentric malcontents making futile attempts to make political capital out of the SC judgement. Convinced that the SC judgement is moot and academic and far detached from practical and realistic implementation given the changes in the MDC political landscape since 2014.
Aware of the supremacy of the courts of the people that we represent, on political matters as opposed to captured courts.
Baffled and disillusioned by the collusion of Speaker of parliament and President of Senate on one hand, and disgraceful Douglas Mwonzora (MDCT) on the other in recalling MDC Alliance MPs Hon Prosper Mutseyami, Hon Thabitha Khumalo, Hon Charlton Hwende, and Senator Lillian Timveous.
Now therefore as MDC Alliance MPs for Rural Constituencies:
-Unequivocally, unreservedly and unflinchingly declare our allegiance to MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa and his entourage duly elected at the May 2019 Congress in Gweru. -Dissociate ourselves completely from Mwonzora, Komichi and their associates as they have voluntarily and willingly ceased to be members of MDC Alliance and have joined MDCT under Thokozani Khupe.
-Fully comprehend the recall of MDC Alliance deployees by Zanu pf and its proxies as the greatest insult to a bona fide MDC Alliance party that must be resisted by all means necessary. -Amplify the voices of the rural constituencies who are far away from the public ear but remain attached to the People’s President Chamisa. -Reiterate our readiness to mobilise rural constituencies in self defence against cold and caliculated democratic and egalitarian vandalism . We therefore consummate our MDC Alliance Rural Constituencies Declaration by appending our full names and constituences we represent. Collectively, we will remain loyal to MDC Alliance leadership and urge such leadership to protect the People’s Democratic Rights and the mandate thrust upon them at the Gweru elective Congress in May 2019 1.Hon. Boniface Mushore -Mutoko North
Hon Fanuel Sibindi-Silobela 3.Hon Gift Danai Mutereko -Mudzi West 4.Hon Rosiwita Madzivire -Masvingo West 5.Hon John Kutiya -Makoni South 6.Hon Garikayi Gorejena -Mhangura
Hon Lesley Mukurazhizha —Mrewa West 8.Hon Thulani Mcumillan Ndlovu -Mazowe North 9.Hon Dr Takavafira Zhou-Mberengwa North
Hon Ellard Sauka -Goromonzi North 11.Hon Dr Masiya -Mberengwa West
Hon Progress Masocha -Masvingo North
Hon E. Marongwe – Gokwe-Mapfungautsi 14.Hon Lovemore Chinoputsa -Zaka Central 15.Hon Solom Matoro -Nyanga North
Hon P Moyo -Mberengwa East
Hon Davis Shoko -Mberengwa South
Hon Paul Mhlolo -Chivi South
Hon Canaan Matiashe -Chimanimani West
Hon Eriam Musendekwa -Gutu South
Hon Agreement Kagura -Muzarabani North
Hon Albert Mukaratirwa -Headlands 23.Alernate Innocent Dube – Chimanimani East
Hon Wilson Makanyaire -Hurungwe West 25.Hon Nyamadzawo -Zvimba South 26.Hon Clifford Hlatywayo -Chipinge South
Hon R Magunje -Hurungwe Central
Hon Patrick Tsumele -Mapengo Chiredzi South
Hon John Houghton -Kariba
Hon Jabulani Hadebe -Nkayi South 31.Hon Vumani Moyo-Insiza North
Hon Dumisani Moyo -Bubi Mat North
Hon Jaison Matewu -Buhera West 34.Hon Govha-Makoni West
Hon Zenzo Nkomo- Umguza Mat North
Hon Admire Chakwizira -Maramba Pfungwe 37.Hon Chaukura Respect -Mount Darwin East
Hon Mutodza -Chikomba West
Hon Mudisi -Zvishavane Runde
Hon Ekem Moyo -Gwanda South
Hon Vincet Sihlabo – Mangwe
Hon Stanley Manguma -Gutu West
Hon Tshuma Mduduzi – Bulilima West
Hon Moyo Solani -Bulilima East
Hon Golden Mutize -Murewa North
Hon Nicholas T. Bvanyashuro -Muzvezve
Hon Mabika Edwin-Buhera South
Hon David Siampondo-Gokwe-Kabuyuni
Hon Kudakwashe Bhadharai-Bikita West
Hon Enerst Mandigo-Gutu Central
Hon Dalumuzi Khumalo-Lupane East
Hon Mxolisi Sibanda-Lupane West
Ccc chair Witness Khumalo-Tsholotsho North
Ccc Deputy Org Secretary Innocent Zenzo Nkomo-Tsholotsho South
Hon Godfrey Munyamana-Mutare North
Hon Magunje-Hurungwe Central
Hon Mapipi -Chivi North
Hon Choruwa Tapiwa -Muzarabani South
Hon Marwisa -Gutu East 60.Hon John Dindiwe-Hurungwe North
Hon Blessing Mandava-Hurungwe East
Hon T.Kusemamuriwo-Magunje
Hon Mugari-Zvimba East
Hon Luwesi-Zvimba North
Hon E.Mbaimbai-Zvimba West
Hon T.Bvumo-Chegutu East
Hon Tigere-Makonde
Hon Dalumuzi Khumalo Lupane East
Hon Nimrod Lunga -Vungu 70.Hon Maxwell Mdhluri-Chimanimani East
Hon Charamba Dereck- Zaka East 72.Hon Mapango Mapengo – Mutoko South 73.Hon Chivhanga Henry – Chivi Central 74.Hon Silent Dube- Mhondoro Mubaira
Hon Luke Tamborinyoka -Goromonzi West
Chairman Shepherd Chitena- Makoni North 77.Hon Bonface Mudzingwa -Bikita East 78.Hon Muzira Crispen -Wedza North
Alternate Mushori Lawrence-Muzarabani North
Hon Sure Makuni – Chiredzi East
Hon Simbarashe Mukashi – Chirumanzu South Last modified: 12:11
The late businessman and Masvingo United Football Club owner Tanda “Mudhara Mhunga” Tavaruva is set to be buried today at Mangwandi Cemetery in Masvingo this Thursday.
Mudhara Mhunga died on Monday aged 84 following a long battle with diabetes and hypertension.
Family spokesperson and son Nyararai told the Daily News on Wednesday that a church service will be held at the family home at 9 am and burial was to done around lunchtime.
He said: Church service will be held at the family home at 9 am and burial should be held by lunchtime at Mangwandi Cemetery.
We have been comforted by so many people from the football fraternity and business circles who came to mourn with the family, friends and relatives.
Indeed he was a man of the people and he will carry that gift to his grave.
Tavaruva has been hailed by former “Yuna Yuna” coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere who said the late football administrator fully supported the club with his finances.
Former Masvingo United midfielder Billiard “Bomber” Muchenje said Mudhara Mhunga would visit the team while in camp especially on Sundays soon after attending the church service and this would boost the players’ morale.
By Own Correspondent| MDC Alliance legislator for Makoni Central David Tekeshe who also attended today’s parliamentary committee on agriculture session says he is not worried about recalled as he is a professional business person.
Asked if Nelson Chamisa was still his President, Tekeshe said it was a tough question before saying “I think so,” suggesting he could be part of the Thokozani Khupe camp accused of going to bed with the ruling Zanu PF.
Further asked if his open defiance of a party directive was indicative of his decision to jump ship, Tekeshe said he was just exercising his freedom of choice.
“I haven’t jumped the ship but in a democratic society you make your choices to come to the committees,” he said.
Tekeshe together with two other legislators Honourable Joyce Makonya and Hon Virginia Mafuta attended today’s parliamentary sessions in defiance of a party resolution against doing so.
The EU in Zimbabwe has expressed concern over the missing MDC Alliance activists whose whereabouts are unknown after being arrested by the police at a roadblock in Harare.
The trio, MDC Alliance MP Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are missing despite confirming that they had been arrested and were being taken to Central Police station in Harare.
Their lawyers and relatives were however told by the police after visiting several police stations in Harare that no such arrests had been made.
Said the EU in Zimbabwe:
We are concerned that 3 female MDC officials remain missing after they were reportedly arrested in Harare yesterday. We urge authorities to swiftly and in line with constitutional & legal obligations assist lawyers and relatives to establish their whereabouts and wellbeing.
— EU Delegation to Zimbabwe ?? (@euinzim) May 14, 2020
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly is abundantly concerned over the continued forced disappearance of our top female leaders, Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Policy and Research Secretary Hon Joana Mamombe.
We have no any ounce of doubt that the trio are being illegally held incommunicado by the State.
There is every reason for us to believe that the State is responsible for the forced disappearance of our female comrades especially given that all of the trio unambiguously indicated that they were taken to Harare Central Police Station soon after what was perceived to be an arrest at a roadblock near Showgrounds.
It is very clear that the rogue regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa is testing waters by continually holding the trio incommunicado.
Unfortunately they are testing the depth with both feet and that is very dangerous!
We had enough of this kind of fascist-like nonsense since Emmerson Mnangagwa took over the reigns through a coup.
Simply put, the regime has outstretched our patience and like any normal beings we are forced to react with equal force.
We demand the immediate release of our female leaders unscathed or else we release our anger through a language best understood by dictators!
No to abductions!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma *MDCAllianceYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
President Mnangagwa yesterday said he was under pressure to lift the national lockdown and re-open the country’s economy but indicated that his priority is to save lives first before the economy.
The extended lockdown is set to end on May 17. Mnangagwa further indicated that he was considering extending the 11-member inter-ministerial taskforce set up to deal with the disease.
Tuesday, residents of ward 19 wrote a petition to the council to stop the construction of a fuel retail outlet on a piece of land near C-Junction – Corner Hadzinanhanga and Mharapara roads – following a heated exchange with the area councillor and Makweza at a meeting which lasted two hours.
Chitungwiza deputy mayor Musa Makweza has been accused of presiding over the illegal allocation of a greenway to a local fuel company to develop a service station. The petition, signed by 44 people, titled Construction of Houses and Service Station at Unit K Intersection, states: “Residents have refused the building of any structures at the intersection because this is a breathing space.”
Richard Mutiti, who lost the 2018 MDC Alliance primary elections, told NewsDay that when he visited the Local Government ministry’s physical planning and State land management director Honesty Magaya on May 5 with other residents, they were told that there were no files allowing for the construction of structures at the site.
“We are against the setting up of any structure at this place. When we went to the ministry on May 5, Magaya told us that there were no files showing that the place was now supposed to have structures,” he said.
“The councillor is refusing to tell us who wants to put a service station here. He is saying he doesn’t know anything and that’s impossible.” A resident, who declined to be named, said: “I was on a call with the permanent secretary who said we should submit a petition.”
He said Makweza is the one who sold the land to a renowned fuel distributor. Chitungwiza resident and Zimbabwe Old People’s Association co-ordinator Paddington Chaparadza said:
“Yesterday, some people cut down trees claiming that they were allocated the land by the council. Surprisingly, what we heard years back was that space was meant for a roundabout and no structures should be built. There should be nothing just as we were told.”
A letter from the director of physical planning’s office written in 2011 says the greenway was to be left untouched. Makweza said he was the one who advised the residents to write a petition.
By Own Correspondent| Self exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has poured cold water on party politics saying it is an outdated instrument of achieving real change in Zimbabwe.
Responding to questions from Open Parly on their #tweetview on whether he will join his ally Saviour Kasukuwere’s political party, Moyo rubbished the idea saying he has no time to waste in politics.
“I have no time to waste in party politics. In any event, I think political parties are outdated as instruments for reforms or real change in Zimbabwe. What’s now needed is a broad movement of coalitions,” said Moyo.
Since his dismissal from Zanu PF and government following a military inspired coup in November 2017, Professor Moyo has been in self imposed exile.
He has become one of the fiercest critic of the ruling Zanu PF and is of the people behind the hashtag #Zanupfmustgo
The British Embassy in Harare has expressed concern over the enforced disappearance of three MDC Alliance activists who were arrested on Wednesday during a flash demo in Warren Park, a suburb in Harare.
In a post on Twitter, the UK Embassy urged Zimbabwean authorities to locate the missing activists and for the security services to act in line with the national Constitution. It said:
Concerned to hear lawyers still not told of whereabouts of 3 female MDC officials reportedly arrested in Harare.
Urge authorities to use their resources to locate urgently in line with security services’ obligation to act at all times in line with Zimbabwe’s law and constitution.
Earlier on Thursday, Rosely Hanzi of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said they were yet to locate the three MDC Alliance youths.
Hanzi said:
ZLHR Lawyers searched at Hre Central, Milton Park, Warren Park, Rhodesville, Mbare, Matapi, Stoddart and Braeside Police Stations, failing to locate Joana Mamombe, Cecilia and Netsai. Legally speaking, this is enforced disappearance and a violation of Section 86(3) of Constitution.
Very sad that state has a penchant of misdirecting a lot of energy, resources, time violating rights rather than comply with Constitution and investing more energy, time and resources fighting COVID-19.
Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marova and Joana Mamombe were arrested in Warren Park on Wednesday while demonstrating against the government’s failure to provide safety nets for the vulnerable during the lockdown but appear not to have been taken to a police station and their whereabouts are unknown.
By Own Correspondent| Three Members of Parliament from the opposition MDC Alliance were today spotted attending parliamentary sessions in defiance of a party resolution to disengage from any legislative activities.
The three, Virginia Mafuta, Joyce Makonya and David Tekeshe were part of legislators who attended the parliamentary committee on agriculture today.
Honourable Joyce Makonya sitting in parliament todayHonourable Virginia Mafuta avoiding the camera while sitting in parly today.
The other committee on industry did not have any MDC Alliance legislators.
Honourable Makonya later spoke to the media where she openly said she is choosing to respecting the Supreme Court ruling which nullified congresses held by the Thokozani Khupe and Chamisa camps.
Another legislator David Tekeshe also attended the same parliamentary session saying it within his freedom of choice to do so.
WATCH ZimEye.com at 1pm as a Mr Spencer Banda makes his first response to allegations of molesting schools at Sodbury High School.
Spencer Banda speaks after several reports were made against his name in incidents cited between 1999 and 2004. Several complaints came up last night to speak of what they say they witnessed; they presented their accounts to Sisi Meli on her diaries portal. Banda speaks to ZimEye.com
By A Correspondent- A Form Four pupil at Nemakonde High School, suspected to be a burglar, was shot and killed last Saturday night after being found inside a house in Orange Groove, Chinhoyi.
The 17-year-old boy, whose name is still being withheld, reportedly broke into the house at around 11 pm, apparently to steal cash and some valuables.
He was found hiding in the pantry armed with a machete and a garden fork before he was shot. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“Some of the family members were sleeping except for one who was watching television who heard some noise in the house,” he said. “He went on to check and discovered that one of the bedrooms at the house had been tampered with and alerted other family members.”
The family members suspected there was an intruder inside the house and conducted a search and the boy was found hiding in the pantry. “One of the family members then armed himself with a pistol and fired several shots, leading to the death of the suspect,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. “A report was then made to police.
“We are still carrying out investigations to ascertain what actually happened. We are also still waiting for the post-mortem results.”
Last year, a 17-year-old boy was sentenced to an effective two years in prison for stealing two cars in Harare. He was initially sentenced to three years by Harare magistrate, Mrs Babra Mateko, before she suspended one year on condition that he did not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Police in 2018 arrested a 16-year-old Dzivaresekwa boy after he allegedly stole a Honda Fit he had hired at Chitubu Shopping Centre in Glen Norah.
By A Correspondent- Former police spokesperson Charity Charamba has landed a senior government post as ambassador.
Charamba, joined the force aged 23 and was appointed the head of the press and public relations office of the Zimbabwe Republic Police in 2013 after taking over from Wayne Bvudzijena.
In April of the same year, she was promoted by Augustine Chihuri from assistant commissioner to senior assistant commissioner.
Before her elevation to senior assistant commissioner, Charamba represented Zimbabwe at the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions in Liberia where she had served at a senior level.
The development was revealed by her niece Josey Mahachi who tweeted:
One educated, experienced and professional Mukaranga I would never have any qualms with her getting a govt position. She distinguished herself well in UN missions where her leadership was a huge marketing point for the country. When people deserve appointments, we applaud. https://t.co/FMKRgntQYC
— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) May 14, 2020
By A Correspondent- Constitutional law expert and opposition politician, Professor Lovemore Madhuku says the use of excessive force by the country’s security apparatus while enforcing the country’s lockdown measures was uncalled for.
Madhuku said security services can only use force if there is resistance and they also have to follow established procedures.
In a virtual interaction with social workers Tuesday, Madhuku said state brutality on citizens was wrong.
“Security forces can only use reasonable force when reasonable force is called for,” said the constitutional lawyer.
“As a general rule, enforcement of lockdown statutory instruments does not require the use of force by security forces.
“The security forces are there to arrest people if they are posing a danger and from there, the legal processes of prosecution will take place; not to use excessive force.”
“You cannot justify force in issues that you are enforcing measures related to Covid-19. Once a law has been put as an SI (Statutory Instrument), that law has any other effect like any other law. So, there is no specific measure of enforcement that is peculiar during lockdown,” he said.
Madhuku said security forces could only use force where there was resistance.
“Security forces are not required at all to use force whether to disperse people or anything, they have to follow established procedures.
“Only if there is resistance, you would use force. The use of force is wrong and unlawful and must be totally condemned,” he said.
Meanwhile, Madhuku has said government was supposed to provide food to starving citizens during the lockdown.
“Government, in responding to Covid-19 and imposing lockdowns, has acted in good measure.
“There is a temptation that if you do things for good measure, you tend to forget that there are some certain basic rights you have to respect; that has not happened.
“The government has an obligation of providing food to vulnerable members of the community and unfortunately this has not been very forthcoming,” he said.
Madhuku is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s political parties grouping coalescing under the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) forum.
Since the lockdown was declared by President Mnangagwa March this year, there have been reports of brutalities visited upon ordinary citizens accused of violating measures imposed against the spread of coronavirus.-ZimVoice
By A Correspondent- Chimanimani legislator Joshua Sacco has confirmed that all opposition MDC Alliance legislators snubbed today’s Industry and Commerce Parliamentary committee meeting.
Sacco revealed that the committee was attended by Zanu Pf legislators making it a Zanu Pf affair 100 percent.
Said Sacco:
“All MDC Alliance MPs snubbed the meeting. It was 100 percent Zanu PF with over 12 members.”
MDC Alliance is on record revealing that following the recall of 4 of its legislators by a faction affiliated to Thokozani Khupe’s MDC T, the party was withdrawing any form of participation in parliamentary business in protest over the decision by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda to effect the request by Khupe and her allies Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Gospel star Malibongwe Gcwabe has died following a short illness. The musician passed away on Wednesday night. He was 55.
The news of the musician’s death was confirmed and shared online by his daughter Agape Gcwabe.
Writing on social media site Facebook, Agape tersely said, ” so my dad just died, jaa ne .”
Gcwabe died on Wednesday at 6 pm after a short illness.
According to his friend and promoter Luckie Shongwe, Gcwabe who was born and raised in Worcester in the Western Cape died at Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital.
The Sowetan reports that he was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after suffering from an asthma attack. Shongwe who also managed and helped Gcwabe to kick start his music career said when the singer died he was in the middle of the recording a song about Covid-19 with gospel singer Khanyisa Sabuka.
By A Correspondent- A Chimanimani teacher allegedly battered his wife to death following a scuffle over infidelity allegations.
Amos Gwinyai (38) of Makotamo village under Chief Muusha in Chimanimani, and the now-deceased, Nyasha Mudzimu, were teachers at Makondwa Secondary School in Chimanimani district.
On April 6, Gwinyai came home at around 6pm and was confronted by his wife who accused him of having an extra-marital affair.
Mudzimu allegedly accused her husband of having an extra-marital affair with a fellow teacher at the same school.
The accused reacted angrily and assaulted the now-deceased, who sustained head injuries.
Mudzimu was ferried to Mutare Provincial Hospital, where she died a few days later.
Gwinyai appeared before Mutare magistrate Tendai Mahwe on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody to May 14.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- LEAD President Linda Masarira has come our guns blazing blasting MDC Alliance youths for staging a flash demonstration while the country is on lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus adding that the missing three youths are faking their abduction.
Masarira says it is unnecessary for the misguided youths to try to create problems for the government when it is also seized with COVID-19.
She wrote on Twitter:
Cognizant of the Soren tactics which the MDCA youth have tried time and again to implement of creating a dilemma for government “dilemma action”.
I decided to do my own investigation in regard to the allegations that the MDCA trio of Joana, Cecilia and Netsai have been arrested and have been advised that no arrests were made of any MDCA youth who was protesting today.
Vana ava ngavarege kuita hondo nemutemo. They always cry foul about the rule of law yet they fail to comply with the laws of this land. Mutemo, mutemo unofanira kuteedzerwa.
The dilemma actions which they learnt in Capetown and Livingstone will not work and neither do they serve the interests of suffering Zimbabweans.
It is quite irresponsible to try and create another dilemma for a government which is already in a dilemma with Coronavirus.
It is unfortunate that whilst the whole world is focused on curbing COVID-19 and finding ways to resuscitating economic activities, MDCA youth decided to go on a flash demonstration which is illegal considering the lockdown regulations in place in our country.
This is not the time to play cheap politics, fake abductions or to agitate people for political expediency. We need all political minds on the deck to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, not preconceived demonstrations to look for donor funding and to paint Zimbabwe black.
Its time they start leading by example and stop this tomfoolery which doesn’t transform anyone’s livelihood in Zimbabwe. There is no one who is above the law.
I think its high time peddlers of fake news get arrested and convicted. We have a nation to build we don’t want distractions
VICTORIA Falls councillors yesterday boycotted a meeting which had been called to discuss among other things, crafting a supplementary budget and waiver of some rates to cushion ratepayers in the wake of Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Councillors had scheduled the meeting before Local Government and Public Works Minister reinstated Mayor Councillor Somveli Dlamini on Tuesday. The special full council was set for 2PM.
Clr Dlamini arrived at the municipal offices just before 2PM and left moments later as no other councillors turned up. Municipal management were waiting for councillors in the boardroom. After about 30 minutes of waiting, Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube told journalists that “the special full council had been postponed as there was no quorum”.
He could not be drawn to give further details.
The Chronicle could not establish the reason for the boycott as Ward 5 Clr Richard Mguni, who the 10 councillors had elected to replace Clr Dlamini, declined to comment, saying he was in a meeting when contacted.
Sources said the councillors held a secret caucus at an undisclosed venue in the afternoon. The agenda could not be established.
Meanwhile, the councillors had earlier resolved that the municipality should review its $354 million budget for 2020, which is an 800 percent increase from last year’s which was $22 million. A resolution document draft ed by Ward 1 Clr Margaret Valley and seen by this publication called for a waiver of interest on unpaid accounts and suspension of unnecessary spending by the municipality.
“We as councillors of Victoria Falls submit this written motion to urgently craft a supplementary 2020 budget which is to be considered as a crisis budget necessary to cushion our residents and save our town.
“To avert a humanitarian crisis, we need as a municipality to engage all avenues to survive. There is need to create a resilience budget that will ensure that we can still provide service while at the same time not burdening our residents and stakeholders more than they can bear. The budget should take into account both revenue and expenditure, all unnecessary capital expenditure and travel should be suspended, no interest should be charged on overdue accounts, all salaries and wage increases should be frozen,” read the resolutions.
The councillors want the municipality to offer discount on rates and licence fees to lodges, hotels and businesses affected by coronavirus.
“The entire economy of Victoria Falls relies on tourism which is facing a real risk of going bankrupt with borders closed and no flights coming.
“As a council we need to be resilient but at the same time we need to be mindful of what those living in our town are experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The management should revisit the current budget where residents are finding the 800 percent increase in rates, water and licences unaffordable. The situation has now been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic,” read the resolution.
The matter was supposed to be tabled at yesterday’s meeting. This comes as residents have complained about massive tariff hikes where some received water bills of up to $1 000 for the month of April.
Mr Dube said the council had realised a serious decline in revenue as it collected about $2 million for the month of April, which is less than 20 percent of its usual monthly billing of around $15 million.
Usually in other months the local authority collects about 75 percent of the monthly billing, Mr Dube said.
He said the municipality had approached Government seeking a bailout in the wake of Covid-19 and is also engaging stakeholders to come up with alternative sources of revenue.
“The municipality wrote to the Ministry of Local Government on 31 March seeking a financial bailout of $36,3 million for a period of three months. The request was made after realising that council will face financial challenges as a result of Covid-19,” said Mr Dube.
He said the Government was yet to respond. Ratepayers owe the municipality in excess of $54 million as at February 28, 2020.
Nobody has escaped from our facilities in Gweru. If anyone escapes, we will inform the Nation. There is no need for speculation when one can just write facts. So what’s idea? To make Gweru residents panic or simple click baiting ?https://t.co/tVYe5ci8K7
An opposition politician has castigated MDC Alliance youths for staging a flash demonstration while the country is on lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
LEAD leader, Linda Masarira says it is unnecessary for the misguided youths to try to create problems for the government when it is also seized with COVID-19.
She wrote on Twitter:
Cognizant of the Soren tactics which the MDCA youth have tried time and again to implement of creating a dilemma for government “dilemma action”.
I decided to do my own investigation in regard to the allegations that the MDCA trio of Joana, Cecilia and Netsai have been arrested and have been advised that no arrests were made of any MDCA youth who was protesting today.
Vana ava ngavarege kuita hondo nemutemo. They always cry foul about the rule of law yet they fail to comply with the laws of this land. Mutemo, mutemo unofanira kuteedzerwa.
The dilemma actions which they learnt in Capetown and Livingstone will not work and neither do they serve the interests of suffering Zimbabweans.
It is quite irresponsible to try and create another dilemma for a government which is already in a dilemma with Coronavirus.
It is unfortunate that whilst the whole world is focused on curbing COVID-19 and finding ways to resuscitating economic activities, MDCA youth decided to go on a flash demonstration which is illegal considering the lockdown regulations in place in our country.
This is not the time to play cheap politics, fake abductions or to agitate people for political expediency. We need all political minds on the deck to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, not preconceived demonstrations to look for donor funding and to paint Zimbabwe black.
Its time they start leading by example and stop this tomfoolery which doesn’t transform anyone’s livelihood in Zimbabwe. There is no one who is above the law.
I think its high time peddlers of fake news get arrested and convicted. We have a nation to build we don’t want distractions
HIGHLANDERS’ coach Mark Harrison will be returning to his native England on Saturday after mutually agreeing with Bosso to “temporarily suspend” his contract due to inactivity caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The Briton, who joined Highlanders at the beginning of the year, only took charge of one match, the Castle Challenge Cup, which Bosso lost 2-0 to league champions FC Platinum.
Both Harrison and Bosso announced the coach’s departure at a joint press conference at the club’s offices yesterday.
Highlanders and Harrison said since sporting activities have been indefinitely suspended, giving their relationship a break was noble.
A disappointed Harrison noted that the economic situation across the world had affected business turnover.
“We met with the club and agreed that for now I return to the UK and be with my family. For now nobody knows when football will be played. It’s not easy, not something we wanted,” said Harrison.
“It’s a big disappointment for me, as I was really looking forward to the challenge and working for a big club with so much on offer. It was going to be some exciting time without a doubt. I do believe we would have had an exciting season, we would have played good football. Now it has been put at the back, everything is on hold now and hope when we start we can pick up.”
Asked if he will be paid during the suspension of his contract since Highlanders insist he remains head coach, Harrison said: “I don’t disclose my financial situation and everywhere I go, I don’t discuss my contract other than my family. What’s important is that I’ve made arrangements with the football club and both parties are happy. We take it a day at a time and we don’t know what will happen in the near or long future.”
Highlanders are heading for tough times, as they urgently need financial backup to remain afloat following termination of their deal by principal sponsors NetOne.
The mobile network operator has been paying salaries of Bosso first team players and technical staff.
Club spokesperson Ronald Moyo declined to comment on the NetOne deal.
According to Moyo, Bosso haven’t negotiated for “contract suspensions” with other members of their staff other than Harrison, who was being paid by a group of Highlanders’ supporters. –
News24|South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the country will drop to Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown by the end of May, but some parts of the country with higher infection rates of Covid-19 will remain at Level 4.
Ramaphosa made this announcement during his address to the nation on Wednesday.
He said the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) will begin a process of consultation on proposals for the implementation of the next level.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the country will drop to Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown by the end of May, but some parts of the country with higher infection rates of Covid-19 will remain at Level 4.
The president also announced that business activity under Level 4 will be expanded. “In the coming days, we will also be announcing certain changes to Level 4 regulations to expand permitted business activities in the retail space and e-commerce, and reduce restrictions on exercise.” Ramaphosa said the government’s objective has been to slow down the infection rate.
“For now, infections are mostly concentrated in a few metros and districts in our country. It is important to maintain stringent restrictions in those areas and to restrict travel out of these areas to other parts of the country,” he said. He added that, if the government lifts the lockdown too abruptly and too quickly, South Africa risks a rapid and unmanageable surge in transmission.
Economic activity
“Our goal is to steadily increase economic activity while putting measures in place to reduce the transmission of the virus,” Ramaphosa said. According to expert data, without the lockdown, South Africa’s infection projection would have surged to 80 000 and a death toll eight times higher, he said. The president noted that 219 people had succumbed to the disease, and there were 12 074 confirmed cases as of Wednesday. He said the percentage of cases identified, from the tests conducted, had remained low and stable.
“The level of confirmed infection is around 181 persons per million of the country’s population – in stark contrast to other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, which have recorded around 2 400 confirmed cases per million of their population.”By delaying the spread of the disease, we have been able to strengthen the capacity of our health system and to put in place wide-ranging public health programmes to better manage the inevitable increase in infections,” he said.
Criticised
Ramaphosa’s government has been largely criticised for being indecisive and sending contradictory messages with regard to the lockdown regulations.The DA approached the courts after the party failed to get clarity on the criteria used to be eligible for the small business relief fund.
South Africa’s advocates had also written letters to Ramaphosa, demanding more transparency on the composition of the NCCC. Ramaphosa conceded that some of the government’s actions had been unclear and contradictory, and had invoked anger and opposition. “Implementation has sometimes been slow, and enforcement has sometimes been inconsistent and too harsh. This evening, I want to reaffirm my commitment, and the commitment of the government I lead, to take whatever action necessary to safeguard the life, the dignity and the interest of the people of our country,” he said.
He assured South Africans that, where the government had failed, it would seek to correct its mistakes.
Evander Holyfield demands bizarre ‘no knockouts’ rule for potential Mike Tyson comeback fight
Evander Holyfield has warned Mike Tyson that he is in phenomenal shape ahead of a potential comeback fight between the two heavyweight legends – though will only agree to the bout if knockout punches are banned.
The 57-year-old has been out of the ring for nearly a decade but teased training footage earlier this week in response to Tyson’s own ferocious comeback video, even mimicking his ‘I’m back’ statement.
Holyfield and Tyson, four years his junior, famously fought twice in their primes, with Iron Mike disqualified in their 1997 rematch at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after biting his opponent’s ear.
Tyson was given a hefty fine and suspension for biting Holyfield’s ear.
Despite the incident, Holyfield insists he holds no ill will towards Tyson and would love to jump back into the ring with him, though only on the condition that neither fighter goes after a KO.
Asked if he would be keen to take on Tyson for a third time, Holyfield told The Sun: ‘I would do that! Yes, I want to fight Mike Tyson. ‘My whole thing is I’m open, and I know that I want to do well for myself at age 57. I can definitely handle him. ‘But Mike would have to want to do it as well.’
Holyfield continued: ‘We have to come up with something that is not a knockout grudge match. ‘It’s not about who can beat who, but to show people we were some of the greatest fighters in our era and we’ve come together as men to do something for others.
‘I don’t have anything against Mike personally, the thing is I think it would be good for the sport and even though boxing is a rough sport, we can show people we can come together.
‘If we do this fight it would be great. I can still shoot the jab, I can still shoot the shots, but not like a killing thing, [not like] “I’m going to hurt you, I’m going to show you that I can knock him out”.
‘Mike is looking sharp, but I’m in very good condition and shape physically and mentally. And if the money is right, too, then let’s get it on.
‘I know he’s getting offers from all types of people. Since we have both announced a comeback, a fight between me and Mike would definitely be the fight people want to see.’
Two Bikita children, who are cousins, died on the spot on Monday after a greenade which they picked while grazing their cattle exploded as they tried to open it.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula confirmed the incident, saying Brighton Zenngeya (9) and Tatenda Jahunda (10) from Mukomondeero village under Chief Mabika, Bikita died on the spot.
The incident happened while the cousins were in the company of a neighbour, Kota Bere Chikara aged (80), who was some 50 meters away. Mazula said they picked the greenade and started playing with it trying to open it.
It exploded after they removed the pin, killing them instantly.
Press Statement|The Yellow Vest (Gilets Jaunes) Zimbabwe, which is a pressure group that seeks to decentralise a citizen engaged democratic struggle in Zimbabwe using peaceful non-violent resistance in the face of Zanu PF dictatorship, welcomes the MDC Alliance’s decision to broaden the demand for institutional reforms in the country.
The Yellow Vest Zimbabwe applauds the statement presented by Job Sikhala following the illegal recall of MDC Alliance MPs by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda. Under these circumstances where there is wilful violation of the Constitution particularly the Electoral Act…, we have no other option but to condemn it with the contempt it deserves and express solidarity with the MDC Alliance which has seen the will of its four constituencies being subverted through this arbitrary and illegal act.
Section 129(1)(k) provides that the seat of an MP becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he/she was a member when they were elected to Parliament and the relevant political party has made a written declaration to that effect to the Speaker or the president of the Senate.
In brazen violation of the foregoing where the MDC Alliance did not recall its MPs, the Yellow Vest Zimbabwe views this as an assault on democracy and a complete disregard for the rights of the people who voted for those honourable members under the MDC Alliance. We will not ignore this injustice and affront towards the people of
Zimbabwe by Zanu PF and its appendages masquerading as opposition political parties. In the spirit of solidarity, an injury to one is an injury to all.
We therefore demand the unconditional reinstatement of those honourable Members of Parliament by Mudenda or the regime in Harare risks legal and extra legal resistance from the Yellow Vest Movement Zimbabwe.
We therefore give the Speaker two weeks to reinstate those honourable members failure of which in collaboration with other civic groups we will launch a sustained peaceful and non-violent resistance against the autocratic regime that continues to asphyxiate dissenting voices in Zimbabwe.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is not trashing traditional medicine aimed at treating the deadly COVID-19 as it earlier been speculated.
Viral allegations on social media said that WHO was against the famous Madagascar traditional medicine linked to treating COVID-19.
WHO has announced that traditional medicine gurus have agreed to subject their anti-COVID-19 toxic to clinical trials before trying them on the general public.
WHO noted that 70 experts in traditional medicine from Africa held a meeting and agreed to test their drugs.
The World Health Organisation Twitted:
70 traditional medicine experts from countries across #Africa held a virtual meeting with @WHO on the role of traditional medicine in the #COVID19 response.
They unanimously agreed that clinical trials must be conducted for all medicines in the Region, without exception. pic.twitter.com/fCKYiYiMqb
The news on the arrest of Deputy Youth Chair, Cde Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organising Secretary Cde Netsai Marowa and the Secretary for Policy and Research Hon Joana Mamombe showed me that the Government is on panic mode. The three ladies were arrested at a roadblock near the show grounds and their whereabouts remain unknown.
They communicated with other Youth leaders and told them that they were at Harare Central Police Station. Their lawyers and party leadership looked for them there and could not find them.
Hon Mpariwa
My fear as a mother now is that the police are going to harm them since it is known to be their Modus Operandi. They want to instil fear in the people because they know the power lies with the people. They know pretty well that the people of Zimbabwe are dying of hunger under lockdown and they know that the masses are angry that they want to impose leaders on them.
These youths are the leaders of the future Zimbabwe and all what they are demanding is their rights and freedoms. They are harmless youths with no guns at all and the police had no right to arrest them without a crime. If they had committed a crime, the police was just supposed to open a docket, but alas this did not happen.
I am appealing to all progressive forces to help us search for our children. They are innocent and do not deserve this.
Lastly I would like to urge all women structures of the party to join hands with me as we search for our children and expose the government of their terrorist behaviour. This is a barbaric act that can only be done by cowards who think they can stop the wind of change by arresting those in leadership. The people of Zimbabwe shall liberate themselves from bondage. Rise up women of Zimbabwe! The time is now! It’s now or never! We demand the release of Cecilia, Joanna and Netsai NOW! Wathinthu’mama, Wathinti’mbokodo Womandla!!!!!!!
Paurina Mpariwa (Hon) Chairperson – MDC Alliance Assembly of Women
As many countries across the globe explore ways to ease restrictions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, those that had already opened up are closing down again after the surge of infection cases.
The renewed increase of cases had been widely predicted by health experts but due to the social and economic challenges faced by many countries as a result of keeping their citizens behind closed doors, it was necessary to reopen.
The new spikes underscore the question of when or whether it will ever be safe for coronavirus-stricken countries to lift their lockdowns. Maybe this should send a reminder to countries that are on the verge of reopening of what they should expect from the infectious coronavirus.
Lebanon is the latest country to reimpose restrictions after experiencing a renewed surge of infections. The Asian country which had announced the resumption of their normal life after successfully containing the spread of the virus has now come up with very strict measures to its citizens.
The new restrictions which are not far from a lockdown will be functional for the next four days and are aimed at giving time to health experts to assess the situation and advise accordingly on what should be done.
The World Health Organization had warned governments against lifting containment steps before the spread of the virus is successfully controlled as this could lead to a new wave of infections. However, investors and economic analysts claimed that a prolonged lockdown could adversely affect the global economy.
In the Asian continent, where the first coronavirus case was reported, many countries have now reported the rising number of COVID-19 infection cases after lifting restrictions. In some instances, authorities have had to reimpose measures that restrict interactions among people to once again fight the virus spread.
South Korea which is regarded as one of the most successful countries in handling the pandemic has revoked a go-ahead for bars, clubs and other social places to reopen. This is after the country reporting the highest daily increase in infections in a month which are linked to the social contact of people in bars and clubs.
The South Korean government has since then started a tracing exercise on those people that visited the clubs. At the same time, authorities have entered into serious deliberations on whether it will be right to reopen schools as earlier stated.
In the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the first case of infection was reported, authorities have ordered the testing of all the city residents after a total of six new infections emerged. Remember this is a few weeks after the city reported to have successfully controlled the virus.
In the Middle East, Iran which is the epicenter of the disease, with more than a hundred thousand cases it has ordered a county in its southwestern region to reimpose a lockdown after a spike in COVID-19 cases. Surprisingly the government has not changed its view on reopening schools despite the increasing cases of the infection since restrictions were lifted.
Some public health experts argue that lockdowns are just a means to allow a country to strategize and gain control over the virus or devise measures that can help control the virus in case it comes back. However, this is not the case in many nations as lifting lockdowns is accompanied by a message of success and an assurance of being in control.
There may also be cases of resumed local transmission, perhaps originating from people who were asymptomatic but have been silently spreading the virus. Flouting of restrictions and social distancing rules that have been put in place protect the citizens shall not be taken lightly by COVID-19. Lifting lockdowns is a good initiative but in countries where people don’t adhere to social distancing, the infection cases are likely to go even higher.
Photo for illustration. Zimbabweans wait to load goods at a bus station in Johannesburg to take back to their home country.
The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa says it has been inundated by distress calls from Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa who have asked to return home.
They say they can no longer sustain themselves in South Africa due to the lockdown.
In a statement on Wednesday, the embassy said it had provided permits for those who had their own means of transport back to Zimbabwe and have provided transport for those who do not.
“The embassy subsequently received plentiful distress calls from some Zimbabwean nationals who are in South Africa.
“The embassy was inundated with requests, varying from appeals for help with food supplies, pleas from Zimbabweans with their own means to travel back home, and petitions from Zimbabwean nationals in need of transportation back home.”
The embassy has organised travel permits for self-repatriation – those who are able to use their own transport to get back home.
Repatriate
It has also organised buses in collaboration with the department of international relations and cooperation to repatriate Zimbabweans.
“[M]any have since travelled back home, while others are still waiting for their travel permits.
“There are buses set to ferry Zimbabwean nationals back home, under the self-funded repatriation where the travellers pay for their own transportation,” the embassy said.
The buses abide by Covid-19 regulations to limit the number of passengers to 70% of the carrying capacity.
“A considerable number of the requests received by the embassy are for assistance on humanitarian grounds from Zimbabwean nationals who, during this lockdown in South Africa, are no longer able to sustain their stay in the country due to loss of incomes,” it said.
In partnership with Justice Maphosa, the CEO of the Bigtime Strategic Group, transport has been made available to Zimbabwean nationals who cannot afford to travel home.
“The International Organisation for Migration, the United Nations migration agency, is providing technical support to the embassy in planning and carrying out this humanitarian repatriation exercise.
“The technical support includes coordination of pre-departure arrangements, pre-embarkation medical checks and distribution of Covid-19-related awareness material,” the embassy said.
It added everyone would be subject to quarantine at designated facilities once in Zimbabwe, whose government will carry the costs.
“Subsequent communication will be made regarding the assistance for distressed Zimbabwean nationals who elect to remain within the borders of South Africa,” the embassy said.
The fallout between Deputy information minister Energy Mutodi and foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo has accelerated further with Mutodi telling Moyo to stop behaving like he is the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.
In the latest clash of the ministers, Mutodi wrote a letter to Moyo urging him to stop attacking him, noting that the two were running different ministries.
He said, “I wish to remind you that our two ministries operate on a divergent yet complimentary role, with your Foreign Affairs Ministry outward looking while my Information Ministry is inward looking. While our ministry is worried about the public perception on the national leadership, its image, electability and the public approval ratings of the president, your ministry focuses on foreign cooperation and diplomatic engagement, otherwise our two ministries should have been merged if they served the same purpose.”
Mutodi went on to take a swipe at Moyo saying his utterances were uncalled for as they have puzzled Zimbabweans.
“…Your public statement which could have been sufficiently dealt with by a diplomatic correspondence to the Tanzanian embassy if it mattered, has divided public opinion first on the definition and meaning of government and whether you had become its Prime Minister in charge of the two ministries.”
In the United States, President Donald Trump has described the virus as a “Chinese virus”, but members of his cabinet who may have reservations about the description have not objected in public, Mutodi went on.
On Wednesday, Mutodi declined to comment on his letter, but minutes after he wrote on Twitter: “Living in fear of the Chris Mutsvangwa-SB Moyo coalition. I hope it won’t resort to wartime tactics. Appealing for prayers.”
Chris Mutsvangwa is the husband of Mutodi’s boss, Monica Mutsvangwa. Relations between Mutodi and Monica Mutsvangwa are reportedly strained.
Moyo has not yet responded to Mutodi’s latest remarks amid fears of a fallout between government ministers, who once teamed up to unseat the late former president Robert Mugabe in a defacto military coup.
A FORM Four pupil at Nemakonde High School, suspected to be a burglar, was shot and killed last Saturday night after being found inside a house in Orange Groove, Chinhoyi.
The 17-year-old boy, whose name is still being withheld, reportedly broke into the house at around 11pm, apparently to steal cash and some valuables.
He was found hiding in the pantry armed with a machete and a garden fork, before he was shot.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“Some of the family members were sleeping except for one who was watching television who heard some noise in the house,” he said.
“He went on to check and discovered that one of the bedrooms at the house had been tampered with and alerted other family members.”
The family members suspected there was an intruder inside the house and conducted a search and the boy was found hiding in the pantry.
“One of the family members then armed himself with a pistol and fired several shots, leading to the death of the suspect,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. “A report was then made to police.
“We are still carrying out investigations to ascertain what actually happened. We are also still waiting for the post-mortem results.”
Last year, a 17-year-old boy was sentenced to an effective two years in prison for stealing two cars in Harare.
He was initially sentenced to three years by Harare magistrate, Mrs Babra Mateko, before she suspended one year on condition that he did not commit a similar offence in the next five years.
Police in 2018 arrested a 16-year-old Dzivaresekwa boy after he allegedly stole a Honda Fit he had hired at Chitubu Shopping Centre in Glen Norah.
More than 50 shops owned by undocumented foreign nationals have been shut down in KwaZulu-Natal for selling expired goods and for operating without licenses.
The provincial department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, headed by MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said on Wednesday that the closure of these shops came at a time when inspectors from its business regulations and consumer protection unit “are dealing with a sweeping wave of lawlessness in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal”.
The department said it had worked with the department of employment and labour, home affairs’ immigration unit, Durban Metro Police, crime intelligence and other law enforcement agencies when the more than 50 foreign-owned businesses were shut down.
The department said that what was concerning was that during the operation – currently underway in the Durban CBD – inspectors “found illegal banking of money in Victoria Street”.
“In addition, it is disturbing that undocumented foreign nationals have been operating freely and flouting lockdown regulations. More than 20 undocumented foreign nationals have just been arrested and are being processed at the Durban Central Police Station,” the statement reads.
The department commended members of the public for supplying it with information which led to the operation on Wednesday and the subsequent closure of the businesses and the arrests.
“We have made a decision that over the next two days law enforcement agencies will intensify intelligence-driven operations. We want to protect our economy and innocent consumers who are consuming expired goods and buying counterfeit goods,” the department said.
Eight new commissioners were sworn in to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday to join four others, including chairman Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
The new commissioners are Supreme Court judge Justice Chinembiri Bhunu, Chief Magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi, Law Society of Zimbabwe president Mr Thandaza Masiye-Moyo, veteran lawyers Misheck Hogwe and Ms Nokuthula Moyo, Ms Rosalia Kumbirai Katsande from academia, accountant Mr Francis Vurayayi Chingozho and human resources expert Ms Trish Jasi.
They have replaced High Court judge Justice Happias Zhou, former chief magistrate Mr Mishrod Guvamombe, former LSZ president Mr Lloyd Mhishi, accountant Mrs Priscilla Mutembwi and lawyers Mrs Priscilla Madzonga and Mr Josphat Tshuma.
Chief Justice Malaba, Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Judge President George Chiweshe and Public Service Commission chairman Mr Vincent Hungwe retain their positions.
All four, along with several of the new commissioners, sit by virtue of the office they hold and there have been no changes in their office recently. Other commissioners are nominated by special groups.
The new commissioners took oaths before Chief Justice Malaba in the Constitutional Court. They all promised to do their best to serve the commission.
Justice Bhunu, a career jurist with over 40 years of legal experience, said he would continue with what “we have always been doing”.
“My contribution will be to enhance the administration of justice making sure the wheels of justice continue rolling and they must roll at a faster rate,” he said.
“We need justice at every aspect of our lives. It will enhance the economy of the country, investors will come if they know that their disputes are going to be resolved efficiently.”
Mr Masiye-Moyo said the legal fraternity was probably the biggest stakeholder in the justice system hence there had been a good relationship between the bench and the bar.
“This appointment of legal practitioners is by virtue of operation of the constitutional provision and the drafters of the constitution are aware that legal practitioners have valid stake in the justice delivery system,” he said.
“I look forward to good fruitful years and I am going to learn a lot. I will represent my profession in the best manner I can, moreso because of the expertise that I have in the justice delivery system.
Mr Mutevedzi, who was recently appointed Chief Magistrate, sits on the commission as the head of the lower courts.
“I am elated to become a commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission,” he said.
“I have been appointed as a commissioner by virtue of my office as the Chief Magistrate of Zimbabwe that means my interests primarily are to better magistracy in the country and represent the magistracy in the commission. I will give it my all.”
Ms Moyo said: “I am committed to promoting transparency and credibility within the judiciary and also ensuring that we have good working conditions for members of our judiciary so that they can serve without worry.”
Ms Trish Jasi said she brings a wealth of experience as a human resources practitioner.
“I will add a lot of value in terms of human people management and to promote credibility and transparency in the workplace.”
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi along with other high-ranking Government officials attended the brief ceremony at Mashonganyika Building.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo (right) converses with ambassadors-designate Nancy Saungweme (left), Charity Charamba and Johannes Tomana
State Media|Former Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana and former police spokesperson Mrs Charity Charamba have been appointed into the diplomatic service and are part of a group that is undergoing training at the Management Training Bureau in Msasa, Harare.
Mr Tomana was removed from his post in 2007, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the courts, while Mrs Charamba retired from the police in 2018.
The two and Dr Nancy Saungweme, another ambassador-designate and a senior Zanu PF member from Manicaland, are part of the group that includes tourism attaches and officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo briefed the group on aspects of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy thrust.
In his address, Minister Moyo said the country’s foreign policy had been laid out by President Mnangagwa in his inaugural address and included projecting a positive image of the country, re-engaging the international community and economic diplomacy.
“As you know, the ministry has been expanded and indeed rebranded to include international trade to reflect the thrust articulated by the President. The primary focus of our diplomacy and our diplomatic representation abroad must be trade, investment and tourism promotion. In other words economic diplomacy,” Minister Moyo said.
He said the target was to see growth in exports from the US$3,9 billion in 2019 to US$7 billion in 2023 and US$14 billion in 2030.
He told the ambassadors-designate that they should prioritise economic diplomacy and not assign it to their subordinates.
“Progress will be measured on trade and investment flows and tourist arrivals relative to your country of accreditation,” he added.
On re-engagement efforts, the minister said it was a key component of the ministry’s mandate.
“The main objective of the re-engagement process is to normalise all aspects of the country’s relations with the West. These include ending Zimbabwe’s estrangement from the Western world, reopening lines of communication at the political level to achieve the removal of sanctions and all other punitive measures imposed on Zimbabwe to unleash the country’s full economic potential,” he said.
The Government in the Second Republic had generated a lot of goodwill in the West but some have adopted a cautious approach and had to be convinced to denounce the sanctions against the country.
He said while the US had retained its sanctions on Zimbabwe, it was important that the two nations were now talking despite their differences on issues.
“It is clear therefore that re-engagement will be more of a process than an event, and that it will be anchored on confidence building measures,” Minister Moyo said.
The minister told the diplomats that it was important to engage with the Zimbabwean community in their countries of accreditation, saying they also had an important role to play in the country’s development.
He warned them against pursuing personal interests in the line of duty, saying national interests should always come first in whatever they do.
State Media|THE Covid-19 testing laboratory in Bulawayo, which has been struggling to clear a backlog of about 700 cases, has stopped conducting tests due to a critical shortage of consumables.
This was revealed yesterday by the director of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Applied Genetic Testing Centre, Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini.
Mr Dhlamini made the remarks during a tour of Nust by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation and Science Technology Development Deputy Minister Raymore Machingura to assess the university’s state of preparedness in response to the fight against Covid-19.
Mr Dhlamini attributed the latest development to the non-availability of testing kits to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at Mpilo Central Hospital’s National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTBRL). He said so far, they had conducted more than 3 000 tests at Mpilo’s NTBRL using Nust resources with an average of 350 PCR tests per day.
“There is a backlog of over 700 cases not tested and as Nust, we ended up saying we can longer continue subsidising this Covid-19 testing. The institution is not being paid for it, but we are using our resources hence we are saying until we receive the requisite resources, we are not going to be doing the testing and that is what is on the ground,” he said.
“If you go to Mpilo Central Hospital right now you will realise that there is no testing happening because the supplies are not there and it’s a sad development. I am therefore pleading with our ministry to talk with officials at the Ministry of Health and Child Care to support our team as we are using our machines without getting any compensation.”
Mr Dhlamini said Nust offered to assist the Mpilo NTBRL with qualified personnel and the real-time PCR testing machines that can be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) from various samples.
“We were made to believe that we were supposed to be capacitated in terms of resources for testing and all we got were donated PRC testing kits and there was nothing else in terms of consumables. We were being promised that these things are coming and we kept on telling the relevant authorities that we are coming from the Nust innovation hub where our role is to make money by DNA testing for the institution,” he said.
“Now we have moved our equipment and staff to Mpilo and we are no longer doing our core business, which is generating funds for the university through DNA testing and to make matters worse we were not given consumables.”
Mr Dhlamini said despite lending the Ministry of Health and Child Care their laboratory equipment such as micro-centric tubes, the university is not getting enough support.
“We have sent numerous emails to different people including the Minister of Finance and Economic Development who was here recently and he promised to look into this issue, but nothing is coming through. There is need at that level to say that someone has to pay because we can’t be doing charity work at this point in time,” he said.
Bulawayo’s Covid-19 testing started at Mpilo last month after Nust moved in some of its equipment to complement Government efforts in fighting the pandemic. Previously, tests were only conducted at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said they were seized with the matter. She said they are now engaging Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo in his capacity as the provincial representative on the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19.
“The development at Mpilo Central Hospital is unfortunate. I am aware that those people are willing and committed to do their work and I believe if they get the requisite tools, they are bound to deliver,” she said.
“I am, therefore, engaging our representative Minister July Moyo who is our representative here in Bulawayo at national taskforce level so that he looks into this issue. As Bulawayo, we regret that it has turned out that way, but we are addressing the issue and giving it the urgency that it deserves in light of this global pandemic.”
Lately, the testing centre has been overwhelmed with samples following increased tests nationally.
Acting Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo confirmed the surge in Covid-19 samples which the laboratory was not capacitated to handle. The backlog is even affecting suspected Covid-19 patients who are told to self-isolate while waiting for results.
So far, Bulawayo has recorded 12 positive Covid-19 cases with one of them being fatal. The situation has seen Bulawayo delaying retesting the 11 other Covid-19 patients to check if they have recovered. The laboratory is supposed to conduct PCR tests for Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands and Masvingo.
Contacted for comment, the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo referred questions to the director for laboratory services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Raiva Simbi who was, however, unavailable.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Machingura said he was happy with the work by Nust in assisting the nation in terms of fighting Covid-19.
“When we came here, we were very impressed with what we saw at Nust where they are producing sanitisers. We have also given them tips on how they can increase production and the thrust by Nust to engage SMEs is very encouraging,” he said.
Most of the products from Nust are taken to Natpham and Bulawayo City Council. Nust in partnership with TICOZ Enterprises, has produced 10 000 face masks.
MATABELELAND South province has reported 2 823 cases of malaria and 11 deaths since the beginning of the year, with Beitbridge contributing 89 percent of the cases.
In 2019 the province recorded 583 cases and nine deaths down from 1 966 cases and 10 deaths in 2018 during the same period. Of the recorded cases this year, 2 511 are from Beitbridge District, 249 from Gwanda and 17 from Insiza. Matobo recorded 28, Umzingwane districts 11 and Mangwe had seven.
Matabeleland South provincial medical director Dr Rudo Chikodzore said over the years, Beitbridge and Gwanda districts have remained the hot spots for malaria in the province.
“This high number of malaria cases is similar to those of 2017 when there was a malaria outbreak in the province. The majority (89 percent) of the cases reported are from Beitbridge district in particular the eastern part of the district,” said Dr Chikodzore.
She said the southern part of Gwanda district has also recorded a high number, contributing nine percent of the total malaria cases.
According to Dr Chikodzore, the province last recorded a high number of deaths due to malaria in 2017 where 13 people died between week one and 19.
“The majority of the cases were reported mid-February to mid-April which is in the peak period for malaria transmission. The Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has developed a system of rapid guidance for malaria emergency response in the context of Covid-19 and supporting health workers in the implementation,” she said.
She said outdoor activities during the night when mosquitoes are likely to bite like overnight irrigation, guarding fields, sleeping at cattle posts, artisanal mining, harvesting mopane worms are the key drivers of malaria in the region.
“We continue to investigate the malaria cases and drivers of transmission and we are doing our best to address these drivers. There is a continuous distribution of insecticide treated nets especially to those who were missed in the mass distribution and those who lost their nets for whatever reason,” said Dr Chikodzore.
The Ministry recently announced that countrywide cumulative malaria cases stand at 170 303 with 152 deaths compared to 117 715 cases and 127 deaths which were recorded 2019 over the same period. According to the World Health Organisation, malaria cases and deaths may double in Africa if prevention and treatment services are disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Villagers from Gwanda South recently raised an urgent SOS claiming that a strange malaria outbreak is wreaking havoc in the area leaving them believing that the malaria could be the deadly Coronavirus.
The villagers who spoke to ZimEye.com claim that just in the last week at least five people have succumbed to the strange disease which the local health centres insist to be malaria.
The villagers further claimed that what raises their fears on Coronavirus are the symptoms that they see on all the people who have fallen ill to the alleged malaria.
“All the people who have been attacked by this disease have a very strong fever and are shivering and yet sweating at the same time,” said a villager in an anonymous tip off sent to ZimEye.com.
“The people also get a diarrhoea of a kind, lose appetite and complain of a sore throat which we have seen the media claim to be symptoms of the Coronavirus,” added the tip off.
The villagers also disclosed that the local health centres do not have a Coronavirus testing centre.
Remember that man who helped President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his son Emmerson Junior in the dark November 2017 days when their lives were in grave danger after a political fallout with then president Robert Mugabe and his administration?
Who could ever forget him? In case you don’t, watch video downloading below:
The businessman based in South Africa, Mr Justice Maphosa has offered to assist 400 stranded Zimbabweans in the neighbouring country who were struggling to raise bus fare to return home.
There is a large number of Zimbabweans living in South Africa. Some are employed in the different sectors of the SA economy that include banking, hospitality and education while others do menial jobs as casual workers. The first group of distressed individuals who approached the Zimbabwean Embassy in SA for assistance with repatriation after finding it difficult to make ends meet due to the national lockdown in that country is expected home tomorrow.
So far, Zimbabweans who have returned home from the neighbouring country did so under a programme in which returnees were funding their own travel. In a statement yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador David Hamadziripi said Mr Maphosa is helping those who did not have money for transport back home. The businessman will also pay for the travellers food during the trip as well as provide food and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the returnees while in quarantine in Zimbabwe.
He said the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is providing technical support to the Embassy in planning and carrying out the repatriation exercise. The technical support includes coordination of pre-departure arrangements, medical checks and distribution of Covid-19 related awareness material.
The medical checks will be done before every trip.
“The Embassy is pleased to announce that through a close partnership with Mr Justice Maphosa, the chief executive and founder of Bigtime Strategic Group, transport has now been availed for Zimbabwean nationals who could not afford to travel back home. The generous assistance provided by Mr Maphosa will cover the cost of hiring buses for around 400 Zimbabwean nationals, the provision of food for the travellers on the trip, provision of food and personal protective equipment while in quarantine in Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Hamadziripi.
About 550 people approached the Zimbabwean Embassy in SA and some sought support in the form of food packages while some requested to be assisted to return home.
The lockdown in South Africa started on March 21 with the neighbouring country following a five-level phased approach towards easing lockdown restrictions.
Ambassador Hamadziripi said following the declaration of the state of national disaster and the subsequent nationwide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the neighbouring country, the Zimbabwe Embassy has been reaching out to Zimbabweans in that country.
“The Embassy subsequently received distress calls from Zimbabwean nationals who are in South Africa. The Embassy was inundated with requests varying from appeals for help with food supplies and pleas for assistance to return home,” he said.
“To that end, the embassy sought travel permits for Zimbabweans who were in need of self- repatriation using own transport as well as buses from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and many have since travelled back home while others are still waiting for their travel permits.”
Ambassador Hamadziripi said there are buses set to ferry Zimbabwean nationals back home under the self-funded repatriation programme where the travellers pay for their own transportation.
“There are buses set to transport Zimbabweans back home with the carrying capacity strictly limited to 70 percent in order to comply with South Africa’s current lockdown regulations for public transport. A considerable number of the requests received by the Embassy are from people who are no longer able to sustain their stay in the country due to loss of incomes during this lockdown in SA,” he said.
Ambassador Hamadziripi said returnees should note that upon crossing into Zimbabwe, they are subjected to mandatory quarantine at designated centres with the Government meeting all the costs.
Brig-Gen Masuku passed on in the early hours of Wednesday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
In a statement, director Army public relations, Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore said: “Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Chimonyo regrets to announce the untimely death of Brigadier-General Masuku.
“The Brigadier-General passed on this morning, 13 May 2020 at 02 00 hours at the United Bulawayo Hospital in Bulawayo,” reads the statement.
More details will be announced in due course.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 7, Masfield Road, Malindela, Bulawayo.
MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West, Joanna Mamombe and two party youth leaders were abducted by police officers at a roadblock at the National Sports Stadium in Warren Park, Harare, on Wednesday.
State aligned media outlets have indicated that the trio was taken away by the police to an unknown destination allegedly for leading an anti-government protest over the poor handling of the Covid-19 outbreak and hunger by government.
Mamombe was arrested together with Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova all members of the opposition party youth wing leadership.
A minor skirmish by some residents of Harare’s high density suburb of Warren Park allegedly earlier took place as they complained over the lack of government food aid relief during the national lockdown.
Questioned by ZimEye.com on the whereabouts of the trio, Police Commission General Godwin Matanga expressed ignorance on the trio’s arrest and whereabouts albeit hours after the incident. He referred ZimEye.com to police spokesperson Paul Nyathi who also would not speak on the issue.
Watch video downloading below:
Earlier reports indicated that the trio was detained at Harare Central Police Station by the CID Law and Order division but follow ups on the report indicated that they were not at the police station.
MDC Youth Assembly National spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, in a statement Wednesday, confirmed the arrests while also condemning the Zanu PF led government for suppressing the rights of the young politicians.
“MDC Youth Assembly condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest of National Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Secretary for Policy and Research, Hon Joana Mamombe.
“The trio are currently illegally held in custody at Harare Central Police Station.
“As usual, the police are still to place charges on the trio. It is clear that the corrupt, illegitimate and failed Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has engaged the panic gear hence these unjustified arrests,” said Chuma.
He vowed the MDC Alliance youth wing will not sit idle while Mnangagwa and his government harassed the opposition.
“As an Assembly, we are not going to be intimidated in our resolve to pursue the National Democratic Agenda.
“We declare and demand for the unconditional release of our leaders. Either the rogue regime release our leaders or face retribution from angry and hungry masses. Enough is enough!” warned Chuma.
RECORD-BREAKING coach, Callisto Pasuwa, has revealed he juggled with the idea of another romantic flirtation with Dynamos just two years ago.
However, the coach said he eventually chose to reject the offer to take charge of the Glamour Boys because he didn’t want to be part of an agenda to portray Lloyd Mutasa as a failure.
Pasuwa won the league title with DeMbare on four consecutive occasions between 2011 and 2014 before leaving the team to coach the Warriors.
He had replaced Mutasa.
But, that was before his critics charged Pasuwa had hijacked Mutasa’s project, having taken over the Glamour Boys in the final phase of the season in 2011. Mutasa, however, was given another chance to prove himself at Dynamos after Pasuwa left.
But, when DeMbare hit a new low in 2018, the club’s leaders again turned to Pasuwa to come in and replace Mutasa.
However, this time, Pasuwa rejected the advances, leaving the Glamour Boys to go a comical relationship with Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe. Now, Pasuwa, for the first time, had revealed why he rejected the reunion.
“Remember, when I arrived at Dynamos as a coach back in 2011, it was Lloyd (Mutasa) who was in charge,” said Pasuwa. “And, when the team also sounded me, it was him in charge again.
“I really wanted to come back but the fact that it was Mutasa again in charge made me think otherwise. “I wouldn’t do that.
“It would have appeared as if I was backbiting my friend (Mutasa) and the fact that I had agreed to take, over seven years before, would have read like a series and soap opera with the same actors. “That is the reason why I refused.”
Pasuwa said had it not been that Mutasa was the one in charge of DeMbare, he would possibly have reunited with the Glamour Boys.
“Had it been that it wasn’t Lloyd (Mutasa), who was in charge, yes, I might have bounced back at the team,” he said.-State media
A FORM Four pupil at Nemakonde High School, suspected to be a burglar, was shot and killed last Saturday night after being found inside a house in Orange Groove, Chinhoyi.
The 17-year-old boy, whose name is still being withheld, reportedly broke into the house at around 11pm, apparently to steal cash and some valuables.
He was found hiding in the pantry armed with a machete and a garden fork, before he was shot.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“Some of the family members were sleeping except for one who was watching television who heard some noise in the house,” he said.
“He went on to check and discovered that one of the bedrooms at the house had been tampered with and alerted other family members.”
The family members suspected there was an intruder inside the house and conducted a search and the boy was found hiding in the pantry.
“One of the family members then armed himself with a pistol and fired several shots, leading to the death of the suspect,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. “A report was then made to police.
“We are still carrying out investigations to ascertain what actually happened. We are also still waiting for the post-mortem results.”-State media
South Africa-based rasta-kwasa musician, Dino Mudondo, took to social media to announce that his latest album “No Lumo” had been heavily affected by Covid-19 lockdown.
Dino begged for money on his Facebook page saying he was stranded, calling for other artists to assist him.
“I am writing this letter to you as a professional artiste with a huge begging bowl, asking for financial material, spiritual or any other support. It is our industry that was affected by the banning of gatherings, among others.
You have noticed that many artists have been doing some social media shows to entertain. One still needs to pay for the WIFI and data for live streaming.
“The little money I had saved for my new album launch and videos is slowly running out,” he begged.
The “Chirangano Chedu” hitmaker expressed hope of returning home soon after the lockdown.-State media
President Mnangagwa has conferred liberation hero status on prominent Masvingo bus operator Tanda Tavaruva in recognition of his contribution to the country before and after independence.
This was contained in a letter dated May 12, that was written by Zanu PF secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu to the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, and copied to the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution and the party’s provincial chair Ezra Chadzamira.
“His Excellency the President and First Secretary of Zanu PF Cde E.D Mnangagwa has conferred a Liberation hero status to the late Cde Tanda Tavaruva on May 11, 2020 and he will be buried at Mangwandi Cemetery in Masvingo Province.
The family can be contacted through our Masvingo provincial office,” wrote Mpofu.-State media
Farai Dziva|Hard-hitting MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti has said Emmerson Mnangagwa and Thokozani Khupe want to form a “dangerous” political pact under the guise of a “Government of National Unity.”
Biti also argued that after the formation of the so called Government of National Unity, elections will be suspended for seven years.
“The regime is broke and broke in absolute terms .The coffers are empty & they are generating salaries through the RTGS ponzi scheme .To date Treasury has not disbursed #SafetyNets payment to Min of Social Services.Tobacco sales have had a poor start and donors not coming on board .
Desperate regime actively negotiating some “GNU” with Supreme Court created Frankenstein outfit and other dross with constitutional amendments being mooted some of which are to suspend all elections for 7 years,” argued Biti.
“The desperate marriage of unelectable desperados not popular inside.
No amount of lipstick or political gamesmanship can save regime and its acolytes. No amount of manipulation and abuse of state institutions will save same.Only robust political solution that respects the people’s will and commits to irrecoverable reforms can save Zimbabwe. #ZanupfMustGo”
Ekusileni Medical Centre has been placed under 24-hour police guard following the theft of donated borehole equipment on Tuesday.
Thieves cut the fence to access the hospital premises at around 4AM and stole a compressor and a water pump that were donated and recently installed on the hospital grounds. The acting chief executive officer at Ekusileni Medical Centre Dr Absalom Dube said the hospital is now under 24-hour police guard until further notice.
“To ensure safety of the equipment that we have been receiving, we have engaged the Zimbabwe Republic Police, through the Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Judith Ncube. They started guarding the premises on Tuesday and will be complementing the security personnel that were already guarding the premises,” said Dr Dube, in an interview after receiving donations from the King Lobengula Royal Family Trust.
The Bulawayo City Council-run Thorngrove infectious diseases hospital, which also has received Covid-19 donations is under 24-hour municipal police guard.
In terms of ground covered at Ekusileni to admit Covid-19 patients, Dr Dube said more work was still to be done, hence the hospital was not yet ready to open its doors.
“The hospital is not yet fully ready to admit its first patient as it still needs to have some installations to ensure safety of health staff . The hospital was not originally meant for infectious diseases. So, it has to be modified to suit the purpose. We need extractors to extract infected air from rooms, in ICU and where we admit confirmed cases,” he said.
“The other outstanding issues that are there include partitioning, as in which one is the green zone and red zone and the direction of floor from donning to doffing (areas to wear and remove PPEs). Finishing off of the sluice rooms aspects, the laundry aspect, the kitchen aspect, the theatre section as someone with Covid-19 may need to be operated on,” said Dr Dube.
He said more installations still need to be made while some wards needed touch ups, such as the maternity and theatre wings.
“We need to make sure that we have theatre facility. We also need to work on the delivery room, it needs negative air pressure and installation of beds as well. In terms of having our first patients, these structural issues and key medical elements such as monitors are not yet there. The side lockers and foot stools are not yet available,” he said.
The hospital has an admission capacity of 22 but is working to increasing it to 200.
Meanwhile, the King Lobengula Royal Family Trust donated 96 blankets through the ‘I Am For Bulawayo Fighting Covid-19’ campaign to the hospital. The donation was presented to Ekusileni Medical Centre yesterday by Mr Peter ZwideKa-Langa Khumalo.
In his remarks, Mr Khumalo called for the Bulawayo community and Zimbabweans at large to unite behind the cause and complement Government efforts in combating Covid-19. State Media/Chronicle
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s government of choosing politics ahead of people’s lives.
Chamisa also criticized the Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership dispute and the recall of MPs.
“The most significant Government achievement made during this COVID-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe is the bizarre handing down of a Supreme Court judgment and the abusive summoning of parliament, not to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, but to fight political battles.
Why do we put politics ahead of nation building and saving lives?? livesbeforepolitics,”Chamisa argued.
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s government of choosing politics ahead of people’s lives.
Chamisa also criticized the Supreme Court ruling on the MDC leadership dispute and the recall of MPs.
“The most significant Government achievement made during this COVID-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe is the bizarre handing down of a Supreme Court judgment and the abusive summoning of parliament, not to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, but to fight political battles.
Why do we put politics ahead of nation building and saving lives?? livesbeforepolitics,”Chamisa argued.
The MDC Youth Assembly condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest of National Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Secretary for Policy and Research, Hon Joana Mamombe.
The trio are currently illegally held in custody at Harare Central Police Station.
As usual the police are still to place charges on the trio.
It is clear that the corrupt, illegitimate and failed Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has engaged the panic gear hence these unjustified arrests.
As an Assembly, we are not going to be intimidated in our resolve to pursue the National Democratic Agenda.
We declare and demand for the unconditional release of our leaders.
Either the rogue regime release our leaders or face retribution from angry and hungry masses.
Enough is enough!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
The MDC Youth Assembly condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest of National Vice Chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, Deputy Organ Netsai Marova and Secretary for Policy and Research, Hon Joana Mamombe.
The trio are currently illegally held in custody at Harare Central Police Station.
As usual the police are still to place charges on the trio.
It is clear that the corrupt, illegitimate and failed Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has engaged the panic gear hence these unjustified arrests.
As an Assembly, we are not going to be intimidated in our resolve to pursue the National Democratic Agenda.
We declare and demand for the unconditional release of our leaders.
Either the rogue regime release our leaders or face retribution from angry and hungry masses.
Enough is enough!
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
