President Mnangagwa yesterday expressed concern over increases, almost daily, of Covid-19 confirmed cases, a development he says makes it crucial for the corporate world to continue assisting Government in all ways possible to fight the pandemic.

The President said this while launching the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services’ Call and Data Centre that was sponsored by Innscor Africa and Liquid Telecom.

The call centre, which is located in Newlands, Harare, is a helpline that can be accessed by all Zimbabweans to get information relating to Covid-19 and any other factual Government information.

“It (Covid-19) has just begun to attack Zimbabwe and the spike is beginning to show an upward trend in our country.

Yes, we have introduced a lockdown some two weeks ago but we are realising now that the pandemic is now more serious than at the time we introduced the lockdown,” he said.

President Mnangagwa applauded Innscor Africa and Liquid Telecom for heeding Government call to come forward and support the fight against Covid-19.

Said the President: “You are not only serving Government but your brothers and sisters, mother, your father, your uncle and niece is being assisted.

I wish that many other entities countrywide in the private sector, in the public sector are able to do anything small or big to contribute towards the fight against this pandemic.

I am happy that many people across this country are coming forward with resources to assist us and support our frontline soldiers — the doctors and the nurses.”

As a result of the call and data centre, President Mnangagwa said all Zimbabweans could now call on the helpline 2023 and seek assistance.

He said on that helpline, people could access information that all countries are receiving as guided by the World Health Organisation.

“As I launch this, it is at an early stage but I believe as we move on, the more we speak about it on television, on radio and in print newspapers, I believe that more and more of our people will get to know about this facility and possibly in future there may be need for you to expand the facility here,” said the President.-State media

Farai Dziva| A Harare based apostolic sect leader, Madzibaba Enoch reportedly prayed for a bedridden COVID-19 patient on the phone and the man is rapidly recovering from the deadly disease.

Madzibaba Enoch is based in Budiriro, Harare.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Wednesday, a senior member of the apostolic sect said:

“Madzibaba Enoch from Budiriro 4, Nyenyedzi Nomwe, helped a person recover from COVID -19.

Sect members told Madzibaba Enoch that their relative, based in China, who suffering from the deadly disease and the prophet prayed for him.

The man, who was at the point of death, is recovering from the illness.”

Hundreds of people, including international visitors are reportedly flocking to Madzibaba Enoch’ s place of worship to seek spiritual guidance.

“The man(Madzibaba Enoch is a great prophet. His prophetic grace is amazing,” said a congregant.

Madzibaba Enoch is also said to have prophesied about the coming of the deadly Coronavirus scourge in a 2018 video footage.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus last week warned countries that lifting existing restrictions in the fight against Covid-19 could result in deadly resurgence of the virus.

The warning coincided with most African states entering the second or third week of their national lockdowns.

Zimbabwe is in the third week of its lockdown and it is unclear if it would be extended.

Already South Africa has just announced a two-week extension so as to maximise on the positives scored in the bid to curb new infections.

There’s no guarantee this will be the last extension given that the various countries are running the same process but on a different days.

For example there is a three-day lag between South Africa and Zimbabwe meaning at some stage the periods may have to be synchronised.

Judging by the cycle of infection the continent has entered probably its most critical phase.

“I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions, WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone.

At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence, the way down can be dangerous as the way up if not managed properly,” Ghebreyesus cautioned.-State media

A blind couple who mostly rely on money they get from begging outside stores in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, are battling to make ends meet.

According to GroundUp, Willie Chimuka and Fungai Pepukai moved to South Africa from Zimbabwe in 2018. The couple has four children. Three live in Zimbabwe with Chimuka’s parents and one lives with them, GroundUp reported.

The couple previously attended Copota, a special school for the blind in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.

Chimuka, 43, said he usually sat near the entrance to Spar in Louis Trichardt while Pepukai sat outside Jet, but since the lockdown, they have not been able to collect enough money for food and rent.

When GroundUp met the couple, they were on their way to the Makhado police station to request permission to return to their begging spots.

“We really appreciate the government’s efforts… We were prepared and had everything in place [for the lockdown] but now the extension is a challenge to us. We pay rent on the 15th of every month. This money is budgeted but the challenge is if we pay rent we are going without food for the extended [lockdown] days,” said Chimuka.

“We cannot sit at home and relax. All we need is permission to go back to our usual begging spots. If we do not, the family is going to go for days without food. Every month we send money and some food back home. Our parents are just peasant farmers and they cannot do much to support our children,” said Chimuka.

Chimuka said that the police advised them to stay home as movement will endanger their lives and those of others.

Witness Tiva from the Limpopo Department of Social Development said the department was running a programme, distributing food parcels to those in need. He advised the couple to visit a local councillor who would take the matter up with social workers in the area.

GroundUp approached a social worker at a local shelter who said they were only allowed to assist people who stayed at, or were willing to move into, the shelter at the Makhado Showground for the duration of the lockdown.

But the couple told GroundUp they would not be comfortable leaving their belongings at the rented house.

It is unclear where Chimuka and Pepukai will get their next meal.-GroundUp

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba and former Zanu-PF spin doctor Jonathan Moyo were on Thursday engaged in a Twitter war over the President’s involvement in the affairs of Zimbabwe’s universities.

Moyo sparked the exchange when he described as nonsense statements by higher education minister Amon Murwira that universities will wait for Mnangagwa decisions on when they will open after they were shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak.  

“Nonsense,” said Moyo. 

“Universities are autonomous and run by academic senates, accountable to councils!”

Charamba quickly countered saying:

“State Universities Sir!!! With the Head of State as their Chancellor!! You couldn’t have forgotten so soon, Prof!! You can’t, won’t, stir rebellion, and you know that!!”

Moyo responded:

“Cde Charamba the Chancellor never ever initiated university policies before. Never. In terms of the enabling statutes of state universities, Senates are responsible for academic affairs and Councils for policy, as the employer. The Chancellor is ceremonial, ex officio!”

Charamba reminded Moyo that things were not normal due to the Covid-19 scourge.

“When all things are normal, Prof!! This is one time when State Authority intersects visibly and pronouncedly with authority of Senate. More and more, University authorities will increasingly feel power of Chancellor ordinarily wielded in reserve rather than exercised in practice.

“As you know, we face a national & global pandemic, meaning devolved powers return to source!! What universities can and should do – and I see lots of sense in your on-line proposals provided resources are there – is to proactively help the Chancellor arrive at workable decisions,” said Charamba. 

Moyo pressed on:

“In terms of what law Cde Charamba? State authority must be exercised in terms of the law at all times. We have a state of national disaster and not a state of emergency. Besides, the state is not the Head of State and Government but a panoply of institutions, acting complementary!”

Charamba had the last say when he said:

“At all normal times!! In any case you used the term autonomy, not independent!! And you are right!!! Of course, Ezekiel Guti, Catholic University, Selous and Africa Universities will act independently, even then within the remit of host national laws!!!”

Health authorities in Chinhoyi have admitted a man at Mzari Clinic isolation facility after he presented Covid-19 related symptoms upon screening.

Samples have been taken for testing and results have not yet been finalised.

Mashonaland West provincial medical director Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro confirmed the development saying it was only a precautionary measure.

“I can confirm that a man has been detained at Mzari Clinic isolation centre after he was screened and presented symptoms related to Covid-19 only as a precautionary measure as some conditions such as malaria present with almost similar symptoms.

“The case is undergoing further management while only test results will be conclusive on what we are dealing with,” said Dr Nyamayaro.

The country has to date recorded 23 cases with no cases reported in Mashonaland West province.-StateMedia

Binga North legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda has said  the flood victims in his constituency have been getting more help from donors more than what the government has done for them so far.

He blamed the government for taking too long to respond to the villagers calls when the floods occurred and  after they suffered the damages.

“Firstly it’s because we have said that they took their time to provide temporary shelter, they only responded a month after with tents. That is alien to us because the government should have been the first to reach out to prove to us that we matter,” Sibanda said.

Sibanda appealed to each legislator to donate a bag of cement and the roofing sheets to the affected villagers.

 He lamented that the outbreak of Covid-19 will affect the progress on the villagers.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- A Hwange family has been placed under isolation after a family member collapsed and died at their homestead after experiencing difficulties in breathing.

Agneta Tshuma (52), died in the early hours of Tuesday and the family reported a case of sudden death prompting the Hwange COVID-19 response to rush to take samples from the body for testing for COVID-19.

Speaking to the state media the woman’s husband, Johannes Sibanda, said his wife had no history of sickness.

He said:

We had just finished fetching water around midnight when she started complaining that she was failing to breathe as something was blocking her mouth and nose.

She said she needed fresh air and went to sit by the veranda but suddenly collapsed and started frothing from the mouth. We tried to administer first aid but she died shortly afterwards.

She was not sick and didn’t show any signs of illness. We alerted police who ordered us not to touch or move the body.

The police came in the morning and told villagers not to come for the funeral and we buried her that same morning with a few family members in attendance.

Matabeleland North Provincial and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo who chairs the COVID-19 provincial Taskforce said nothing has been confirmed yet and will only be able to talk about it once the results are out.-StateMedia

Dear Zimbabwe
I am Case Number 15 of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe or at least that is what I was told when the Rapid Response Team visited my home to inform me that I had tested positive for COVID-19.

I choose to remain anonymous to protect my loved ones and what I hope remains of my career should I survive this virus.

As I struggle to come to terms with my infection, I find myself battling a media outrage following the article by the Chronicle titled “Beware of this patient! COVID-19 positive woman gallivanting around town” written by Nqobile Tshili and published on the 16th of April 2020.

This article describes a 34 year old female who initially lied that she was a Nurse but is in fact a Physiotherapist at a local hospital who has violated self-quarantine measures and is roaming around the city and exposing residence.

I am not sure whether I am a victim of tasteless journalism or there is indeed another Case Number 15 who is gallivanting the streets of Bulawayo exposing innocent lives to this dreaded virus.

My story…

I am an essential worker, a physiotherapist and I am proud of my job. On Sunday, the 12th of April 2020, I went to work with a colleague of mine to perform a handover takeover as I was due to start my shift the following day.

We arrived at the entrance of my workplace where we had to pass through the routine screening station before being allowed entry into the hospital. When they checked my temperature they said it was elevated and I jokingly requested that they verify whether their machine was well calibrated as I was asymptomatic.

I asked them to recheck my temperature which they did several time before calling in the Rapid Response Team.

I was asked to sit in the isolation tent where they took down my details and travel history.

I confirmed that I had not travelled outside the country (or even the city), neither had I been in direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 nor had I been in direct contact with someone who had recently travelled (although I did highlight that I lived in the same gated community as a someone who had recently returned from the UK but had not been in direct contact with him).

After a few hours the Rapid Response Team eventually came through and collected a sample for testing. Before they left I enquired on when to expect my results and how they would be delivered for which they responded that I should expect a call after a maximum of 48 Hours from the Rapid Response Team.

I was told to self-isolate until my results came out. I went back home and complied with self-isolation, optimistic that the results were negative as I had no reason to assume otherwise.

Monday, the 14th of April 2020 just before midnight I realised that something was wrong after I got a number of messages from colleagues who were asking if I was okay.

I checked my inbox and came across the daily update from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and immediately realised that case number 15 was referring to me as had a number of my colleagues.

I resolved to await official communication from the Rapid Response Team who only came through to my residence on Tuesday the 15th at 1430hrs. Unlike the information circulating on social media and in the Chronicle, they found me at my place of residence.

I expressed my displeasure at getting my results via social media for which they apologised noting that their lab in Bulawayo had sent the results to Harare before informing the Rapid Response Team.

I found that to be dysfunctional and unethical however I focussed on the way forward. I was told to self-isolate as my symptoms were mild and a Doctor would get in touch with me to assist with my case.

I wish to state that as a health worker, I appreciate more than the average person the importance of self-isolation. We spend the greater part of our lives trying to preserve life as such I would not knowingly endanger innocent lives.

As such my shock when in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday the 16th of April 2020, I received a link to the publication by the Chronicle accusing Case
Number 15 on recklessly endangering the lives of residence by defying self-isolation.

Social Media has since been awash with the news which begs me to ask whether there is another Case Number 15 or is this just a case of unethical journalism.

We are all at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus and more so health workers who despite the risk continue to offer their services to the ailing.

All over the world, we witness standing ovations for health workers who stand in the line of fire against this virus but in Zimbabwe we get accused of endangering lives by gallivanting the streets.

Now, instead of focussing on my health, I am fighting tooth and nail to rectify the false allegations against me so that if and when I do heal, I am able to continue to practice as a health professional without the dark cloud that such allegations present to my career and livelihood.

Yours Faithfully

COVID-19 Case Number 15

A Chinhoyi man has been admitted at Mzari Clinic isolation facility after he presented COVID-19 related symptoms upon screening.

This was confirmed by Mashonaland West provincial medical director Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro who also revealed that samples have been taken for testing.

He said:
I can confirm that a man has been detained at Mzari Clinic isolation centre after he was screened and presented symptoms related to COVID-19 only as a precautionary measure as some conditions such as malaria present with almost similar symptoms.

The case is undergoing further management while only test results will be conclusive on what we are dealing with.

Zimbabwe has to date recorded 23 cases while Mashonaland West Province has no confirmed coronavirus case.-State media

Ngatinamateyi vamwe nevamwe pachitendero chavo Corona ipfuvure mu Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/jnpkBrs5gp

— Hon Zivhu (@killerzivhu1) April 16, 2020

Parirenyatwa Hospital @PGHZIM today began Covid-19 rapid testing starting with front line staff. The test procedure takes about 15 minutes. The programme will be extended to all patients in due course in order to avoid cross contamination. pic.twitter.com/QEJWlGeAni

— Ministry of HealthZW (@MoHCCZim) April 16, 2020

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed that 7 385 people have been arrested for violating the 21 Day Lockdown regulations.

Said the ZRP:

1/2 The ZRP confirms that since the onset of the national lock-down which commenced on 30/3/20, a total of 7385 people have been arrested for violating national lock-down measures through contravening section 4 (1) (c) of SI 83/20, section 4 (1) (a) of SI 83/20,

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) April 16, 2020

2/2 section 5 (1) of SI 83/20 and the Miscellaneous Offences Act. We urge members of the public to continue taking heed of Government lockdown measures to enable security services to maintain law and order effectively.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) April 16, 2020

The World Health Organisation has said for a country to lift lockdown measures it must meet certain conditions.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, speaking on the matter of lifting lockdowns said:

…Some countries are considering when they can lift these restrictions. Others are considering when to introduce them.

On both cases, these decisions must be based on protecting human health and be guided by what we know about the virus and how it behaves. We are all learning all the time and adjusting our strategy based on the latest available evidence.

WHO reportedly recommended that for a country to lift lockdown measures it must:

1. Lift the lockdown only if health systems have capabilities to test, isolate, treat and trace every contact.
2. Make sure the transmission of the virus is controlled and ensure that outbreak risks are minimal in specialised settings such as nursing homes and health institutions.
3. Avail preventive measures, especially in places where people converge such as workplaces and schools.
4. Ensure that imported risks are managed while communities are educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm.

Zimbabwe is reportedly gathering information to help it determine if the lockdown must be lifted.-State media

According to a ZTN report, the homeless children who were taken to quarantine centres have escaped from the homes they being kept citing small portions of food.

Below is the tweet by one of the reporters, Garikai Fadzi, the children said the streets offered them more than what they are getting in safe houses.

This could expose them to the deadly disease considering that they will be in contact with a lot of people against the requirements of the current lockdown which limits movement of people.

Their escape could also expose them to starvation as they survive on begging yet there is little to no activity in the central business district.

OPPOSITION MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to stop politicking and admit that it cannot have a solo fight against COVID-19.

In a Facebook media conference yesterday, Chamisa said his party was ready to offer assistance during this period and beyond.

He said his party had temporarily shelved its fight over Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy until the “fight” against coronavirus is won because the country was in a desperate situation, which does not need a partisan approach.

“We face a monumental national crisis that is beyond what we ever imagined and it requires a national team response, a national team approach,” Chamisa said.

“We can’t afford a partisan approach, we can’t afford point-scoring and looking at the scoreboard in terms of political points. There are no points to be scored; there is only Zimbabwe to save.”

Chamisa has been challenging Mnangagwa’s legitimacy since August 2018 when the Zanu PF leader was declared winner in the July watershed poll.

NEWSDAY

Using just a thermometre to detect COVID-19, Emmerson Mnangagwa Thursday afternoon drove to meet another close circuit crowd for the launching of an Information Centre in Harare.

His function comes over 7 days after a CDC paper revealed that Coronavirus travels 4 metres across human beings. Zimbabwe’s social distancing rule is just a metre apart, but even that Mnangagwa is violating today, rubbing against several men and women at an intimate 20 centimetre proximity. While Chinese scientists say one COVID patient effectively infects 3,500 others, a leading London researcher says one person can infect a whopping 59,000 people after just 10 layers. This effectively means one person can infect 3,4 Billion people judging that each of those 59,000 will infect their own 59,000 victims. | WILL MNANGAGWA SURVIVE?

VIDEO:

SPREADING COVID: Mnangagwa Holds Another Meeting With Crowd, No social distancing at all, a week after @CDCGlobal scientists revealed that Coronavirus travels 4 metres across human beings. @ZHDAofficial @ZadhrDoctors –
video: @ZBCNewsonline pic.twitter.com/utPqK5GVC1

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 16, 2020

Farai Dziva| A Harare based apostolic sect leader, Madzibaba Enoch is said to have prayed for a bedridden COVID-19 patient on the phone and the man is rapidly recovering from the deadly disease.

Madzibaba Enoch is based in Budiriro, Harare.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Wednesday, a senior member of the apostolic sect said:

“Madzibaba Enoch from Budiriro 4, Nyenyedzi Nomwe, helped a man recover from COVID -19.

Sect members told Madzibaba Enoch that their relative, based in China, who suffering from the deadly disease and the prophet prayed for him.

The man, who was at the point of death, is recovering from the illness.”

Hundreds of people, including international visitors are reportedly flocking to Madzibaba Enoch’ s place of worship to seek spiritual guidance.

“The man(Madzibaba Enoch is a great prophet. His prophetic grace is amazing,” said a congregant.

Madzibaba Enoch is also said to have prophesied about the coming of the deadly Coronavirus scourge in a 2018 video footage.

Health authorities in the Zimbabwean town of Chinhoyi, North-West of Harare have admitted a man at Mzari Clinic isolation facility after he presented Covid-19 related symptoms upon screening.

Samples have been taken for testing and results have not yet been finalised.

Mashonaland West provincial medical director Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro confirmed the development saying it was only a precautionary measure.

“I can confirm that a man has been detained at Mzari Clinic isolation centre after he was screened and presented symptoms related to Covid-19 only as a precautionary measure as some conditions such as malaria present with almost similar symptoms.

“The case is undergoing further management while only test results will be conclusive on what we are dealing with,” said Dr Nyamayaro.

The country has to date recorded 23 cases with no cases reported in Mashonaland West province.

-State Media

Fellow citizens,

I come to you under very difficult circumstances in our country and indeed in the whole world.
Let us begin by observing a minute of silence for all the COVID-19 victims in Zimbabwe and across the nations of the world.

*Thank you.*

We are in difficult times and a deep crisis. This is a crisis like no other, and there is substantial uncertainty about its impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.

In the days ahead, a lot depends on the epidemiology of the virus, the effectiveness of containment measures, and the development of therapeutics and vaccines, all of which are hard to predict.

Our country faces multiple crises—a health crisis, a financial crisis, and a poverty crisis, which all interact in complex ways, presenting unprecedented challenges to households, companies, traders and financial markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing more than just a medical problem. The pathogen has wrought staggering death tolls and wrecked livelihoods across the world.

Economies across the globe are under severe strain. Supply chains have been radically disrupted, tourism and air travel is paralysed and currency markets are at an all-time low. We are witnessing unprecedented supply and demand side shocks. Global economy engines are stalling. The economy we knew is on a down spiral. The game has completely changed.

The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe estimates revenue loss of $400 million. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recorded 80% booking cancellations. The CZI records that 46% of local firms had their supply chains disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis. Diaspora remittances are likely to decline from the US$635.4 million mark in 2019.

Manufacturers and small-to-medium enterprises face the prospect of not reopening after lifting of lockdowns unless they too, receive massive bailouts.

Consequently, the Zimbabwean citizens are now faced with two impossible choices: death by hunger (as slow shutdowns take shape) or death by disease as this insurgent pathogen indiscriminately sweeps across continents.

There is considerable uncertainty about what the economic landscape will look like when we emerge from this lockdown.

Under the assumption that the pandemic and required containment peaks in the second quarter for most countries in the world and recedes in the second half of this year, the April World Economic Outlook projects global growth in 2020 to fall to -3 percent.

This is a downgrade of 6.3 percentage points from January 2020; a major revision over a very short period. This makes the Great Lockdown the worst recession since the Great Depression and far worse than the Global Financial Crisis.

Assuming the pandemic fades in the second half of 2020 and that policy actions taken around the world are effective in preventing widespread firm bankruptcies, extended job losses, and system-wide financial strains, global growth in 2021 is projected to rebound to 5.8 percent.

This recovery in 2021 is only partial as the level of economic activity is projected to remain below the level we had projected for 2021, before the virus hit. The cumulative loss to global GDP over 2020 and 2021 from the pandemic crisis could be around 9 trillion dollars, greater than the economies of Japan and Germany, combined.

What is hitting us is enormous! It’s the mother of all wars!

The Government of Zimbabwe must pursue a path that saves lives and protects livelihoods, preventing our economy from collapsing and serving our people during this trying moment.
On top of borrowing from global experience and the best scientific evidence, the Government should craft a uniquely Zimbabwean response that is customized and tailored to the circumstances, competencies and capabilities of our great nation.

The citizens must be clear and in the know on what will happen after the 21-day lockdown period including the end result and what they are expected to do or not do.

The following are immediate;

Three broad areas for greater clarity:

*A)* Combating the pandemic
*B)* Measures to cushion families and citizens from the effects of the lockdown.
*C)* Planning Ahead for the reopening of the Economy with particular emphasis on preventing
business closures, company bankruptcy and loss of jobs and re-empowering the informal sectors.

*A) COMBATTING THE PANDEMIC*

*1.* Cushioning of exposed citizens and communicate a clear strategy behind the lockdown and elaborate measures to contain the virus

*2.* Involving all citizens, labour, academics, church, political players & private sector in planning and implementation – a United Team Zimbabwe approach.

*3.* Increasing testing – roll out nationwide testing.

Everyday testing, situation reporting and accurate figures – better reporting is key in assuring the nation.

The key government task is to detect, test, track, isolate, contain and treat.

There is need for transparent testing so that the nation has accurate official figures and no parallel structures for big wigs.

Urgent need to pronounce mass testing mechanism and centres accessible to many from their neighbourhoods like polyclinics and have national geometric to understand which neighbourhoods have been greatly affected and are likely to suffer from the domino effect.

*4.* Government must develop information tool kit for the citizens with a view to create awareness on the progress made towards containing the virus. This information tool kit must be extensively disseminated through various media channels/platforms;

The information tool kit must provide specific details such as number of people tested per day, accurate statistical figures on the outcomes of the tests with hope that this information can provide evidence to show how the country is coping with the disease and possible indication of how the lockdown will last as opposed to be reactive. This is important how especially when the WHO is calling on countries not to rush to open the economy.

? Measures to cushion families and citizens from the effects of the lockdown.

*5.* Cushioning citizens from economic distress and speed up roll out of humanitarian support is vital. We must put in place social protection nets.

*6.* We need a clear statement on who must benefit and who cannot so that all that requires to benefit and get food and monetary assistance without politicizing humanitarian support and food.

*7.* Those who are tested and confirmed positive must get a form of financial support for a month while they fight and the deceased family a government relief fund for their beneficiaries.

Indeed, it is now time that the surplus that Government has made from the 2% levy be used to cushion all workers during these hard times.

*8.* We suggest a new and robust method in the provision of water, food, particularly mealie meal in the townships and countryside.

On our part we have already instructed local authorities to do everything in their power to avail water. We call upon central government to provide the necessary resources forex to realize this important basic necessity.

*10.* We suggest government subsidize and reduce the price of fuel and electricity. We must reduce internet tariff/ price of data during this period of fighting the pandemic.

*11.* Government must create a new model for the informal sector especially fruit and vegetable markets to decongest and decentralize. Perhaps this is a perfect chance for new models of distributing our produce to the communities to be evolved.

*12.* In our context where we have over 5.7 million people in the informal sector, it is important to be elaborate in support mechanisms.

*13.* Providing radio & television lessons dedicated channel for education. Online methods are also vital.

*14.* We urge the full observance of Human Rights, fundamental freedoms, security and dignity of all citizens during the enforcement of measures to fight the pandemic.

*15.* Allow me to salute all workers, including doctors and nurses, our security services, on the frontline for the excellent call of duty under very difficult circumstances. In this context, providing Personal Protective equipment for nurses, doctors, janitors, administrative support staff, police, security services and other state employees at the frontline is so fundamental.

*16.* Risk allowance and tax exemption for all health professionals, security servicemen and government workers on duty at the frontline.

Government must provide specialized support to the elderly including providing sanitizers and masks for all. We urge transparency and accountability in the handling of Covid-19 issues by government.

These are examples of countries who have already done that:

*1. Guinea has effected*

– No payment of rents by workers and citizens in general up to December 2020.
– Government has pledged to cover electricity and water for 3months.
– Free public transport for 3 months.

*2. Ghana*
– Government is covering all water bills for 3 months.
– Some workers were exempted from paying tax for 3 months.

*3. Rwanda*
– Door to door food deliveries for disadvantages groups.
– Provision of free water and electricity.
– Provision of free hospital access.

*4. Botswana*
– Government has put aside US$168 million to assist business to pay workers’ salaries to avoid layoffs.

*5. Uganda*
– No payment of rent until further notice; and
– Distribution of food to vulnerable groups.

As such, if other African governments are able to come up with plans that are sustainable and able to cover all workers; why are we not able as Zimbabwe to do the same?

*C)* Planning Ahead for the reopening of the Economy

A clear strategy on how the economy will be rescued and be made to come back to life, how people will return to work, how children will go back to school. A back to normal life roadmap
– a reconstruction and recovery program.

Creation of an enabling environment aimed at reducing the pain coming with Coronavirus and general economic decay which was at its peak even before Coronavirus. The following should be policy measures:

*(a)* Full dollarisation and removal of forex retention to aid growth in exporting companies.

*(b)* Removal of 2% tax to reduce tax burden to companies and give room for cash flow recovery.

*(c)* Removal of excessive tax heads, for example in the tourism sector there are 22 tax heads while mining has 15 tax heads some of which are unnecessary…this will give room for revenue recovery.

*(d)* Tax incentives such as corporate tax waiver for companies supporting local production and import substitution.

*(e)* Fiscal stimulus package which is in excess of US$5 billion which will form the rescue package since most companies will close.

This is the genesis of the 4th industrial revolution, lifestyles and work styles will change and we must embrace it.

We face a national crisis of monumental proportions. A national challenge requires a national response. Considering the diverse skills and multiple capacities we have in our organization, we are ready to assist.

We don’t want politicization of the pandemic. We will put politics aside and assist the government to craft those measures. The diverse skills and expertise in our organization can be of tremendous assistance to the nation at this critical time.

This is so particularly if regard be had to the experience in government, having former Ministers, our assistance will come in handy. This is no time for politics. Life is precious. We must preserve it.

*TOGETHER* we must defeat *COVID 19.* The future is bright.
Remember to wash your hands, keep good hygiene, maintain social distance and spread the message.
Remember to pray for our country and indeed the entire world.

*God bless you,*
*God bless Zimbabwe,*
*God bless AFRICA.*

Thank you

By A Correspondent| The businessman who for years is on a “top wanted” British Police warrant of arrest list, Tawanda Buyanga, has been slapped with a warrant of arrest by the High Court Of Zimbabwe.

Buyanga who after fleeing UK altered his name to Frank Buyanga Sadiqi, has been served, barely 3 weeks after he violently kidnapped the child he has with his ex girlfriend, Chantelle, last month. The incident was captured on CCTV at Spar, Waterfalls, Harare.

His violent operation which left the child’s grandmother with bloody bruises, was the third abduction in a roll cited on his case.

The incident was exclusively revealed by ZimEye.com, see CCTV footage below, and he was seen coming out of his white Ford Ranger and pulling the child out of the mother’s car at Spar Waterfalls, Harare.

CCTV of Buyanga abducting child from own mother at Spar Waterfalls. pic.twitter.com/PtOIho0AnY

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 26, 2020

Passing judgement on Thursday, Justice Manzunzu said the verdict which stipulates he must return the 5 year old son to his mother, is itself a warrant of arrest if not heeded.

Below is the judgement.

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By Own Correspondent| A 1.2 Infantry Battalion soldier in Hwange reportedly committed suicide by shooting himself with a gun after discovering that he had lost 10 rounds of ammunition.

The soldier in question Nicodemus Ndlovu allegedly sneaked out of a police base where he and others were camped for a Covid-19 operation around Hwange rural and shot himself through the mouth last week Wednesday.

Colleagues found his lifeless body after searching for him for hours when he had disappeared from the base after finishing duty at 6am.

A report made to the police stated that Ndlovu was deployed on Wednesday evening and upon completing his shift, he discovered he had lost 10 rounds of ammunition for his gun magazine.

“Nicodimus Ndlovu, a ZNA member based at 1.2 Infantry Battalion in Hwange went for a Covid-19 operation with other army members and police on April at 6pm.

“He finished duty in the morning and discovered that he had lost 10 rounds of ammunition from his AK47 rifle magazine,” read part of the police report.

Ndlovu is further said to have informed his colleagues about the lost ammunition.

He later sneaked out of the base when his colleagues took him to task over how he lost the rounds.

Ndlovu’s body was later found in the bush with a gun wound in his mouth.

Police took his body to Hwange Colliery mortuary before transferring it Sunday to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post-mortem, after which he was driven to his rural home for burial.

Some cases of illegal hunting where poachers use rifles have been linked to some serving and retired members of the security forces, among them rangers, who abuse their service guns to commit crimes.

Some of the cases have appeared in court with serving members among those accused in the cases.

By A Correspondent- Police officers who attended to a 52-year-old who works at Mater Dei hospital and had been ordered to self-isolate after she attended to the 79-year-old man who died and tested positive for COVID-19 posthumously have been sent home.

8 Police officers were indirectly and directly in contact with the nurse aide who came in to report her tenant hours after she had been ordered to self-isolate. One of the officers who sat on the bench with her went to work complaining of flu and was sent home.

This was revealed in a memo at the police station seen by the publication which reads in part:…

In Hillside policing area, there is a confirmed positive case of COVID 19. The patient is known as ….national reg number ….. aged 52… residing at …….and contactable on …..

The Bulawayo city council went to her place of residence to test her on 13/04/2019 after they received a phone call from HQ COVID 19 Harare that some of the employees at Matei Dei Hospital who had contact with the decessed were tested. The results came out on 14/4/2020 indicating that she was COVID 19 positive. The patient revealed that she attended to the patient who died several times while doing her duties.

The patient revealed that she visited ZRP Hillside police wth the intention to solve an issue with her tenant on 8/4/2020 and in the office there were several officers before she proceeded to the charge office where there were also a number of officers.

On April 14, the officer who had sat with the nurse aide on the bench went to the ZRP Bulawayo Camp Hospital complaining of a flu. He was given sick duty for three days and is supposed to report for duty on April 17, 2020.

Among the police members the patient got in contact with, so far, it is Constable ****** who is not feeling well. There are chances that same could have had body contact with the patient although it was not revealed. There is need to self-isolate the concerned members.

Meanwhile yet another nurse violated self-isolation measures and was seen at a shopping mall in Bulawayo after testing positive for the virus.

By A Correspondent- Three members of the Sungano Apostolic church died in a tunnel at Murahwa’s hill in Chikanga in an attempt to secretly conduct a sermon recently.

The deceased Timothy Mandeya aged 23, Rodric Mafongoya (28) and Maimbo Nigel (17) allegedly succumbed to smoke from a fire that had been lit in the tunnel for their night prayers on Wednesday.

Manicaland Police Spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said one of the seven survivors who escaped suffocation from the tunnel, Walter Kwaime reported the incident to the police upon the realization that 3 of their members had died leading to their arrest for contravening the COVID-19 lockdown offence act of 2020.

Inspector Kakohwa added that the deceased was taken for postmortem at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, further urging members of the public to heed the lockdown call by government.-Online

An estimated 30 tonnes of personal protective equipment, Covid-19 test kits, gloves, ventilators and other equipment needed to treat Covid-19 patients will be collected from China this week by a chartered flight despatched by Air Zimbabwe tomorrow.

It is understood the consignment was bought by Government to ensure treatment centres and laboratories were equipped.

China went into full production of Covid-19-related equipment and supplies and factories are now supplying many countries, including the United States.

Airzim spokesperson Ms Firstme Vitori confirmed yesterday that the airline was concluding clearance logistics for the charter plane to leave.

“Air Zimbabwe is finalising a cargo charter flight to China scheduled to depart early Friday morning,” she said.

“Once all clearances are granted the charter flight shall position in Beijing to collect cargo towards Covid-19 in Zimbabwe.”

Government has upped its Covid-19 preparedness following the upgrade of Wilkins and Beatrice Infectious diseases hospitals in Harare to cater for coronavirus patients, with work now in progress on more provincial centres and on a large section of Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Five laboratories have been upgraded countrywide for comprehensive testing.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Three machete and gun-totting robbers raided a tuckshop in Vumba Heights and stole goods worth US$3 000.

Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the robbery yesterday.

He said Margaret Mutepfura’s wooden tuckshop at Mureremba Farm in Vumba was raided as she was asleep at around 2315 hours.

She was in the company of her cousin Good Bere, who had visited her on the day from Gosho village under Chief Zimunya.

Kakohwa said the pair was asleep when three unknown assailants forced their entry into the wooden cabin. The robbers were armed with machetes, while one of them had a revolver.

“The one who had the revolver pointed it at Mutepfura demanding cash. The robbers assaulted the two using a claw hammer and fists,” Kakohwa said, adding Mutepfura and Bere sustained multiple cuts.

The robbers walked away with mobile phones, a 250 Watts solar battery, a solar inverter and an amplifier all valued at US$3 000.

No arrests have been made and investigations are underway.

By A Correspondent- The MDC has told the government that they did not do due diligence in making consultations before enforcing a lockdown.

Their accusations come amid reports that vulnerable communities are starving due to the lockdown. ‘

The MDC’s secretary for health, Henry Madzorera said in a statement:

People have been locked in without basic commodities and we are beginning to see chaotic scenes at shops almost degenerating into riots.

But they are being forced by the government to choose between death from COVID-19 or death from hunger. Most people would rather take their chance with Covid 19.

The government is advised to engage the healthcare professionals in all decision making and policy formulation. The government is advised to engage the healthcare professionals in all decision making and policy formulation.

The MDC also expressed their disappointment on reports that people are getting into the country without being screened at some border posts.-Newsday

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1250720852485836807?s=20

By A Correspondent- Consumers intending to buy mealie meal who had gathered at Pick n Pay supermarket in Sakubva Mutare only dispersed after the military was deployed, a ZimEye source has revealed.

The crowd of over 50 people had been queing for mealie meal for over 3 hours.

 

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Sakubva Msika right now pic.twitter.com/YfNdCfnMBx

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 16, 2020

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By A Correspondent- Multi-disciplinary artist Brian Tadiwanashe Nyanga, affectionately known as “Que”, is holed up in Germany after failing to get a flight back home after completing a two-month creative exchange programme owing to travel restrictions spawned by COVID-19.

A member of Jibilika Dance Trust, “Que” left the country in February for “Ngoma NeHosho Culture Clash”, a project that saw him participate in creative workshops in Germany.

The project focused on originality, identity, consumer behaviour, sustainability, and cultural differences between the two countries. He was supposed to return to Harare last week, but has been failing to get a flight back home though he said everything was fine.

“I’m not sure when I will be coming back home because I failed to secure a flight, but on the upside, I get to continue working on my project here,” he said. “My hosts, the City of Flensburg have been gracious enough to further support our project, running until June.”

Que said his experience in Germany had been enlightening. “I got into space where I had to discover who I really am and the abilities in me, my weaknesses and how to react to different situations,” he said. “This is the beginning of a new era in my life. I now have clarity of where I want to take fashion and sound, and how to make them interact.

“I’m going to push and shape my craft in a way that will benefit my culture from what I learnt from the residency, build a thriving enterprise with my skills and talents.” Germany-based Jibilika director Plot Mhako said they had so far managed to achieve their goals despite being disrupted by COVID-19.

“Que, a fashion designer, dancer and musician connected with a visiting DJ and visual artist Maya Tampler from Flensburg, Germany, during the Mafuwe International Dance Festival held in Harare last year,” he said.

“Their interaction later gave birth to Ngoma NeHosho Culture Clash. The project almost collapsed towards the end due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mhako said the greater part of the project progressed well, with different activities and events taking place in the host city of Flensburg.

The last two major activities, a live collaborative musical concert and a fashion show fell within the lockdown period. “After the government of Germany announced new measures to combat COVID-19, the artists filmed their project and later streamed the originally planned performance fashion show online,” said Mhako.

“They incorporated a message in the performance and fashion show to raise awareness on coronavirus. “The show exported the beautiful creative side of Zimbabwe through fashion, traditional music mixed with urban sounds and dance. This was well received and captured in various media outlets in Germany.”

Que worked with several artists who include Trampler, Butterkup, Jessica Gonsen, Leander Seekings, Wais Labi, Lukas Haak, Yessin, Jomkwan Supoken, Frida Klee, Cindy Jaenicke, and Dany Heck.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A critically ill Chitungwiza man is living on the street as a result of an ongoing row with his younger sibling over their deceased parents’ house in Unit J, Chitungwiza.

The man, Intergrate Soroti (38), who is a critical diabetes patient, was chased out of his rented apartment and is living outside his late parent’s home with his wife and four minor children.

Intergrate’s brother Hondo is said to have declared war on his sibling and has refused to give him shelter since Monday. Intergrate told a local publication that when he returned home, his brother refused to let them into the house and told him that he and his wife weren’t his relatives.

Hondo also said the house was his and there was nothing Intergrate could do about it.

“He told me that my wife and I aren’t his relatives, hapana zvamunondibatsira nazvo, the Government, the police can’t do anything to me because the house is mine because I am the lawful owner of this house,” he said.

Initially, Integrate and his wife Loice Josias, 32, were living at his parent’s house, and when his mother passed away in November last year, his brother Hondo secretly looked for a place for them to stay.

“He looked for an apartment for me without my knowledge. When I was admitted to hospital, he then moved my belongings to that house without my knowledge, and when my wife returned from the hospital visit, he took her to the new house and told her that he would be paying the rentals, just to get rid of me.

“This past weekend the landlady told me to move out because the rentals weren’t being paid for the last three months, she took our things out.

I tried calling him in vain,” said Intergrate.

His wife Loice said their former neighbors at the rented apartment then organized transport for them to be moved to their family home.

“Zvinhu zvaburitswa panze, vavakidzani vedu vakazobatanidza mari so that we could get transport to bring us back home.

When we got home, we knocked at the gate until they had no choice but to leave us outside because my husband’s brother was ignoring our knocks.

“He hasn’t opened the gate ever since and we are just sleeping outside with his bedridden brother,” she said.

Hondo has been seen several times leaving his house through the back by jumping the precast wall and hasn’t been using the main gate ever since his brother and his family moved there.

Hondo’s phone was unreachable when H-Metro visited their residence, but the team was reliably informed that he had been seen jumping the wall getting in prior to our arrival.

As soon as the news team left, Hondo threw a letter into one of the neighbors’ yards in which he said he was grieving his mother’s death and is bitter over how his brother treated their mother when she was alive.

In his letter, he also said, the war, just as his name, will last till forever as he is selling the house soon after the lockdown and it will end when he dies.

INTERGRATE Soroti’s neighbors have expressed sadness over his brother’s actions saying they fear that he may lose his life on the streets as he is critically ill.

“We are very saddened by the developments that have happened between these two brothers. Integrate is critically ill, literally on his death bed. “He is in fact supposed to be hospitalized.

I could have taken him in, but his state is scary. If he dies in my house then what,” said one of the neighbors who preferred anonymity.

The other neighbors have organized medication for Soroti as his condition is dire. “I had to sacrifice one of my diabetes injections yesterday because his condition was now critical and he couldn’t speak.

For today’s medication, we have put money together, and some of his childhood friends in the diaspora have sent money for us to get him more medicine,” said another.

The other neighbors have put together food for Soroti and his four children who are homeless after being locked out by his sibling Hondo.

The neighbors confirmed that they have seen Hondo leaving the house through the back, jumping the precast wall, avoiding his brother and his family, who are living right outside his gate.

Surrounding churches have donated food to the family, which has set a fire next to the gate where they cook their meals.

By A Correspondent- Universities have been urged to create online learning material to use during the lockdown.

The remarks were made by the  Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira who said;

The position of the ministry is guided by the decision taken by the Head of State and Government. We have told our universities to start developing material online for students. We are going to make a follow up to assess progress.

Schools have been closed since 24 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Pentecostal Apostolic Church of God in-unit L, Chitungwiza has been turned into a food vendor’s market.

Taking the worship house as a safe haven, one of the vendors told the state media that police do not visit the premises since it is known for church services and they keep the gate locked at all times.

“We are selling our food here and some vendors also leave their stuff for safety since the police are visible everywhere during this lockdown,” said the vendor refusing to identify self.

“We arranged with church elders to use the premises during this lockdown period only. “I am not sure if they will charge a fee for helping us during this period,” she added.

Resident church leader Pastor Masungo’s mobile phone went unanswered until the time of going to print. Tomatoes and vegetables were displayed inside the closed gate.

In Unit, A people were spotted downing ‘wise waters’ by the bottle store while others were playing card game.-Statemedia

Restrictions imposed to control the spread of Covid-19 should be lifted only if health systems have capabilities to test, isolate, treat and trace every contact, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has said.

As of yesterday, Zimbabwe had 23 confirmed cases and three deaths after five of the 23 samples tested in Bulawayo were positive.

Dr Ghebreyesus said countries should lift the restrictions if the transmission of the virus is controlled and ensure that outbreak risks are minimal in specialised settings such as nursing homes and health institutions.

There should also be preventive measures especially in places where people converge such as workplaces and schools.

He said countries must ensure that imported risks are managed while communities are educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the new norm.

This comes as Zimbabwe was working with experts to get critical information that would be used to determine whether or not to continue with the lockdown which exempts those offering essential services.

Said Dr Ghebreyesus: “Some countries and communities have now endured several weeks of social and economic restrictions. Some countries are considering when they can lift these restrictions. Others are considering when to introduce them.

“On both cases, these decisions must be based on protecting human health and be guided by what we know about the virus and how it behaves. We are all learning all the time and adjusting our strategy based on the latest available evidence.”

WHO wants all countries to be implementing a comprehensive set of measures to slow down transmission and save lives.

In terms of lifting the restrictions in Zimbabwe, Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Agnes Mahomva said the Government had started working with experts compiling data on the impact of Covid-19.

She said the data, compiled through modelling approaches, would be used to study and understand the burden of the disease.

The information would be used to recommend the way forward regarding the lockdown from a scientific and practical point of view.

“The lockdown in Zimbabwe was really to help us strategise how we can better prepare against Covid-19, but in addition to that, it was also looking at issues of managing transmission — both imported and local transmissions and we are happy about what we have done so far.

“Next steps, we are now working with experts to get information that speaks to Zimbabwe, not what is happening elsewhere. This data will tell us whether to continue shutting down the whole country or to focus on certain areas.

“It will also tell us if there are any additional measures that we should put in place but our ultimate goal is to reduce transmissions,” said Dr Mahomva.

Zimbabwe is in the third and final week of the 21-day lockdown where the movement of people has been restricted, except those offering essential services.

The lockdown officially ends on Sunday.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Despite the Government’s efforts to curb the adverse effects of COVID-19, with a lock-down in place, some kombi’s and pirate taxis have sneaked back onto the road.

ZiMetro News has learned that in Chitungwiza yesterday established that kombi’s and pirate taxis, popularly known as mushika-shika, were plying local routes charging amounts ranging from zwl$ 10.

Announcing the 21-day lockdown last month, President Mnangagwa said Zupco buses, as well as Public Service Commission buses, would be ferrying people who offer essential services, but some mushika-shika, kombi’s, and taxis are back.

Some kombi’s and pirate taxis ply St Mary’s-Makoni Shopping Centre via Zengeza route, while others ply St Mary’s-Makoni via Seke Unit L suburb route.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said it was criminal that kombis were resurfacing on the road without being given a go-ahead, adding that police would descend heavily on offenders.

“We have heard of these pirate taxis and kombis plying various routes illegally. “The police deployed in the suburbs should ensure that there are no unruly elements, where kombis and pirate taxis defy the law.

Those people should be arrested,” said Ass Comm Nyathi. He said police had noted that motorists were using bush roads into the city to avoid police clearance points, in accordance with lockdown requirements.

“Motorists should adhere to regulations. Those who are using dubious means to get into town will be dealt with,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- A family in Nyanga is mourning the death of their 8-year-old twin boys who went to Mount INyangani to recover stray cattle with their father and lost their way home, The Herald reports.

Tanatswa and Tendai and their nephew were reportedly found unconscious by a village search party that was searching for them after they had separated with their father after a heavy downpour separated them.

Manicaland police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident and said:

Shingirai Matsiwira (35) of Village 7-Dazi under chief Saunyama, left home on April 10 with his twin sons Tanatswa and Tendai and his nephew Anesu (7).

While they were still on the mountain, heavy rains fell and they lost their way and spent the night there. In the morning, Shingirai’s wife, Tafadzwa Chitekwa informed other villagers that her husband and sons had not returned home and a search party was despatched

When the villagers found them, Shingirai, his sons and nephew were unconscious and they were ferried to Nyanga District Hospital. Tanatswa was pronounced dead on admission while his twin brother died later on that same day.

ZimParks Spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident and blamed the tragedy on bad weather. Many unresolved disappearance cases have taken place at Mount Inyangani.-StateMedia

Multi-disciplinary artiste Brian Tadiwanashe Nyanga, affectionately known as “Que”, is holed up in Germany after failing to get a flight back home after completing a two-month creative exchange programme owing to travel restrictions spawned by Covid-19.

A member of Jibilika Dance Trust, “Que” left the country in February for “Ngoma NeHosho Culture Clash”, a project that saw him participate in creative workshops in Germany.

The project focused on originality, identity, consumer behaviour, sustainability, and cultural differences between the two countries.

He was supposed to return to Harare last week, but has been failing to get a flight back home though he said everything was fine.

“I’m not sure when I will be coming back home because I failed to secure a flight, but on the upside, I get to continue working on my project here,” he said.

“My hosts, the City of Flensburg have been gracious enough to further support our project, running until June.”
Que said his experience in Germany had been enlightening.

“I got into a space where I had to discover who I really am and the abilities in me, my weaknesses and how to react to different situations,” he said.

“This is the beginning of a new era in my life. I now have clarity of where I want to take fashion and sound, and how to make them interact.

“I’m going to push and shape my craft in a way that will benefit my culture from what I learnt from the residency, build a thriving enterprise with my skills and talents.”

Germany-based Jibilika director Plot Mhako said they had so far managed to achieve their goals despite being disrupted by Covid-19.

“Que, a fashion designer, dancer and musician connected with a visiting DJ and visual artist Maya Tampler from Flensburg, Germany, during the Mafuwe International Dance Festival held in Harare last year,” he said.
“Their interaction later gave birth to Ngoma NeHosho Culture Clash.

The project almost collapsed towards the end due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mhako said the greater part of the project progressed well, with different activities and events taking place in the host City of Flensburg.-State media

Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC, says it will lodge a formal complaint against the police for assaulting a party councillor in Marondera.

Ward 8 councillor, Dzuke was bashed by police details on Monday.

During the scuffle, a police officer accused the opposition party of causing “people’s suffering.”

“We condemn the beating of Councillor Dzvuke of Ward 8, Marondera, by the police.

He was beaten while going to replenish a sanitizer at the borehole in Nyameni.

In the course of the assault, a police officer accused the Movement for Democratic Change for inflicting suffering on the people,” said the party in a statement.

The opposition party says it will lodge a complaint against police brutality.

Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC, says it will lodge a formal complaint against the police for assaulting a party councillor in Marondera.

Ward 8 councillor, Dzuke was bashed by police details on Monday.

During the scuffle, a police officer accused the opposition party of causing “people’s suffering.”

“We condemn the beating of Councillor Dzvuke of Ward 8, Marondera, by the police.

He was beaten while going to replenish a sanitizer at the borehole in Nyameni.

In the course of the assault, a police officer accused the Movement for Democratic Change for inflicting suffering on the people,” said the party in a statement.

The opposition party says it will lodge a complaint against police brutality.

Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly says the harassment of civilians in urban areas by the country’s security forces is a calculated ploy meant to punish urbanites for supporting the opposition party.

ZRP cops and soldiers are tormenting civilians across the country during the 21- day lockdown.

“The violence and harassment of citizens by the uniformed forces during this lockdown period is worrisome.

In fact, it has confirmed our fears that that Emmerson Mnangagwa is going to use this period to escalate human rights abuses as a way of thwarting impending mass demonstrations.

The whole thing is calculated to punish urban dwellers for snubbing Zanu PF,” said MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma in an interview with ZimEye.com on Tuesday.

Farai Dziva |The Ministry of Health and Childcare has announced that one person has fully recovered from COVID-19.

“The Ministry would like to advise the nation that one of the cases was confirmed as recovered after testing negative for Covid-19 on two samples collected at least 24 hours apart.

The case has been removed from isolation, and the healthcare workers are still monitoring other cases which includes a 34-year-old nurse at a local Bulawayo Hospital who has no travel history,” said the Health Ministry in a statement.

Chivi Central Member of Parliament Ephraim Gwanongodza has said truck drivers who stop at truck inns and other business centres to rest are making Zimbabwe vulnerable to the pandemic that has killed 120 000 people worldwide.

Ephraim Gwanongodza said
There might be no business during the day at business centres like Chibi Turn-Off and other areas along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway, but truck drivers from South Africa still park there in their numbers.

In the surrounding villages, for example at Chibi Turn-Off, there are women who like to entertain the truck drivers, and there is a lot of contact that happens that makes social distancing impossible.

We discussed the issue with the local councillor and it is our request that trucks should be banned from parking at these places because it’s putting our province and the nation at serious risk.

Truck drivers are among critical services providers exempted to work during the lockdown as they are transporting cargo in between countries during the course of the lockdown.- State media

Farai Dziva|Police officers and soldiers assaulted residents of the city of Masvingo on Tuesday morning and stopped them from getting into town to buy mealie meal.

In a statement Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights condemned the harassment of citizens by soldiers and police officers.

The High Court has also ordered security forces to respect human rights. This comes after Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights had filed a complaint against the police and the army following the brutal attack on one Lucia Masvondo.

“The High Court has just granted an interim order that
@PoliceZimbabwe , army and other enforcement officers must respect human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms, in the case of Lucia Masvondo.

The case challenges torture, inhuman and degrading conduct, disrespect of dignity and violation of Const by
@PoliceZimbabwe and army who invaded Masvondo’s home, assaulted her and set dogs on her.

It also challenges none compliance with social distancing by ZRP and others.” Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said in a statement.

Daily News|WITH less than a week before the lapse of the 21-day national lockdown, the government finds itself in a catch 22 situation on whether to extend the curfew or call it off.

While the national lockdown was absolutely necessary in order to arrest the spread of the deadly Coronavirus (Covid-19), it has, however, brought with it serious socio-economic consequences such as the loss of income for millions of people who survive from hand to mouth in Zimbabwe’s largely informal economy.

Already there have been serious concerns that an extension would collapse the survival strategies and networks of support for poor households as they will not be able to secure sufficient food and medicines.

Another thought is that perhaps it’s time for government to loosen the national lockdown and adopt some alternative, but effective methods of containing the spread of the deadly virus.

Zimbabwe has not really done well in testing its citizens compared to the number of people that have crossed into our country. So far the government has tested just under 600 people out of a population of about 15 million.

The purpose of the lockdown as advised by medical professionals is to flatten the curve of infection and this can be done by having more tests.

Thus it is difficult to say if the country has reached a point where it must return to normal business. If anything, the confirmed cases have been steadily rising though at a slow pace.

At this point in time it is important for the government to put support structures to the lockdown; the testing and social nets. The government must conduct mass testing to get a scientific position on the state of infections.

The dilemma is for the government to call off the lockdown and then tomorrow announce that the worst is not over and that we have to go back into lockdown.

The key, however, is to strike a balance between public health concerns and the livelihoods of ordinary people who survive from hand to mouth.

Unlike her neighbours, Zimbabwe doesn’t have huge financial resources to subsidise the informal and formal sectors.

However, its clear Covid-19 is still with the country for the foreseeable future so any intervention must be necessary and proportionate to avoid fuelling hunger-induced deaths.

The lockdown should have been supported by testing and isolation for it to be more effective; it also must be supported by distribution of food aid and other items for the poor.

Another way forward is that the government must mobilise testing kits and food supplies and extend the lockdown until it is clear of the extent of infections.

Decentralisation of testing citizens has taken too long while personal protective equipment, especially for the frontline personnel like the nurses, doctors and security people, is scarce and this exposes those who are providing these essential services.

A 25-year-old Chivi man, who recently returned from South Africa, allegedly teamed up with his brother and father to fatally assault his grandmother before trying to evade arrest by claiming to be suffering from coronavirus.

However, the suspect, Bright Tizirai of Makuvire village in Madyangove communal lands, was arrested after results proved he was negative.

He had allegedly argued that his arrest would not only endanger the health of law enforcement officers, but other suspects at Chivi Police Station.

When results came out negative, Bright was locked up together with his accomplices, his father Duduzile Tizirai (49) and sibling Daniel (21), for allegedly murdering his septuagenarian grandmother Nyengeterai Tizirai, whom they accused of possessing goblins that purportedly killed Duduzile’s wife last month.

The trio allegedly killed the hapless granny after beating her up with a horse harness and a log at a dip tank in the village on April 5.

After the beating, the suspects allegedly force marched the victim back to the village where they dumped her in a vegetable garden.

Later in the evening of the same day, the suspects allegedly ordered the woman’s niece, Catherine Takaedza, to collect her from the garden where she lay unconscious and take her home.

Masvingo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said after putting her aunt to bed, Takaedza later checked on her and discovered that she was not breathing and went to alert Duduzile. Police arrested Daniel the next morning following a report while Duduzile and Bright fled.

The two later handed handed themselves to the police. Bright warned that holding him was risky because of his Covid-19 positive status.

Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeous Shamu collected samples from Bright and tested him for Covid-19 at the request of the police.

“We collected samples from the murder suspect (Bright) in Chivi who recently returned from South Africa and claimed to have had Covid-19. The results came out negative,” said Dr Shamu.

Bright, his sibling and father were remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court. Masvingo is still to record its first positive case of Covid-19 with all tests conducted to date coming out negative.

The MDC Alliance is a social democratic party, and solidarity is one of our core-values.

Following the Statement by our President Advocate Nelson Chamisa on lockdown, on the 24th March 2020 the MDC Parliamentary Caucus came up with various response mechanisms at Organisational level and at individual level.

The MDC Alliance Parliamentary Caucus sends its condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones due to the Covid -19 virus. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who tested positive to the virus. We also pray for the divine protection of everyone against this deadly virus.

Our Caucus resolved in March soon after the announcement by the MDC Alliance President Advocate Nelson Chamisa of the lockdown campaign .

We resolved for every member of parliament to contribute rtgs 200 every month towards the Covid -19 pandemic. This money was raised to mitigate towards the rapid response mechanism.

The contributions from our Members of Parliament is seriously affected by the illegal withholding of MDC Alliance Member’s allowances of more than six months, which have caused many of our MPs to be in serious debts and financially crippled.

Members of Parliament have also at individual level contributed immensely towards the crisis management and mitigation, in various constituencies and communities. We would to express our gratitude towards the kind spirit of giving by our members.

Now realising that the crisis is continuing and a sustainable and comprehensive response is required, the MDC Alliance Caucus has resolutely endorsed to increase the monthly contributions so that financial contribution will play a critical role in various mechanisms towards alleviating the burden of this pandemic to the people of Zimbabwe.

This is motivated by the MDC Alliance President spirited fight and realization that the National Epidemic Response by gvt is inadequate and overwhelmed.

Resource mobilization social welfare of the most vulnerable groups of our population such as vendors, people with disabilities, those with health conditions, the elderly and child-headed families is paramount in this lockdown.

The Caucus will continue to respond and act to mitigate the crisis. More and new strategies will continue to be developed and implemented.

The Caucus will also review upwards the RTGS 200 agreed, in an attempt to increase the level of response to the lockdown.

We urge all Zimbabweans to obey rules stipulated in the lockdown as it is good for everybody. To the security forces responsible for enforcing the lockdown compliance must do so with dignity and honor. Our security services must exercise restraint in dealing with the population and must respect human rights and avoid heavy-handedness in enforcing compliance.

May God bless our nation Zimbabwe.
Together We Will Defeat Covid-19.

For and on behalf of the MDC Alliance Parliamentary Caucus

Hon P C Mutseyami.

Senator Lillian Timveos
Chief Whips

The Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A), while noting the role played by China in the refurbishment of Wilkins Hospital, a critical COVID-19 isolation centre in Harare, hereby calls upon the Chinese Government to take all measures as is required under international law to protect Africans in China who are facing discrimination, unwarranted evictions and all manner of ill treatment and abuse.

There are disturbing reports of people of African descent being subjected to forced epidemic investigation and Nucleic Acid Test, forced quarantine including in cases where they have not travelled outside China, came in contact with infected persons or show symptoms of COVID-19.

Africans are being evicted from their places of accommodation, banned from entering restaurants and other public facilities, threatened with deportations, arrests and revocation of visas despite not being infected with the pandemic, especially in the Guangdong Province of China.

Indeed, this targeting of Africans amounts to racism as it is not supported by any scientific logic and contradicts the fact that it was in Wuhan province of China where the pandemic originated. Such targeting also violates international law.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights without distinction of any kind including race, colour or national origin.

In addition, the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination commits member states to the elimination of racial discrimination.

The Convention defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.

The MDC-A therefore calls on the Chinese Government to protect Africans under its jurisdiction.

The fight against COVID-19 requires unity of all countries and races. It is therefore imperative for the world to rally everyone’s resolve in defeating this pandemic.

Gladys K. Hlatywayo
Secretary for International Relations
MDC Alliance