A HARARE man appeared in court on Wednesday charged with the murder of his wife during the current lockdown called by the Government to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The case comes against the backdrop of concerns over a sharp increase in gender-based violence (GBV) over the lockdown period.

Prince Chada (25) of Amsterdam Park, Harare South, allegedly fatally assaulted his wife, Tafadzwa Bhinzi, on April 19 and appeared before magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga charged with murder.

He was remanded in custody to May 7 with instructions to apply for bail at the High Court due to the gravity of his offence.

Prosecuting, Mr Panganai Chiutsi alleged that on April 19, Chada was at home with his wife when an altercation ensued between them.

Chada allegedly became violent and started punching and kicking his wife.

He is said to have armed himself with an electrical cable, which he used to further assault her, the court heard.

She cried for help, but no one came to her rescue. Chada, it is alleged, kept on whipping her as she lay on the floor pleading for mercy until she died.

In a separate incident, five brothers allegedly teamed up and assaulted their neighbour, seriously injuring him after accusing him of having an extra-marital affair with one of their sisters-in-law.

Lee, Nelson, Valentine, Ashton and Arthur Hufa from Chinamhora, Mushayapekuvaka village, recently appeared in court before magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboa charged with attempted murder.

They are being jointly charged with their colleague, Silas William.

The six were remanded in custody after the State led by Mr George Manokore opposed bail on the basis that the complainant, Tineyi Hamba, was battling for his life at a local hospital.-State media

Farai Dziva|Opposition party MDC has challenged government to respect citizens’ rights to obtain basic needs.

Read full statement below :

MDC ALLIANCE STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE UNLAWFUL ARREST AND DETENTION OF HONOURABLE REGAI TSUNGA AND 12 OTHERS

As the People’s party, MDC Alliance strongly condemns the wrongful and unlawful arrest and detention of Honourable Regai Tsunga and 12 others for ostensibly contravening Section 11(1)of the Public Health Act SI 83/2020 unnecessary movement during lockdown.

To start with, there is no such penalty section as cited and the disruption and harassment of the Honourable Member of Parliament for Mutasa South and Councillor Farai Bhiza of Ward 11 as well as 11 other people was as unwarranted as it was unlawful.

Regrettably, due to the heavy handed nature and belligerent behavior of the Police they paid admission of guilt fines under protest in order to avoid the risk of contracting the Coronavirus in the police cells as the police refused to accept that no offence had been committed.

Apart from the failure to appreciate that the offence and penalty under Section 11(a)and (b) of Statutory Instrument arise from either hindering or obstructing the police or failing to refuse to comply with a request or direction given by the police no attempt was made to engage the people who were driven by hunger and the State’s failure to make arrangements for the delivery of the basic staple food of maize meal to the ward.

It is necessary for the police to understand the import of the legislation and regulations they seek to enforce instead of being trigger happy and arrest innocent people who will not have committed any offence.

Hundreds of people have been harassed under similar circumstances and as the People’s party, the MDC Alliance is demanding for a FULL STOP to this madness.

Indeed as the MDC Alliance, we have pointed out before that while the lockdown is necessary to curb the spread of the pandemic what the state has dismally failed to do is to provide the safety nets for the people of Zimbabwe the majority of whom were already living from hand to mouth.

The situation was compounded and exacerbated by the ambush on Sunday afternoon when a caring government would have made a timeous announcement of the extension of the lockdown.

As the MDC Alliance, we reiterate that the right to food and water is enshrined in Section 77 of our national Constitution and it is imperative that the government ensures that this right is realized.

Further other crucial human rights like the right to Life, Human Dignity and Not to be Tortured or subjected to Inhuman Degrading Treatment or Punishment can not suspended under any circumstances.

We therefore demand that the State should deliver on the promises it made at the commencement of the lockdown and to implement the High Court orders made by the High Court last week in terms of which the police and other law enforcement agencies are required to observe people’s Rights in enforcing the COVID-19 Regulations.

Further, as the MDC Alliance we are also concerned that Lovemore Zvokusekwa who was arrested on Saturday and appeared in Court on Monday on charges of may be deprived of his right to a fair trial.

We say so because the complainant appears to have already taken the role of both the Prosecutor and Adjudicator by making a pronouncement that an example should be made of the Accused by imposing the maximum penalty of 20 years.

We believe in the doctrine of Separation of Powers and undue pressure should not be exerted on the courts to convict and the doctrine of the presumption of innocence is the cornerstone of our judicial system.

Innocent Gonese
Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs
MDC Alliance

Mobile: 00263 71 221 3253

Farai Dziva|ZRP cops in the ancient city of Masvingo are allegedly demanding cash bribes to allow residents to get into the city centre during the lockdown.

The ZRP cops are reportedly targeting pedestrians and cyclists. It is said they are demanding cash ranging from RTGS $10 to $ 20.

“I wanted to go to town to buy mealie meal and as I approached Benjamin Burombo Building, I was confronted by two cops who demanded cash so that they would allow me to proceed to the city centre.

I told them that I didn’t not have the money and they forced me to return home,” said a resident of Rujeko Suburb.

“On Tuesday, I was nearly beaten up by cops at the Chevron Hotel footpath because I refused to pay the sum of RTGS $ 10 they were demanding,” said another resident.

Asked to comment on the matter, Masvingo Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said she would report the matter to her superiors.

The residents of the ancient city have also complained about rampant police brutality.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE: 22 APRIL 2020

The Ministry would like to report that all the 65 outstanding results from yesterday were negative for COVID-19.

Today, a total of 831 tests were done.

Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has twenty-eight confirmed cases, including two recoveries and four deaths.

Distribution of tests done today
Mash West – 111
Mat. North – 13
Manicaland – 62
Masvingo – 110
Mash. East – 34
Mash. Central – 65
Mat. South – 74
Midlands – 37
Harare – 101
Bulawayo – 224
TOTALS – 831
All the PCR tests done in Harare were negative for COVID-19 and at the time of print, 101 PCR results from Bulawayo were still pending.

Number of confirmed cases to date
Matabeleland North – 1
Bulawayo – 10
Harare – 12
Mashonaland East – 4
Mashonaland West – 1
Total – 28
Case #26 reported yesterday is a 49-year-old male resident of Harare who recently returned from the United Kingdom.

He is symptomatic, with mild-moderate disease and is receiving medical management under mandatory isolation.

Case #27 reported yesterday was an 82-year-old female resident of Mhondoro who had no history of recent travel or any known contact with a COVID-19 case.

She was reportedly well until the 16th of April 2020 when she developed a flu-like illness with chest symptoms.

She received medical treatment with an antibiotic and analgesia, and the symptoms reportedly improved.

However, her condition deteriorated on the 19th of April 2020 and she was ferried to Harare and admitted in a hospital in Harare on the 20 of April 2020.

On admission, the managing clinicians suspected COVID-19 and immediately isolated her and called in the local Rapid Response Team for assessment and sample collection.

Sadly, she deceased in the evening of the 21 of April 2020, giving us a total of four COVID-19 related deaths reported to date.

Case #28 also reported yesterday is a 25-year-old male resident of Harare who recently returned from the United Kingdom.

He is asymptomatic, with mild disease and is recovering under mandatory isolation.

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 and exercise social distancing.

For assistance, please call the COVID-19 tollfree hotline number: 2019

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Tanaka Mnangagwa, was allegedly tricked into parting with US$1 500 by a wedding garments supplier whom he had contracted to supply suits ahead of his wedding last year.

The “conman” was identified as Samson Mavhunga (31) of Hillside, Harare.

Mavhunga charged Mnangagwa US$3 500 and promised to deliver five men’s suits from Italy two weeks before the wedding if he paid US$1 500 deposit.

Mnangagwa paid the deposit but nothing materialised, whereupon he asked for a refund from Mavhunga.

When Mavhunga failed to pay back the US$1 500, Mnangagwa made a police report leading to the former’s arrest.

On Wednesday, Mavhunga appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga charged with fraud.

He was remanded out of custody to May 7 on $1 000 bail and ordered to report once a week to the police and to surrender his passport.-Statemedia

Farai Dziva|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has said Zimbabwe is “fighting two pandemics- hunger and COVID -19.”

Chamisa believes hunger is “as lethal a threat COVID-19.”

“Zimbabwe is fighting two pandemics, the COVID19 pandemic and the poverty/hunger pandemic.

Hunger is as lethal a threat as COVID19.

Effective leadership is certainly key and necessary to address the threat we face.

We must empower citizens with enough information to fight the virus,” Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Farai Dziva|MDC official and respected economist, Dr Tapiwa Mashakada says the forced quarantine of returnees is a violation of human rights.

Below is his argument :
In terms of International Humanitarian Law, governments have a duty to protect refugees,internally displaced persons, returnees and stateless persons.

The forced quarantine of Returnees violates their human rights.

They must be given an option to choose a place for detention…

Gvt should look for homes to settle the returnees rather than lock then up in dormitories.

Similarly refugees must be treated in terms of International law.

In particular during this period of lockdown the principle of non-refoulement must be respected.

Refugees need food, water and sanitation during this lockdown period. The same applies to internally displaced people especially those who have migrated to rural areas.

There has to be a holistic social protection strategy.

By Own Correspondent| Government has in the past two weeks, disbursed nearly $8 million to over 47 000 households towards urban food deficit mitigation as part of efforts to cushion needy families during the Covid-19 lockdown, the state media has reported.

Addressing the media at a Post Cabinet Presser Tuesday, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said government was using “an algorithm” to determine beneficiaries of the COVID-19 cushioning fund.

He however did not explain details on the modalities of the logarithm and whether it would ensure inclusivity of citizens’ diversity.

The state media however reported that at least $3,8 million was released to at least 21 431 households in Harare and Bulawayo, while more than $4 million was extended to 26 140 households in small towns such as Bindura, Kariba, Kwekwe, Gwanda, Plumtree, Shurugwi, Mvuma and Beitbridge.

Citizens who spoke to ZimEye, however said they were not sure of who had benefited from the funds adding that it was highly likely that Zanu Pf stalwarts were the beneficiaries of the money.

Said Daisy Mutonge from Mbare:

“I dont think that the money was distributed anywhere but it is sitting somewhere in someone’s pocket. This is the norm in Zanu Pf.”

Added an Epworth woman, Beatrice Chimbenga:

“Only Zanu Pf supporters’ names were written by their leaders and all those suspected to belong to opposition were told that they were not getting anything.”

However, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said cash payments had replaced grain allocations in urban areas.

Registration of beneficiaries was reportedly ongoing and was scheduled for completion before the end of this month and Government had scaled up cash disbursements.

Reported the state media:

“Prof Mavima revealed that a total of 63 000 households in 23 poorest districts of the country had also been supported.

The programme was aimed at strengthening household economies, building resilience to deficits and reducing negative coping mechanism.

A total of $25,2 million had been disbursed since January 2020 and the payments were being done using EcoCash.

The benefiting districts included Buhera, Binga, Bulilima, Chivi, Mwenezi, Mudzi, Gokwe North, Zvimba, Mazowe, Rushinga, Goromonzi, Mutare, Gweru, Chipinge, Makoni, Bindura, Zvishavane, Kariba, Mangwe, Umguza, Mzilikazi, St Mary’s (Chitungwiza) and Epworth (Harare).

By A Correspondent| Twimbos have taken to social media making a comparison between what the COVID-19 aid availed by government can buy in Zimbabwe visa via what it can buy in neighbouring South Africa.

Below is the comparison:

A tale of 2 different governments…

Here is what R350 can do for you.

10kg mealie meal R70
2l cooking oil R35
5kg rice R60
Pocket of Potatoes R35
Crate of eggs R30
2kg sugar R27
2,5 kg Flour R35
2 kg frozen chicken R50
Total R342

In Zimbabwe- Here is what $180 AID using sophisticated Algorithm can buy:

10kg mealie meal $250
2l cooking oil $130
5kg rice $241
Pocket of Potatoes $200
Crate of eggs $146
2kg sugar $99
2,5 kg Flour $89
2 kg frozen chicken $250
Total $1405
Deficit $1225

By Jane Mlambo| Sakunda Holdings is investing ZWL30 million grant to tertiary institutions for research and development in the area of COVID-19 which has killed thousands of people across the globe.
The grant will cover the next six months at various universities chosen by Government.

This gesture comes at a time when the world is hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with scientists looking for appropriate vaccines to end this ravaging pademic.

The investment in research and development by Sakunda Holdings dovetails with what its Chief Executive Officer Kudakwashe Tagwirei told the inaugural World Economic Forum’s Africa Regional Action Group virtual meeting that there is need for governments to invest heavily in research and development.

Kudakwashe Tagwirei is a member of the World Economic Forum and is a committee member of the Africa Regional Action Group which is a grouping of over 50 Chief executive officers in the continent.

The virtual meeting was attended by Botswan President Mokgweetsi Masisi, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Vera Songwe, Sakunda Holdings Chief Executive Officer and Founder Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, AngloGold Ashanti Chairman Sipho Pityana, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mminele, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Director John Nkengasong, Equatorial Guinea Minister of Finance, Economy and Planning Cesar Augusto Mba Abogo among other successful people in the continent.

On donating the ZWL30 million at statehouse Tagwirei said this is critical in offering scientific research in finding lasting solutions to COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sakunda Holdings is also facilitating a ZWL30 million grant at ZWL5 million monthly for six months which will be available to universities of Government’s choice for research and development in the area of COVID-19,” said Sakunda Holdings Chief Executive Officer Kudakwashe Tagwirei after donating USD 2.6 million COVID-19 equipment to government.

“Sakunda Holdings and its associates came up with a private initiative to compliment government efforts to curb this pandemic specifically in the provision of health facilities, equipment, training and vaccines. The equipment being donated today include PPEs, 15 emergency ventilators, 40 portable ventilators, 35 thousand rapid testing kits, among others worth USD2.6 million,” Tagwirei in a statement.

Sakunda Holdings further donated Arundel Hospital for use by the government of Zimbabwe as a COVID-19 centre.

“The facility will be accessible to every Zimbabwean at no cost.

To ensure operationalisation of the hospital, 55 medical professionals have been employedand their salaries for six months have been provided. Renovations, equipment installed and running cost at the hospital have cost Sakunda about USD 2.8 million. Five emergency ventilators, 10 protable ventilators, 3 portable ultra sound scan, 2200 rapid testing kits, 1350 protective suits among other equipment have been installed at the hospital,” said Tagwirei.

Besides what has been donated to government, Sakunda has another consignment which is in transit from China which include, PPEs, 41 ICU ventilators, 41 ventilator monitors, 10 oxygen con Receiving the donations, President Emmerson Mnangagwa spoke highly of Sakunda.

“I want you all to know, that we accept with similar gratitude whatever you have brought but of course, even Jesus had twelve desciples but we all know he had more favor towards Peter,” President Mnangagwa said.

“I don’t know the reason but maybe Peter quickly understood Jesus more than the others. I am Saying so because I have a list of Sakunda who have done quite a lot in the volumes of the things that we need. I feel comfortable because there can’t be anymore crying when it comes to equiping front line workers in the ministry of health professionals in terms of Personal Protective Equipment,”

ZIMBABWEANS who will soon be repatriated from South Africa are going to be screened at Beitbridge Border Post before being transported to quarantine centres in their provinces.

So far there are no exact figure of people who will return home from South Africa but there are chances that the figure could run into thousands.

Initially, Government had planned to keep them in Beitbridge but changes were made this week following consultations by the Covid-19 taskforce teams.

The NSSA Hotel which is being used as a quarantine and isolation centre for Beitbridge can only accommodate 400 people while two boarding schools Zezani and Tongwe which had been proposed to take other returnees can only accommodate 250 and 280 each.

Beitbridge District Medical Officer, Dr Lenos Samhere revealed the changes to the local district development committee.

“The returnees coming from South Africa will now be screened and documented in Beitbridge then they will be escorted to their provinces as they come.

“Official communication to this effect will follow,” he said.

However, it is not clear how many Zimbabweans will return home from South Africa, though information from the Consulate in Johannesburg indicate that 3 055 have registered for various forms of assistance.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr David Hamadziripi said they were

yet to know the exact numbers of those who will be brought home.

“We are yet to get all the figures and exact dates for transportation and you will note that we have just commenced the processes of seeking clearance from the government of South Africa.

“Under the current lockdown measures here we cannot just proceed with the repatriation without that clearance,” said Mr Hamadziripi.

It is understood that most of the returnees reportedly crossed the border illegally into the neighbouring country and have requested to be sent back home in the wake of the outbreak of Covid-19.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke last week said arrangements with their South African counterparts were being made to allow even those without the requisite papers to return home.

By A Correspondent| South Africa’s Covid-19 deaths have risen to 75 while the total confirmed positive cases have also soared to 3953, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has said.

Said Dr Mkhize:

NEARLY 5 000 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in Zimbabwe 28 came positive, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said.

In a statement, the Ministry said four Covid-19 deaths and two recoveries have been recorded.

As of yesterday, results for 101 PCR tests were pending in Bulawayo.

Countrywide, a total of 4 990 tests have been done for the deadly virus that has claimed 183 424 people worldwide after infecting 2 628 527.

According to the statement, an 82-year-old woman from Mhondoro in Mashonaland West province died at a private hospital on Tuesday, becoming the fourth COVID- 19 related death.

“Case #27 reported yesterday was an 82-year-old female resident of Mhondoro who had no history or recent travel or any known contact with a Covid-19 case. She was reportedly well until the 16th of April 2020 when she developed a flu-like illness with chest symptoms. She received medical treatment with an antibiotic and analgesia and the symptoms reportedly improved. However, her condition deteriorated on the 19th of April 2020 and she was ferried to Harare and admitted in a hospital in Harare on the 20th of April 2020,” read the statement.

“On admission, the managing clinicians suspected Covid-19 and immediately isolated her and called in the local Rapid Response team for assessment and sample collection. Sadly, she deceased in the evening of the 21st of April 2020, giving us a total of four Covid- 19 related deaths reported to date.”

The statement says there is a 49-year-old man from Harare who tested positive and is now in isolation.

“Case #26 reported yesterday is a 49-year-old male resident of Harare who recently returned from the United Kingdom. He is symptomatic, with mild-moderate disease and is receiving medical management under mandatory isolation,” reads the statement.

The Ministry said they were also monitoring another asymptomatic patient.

“Case #28 also reported yesterday is a 25-year-old male resident of Harare who recently returned from the United Kingdom. He is asymptomatic with mild disease and is recovering under mandatory isolation,” read the statement.

For help on Covid-19 there is a toll-free number 2019.

Presidential Spokesperson George has urged the government to deploy the  Airforce of Zimbabwe, to fumigate malaria hit areas.

Zimbabwe currently has witnessed 131 deaths due to deadly malaria.

Some section of Zimbabweans were insinuating that the deaths may be linked to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Read his full statement below:

This matter came up for discussion on Monday and while it was regrettable that Zimbabwe continues to lose life to Malaria, the statistics of infections and deaths are in fact consistent with trends in recent years.

What this says is that reports must be very careful not to confuse Coronavirus with malaria, merely because symptoms are largely similar.

Secondly, while the worldwide hype on Coronavirus is warranted, this should not detract from the traditional killers of our people, namely malaria, Aids and cancers, which must continue to receive greater attention.  

Thirdly, the same machinery for fighting Covid-19 should be utilized in dealing with the malaria menace. This includes mobilizing assets, including those of Airforce of Zimbabwe, to embark on traditional spraying missions in malarious regions, all of which are well-known. While at it, report on infections in Bulawayo have created a false impression on prevalence.

The fact is that a nurse aid who was attending to a Covid-19 case infected her family. This tragic turn of events should have been highlighted to avoid giving an impression of widespread, random community spread and transmissions.

Of course the fact that the vector and family circumstances are known means this numerically high situation is in fact easier to confine and manage.

Above all, while it proves that children are just as susceptible, it doesn’t suggest the affected children picked the problem from field of daily play, something which would increase anxiety for this very vulnerable age group.

By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza residents who had erected illegal structures in the dormitory town spent the better part of Tuesday morning demolishing their structures following a directive by council officials to remove their structures.

On Monday, the local authority used loudspeakers to inform residents that those who had erected illegal structures should either demolish them on their own or the city fathers would come and do it for them.

At Jambanja, C Junction, Makoni and in Zengeza, the owners of the illegal structures carefully demolished their structures Tuesday ahead of the City Council’s pending demolition exercise.

Several owners who spoke to ZimEye said it was much better to remove the illegal structures on their own instead of having the local authority raze them down for them.

“I would rather take it down on my own. That way, i can take one or two sheets of the roofing and several bricks which i can use for other things,” said one Joseph at C Junction.

Added another woman at Jambanja:

“I am taking down these poles so that i can construct my fowl run. Zvepano zvadhakwa meaning it is now very difficult to continue working from here and there is no hope for us.”

Efforts to get a comment from Chitungwiza Municipality officials were futile by the time of writing.

See the pictures below…

By Own Correspondent|Business tycoon Frank Buyanga owned African Medallion Group (AMG) yesterday donated basic food essentials to over one hundred Zimbabwean families currently living in South Africa.

AMG was responding to desperate request by the Zimbabwean community for immediate relief as they are failing to put food on the table owing to Covid-19 and national lockdown imposed by South African government to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

“We have come here today to answer the call made by our African brothers and sisters from Zimbabwe currently plying their trade across various sectors of industry in South Africa, tremendously affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Itai Maunganidze, CEO of the AMG, whose mission has been to provide food relief to communities hard-hit by the
coronavirus and subsequent lockdown.

“The commitment to serve our communities including those from our neighbouring countries has never been more important as we collectively, as a continent, try navigate the unprecedented challenges posed by this global pandemic. COVID-19 is affecting most people quite harshly, with some out of employment and sources of income. So our work here today is
to instill hope and care amongst the Zimbabwean people as government encourages us all to stay home.

“The expressions of appreciation on the faces of the beneficiaries shows that this was a much needed relief,” added Maunganidze.

AMG initially said it planned to spend R10 million on short term relief programmes including food handouts and medical equipment donations, but Maunganidze said they were increasing this to R25 million.

“The initiative is for short term relief for people. A large section of the population is desperate, and they want food now, they are not working and not earning income. We are talking about people like domestic workers, gardeners, restaurant workers and others that can’t get work now to get paid weekly or monthly,” Maunganidze said.

By A Correspondent- It is reported that the deceased, Tambudzai, was the second wife in a polygamous marriage in Mutoko and died two weeks ago.

However, the woman’s body was exhumed 17 days after burial and villagers were allowed to view it at a farm in Mashonaland East yesterday.

Tambudzai is said to have suffered a miscarriage and a few weeks later, she died after she had started bleeding from the nose and mouth. After her death, she was buried in Mutoko where she was living with her husband.

Tambudzai’s sister Juliet was the one who reportedly ‘saw’ her dead sister telling her that she wasn’t happy with where she had been buried and wanted to be buried next to her mother at Tamar Farm.

Juliet was reportedly ‘tormented’ by her sister until she made arrangements for the body to be exhumed and be reburied where the deceased wanted.

When H-Metro got there yesterday, the whole village were in awe and had gone to the second funeral in their hundreds to see if what they had heard was true.

“Taita body viewing, the body is still ‘fresh’ kuita seachangofa hapana kana hwema urikumbonzwika considering that she died seventeen days ago. “Nothing went wrong just as how she told her sister, the exhumation went well, the body was brought here without any hustles,” said one of the villagers.

At the funeral, Nyau dancers were leading the procession to the graveyard and the relatives said that was one of the deceased’s demands to her sister, that she wanted them to dance at her second funeral.

Tambudzai’s best friend was also there singing as she was instructed by her late friend when she visited her after her ‘first’ funeral.

As this news crew approached the funeral ceremony after the body viewing, the elderly man presiding over the procession chased away the news crew threatening them over their intention to publish the bizarre incident.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has warned against confusing the rising Malaria cases in Zimbabwe for the ravaging Covid-19. 

A number of deaths have been recorded from Malaria in Zimbabwe with fears that it could actually be Covid-19.

The country records a peak in Malaria cases between February and May every year. 

“This matter came up for discussion on Monday and while it was regrettable that Zimbabwe continues to lose life to Malaria, the statistics of infections and deaths are in fact consistent with trends in recent years.

“What this says is that reports must be very careful not to confuse Coronavirus with malaria, merely because symptoms are largely similar,” said Charamba. 

“Secondly, while the worldwide hype on Coronavirus is warranted, this should not detract from the traditional killers of our people, namely malaria, Aids and cancers, which must continue to receive greater attention. 

“Thirdly, the same machinery for fightingCovid-19 should be utilized in dealing with the malaria menace. This includes mobilizing assets, including those of Airforce of Zimbabwe, to embark on traditional spraying missions in malarious regions, all of which are well-known.”

Charamba said the case of a Covid-19 patient who infected members of her family have created a false impression on prevalence. 

“The fact is that a nurse aid who was attending to a Covid-19 case infected her family. This tragic turn of events should have been highlighted to avoid giving an impression of widespread, random community spread and transmissions. 

“Of course the fact that the vector and family circumstances are known means this numerically high situation is in fact easier to confine and manage,” said Charamba. 

“Above all, while it proves that children are just as susceptible, it doesn’t suggest the affected children picked the problem from field of daily play, something which would increase anxiety for this very vulnerable age group.”

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Tanaka Mnangagwa, reportedly lost US$1 500 to a bogus wedding garments supplier whom he had contracted to supply suits ahead of his wedding last year.

Samson Mavhunga (31) of Hillside, Harare, promised to deliver five men’s suits from Italy two weeks before the wedding.

He charged US$3 500 and Mnangagwa paid US$1 500 deposit, but nothing was delivered.

Mavhunga yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga charged with fraud and was remanded out of custody to May 7 on $1 000 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Mavhunga was ordered to report once a week to the police and to surrender his passport.

Prosecutor Mr Tatenda Mukatera alleged that sometime in May last year, Mnangagwa met Mavhunga who indicated that he specialised in making and supplying wedding suits.

Mnangagwa expressed interest since he was preparing for his wedding, which was scheduled for August 25 of the same year.

Mnangagwa then gave Mavhunga an order to supply five bridegroom’s suits which he was supposed to order from Italy.
He was charged US$3 500 and paid a deposit of US$1 500. The balance was to be paid upon delivery of the suits on an agreed date.

It later came to light that Mavhunga had lied to Mnangagwa that he had capacity to supply the said suits.

Mnangagwa asked for a refund after nothing materialised and made a police report when he failed to get his money back.-State media

Farai Dziva|ZRP cops in the ancient city of Masvingo are allegedly demanding cash bribes to allow residents to get into the city centre during the lockdown.

The ZRP cops are reportedly targeting pedestrians and cyclists. It is said they are demanding cash ranging from RTGS $10 to $ 20.

“I wanted to go to town to buy mealie meal and as I approached Benjamin Burombo Building, I was confronted by two cops who demanded cash so that they would allow me to proceed to the city centre.

I told them that I didn’t not have the money and they forced me to return home,” said a resident of Rujeko Suburb.

“On Tuesday, I was nearly beaten up by cops at the Chevron Hotel footpath because I refused to pay the sum of RTGS $ 10 they were demanding,” said another resident.

Asked to comment on the matter, Masvingo Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said she would report the matter to her superiors.

The residents of the ancient city have also complained about rampant police brutality.

Farai Dziva|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has said Zimbabwe is “fighting two pandemics- hunger and COVID -19.”

Chamisa believes hunger is “as lethal a threat as hunger.”

“Zimbabwe is fighting two pandemics, the COVID19 pandemic and the poverty/hunger pandemic.

Hunger is as lethal a threat as COVID19.

Effective leadership is certainly key and necessary to address the threat we face.

We must empower citizens with enough information to fight the virus,” Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

By A Correspondent- Nelson Chamisa, a leader in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party has said that it is necessary for authorities to find a way to simultaneously address both hunger and the coronavirus pandemic.

He was commenting on a tweet by Heal Zimbabwe which suggested that a food aid distribution meeting that was held at Jerera growth point in Zaka by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (@OMpslsw) could have exposed people to coronavirus as it did not observe social distancing, neither were there sanitizers during for attendees.

Responding, Chamisa said:

Zimbabwe is fighting two pandemics, the COVID19 pandemic and the poverty/hunger pandemic. Hunger is as lethal a threat as COVID19. Effective leadership is certainly key & necessary to address the threat we face. We must empower citizens with enough information to fight the virus!

“Hunger-stricken” Zimbabweans continue to gather in numbers at shopping centres where they will be in search of food, particularly mealie-meal, in violation of the lockdown regulations which confine them to their homes.

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases continue to rise in the country.

By A Correspondent- Jah Prayzah and wife Rufaro are over the moon after welcoming their first son together.

An excited Jah Prayzah shared the news on his social media pages last night through a comic video of him and his son conversing about going out to look for trotters.

Thousands of Jah Prayzah have since congratulated him for the latest addition. Previously, he had three daughters with Rufaro and a son, Mukudzeyi Junior from his previous relationship.

By A Correspondent- Government and business have reached a deal to revert the prices of basic commodities to what shops were charging on March 25 and placed a moratorium on the cost of the goods, as recent price hikes were based on speculative behaviour and unjustified.

The Government engaged key stakeholders that include Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association, National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe, among others, after noting the unjustified price increases, especially during the lockdown that started on March 30.

On Sunday, President Mnangagwa extended the lockdown to May 3.

Prior to the lockdown, price increases in the country had largely been linked to fluctuations on the parallel market forex exchange rates but the situation worsened when President Mnangagwa announced the national lockdown three weeks ago.

The decision by Government to intervene in the pricing madness is not the first time African authorities have had to step in to stabilise prices following the outbreak of Covid-19.

Rwanda was the first country to act when its trade ministry fixed prices for 17 food items including rice, sugar and cooking oil.

Last month South Africa started to control the price of a number of goods that include mealie-meal, cooking oil, wheat flour, rice, sugar; toilet paper, baby formula and disposable nappies among others.

Local retailers yesterday said the latest development on prices must not be mistaken for price controls as it is a product of an agreement reached with.

Government after consultations. They said they will meet the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe today for a crucial meeting to finalise certain modalities but conceded that some local businesses had been profiteering.

On March 25, five days after the first Covid case was reported in the country, Chronicle published an article titled: Evil businesses capitalise on Covid-19, noting that the prices of basic commodities had started to increase due to speculative behaviour due to the threat posed by the virus.

At the time, a 2-litre bottle of cooking oil was selling for between $114 and $120 but is now $180; a 2kg packet of sugar was $65 but now costs up to $95 especially in Western suburbs; a 2kg packet of rice was $85 but now costs $100.

A 2kg packet of flour was $65 but now costs up to $105.

The deal between Government and business brings relief to consumers.

In a statement yesterday, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who chairs the inter-ministerial taskforce on Covid-19 said businesses should with immediate effect revert to prices they were charging as at March 25.

He said Government arrived at the decision after the Ministry of Industry and Commerce engaged the value chain sectors who also admitted that there was no sensible reason for prices to be drastically increasing.

“In order to address this challenge of escalating prices, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held a multi-sectoral meeting with various key stakeholders which included Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association, National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe, Oil Expressors, Association of Zimbabwe, National Foods and Zimbabwe Sugar Sales among others,” he said.

“There was a general agreement amongst the multi-sectoral partners that the price increase, particularly during the lockdown, was speculative and unjustified. The multi-sectoral stakeholders committed to a price moratorium to operate based on the prices which were applicable on the 25th of March. The moratorium will also apply to all value chain players. This was supported by a Cabinet Decision of the 21st of April 2020 and will take effect immediately.”

VP Mohadi said people’s earnings have seriously been eroded due to arbitrary price increase caused by speculative behaviour.

“Zimbabwe has been experiencing escalating food prices which is increasingly making it difficult for the consumer to afford basic commodities. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has been continuously monitoring the food basket cost. When His Excellency, the President E. D Mnangagwa announced the lockdown, prices skyrocketed generating increasing difficulties for the general public to access food items such bread, sugar. cooking oil, mealie-meal and flour. In a survey done by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the value of the consumer basket as at 7 February 2020 was $4 656 but by 11 April 2020 the same amounted to $6 660,84,” said VP Mohadi.

Some shops in Western suburbs have increased prices fully knowing that lockdown regulations pin down shoppers at their local shops due to restrictions in movement. People are allowed to shop within 5km of their homes and only one person in a family must go to the shops.

But even the shops in the city centre have increased their prices as citizens now have limited options.

Prior to the lockdown in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Zimbabweans would cross the border to Musina to buy basic commodities as prices locally are two to three times higher.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association (CZRA) president Mr Denford Mutashu said they had reached an agreement with Government on pricing but the public should not confuse the latest development with price controls.

Mr Mutashu said the exorbitant prices that the public have been subjected to since the lockdown are predominantly speculative and lacked basis.

“This is not price control. This is an arrangement out of goodwill in the spirit of working together between Government and the private sector. Government would have simple come up with a price control mechanism. It’s within its power and authority to do so, but in this particular case, the good thing is that this is a product of dialogue and consistent engagement that has been going on behind the scenes,” he said.

“We are happy with that engagement because for a very long Government has been quite instructive and prescriptive. But in this case, we have actually had robust engagements which were quite inclusive as it were. Because we understand that this is actually going to help the majority of Zimbabweans that are currently staying at home because of the lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic.”

He said they are aware of some challenges that the business sector was facing and they have possible solutions.

“So, the implementation modalities will come through a Statutory Instrument and tomorrow we have actually one of the crucial meetings that would also involve the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Former Minister of State in Vice President Joice Mujuru’s family, Sylvester Nguni has said that his family is genuinely puzzled following the death of his mother due to the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Sylvester Nguni’ 82-year-old mother became the fourth person to succumb to the coronavirus in Zimbabwe.

However, the family has expressed shock at home the deceased woman could have contracted the disease. Nguni, who is member of the ruling Zanu PF party and Member of Parliament for Mhondoro Mubaira said that his mother resided in Mhondoro and has no history of travel. The former Minister also said that until her illness and subsequent death, his family had not visited his mother since the lockdown started.

Nguni went on to say that his mother’s residence in Mhondoro is actually isolated from the rest of the community and that she resided there with just 4 helpers, 2 maids and 2 herdmen.

In an interview with the state media, Nguni said:

“We are all still puzzled as to where she could have got the virus from. Our homestead is more like a self-isolated facility, which is detached from the rest of the community. She stayed there with two maids and two herd boys.

“None of us were in contact with her since the beginning of the first phase of the lockdown up until now,”

The health authorities have since initiated contact tracing procedures to identify the people who came in contact with the former minister’s mother. Commenting on the matter, Minister of Health and Child Care, Obadiah Moyo said:

“There would be continuous follow up on all the medical staff who have been working with the patient and everyone else who has been in contact with the deceased.”

By A Correspondent- The government of Zimbabwe has introduced new strict rules for the repatriation and burial of people who will have died in foreign lands.

The new measures are part of the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

iHarare has learned that According to the new rules, relatives who will be accompanying the body will only be able to attend the funeral after being quarantined for 21 days. All bodies will be treated as being contagious except for those where the cause of death is road traffic accident, murder or other body injuries.

Below is the letter which was written to all funeral parlours in South Africa by the Zimbabwe Consulate.21 April 2020

To All Funeral Parlours

RE: NEW REPATRIATION GUIDELINES

Please be advised that the Ministry of Health and Child Care of the Republic of Zimbabwe has directed as follows. with immediate effect:

As a way of protecting the country against exposure to the deadly Coronavirus:

All bodies being repatriated U Zimbabwe for burial will be treated as contagious except in cases where the cause of death is road accident, murder or other body injuries

Consequently, all such mortal remains will require clearance by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe using the usual clearance channels.

Relatives accompanying the remains will be subjected to 21 days mandatory quarantine at the designated points before proceeding the funeral. (The same applies in cases where the body is transiting through Zimbabwe).

Only the driver of the hearse is allowed to proceed to the final place of burial in Zimbabwe and is required to return back to South Africa immediately after burial.

All funeral parlours are therefore required to comply with the directives.

M. Chaurura
Consul General

CC Ambassador Zim-Pretoria

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo has recorded over 2 000 out of nearly 10 000 arrests countrywide for lockdown violations, the highest record out of 10 provinces.

President Mnangagwa declared a three-week lockdown that commenced on March 30 but extended it by a further two weeks on Sunday, hours before its expiry due to a spike in infections – 25 cases on that day – with the numbers rising amid fears that they could gallop uncontrollably.

In Bulawayo, there has been rampant defiance of the lockdown order and failure to maintain social distancing especially when people are queuing to buy basic commodities.

Most of the people arrested in Bulawayo were nabbed for unnecessary movements.

Since the lockdown came into effect three weeks ago, Chronicle news crews have witnessed groups of men drinking beer at public places and sheebens in some suburbs. Some residents are not observing the requirement that they must travel to buy at shops within a five-kilometre radius of their homes. Even for those buying at local shops, the requirement that only one family member should do so is not observed.

Some businesses not designated as providers of essential services have been operating. Also, there has been an influx of vehicles into the city’s Central Business District.

Police yesterday said they would remain vigilant on the ground to ensure that the public observes the two-week lockdown extension to May 3.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said nearly 10 000 people had been arrested for offences that include violating restrictions guidelines, traffic and other offences during the lockdown period.

“A total of 9 889 people have been arrested for various offences since the commencement of the national lockdown. The offences include violating lockdown guidelines, traffic and other offences. Arrests are as listed: – Bulawayo province 2214, Manicaland province 1975, Midlands province 1289, Harare 1229, Mashonaland West Province 909, Matabeleland South province 820, Matabeleland North 469, Mashonaland Central province 330, Mashonaland East province 330, Masvingo province 252 and Support Unit 64,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said as Government has extended the national lockdown by two weeks, police and other security forces will remain on high alert to ensure compliance.

“In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security services will maintain current deployments to enforce safety and security measures in place and any further guidance to be provided by Government for the benefit of Zimbabweans. We are therefore appealing to members of the public to adhere to security, health and safety guidelines provided by Government and to co-operate with security services as they enforce the measures,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said most citizens are supposed to stay at home in line with lockdown regulations.

The police spokesperson said entities and institutions exempted for essential services are encouraged to seek guidance from relevant authorities for assistance.

He said only those with exemptions and those on the essential services list will be allowed to pass through security check points.

“Police remind the public to observe the social distance guidelines and to ensure they comply with the laws and regulations to enable the security services to effectively maintain law and order,” he said.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said most of the people who were nabbed were arrested for unnecessary movements.

“Most people were arrested for loitering, travelling with insufficient reasons mostly those getting to the city centre, illegally operating business premises for unexempted sectors and pirating motorists picking up passengers,” said Insp Ncube.-Statemedia

Goodness and Mercy ministries founder Prophet Tapiwa Freddy has gone live speaking on the demolition of his church by council yesterday.

Freddy says he has been working with council adding that they did not tell him about the plans to demolish his church structure.

Writing on his live Facebook, Freddy said

“Ndirikurwadziwa . Ndigagone kuzvishingisa vakomana Ndirikurwadziwa veduwe ndirikurwadziwa.Harare City Council ndimi makatipa nzvimbo kana manga musisade maingotiudza tobva pane kutipwanyira CHURCH YAMWARI. IT IS WELL,” said Freddy.

Watch the live below…

Government has put in place tight measures with regards to repatriation of bodies into the country for burial as part of measures to protect the country from the deadly coronavirus.

According to a letter from government to funeral parlours, all bodies being repatriated into the country will be treated as contagious and requiring clearance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

As a way of protecting the country against exposure to the deadly coronavirus, all bodies being repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial will be treated as contagiuos except in cases where the cause of the death is road accident, murder or other body injuries

Consequently all such mortal remains will require clearance by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe using the usual clearance channels.

Relatives accompanying the remains will be subjected to a mandatory 21 days quarantine at the designated points before proceeding to the funeral.

“Only the driver of the hearse is allowed to proceed to the final place of burial in Zimbabwe and is required to return back to South Africa immediately after burial,” reads part of the letter.

According to a

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned its officers from purchasing mealie while clad in police uniform.

Police officers have often been accused of abusing their authority by buying mealie meal in huge quantities, depriving other citizens of an opportunity to purchase the staple.

The officers would allegedly divert the mealie meal to the black market where it is sold for more than double the gazetted price.

Below is a memorandum from the Bulawayo Provincial Police Headquarters advising all stations in the province of the new regulations:

PROHIBITION OF PURCHASE OF MEALIE-MEAL BY POLICE OFFICERS IN UNIFORM STOP

THIS OFFICE OBSERVED WITH GREAT CONCERN THE LEVEL OF SERIOUS CONTEMPT AND DISREGARD OF POLICE STANDARD OF DISCIPLINE IN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN BULAWAYO. MEMBERS ARE SEEN MOVING AROUND CARRYING BAGS OF MEALIE-MEAL IN UNIFORM. IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT ADDRESSEES CMM WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT CEASE TO PURCHASE MEALIE-MEAL IN POLICE UNIFORM. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS IN CHARGE STATIONS ARE THUS DIRECTED TO COMPILE LISTS OF MEMBERS UNDER THEIR COMMAND AND FORWARD THEM TO THIS HEADQUARTERS AS ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE WITH MILLERS TO DELIVER THE COMMODITY AT POLICE CAMPS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. ADDRESSEES ARE DIRECTED TO TREAT THIS SIGNAL WITHOUT DISDAINCY. ANYONE WHO SHALL BE SEEN LOADED WITH MEALEMEAL IN THEIR PERSON WHILST IN POLICE UNIFORM WILL BE ARRESTED AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION TAKEN.

By Own Correspondent| Police officers in Bulawayo have been ordered to stop queuing for mealie-meal while on duty saying this was against their employment code.

This is contained in a letter to officers from Bulawayo Propol.

“This office observed with great concern the level of serious disregard of police standard of discipline in Central Business District and various locations in Bulawayo where members are seen moving around carrying bags of mealie meal in uniform STOP.

“With immediate effect cease to purchase mealie meal in police uniforms,” reads the directive in part.

Members In Charge have since been directed to compile names of police officers at their stations and forward them to the headquarters as arrangements have been made with millers to deliver the commodity at police camps for convenience.

“Addressees are directed to treat this signal without disdaincy stop anyone who shall be seen loaded with mealie meal in their person  while in police uniform will be arrested and disciplinary action taken STOP,” added the document.

The media has been urged to review the use of language when reporting on Covid-19 to ensure eradication of stigma.

This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana during an online discussion with journalists on the coverage of the disease, that was supported by the United Nations Development Programme.

He said most of the discrimination was being caused by ignorance and fear.

“We need to be very mindful of the language we use,” said Mr Mangwana.

“When we do our messaging as media, I believe we need to continue amplifying the positive message, informative messages ensuring that all the seven normal discrimination categories are attended to, including the age groups, disability, sexuality.”

Mr Mangwana said branding those thought to have been affected by Covid-19 as “suspects” was not proper

“You are being called a suspect just like someone found carrying transformer oil or found carrying a machete with blood,” he said.

“Why is a person who could be a victim of coronavirus called a suspected case. I think it’s a language we need to look at. Stigma is caused by harmful stereotypes.”

Mr Mangwana said journalists could now carry their duties during the Covid-19 lockdown without fear of harassment following the gazetting of a statutory instrument designating the profession as an essential service.

He apologised to some journalists who reported harassment by the security services before the enactment of the statutory instrument.

“We believe information plays a critical role in this fight against the invisible enemy called coronavirus,” said Mr Mangwana.

“Therefore, those that package, disseminate information to the public are critical in as much as their industry is, and those people are journalists.

“And the way that information is packaged is actually very important, but in line with the packaging of information comes the issue of marginalisation and in some instances discrimination and in other instances stigmatisation.”

Mr Mangwana said there were some sections of society like the disabled and a pressure group for journalists who had filed court applications on the packaging of information around Covid-19.

“If somebody takes us to court by saying the Ministry of Information should package information for the disabled, it’s a very tricky position for us because we don’t want to defend that, we believe if there are any shortcomings in what we are doing right now, that should be addressed,” he said.

“We believe we do not hold the patent to good ideas, so if anybody has good ideas they should engage rather than take us to court because what the court will pronounce is simply that, ‘please go and package information for the disabled’”.

Mr Mangwana said that would not be helpful since there would be no input from the disabled on how they want the packaging of information to be done.

He said the opening of the Covid-19 call centre was meant to attend to specific and individual needs from particular citizens because not everyone had access to the tools of communication.

Mr Mangwana said a national disaster like Covid-19 meant the law and the Constitution should be deployed to save lives.

Deputy Director of Disease Control and Epidemiology in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Isaac Phiri participated.

-State Media

It has come to my attention that vendors markets were being demolished in Epworth starting on the 22nd of April 2020 . This came as a surprise to Epworth Local Board Councillors and our community.

As the Chairperson of the Board , I was never informed of the decision . We are not aware of the Agenda and its origins , The Board secretary is in a position to explain the motive behind the demolitions as no Communication has reached my office yet.

As Epworth People’s Chairman, I want to make the record straight that all your councillors are not aware of these demolitions, where it is coming from, what is the motive behind, who sanctioned it and why this time of dual crises ie of covid 19 and extreme poverty that is harassing the ordinary Zimbabwean.

It is our duty to consult and communicate with the community in such times and had it been our decision, we would have engage the residents and communication cascaded as usual.

More than 85% of our residents are in the informal sector and such action that has impact on the livelihoods is communicated timeously. Your leadership shall not go against its people , and it is not Our culture to inflict more pain to the already suffering residents .

We shall communicate as soon as I get where this is emanating from.

Stay Safe Epworth
#StayAtHome
#Covid-19MustFall

Epworth Local Board Chairman
Cllr Batanai Masunda.

The latest Coronavirus death in Zimbabwe is the mother of former Minister and Member of Parliament for Mhondoro Mubaira, Sylvester Nguni.

He confirmed that his mother had no history of travel, stayed in a self-contained homestead with just two maids and two herders.

So far as her family are aware, none of her relatives from towns with confirmed cases of Covid-19 have made contact with her since the start of the lockdown.

She died in West End Hospital, where she had been taken when it was assumed she had a resurgence of an earlier non-Covid-19 infection. The positive Covid-19 diagnosis was the result of the routine test under the new system of testing all patients with flu-like symptoms.

The hospital has since stopped all admissions until further notice and patients already in admission are using the upper floors while the casualty department has since been fumigated.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Mr Nguni said he received a call from one of the maids at the beginning of the month saying his mother had a bout of flu.

He said then, they arranged medication for her and she seemed to have recovered.

However, he said, on Monday she began having difficulties in breathing resulting in them going to pick her up and bringing her to Harare for treatment.

“We are all still puzzled as to where she could have got the virus from. Our homestead is more like a self-isolated facility, which is detached from the rest of the community. She stayed there with two maids and two herd boys.

“None of us were in contact with her since the beginning of the first phase of the lockdown up until now,” said Mr Nguni.

VOA|Zimbabwe’s government has reduced the mandatory quarantine period for possible coronavirus cases by one-half. The government says it lacks the resources to take care of patients in isolation for the two-week period recommended by the World Health Organization.

Health Minister Obadiah Moyo says Zimbabwe does not have the resources to continue following the two-week quarantine period for people entering the country.

Speaking at a news conference streamed on social media, Moyo said the Cabinet has decided to reduce the quarantine period to seven days.

“And if they are found to be positive they will be sent to an isolation center. And if they are found to be negative they will be released. It decongests the facilities,” said Moyo.

That might be good news for returning Zimbabwean citizens, who have been complaining on social media about squalid quarantine centers which reportedly do not have running water.

Health experts see this move as dangerous. Dr. Alex Gasasira, the head of the World Health Organization in Zimbabwe, is urging those released to self-quarantine to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Zimbabwe has 29 confirmed cases. Four people have died.

“Several of the confirmed cases in Zimbabwe have been amongst people returning to Zimbabwe from countries which had a widespread of COVID-19. So, it is really in the public health recommended good to have a close monitoring of anybody who is returning to Zimbabwe at this time from such countries. So, this monitoring or quarantine could be voluntary or mandatory,” he said.

Zimbabwe had initially put the quarantine period at 21 days, even longer than the WHO’s recommendation.

Gasasira explains the importance of keeping possible coronavirus patients isolated while doctors watch them for signs of the infection.

“The 14-day is the average time – incubation period — between the time maybe infected and the time he or she develops symptoms. So, if you spend more than 14 days without developing any symptoms. the likelihood is that you are not likely to be infected,” he said.

The cash-strapped government says it has so far spent about 125,000 U.S. dollars on food and basic needs of 950 returning residents in COVID-19 quarantine centers. The cost of accommodation is not included in that figure, officials said Wednesday.

By Farai D Hove | Faced with humiliation after claiming a list of UK returnees who arrived earlier in the week are demanding hotel quarantine facilities, the state media paper, Herald, has published another story, this time saying 3 of them are Covid positive, a label that could affect the whole group, unfairly.

Yesterday the government was further exposed after falsely claiming that hotels have refused to accept the group on fears of taking on “the COVID label” – what permanent secretary Nick Mangwana claimed.

The latest allegation (picture) is however totally misleading and untrue, ZimEye.com reveals. The issue of COVID patients being unleashed into the premises, had already been reported as far back as Monday. By Tuesday morning these very details were the subject of media interviews as the UK returnees questioned why government has done this. It was therewith, revealed that the patients are not at all part of the group. In fact in one of the videos, one of the returnees can be heard revealing that when they arrived they found the premises already occupied by patients.

In another video, the complainant says government has unleashed COVID positive number 24 onto the group.

Police were alerted following the ZimEye interview, to attend the premises and ensure the patients do not intermingle with the patients.

ZimEye reveals the LIVE video interviews which are fully timestamped.

In making these allegations, it was believed the government seeks to justify their agenda of forcing hotels not take the returnees in.

The latest drama comes as Chinese visitors are being unleashed onto the community by government and granted self quarantine treatment luxuries, while Zimbabweans are confined to waterless-toilet dungeons the likes of Belvedere Teachers College.

PICTURE

– ORIGINAL STORY –

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwean government is since January to date unleashing Chinese visitors into the community- granting the Asian country’s citizens luxury self quarantine treatment, while on the other hand imposing dirty waterless toilet facilities for returning black Zimbabweans.

The government spokesman Nick Mangwana on Monday claimed that there are 65 Zimbabweans who flew from the UK and now due for mandatory quarantining, who are demanding hotel Quarantine facilities, an allegation which has turned out to be untrue. The government is on video announcing official policy that Chinese visitors are not subjected to mandatory quarantining. Health minister Obadiah Moyo said, “we want to make sure that the arrangements that we have put in place with the Chinese Embassy here in Zimbabwe is maintained.

“They have been extremely good to us.

“They have come forward with solutions and one solution which they came with was that of ensuring that if anybody happens to come form China and arrives at one of our airports they will have to subject themselves to 14 to 21 day self quarantine, which is good.

“We did not tell them that, but they are the ones that came to us and said that is the way we want to go.”

(Watch below)

VIDEOS LOADING BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Via inbox
Belvedere Teachers College
Harare, Zimbabwe

April 20, 2020

Dear Zimbabwe

Re: Government is Lying: We didn’t demand hotel housing; we demanded basic amenities

As a matter of fact, and for the avoidance of doubt, I’m one of the returning residents who came via an Ethiopian airline yesterday (Monday).

I don’t want to belabor you with a long read. I will therefore go straight to the point.

Yesterday, the permanent secretary in the ministry of information Nick Mangwana tweeted that we — overseas returnees — were demanding hotels. No, this is an outright lie! We did not demand hotel accommodation.

In fact, I was shocked when I read the tweet which many Zimbabweans believed, including those who purport to be frontline human rights defenders. And the Fourth Estate too was hoodwinked.

Here is the other side of the coin. Just like any other Zimbabwean citizen with rights including access to shelter, water and health amongst other basic amenities, we demanded to be housed at a decent facility.

Decent in as far as basic health as defined by health bodies in the wake of the coronavirus is concerned. By basic facilities we meant at least a room with a bed and blankets; toilets with running water and clean bathrooms.

Belvedere, a facility which government authorities provided doesn’t have all those. And government spin doctors led by Mangwana want all Zimbabweans and the rest of the world to laud government for a job well done when in fact what they are doing is exposing returning residents to COVID-19, a pandemic government is claiming to be working to halt.

That hundreds of desperate college students live in shanty facilities such as Belvedere with no complaints doesn’t make it a habitable place.

That other citizens returning via Plumtree and Beitbridge ports of entry have agreed to be housed in dirty, stinky and cholera-infested facilities doesn’t make it right either and doesn’t indicate at all that the government of Zimbabweans cares about its citizens.

If this treatment of citizens by Zimbabwean authorities has anything to show, it is that authorities who have presided over poor infrastructure including hospitals does not care at all about protecting its citizens from COVID-19.

While we understand that this is an abnormal situation, a period of crisis, no right thinking Zimbabwean should commend government for treating its returning citizens like animals.

When we arrived at Belvedere we thought authorities had already assessed the place and certified it as habitable. Although we did not expect anything flashy given the fact that this is a temporary quarantine facility in an emergency situation, we didn’t expect that we will be thrown in a place which doesn’t have basic amenities such as running water.

To make matters worse, government authorities who came to address us regarding our concerns were arrogant.

A case in point is when a senior official in the ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare threatened to unleash police on us, to force us to occupy an inhabitable accommodation.

“If you don’t comply we will ask police to enforce our commands,” the permanent secretary in the Social Welfare ministry who should otherwise know better about the government’s obligations about taking care of the vulnerable, us included, told us.

He added: “You can’t choose where to stay, we chose for you.”

This was after we had requested to be either quarantined at our homes or housed at a decent facility. Alternatively we requested the government authorities to open one of the hotels so that we pay living costs on our own while government provides food.

We also made it clear to the government authorities that we’re willing to be quarantined like other returning citizens but only if bare minimum conditions are met.

To those who have made insulting returning residents, their full-time jobs during this ongoing crisis; please know that while we understand the importance of being isolated from the rest of the community now, the conditions that returning residents are subjected to will in fact propagate the spread of COVID-19. While most of us are from Coronavirus hotspots, we don’t necessarily have the disease, but because of our poor living conditions in quarantine we’re now at more risk of contracting the deadly disease more than other citizens yet government should protect everyone equally.

And while some of you are wailing, thinking returning home is the stupidest thing to do, remember that some of the returnees are students whose accommodation has been withdrawn by their universities in countries such as the U.K and the U.S.

And also remember that some of the returning residents are people who had just visited for shorter periods and therefore cannot live in those countries indefinitely. After all it’s better to die in Zimbabwe where your family can bury you albeit within 24 hours than to die elsewhere where your family will not be able to access your mortal remains.

And by the way, returning residents also have homes where they can actually self-quarantine and cater for basic services our government is failing to meet.

While most of us are willing to be quarantined, we also do not understand why authorities are imposing a 21 day isolation, instead of the WHO approved 14 days.

Why should a cash-strapped government seek to host returning citizens for 7 extra days at it’s expense when it can use those resources to cater for more vulnerable communities who are already bearing the brunt of the extended lockdown, with barely no food?

And while you naysayers are supporting government on outright violation of human rights in the name of fighting COVID-19, remember that the government that you’re enabling to abuse it’s returning citizens now will not stop at that.

Post COVID 19 this government will continue to violate citizen rights because you enabled it to do so during a crisis.

Last but not least, Mangwana, we appreciate your ardent job in timely informing the nation about COVID-19, especially using real time platforms such as twitter. But I just have one request: Please stop spinning public interest information.

It doesn’t help your government and citizens who should make informed decisions during this unprecedented time.

And to gullible Zimbabweans, please always take what government authorities say with a pinch of salt. 99.9 percent of what they say is false or half-true.

The worst you can get from government authorities is a single story narrative. Find the other narrative before you opine on issues of public interest.

Quick updates:

1. There is still no running water at Belvedere.
2. Contrary to reports, police did not guard Belvedere so that returnees don’t riot or at worst escape. As a matter of fact, three police officers came, engaged with returnees then left after an amicable discussion.
3. Nomatter what authorities say, we won’t stay where we risk catching more viral diseases in addition to coronavirus. We will fight for our rights until we’re relocated to a facility that meets basic conditions: running water, one-person room, functional ablution facilities, bedding and food.

For the purposes of signing off, let’s just say my name is Case #0

Prices of basic food items — including maize-meal, rice, cooking oil, sugar, salt, flour and bread — will revert to the levels of March 25, just before the lockdown, in an agreement between producers and the Government, Vice President Kembo Mohadi announced yesterday.

VP Mohadi, in the presence of the leaders of the involved business organisations, made the announcement at a press briefing at Munhumutapa Offices. The Vice President said the two sides had agreed that prices of basic commodities would revert to the levels they had reached on March 25.

This was when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe fixed the interbank exchange rate at $25 to US$1 for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency, the level it had reached in free trading in a managed float.

The chosen date means that the price rises caused by the rising rate during the managed float remain, but the extra price rises put in by producers in expectation of further rises in the exchange rate now fall away since for the time being there are no further rate changes.

The announcement followed the adoption of the price moratorium by Cabinet on Tuesday.

“There was a general agreement among the multi-sectoral partners that the price increase, particularly during the lockdown, was speculative and unjustified,” said the Vice President.

“The multi-sectoral stakeholders committed to a price moratorium to operate based on the prices, which were applicable on March 25. The moratorium will also apply to all value chain players. This was supported by Cabinet decision of April 21, 2020 and will take effect immediately,” VP Mohadi said.

Speaking soon after the announcement by VP Mohadi, Oil Expressers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Roderick Musiyiwa welcomed Government’s stance on dialogue.

“We as the OEAZ indeed welcome the spirit with which Government is doing its business, the spirit of engagement, the spirit of dialogue and with that kind of spirit any challenges, however big will be resolved and solutions will be found.

“We welcome this move and on our part we will ensure that the consumers continue getting their cooking oil at an affordable price,” Mr Masiyiwa said.

The cooking oil manufacturers would also engage their key value chain suppliers to ensure continuous supply of cooking oil.

Mr Tafadzwa Musarara, the chairman of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, said the decision to freeze prices was collectively made.

“On behalf of the GMAZ we would want to vouch that the decision has been a product of consultation; it’s a collective decision that has been reached at by both the Government and private players for the benefit of consumers.

“As millers we are fully aware that food is a constitutional right and we are fully aware of the need to ensure the availability of our products in all retail shops,” Mr Musarara said.

Mr Denniss Wallah of the National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe said the decision was supported by his organisation’s membership.

“We welcome the decision that Government has made and we confirm that our members are willing to support the noble gesture and we are in a position to supply the market with the required product,” Mr Wallah said.

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe chairman Mr Philip Bvumbe said the decision had a buy-in from all stakeholders adding that there was need to monitor the implementation of the agreement to prevent shortages.

“We would want to applaud the move by Government but taking into cognition that this is a gentlemen’s agreement where the parties have agreed through consultation,” he said.

President of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Mr Denford Mutashu said the decision was made to cushion consumers. He said his organisation took part in the negotiations that resulted in the agreement to freeze prices.

“As the general public stays at home it deserve an uninterrupted supply of basic commodities at affordable prices,” Mr Mutashu said. “We will also ensure that as retailers we will fully implement and comply with the price moratorium and ensure that the citizenry does not starve at this critical time. It is our wish to work with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that there is supply of these basic commodities.”

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has come up with stringent measures to regulate the repatriation of bodies from South Africa into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Border Post.

The move which follows consultations between South African based funeral parlours and authorities from the two neighbouring countries is part of the national responsive measures the Government is implementing to minimise the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to South Africa, Mr Melody Chaurura said they had since communicated the new set of regulations to the funeral parlours.

“We have advised the funeral parlours on the new order after getting correspondence from the Ministry of Health and Child Care at home,” she said.

“Under the new order, all bodies being brought repatriated o Zimbabwe for burial will be treated as contagious except in cases where the cause of death is a road accident, murder or other body injuries.

“In addition, all remains now require the clearance of the Ministry of Health and Child Care prior to their transportation to Zimbabwe under the usual procedures.

“Relatives accompanying the remains are now being subjected to under mandatory quarantine at any port of entry upon arrival in the country before proceeding to the various destinations”.

Mrs Chaurura said they were still consulting with the Ministry of Health and Child Care on the proposal by the parlours that only drivers (funeral assistants) who will be in full gear of Personal Protection Equipment are expected to proceed to the place of burial in the country and return to South Africa soon after the burial.

She said though they had got a confirmation in principle was waiting for a written document to minimise the hustle that the parlours are encountering at Beitbridge.

“We consulted the Health Authorities at home over the fate of drivers and they agreed to allow them to proceed to the burial points, but it appears that instruction is yet to be communicated to border authorities,” said Mrs Chaurura.

The chairman of the Inner-City Funeral Directors Association- South Africa (IFDA-SA), Mr Nkosi Kwanike Nare said on Wednesday that they have since received communication from the consulate.

“This is a relief to the death Care Industry and we are thankful to the authorities for considering our proposal.

“We understand that there have been some information dissemination challenges with the Port of Entry Staff and we have been assured that it’s being taken care of,” said Mr Nare.

He said they had to approach authorities after encountering a number of challenges with border authorities over the ever-changing repatriation regulations.

In some cases, he said the parlours had to return with bodies to South Africa after failing to meet some of the requirements.

Mr Nare said they had been told to leave the bodies with Zimbabwean, parlours for onward transportation but that failed after they failed to agree on sharing costs.

“It costs an average of R15000 to transport a body from South Africa to Zimbabwe and our counterparts were now charging R12 000 from Beitbridge to inland Zimbabwe. This model proved to be difficult for our members’ ad most bereaving families,” he said.

Under normal circumstances at least 60 bodies are brought into the country through Beitbridge Border Post weekly for burial.

THERE will be no red carpet treatment for United Kingdom (UK) returnees who are under quarantine at Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima has said.

The minister said the UK returnees would stay at the Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College during the quarantine period.

Prof Mavima’s statement comes after a batch of 26 Zimbabweans returning from the United Kingdom this week refused compulsory quarantine in Belvedere citing “poor conditions” and preferred to be checked into a hotel.

According to Government officials, the returnees knew that it was mandatory for everyone coming from Covid-19 hotspots to be in quarantine.

Government had a difficult time on Monday trying to negotiate with the returnees to accept compulsory quarantine. Minister Mavhima said the motive of the returnees’ in posting pictures and videos online was to tarnish the image of the country.

Minister Mavima said: “This is the tragedy of Zimbabwe. This is the tragedy that comes with cynicism and the tragedy that comes with self-hate. You cannot go and get the worst part and publicise it internationally for essentially the purpose of denigrating your own country,” he said.

Minister Mavima said he had instructed Permanent Secretary of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Secretary, Mr Simon Masanga to provide blankets and mattresses if the returnees needed them.

“There has been an inspection by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and they have said these facilities were ready to accommodate people,” he said.

“We will need to deal with the issue of water. There is currently water that is flowing into the hostels. There is also need for a booster pump and a filter for borehole water to go in,” he said.

Minister Mavhima said each wing had four showers and can host four or five people.

“The toilets are working properly. What we have instructed our people to do is to disinfect regularly — maybe two, three times a day, so that we can maintain the hygiene and sanitation. These are the interventions that we are making, but basically this facility is ready and we are satisfied.”

Prof Mavima said there had been no complaints over the food except for one person who is diabetic.

College principal, Ms Juliana Mbofana said the returnees were allocated rooms according to instruction from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“We have tried our best in allocating them rooms, dividing them according to the instructions from the ministry.

The Zimbabwean government is since January to date unleashing Chinese visitors into the community- granting the Asian country’s citizens luxury self quarantine treatment, while on the other hand imposing dirty waterless toilet facilities for returning black Zimbabweans.

The government spokesman Nick Mangwana on Monday claimed that there are 65 Zimbabweans who flew from the UK and now due for mandatory quarantining, who are demanding hotel Quarantine facilities, an allegation which has turned out to be untrue. The government is on video announcing official policy that Chinese visitors are not subjected to mandatory quarantining. Health minister Obadiah Moyo said, “we want to make sure that the arrangements that we have put in place with the Chinese Embassy here in Zimbabwe is maintained.

“They have been extremely good to us.

“They have come forward with solutions and one solution which they came with was that of ensuring that if anybody happens to come form China and arrives at one of our airports they will have to subject themselves to 14 to 21 day self quarantine, which is good.

“We did not tell them that, but they are the ones that came to us and said that is the way we want to go.”

(Watch below)

VIDEOS LOADING BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Tanaka Mnangagwa, reportedly lost US$1 500 to a bogus wedding garments supplier whom he had contracted to supply suits ahead of his wedding last year.

Samson Mavhunga (31) of Hillside, Harare, promised to deliver five men’s suits from Italy two weeks before the wedding.

He charged US$3 500 and Mnangagwa paid US$1 500 deposit, but nothing was delivered.

Mavhunga yesterday appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Judith Taruvinga charged with fraud and was remanded out of custody to May 7 on $1 000 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Mavhunga was ordered to report once a week to the police and to surrender his passport.

Prosecutor Mr Tatenda Mukatera alleged that sometime in May last year, Mnangagwa met Mavhunga who indicated that he specialised in making and supplying wedding suits.

Mnangagwa expressed interest since he was preparing for his wedding, which was scheduled for August 25 of the same year.

Mnangagwa then gave Mavhunga an order to supply five bridegroom’s suits which he was supposed to order from Italy.
He was charged US$3 500 and paid a deposit of US$1 500. The balance was to be paid upon delivery of the suits on an agreed date.

It later came to light that Mavhunga had lied to Mnangagwa that he had capacity to supply the said suits.

Mnangagwa asked for a refund after nothing materialised and made a police report when he failed to get his money back.-State media