Retail shops have been ordered to implement, with immediate effect, a price freeze on all basic commodities for the duration of the 21-day lockdown that kicks off at midnight today.
Retailers who fail to comply with the directive will be closed indefinitely.
The development was confirmed by Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu on Saturday.
He said:
Basic commodity price increases are frozen as a sector contribution measure to Zimbabweans who have to date supported our businesses through good and hard times.
Retail outlets that will increase prices of basic commodities during this difficult time will be closed indefinitely.
Mutashu also revealed that goods covered under the directive are sugar, cooking oil, salt, mealie-meal, meat, sanitary pads, bottled water, pharmaceutical products, rice, masks, sanitary gloves, sanitisers and washing soaps.
The order comes after some retail shops last week increased prices of most basic commodities after people started panic buying in anticipation of a lockdown that was eventually announced by President Mnangagwa on Friday.-State media
FULL TEXT: For many of us this lockdown is a decision between livelihood and health. The challenges we face are real but the threat of ignoring this virus will be catastrophic. It remains our responsibility to provide safety nets and provisions for the vulnerable. Zimbabwe faces twin evils of poverty and Covid-19.Many live from hand to mouth. Hunger might be what kills people first
We are living in difficult times. The entire world is engulfed by a pandemic – COVID19. This disease is real. It does not discriminate. Public health systems across the world, including ours, are overwhelmed. This is why it is important to do everything we can to prevent the spread of the virus.
Given the essential nature of food markets, decentralised and monitored markets which allow informal traders to fend for their families while practicing social distancing and WHO hygiene protocols should be encouraged under the supervision of the assigned officials.
We continue to urge government to assist in ensuring food is reaching the most vulnerable communities. We must consider the existing fragilities of our society.
Those in the private sector that are chipping in to help, please do it for your country. We thank all those in the international community who have supported the people of Zimbabwe. We continue to need more support. I see efforts by fellow citizens fundraising for this great cause. We thank you. Please support these efforts. Every dollar counts.
This is an opportunity for Zimbabweans to UNITE and for all players to come together to provide localised solutions. Zimbabweans do not have to make the impossible choice of whether to stay indoors or feed their families.
We must be good neighbours and good neighbours look after each other.
Small businesses will also need strong stimulus packages to keep them viable and protect those they employ. There are no winners in times of crisis, there are only men and women who stood firm and sacrificed in the short term for a chance to preserve the future.
Fellow Zimbabweans, this is our opportunity to tackle this virus before it tackles and consume us. Let us stand firm and unite against this global pandemic. It cannot be business as usual. We have to change our ways. We have a duty not just to ourselves but to every person around us. Let us unite and close ranks. It’s not time to play the blame game.Citizens and corporates all hands on deck!
Let us practice basic hygiene. Let’s wash our hands regularly.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has started deploying police officers to all places where people are most likely to disregard the lockdown.
National Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged members of the public not to disregard the lockdown as it is being implemented for their safety.
He said:
We are already on the implementation phase, by today (yesterday) officers were being deployed at highways, all point of entries, shopping centres and at places where people are most likely to take advantage of the situation to disregard the lockdown.
What the public should realise is that the lockdown is meant for their safety, security and health therefore it is important that they should heed to the President’s directive.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health and Child Care spokesperson Donald Mujiri has said testing for coronavirus was free, but people will be screened first before being taken to a health centre.
He said:
There are people who may suspect that they have Covid-19 because they have been in contact with a person who has it or simply because they have flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, a high body temperature, breathing difficulties and a headache.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday declared a 21-day total lockdown to commence at midnight (Monday at 0000 hrs) in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.-State media
State Media- People huddled in groups, chatting and drinking without loud music are scenes that characterised shebeens in the high-density areas of Bulawayo last weekend.
Following the ban on public gatherings and leisure spots due to Government’s measures of stemming the spread of Covid-19 last week, bars in the city closed down leaving fun lovers stranded and even more hungry for entertainment activities.
Since some people have become so used to going out, they resorted to other forms of entertainment, especially in their neighbourhoods.
Chronicle Showbiz on Saturday night visited Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs and discovered that people’s drinking habits have not changed much, although they have seemingly adapted to the situation.
Shebeens in Mzilikazi, Makokoba, Iminyela, Entumbane, Magwegwe North and Luveve were fully operational as well as some braai joints, going against Government’s directive.
The establishments were selling alcohol and it was brisk business for them.
The Chronicle Showbiz crew visited one shebeen, koSafana in Mzilikazi, just metres from the Barbourfields Police station and witnessed patrons imbibing. Some who were parked outside had their drinks there.
However, shebeen owners were very careful as to who they let into the place as they turned away ‘walk ins’, only allowing those they call regulars. The regulars were huddled in groups, discussing what will happen during the lockdown and what they will do thereafter. In all this, there was no music, just the droning voices of people in different fiery debates.
The news crew left koSafana and moved to Mpopoma in search of other shebeens, only to be greeted by open bars and braai spots. Popular braai joint, Sibayeni’s gate was wide open and cars were let in freely. There was also a group of men playing snooker and from the look of things, the game was heated.
Just next door, Ndazi Bottle Store was in full swing as inebriated patrons were guzzling and bopping outside, while the same was happening inside.
It was a party and it seemed that there was no thought of the imminent danger they were in as social gatherings have been found to spread Covid-19 in the event that there are infected people.
Up the road from Ndazi Bottle Store other bottle stores and shebeens were also in operation. It was apparent that while the city centre was asleep, the suburbs were wide awake and buzzing.
In Mabuthweni, the shopping centre was a hive of activity as people went about their drinking business. In interviews, it was clear the people knew the dangers of Covid-19, but could not be bothered as they did not want their lives to come to a standstill.
At Emazengeni in Magwegwe North the shebeen seemed to be winding down their operations when Chronicle Showbiz arrived. But upon closer observation, they had adopted the same strategy as the other shebeens. Emazengeni (named after the tin roof structure of the place) were only letting in their regular customers with those who wanted to buy alcohol huddled outside the gate being served their favourite beverages.
Young men and women comprised the majority of those standing outside begging whoever was inside to sell them the alcohol.
Along Plumtree Road, it was business as usual at West Acre as well as Mazinyane with people braaing and being merry.
The last part of the journey was to canvas the Luveve and Gwabalanda area. KoChigumira braai spot was as like any other Saturday as cars were parked outside with the occupants not having a care in the world. Although the braai spot had closed, perhaps thirty minutes before the crew arrived, patrons were still in the mood of partying although without the lure of going to the city centre for more of it.
All in all, some people are finding ways of circumventing the system despite the risk posed by Covid-19 whose cases had risen to over 680 000 cases and over 30 000 deaths worldwide by yesterday afternoon.
In Zimbabwe, seven cases had been recorded by yesterday with one death. Government may want to monitor bottle stores, shebeens and braai spots more closely in order to ensure that people do not spread the disease through patronising these spots.
Today, the nation begins its 21 days lockdown with people being ordered to stay at home and only leave when it is necessary like when seeking medical attention or going to the supermarket. Chronicle/state media
Prominent Bulawayo businessman Ismail Moosa Lunat has approached the High Court challenging the auctioning of his property over a debt of more than US$384 000 that he owes fellow businessman Mr Mohammed Zakariya Patel.
The property which is set to go under the hammer includes a Mazda Axela, Toyota Rav4, Honda Odyssey, laptops, leather couches, office furniture and accessories, television sets, refrigerators, nursery toys and clothes among other valuable items. The goods were supposed to be auctioned last week in Bulawayo by Auction House after they were attached by the Sheriff of the High Court following Lunat’s failure to pay back Mr Patel US$384 177.
Lunat was last year taken to the High Court by Mr Patel over the debt, which he failed to repay. The auction was suspended due to Covid-19.
Lunat (57), who has a pending court case for allegedly fuelling the forex black market, money laundering and externalisation of more than US$2,2 million, filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court, citing Mr Patel and the Deputy Sheriff of the High Court as respondents. He wants an order interdicting the respondents from selling his property.
In his founding affidavit, Lunat who is being represented by Mr Nqobani Sithole of Ncube Attorneys, said in light of Statutory Instrument 33/2019 and the Finance Act No 2 of 2019, it was wrong for Mr Patel to demand the debt is United States dollars, arguing that all assets and liabilities denominated in United States dollars owing immediately before February 22, 2019 were automatically valued in RTG$ on a rate of 1:1.
“As such, the first respondent (Mr Patel) misled the High Court in its claim and the honourable court acted on this misleading claim. The law could not have been clearer than this and I am advised by the counsel that the Supreme Court has pronounced itself on the issue, leaving no doubt as to the meaning of both SI 33/19 and the Finance Act No 2 of 2019 in respect of this matter,” he said.
“Through my attorneys of record and on the 17th of March 2020, I paid a sum of $384 177 in local currency to the respondent’s legal practitioner, who however, protested insisting on payment as per the judgment under HC196/19.”
Lunat said Mr Patel acknowledged payment of the debt but claimed that it was not enough resulting in him attaching his property.
“I have a prima facie right to protection and benefit of the law as a debtor in circumstances where legislation has been made that affects my indebtedness. The conduct of the first respondent through his lawyer is injurious to my right because despite payment of my debt in full, they seek to have my property sold contrary to the law. I therefore seek an order interdicting the second respondent (Deputy
Sheriff of the High Court) from disposing of my property pending the return date,” he said.
On April 3 last year, Mr Patel filed summons under case number HC762/19 through his lawyers Moyo and Nyoni Legal Practitioners, citing Lunat, as a defendant.
According to court papers, on January 11 last year, Lunat signed an acknowledgement of the debt and offered to pay back the money within three months.
Mr Patel then later filed an application for summary judgment under case number HC2489/19 through Samukange Hungwe Attorneys citing Lunat as a respondent.
Mr Patel said his claim against Lunat was premised on the acknowledgement of the debt by the respondent. – Chronicle/state media
My biggest worry as an MP is that 95% of our people are in the informal sector and many have to do deals day by day to feed their families, what are they going to do in 21 days?
My fellow people from Marondera will probably die of hunger and that’s my major worry.
I call upon government to do something to avoid absolute hunger.
We as a people will also try and come up with solutions to help the most vulnerable.
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, HONOURABLE SEKAI NZENZA (MP) ON GUIDELINES ON ESSENTIAL SERVICES OPERATING DURING THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
Following the announcement of the national lockdown on the 27th of March 2020, His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa indicated that essential industries and services will need to remain open to support the health sector and to ensure minimal disruption in critical goods and services.
The primary objective remains that of protecting the lives of the employees in these industries by adhering to the strictest occupational health and safety measures under the circumstances.
Businesses which will be operating during this period are encouraged to put in place workplace prevention and early detection protocols to protect the employees and to mitigate the effects of the virus.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in conjunction with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe will constitute a task force to monitor the price movements and availability of essential goods in addition to other consumer protection mechanisms during this period.
The following are guidelines indicating which industries and services are exempt from the National lockdown:
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
All essential service providers, producers and their staff in the following supply chains must remain operational;
Electricity Distribution
Water Supply
Sewerage and Sanitation
Supply of Fuel, LP Gas and other Industrial Gases
ICT – data centres, basic telecoms, fibre optic infrastructure, towers and antennae.
All key providers of communication services, ICT support services for critical industries and for the banking sector should remain open.
CRITICAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS
The following critical services and productive activities will continue operations:
Manufacturing and distribution of health-related products, supplies, devices, equipment and medicines as well as essential inputs thereto.
Agricultural and food supply related operations, including farming, veterinary and phytosanitary service providers, pest control services, chemical and fertilizer production and distribution.
Food, beverages, poultry and dairy products including manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities for the value chain.
Manufacturing and Importation of basic commodities.
Manufacturing, processing and distribution of sanitisation products including soaps, detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers.
Production and distribution of sanitary products including sanitary pads, cotton wool, tissues etc.
Warehousing, transport and logistics for food & essential products, and health-related goods.
Production of packaging products that are critical in the movement and distribution of the above goods.
Food outlets – retail and wholesale shops for food and essential products.
Essential products include toilet paper, cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, personal hygiene products, bedding and clothing, and essential supplies for
those taking care of the sick and to maintain the general public’s well-being.
10.All activities for exporters of manufactured goods and horticultural produce.
11.Funeral Parlours and support services.
ENABLING SERVICES TO ASSIST IN THE COVID19 RESPONSE
The following services are required to continue operations:
All healthcare-related services be they public or private.
Professional and artisan services, to the extent that they are providing support in the Covid19 response, essential and critical business continuity services.
Cleaning, laundry and hospitality services supporting the Covid19 response.
Hotels, airlines, stadiums, car rental services, to the extent that they are supporting the Covid-19 Response.
Financial and insurance services and health funders required to finance and support essential and critical business continuity services in the Covid-19 response, and provide short term bridging finance to people and businesses
during this period.
Communication and media services on screen, TV, radio, print, broadcast and online.
Safety and security services protecting people and property.
The enforcement of a nationwide lockdown is an extension of measures being implemented by Government to mitigate and prevent the effects of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that critical goods and services are rendered during this period.
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, HONOURABLE SEKAI NZENZA (MP) ON GUIDELINES ON ESSENTIAL SERVICES OPERATING DURING THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
Following the announcement of the national lockdown on the 27th of March 2020, His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa indicated that essential industries and services will need to remain open to support the health sector and to ensure minimal disruption in critical goods and services.
The primary objective remains that of protecting the lives of the employees in these industries by adhering to the strictest occupational health and safety measures under the circumstances.
Businesses which will be operating during this period are encouraged to put in place workplace prevention and early detection protocols to protect the employees and to mitigate the effects of the virus.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in conjunction with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe will constitute a task force to monitor the price movements and availability of essential goods in addition to other consumer protection mechanisms during this period.
The following are guidelines indicating which industries and services are exempt from the National lockdown:
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
All essential service providers, producers and their staff in the following supply chains must remain operational;
Electricity Distribution
Water Supply
Sewerage and Sanitation
Supply of Fuel, LP Gas and other Industrial Gases
ICT – data centres, basic telecoms, fibre optic infrastructure, towers and antennae.
All key providers of communication services, ICT support services for critical industries and for the banking sector should remain open.
CRITICAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS
The following critical services and productive activities will continue operations:
Manufacturing and distribution of health-related products, supplies, devices, equipment and medicines as well as essential inputs thereto.
Agricultural and food supply related operations, including farming, veterinary and phytosanitary service providers, pest control services, chemical and fertilizer production and distribution.
Food, beverages, poultry and dairy products including manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities for the value chain.
Manufacturing and Importation of basic commodities.
Manufacturing, processing and distribution of sanitisation products including soaps, detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers.
Production and distribution of sanitary products including sanitary pads, cotton wool, tissues etc.
Warehousing, transport and logistics for food & essential products, and health-related goods.
Production of packaging products that are critical in the movement and distribution of the above goods.
Food outlets – retail and wholesale shops for food and essential products.
Essential products include toilet paper, cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, personal hygiene products, bedding and clothing, and essential supplies for
those taking care of the sick and to maintain the general public’s well-being.
10.All activities for exporters of manufactured goods and horticultural produce.
11.Funeral Parlours and support services.
ENABLING SERVICES TO ASSIST IN THE COVID19 RESPONSE
The following services are required to continue operations:
All healthcare-related services be they public or private.
Professional and artisan services, to the extent that they are providing support in the Covid19 response, essential and critical business continuity services.
Cleaning, laundry and hospitality services supporting the Covid19 response.
Hotels, airlines, stadiums, car rental services, to the extent that they are supporting the Covid-19 Response.
Financial and insurance services and health funders required to finance and support essential and critical business continuity services in the Covid-19 response, and provide short term bridging finance to people and businesses
during this period.
Communication and media services on screen, TV, radio, print, broadcast and online.
Safety and security services protecting people and property.
The enforcement of a nationwide lockdown is an extension of measures being implemented by Government to mitigate and prevent the effects of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that critical goods and services are rendered during this period.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi, has claimed credit for causing national unity in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
Makomichi, the leader of Calvary Prayer Group, told ZimEye.com in an interview on Sunday, national unity against Coronavirus came as a result of his incessant intercession programmes.
Makomichi further claimed God revealed to him how Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa and Saviour “Tyson” Kasukuwere would come together to fight Coronavirus.
On Saturday Chamisa described the decision by Mnangagwa to lockdown Zimbabwe for 21 days as “wise and necessary.”
“A few weeks ago I indicated that God spoke to me about the need to invite Mr Nelson Chamisa and President Mnangagwa to a sacred prayer mountain.
“The two men are in agreement.This is what we saw as we were praying for the nation.
This unity against Coronavirus is a result of our prayers,”said Makomichi.
He added:”People don’t believe what we say but these are direct results of our prayers.We pushed for national unity in the spiritual realm.
Do not underestimate the prophetic power. More prophecies on Coronavirus and the nation are coming.”
“As you know Chamisa and Kasukuwere have already endorsed the lockdown on Twitter- this is the beginning of grand national unity.”
SA based business tycoon, Simon Madzana has also suggested senior government officials should donate their salaries for three months towards the fight against Coronavirus.
“As part of efforts to fight Coronavirus, senior government officials should not receive their salaries for three months so that the monies can be donated to anti-Coronavirus programmes,” said Madzana.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi, has claimed credit for causing national unity in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
Makomichi, the leader of Calvary Prayer Group, told ZimEye.com in an interview on Sunday, national unity against Coronavirus came as a result of his incessant intercession programmes.
Makomichi further claimed God revealed to him how Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa and Saviour “Tyson” Kasukuwere would come together to fight Coronavirus.
On Saturday Chamisa described the decision by Mnangagwa to lockdown Zimbabwe for 21 days as “wise and necessary.”
Makomichi described Kasukuwere as an industrious political figure who worked relentless to empower youths in the country.
He said he hoped Mnangagwa would appoint Kasukuwere as one of his advisors.
“Kasukuwere is an energetic political figure and the nation needs his brains.”
“A few weeks ago I indicated that God spoke to me about the need to invite Mr Nelson Chamisa and President Mnangagwa to a sacred prayer mountain.
“The two men are in agreement.This is what we saw as we were praying for the nation.
This unity against Coronavirus is a result of our prayers,”said Makomichi.
He added:”People don’t believe what we say but these are direct results of our prayers.We pushed for national unity in the spiritual realm.
Do not underestimate the prophetic power. More prophecies on Coronavirus and the nation are coming.”
“As you know Chamisa and Kasukuwere have already endorsed the lockdown on Twitter- this is the beginning of grand national unity.”
SA based business tycoon, Simon Madzana has also suggested senior government officials should donate their salaries for three months towards the fight against Coronavirus.
By Parliamentary Affairs Reporter| Government officials who for 8 weeks to date have been publishing gross falsehoods on COVID-19 information, have said they will sentence anyone who propagates fake news on coronavirus during the upcoming national lockdown.
The legal instrument is Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 and it comes as the government was deliberately twisting information on Coronavirus statistics. Their tampering of evidence has included the masking of identity details and as well, soft treatment of Chinese patients so to appease the Asian country’s government – as Health Minister Obadiah Minister Obadiah Moyo said, ‘because the Chinese have been nice to us.’
The S.I 83 imposes a sentence equal to that of treason on anyone who spreads “fake news” It reads:
“For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up tour exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years or both.”
FULL TEXT BELOW:
(5) A magistrate or justice of the peace may issue a warrant contemplated in subsection (4) if it appears to him or her on oath or affirmation by an enforcement officer that any person is reasonably suspected of hoarding medical supplies needed to combat COVID-19.
(6) Any person taking advantage of the national lockdown to profiteer, or raise prices of goods or services or rents, shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law for contravention of the appropriate statutory provisions.
Local authorities to make land or premises available for isolation and quarantine 13. By written order addressed to any local authority the Minister may require such local authority to set aside and malce available during the period of national lockdown any land or premises adequate for the quarantine or isolations of more than fifty (50) persons at a time who are infected with or suspected of being infected with COVID-19, and to comply with the directions of any specified enforcement officer for the management of such land or premises. False reporting during national lockdown
14. For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up tour exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years or both.
By A Correspondent- The widow of the late Chief Khayisa Ndiweni, Gogo Agnes Masuku-Ndiweni was last Thursday laid to rest at the family cemetery in Ntabazinduna.
She was honoured with a State-assisted funeral. Gogo Masuku-Ndiweni (96) died in her sleep on 18 March after a short illness.
A close family member said Gogo Masuku-Ndiweni was laid to rest at the village, with all her children except the eldest son, Joram Thambo Ndiweni in attendance. Joram who is based in the United Kingdom also failed to attend his father’ s burial in 2010.
“Yes, the burial took place yesterday in Ntabazinduna. There is nothing much that we can say at the moment, serve for that it was a State assisted burial and people came in their numbers to bid farewell to their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said the relative on Friday.
In passing his condolence after the passing on of Gogo Masuku-Ndiweni, President Mnangagwa expressed deep grief and sadness noting that the people of Ntabazinduna had been deprived of a matriarch whose wisdom, fountain of knowledge and strong love her clan had grown to take for granted.
“It is with deep grief and sadness that I learnt of the death of the late Chief Khayisa Ndiweni’ s widow, Indlovukazi Agnes Masuku Ndiweni, following a short illness. With the passing on of Indlovukazi Agnes Masuku, the Ndiweni family in particular, and the people of Ntabazinduna in general, have been deprived of a matriarch whose wisdom, fountain of knowledge and strong love her clan had grown to take for granted.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, the ruling party Zanu-PF, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey deepest condolences to her children and the entire Ndiweni family on the loss. May they be comforted to know that the nation stands with them during this dark hour of bereavement. May her dear departed soul rest in eternal peace,” said the President.
Gogo Masuku was married to the late Chief Khayisa Ndiweni who also died in his sleep in August 2010 at the age of 97.
She leaves behind nine daughters and three sons, Jorum Thambo, Douglas and Nhlanhla Felix Ndiweni. Nhlanhla, who had succeeded his father, was in December removed as chief, as his ascendancy to the throne is being challenged in court by his brother, Jorum. -StateMedia
The failure in the Regulations to provide for safety nets including food ,cash ,water , drugs &other amenities is unpardonable. A lock down will not work in a sea of poverty unemployment&vulnerability Regs were clearly rushed & will not stand scrutiny in a court of law 3/3
The militarization of compliance , the over criminalization of non compliance reduce the Regulations to a fascist construct protecting #StateCapture interests in Zupco, fuel companies & banks is a tragedyPolicy making should not be a prison of profits patronage &self interest 2/3
By A Correspondent- In the case in which a popular Harare mobile phone dealer was allegedly robbed and murdered by assailants who were posing as buyers, more details have emerged.
The accused, Munyaradzi Junior Mawadze, a first-year Law student at the University of Zimbabwe, has accused CID detectives of forcing him to admit the crime.
According to state media, Mawadze, who is also the son Masvingo High Court judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze, told the court that detectives poured hot tea on his privates in a bid to compel him to admit the offence. Mawadze’s lawyer, Paidamoyo Saurombe, claimed that the accused was heavily assaulted by the detectives when they arrested him in Masvingo.
‘He was assaulted and tortured by the police as they compelled him to make confessions,” said Mr Saurombe. The complaints were also made to the Police Commissioner-General and to the High Court where we said the assault of suspects by the police should come to an end,’ said Mr Saurombe.
Mr Saurombe told the court that Mawadze’s beatings continued after being taken from Masvingo to Harare, violating his human rights in the process. Lawyers Justin Zuze and Bruce Marova who are representing Mawadze’s accomplices, Elvin Dongo Saungweme, 22, and Dellon David Balani, 22, made the same claims
Presiding over the case, Harare provincial magistrate Vongai Guriro, who remanded the accused persons in custody to April 14 and advised them to approach the High Court for bail application.
The accused trio are standing accused of killing Sipho Ncube by slitting his throat with a knife after robbing him of three iPhone Promax 11 cellphones. All implicated each other in the murder and when they were arrested they led them to Ruwa, where they had dumped Sipho’s body.
The trio were all found in possession of blood soiled clothes and had shared three cellphone s belonging to Ncube.-StateMedia
Use of free funds will give citizens more flexibility in paying for goods and services during this tough economic period arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/XHdHsmEIMR
“So far we are told the disease kills fast those whose immune system is compromised and judging by the way Chiwenga is always in and out of hospital no doubt his immune system is weak and putting him in front to confront covid19 is putting his life at risk maybe it’s a way of trying to get rid of him”, said a reader.
By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will not go into self-isolation after spending a fortnight in China and will instead lead the country’s battle to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a top government official said yesterday.
Chiwenga arrived back in the country on Friday night after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed him to lead a taskforce to tackle the virus. He will be deputised by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The coronavirus was first detected in China late last year and the Asian country became an epicentre of the deadly disease.
Observers have expressed concern that top government officials that travelled to countries battling the highly infectious disease were not following recommended preventive measures such as a 21-day self-isolation.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba said Chiwenga “followed the necessary procedure” upon arrival and would not go into self-isolation.
“He is back,” he said. “Self-isolation arises in circumstances where you would have not had the necessary precaution taken.
“There is what they call testing, have you ever heard about testing?
“He has started work and is chairing the task force. He has to literally leave the plane to get into the office. This is an emergency.”
Muchinguri-Kashiri, Chiwenga’s deputy in the task force, early this month grabbed international headlines after claiming that the coronavirus was a punishment from God on the United States and the West for imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Chiwenga, who has been unwell for some time, went to China two weeks ago for treatment.
Last year, the former army commander spent more than four months in the Asian country recuperating from operations done to save his life after suspected poisoning.
The coronavirus started in Wuhan, China before spreading to the rest of the world where it has wreaked havoc.
More than 28 000 people have so far died from the deadly virus while more than half a million have been infected worldwide.
Zimbabwe so far has seven confirmed cases of infections and one death, that of journalist Zororo Makamba, who was a son of businessman James Makamba.
There has been concern over the lack of seriousness by government in tackling the deadly disease.
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi went into isolation after travelling to Namibia for the inauguration of that country’s leader Hage Geingob.
Last week British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles of Wales tested positive of coronavirus.
By A Correspondent- The government has gazetted tough new laws that could see people spending up to 20 years in prison for spreading fake news on the novel coronavirus.
According to Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, people who peddle information deemed false by the government face up to 20 years in prison, a hefty fine or both.
“For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the state’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or both,” the regulations read in part.
Publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the state’s defence and economic interests is already criminalised.
Zimbabwe already has tough information laws and this will be seen as the latest effort to muzzle free speech.
The government has been accused of not being truthful about the scale of the coronavirus, but the latest measures could see people being jailed for contradicting the authorities’ version of events.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday announced a complete lockdown that begins at midnight, but industry and analysts argue that the fragility of Zimbabwe’s economy does not allow for a complete lockdown.
The government has reported seven confirmed cases and one death due to the novel coronavirus.
More than 90% of Zimbabweans are in the informal sector and staying at home, observers say, would mean loss of income.
Tension remains in Harare ahead of the lockdown as the deployment of soldiers on the streets evoke memories of wanton beatings of unarmed civilians in the streets. -Newsday
By A Correspondent- A Harare resident on Saturday filed an urgent chamber application in the High Court seeking an order to stop the establishment of a medical facility in a residential suburb to cater for people suffering from the deadly coronavirus.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reported that, Roger Stringer had approached the High Court in protest against the renovation and upgrading of Rock Foundation Medical Facility, which is meant to cater for people stricken with the coronavirus.
The renovations are being carried out by Sakunda Holdings, which is owned by businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
“Stringer, who resides at a property that is adjacent to the medical facility is apprehensive that he is being exposed to a greater risk of contracting coronavirus should the medical facility be used for the admission of some patients and that his right to an environment that is not harmful to his health or well-being is about to be violated,” ZLHR reported.
“The Harare resident argued that Sakunda Holdings and (Health minister Obadiah) Moyo are not authorised by law to violate his entitlement to the protection of the law in relation to the role of the local authority in managing infectious diseases and the right to be consulted afforded to residents in Mt Pleasant suburb.”
Stringer argued that no measures have been or are being put in place to minimise the exposure of himself, his family and other residents brought upon by the use of such a facility as a referral centre for infectious disease.
He said the site for the medical facility is connected to a reticulated sewer main across Norfolk Road in Mt Pleasant suburb, which is intertwined with water supply and with the same sewer reticulation mains which service his household and therefore puts himself and his family at greater risk of contracting the highly infectious coronavirus.
Stringer submitted that Sakunda Holdings and Moyo can make use of some established facilities for infectious diseases such as Wilkins Hospital and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital, which are all run by City of Harare for the admission and management of patients diagnosed with coronavirus and of which these facilities have not been proved to be inadequate for the purposes of containing the deadly outbreak.
The matter is due to be held Sunday at the High Court before Justice Happius Zhou. -Newsday
By A Correspondent- The minister of Health and Child Care, Obadiah Moyo, told a local daily that Zimbabwe required at least US$100 million to set up a war chest to fight coronavirus- through the purchase of equipment such as rapid results test kits and ventilators needed for patients suffering from acute respiratory problems.
Said Moyo:
“We need US$100 million … this is what is required for us to meet all our requirements. Government has raised some money, but it is not enough. We need support from donors to be able to confront the disease. We are seeking funds from all over.
“Right now, we have equipment for testing that takes about five hours for results to come out, and we now need rapid test kits to step up our testing initiatives,” Moyo said.
“We are thus looking for funding from donors and the business community so that we are able to meet all these challenges,” he added.
Moyo also said the government was working closely with the private sector to combat the spread of the disease, which has killed more than 25 000 and infected hundreds of thousands other people around the world.
Some of the organisations that are chipping in to help include Higherlife Foundation, Sakunda Holdings and Unki Mine.
On the hand, the United States of America, which now has the highest number of infections in the world, has pledged US$470 000 to fight the disease in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe recorded its first coronavirus death on Monday – after talented television personality Zororo Makamba – who was the youngest son of telecommunications tycoon and former legendary broadcaster James Makamba – died at Wilkins Hospital, after being diagnosed with the lethal virus. -DailyNews
By Parliamentary Affairs Reporter| Government officials who for 8 weeks to date have been publishing gross falsehoods on COVID-19 information, have said they will sentence anyone who propagates fake news on coronavirus during the upcoming national lockdown.
The legal instrument is Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 and it comes as the government was deliberately twisting information on Coronavirus statistics. Their tampering of evidence has included the masking of identity details and as well, soft treatment of Chinese patients so to appease the Asian country’s government – as Health Minister Obadiah Minister Obadiah Moyo said, ‘because the Chinese have been nice to us.’
The S.I 83 imposes a sentence equal to that of treason on anyone who spreads “fake news” It reads:
“For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up tour exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years or both.”
FULL TEXT BELOW:
(5) A magistrate or justice of the peace may issue a warrant contemplated in subsection (4) if it appears to him or her on oath or affirmation by an enforcement officer that any person is reasonably suspected of hoarding medical supplies needed to combat COVID-19.
(6) Any person taking advantage of the national lockdown to profiteer, or raise prices of goods or services or rents, shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law for contravention of the appropriate statutory provisions.
Local authorities to make land or premises available for isolation and quarantine 13. By written order addressed to any local authority the Minister may require such local authority to set aside and malce available during the period of national lockdown any land or premises adequate for the quarantine or isolations of more than fifty (50) persons at a time who are infected with or suspected of being infected with COVID-19, and to comply with the directions of any specified enforcement officer for the management of such land or premises. False reporting during national lockdown
14. For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer, official or enforcement officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the State’s enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code (“Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”) and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up tour exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years or both.
Construction of the new 40km fence at the Beitbridge border post is going ahead despite the 21-day national lockdown which began on Friday.
The fence, announced by South African public works and infrastructure minister Patricia de Lille just over a week ago, was to keep foreign nationals out of the country in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus into SA.
“This is to ensure no undocumented or infected persons cross into the country and vice- versa, in line with one of the measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa that South Africa’s borders and ports are to be secured with immediate effect,” said De Lille.
The fence will cost just over R37m.
De Lille said the 1.8m-high fence would span 20km on each side of the border post separating SA from Zimbabwe.
De Lille’s spokesperson, Zara Nicholson, said on Friday construction was going ahead during the lockdown.
“Yes, construction is continuing. The contractor received a permit from the department of trade and industry to continue work on the project,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson said that at this stage, all the contractor’s resources and plant had been mobilised on site.
“The drilling of holes to install the fence line posts has commenced along with clearing and grubbing to clear the path line for installation of the fence.
“The contractor has divided the work among eight teams who are each responsible for 5km of the 40km of work, where we are repairing and replacing the fence,” Nicholson said.
Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that 35 of the 53 land-entry points would be closed.
De Lille said this measure would, however, not be effective if the fences at the border were not secure. In many places they were not.
She invoked the Disaster Management Act for emergency procurement procedures in relation to the erection and repairs of the border fences east and west of the Beitbridge border post.
A 29-year-old man, Maxwell Muvengedzwa allegedly jumped from the eighth floor of his house after he caught his curvy girlfriend in bed with another man in Harare.
He stayed at St Barbra House along Leopold Takawira, where he was said to have had a misunderstanding with his lover who fled the scene after he jumped from the building.
Neighbors around quickly called the COVID-19 monitoring team through its emergency call number only to discover that it was a love affair.
“Tamhanya tanzwa mhere tikafunga kuti kwaita ane COVID-19 tikadaidza vehutano tisati taziva kuti ndezverudo,” said one of the vendors at the scene.
Police have since began searching for the girlfriend and lover to give their statement so proper investigation can begin.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations to ascertain the cause had since begun.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police received a case of suspected suicide that took place at St. Barbra House along Leopold Takawira in Harare.
“Investigations have since begun to ascertain the cause and details will be available in due course,” he said.“Investigation is being carried out to ascertain the cause and details will be available in due course,” he said.
If you suspect COVID-19 infection or wish to obtain more information on this disease, please call the Ministry of Health and Child Care on toll free hotline number 2019 for assistance.
Correspondent|South African police enforcing a coronavirus lockdown fired rubber bullets towards hundreds of shoppers queueing outside a supermarket in Johannesburg, according to eye witnesses.
Between 200 and 300 people gathered outside a popular grocery store, Shoprite, early Saturday in Yeoville, a crime-prone area in Johannesburg’s gritty central business district on day two of a nationwide lockdown.
But as they scrambled to secure their spots, many did not observe the recommended safe distance between them.
A South African policeman points his pump rifle to disperse a crowd of shoppers in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Sunday
Members of the SAP (South African Police Force) instruct citizens to stand in line according to the social distances regulations on day 2 of the 21 day national lockdown following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of a National Disaster as a result of COVID-19
A South African policeman points his pump rifle to disperse a crowd of shoppers in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Sunday
Police arrived in 10 patrol vehicles and started firing rubber bullets towards the shoppers.
Startled shoppers trampled on each other and a woman with a baby on her back fell to the ground.
Later the police used whips to get the shoppers to observe social distancing rules.
A police officer enforces social distancing as he makes shoppers stretch their arms to ensure that they are at least one metre apart from one another while they queue outside a supermarket in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, on Saturday
South African police officers enforce social distancing as they make shoppers stretch their arms in front of them
A South African police officer clears a jammed pump rifle of a colleague while enforcing social distancing
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered South Africa’s 57 million people to stay at home for 21 days and deployed the police and the military to enforce the lockdown.
But many people, especially from poor neighbourhoods, have defied the order, going out in numbers looking for food.
While jogging and dog-walking are banned, shopping for food and other basics, but not alcohol, is permitted.
South Africa, which has 1,170 confirmed coronavirus cases, recorded its first death from the virus on Friday.
A woman crosses a nearly empty street at Maboneng precinct in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday
A woman observes from a window as South African policemen use pump rifles to shoot rubble bullets in an effort to disperse a crowd from a street of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, on March 28
Dear All|Hopefully hearing about my experience will help the rest of you to stay home (for real)
The first couple of days of symptoms were manageable. I had a fever, a mild cough, chills, headache, runny nose. Since I had been to Europe, they allowed me to get tested my second day of symptoms.
By the third day, I couldn’t keep anything down. I was vomiting constantly. I couldn’t sleep, I obviously couldn’t eat. At this point, I still didn’t have my test results back.
4th day: test back positive. I developed shortness of breath. It’s scary, it feels like your lungs are shallow and you can’t take a proper breath. I was weak, had a 102 degree fever and rising.
5th day. Things got worse and worse. I had never been this ill in my entire life. I was genuinely afraid I would die, because that is what it felt like.
By the 6th day of symptoms, I was so weak I couldn’t even walk. I crawled to the bathroom to vomit. I became so dehydrated I called 911, and they took me in an ambulance to the emergency room. I stayed there for a day where they rehydrated me and got me some anti nausea meds.
7th-11th day of symptoms: ER again. I had never been that weak or fatigued by fever in my life. I either violently shivered in bed all day, or would wake up in a literal puddle of my own sweat. I couldn’t eat for 9 days. I was completely miserable.
Right now I am on my 12th day of symptoms, and I have my appetite back, but the end is nowhere in sight. I still have all the major symptoms.
A coronavirus diagnosis is dehumanizing and lonely, and I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy. You aren’t invincible just because you’re in your 20s. Take it from me, and quarantine like your life depends on it (it might)
A 29-year-old man, Maxwell Muvengedzwa allegedly jumped from the eighth floor of his house after he caught his curvy girlfriend in bed with another man in Harare.
He stayed at St Barbra House along Leopold Takawira, where he was said to have had a misunderstanding with his lover who fled the scene after he jumped from the building.
Neighbors around quickly called the COVID-19 monitoring team through its emergency call number only to discover that it was a love affair.
“Tamhanya tanzwa mhere tikafunga kuti kwaita ane COVID-19 tikadaidza vehutano tisati taziva kuti ndezverudo,” said one of the vendors at the scene.
Police have since began searching for the girlfriend and lover to give their statement so proper investigation can begin.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations to ascertain the cause had since begun.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police received a case of suspected suicide that took place at St. Barbra House along Leopold Takawira in Harare.
“Investigations have since begun to ascertain the cause and details will be available in due course,” he said.
If you suspect COVID-19 infection or wish to obtain more information on this disease, please call the Ministry of Health and Child Care on toll free hotline number 2019 for assistance.
“Investigation is being carried out to ascertain the cause and details will be available in due course,” he said.
A CHIPINGE soldier allegedly shot a member of a machete gang with his AK47 service rifle following a fistfight while watching soccer at a nightspot.
This came to light when Foster Macheza (27), based at 3.3 Infantry Reserve Battalion in Chipinge, appeared before Chipinge magistrate Joshua Nembaware last week facing a murder charge.
He was remanded to April 14 on $500 bail after his lawyer Langton Mhungu successfully applied on his behalf.
In addition to bail, he was ordered to report every Friday between 6am and 6pm at the Mutare Criminal Investigation Department, reside at the given address and not to interfere with witnesses.
Prosecutor Timothy Katsande told the court that on March 8 at around 8pm Macheza, together with other beer patrons, were watching soccer and drinking beer at a bar in Chipinge.
During that time he allegedly picked an argument with Richard Mapokodo and his machete gang.
A fight ensued and Macheza was overpowered by the gang, which used machetes and logs to assault him.
The soldier, who had been deployed at Sweet Acre Farms, fled from the scene, and went to his residence at the farm.
He armed himself with his AK47 service rifle and went back to the bar.
On arrival, he fired three shots at the gang members.
One of the shots hit Bray Munhewu on the left hip inflicting serious injuries.
The now-deceased Munhewu was rushed to Chipinge District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission. A police report was made, leading to the arrest of Macheza and a docket for murder was compiled against him.
FOREIGN-based Zimbabwean footballers have come together to raise funds towards Dynamos captain Partson Jaure’s medical expenses, with the defender to undergo an operation in Harare this morning for head injuries sustained in a car accident a week ago.
Jaure suffered head injuries when he lost control of his car near Prince Edward School in the early hours of last Sunday.
So far, national team players have raised
US$5 000 towards Jaure’s medical costs.
The initiative to come up with funds for his medical expenses was started by the Desmond Maringwa-headed Footballers Union of Zimbabwe.
Maringwa yesterday said the national team players have come up with the money, which will cover Jaure’s medical expenditure and for his recuperation after the operation.
Jaure’s club Dynamos also chipped in to assist their captain.
“A total of US$5 000 has been raised so far by the national team players and it’s still being raised.
It’s for paying for part of the medical bills and also for his rehabilitation after the operation and Dynamos paid also for part of the medical bills as well. Operation will be done tomorrow (today) at 9am at the Health Point Hospital,” Maringwa said.
He commended the national team players for displaying the spirit of togetherness in coming to the aid of their teammate.
“The players have really showed the true spirit of ubuntu.”
England-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba last week used his official Twitter account to wish Jaure well. He also posted a picture of him and Jaure in Warriors colours.
The Aston Villa star said he cannot wait for Jaure to get back to his usual life once he has gotten over the difficult period.
“Partson Jaure my brother, I’m praying for your speedy recovery and strength throughout this challenging episode of your life. I can’t wait to see you swing back to your normal self once again. Get well soon my fellow Warrior,’’ posted Nakamba.
Highlanders striker Mkhokheli Dube yesterday also used Twitter to wish Jaure a prompt recuperation.-State media
1/2-The COVID patient diagnosed "just after arriving in South Africa on 19th March has been evacuated by Goverment Emergency Services and relocated to a hospital in Modimolle which has apparently been used for only Corona patients…
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, one of the highest-profile players to be infected with the coronavirus, has started training again after recovering from the illness which he said left him struggling for breath.
Dybala is one of three players at Juventus who have tested positive for the virus alongside defender Daniele Rugani and midfielder Blaise Matuidi, a World Cup winner with France in 2018.
Players at other Serie A clubs have also tested positive.
“I’ve had strong symptoms, but I’m much better today,” Dybala (26) told the Juventus television channel.
“Now, I can move and walk and try to work out. A few days ago, when I tried to do those things, I was struggling for breath. My muscles ached.”
Football around the world has been brought to a standstill by the pandemic and Serie A has been suspended since March 9. — Reuters
Retail shops have been ordered to implement, with immediate effect, a price freeze on all basic commodities for the duration of the 21-day lockdown that kicks off at midnight today.
Retailers who fail to comply with the directive will be closed indefinitely.
The development was confirmed by Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu on Saturday.
He said:
Basic commodity price increases are frozen as a sector contribution measure to Zimbabweans who have to date supported our businesses through good and hard times.
Retail outlets that will increase prices of basic commodities during this difficult time will be closed indefinitely.
Mutashu also revealed that goods covered under the directive are sugar, cooking oil, salt, mealie-meal, meat, sanitary pads, bottled water, pharmaceutical products, rice, masks, sanitary gloves, sanitisers and washing soaps.
The order comes after some retail shops last week increased prices of most basic commodities after people started panic buying in anticipation of a lockdown that was eventually announced by President Mnangagwa on Friday.-State media
My biggest worry as an MP is that 95% of our people are in the informal sector and many have to do deals day by day to feed their families, what are they going to do in 21 days?
My fellow people from Marondera will probably die of hunger and that’s my major worry.
I call upon government to do something to avoid absolute hunger.
We as a people will also try and come up with solutions to help the most vulnerable.
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, HONOURABLE SEKAI NZENZA (MP) ON GUIDELINES ON ESSENTIAL SERVICES OPERATING DURING THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN
Following the announcement of the national lockdown on the 27th of March 2020, His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa indicated that essential industries and services will need to remain open to support the health sector and to ensure minimal disruption in critical goods and services.
The primary objective remains that of protecting the lives of the employees in these industries by adhering to the strictest occupational health and safety measures under the circumstances.
Businesses which will be operating during this period are encouraged to put in place workplace prevention and early detection protocols to protect the employees and to mitigate the effects of the virus.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce in conjunction with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe will constitute a task force to monitor the price movements and availability of essential goods in addition to other consumer protection mechanisms during this period.
The following are guidelines indicating which industries and services are exempt from the National lockdown:
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
All essential service providers, producers and their staff in the following supply chains must remain operational;
Electricity Distribution
Water Supply
Sewerage and Sanitation
Supply of Fuel, LP Gas and other Industrial Gases
ICT – data centres, basic telecoms, fibre optic infrastructure, towers and antennae.
All key providers of communication services, ICT support services for critical industries and for the banking sector should remain open.
CRITICAL SERVICES AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS
The following critical services and productive activities will continue operations:
Manufacturing and distribution of health-related products, supplies, devices, equipment and medicines as well as essential inputs thereto.
Agricultural and food supply related operations, including farming, veterinary and phytosanitary service providers, pest control services, chemical and fertilizer production and distribution.
Food, beverages, poultry and dairy products including manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities for the value chain.
Manufacturing and Importation of basic commodities.
Manufacturing, processing and distribution of sanitisation products including soaps, detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers.
Production and distribution of sanitary products including sanitary pads, cotton wool, tissues etc.
Warehousing, transport and logistics for food & essential products, and health-related goods.
Production of packaging products that are critical in the movement and distribution of the above goods.
Food outlets – retail and wholesale shops for food and essential products.
Essential products include toilet paper, cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants, personal hygiene products, bedding and clothing, and essential supplies for
those taking care of the sick and to maintain the general public’s well-being.
10.All activities for exporters of manufactured goods and horticultural produce.
11.Funeral Parlours and support services.
ENABLING SERVICES TO ASSIST IN THE COVID19 RESPONSE
The following services are required to continue operations:
All healthcare-related services be they public or private.
Professional and artisan services, to the extent that they are providing support in the Covid19 response, essential and critical business continuity services.
Cleaning, laundry and hospitality services supporting the Covid19 response.
Hotels, airlines, stadiums, car rental services, to the extent that they are supporting the Covid-19 Response.
Financial and insurance services and health funders required to finance and support essential and critical business continuity services in the Covid-19 response, and provide short term bridging finance to people and businesses
during this period.
Communication and media services on screen, TV, radio, print, broadcast and online.
Safety and security services protecting people and property.
The enforcement of a nationwide lockdown is an extension of measures being implemented by Government to mitigate and prevent the effects of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that critical goods and services are rendered during this period.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi, has claimed credit for causing national unity in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
Makomichi, the leader of Calvary Prayer Group, told ZimEye.com in an interview on Sunday, national unity against Coronavirus came as a result of his incessant intercession programmes.
Makomichi further claimed God revealed to him how Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa and Saviour “Tyson” Kasukuwere would come together to fight Coronavirus.
On Saturday Chamisa described the decision by Mnangagwa to lockdown Zimbabwe for 21 days as “wise and necessary.”
Makomichi described Kasukuwere as an industrious political figure who worked relentless to empower youths in the country.
He said he hoped Mnangagwa would appoint Kasukuwere as one of his advisors.
“Kasukuwere is an energetic political figure and the nation needs his brains.”
“A few weeks ago I indicated that God spoke to me about the need to invite Mr Nelson Chamisa and President Mnangagwa to a sacred prayer mountain.
“The two men are in agreement.This is what we saw as we were praying for the nation.
This unity against Coronavirus is a result of our prayers,”said Makomichi.
He added:”People don’t believe what we say but these are direct results of our prayers.We pushed for national unity in the spiritual realm.
Do not underestimate the prophetic power. More prophecies on Coronavirus and the nation are coming.”
“As you know Chamisa and Kasukuwere have already endorsed the lockdown on Twitter- this is the beginning of grand national unity.”
SA based business tycoon, Simon Madzana has also suggested senior government officials should donate their salaries for three months towards the fight against Coronavirus.
Thomas Schaefer, the finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, killed himself apparently after becoming “deeply worried” over how to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus, state premier Volker Bouffier said on Sunday.
Schaefer, 54, was found dead near a railway track on Saturday. The Wiesbaden prosecution’s office said they believe he died by suicide.
“We are in shock, we are in disbelief and above all we are immensely sad,” Bouffier said in a recorded statement.
Hesse is home to Germany’s financial capital Frankfurt, where major lenders like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have their headquarters. The European Central Bank is also located in Frankfurt.
A visibly shaken Bouffier recalled that Schaefer, who was Hesse’s finance chief for 10 years, had been working “day and night” to help companies and workers deal with the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Today we have to assume that he was deeply worried,” said Bouffier, a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“It’s precisely during this difficult time that we would have needed someone like him,” he added.
Popular and well-respected, Schaefer had long been touted as a possible successor to Bouffier.
Like Bouffier, Schaefer belonged to Merkel’s centre-right CDU party.
By Own Correspondent| An aggrieved Harare resident on Saturday 28 March 2020 filed an urgent chamber application in the High Court seeking an order to stop the establishment of a medical facility in a residential suburb to cater for some people suffering from the deadly coronavirus.
In an application filed at the High Court, Roger Stringer, a resident of Mt Pleasant suburb in Harare protested against the renovation and upgrading of Rock Foundation Medical Facility, which according to media reports is being turned into an isolation centre for the admission and management of people suffering from coronavirus by Sakunda Holdings and Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo.
Stringer, who resides at a property that is adjacent to the medical facility is apprehensive that he is being exposed to a greater risk of contracting coronavirus should the medical facility be used for the admission of some patients and that his right to an environment that is not harmful to his health or well-being is about to be violated.
The Harare resident argued that Sakunda Holdings and Moyo are not authorised by law to violate his entitlement to the protection of the law in relation to the role of the local authority in managing infectious diseases and the right to be consulted afforded to residents in Mt Pleasant suburb.
He argued that no measures have been or are being put in place to minimise the exposure of himself, his family and other residents brought upon by the use of such a facility as a referral centre for an infectious disease.
Stringer said the site for the medical facility is connected to a reticulated sewer main across Norfolk road in Mt Pleasant suburb which is intertwined with water supply and with the same sewer reticulation mains which service his household and therefore puts himself and his family at greater risk of contracting the highly infectious coronavirus.
Stringer said Sakunda Holdings and Moyo can make use of some established facilities for infectious diseases such as Wilkins Hospital and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital which are all run by City of Harare for the admission and management of patients diagnosed with coronavirus and of which these facilities have not been proved to be inadequate for the purposes of containing the deadly outbreak.
By A Correspondent| As ZimEye looks into the case of a suspected COVID patient in Harare’s Dzivarasekwa suburb, reporters have launched a search for all persons (both police and health workers) who got into contact with another suspected Coronavirus male patient (Mr. Tongai Chitare) in Chitungwiza.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
The deceased passed on on the 24th March and the case was reported at Dema Police station.
DO YOU WANT TO TIP US WITH A COVID LEAK? CONTACT ZIMEYE RIGHT NOW
Impeccable Ministry Of Health officials told ZimEye the man had physical contact with both police and health professionals before his sudden death.
“He was assisted by police officers as they sought to verify his medical condition,” a source told ZimEye..
Below was the police memo-
To : Dispol Mra From: Dema Info: PDIO Mra Dated 25/03/20
Subject: Suspected case of Corona Virus at Dema Police Station
This memo serves to inform the command that:
On the 24th day of March 2020, at around 2350hrs , Tongai Chitare NR 85-006520 Y 25 of Murisa Village, Seke visited Dema Police Station to report a case of sudden death.
He was attended to by 079013H CST Vhuramai and 080113D Cst Tswakai who accompanied him to the scene.
They then proceeded to Chitungwiza Hospital where they were screened for the Corona Virus. Tongai Chitare who had a fever and whose temperature was above 39.5degrees was then suspected to have the virus.
He was then told not to return home and was quarantined at the hospital.
Comment
Urgent attention to the police station is needed since the patient entered several offices seeking assistance. Dema Police members are at risk of contracting the deadly virus.All offices need to be fumigated as a matter of urgency in order to curb the possibility of spread the virus.
Own Correspondent|Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli who has close ties to the Nigeria preacher TB Joshua, last week shocked the world after announcing that the country will not shut down places of worship over the Coronavirus pandemic because that is where true healing is found.
Last Sunday, Magufuli told a congregation in Tanzania that the COVID-19 virus is Satanic and cannot survive in the body of Christ.
“We didn’t shut down churches and mosques because that is where there is real healing. Corona cannot survive in the body of Christ, it will burn,” he said to deafening cheers from the congregation.
Magufuli has been on the receiving end of social media criticism for allegedly misleading his people to assemble in churches, which puts them at a higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Oppostion politician Zitto Kabwe criticized Magufuli’s comments and urged him to close mosques and churches to add to measures to fight the outbreak. “Let’s not argue with science,” Kabwe said in Swahili on his Twitter account. “Coronavirus is very bad.” On Saturday, Lazaro Nyalandu, a member of the central committee of the main opposition party Chadema called on the government to ban all public gatherings and close the country’s borders.
Magufuli’s comments came as neighboring countries expanded restrictions to reduce contagion. Kenya suspended all international passenger flights and stopped public meetings including religious gatherings. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni closed borders, exempting cargo shipments and a set limit on crew numbers.
Tanzania closed schools and suspended sports events on March 17, a day after the government confirmed its first coronavirus case. In the speech announcing new Covid-19 infections, Magufuli gave additional directives including quarantining travelers from countries that reported cases at their own cost.
Across the world, nations have suspended all public gatherings including church services as one of the ways to minimize the chances of the virus spreading.
#StayAtHome has been trending on Twitter worldwide for the whole weekend. Why would Magufuli want his people to attend church? ignorance?
By Jane Mlambo| United Kingdom based Child rights activist Betty Makoni has recovered after testing positive to COVID-19.
Posting on her Twitter profile, Makoni urged people to take serious any related symptoms and not to panic as the disease does not kill as witnessed by her recovery from the pandemic.
Below are selected tweets from Makoni’s Twitter account.
Yes ndakapona zvakanaka. Ndaive ndaita masecondary infections. Ndakatanga nepahuro. But ndakafunga kuti iflu. Ndokutora Ibrofen. Nyambiswa virus iri kutodzika muchest nemulungs. But ndakakurumidza kuwana chiremba akandipa very strong antibiotic. Secondary infection is gone.
Zveshuwawo pandakanzi positive ndakatomborasika pfungwa. Unenge uchiverenga news kufa kuri kuita vanhu. Ndakatomboti ndafa. But you can feel kuti hongu ndakutadza kufema but ndikapihwa something kubvisa gararwa ndotefema. Ini ndakapihwa antibiotic. Within days gararwa gone
By A Correspondent | Steward Bank has just opened the following branches until 5pm today for WorldRemit cash pick up.
Below is the list of Steward Bank branches open: Harare Avondale Branch Harare Eastgate Branch Harare Kwame Nkrumah Bulawayo, Fife Street Branch Gweru Branch Masvingo Branch Mutare Branch
ZimEye reviews a story from a South African who narrates with graphic evidence how a Westlea woman arrived in that country last week was found positive for COVID-19, after leaving her family back in Harare struggling with common Coronavirus symptoms such as breathlessness. We run this program in the utmost public interest, to help save lives.
The full and unedited narration reads:
…..
YES IT IS TRUE!
I have a visitor from Zimbabwe (Harare, Westlea) at my premises who has the CORONA VIRUS – COVID-19.
CONFIRMED COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE in Voor Street, Mokopane, Limpopo, South Africa.
It is NOT FAKE NEWS!
Refer to the LAB results attached;
Patient’s name is hidden to protect her.
I – Adri Knoetze – sponsored the test.
She and us (me and my helper – I am paralyzed and dependent on assistance) has been under complete lockdown and strict isolation for the last 8 days, starting on 20 March 2020.
DO NOT fear, we are staying isolated and locked down and will never exit these premises before we all (3) test negative after the 3 weeks lockdown (or longer) is over. One can be a carrier for 2 weeks. Fortunately no symptoms so far – 8 days after personal lockdown.
The Corona patient has no more symptoms and feels fit and healthy. Her family at home has recovered too. But yes, exposure and contamination is unlimited and unknown across borders between Zimbabwe and South Africa, from Harare to Mokopane via Polokwane on public transport.
BACKGROUND, BACK TRACING AND CURRENT MEASURES;
She arrived from Zimbabwe on the 19th of March 2020. She slept over and during the afternoon of the 20th I noticed that she had a mild cough. I asked some questions and she confirmed that she had fever a week before when she was at home in Zimbabwe, Harare, area Westlea. She and her family had flu-like symptoms and understood it to be just flu since Zimbabwe insisted that they were not affected (at the time).
I immediately decided to treat her and my household as contaminated. We have been in isolation and lockdown since last week the 20th of March 2020. The Corona case is in the flat on my property, separate from the main house. My helper and I are in the main house. No one goes out. No-one comes in. Supplies are put on my property wall where we collect them and disinfect everything. Nobody comes close to the house. I have taken various steps and measures to contain this virus and prevent it from spreading. It is 8 days later and we have no symptoms. If it can help someone I will provide some guidelines (below). We are not in the clear yet, but as far as I know symptoms usually start between 4 to 5 days. Symptoms or no symptoms we do daily and hourly rituals to kill the virus, should it dare to be still present.
HOW I APPROACHED THIS CASE:
It did not make sense to send a possible positive case to Polokwane Provincial Hospital and expose the public even more (she could not be tested by a local doctor and I was referred to Polokwane, or pay R1000 at a private lab locally).
I took the responsibility to have her tested at a local private lab. At the time we had one confirmed case in Limpopo and we still had to wait 5 days for the results. The results confirmed that she is positive. She is still in isolation and so are we in my house – my helper and me. The confirmed case has healed completely and feels very fit and healthy. One can be a carrier for about 2 weeks (currently known research about the virus). Which means…One can look healthy and be a carrier therefore you have to treat every single public member as a possible positive case. You have to treat every product as contaminated. You have to be conscious of what you touch, the trolley, the basket, the door handle, the money, your bank card, the ATM, etc etc…
Realise that the virus is everywhere. We think we are still okay in South Africa and most of the areas but we are not!!!!!
IF YOU ARRIVE HOME AFTER SHOPPING;
• Get in a hot shower or bath with your clothes on. Hot water and soap over yourself and on your clothes. Take off the clothes and wash them while you have a bath or shower. The virus has no defence against temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius or against soap.
• If water supply is an issue, cover yourself in a blanket with a bucket of boiling water and sit and sweat it out for a couple of minutes, as long as you can manage. Inhale the steam.
• Disinfect your shoes and everything you touched in your car with 70% alcohol or solutions of Sunlight liquid and Jik or Domestos…
• Disinfect every product you bought before putting it in your cupboards.
• Put boiling water in a dish, cover your head and inhale the hot steam… get it through your eyes, nose and mouth. Inhale. Keep it in. Exhale. Repeat.
• This virus enters your body through your membranes – eyes, nose and mouth.
• Drink hot lemon water as much as possible, as frequent as possible; keep your body in an ALKALINE state. The virus cannot attack your body in an alkaline state (cut up lemons in boiling water, keep it in a flask (if possible, to stay hot), sip the hot lemon water frequently during the day.
DAILY PRECAUTIONS REGARDLESS OF BEING EXPOSED OR NOT (THE VIRUS MAY STILL LINGER IN YOUR HOUSE);
The virus is NOT IMMUNE TO HEAT (27 DEGREES CELSIUS AND ABOVE) OR SOAP. IT CAN NOT ATTACK YOUR BODY IN AN ALKALINE STATE.
• Take a hot shower first thing in the morning or a hot bath. Wash your head and hair as well. Soak in the hot water.
• Drink hot lemon water
• Inhale boiling water… expose your membranes (areas of contamination) your eyes and mouth and nose to the hot steam.
• Stay home
• Do not go out
• Do not allow anyone in your yard or house.
• Comply with the lockdown rules and only go out if you have no other option.
IDEAS HOW TO OCCUPY YOURSELF AND THE KIDS;
• Enrol for a course on-line (well done my child SB!)
• Read the bible and use a study bible or study guides. Use this time to spend time with the Lord and to understand the Bible better. We never have time on regular work days and school days (note to self)
• Play some card games or board games – family time
• Try to stay active. Do push-ups, pull-ups, stationary bike, skipping rope, whatever possible within your environment.
• Stay up to date with the current news to prepare in time should it be necessary to increase preventative measures.
• Read those books you never have time for.
• Watch a series on Netflix, there are a few very good documentaries as well.
• Stay positive… and don’t irritate your mom (wink)
May the Lord keep you and us safe in these very difficult times.
You are in my prayers and thoughts and I beg you to take this virus extremely serious.
By Own Correspondent| Retail shops have been ordered to implement, with immediate effect, a price freeze on all basic commodities for the duration of the 21-day lockdown that kicks off at midnight today.
Retailers who fail to comply with the directive will be closed indefinitely. The development was confirmed by Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu on Saturday.
He said:
Basic commodity price increases are frozen as a sector contribution measure to Zimbabweans who have to date supported our businesses through good and hard times.
Retail outlets that will increase prices of basic commodities during this difficult time will be closed indefinitely.
Mutashu also revealed that goods covered under the directive are sugar, cooking oil, salt, mealie-meal, meat, sanitary pads, bottled water, pharmaceutical products, rice, masks, sanitary gloves, sanitisers and washing soaps.
The order comes after some retail shops last week increased prices of most basic commodities after people started panic buying in anticipation of a lockdown that was eventually announced by President Mnangagwa on Friday.-Statemedia
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Peggy Serame
Gaborone — As government continues to implement protocols for curbing the spread of COVID-19, more restrictive measures will be put in place should the need arise.
This was revealed by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Peggy Serame during a press conference to update the nation on government’s response to the pandemic.
Giving an example of regulations on the sale of alcohol introduced last week, the minister said due to challenges of enforcement and compliance, a decision had been taken to suspend the sale of alcohol for 30 days with effect from tomorrow.
The suspension would be reviewed at the end of the 30-day period, she said.
Ms Serame said restaurants were now to operate as takeaways between 10am and 8pm.
“There are also a number of areas that we thought we need to close such as gymnasiums, hair salons and amusement parks and all places of gambling with effect from Saturday,” she added.
Minister Serame said the decisions were not taken lightly adding that government would continue to monitor the situation and implement more measures as dictated by the situation.
On another issue, she said government was pleased with the partnerships it had established with different stakeholders.
She said retailers had agreed to maintain prices of essential commodities to the levels prior to the outbreak unless there were circumstances beyond control.
“Retailers have agreed to maintain prices unless they have been increased from suppliers. They have also agreed to contribute in kind and monetary terms to assist government to source some necessities,” she said.
She said some from the private sector had pledged hotel rooms free of charge to serve as quarantines.
Minister Serame said goods would continue to flow into Botswana revealing that talks were ongoing with her South African counterpart to ensure the country did not suffer.
“We have obligations under SACU and SADC and as it requires, our borders will be open for goods and services to flow into Botswana. We will experience delays because we are putting in a number of new protocols and sometimes it takes a lot of time to get used to new protocols,” she said.
LOCAL Government Minister July Moyo has ordered the Victoria Falls Town Council to elect a new mayor after he declared vacant, the position following the sacking of Somvelo Dlamini as mayor and councillor by his party MDC Alliance last month.
Dlamini was expelled on 24 February 2020 after he defied a party directive to step down as mayor and pave way for the MDC’s preferred candidate, Margaret Varley.
The party had directed that Dlamini should instead stand as deputy mayor.
Dlamini last week withdrew a court application he had made at the High Court suing the MDC and its leader, Nelson Chamisa for throwing him out of the party and recalling him as party councillor.
A week after withdrawing the lawsuit, Moyo wrote to the municipality declaring the seat vacant and directing council to find a replacement.
“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement of Democratic Change stating that Clr S Dlamini has been expelled from the party. In terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with Section 129 (1)(k) Ward 9 of Victoria Falls Municipality is now vacant,” wrote Moyo.
“In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the casual vacancy. Please ensure that a new mayor is elected and sworn in as soon as is possible and that any assets of council allocated to former Clr Dlamini are recovered,” read part of the letter which Victoria Falls municipality management acknowledged receiving.
Victoria Falls has 11 wards and deputy Mayor Patricia Mwale has been acting since sacking of Dlamini.
The councillors have been divided over Dlamini’s fate with Ephias Mambume, Prince Moyo, Varley and Nkanyiso Sibindi pushing for election as they have openly declared interest in the seat.
Mwale has also declared her interest to replace her former boss.
Other councillors Lungile Nyoni, Joseph Dzangai, Rich Mguni, Edmore Zhou and Netsai Shoko have been against holding of elections as they have no interest in the seat.
Dlamini had reportedly fallen out even with municipal management which a fortnight ago warned him against visiting the council offices.
He is also said to have addressed residents at a funeral and claimed he was the rightful mayor for the resort town as the government had not declared the seat vacant.
JOHANNESBURG – As the country enters day three of the national lock down, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has expressed concern over the number of health workers infected with COVID-19.
There are 1,187 cases currently across the country and one fatality in the Western Cape.
Thirteen of the new patients are health workers from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and Gauteng.
A 70-year-old doctor is in the intensive care unit in hospital, while the others are under quarantine.
The department has emphasised that the health workers did not get infected by patients they were treating.
The increase in numbers of confirmed infections released on Saturday is low compared to recent days.
However, the department said the numbers were based only on immediately available verified tests
More people have been arrested in Johannesburg as police continue to take a firm hand against businesses flouting regulations during the 21-day lockdown.
Cigarettes worth over R3,000 were confiscated in Doornfontein on Saturday as they were being sold in contravention of the new regulations.
Police will continue with their work today on day three of the lockdown.
RETAILERS must with immediate effect implement price freeze on all basic commodities to allow consumers to access the goods at affordable prices during the 21-day lockdown that kicks off at midnight today.
Those defying the order will be immediately closed, officials said yesterday. The order comes after retail shops last week increased prices of most basic commodities after people started panic buying in anticipation of a lockdown that was eventually announced by President Mnangagwa on Friday. Some retail shops had increased prices by more than 100 percent within a week.
Zimbabwe has implemented a 21-day lockdown as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza could not be reached to comment yesterday, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu confirmed that retailers have been ordered to freeze the prices.
“Basic commodity price increases are frozen as a sector contribution measure to Zimbabweans who have to date supported our businesses through good and hard times. Retail outlets that will increase prices of basic commodities during this difficult time will be closed indefinitely,” he said.
Mr Mutashu said goods covered under the directive are sugar, cooking oil, salt, mealie-meal, meat, sanitary pads, bottled water, pharmaceutical products, rice, masks, sanitary gloves, sanitisers and washing soaps. Mr Mutashu said at this time of crisis retailers should desist from taking advantage of desperate consumers by hiking their prices.
“It is critical to note that these customers remain kings that deserve unconditional access to basic goods across the country. Moreover, manufacturers and suppliers of basic commodities, essential goods and services should maintain uninterrupted supply onto the market,” he said.
Mr Mutashu said retailers should also play a role in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
“Covid-19 has proven to be not just a national threat but a global pandemic and it remains critical for business and retailers in particular to have a role to play in this fight. As part of measures being proposed by CRZ, each retail outlet in the spirit of responsibility is encouraged to make a donation towards the Covid-19 facility aimed at supporting the health sector to cope with the emergency,” he said.
The move to freeze prices of basic commodities comes at a time when millers have indicated that they will immediately stop supplying mealie-meal to shops in the Central Business District and concentrate on shops situated in residential areas.
“Millers have been directed by the Command Centre to immediately stop supplying maize meal in CBD forthwith. All deliveries to be made to residential areas only. This applies at nationwide scale, this is a security directive to avoid stampeding of consumers as they queue in the CBD, where the numbers are high during the day,” president of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said in a statement.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries which had earlier projected the manufacturing sector capacity utilisation fall by 9,4 percent this year said the effects of Covid-19 will plunge further down the capacity of industries.
CZI vice-president Mr Joseph Gunda said the manufacturing sector’s capacity utilisation had been projected to fall owing to a myriad of economic challenges being faced by the country but with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic the situation was likely to exacerbate.
“We had projected that capacity utilisation was going to go down from 36,4 percent to 27 percent, that was premised on the economic situation and environment in terms of the foreign currency, water and power shortages. Those were the variables that were affecting us but now that has been compounded by this worldwide recession brought about by the Covid-19, so our situation may actually be worse but let’s see how things go,” he said.
Mr Gunda said the situation was compounded by the fact that most companies rely on imports from South Africa for raw materials. South Africa is also on a 21-day lockdown although Zimbabwe and South Africa have agreed to ensure that cargo between the two countries continue to move freely. Mr Gunda however, commended measures undertaken by various companies towards curbing the spread of the pandemic in the country.
“Most companies have embraced the health directives from His Excellence President Mnangagwa’s announcement that we need to just take care of ourselves in terms of the health and hygiene practices, which include washing of hands, reducing contact and social distancing, among other precautionary measures,” he said.
However, Bulawayo-based economic analyst Mr Morris Mpala said the 21-day lockdown would have a negative impact on the country’s manufacturing sector as it heavily relies from importing raw materials in the neighbouring country.
“It’s not looking good especially those with imports as raw materials will be difficult to get in the short to medium horizon. During a difficult time, manufacturing suffers first. Essentials will be prioritised when it comes to manufacturing while health and medical care will take centre stage,” he said.
THE total lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19 will start at midnight with the Government passionately calling on citizens to comply with the directive and instructions from security personnel deployed to enforce the law.
This comes as thousands of residents across the country yesterday swamped retail shops and other essential service providers to stock groceries and other necessities ahead of the lockdown.
President Mnangagwa on Friday announced that the country will go into a 21-day lockdown to manage the pandemic which is spreading and killing thousands of people globally.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana told Sunday News yesterday that the lockdown will come into effect at midnight today.
Shoppers disregard social distancing as they queue for basic commodities outside a retail store yesterday
“The date of the lockdown is 30 March 2020, this means it will start at 00:00 hours on Monday morning, the same way you celebrate New Year at midnight of the New Year’s Eve is the same way we start at midnight,” said Mr Mangwana.
He said during the lockdown all supermarkets would be open to ensure that the food value chain is functional.
Mr Mangwana also said journalists would be allowed to operate to ensure that the country is kept up to date with information.
“There are essential services like the media that have a major role to play of informing the public,” he said.
Workers manning other essential services, including health services and outlets, as well as operation of key utilities like power and water would also be allowed to be operational.
“In addition, civil servants on duty, in line with decisions and directives of the Public Service Commission (PSC), heads of ministries and the ad-hoc taskforce on Covid-19, will be allowed unrestricted movement.
Other measures that must be adhered to during the lockdown include a limit of 50 people for funerals.
Visits to clinics and hospitals would also remain restricted to one visitor per patient per day while motorists seeking fuel would not be allowed to leave their vehicles. By yesterday, police said they had started deploying officers to ensure that people observe the lockdown.
National Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police will vigilantly monitor the situation.
“We are already on implementation phase, by today (yesterday) officers were being deployed at highways, all point of entries, shopping centres and at places where people are most likely to take advantage of the situation to disregard the lockdown,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He called on members of the public to take the lockdown seriously and avoid attempting to disregard it as officers will be in place to arrest such individuals.
“What the public should realise is that the lockdown is meant for their safety, security and health therefore it is important that they should heed to the President’s directive,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, Sunday News observed hundreds of people who swamped retail shops to buy groceries ahead of the lockdown. From the earliest hours of the morning, people seemed intent to stock up on everything from stock feed to maize meal.
Snaking queues were the order of the day at some butcheries while retail major outlets were also inundated with people doing last minute shopping. There were indications that people had made the trek to the city centre from the various suburbs to make key purchases.
Mr Ryan Ndlovu (22) from Entumbane said he had been in the queue to get into the supermarket from the morning, and only managed to get in after 12pm.
“I can’t take the chance. What if I go back where I stay and find that it is also like this, or even worse than this. What would I do then? There’s one more day remaining and if I don’t get groceries today then how would I survive? I have to sacrifice and stand in this queue no matter how long it takes for me to get to the front,” he said.
Most people at the supermarkets visited by Sunday News seemed oblivious to the fact that most supermarkets would be open even during the lockdown. Mrs Esther Moyo (35) from Mpopoma said it was a challenge to maintain social distancing.
“It’s hot and there’s no relief here. We are also not observing social distancing because we all need to get into the shop. We don’t know how long this will last. What if the food runs out before then? And what if this coronavirus thing drags for a long time?” she said.
Shops in the low-density suburbs, however, were not flooded by customers. Instead of long queues, people seemed to get in and out with relative ease. Apart from shops, residents also rushed to buy medication at pharmacies while others were seen at gas filling outlets. Hundreds were also seen at Renkini Rural Bus Terminus catching buses to their rural homes where they will be domiciled during the lockdown.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, President Mnangagwa said all citizens would be required to stay at home, except essential movements to seek health services, buy food, medicines, other essentials and critical services.
He said situational reports had shown that it was necessary to take drastic measures to protect citizens. The pandemic, first reported in China in December 2019 has spread rapidly throughout the world, forcing many countries to enforce shutdowns in a bid to halt new infections.
The virus thrives where people are crowded and already almost 25 000 deaths have been recorded while about 120 000 have successfully recovered.
The public has also been concerned over the way people can report and test for Covid-19. Ministry of Health and Child Care spokesperson Mr Donald Mujiri said testing was free, but people will be screened first before being taken to a health centre.
“There are people who may suspect that they have Covid-19 because they have been in contact with a person who has it or simply because they have flue like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, a high body temperature, breathing difficulties and a headache.
“They must not rush to the hospital or a clinic but must immediately self-isolate. That is staying at home and they must not move around but should call the toll-free number (2019) and inform the operator of who they are, their physical address and how they are feeling. A Covid-19 health care worker then assures them if there is nothing wrong with them or the health workers go to the patients’ home to assess and decide how to help them,” he said.
Mr Mujiri however, said there was no random testing for Covid-19 if one does not present any symptoms of the virus or if they were not in contact with an infected person.
“This is a serious matter and people must treat it as such. We will test those that have the said symptoms and also these tests are done for free at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory in Harare.”
Mr Mujiri added that there would be no documentation needed for those visiting their loved ones admitted in hospitals.
“The public must follow the President’s pronouncements which exempts those with essential movements related to seeking health services or other critical services from being locked down.
In addition, transport will also be curtailed during the lockdown. National Railways of Zimbabwe general manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada said the company will run freight (cargo) trains only, to move essential goods.
“We have to move essential commodities like maize, wheat and fuel. Passenger trains and commuter trains will however, be suspended,” he said.
Rural bus operators interviewed in Bulawayo said they will not run services as it was highly unlikely that people will be moving during the lockdown. They said they will provide buses for urban transport through the Zupco facility, since it was one of the services approved to be operational during the lockdown.
By Own Correspondent| An aggrieved Harare resident on Saturday 28 March 2020 filed an urgent chamber application in the High Court seeking an order to stop the establishment of a medical facility in a residential suburb to cater for some people suffering from the deadly coronavirus.
In an application filed at the High Court, Roger Stringer, a resident of Mt Pleasant suburb in Harare protested against the renovation and upgrading of Rock Foundation Medical Facility, which according to media reports is being turned into an isolation centre for the admission and management of people suffering from coronavirus by Sakunda Holdings and Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo.
Stringer, who resides at a property that is adjacent to the medical facility is apprehensive that he is being exposed to a greater risk of contracting coronavirus should the medical facility be used for the admission of some patients and that his right to an environment that is not harmful to his health or well-being is about to be violated.
The Harare resident argued that Sakunda Holdings and Moyo are not authorised by law to violate his entitlement to the protection of the law in relation to the role of the local authority in managing infectious diseases and the right to be consulted afforded to residents in Mt Pleasant suburb.
He argued that no measures have been or are being put in place to minimise the exposure of himself, his family and other residents brought upon by the use of such a facility as a referral centre for an infectious disease.
Stringer said the site for the medical facility is connected to a reticulated sewer main across Norfolk road in Mt Pleasant suburb which is intertwined with water supply and with the same sewer reticulation mains which service his household and therefore puts himself and his family at greater risk of contracting the highly infectious coronavirus.
Stringer said Sakunda Holdings and Moyo can make use of some established facilities for infectious diseases such as Wilkins Hospital and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital which are all run by City of Harare for the admission and management of patients diagnosed with coronavirus and of which these facilities have not been proved to be inadequate for the purposes of containing the deadly outbreak.
The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa have increased to 1 187 by Saturday, health minister Zwelini Mkhize said.
Mkhize said the only marginal increase, of 17 cases from Friday, does not indicate a decline in the number of infections, but is merely a reflection of positive results that were received, verified and ready for reporting on Saturday.
He said 11 medical doctors are among those infected, but that all of them were infected due to contact with family, friends and colleagues.
South African only has one reported coronavirus-related death to date
Mkhize said the state must “outrightly state” that the increase of 17 cases from Friday does not indicate a decline in the number of infections, but is merely a reflection of positive results that were received, verified and ready for reporting on Saturday.
He said all the doctors were infected due to contact with family, friends and colleagues, and that one 70-year-old doctor is in the intensive care unit in the Free State.
The repatriated South African citizens from Wuhan have all also tested negative for the disease, Mkhize said.
Correspondent|A South African civil society named the Hola Bon Renaissance (HBR) Foundation has taken President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Constitutional Court over the country’s 21-day lockdown.
South Africa’s lockdown was implemented at midnight on Thursday 26 March and prohibits South Africans from leaving their homes for anything other than essential services in an attempt to control the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown.
According to a report by The Sunday Times, HBR argues that this lockdown is unconstitutional and that the COVID-19 coronavirus “poses no serious threat to the country and its people”.
“HBR Foundation believes that COVID-19 cannot be harmful to Africans,” the foundation said.
HBR’s argument is based on reports from fake news websites which incorrectly state that some people are resistant to COVID-19 based on non-medical criteria such as their country of origin.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 coronavirus is potentially dangerous to all people regardless of age, gender, race, and many factors – it is a global pandemic which has spread to almost every country around the world.
HBR previously lost a case in the Constitutional Court in 2011, where it argued that Soweto should have its own municipality.
The report acknowledged a different case against the 21-day lockdown which did succeed – US citizens were trapped in South Africa after system inefficiencies at Home Affairs resulted in their adoption of a child taking much longer than expected to resolve.
These citizens were granted special leave to return to the United States during the period of the lockdown.
Cases on the rise
The number of confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases has continued to rise following the implementation of the lockdown at midnight on Thursday.
South Africa now has 1,187 confirmed cases of the virus, with one confirmed death.
Gauteng leads the number of confirmed coronavirus cases with 533, followed by the Western Cape on 271 and KwaZulu-Natal on 156.
“We must outrightly state that these numbers do not indicate a reduction in the number of infections,” Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.
He said it is merely a reflection of positive results that were received, verified and ready for reporting.
The National Institute for Communication Diseases (NICS) explained that it is actively cleaning COVID-19 patient data to ensure that the information is verified and accurate.
“As such, figures may not always add up sequentially due to the activities being performed with regard to data cleaning and quality assurance of the dataset.”
Lockdown arrests
During the first day of the lockdown, 55 people were arrested for breaking the rules of the nationwide curfew.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said that 172 roadblocks had been put up around the country, with just under 24,000 SA police officers, metro police, and other enforcers manning them.
It was also confirmed that SANDF soldiers have been deployed to all provinces in South Africa.
While there were initially some cases where the requirements of the national lockdown were not observed, many South Africans are now adhering to the requirement to stay home.
South Africans are only allowed to leave their homes to buy food and medicine, to seek medical attention, and to collect a social grant.
Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) patrolled the country’s streets well beyond the 21-day lockdown period.
This is contained in a letter President Cyril Ramaphosa sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly on Wednesday, a day before the lockdown, informing Members of Parliament of the deployment of SANDF members.
In it, the president discloses that 2 820 soldiers have been deployed, at a cost of R641 200 290. The president is constitutionally required to give Parliament notice of the deployment of the SANDF, including reasons for the action, the period and location of deployment, as well as the number of people who will be involved.
“Members of the SANDF will be employed in all nine provinces.
‘‘This employment is authorised in accordance with Section 210 (2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and Section18 (1) of the Defence Act, 2002,” the president writes in the letter, which was tabled on Thursday.
RESIDENTS have been assured of a steady supply of water and electricity during the 21-day lockdown.
President Mnangagwa on Friday announced a three-week lockdown to try and contain the coronavirus after the number of infected people rose to seven by Friday evening.
The country has been experiencing power shortages, while most major cities and towns are getting intermittent water supplies.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Dr Magna Mudyiwa, made assurances that there would be a steady supply of electricity during the lockdown period.
“We will try to supply as much electricity as we can during the lockdown. As long as there are no breakdowns, there will be a steady supply of electricity.”
Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango said the local authority had liaised with a number of water treatment chemicals to supply water chemicals during the period.
“We have spoken to our suppliers and they are on standby and ready to supply us during this time. So in terms of chemicals, we are assured we will have a steady supply,” he said.
By Jane Mlambo| United Kingdom based Child rights activist Betty Makoni has recovered after testing positive to COVID-19.
Posting on her Twitter profile, Makoni urged people to take serious any related symptoms and not to panic as the disease does not kill as witnessed by her recovery from the pandemic.
Below are selected tweets from Makoni’s Twitter account.
Yes ndakapona zvakanaka. Ndaive ndaita masecondary infections. Ndakatanga nepahuro. But ndakafunga kuti iflu. Ndokutora Ibrofen. Nyambiswa virus iri kutodzika muchest nemulungs. But ndakakurumidza kuwana chiremba akandipa very strong antibiotic. Secondary infection is gone.
Zveshuwawo pandakanzi positive ndakatomborasika pfungwa. Unenge uchiverenga news kufa kuri kuita vanhu. Ndakatomboti ndafa. But you can feel kuti hongu ndakutadza kufema but ndikapihwa something kubvisa gararwa ndotefema. Ini ndakapihwa antibiotic. Within days gararwa gone
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top blue eyed boy, businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his Sakunda last week took over jailed Zanu PF ex-MP Munyaradzi Kereke’s upmarket hospital in Harare’s Mt Pleasant suburb with claims the facility will only admit top government and other well-heeled coronavirus patients.
The news was received with a huge protest from the citizens who condemned the move by the government.
Zimbabwe only has two infectious diseases isolation centres in Harare’s Wilkins and Bulawayo’s Thorngrove hospitals.
These have been open to all Zimbabweans but have rarely been patronised by the affluent who sought better medical care abroad.
Unlike cholera and typhoid which have generally been diseases for the poor, Zimbabwe’s elite now stare the sad reality of having to seek treatment locally as world countries have become no-go zones for visitors from other nations, let alone those seeking treatment for Covid-19.
The clumsy handling of now late Zororo Makamba’s case at Wilkins was laid bare and was a shocking precursor to what could befall the elite when the disease finally catches up with them.
Makamba was the country’s second Covid-19 confirmed case but became the first death incident from the dreaded disease.
Dr Moyo denied the reports saying everyone including the rich and the poor would be treated.
“The projects are going to be under Government. Anyone who gets sick with coronavirus will be allowed to enter that facility whether you are coming from the rural areas or any other area, even if you are poor or rich.
“These are facilities from well-wishers and we have to appreciate what they are doing. You will also see St Anne’s coming up as an isolation centre with complete intensive care units.
“This is for all Zimbabweans without discrimination.”
Minister Mutsvangwa also weighed in: “I also want to buttress that this outbreak doesn’t choose between the rich and poor. So really to have more facilities out there is the best way to contain the disease. It’s not about the rich and the poor.”
Own Correspondent|Kuda Tagwirei run Fossil Group yestrday donated 15 tonnes of disinfectant liquid worth $10 million which they said was enough to fumigate all Zupco buses beyond the three-week national lockdown against Coronavirus.
Announcing the national lockdown last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared that only ZUPCO buses in which he himself and Tagwirei somehow have vested interests, will be allowed to operate to ferry members of the public who will be manning essential services points.
The disinfectants will be distributed to the five biggest cities in Zimbabwe, as the nation readies to enter a 21-day lockdown starting Monday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa received the materials which included hydrogen peroxide.
The chemicals will be used to disinfect all ZUPCO buses in the country and are expected to last until at least 90 days.
Each of the five cities – Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo – will receive five tonnes of the disinfectants. The donations were handed by Mr. Obey Chimuka, a director at the Fossil Group.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, which overall supervises the country’s fight against the coronavirus, received ten tonnes of the disinfectants.
Tagwirei also donated 300 knapsack sprayers as well as 500 safety goggles for the disinfecting teams.
Speaking after receiving the donation from Fossil Group chief executive Mr Obey Chimuka at State House yesterday, President Mnangagwa said staying home was the best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“It is important that there is no concentration of people. If we keep to our homes during the 21 days, I have no doubt that this will give a big blow to the spread of the pandemic.”
The President rallied for combined efforts in fighting the spread of the virus as he urged other local companies to emulate the donation by Fossil Group.
“I believe that other companies who produce materials needed to fight the pandemic should do the same and come forward to donate.
“As companies, as industries, as organisations, if we put our resources together … I have no doubt that we will succeed in fighting the pandemic.”
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has implored Zimbabweans to exercise discipline during the 21-day lockdown that starts tomorrow, saying staying indoors is the panacea to combat the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
This comes as the Covid-19 Inter-Ministerial Taskforce chaired by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga met in Harare yesterday to deliberate on strategies to fight the spread of coronavirus further explained measures that would be taken in enforcing the three-week lockdown.
Although there was panic buying in Harare yesterday, Government will provide a mechanism to allow members of the public to do their shopping, albeit in a controlled manner that is in sync with social distancing.
Authorities say they are working on passes for those providing essential services such as health, water, electricity and the media, among others.
All inter-city transport services have been banned with public transport being availed only for inner city services through the Zupco and Public Service Commission buses.
Private vehicles will be limited to only two people, the driver and one passenger.
All Zupco and Public Service Commission buses will be fumigated to protect providers of essential services from contracting the virus while in transit.
In a briefing after the meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the lockdown was necessary, even though it would upset people’s normal lives.
“The lockdown will certainly upset our daily routines but this is a necessary action to ensure that we contain wider community spread and transmission of the coronavirus. The lockdown begins at 00:02 hours on Monday 30 March 2020,” she said.
Asked about the panic buying that was prevalent in Harare yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said it was not necessary as people would be allowed some degree of freedom to shop during the lockdown.
“There is really no need to panic buy as we have said essential shops will be open for people to buy food in the suburban areas.
“People will be allowed to go and buy food for maybe once or twice a week. So you can buy for three days or so and you will be allowed to go and buy again. Mechanisms which are workable will be provided.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce had discussed modalities to provide travel documents for those providing essential services.
“There is a committee which discussed that issue. More details will be availed but certainly those providing essential services will be allowed free movement.”
Health Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said health workers, some of whom had threatened not to report for duty, will receive a risk allowance as well as protective clothing.
“They are the frontline soldiers so they need to be well-protected and we have to appreciate the work that they are doing in such an environment. We want to make sure that we will not lose any of our health staff. We have seen the Jack Ma Foundation bringing in the protective clothing which has been distributed to our centres.
“Government has also decided to give all healthcare workers a risk allowance and set up an insurance policy for workers. So Government is doing its best to make sure that they are comfortable. A scheme for motor vehicles and accommodation is also being worked out.”
To ensure that the information on the lockdown cascades to the grassroots, Minister Mutsvangwa said the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce will from today start visits to provinces.
“Members of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce will tomorrow travel to the provinces to update and hand over materials to Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, and their provincial teams in order to bring them up to speed on the action plans they must undertake under the lockdown”, she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said food aid for the vulnerable groups would continue.
“The distribution of food aid will continue. However, distribution points will be increased in order to minimise large gatherings. At the moment, grain and monetary payments are being made to 760 000 households throughout the country.”
United States of America (US) became the country with most confirmed cases of coronavirus today with more 102 605 cases announced to date. 17 278 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours alone. 1374 deaths have also been attributed to coronavirus in the US.
Italy is now second with 86 498 cases and 9134 deaths. 919 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours alone. China is now third with 81 340 and 3292. However in China where the pandemic started the rate of infection has gone down significantly with only 55 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours.
Many countries in the world are struggling with the pandemic which has prompted governments to take drastic measures like travel bans and total lock-downs in a bid to contain the outbreak.
Today US president Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to make General Motors manufacture ventilators desperately needed by coronavirus patients unable to breathe on their own.
In a statement Trump had the following to say:
“Our negotiations with GM regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course. GM was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives.”
AFRO-POP songbird Ammara Brown has placed herself under self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure after arriving back in the country on Wednesday from South Africa where she was a guest judge at the Old Mutual Amazing Voices show in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Old Mutual Amazing Voices was held in Johannesburg with the objective of unearthing singing talent across gospel, pop and rhythm and blues genres.
Ammara’s manager, Chido Musasiwa, told NewsDay Life & Style yesterday the musician was in self-quarantine not necessarily because she had contracted COVID-19, but it was just a precautionary measure as South Africa has recorded an increased number of COVID-19 cases.
“We have placed Ammara in self-quarantine for 14 days where we will be assessing her health and temperature, but this is just a precautionary measure because she was in South Africa which is recording high cases of coronavirus,” she said.
“It’s not that we are suspecting that she might have come into contact with infected people, but it’s just a precautionary measure because where she was, she was safe and there were a few people living with her, but it’s just that at airports there are a lot of people. And after the 14 days we will see what happens.”
Musasiwa said the musician would use the self-isolation period to rest and write songs.
“This is a period which she will use to write songs and also to rest. We managed to book her the first available flight from South Africa, so that she would not be affected by the lockdown and also the coronavirus,” she said.
Musasiwa said Ammara’s fans — the Ammartians — would have to log onto various online streaming platforms such as YouTube for new songs as the artiste is currently riding high on her latest offering titled Loyal and also another track in which she was featured by Nuty O and DJ Crocx titled Just for Tonight.
Zimbabwe has reported three confirmed cases of COVID-19, with one death of young journalist Zororo Makamba.
Ammara is a singer and songwriter specialising in Afro-pop and RnB and has played various roles as brand ambassador and an actress. A daughter to the late music legend Andy Brown, she began her career in the 1990s starting with a television commercial that also featured the late music superstar and national hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
By Own Correspondent| An aggrieved Harare resident on Saturday 28 March 2020 filed an urgent chamber application in the High Court seeking an order to stop the establishment of a medical facility in a residential suburb to cater for some people suffering from the deadly coronavirus.
In an application filed at the High Court, Roger Stringer, a resident of Mt Pleasant suburb in Harare protested against the renovation and upgrading of Rock Foundation Medical Facility, which according to media reports is being turned into an isolation centre for the admission and management of people suffering from coronavirus by Sakunda Holdings and Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo.
Stringer, who resides at a property that is adjacent to the medical facility is apprehensive that he is being exposed to a greater risk of contracting coronavirus should the medical facility be used for the admission of some patients and that his right to an environment that is not harmful to his health or well-being is about to be violated.
The Harare resident argued that Sakunda Holdings and Moyo are not authorised by law to violate his entitlement to the protection of the law in relation to the role of the local authority in managing infectious diseases and the right to be consulted afforded to residents in Mt Pleasant suburb.
He argued that no measures have been or are being put in place to minimise the exposure of himself, his family and other residents brought upon by the use of such a facility as a referral centre for an infectious disease.
Stringer said the site for the medical facility is connected to a reticulated sewer main across Norfolk road in Mt Pleasant suburb which is intertwined with water supply and with the same sewer reticulation mains which service his household and therefore puts himself and his family at greater risk of contracting the highly infectious coronavirus.
Stringer said Sakunda Holdings and Moyo can make use of some established facilities for infectious diseases such as Wilkins Hospital and Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital which are all run by City of Harare for the admission and management of patients diagnosed with coronavirus and of which these facilities have not been proved to be inadequate for the purposes of containing the deadly outbreak.
By Jane Mlambo| Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who returned home from China where he had gone for medical check-up did not go into self isolation as recommended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in another show of policy inconsistencies plaguing the new dispensation.
Instead, Chiwenga has since assumed the chairmanship of the COVID-19 Cabinet taskforce exposing other government officials to potential coronavirus infection.
Government has ordered all citizens returning home from abroad to go into self isolation to reduce further spread of the virus.
Mnangagwa himself who visited Namibia for the inauguration of that country’s president did not go into self isolation despite the fact that his Botswana counterpart Masisi followed the WHO recommended procedures.
A Twitter user by the name vaMagumbo said it was wrong for Chiwenga to head straight to the Covid-19 taskforce without taking precautionary measures of self isolation.
“Chiwenga comes home from CHINA, doesn’t self isolate but instead heads up the Covid-19 taskforce which is supposed to ensure ppl do things like self isolate. The thing he didn’t do.”
By Jane Mlambo| Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has been removed from his position as COVID-19 taskforce chairperson after military bosses felt he was “useless” and failing in his mandate.
Moyo has since been replaced by vice President Constantino Chiwenga who just returned back home from China.
Chiwenga will be deputized by Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri who a few weeks ago caused a stir when she branded coronavirus God’s punishment against the United States of America.
Moyo has endured a torrid time since his appointment and has been heavily criticized over his handling of labour issues involving health workers particularly doctors who clocked over 100 days on industrial action.
“Military commanders who were present were scathing. They said he was useless and had lied about the country’s readiness for coronavirus, particularly conditions at Wilkins Hospital.” according to an online news site ZimLive sources .
In Belarus, authoritarian leader President Alexander Lukashenko has famously scoffed at the coronavirus as a “frenzy and psychosis.” His views also come with advice for citizens who don’t share his coronavirus scorn: Hit the sauna, down some vodka and get back to work.
As surrounding countries have closed borders, shut down passenger transportation, banned mass events and effectively moved indoors, Belarus remains open, and Lukashenko stays defiant.
The country of 9.5 million — between Ukraine, Poland, Russia, Lithuania and Latvia — has reported 94 cases of coronavirus.
Still, Belarus’s soccer league plays on, the only one in Europe still on the field. Theaters are promoting premieres. Markets, shops, bars, restaurants and churches remain open, in the absence of any government order to the contrary.
The air force is conducting field exercises. A Christian Orthodox fair and exhibition, Easter Joy, will be held April 1-12 in the capital, Minsk, with events for families and children.
“This psychosis has crippled national economies almost everywhere in the world,” Lukashenko said Friday, visiting Belgips Plant, a plasterboard manufacturer.
Women wearing traditional Belarusian clothing hold cakes at a soccer match Sunday in Barysaw, Belarus. (Vasily Fedosenko/Reuters)
It is a theme he has pounded relentlessly in recent weeks, convinced that the unprecedented measures against the pandemic are designed to benefit some and harm others. On March 19, he slammed the border closures by Belarus’s five neighbors as useless and “absolute and utter stupidity.”
TWO gold panners died after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed in Colleen Bawn, Matabeleland South province last week. Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which happened on Thursday at about 6pm. She said Trevor Mudimba (30) and Misheck Mugande (35) both from Binga District were working at Penzance North Mine in Colleen Bawn when the shaft collapsed.
A source who preferred anonymity said Mugande and Mudimba were working in the shaft while their other two workmates were working in a separate shaft when the incident occurred. The source said a passerby, Mr Evidence Siziba heard people calling out for help and rushed to check.
“Mr Siziba went to check and heard Mugande and Mudimba calling out for help from the shaft which had collapsed. He rushed to Colleen Bawn Police Station where he reported to the police. While he had gone the shaft collapsed further burying Mugande and Mudimba. Their workmates tried to rescue them but failed. When Mr Siziba returned with the police Mugande and Mudimba’s bodies were already trapped underneath the shaft,” said the source.
TWO gold panners died after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed in Colleen Bawn, Matabeleland South province last week.
Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which happened on Thursday at about 6pm.
She said Trevor Mudimba (30) and Misheck Mugande (35) both from Binga District were working at Penzance North Mine in Colleen Bawn when the shaft collapsed.
A source who preferred anonymity said Mugande and Mudimba were working in the shaft while their other two workmates were working in a separate shaft when the incident occurred. The source said a passerby, Mr Evidence Siziba heard people calling out for help and rushed to check.
“Mr Siziba went to check and heard Mugande and Mudimba calling out for help from the shaft which had collapsed. He rushed to Colleen Bawn Police Station where he reported to the police. While he had gone the shaft collapsed further burying Mugande and Mudimba.
Their workmates tried to rescue them but failed. When Mr Siziba returned with the police Mugande and Mudimba’s bodies were already trapped underneath the shaft,” said the source.-State media
China in an embarrassing situation as Spain returns its faulty Coronavirus test kits that China had supplied. The local news agencies reported the quickest test Coronavirus screening kits China provided to Spain and the Czech Republic are defective.
“First they send us the virus, then they sell us the medications to stop it and then defraud us. It’s great for China,” said a guest in a panel discussion on a broadcast on the Spanish TV channel La Sexta.
Spanish medical researchers analyzed the 9,000 kits China issued last week. They stated that the probability of detecting the virus is 30%.
“They are useless,” said Victor Jimenez Cid, a senior professor in microbiology at Madrid’s Complutense University. An effective test must have a 70% to 80% probability of detecting the virus, Cid said.
According to the local Czech news, this month, China shipped up to 80% faulty mobile quick Coronavirus research kits. In 10 or 15 minutes, the tests show results, but they are typically (inaccurate) than other tests. The nation now tends to focus on conventional laboratory experiments, where they conduct around 900 a day, due to the extreme error rate. The conventional testing takes four hours to portray results.
The Health Ministry of the Czech Republic spent $546,000 for 100,000 test kits while the Interior Ministry paid for the remaining 50,000. The Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Jan Hamacek, found many of the samples faulty. He blamed it on incorrect methodologies.
“In my opinion, this is not about some scandalous revelation, it is not working,” Hamacek said.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Italy tested for the virus with purchased quick test kits from Chinese company ‘Bioeasy’ and diagnosed only 30% of virus cases correctly.
Spain’s Head of Center for Safety Warnings and Emergencies, Fernando Simón, said SSIDCM checked the 9,000 test kits. The center instructed the Spanish Society of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology to carry out studies. The studies show a huge risk of error and, therefore, test kits should not be used.
The Chinese embassy tweeted, “Shenzhen Bioeasy is not allowed to market products and is not among the “recommended suppliers” list which China provided to the Spanish government by its trade ministry.” Spain’s Health Ministry stated the EU Quality Control Agencies accepted Bioeasy goods. The requirements of this study, at least the lot which was issued, do not conform to the certificates of the EU standard.
On Friday, Spain’s health officials desperately needed supplies and protested it was not working. A Chinese corporation promised to replace thousands of faulty Coronavirus test kits.
According to the Health Minister, Salvador Illa, the first shipment of 640,000 test kits had “insufficient capacity” to accurately identify sick patients. Reuters cited the Chinese research kit manufacturer, Shenzhen Bioeasy Technology, attributed the incorrect findings to a failure to obtain or use samples properly.
Bioeasy’s failed test kits were a devastating drawback for Spain’s health authorities. They are battling to contend with far more than 64,000 COVID-19 cases and over 4,900 deaths.
THE number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Zimbabwe has risen to seven, with one of them having succumbed to the disease.
In a statement yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Agnes Mahomva said out of 188 tests conducted as of Friday, seven were positive, 181 negative.
“The ministry would like to report that today (yesterday) the National Microbiological Reference Laboratory tested 65 samples. Two of these tested positive for Covid-19.
“Among the 65 samples tested today, was the repeat test for the sample from the individual whom we reported previously as having received an inconclusive result. Today he tested negative for Covid-19.
Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has seven confirmed cases of Covid-19, including one death,” she said.
Former journalist, Zororo Makamba died of Covid-19 in Harare on Monday.
Dr Mahomva said the third case they reported on Wednesday was the following day admitted for treatment under isolation at Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital.
“He remains in a stable condition and is assisting our teams in intensified surveillance through contact tracing. The ministry continues to be on high alert to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Dr Mahomva urged Zimbabweans to remain vigilant in the prevention of Covid-19 and practise good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap and water frequently or use of an alcohol-based hand rub.
She encouraged covering one’s nose and mouth with tissue paper or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, coughing or sneezing.-State media
FOREIGN-based Zimbabwean footballers have come together to raise funds towards Dynamos captain Partson Jaure’s medical expenses, with the defender to undergo an operation in Harare this morning for head injuries sustained in a car accident a week ago.
Jaure suffered head injuries when he lost control of his car near Prince Edward School in the early hours of last Sunday.
So far, national team players have raised
US$5 000 towards Jaure’s medical costs.
The initiative to come up with funds for his medical expenses was started by the Desmond Maringwa-headed Footballers Union of Zimbabwe.
Maringwa yesterday said the national team players have come up with the money, which will cover Jaure’s medical expenditure and for his recuperation after the operation.
Jaure’s club Dynamos also chipped in to assist their captain.
“A total of US$5 000 has been raised so far by the national team players and it’s still being raised.
It’s for paying for part of the medical bills and also for his rehabilitation after the operation and Dynamos paid also for part of the medical bills as well. Operation will be done tomorrow (today) at 9am at the Health Point Hospital,” Maringwa said.
He commended the national team players for displaying the spirit of togetherness in coming to the aid of their teammate.
“The players have really showed the true spirit of ubuntu.”
England-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba last week used his official Twitter account to wish Jaure well. He also posted a picture of him and Jaure in Warriors colours.
The Aston Villa star said he cannot wait for Jaure to get back to his usual life once he has gotten over the difficult period.
“Partson Jaure my brother, I’m praying for your speedy recovery and strength throughout this challenging episode of your life. I can’t wait to see you swing back to your normal self once again. Get well soon my fellow Warrior,’’ posted Nakamba.
Highlanders striker Mkhokheli Dube yesterday also used Twitter to wish Jaure a prompt recuperation.-State media
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, one of the highest-profile players to be infected with the coronavirus, has started training again after recovering from the illness which he said left him struggling for breath.
Dybala is one of three players at Juventus who have tested positive for the virus alongside defender Daniele Rugani and midfielder Blaise Matuidi, a World Cup winner with France in 2018.
Players at other Serie A clubs have also tested positive.
“I’ve had strong symptoms, but I’m much better today,” Dybala (26) told the Juventus television channel.
“Now, I can move and walk and try to work out. A few days ago, when I tried to do those things, I was struggling for breath. My muscles ached.”
Football around the world has been brought to a standstill by the pandemic and Serie A has been suspended since March 9. — Reuters
The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has increased to 1187, the minister health confirmed on Saturday evening.
The number of confirmed infections this afternoon stood at 1170 after 31 people recovered from the virus. One person was confirmed dead on Friday.
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said the latest figures don’t necessarily mean there’s a decline in the infection rate.
“We must outrightly state that these numbers do not indicate a reduction in the number of infections. “It is merely a reflection of positive results that were received, verified and ready for today’s reporting,” Mkhize said in a media statement.
First Covid-19 patients were women, aged 28 and 48
He expressed concern about infections relating to healthcare workers in both private and public hospitals.”This includes doctor and nurses. We mention this because health workers are in the frontline of this battle. They are exposed not only to their families but to the patients who they are meant to treat,” he said.
Some of the confirmed COVID-19 cases that involve health workers included in Limpopo, one medical doctor tested positive after he had travelled abroad for holiday started experiencing symptoms on his return.
“He immediately decided to quarantine himself. This young doctor remained in quarantine to ensure that he does not transmit the virus to other people. His 14 day quarantine period has ended and we are pleased to report that his results have now been confirmed negative,” said Mkhize.
In Mpumalanga, one medical doctor who had also travelled for a holiday abroad returned to the province with symptoms which emerged a few days after he returned.
“Before then, he had been having interactions with staff and patients. He then tested positive and was quarantined.
“This led to other health workers who had come into contact with him to be screened, quarantined and tested. A decision was also made for that section of the hospital to be closed in order to disinfect it.
“This has been completed and it will be reopening during the course of next week. “In Free State, we have received a report that three doctors, one nurse and one neurophysicist have tested positive for COVID-19.
“In Gauteng, six medical doctors have been infected in Gauteng,” he said. –Sowetan
Tithes, the lifeblood of most churches, will be paid through mobile money while services will be livestreamed as churches prepare for life during the nationwide lockdown, with most congregations moving a step ahead as they had already suspended services for this weekend.
President Mnangagwa announced a nationwide lockdown on Friday evening that kicks off midnight today, as the country steps up efforts to confront the deadly Covid-19 (coronavirus). Before the announcement that will leave only a few essential services running, most churches had already announced the cancellation of services.
The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church cancelled its weekly service yesterday as it prepared for a lengthy period of long-distance worship with congregants encouraged to turn to digital platforms.
“To promote social distancing and minimise the spread of the virus, members will worship privately in their homes. Necessary support in the form of livestreaming, downloading or printed worship packages and sermons will be availed to members through their pastors in order to facilitate similar worship and study themes for church members until the end of the lockdown.
Offertory readings will be given out to members through the same channels for their convenience,” the head of the SDA Church in Zimbabwe, Pastor Micah Choga, said in a statement.
It was a message echoed by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) General-Secretariat, which also urged members to join their priests in Mass from their homes.
“All priests should, however, continue to celebrate Mass in their parishes without a congregation on a daily basis. The continuing celebration of Mass ensures that the faithful can be joined in the spiritual communion with the priests of the Church . . . Knowing that the Mass is being celebrated, joining in spiritually in that celebration; watching the livestreaming of the Mass where possible; following its prayers, making an act of spiritual communion: this is how we will share in the sacrifice of Christ in these days,” the ZCBC General-Secretariat said in the statement released last week.
A member at the church in Bulawayo revealed that they would be pooling together their tithes and offerings on a weekly basis to make sure that the church runs smoothly even during the lockdown.
“At the end of the day some might think that our church elders love money but the truth is that our churches run from hand to mouth. So, what we did when we had our executive meeting is we made a resolution that since we have a lockdown, we have zones that go into zonal prayers every Tuesday. Each zone has 10 to 15 families.
So we can put together our offerings and tithes and send to the church administration.
This will ensure that we have money to sustain the church because there are bills to be paid,” he said.
The leader of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) in Southern Africa Reverend Sikhalo Cele said his church would not congregate until the situation normalises.
“We will continue with the shutdown until it is resolved. We will only change our stance when we get new knowledge that is grounded on scientific and empirical evidence,” Reverend Cele said.
Reverend Eustice Ginya of the African Methodist Episcopal Church said they had instructed congregants to pay their offerings and tithes through a merchant code, as the church has suspended services.
“The upkeep of the church is still important even in such a time. We have resolved that while we won’t physically be at the church people can still pay their tithes which are important in the running of the church.
“So, we have given congregants our merchant lines and they can contribute through those platforms but we don’t know if they will comply,” he said
The leader of Harvest House International Church, Bishop Colin Nyathi said they would be running a virtual church for the next three weeks, as what defined the religious institution was its members and not the building they congregated in.
“We will now be running what we can call a virtual church. The church is not the building but rather the people, the congregants. So, while we might not be able to gather in one place anymore, we will still be running our church services through the various digital platforms that we have always had at our disposal. The building might be shut but worship does not stop.” Bishop Nyathi said. -Sunday News
For those of us who have a deeper understanding Zanu PF mentality, there is absolutely nothing to celebrate about the return of US dollar.
Of course, they took the advice from the MDC but we did not say just bring the US$ alone and every will start working.
The economy is not a currency, a currency only reflects the state of the economy. Without addressing the macro economic fundamentals and the legitimacy question, forget about the economy.
The people must never trust this government with foreign currency deposits. They are actually looking for the US$ to finance their lavish lifestyles.
They will let you do deposits, allow you to withdraw some, it will come a time – mostly when foreign currency deposits are enough for themselves – to raid all foreign currency accounts and replace balances with useless ZW$.
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc, it’s time for Zanu PF to make money.
It’s no coincidence that they lifted the ban on the US$- at the same time refurbishing a COVID 19 facility for the rich.
Farai Dziva|Movement for Democratic Change president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the decision by government to “lockdown” Zimbabwe as necessary and wise.
Chamisa also urged Zimbabweans to shelve political differences as the deadly Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc.
“The decision to lockdown Zimbabwe is necessary, wise and supported.
We are in circumstances of a catastrophe.There is only one Zimbabwe.We are one people.
Politics aside, we must unite to save lives. Measures to test, detect the virus and cushion the vulnerable essential!#ZimLOC,” tweeted Chamisa.
According to the Ministry of Health and Childcare, five people have tested positive for Coronavirus in the country but unconfirmed reports claim government is unwilling to disclose the actual number of infected people.
Farai Dziva|Movement for Democratic Change president Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described the decision by government to “lockdown” Zimbabwe as necessary and wise.
Chamisa also urged Zimbabweans to shelve political differences as the deadly Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc.
“The decision to lockdown Zimbabwe is necessary, wise and supported.
We are in circumstances of a catastrophe.There is only one Zimbabwe.We are one people.
Politics aside, we must unite to save lives. Measures to test, detect the virus and cushion the vulnerable essential!#ZimLOC,” tweeted Chamisa.
According to the Ministry of Health and Childcare, five people have tested positive for Coronavirus in the country but unconfirmed reports claim government is unwilling to disclose the actual number of infected people.
Mighty Warriors continue to drop on the Fifa Rankings after moving two places down to number 111 on the latest table released on Friday.
The national women’s team was last involved in action last year in the 2020 Olympic qualifiers in which it failed to fulfil some of the assignments due to budget constraints.
No games were arranged in the following months, leaving the team with no opportunity to improve on the ladder.
In Africa, Zimbabwe slumped by place to number 15 while Nigeria retained the top spot on the continent.
USA remained unchanged on number 1 on the World Rankings.
Meanwhile, Zambia who qualified for the Olympics are the biggest movers, climbing six places up to number 100.-Soccer 24
By Obey Tererai Sithole MDC Youth Assembly Chairperson
21 day lockdown as announced by Mr Mnangagwa appears to be a good idea in the interest of containing the spread of the deadly corona virus which is claiming lives worldwide, both young and old, tall and short, rich and poor etc.
In the wake of this crisis it is only logical to suggest a lockdown as an immediate measure to maximize on discipline amongst citizens and minimize the spread of the virus thereby saving the precious lives of citizens.
However, while the lockdown appears to be noble, in our Zimbabwean context it becomes a heavy blow to the same human life that ought to be saved.
It is an open secret that our joblessness reality reached alarming levels a long time ago and this has seen a greater chunk of young people resorting to informal trading as a way of survival, every dollar that comes in the pocket is a result of their hands on hustling.
Thus, a mere announcement that turns a blind eye to livelihood realities is just but a genocidal pronouncement, the young people may survive the virus but will certainly not survive the starvation and insolvency that awaits them for the coming 21 days.
We therefore urge the authorities, in their illegitimacy to put in place measures that will support people’s livelihood during this period.
On another note, knowing the barbaric behavior of most of our security services personnel, we are deeply concerned about lock down period, memories of the past sends shivers to many.
We have seen our sisters being raped in the past and people being mercilessly beaten, we therefore urge the officers not to take advantage of the lock down enforcement and reduce it to a period of serious human rights violations.
After all having been said, stay safe fellow youths, Zimbabwe still needs you after all this.
By Obey Tererai Sithole MDC Youth Assembly Chairperson
21 day lockdown as announced by Mr Mnangagwa appears to be a good idea in the interest of containing the spread of the deadly corona virus which is claiming lives worldwide, both young and old, tall and short, rich and poor etc.
In the wake of this crisis it is only logical to suggest a lockdown as an immediate measure to maximize on discipline amongst citizens and minimize the spread of the virus thereby saving the precious lives of citizens.
However, while the lockdown appears to be noble, in our Zimbabwean context it becomes a heavy blow to the same human life that ought to be saved.
It is an open secret that our joblessness reality reached alarming levels a long time ago and this has seen a greater chunk of young people resorting to informal trading as a way of survival, every dollar that comes in the pocket is a result of their hands on hustling.
Thus, a mere announcement that turns a blind eye to livelihood realities is just but a genocidal pronouncement, the young people may survive the virus but will certainly not survive the starvation and insolvency that awaits them for the coming 21 days.
We therefore urge the authorities, in their illegitimacy to put in place measures that will support people’s livelihood during this period.
On another note, knowing the barbaric behavior of most of our security services personnel, we are deeply concerned about lock down period, memories of the past sends shivers to many.
We have seen our sisters being raped in the past and people being mercilessly beaten, we therefore urge the officers not to take advantage of the lock down enforcement and reduce it to a period of serious human rights violations.
After all having been said, stay safe fellow youths, Zimbabwe still needs you after all this.
Members of the Zimbabwe Military Intelligence are allegedly plotting to abduct famed lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu the same style they did the late MDC Spokesman Learnmore Jongwe, sources have revealed.
The method will not be as simplistic as you think, one source told ZimEye on Friday.
“They will create an entrapment that will make no trace for evidence,” they said adding that Jongwe did not killed his wife, as alleged. They did she was stabbed by state agents and the blame put on Jongwe.
In the latest development, South African based businessman Ali Naka has posted on Twitter that, “Military intelligence sources have told a very reliable lawyer that the system wants to abduct Advocate Thabani Mpofu and journalist Hopewell Chon’ono during the Lockdown period.
@daddyhope is accused of posting a tweet where Mpofu said he will lead folks to the Sakunda clinic.”
By Nomazulu Thata| It’s high time we put our act together and we assist our daughter Chantelle Muteswa dear Zimbabwean women. We can’t let the girl fight such a brutal war on her own without assistance from Zimbabwe women’s organisations.
That interview Chantelle Muteswa gave today with the Media in Harare should put all of us who call ourselves women activists in shame. If we are not vocal currently in her life’s trying situation, she was brutalized by the father of her son and as if it was not enough, the man violentlys snatched her son away from her: what stories catch our attention then and move us to act?
NOMAZULU-THATA
When do we say, this story is worthy of Zimbabwe’s women organisations if Chantelle’s saga we have before us does not make us rise to act on her behalf? At least some emotional support would go a long way in comforting her, knowing that she is not alone in all this live drama with nerve-racking trauma she is going through. We women of Zimbabwe are absent: Zwla, Wcoz, Women in coalition Zimbabwe, where are you!
Are we women in Zimbabwe comfortable in our skins seeing a young woman putting up a fight like no other to get her son back, snatched away by Buyanga? I am sure most of us in these women’s organisations are mothers. Have we ever thought through the whole story and imagined it was ME. I am sure that interview will bring many women to tears. When I saw her crying, I cried too. Crying is good, but we need action from Zimbabwe women’s organisation and put sense in our unruly and deranged men who think they own the Zimbabwe justice system.
I am deeply concerned about us Zimbabwean women and how we view each other as women especially when one of us is in distress. Women’s organisations are organisations that are meant to speak on behalf of other women in distress, especially young vulnerable women. I do not see any solidarity coming from the women’s groups in Zimbabwe in the case of Chantelle Muteswa. We should be ashamed of ourselves for letting such a young woman down. Chantelle is literally crying for assistance and we refuse her that much as women. Chantelle is kicking and screaming, and we do not hear her cries! How fearful are we of the powers that be to let a young woman down, no emotional support of any kind is visible coming from women’s organisations?
When the First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa had marital problems with her husband or she had challenges with her security details, the women’s organisation never said a word. Again, there was a case going on regarding Senator Tambudzani Mohadi and her divorce with her deranged husband, Kembo Mohadi: The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe; we did not hear a word from the women’s organisation. We took it that those were high profile cases that would scare anyone living inside Zimbabwe to act or utter any word.
But curiously, Mrs. Sithokozile Chamisa was humiliated by her husband at a rally in Harare. Suddenly the women’s organisations were present. Somehow, they saw the humiliation of Thoko. The women’s organisations were active once more. They spoke loudly and demanded to hear from President Chamisa why he did what he did, to humiliate his wife at the glare of the cameras. They needed answers from Chamisa. Really!
What about Senator Tambudzani who was nearly shot with a gun by her husband? Her house was broken into using an axe. Did we hear a word coming from the women’s group in Zimbabwe? What about Merry Chiwenga, did we hear anything from the women’s organisations?
Again, coming to Mrs. Merry Chiwenga’s dramatic divorce with her husband, Merry did not get enough support from women in Zimbabwe, I must say.
Curiously Merry’s case received sympathy mostly from Zimbabwean men of all classes. I remember reading Trevor Ncube’s Twitter: he said, what is happening to Merry can happen to anyone. Recently, this women’s holy month of March, there was a video that circulated and made rounds: a video of a man who was in total support of Merry Chiwenga.
Here is a Zimbabwean man quoting CEDAW, a Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women. He based his argument on this convention, this really touched me but at the same time disappointed that our women’s organisations, well versed with this convention, do not give any kind of solidarity, even slender one to Mrs Merry Chiwenga as a woman.
Zimeye social media has been working on these stories for some time now. He gave several publicities about Merry Chiwenga and Chantelle Muteswa. He is, again, highlighting the case of Chantelle Muteswa and her brutal assault by her former lover on his social media: twitter and Facebook. We give applause to comrade Simba. These are men among men who have the courage to stand for the rights of women in a men-dominated, patriarchal society like our own. We encourage you Simba and many of your kind to continue stand to stand on our side and assist us in fighting domestic abuse in our Zimbabwean societies.
I am indeed humbled by that kind of moral and emotional assistance coming from our menfolk. Many women instead, vilified Merry, called her all sorts of names we can think of. The moment a woman is involved in a divorce in Zimbabwe, the H-word automatically comes in to the divorcing woman and not the man.
A man can never be a “Hure” (Whore) by Zimbabwe standards. It is not surprising to find that it is the women in most cases who will be using that “Hure-Word” to insult another woman in distress. There is a place in hell for women; a place where all women who treat other women badly or speak ill of other women will be sent. Vayiskwe munzwimbo yekutambudzika.
Curiously, this lack of solidarity among women is mostly found in African societies and families equally. African women are hard on other African women and very judgemental too. If an African woman is not in trouble of any kind, her language use becomes polarized; she is quick to judge. If anything, we should learn from other societies about solidarity with women against patriarchy and all other forms domestic violence against women. Solidarity with women did not mean necessarily agreeing with the way of life of that woman at all. Solidarity is above any form of judgement and confines of diverse ways of life. In solidarity with other women, we should see a woman who is in distress and not her lifestyle before she was in trouble.
Chantelle Muteswa needs our genuine support today.
We must be there for her even if we cannot assist tangibly, some emotional assistance will go a long way in comforting her in her distress. What is happening to Chantelle can also happen to any other woman in Zimbabwe: said Trevor Ncube. We have seen what happened to Senator Tambudzani Mohadi. We have just witnessed a nasty divorce still on-going case of the Chiwengas. Let’s trust our instincts dear ladies. Our voices carry a lot of power. Let’s stand up for women in distress they need our irrevocable support to maintain their sanity in times of such adversities Chantelle finds herself in.
Our silence means a lot: it may mean we support Frank Buyanga. Frank Buyanga is failing to comprehend that he is putting his son in great risk of emotional trauma, a situation that can be solved amicably. What that child has gone through will never be made right the whole of his life.
Parents do not realize the damage they inflict on the offspring they purport to fight for in the first place. This tug-of-war between Chantelle and Frank is uncalled for when we think of the damage it is doing to the growing up child they purport to love dearly.
Our justice system is failing Chantelle too. In a hungry country like Zimbabwe whereby some elements in the justice system depend on corrupt hand-outs from clients to give a boost on their merger salaries, there is hardly a chance of Chantelle ever getting justice: but her case is so easy. If the child is born out of wedlock, Frank has no right to the child. The law in this case is twisted and turned to favour clients that are financially able to corrupt those back-handed judges or magistrates in charge to execute cases.
The women’s organisations are challenged to stand up for Chantelle Muteswa. How many tears should she shed until we know that she has suffered horrendous domestic abuse: just like Tambudzani Mohadi, just like Merry Chiwenga. All these women need our irrevocable support from all of us women of Zimbabwe.
By Business Reporter| BancABC branches are opening on Sunday across the country for cash pickup services.
This has been done to allow WorldRemit customers to collect their funds before the 21 -day lockdown which starts on Monday 30 March 2020, the company announced on Saturday.
The following BancABC branches will be open on Sunday 28 March from 09:00-13:00-
Zimbabwe has imposed a nationwide lockdown for 21 days from Monday to help curb the spread of coronavirus, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Friday.
“Only state and health workers will be exempted from the lockdown,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe has five confirmed coronavirus cases, including one death.
Many have questioned how a lockdown will work with the water and power crisis. Bulawayo, the second largest city, has gone for eight days with no water while electricity can go for up to 18 hours in some cities.
Zimbabwe had already forced some sections of business to cut down on Thursday.
FBC, one of the leading banks in the country, announced through SMSes that it was closing Centre branches earlier on Friday.
“We are temporarily closing FBC Bank Centre branch. Please utilise our e-banking channels or any FBC branch within the CBD.”
COVID-19 has been declared a formidable epidemic disease in terms of the Public Health Act, allowing the Minister of Health and Child Care to make sweeping regulations to control the spread of the disease and to have designated medical officers order the compulsory testing, quarantining, isolation and treatment of anyone who is exposed to infection or is confirmed as infected..
The new Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations 2020 were gazetted on Monday and are valid until May 20, although they then may be extended a month at a time.
The ACDP on Friday confirmed that its leader Reverend Kenneth Meshoe and MP Steve Swart had tested positive for Covid-19.
The two were tested after it emerged that they had attended an event hosted by the Divine Restoration Ministries in Bloemfontein this month.Five others who attended the event – which also had guests from the United States, Israel and France – had tested positive.
On Thursday, well-known pastor Angus Buchan announced he had tested positive after coming into contact with infected people at the same event.”Rev Meshoe displays no symptoms and remains in good health. Mr Swart, who has experienced mild flu-like symptoms, is recovering well. Both have been self-isolating, together with their close families,” said ACDP deputy president Wayne Thring.
Thring also complained about delays experienced by Meshoe in getting his results, saying it took five days for the ACDP president to know his status.
Meshoe told News24 on Thursday that he had been told that there were “technical difficulties” and that he would have to wait a little longer to get his results.
“This has placed unnecessary stress on him and his family, and has also resulted in unwarranted speculation in the media,” said Thring.
The ACDP deputy also stressed that Meshoe did not know of his status when he attended a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa a week ago.
I write to you from the fringes of dispair and desparation. I am both frustrated and angry. Yet at the same time my heart is bleeding and crying for you and all other Zimbabweans. I am writing using my personal experiences with Coronavirus, I am in it. I am living it. I have seen how ravaging it is. I am seeing it destroying might cities and bringing down to mother earth very powerful countries. I have fought it too and with the grace of the lord and HIS wisdom I conquered. So I know what I am talking about!
I also know exactly what is going to happen to my beloved Zimbabwe in the next few weeks. You can call me a prophet of doom or a pessimist but right now I don’t care what name you give me. Please know that Zimbabwe , God forbid, will soon become the epicenter for the Coronavirus. I am not a witch doctor nor am I one of the “churchprenuers” who “for-tell and for-see” events. But using science, common sense and assumed knowledge I see what has happened in Wuang, in London , in Rome, in New York happening in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare very soon.
Why do I say saw? The government that you have supported and propped up is not ready for this disaster. Despite God giving us ample time to prepare when the virus broke out in China our biggest trading partner whose nationals travel frequently to Zimbabwe and ofcourse thousands of Zimbabwe students and traders frequent China. Common sense should have prevailed and measures should have begun in earnest to be put in place. But like the late Edison Zvobgo once said, “ common sense is no longer common” When Britain, America & South Africa our biggest tourism partners were hit , shouldn’t your Commander in Chief have closed our borders? His biggest mandate is to protect and serve (save) the nation of Zimbabwe and its citizens and isn’t that your mandate too!
This is not politics nor is it finger pointing, because I’m writing in real time , this is happening now and you and me can still do something about it. We can stop this rot right now, stop it and put in measures that makes sure Zimbabweans will never have to feel so exposed and so abandoned. So it’s not politics, It’s the thousands of lives that we are possibly going to lose in the next few weeks. It’s your relatives , your children , your parents and friends who are going to perish. It is your country that is going down! The country that you took oath to defend with your sweat and blood. Your country is under siege by a very visible enemy. Rise up Cde! Worse Cdes this might be your life. Are you safe in the barracks? Do you have food to last you a week in quarantine? Do you have proper PPE to use today in the event of you being called upon to serve . ED and Zanu pf cannot protect you from Coronavirus. And mark my words they will send you out with no masks or gloves nor do they have hospitals to take you to if you are hit! You will die like dogs and Mnagagwa and Zanu pf will not shed a tear for you. They need you only to use you when they need you and “discard” you like a used condom. Mnagagwa and Zanu pf don’t love you. Zimbabweans love you and that’s why I’m writing to you. Remember 17 November? The outpouring love and appreciation from the unsuspecting people of Zimbabwe. They thought you had done good for the country only to realize months later that both you and the people of Zimbabwe had been duped. But I’m whispering to you now that we can change this right now!
I was writing in future tense and now I’m writing in present tense! Your commander in Chief must Lockdown Zimbabwe now. ED must lockdown all cities today. ED must declare the state of emergency now so he can deploy you to defend the country and access international help. ED must be the commander and president now! Unfortunately he won’t because he can’t. He doesn’t have what it takes both brains and balls to make sensible and bold decisions! Ever wondered why Mugabe said, “ I didn’t see a successor around me”
Partly ED will not ACT immediately because he is busy taking care of private business! Making sure his hospital in MT Pleasant , it’s equipment and medical supplies are in place for himself , his family , (which is very big by the way) his fellow Cdes, (not you by the way ?) his fellow looters and those connected to the system. You follow that Cde! Now in case you are not aware your commander in Chief cannot travel to Europe or Asia at the moment because he is coming from an designated area! You saw how the USA are evacuating their citizens today ( Friday) as I write. Have you ever seen that before? Even the time when you did your coup no coup and u were deployed armed to the teeth and you rolled armored cars in the streets of Harare past the USA embassy, did you see them evacuate their nationals? You are smart you know the answer- because Coronavirus is bigger than your little-coup-no coup! It’s huge!
People are going to die, I keep repeating this so you get it and I hope you do and you begin thinking of something right now. You and me I repeat again we can still do something that may not necessarily save us from Coronavirus but it will save Zimbabwe from ED and Zanu Pf. Because these two are worse than Coronavirus. It’s time Cdes, Ke Nako! ED AND ZANU PF MUST GO NOW
Until we meet again Cdes in the streets like we did on November 17 2017.
I hope it will be soon after the Coronavirus. We will all be angry enough.
News Agents|On Friday (March 27), Italy witnessed 919 new coronavirus deaths, along with 5,909 new infection cases. Spain too witnessed a record 773 new fatalities, along with 8,000 new cases. Cases in the United States reached 104,126, the highest in any country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 pandemic: New infections and fatalities
John Hopkins University
With 919 deaths and 5,909 new cases, the number of fatalities and cases in Italy reached 9,134 and 86,498 respectively. With a record 773 fatalities in Spain, its total death toll reached 5,138 along with 65,719 cases, after 7,933 fresh cases were reported on Friday.
US, which is fast becoming the new epicenter of Covid-19 pandemic, recorded 18,691 new cases, taking its total tally to reach 104,126. With 401 new fatalities, country’s death toll reached 1,696.
France recorded 299 new deaths, although less than the previous day, when the country witnessed 365 fatalities. Its number of cases and fatalities, now stand at 32,964 and 1,995 respectively.
Britain, whose Prime Minister and Health Secretary, have both tested positive, saw 2,885 new cases and 181 fatalities, taking its total to 14,543 cases and 759 fatalities.
Fresh steps taken by governments
Ireland, that has reported 2,121 cases and 22 fatalities, imposed a nation-wide lock-down, with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar urging citizens to “stay at home, in all circumstances”, AFP reported.
France, extended its stay-at-home order until at least April 15.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed the $2 trillion stimulus package, the largest in the US history, though it’s too late.
“This will deliver urgently needed relief to our nation’s families, workers and businesses. That’s what this is all about”, Trump said.
In yet another unprecedented move, the US President invoked an act usually used in wartime to order General Motors to speed up its commitment to make badly needed ventilators. The move “should demonstrate clearly that we will not hesitate to use the full authority of the federal government to combat this crisis”, Trump said.
In another grim news, the IMF’s chief Kristalina Georgieva announced on Friday that “it is clear that we have entered a recession”, which will be worse than in 2009, following the global financial crisis.
On Friday, the world witnessed 64,500 new cases and 3,273 fatalities due to novel coronavirus.
Independent|THE Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has called on locals and the Chinese to avoid “prejudice and discrimination” and instead join hands in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chinese Embassy deputy ambassador Zhao Baogang spoke at a time Zimbabwe has recorded seven official cases of the virus with one fatality. So far, 490 144 cases have been reported worldwide while a total of 22 154 people have died from the virus.
A total of 46 African countries have reported coronavirus cases.
The pandemic has in some cases, Zimbabwe included, attracted stigma against Chinese nationals largely because the first case was recorded in Wuhan, China, which became the epicentre of the pandemic before moving to Europe.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the United States could be the next epicentre of the virus.
Zhao said there was a need for unity and cooperation between Zimbabwe and China as they were victims of the virus alongside other affected nations.
“At this critical juncture, we are all victims of the virus because we are all severely impacted. But China and Zimbabwe are traditionally good friends and our relations have been elevated from all-weather friends to strategic partners.
“We supported each other in the past and we must continue to support each other,” Zhao said.
“When China was battling the coronavirus, the President of Zimbabwe (Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Foreign Minister (Sibusiso Moyo) and Information minister (Monica Mutsvangwa) expressed solidarity with China. Most African countries expressed solidarity with China,
“Now that Zimbabwe and other African countries are affected, we are ready to share our experiences and assist with medical supplies including test kits so that we help each other to fight the virus.”
Zhao said Chinese doctors and medical experts recently held a video conference with Zimbabwean doctors and the academia to share experiences so that the virus is effectively fought.
“At this critical juncture we are all victims of the virus because we are all severely affected, but the battle against the coronavirus as well as the significance and importance of a community with a shared future have become very important. Only with solidarity will we be able to prevail against the virus. This is why some statements by some politicians, like the US President (Donald Trump) who have called the virus a Chinese virus or the Wuhan virus are very irresponsible,” Zhao said.
“Even in Zimbabwe, there have been cases where some Chinese nationals are labelled, but we say no to prejudice and the pointing of fingers. Let’s work together and we will prevail because united we stand but divided we fall.”
Zhao said the Chinese government was in the process of shipping medical supplies to help Zimbabwe fight the virus.
Zimbabwe has also received the first batch of Covid-19 medical kits donated by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
The consignment of medical supplies was part of Zimbabwe’s share of the 1,1 million testing kits, six million masks and 60 000 hazmat suits and face shields that Ma pledged to donate to all African countries.
The embassy has also mobilised Chinese businesses operating in Zimbabwe to upgrade Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital. The companies have donated more than US$500 000 towards the programme meant to boost efforts to control the spread of Covid-19.
Wilkins Hospital was badly exposed when the first cases of the virus were recorded in the country, claiming the life of broadcaster Zororo Makamba.
In a statement this week, his elder brother, Tawanda Makamba, said the family had been disappointed by government’s lies on the country’s preparedness.
The hospital failed to provide Makamba with medication, as well as oxygen or a ventilator to help with his breathing. Tawanda revealed that there were no power sockets in the isolation unit to plug in the ventilator sourced by the family.
The institution also does not have an intensive care unit and does not have enough protective gear for workers. The Chinese are hoping to upgrade the hospital to match international standards.
In addition, the embassy and Chinese businesses are also mobilising resources to combat the spread of coronavirus in Zimbabwe by, among other efforts, sourcing medical equipment, which includes an oxygen machine, breathing machine, test kits and protective suits, masks and other protective wear for health workers.
Botswana Prisons Service has confirmed the execution of Moabi Mabiletsa and Matshidiso Boikanyo, both convicted murderers.
Court of Appeal dismissed their appeal in February 2019.
They were both hanged early this morning.
The killers were convicted in 2017 for the brutal murder of cab driver, Vincent Mopipi, stabbing him 44 times with a knife.
The Botswana CoA bench dismissed their appeal citing that the High Court’s finding of no extenuating circumstances was accurate. Handing down judgement, Justice Zibane Makhwade said the circumstances of court of quo came to the correct conclusion when finding that there were no extenuating circumstances and sentenced both the accused persons to death.
He explained that the prosecution submitted correctly aggravating factors of which included the fact that the murder was not committed at the spur of the moment but was premeditated.
“This was clearly a planned murder. It is immaterial whether one or both accused persons physically inflicted the injuries that caused the death of the deceased (Mopipi). What is clear, however, is that they were jointly involved in the execution of the murder. The first appellant called the cab and the second appellant was in possession of a weapon that was used to kill the deceased. This was clearly a joint enterprise,” Makhwede said.
Makhwade said there is no requirement in law that persons should have known each other for them to form a common purpose. He further submitted that the trial court found that it is the first appellant who arranged for a taxi to collect him from Tlokweng.
“It was further established that he changed the destination from UB to Block 9. The deceased was killed at Block 9. The murder weapon was found in the second appellant’s possession. There is no rational basis for holding that the first appellant parted with the deceased at Block 9 and then the deceased met with the second appellant who murdered him independently of the first appellant.
