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Speaker of parliament Jacob Mudenda has just announced that Nelson Chamisa’s key MPs are no longer serving the august house following their recall in April 2020.

Said Mudenda, “on the 3rd of April 2020 parliament was notified by the Movement Of Democratic Change Tsvangirai party, MDC-T that hon. C Hwende, member of parliament of Kuwadzana aConstituency, Hon T Khumalo, Proportional Rep Of Bulawayo Province, Hon, T Mutseyami, MP of Chikanga Dangamvura Constituency have ceased to be members of the MDC-T party and therefore no longer represent the interest of the party and therefore Section 159 1a of the Constitution Of Zimbabwe provides that and I quote, ‘the seat of a member of parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party on which he or she was a member …

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Farai Dziva|Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has just announced that Nelson Chamisa’s key MPs are no longer serving the august house following their recall in April 2020.

Said Mudenda, “on the 3rd of April 2020 Parliament was notified by the Movement Of Democratic Change Tsvangirai party, MDC-T that hon. C Hwende, member of parliament of Kuwadzana Constituency, Hon T Khumalo, Proportional Rep Of Bulawayo Province, Hon, T Mutseyami, MP of Chikanga Dangamvura Constituency have ceased to be members of the MDC-T party and therefore no longer represent the interest of the party and therefore Section 159 1a of the Constitution Of Zimbabwe provides that and I quote, ‘the seat of a member of parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party on which he or she was a member …

Commenting on Mudenda’ s announcement, political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya said:

Corona Parliament sitting to implement a corona lockdown judgement.

Agenda is to attempt to destroy MDC
@nelsonchamisa
while there are restrictions for political organization. But this will fail.

Khupe and Mwonzora recall MPs Hwende, Tabitha Khumalo and Mutseyami during Parliament sitting.

These are MDC Alliance MPs. Let the politics begin. The ZANU PF hand has clearly come out!

Farai Dziva|Villagers in Chiredzi have vowed to resist the decision by the government to push them out of their land to create space for Dendairy.

Below is a statement written by Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy And Development:

Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy and Development Statement on the pending evictions of 1000 Chiredzi East and South Families from their ancestral Land without clear compensation.

Masvingo Centre for Research, Advocacy and Development (MACRAD) is against government’s decision to evict more than 1000 Chiredzi East and South families to pave way for lucerne production project by private milk producer, Dendairy.

Dendairy is targeting about 10 000 hectares for the project of lucerne grass used for grazing, hay, green manure and silage.

Private companies that exploit labour from marginalized communities nearby own most part of Lowveld area. The government of Zimbabwe is well known for failing to provide basic welfare of residents that were evicted to pave way for the construction of Tugwi-Mukosi dam in 2014.

Victims of Tugwi-Mukosi floods, had to endure hardships at Chingwizi Transit Camp before they were eventually given a one-hectare piece of land each to which they do not have security of tenure. Over the past year Masvingo province recorded a highest number of evictions amongst all provinces in Zimbabwe.

The government must not give land to private companies while indigenous people are moved are crammed in unsuitable areas.

We stand in solidarity with villagers that are resisting the move arguing that the government has in the past failed to fulfill their promises.

As MACRAD we will do everything within our means to stand with the families in Chiredzi rural district council since currently it’s clear that the government will relocate these families to areas where there is no infrastructure, which includes schools and clinics. We have seen that in Chingwizi and Chisumbanje as such this same mistake should not happen under our watch. Instead of contracting Dendairy, the government was supposed to empower these families so that they implement the lucerne project themselves.

We stand in Solidarity with the Peasants!!!!

Epraim Mutombeni (coordinator)

Farai Dziva|Respected political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has said Douglas Mwonzora does not have MDC DNA.”

Ruhanya believes Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi “are hopeless political turncoats.”

“Beyond the news media headlines that are fizzling away daily, get this right: Mwonzora, Komichi have no capacity to take control of MDC- especially Mwonzora.

Political parties have values, history and foundations. Mwonzora does not have MDC DNA,” argued Ruhanya.

“Mwonzora’s rag tag group failed to capture MDC Mash East provincial offices last night. MDC youths resisted the attempt and held on to their property. They have now camped at their offices and say all their offices nationally are under control.”

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has freed over 2 500 convicts among them Joram Siwela who was convicted for murder.

Siwela, a former Chaplin High School student and professional football player, was jailed for his offence 21 years ago.

That was after he got into a fight over a girl, resulting in him brutally stabbing and killing his schoolmate.

Memories of the day he butchered his friend before handing himself over to the police are still fresh in his mind.

Serving a life sentence with hard labour is excruciating, but for Siwela it is worse as he claims to be tormented by an avenging spirit.

He says almost every night for the past 21 years, he has had to be woken up by his cellmates who say he throws punches, screams and argues with unseen forces in his sleep.

Siwela says he constantly has violent nightmares, and images of the murder he committed back in 1998 also flash in his sleep.

He was among the released convicts.

By Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC Secretary for Education Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has condemned data price hike by Econet Wireless saying it will increase the digital divide between the rich and the poor.

The recent hikes comes in the face of government plans to promote online classes as a safe measure against COVID-19.

Some of the schools have already started online classes and this latest upward review of data tariffs is likely to throw all the plans up in smoke.

Posting on Twitter, Mahere said online classes were too expensive for many families who are struggling to make ends meet amid diminishing lockdown earnings.

“The rising cost of data spells disaster for access to education. The digital divide means the poor have little or no access to online learning. Online classes are too expensive for many who are struggling to make ends meet amid diminished lockdown earnings,” said Mahere.

Econet has hiked data tariffs by as much as 350 percent with its monthly data package of 25 gigabytes which used to cost rtgs400 now costing rtgs1300.

NetOne has also announced its planned data tariff hike which will be effective from tomorrow.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) has sensationally claimed that it has herbs that can treat coronavirus (Covid-19) , calling on the government to include its members in rapid response teams.

This comes amid reports that a concoction known as Covid Organics (CVO), a form of herbal tea, is curing Covid-19 patients in Madagascar.

Zinatha secretary for education Prince Sibanda told the Daily News that Madagascar’s herbal tea is evidence that there is need to develop indigenous knowledge of medicine rather than rely on Western ideas all the time.

“In Zimbabwe, we do have herbs such as Murumanyama or Muremberembe (Shona) and isihaqa (Ndebele) that can be effective in treating coronavirus.

“We are rich with over 5 000 herbs in Zimbabwe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has proved that 80 percent of Africa relies on herbal medicine. Why not promote the 80 percent rather than wait for the West to have a say?” Sibanda asked.

He said traditional medicine needs support to develop as it is being sidelined in the country.

“Let’s integrate the two systems of health delivery so that we are safe rather than concentrate on one side. Zinatha should be incorporated into rapid response and research teams to have an impact in containing this coronavirus pandemic.

“We have to work together in a strong, effective, united and coordinated response. To this end, our efforts to accelerate the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and prevent its re-emergence needs the use of indigenous medicines that have been in existence for a long time,” he added.-DailyNews

By A Correspondent- Infectious Diseases Hospital, the city’s main isolation centre, still has no Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a ventilator, critical in the fight against coronavirus (Covid-19), Mayor Solomon Mguni has said.

In a weekly update outlining the activities the City of Bulawayo is undertaking to tackle Covid-19, Mguni said Bulawayo continued to face a number of resource gaps, a development that negatively affects efficient response to the pandemic.

“While Thorngrove Hospital at present can admit anything from asymptomatic to mild cases, it does not have ICU or High Dependency Unit (HDU) facilities nor a ventilator. It also has no accommodation for isolating staff that may be exposed,” Mguni said.

He also said the hospital was in need of more oxygen canisters, flow metres, delivers tubes and masks or nasal prongs and highlighted that the rapid response teams also have inadequate fuel and airtime for surveillance.

Mguni said the city has inadequate human resources should cases of Covid-19 increase.

To date, Bulawayo has recorded 12 confirmed cases of the respiratory disease and one death. Nationally, the country has recorded 34 cases, including four deaths and five recoveries.-DailyNews

By Josiah Mucharowana and Taruberekera Masara in Pretoria
Zimbabweans in South Africa find solace online, getting aid from well-wishers as plans are afoot to create a database of those in most need, ZimEye has learnt.

Speaking from Pretoria, leader of House of Hope-Ithemba a registered Non Profit Organisation (NPO) Frederick Mbiri said there were many people who had approached him for help during the lockdown period.

“I can tell you the response has been overwhelming. There are so many people in distress and the challenge is we operate on a zero budget,’ 

‘Only yesterday my social contacts helped buying electricity costing about 400 and we divided that so we could buy for more people,’ he said.

“I have been working colleagues of mine that have also been helped before buying electricity, food parcels. We even call people to keep them company during lockdown,”.  

“I can tell you my phones ring nonstop with strangers calling me from everywhere,” he said from Menylin, Pretoria.

“Since 2013 we have been working with the Zimbabwe’s Workers Union South Africa( ZIWUSA) that’s morphed into Zimbabwe Workers Union South Africa( ZIWUSA) providing assistance to those arrested in terms of legal aid, online permit applications and disputes at work,’ Mbiri said.

House of Hope came about as a result of a split with ZUWUSA led by Secretary General Mandla Masuku, he said 

The NPO has been visible in Mamelodi and Lephalale in Limpopo where there are structures aimed to help Zimbabweans in need.
” I am normally in Limpopo and we had reports of soldiers harassing foreigners especially Zimbabweans to the extent of demanded passports or money. Soldiers  would even do raids in the residential homes during this Lockdown.”
” The situation got better only after we spoke as an organisation to the police commanders in the area” he said.
‘”There also have been a case of a Zimbabwean who was infected by coronavirus but we gather she has since recovered,” Mbiri said.
However, the writers could not ascertain the veracity of the alleged coronavirus case from South African authorities.
House of Hope, he says, has no budget and has introduced an online platform where Zimbabweans nationwide can express issues affecting them and those who can will chip in with the little they have. 

“Helping is our hearts regardless of what we have”

“I have helped people whose permits have been rejected, transfers and those who had lost. We help with food parcels, and electricity, anything we can, we have no donors,” Mbiri said.

“I have a large group of loyal friends some of whom we have helped before, these also try to impact others,” he said.

He added the majority of Zimbabweans on the platform are affected with many having little or no money left.

“Imagine many people stopped working two two weeks before Lockdown. It was unexpected,”

“Currently the message we have been trying to push across is people should just share whatever the little they have with those in need that within their neighborhood, the platform is quite a hit,’ he says.

“It could be bread, mealie-meal or even potatoes. The platform has been a blessing to some,” he said.

Commenting on an advert widely circulated which included numbers for leadership across the provinces of South Africa for Zimbabweans to register for aid he said:” Yes it is true. My former colleague Edward Mwachuta is involved in that. 

” That is the work of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits Lobby group(ZEP) led by Darlington Chihuta who is the chairman.

“We are yet to see how serious this is but I understand it is meant to create a profile database for Zimbabweans in need,” 

However ,he said that would be used as a begging bowl sourcing funding from potential donors with a focus on those living legally in South Africa. 
In the meantime, no donations or programmes have been undertaken. 

“It would be a rescue fund of sorts but would collate profiles of those with Zimbabwe Special Dispensation permits, or any other legal document,’ he said. 

However, the document read, ” Those in SA with Zep permits can you  contact coordinator  of your province. It’s an issue  of food parcels or donations,” 

The writers managed to get a comment from the database’ s Limpopo Provincial Coordinator Maphosa who said that: ” It was a programme of receiving people’s details so that our leaders may submit to donors. Unfortunately programme closed on the 25th at 13.30pm,” 

”I am not sure when it will reopen, but as of now its on hold. Thats what is on the ground. I am not writing any details even in other provinces. Nothing. We are only waiting for our leaders to get feedback from these private donors,’ he said.

When asked about the figures of the database this far, he said ” I cant remember the number since I was just forwarding names to our leaders in the higher office,”

When further probed how the project started he said ‘” In fact we are ZEP ZimBabwe Exemption Permits coordinators. The food issue just started during the lockdown,”

He added there has been a major cry for help they prompted a call beyond their mandate: ” I just had and still having too many people calling for assistance in form of food parcels. I am just informing them that this is on hold but people are starving as they are calling day and night.

“I can’t bear receiving the voice calls but WhatsApp messages I can respond to some. I am in trouble right now one call after another non stop” Maphosa said.

Meanwhile the House of Hope leader Mbiri also indicated Zimbabwe Community Leader in Johannesburg Nicholas Mabhena has also been in efforts to help the needy during the lockdown indicating unverifiable reports that there have been donations in Cape Town.

“I have been in touch with fellow Zimbos in Cape Town saying a Gibson from Zanu PF youth League there is giving some food aid,”

“There also has been Zororo Phumulani funeral parlour. These are individuals with an interest towards Zimbabweans. We are very behind,” he added.

Mbiri said coronavirus is an ongoing thing and nobody is sure how people would survive.

“Remember most Zimbabweans survive from hand to mouth, they do piece jobs, some buying and selling, some green grocers,” 

“Since last week, numbers have changed, a large number of people have come forward on the platform and contacting churches needing help,” he said.

“Check now, most employers are saying they can only pay 30 percent of salaries and the rest should come from Unemployment Insurance Fund(UIF),” 

“We know that takes forever and even worse when one doesn’t have legal status’.

It is a crisis and you know South Africa government only catered for its citizens during lockdown,”Mbiri said.

In Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, Mbiri said there have been social development partners who provided food even to Zimbabweans on grounds they produced legal papers and that was a challenge. 

“We all know, about 10 percent have legal status in South Africa, majority do piece jobs, and construction work. Others even look for jobs at traffic intersections,” Mbiri  said.

In consequence of the dire situation, there has been an increase in the number of people intending to go back to Zimbabwe.

“We understand there have been engagements with Zimbabwean Embassy to open up the border a bit so people could go home,” 

“The situation is between a rock and a hard place as when they reach the border, there is a 21 day quarantine imposed by Zimbabwe,” he said. 
House of Hope is not about how much you have but how many you help, Mbiri said.

Last month Zimbabweans in various areas of South Africa such as Yeoville and Emalahleni received food parcels from the African Medallion Group owned by millionaire businessman Frank Buyanga. 

Others in Mamelodi were hoodwinked to gather for food parcels purportedly donated by footballers Khama Billiat and China- based Nyasha Mushekwi. It turned out to be a hoax.

By A Correspondent- Togara Munemo (49), a civil servant is a dejected man.

As he stands at the gate, the family man is not certain about what will become of him during this COVID-19 lockdown after he was ejected from his rented house by the new property owner.

His tale is that of many families who have been subjected to evictions by property owners despite the current lockdown rules and ravaging effects of the coronavirus.

The civil servant and his family spent Friday night in the open after the new house owner, Mubaiwa Dzvuke allegedly chucked them out and moved in.

Dzvuke is the MDC Alliance councillor for Nyameni high-density suburb.

“We were given notice in February to leave the property and I complied,” Munemo said.

“I then found another house and paid the rentals anticipating to move in by the end of this month.

“However, the tenant living in the house I am to occupy did not relocate to Harare as planned due to the lockdown. The new house owner did not take any of that into account and threw us out. We slept in the open.”

When NewsDay visited the house, Munemo was still outside with his family and property.

“I have been staying here for the past two years, but I am worried how I am going to secure another accommodation given the current situation.

“My new landlord understood my issue and did let the outgoing tenant stay until this is over. I thought Dzvuke would understand the situation better as a policymaker, but that’s not it,” Munemo said.

Munemo is currently sleeping in the open with his eight family members, among them children despite the cold nights often experienced in Marondera.

Dzvuke yesterday confirmed being the new owner and said Munemo refused to sleep in the house.

“I bought the house in January and gave Munemo notice,” Dzvuke said.

“He was not my tenant and I did not even ask for rentals.

“He kept on saying he was set to occupy a house whose tenant is set to relocate to Harare. The deal was for them to move out on Workers Day.

“When I arrived at the house as per our agreement, Munemo’s wife started moving their property out. When her husband returned, he called an army official and told them their story. I even created two rooms for them to put their things and possibly sleep, but they refused,” Dzvuke said.

In a bid to protect tenants whose source of income was affected by the lockdown, President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week deferred payment of rentals, ordering landlords to accept payment of rental arrears in instalments after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Evictions were also outlawed.

Statutory Instrument 97 2020 reads: “Any person who causes or forces or attempts to cause or force the eviction of any protected tenant or protected mortgagor for asserting or exercising any of his or her rights under these regulations shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.”

However, Munemo’s case is a different one as it is not about rentals. For now, he will continue sleeping in the open until he secures new lodgings.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Over 100 people have been arrested in Bulawayo, mainly for not wearing masks in public, as medical experts said the home-made mask is safe to use in fighting Covid-19, if properly used.

It is now mandatory for people to wear masks outside their homes as the country enters level two of the national lockdown.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said 115 people were arrested in the city for disobeying level two lockdown regulations and said the majority was for non-adherence to the standing orders on wearing of masks.

“We arrested 115 people, most of them for issues to do with wearing of masks. We are enforcing a law announced by President Mnangagwa that people must be wearing masks at all times if outside of their homes. We are seeing some people displaying masks but not wearing them. If one is in public places, the mask must be covering your nose and mouth, and it must not be hanging on your chin or just on your forehead, or in your handbag. It must be worn,” said Inspector Ncube.

“So, we are arresting all those people with masks but not wearing them, and those without. We are flexible on what people are using as masks. We just want the mouth and nose covered that is all. People can improvise and use what is available but they must be covered when not at home.” He commended Bulawayo residents who complied with the new requirements.

“We, however, applaud Bulawayo residents because most of them who were moving about yesterday had masks on, especially in the CBD where there is usually limited social distancing,” said Inspector Ncube.

Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) secretary-general Dr Sacrifice Chirisa said if worn correctly, homemade masks were safe and people did not have to fork out money to buy surgical masks at pharmacies.

He said there was a global shortage of surgical masks and called for people who are non-essential service staff to embrace home-made masks to reserve the surgical ones for frontline staff at higher risk.

“Home-made masks should be double clothed or pleated. It’s not necessary to stretch or open up the pleats, as long as the mask is covering the nose and mouth, then it is fine. Always ensure that your mouth and nose are covered. The public must also remember the safe way to use masks. If not washed for each use, the reusable mask can be a health hazard as they can harbour bacteria and viruses. These masks should not be shared, just like underwear,” said Dr Chirisa.

For people claiming to be suffocating from wearing masks, Dr Chirisa said it was normal for people to have such feelings if they are wearing them for the first time.

“It is expected. When someone is wearing a mask for the first time, that discomfort and feeling of suffocation is normal. However, it is not deadly. Otherwise our doctors would have dropped dead when conducting surgeries that take long hours because they wear masks the entire time,” said Dr Chirisa.

Dr Chirisa encouraged the use of cotton and nylon cloths to produce home-made masks as it was wearable and allowed for easy breathing while also providing enough protection. When reporters toured Bulawayo suburbs yesterday, many people had complied with the masks order. Some enterprising tailors started making home-made masks from their backyards and were providing them at a lesser price than pharmacy prices.

Mr Lovemore Phiri of Mzilikazi suburb was making masks in his home and displaying some by the gate for people to see. He said most of his customers where people going to Mpilo Central Hospital, a stone throw away from his home.

“Most people go to the hospital unprepared as they did not know that without a mask, one is no longer allowed into the hospital grounds. So they now pass by buying masks, while some come back and buy after making a U-turn at the hospital gate. I am selling them for $10 only,” he said.

A disposable mask at a pharmacy costs between US$1 and US$3, while a reusable one costs between US$3 and US$5. However, home-made masks were going for between $10 and $15 in local currency.

Dr Chirisa said Zimbabweans were better off settling for the cheaper homemade masks to save their hard-earned cash.

“The generality of Zimbabweans do not have access to foreign currency and cannot afford the disposable mask that they will have to discard daily. It makes more economic sense to use the reusable mask as it is more cost efficient but serves the same purpose,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Millers reportedly want a 10kg bag of subsidised mealie meal to be sold to consumers for $260.

This was revealed in a leaked letter from Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) general manager Lynnette Veremu to the association’s national executive committee.

Part of the leaked letter reads:

The new price of maize has been revised upwards without increasing current subsidy of $72 per 10 kg bag. Should millers proceed to adjust prices of maize meal accordingly at the current subsidy level, the new prices will be, miller to retail, $230,61 and retail to customers, $260,59.

The price of maize has moved from $6 958 00 from Grain Marketing Board to $12 329.72 which is a 77,2% upward movement.

This comes after GMAZ recently announced that they were running out of maize stocks.

By Own Correspondent| A senior banker at state linked bank CBZ Holdings has been accused of fraud.

According to investigations done by the Financial Intelligence Unit indicate that at least 30% of complaints to the CBZ bank are fraud related, with E-banking division being the epicenter.

Sources within the unit said Emmanuel Tapera, a senior staffer in the E-Banking department is said to be the core of fraudulent activities that are said to be fuelling financial instability.

Sources said ecocash bulk payments are funded through E-Banking using the Econet MMT account which is currently held by three banks CBZ, Steward bank and Stanbic bank.

A report by the FIU indicated that Tapera was involved in dealing sipphoning of public funds to his accounts and return the cash days after.

Sources said Tapera would withhold funds from corporates which are meant to fund commercial transactions and divert the same to his accounts.

“He is withholding funds that would have been meant to fund commercial transactions and takes that money to his personal projects. By the time he authorises the funds, it would have lost its value. In the process, he benefits alone while jeopardizing the economy,” said a source.

A Cassava client claimed had no bank account so Ecocash bulk payment was the only easiest way to get an electronic wallet to pay his suppliers.

“They have their black market dealers whom they fund first. Those dealers get millions of rtgs dollars at once. Once funded the dealers push the rates on the alternative black market and then the bank (CBZ) holds processing or funding other people’s cash who had sent their Proof of Payments after 3 to 4 days they then fund when the rtgs is now useless”

An FIU report stated that from their interactions with money dealers, one of them named (musondosi) “uyu Emmanuel Tapera uyu ane kachitsotsi ndiye manager anoshandisa mari dzedu achipa marunner ake wotenga mari odzokera kumabuyer wonotengesa mari iya at a higher rate odya profit nemari dzedu, anonetsa anongoisa mari ka1 mumarket nedze last week apedza kudzishandisa hake. Manje hamushandike nekuti most players wemugame anenge ane millions of rtgs except vanhu vake vaanenge atoita deal navo kare.

Attempts to get a comment from Tapera were fruitless while his boss named Deshe was also not available.

A staffer at Cassava said “we only instruct the bank to fund the Ecocash wallets, immediately after the clients money reflects In our MMT account however it is the bank that delays funding them for unknown reasons, stream of complaints from clients who have been victims of this and it seems the end of this trend is nowhere in sight, we have tried to get intouch with the bank’s division however they just say to us what they say to our clients so we do not have any position on this claim by clients of fraud by the bank”

 Warren Park teenager has been forced into hiding out of shame following revelations that her nude photographs leaked on social media.

The steamy bedroom photographs which are reported to have been taken by her boyfriend during an intimate moment reportedly found themselves on social media under unclear circumstances.

The 17-year-old Bertha Zembe has been unable to bear the embarrassment she suffered after her nude photographs leaked and has been spending her days in self-imposed isolation at her home. When the publication visited her home, Bertha, who was earlier rumoured to have taken her own life, was in a state of distress.

Asked to comment on the matter, Bertha’s seemingly understanding mother Albina Hove confirmed that it was indeed her daughter in the bedroom photographs making rounds. She also revealed that her daughter was keeping to herself and had not adequately explained the issue at hand.She has an iPhone and she gave it to someone to update on Wi-Fi and we suspect that guy and his friend who was interested in my daughter are the ones who leaked those pictures.

‘I don’t want to confront them yet since my brother who is a police officer is handling the case but we live in the same road with these boys. We don’t want to alert them yet and we will take the matter further.

‘She is not opening up about the nude pictures so each day she seems to be revealing what actually happened. There is nothing I can do about the situation, it’s already done and I cannot change anything.

‘If it were me I could explain about my nudes since I’m an adult but ‘She’s turning 18 this year,’ she said.

Social media was awash with different theories of how the photographs found themselves on the web.

However, a close source who refused to be named said that the photographs were taken sometime in February and were leaked with revelations that Bertha’s boyfriend had sent them to his friend who in turn splashed them online.

Other claims similar to those made by Bertha’s mother alleged that teenagers living in the same area leaked the footage after they stumbled onto it when they were updating Bertha’s mobile device’s software on the internet in her absence.-StateMedia

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and his Chivi counterpart Killer Zivhu have since yesterday been engaged in a social media war of words and ZimEye gives you a full list of tweets they posted targeted at each other.

First to start the war was Mliswa who appeared to celebrate following pictures of Zivhu’s new mansion saying the people of Galloway, a Norton suburb developed by the former Chivi councillor’s company Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association, will have something to attach should they win their court battle against him.

This did not sit well with Zivhu who fired back saying he did not have an outstanding court issue with Galloway residents except the Norton legislator whom he sued for defamation.

Zivhu also advised Mliswa to report him to police if he had issues with him.

“Temba Mliswa for 8 years uchingoti Zivhu is a land baron ndisungise we have more than 100 police stations around Harare wakamirireyi .to make the record straight I don’t have any case before the courts with my clients.ini ndini ndine nyaya newe Temba yandakakusungisa,” said Zivhu.

In follow up tweets, Zivhu said he invited Mliswa and anyone with grievances to appear before the land commission and report him.

“inga ndakadaidza vose vaiti land baron kuti endayi ku lands commission Temba ukaenda wani kkkkk,” he added.

In response, Mliswa appeared to mock Zivhu for responding to him saying the fact that he had to say something meant that it was true about his land dealings.

“When you punch someone & they don’t respond know that it was weak. However when you punch someone & they respond know that it was a good one & painful….the truth hurts doesn’t it @killerzivhu1? Where are the roads in Galloway? Where is the service delivery?,” said Mliswa.

“I’ll keep punching until you’re down, the people of Galloway will be victorious… mark my words!”

The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:

• USD to ZWL$: 25.0000
• ZWL$ to RAND: 0.7369

Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates: 

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• OMIR $63.45
• USD to ZWL$ zimrates.com  $50.5
• USD to ZWL$  zwl365.com $49
• USD to ZWL$ bluemari.info $45
• USD to BOND: zimrates.com $36.80

More: marketwatch.co.zw

By A Correspondent- Mutare based singer Hosia Chipanga has denounced the increase of data and sms bundle during lockdown.

In a statement he posted today in the morning,  Chipanga argues that world leaders should know that people get information and entertainment through internet so there is no need to charge it but provide it freely.

Chipanga said in a statement:

“Dear Customer. Please take note, bundle prices for Data & SMS will be reviewed effective 5 May 2020. Dial *143# to buy Data or *140# to buy SMS Bundles.).

“I dont know if i am still normal.  In the event that i am still normal,. then the World leaders are now abnormal. With their covid 19 to wipe out every human life on the planet, the World leaders if not leader have found reason in lockingdown nearely every human movements and means of production worldwide.

“While people are locked indoors the only way left for them to learn about the outside world, the covid havoc,  relatives and friends is only through the airwaves, radio television and the internet.

“In normal senses the airwaves and internet should have been freely opened to everybody  to accsess entertainment, information and communication during these perishing times.

“World leaders are still making huge profits selling data, airtime and airwaves from the covid19 victims on the planet.  When are they going to stop the loving and making of money ahead of loving the people? Instead of the people to just focus on Food these bad times they are made to also focus  on payments of information, communication and entertainment.

“MY DEAR LORD, DO YOU STILL EXIST,?

H. Chipanga.”

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced a reduction in fuel prices due to the FOB (Free on Board) price movement and the revised duty regime.

Blend which was at $21,77 is now $21 while diesel is now $20,84 from $21,52. FOB basically refers to costs involved in shipping the product.

In a statement, ZERA confirmed the decrease in fuel prices.

“Please be advised that fuel prices effective Tuesday, 5 May 5, 2020 are as follows: maximum pump price for diesel is $20,84 and $21 for blend. Operators may, however, sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages,” read the statement.

The decrease in prices comes as fuel prices world over are coming down. The price per barrel went negative last month as a result of reduction in demand.

Zimbabwe is a net fuel importer, hence any movement on the global market has an effect on the local price.-Statemedia

Mutare based singer Hosia Chipanga denounced the increase of data and sms bundle during lockdown.

In a statement he posted today in the morning,  Chipanga argues that world leaders should know that people get information and entertainment through internet so there is no need to charge it but provide it freely.

Chipanga said in a statement, “Dear Customer. Please take note, bundle prices for Data & SMS will be reviewed effective 5 May 2020. Dial *143# to buy Data or *140# to buy SMS Bundles.).

“I dont know if iam still normal.  In the event that i am still normal,. then the World leaders are now abnormal. With their covid 19 to wipe out every human life on the planet, the World leaders if not leader have found reason in lockingdown nearely every human movements and means of production worldwide.

“While people are locked indoors the only way left for them to learn about the outside world, the covid havoc,  relatives and friends is only through the airwaves, radio television and the internet.

“In normal senses the airwaves and internet should have been freely opened to everybody  to accsess entertainment, information and communication during these perishing times.

“World leaders are still making huge profits selling data, airtime and airwaves from the covid19 victims on the planet.  When are they going to stop the loving and making of money ahead of loving the people? Instead of the people to just focus on Food these bad times they are made to also focus  on payments of information, communication and entertainment.

“MY DEAR LORD, DO YOU STILL EXIST,?

H. Chipanga.”

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man who tested positive for COVID-19 last week caused a stir at his place of residence at the weekend as he declined to get into an ambulance and be ferried to an isolation centre.

The man, whose identity could not be established, stays at a residential apartment in the city’s Central Business District (CBD).

However, on Sunday it took the Bulawayo City Council Rapid Response Team more than two hours to convince him to place under self-isolation at the Elangeni Government Training Centre. Neighbours and passers-by surrounded the flat as the council employees pleaded with the man to get into the ambulance.

New Zimbabwe.com news crew also witnessed the Rapid Response Team negotiating with the patient to get into the ambulance. He later agreed to be moved into self-isolation and was rushed to the training centre.

Bulawayo currently does not have a well-equipped COVID-19 treatment centre.

Last month, Local Government Minister, July Moyo said all COVID-19 patients in the city will be referred to Wilkins Infection Diseases Hospital in Harare as Thorngrove Hospital in Bulawayo had no capacity to handle coronavirus cases.

Various stakeholders in the city have since joined hands in face lifting the antiquated infrastructure at the hospital.

The City’s Director of Health Services, Edwin Sibanda said the rehabilitation work at the hospital included the repainting of the hospital’s buildings, roof, upgrading dressing rooms for health workers as well as the drilling of a borehole.

The hospital’s mortuary is also being renovated. However, it is unclear when the work will be completed.-StateMedia

ZERA has adjusted fuel prices. Diesel will sell at $20.84 and Petrol at $21.00 in Harare and other areas may increase prices in relation to delivery costs.

A week after Econet so brazenly asked their own suppliers to reduce prices by 20%, they themselves have done the opposite.

In the latest price hike, their Private WiFi bundles have been hiked by as much as 225%! Call it desperation or greed but nobody saw that coming. Such a hike effectively means a hike in real USD terms.

Whereas in times past, the cheapest bundle, 25GB, has always hovered around the $10 USD mark the latest hike from $400 ZWL to $1 300 ZWL means the bundle now costs $31 USD at current black market rates. Now that is a massive hike of almost 200% even in real USD terms.

To do this during the lockdown period is either greed or pure madness that will no doubt lead to a reduction in demand.

In the meantime the 50GB bundle which was selling for $800 (approx $20 USD) yesterday is now being sold at a massive $2 000 ZWL ( approx $42 USD). Again this effectively means the prices have been doubled even in USD terms. Again to do this during a period when most people are not going to work or receiving any bailouts from the government unlike in other countries is mind-boggling.

Before all these changes, you could buy three private WiFi bundles, 25GB, 50GB or 75GB. As of today, you can no longer purchase the 75GB bundle which has mysteriously disappeared. Probably because even Econet was embarrassed about it’s new proposed by they just decided to do away with it.

Zim price checker:

FOLLOWING the relaxation of the lockdown guidelines by Government, there was an increase of human traffic in Bulawayo yesterday.

President Mnangagwa on Friday extended the lockdown by a further 14 days but downgraded the emergency response to Covid-19 to level two which allows industry and commerce to resume operations if they comply with set health guidelines to curb the spread of the disease. The relaxation started yesterday.

Level four was the original lockdown under which only essential services were permitted to operate. Level three was reached when mining, manufacturing and tobacco sales were authorised to resume operations.

Those who had been going to work under levels four and three of the lockdown continue to report for duty as usual.

Zupco is the only public transport service provider allowed to operate during the lockdown.

In Bulawayo, yesterday long queues were observed at Zupco pick-up points at around 4pm in the CBD after businesses had closed as per the lockdown regulations which stipulate that business ends at 3pm. Security forces worked hard trying to ensure social distancing.

Buses were overwhelmed and hundreds of people were left stranded mostly at Herbert Chitepo Street. The public transporter had to call in Zupco kombis to relieve buses.

Although the kombis charge $4 compared to $2 on buses, commuters swarmed them as they were eager to go home.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Zupco southern region manager Mr Tinaye Rwasoka said that today everything will go back to normal as more kombis would be availed.

“Yesterday we received an influx of commuters after relaxation of the lockdown, which saw the opening of a number of businesses. We have since called on the Zupco kombi operators to come on board and assist the buses which are overwhelmed as they only carry a maximum of 50 passengers,” said Mr Rwasoka.

He said the commuting public should today expect an improved service and urged them to comply with preventive and safety measures when boarding the buses or kombis.

OVER 100 people have been arrested in Bulawayo, mainly for not wearing masks in public, as medical experts said the home-made mask is safe to use in fighting Covid-19, if properly used.
It is now mandatory for people to wear masks outside their homes as the country enters level two of the national lockdown.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said 115 people were arrested in the city for disobeying level two lockdown regulations and said the majority was for non-adherence to the standing orders on wearing of masks.

“We arrested 115 people, most of them for issues to do with wearing of masks. We are enforcing a law announced by President Mnangagwa that people must be wearing masks at all times if outside of their homes. We are seeing some people displaying masks but not wearing them.

If one is in public places, the mask must be covering your nose and mouth, and it must not be hanging on your chin or just on your forehead, or in your handbag. It must be worn,” said Inspector Ncube.

“So, we are arresting all those people with masks but not wearing them, and those without. We are flexible on what people are using as masks. We just want the mouth and nose covered that is all. People can improvise and use what is available but they must be covered when not at home.”

He commended Bulawayo residents who complied with the new requirements.

“We, however, applaud Bulawayo residents because most of them who were moving about yesterday had masks on, especially in the CBD where there is usually limited social distancing,” said Inspector Ncube.

Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) secretary-general Dr Sacrifice Chirisa said if worn correctly, homemade masks were safe and people did not have to fork out money to buy surgical masks at pharmacies.-Soccer 24

Farai Dziva|Details of how Zanu PF wanted to wipe out the Pfebve family for supporting the opposition have been revealed.

More than 600 people invaded the Pfebve homestead and attacked hapless family members…

Watch video below:

Farai Dziva|Details of how Zanu PF wanted to wipe out the Pfebve family for supporting the opposition have been revealed.

More than 600 people invaded the Pfebve homestead and attacked hapless family members…

Watch video below:

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has been accused planning to push Chiredzi villagers out of their ancestral land to create space for his sympathisers.

In a statement, the councillor for ward 18, Chiredzi West Constituency, Gilbert Mutubuki accused Mnangagwa of “pushing for the eviction of local villagers” to create space for Dendairy, a company reportedly owned by his friends.

Said Mutubuki:

“The plan to evict people from their ancestral area and grow grass for cattles will not work.

The plan by government to remove people in Chambuta,Chipinda,Velemu,Chibwedziva and Masivamele in Chikombedzi will face povo resistance.

We are not going to fold our hands and watch people being evicted from their land.

Dendairy owners are close to Mnangagwa and he is rewarding his friends with our land.”

Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based preacher, Isaac Makomichi has sensationally declared that doctors and scientists will discover a permanent cure for the deadly Covid-19 pandemic next month.

Makomichi, who is known as the Lion of witches by his followers, says he has embarked on a six day fasting session to seek God’s wisdom in the wake of the ravaging Coronavirus scourge.Makomichi is also the president of Vulnerable Youth Support Network Trust, a Non Governmental Organisation that represents the voice of vulnerable youths in the country.

In a statement on Monday Makomichi said:

“I have embarked on a fasting programme to seek God’s grace so that doctors and scientists can discover the much awaited cure for the deadly Coronavirus.

I know God will answer my prayers as He always does.

Doctors and scientists will discover the cure for the deadly pandemic next month.”

Makomichi also distributes what he describes as the anointed love potion herb to women and girls across the country.

Farai Dziva|A Non Governmental Organisation, ICOD Zimbabwe has written a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, expressing concerns about “gross abuse of human rights by the police force.”

ZRP Cops have been accused of assaulting civilians during the lockdown.

See part of the petition written by ICOD Zim:

ACKNOWLEDGING that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 (Constitution) mandates Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe;

COGNISANT that in the exercise of its legislative function and authority Parliament can in fact initiate, prepare, consider or reject any legislation;
RECOGNISING that the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level are accountable to Parliament;
AWARE that Section 210 (Independent complaints mechanism) of the Constitution peremptorily requires:

An Act of Parliament must provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct;
MINDFUL of the following peremptory provisions of the Constitution
[t]he national security of Zimbabwe must be secured in compliance with this Constitution and the law.

Section 206(2) (National Security)
[i]n particular, the protection of national security must be pursued with the utmost respect for (a) the fundamental rights and freedoms and the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution; and (b) the rule of law. Section 206(3) (National Security);
[t]he security services are subject to the authority of this Constitution, the President and Cabinet and are subject to parliamentary oversight. Section 207(2) (Security Services);
[m]embers of the security services must act in accordance with this Constitution and the law.

Section 208(1) (Conduct of members of security services); and
[n]either the security services nor any of their members may, in the exercise of their functions violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.

Section 208(2)(d) (Conduct of members of security services)
CONCERNED that close to seven years since the adoption of the Constitution in 2013, no tangible action has been taken towards realising the constitutional imperative of an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct;
DISTURBED by reports of assault, corruption and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown that was announced by H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and provided for in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 – Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 from 30th of March, 2020, to the 19th of April, 2020;

AWARE that although the High Court of Zimbabwe, on April 16, 2020, granted an interim order – in a case that challenged torture, inhumane and degrading conduct, disregard of human dignity and violation of the Constitution by members of the Police Service and the Zimbabwe National Army – requiring members the security services to respect human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms when enforcing the National Lockdown regulations, such an order does not provide for the investigation of complaints against misconduct and the remedying harm caused by such misconduct.

WORRIED that the absence of an effective and independent mechanism envisaged under Section 210 deprives members of the public a constitutionally prescribed avenue for redress;
MINDFUL that asking members of the public to report complaints about misconduct on the part of members of the security services and expect remedies any harm caused by such misconduct to internal mechanism provided by the security services is woefully inadequate to satisfy the dictates of Section 210 which requires an effective and independent mechanism.

NOW THEREFORE your petitioner beseeches the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional role and address the following issues of public concern:

Ensure the promulgation of an Act of Parliament envisaged by Section 210 of the Constitution to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct;
Ensure the protection of the public through Parliament’s oversight functions vis-à-vis the aforesaid mechanism;
Subject the relevant mechanism to such oversight as may be provided in the relevant Act of Parliament; and
Inquire, using its constitutionally provided oversight function, into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.

PETITIONER’S PLEA AND PRAYER:

The petitioners beseech the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional mandate to give effect to Section 210 of the Constitution and inquire into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.

WHEREFORE, we pray that your Honourable House will be pleased to take this case into favourable consideration, and grant any other such relief as it may deem fit,

AND your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

By A Correspondent- Born Felistas Murata, the comedienne who is currently holed up in the UK due to the Covid-19 pandemic penned a song ‘Let him go’ featuring Kazz Khalif and its lyrics are believed to be after her separation with Zizoe.

Socialite and gospel musician Mai Titi has collaborated with an international musician and recorded a song titled Let Him Go during the national lockdown in the United Kingdom.

Mai Titi confirmed penning an emotional song accusing Zizoe of wasting her time saying God is taking her far. “Let him go song is a direct response to Zizoe who seduced me with a hidden intention to market his songs while wasting my time,” said Mai Titi.

“I am moving on with my life and besides marriage, God blessed me with gifts that cannot be stolen by anyone and singing gives me hope and strength.

“God opened a door for me to meet international musician like Kazz and the song is now trending in England that I see myself reaching far by forgetting the past,” said Mai Titi.

She said England is taking serious health precautionary measures to curb the spreading of Covid-19 and that will take her more days before she returned to Zimbabwe.

“I am only returning when the quarantine is over because I do not want to risk my life and that of my children,” said Mai Titi.

By A Correspondent- A senior nurse at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) was last week rushed to the theatre after a nasal swab used to collect a COVID-19 sample reportedly broke inside her nose.

A local publication was told that the nurse, who is a Sister-In-Charge was reportedly operated on and the swab was removed. The publication quoted its source as having said:

The sister in charge was operated on and was kept in the ICU for monitoring.

The clinical test sample is called a Nasopharyngeal swab and is inserted through the nose to collect nasal secretions from the back of the nose and throat.

This diagnostic method is commonly used in the testing of suspected cases such as the coronavirus.

Zimbabwe has done a total of 11 647 screening and diagnostic tests done to date, with 34 confirmed cases including 5 recoveries and 4 deaths.-CITE

By A Correspondent- Government has instituted a forensic audit into allegations against Registrar General, Mr Clemence Masango that he might have unprocedurally procured vehicles for Central Registry’s office.

Auditor General, Ms Mildred Chiri has been roped in to investigate the case which was raised by the Department’s Chief Accountant, Mr Peter Bwanya in a development that saw the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission moving in and impounding two vehicles for the Central Registry a fortnight ago.

Mr Bwanya wrote a letter to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Permanent Secretary, Mr Aaron Nhepera alleging that only six vehicles, Isuzu KB250 single cab were delivered against eleven that the Department had procured.

By A Correspondent- Chitungiwza Municipality employees have not received full salaries for the past 4 years amid reports that top management is splashing vast sums of money in unnecessary trips and workshops.

This was revealed by the Council’s Workers Union president Reverend Ephraim Katsina who spoke to the publication and said:

We are in between 45 to 50 months’ salary arrears depending on grade. Health workers are owed millions in professional and retention allowances.

Sewerage and water workers are owed Zinwa allowances and former employees are owed more than $3 million in salary arrears. Grades 1 to 3, which is management, have less salary backlogs of between four to 12 months.

According to the publication, some workers are still owed allowances as far back as 2008, and those who are owed by the council are the least paid staffers. The salaries and allowance backlog was confirmed by the city ‘s acting town clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu who according to the publication said;

From January, management approved a salary increase for ordinary employees of 608 percent, while managers were yet to get a salary hike in the last two years.

Health workers had been paid allowances for working during the first cholera outbreak, while they were trying to address the arrears for the second outbreak.-StateMedia

Renah Takudzwa Muhambi the young sister of controversial ZANU PF leader Davis Muhambi has been arraigned before the Bulawayo Magistrate court for spreading falsehoods about President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to reports by online publication CITE the 21-year-old  Muhambi and one Prisca Gumbo  of Mpopoma suburb and Renah allegedly sharing a fake press statement purportedly issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending the lockdown to May 3.
The pair is said to have forwarded a statement via their WhatsApp platforms to several contacts on their mobile phones.

They are charged for publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state, as defined by the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The two accused persons who were represented by Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers were sentenced to May 18 by Magistrate  Shepherd Munjanja.

Gumbo was freed on ZWL$1000 while Muhambi was ordered to pay ZWL$500.

Muhambi’s brother Davis is no stranger to controversy. Last year he was arraigned at West Commonage magistrates’ courts accused of pointing a firearm at a motorist and was charged under the Firearms Act.

Muhambi was reported to have pulled a pistol during a road rage incident following a minor accident at a traffic light controlled intersection in Nguboyenja suburb.

Zimbabwe is yet to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) conditions for the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown, a government official has said.

In a media brief, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the situation on the ground does not permit the lifting of the lockdown.

“As the total lockdown, Level 4, came to an end, the obtaining situation on the ground showed that Zimbabwe was yet to meet the conditions for  lifting the lockdown that had been announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO),” said Mutsvangwa

She said among the conditions was the need to have systems that tests and treat Covid-19.

“Key among these conditions was the need to have in place health systems that are capable to test, isolate, treat and trace every contact. However, as considerable work had been undertaken, the lockdown was eased to level 3 where Government allowed the mining sector to resume or scale up operations,” she said.

On the easing of lockdown regulations to level 2 which has opened the door for industry and commerce to resume operations, Mutsvangwa said they will have to meet laid down regulations contained in the Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020.

“First and foremost, those who are now allowed to resume operations are businesses in the formal commercial and industrial sector. What is recognized as formal are businesses that hold a shop license or other license from a local authority and operate the business in question from a specified premise.”

On Saturday, President Mnangagwa announced the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown to level 2 where only Industry and Commerce is allowed to operate.

According to WHO, nations can lift lockdowns only when they have met six conditions that is; disease transmission is under control, health systems are able to “detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact”, hot spot risks are minimized in vulnerable places, such as nursing homes, chools, workplaces and other essential places have established preventive measures, the risk of importing new cases “can be managed” as well as communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal.

watch the live video loading below…..

CITE|COVID-19 patient in Bulawayo who is on isolation at Elangeni Training Centre slept on an empty stomach on Sunday evening as his meals that were supposed to be delivered from the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) did not make their way to the institution, CITE can reveal.

As a result, the patient whose last meal was lunch Sunday afternoon allegedly missed out on dinner and Monday morning breakfast.

A drive from UBH to Elangeni Training Centre takes less than 20 minutes.

The 27-year-old patient is Case 34 who was moved to the isolation centre in Khumalo suburb on Sunday by the Rapid Response Team.

The centre was identified by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, to accommodate those patients who cannot self-isolate at home.

Since the patient stayed in a high rise apartment in Bulawayo’s Central Business District, he was not eligible for self-isolation at home as he shared living space with other residents at the flat.

Concerned friends and relatives discovered that the patient did not eat when they checked up on him since he is reportedly the only patient at the centre.

In an interview with CITE, health officials who spoke on condition of anonymity admitted that a logistical error took place during delivery of the food.

“His meals were prepared at UBH and supposedly taken to Elangeni Training Centre but somehow it seems the food was lost during delivery. We think there was a logistical mishap and for some reason, the patient didn’t receive their food,” said one of the sources.

“The patient did not eat but the food has since been delivered. He has received his breakfast.”

Contacted for a comment, Acting Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, Dr Welcome Mlilo, said the patient’s meals were being provided for.

“The meals are being provided by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare,” he said.

Deputy Minister, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Lovemore Matuke, told CITE that if a patient was admitted at a hospital they became the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“When someone is hospitalised, the ministry of health must provide food. If the ministry has no adequate resources to finance the provision of food, then the department of Social Welfare will come in to assist,” he said.

Matuke said once his ministry has a full appreciation of the matter, they would step in to assist the host ministry, that is if there were challenges to cater for the patients.

“I’m now looking for details but since you have asked I will task my directors to go check and ask Elangeni Training centre if there is anything we can do,” he said.

Bulawayo has 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with one death.

Nationally, the country has 34 confirmed cases including five recoveries and four deaths.

By A Correspondent- A 47 year old police detective based in Gwanda has been arrested for allegedly raping his 17-year-old daughter on several occasions since she was 10-years-old.

The accused was not asked to plead when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Nomagugu Sibanda facing a rape charge.

He was remanded out of custody to May 29 on $1 000 bail.

Prosecutor Glenda Nare told the court that the accused person allegedly started raping his 17-year-old daughter in 2012 while she was 10-years-old.

Said Nare:

Sometime in 2012, the complainant was asleep at home when she felt a heavy weight on top of her. She woke up and realised that it was her father. She tried to scream but he threatened to beat her up and went on to rape her.

Sometime in 2014 while the complainant was staying with her father in Beitbridge he raped her several times while her stepmother was not around and he warned her against reporting the matter. Sometime in 2016, they relocated to Lupane where he raped her several times.

The accused and his daughter later relocated to Gwanda where the abuse continued until April 29.

The complainant revealed the matter to her aunt who then reported the matter to the police.-statemedia

It appears the Zimbabwean government has yet again reduced the number of Coronavirus infected people in the country from 34 to 31.

The new figure was highlighted by Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi in a Twitter post on Monday.

Mocking Tanzanian President John Magafuli for his different approach to the control of the pandemic, Mutodi said Zimbabwe only has 31 cases while Health Ministry had earlier in the day maintained 34.

Zimbabwe has twice reviewed downwards its Coronavirus statistics. Two weeks ago the country brought down its count by one person claiming that the patient had been counted twice. Last week the Ministry of Health and Child Care further confused the world cutting down the number of cases in the country from 40 to 34 after claiming that six cases were incorrectly diagnosed.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa first hinted the reduction from 40 to 34, hours before the Health Ministry proclaimed the figures and Mutodi’s assertion may also just be another precursor of what government will announce.