Pick n Pay is committed to taking all necessary action to fight the spread of Coronavirus.

We are cleaning our stores even more rigorously, including sanitizing all till points throughout the day, and sanitising our trolleys frequently.

We are requiring our staff to uphold stringent personal hygiene, including frequent and proper hand-washing.

We are also making hand sanitisers readily available for customers in our stores.

Our policies are guided by authoritative scientific experts including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the South African Ministry of Health.

Some customers have asked us why our staff are not wearing face masks and gloves. The WHO clearly advises that a healthy person should only wear a face mask if they are taking care of someone suspected of having coronavirus, or if they are coughing themselves.

This is not applicable to our stores, where we apply a strict policy that any staff who have a cough or fever must stay at home or, if they are working, report immediately to their manager to be removed from duty.

The WHO is also clear that the wearing of rubber gloves while working or serving customers does not prevent infection from the Coronavirus. You can still pick up the virus on the surface of the glove and then infect yourself if you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Based on guidelines from the WHO, regularly washing your hands properly and using an appropriate hand sanitiser offers more protection against Coronavirus than wearing rubber gloves.

This is why our staff are not wearing face masks or gloves.

We can assure you that will continue to be guided by WHO, NICD and the South African Ministry of Health on the best precautionary measures to use to fight the spread of this virus.

Farai Dziva|The Ministry of Health and Childcare on Thursday announced that two more people tested positive for coronavirus.

The number of positive cases now stands at 5.

See figures below:
Tests conducted so far: 165

COVID-19 Positive: 5
COVID-19 Negative: 159
Inconclusive Result: 1
COVID-19 Deaths:1

By A Correspondent- There was commotion at a Mutare city lodge when two thigh vendors pounced on each other in a heated argument over a suspected abortion case.

The incident is said to have happened at No. 143 Third Street, popularly known as Green Gate Lodge in Mutare.

The two thigh vendors, Rachel Paradzai and Lindiwe Ncube traded accusations of aborting and dumping a foetus outside the lodge.

A search by the police in the duo’s rooms, yielded blood-stained clothes under 22-year-old Paradzai’s mattress as well as a blood-stained bedding sheet in Ncube’s room.

However, Paradzai vehemently denied the case and the blood stained clothes. She claimed that  Ncube and her friends had set her up.“I do not know anything about those clothes, I was never pregnant,” said Paradzai as she cried hysterically.

“Lindiwe told me yesterday that she had miscarried. I am sure she is the one who planted those clothes under my mattress,” she told the police.

Ncube in turn denied Paradzai’s theory.

“I was not carrying any pregnancy,” said Ncube.

Another thigh vendor came forward in Paradzai’s defense telling the police that the blood-stained clothes which were discovered in Paradzai’s room where in fact hers, for use at “work”.

“Those are my skirts. I used to wear them to ‘work’. Lindiwe borrowed them last week, she said she had nothing clean to put on. However, she never returned them and I am surprised that they are now coming from Rachel’s room.

She echoed Paradzai’s sentiment that it was a set up of some sort.

“This is a set-up and everyone knows it,” she said before being dragged back to her room by a man who seemed to be the ladies’ pimp, judging by the authoritative tone he used when speaking to them.

He ordered the woman to mind her own business, and introduced himself to the police as Jani.

Jani threatened the Manica Post news crew  on site with unspecified action.

“We do not want you here or else I will deal with you. How is an alleged abortion your business? Are you the police? Just go away,” shouted Jani.

The two thigh vendors were whisked away by the police for further questioning.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringa Kakohwa confirmed the case adding that it is sad to note that abortion cases continue to be recorded across the province despite efforts to discourage the practice.-ManicaPost

The above refers.
In my capacity as the Member of Parliament with the mandate of legislation, oversight and representation, and in accordance with Statutory Instrument 77/2020, I hereby demand that you hereby cease all operations at the Sunny Yi Feng Industrial Park with immediate effect.

The demand hereby made is in light of the risk posed by the threat of contamination by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which has seen unsupervised and precarious quarantine systems practiced at your premises. Furthermore the overcrowding on the premises serves as a perfect conduit for the rapid spread of the disease and must therefore be addressed. Norton does not have the facilities or capacity to handle an outbreak of the Coronavirus if it is to occur, and this demand is thereby made to protect the innocent residents who may be exposed to the virus from persons on your premises suspected to be infected.

As a Member of Parliament it is incumbent on me to safeguard people’s lives and health and I therefore trust that you will take this demand with the seriousness it deserves and comply urgently.

Yours sincerely,

VIEW PICTURE BELOW…

By A Correspondent- Temptation Mushove Gurure had to take off days after she was called a b**ch and spat at by Dr Vivenki Solanki over a surgical facemasks consignment that had not been delivered in time.

Trauma Centre Borrowdale owner Dr Solanki, in a fit of rage, reportedly spat on an employee before scolding her using unprintable words that left the Harare woman traumatised in the wake of the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) Thursday.

Some workers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation said Gurure was left traumatised as her handbag was also thrown away as Dr Solanki shouted in anger.

Dr Solanki yesterday confirmed saying unprintable words and throwing the worker’s purse away saying he had been angered that there were few surgical masks at the institution. He said he talked with saliva bubbles in the mouth that could have spilt to the woman.

Dr Solanki said Gurure had been caught stealing and selling the masks for US$5 in the streets, a claim he could not sustain by a police report before hanging. 

“She was caught stealing. She was selling the masks for US$5 when they are meant for patients.”

“She was trying to kill people; there is corona out there,” he said before hanging up. Efforts to get him after that were futile as his phone went unanswered the whole day. His wife said Dr Solanki would revert but he never answered calls thereafter.

Gurure said if she had any case against the organisation she had served so loyally, there were disciplinary proceedings as well as the police for the law to take recourse.

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

• USD to ZWL$: 26.1186
• ZWL$ to RAND: 0.6653

Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates:

• USD to ZWL$ zimrates.com $44.5
• USD to ZWL$  zwl365.com $43.6
• USD to ZWL$ bluemari.info $41
• USD to BOND: zimrates.com $32.40

More: marketwatch.co.zw

By Own Correspondent| Raunchy dancer Beverly Sibanda, better known as Bev has claimed that she is HIV negative saying if she was positive, talented warriors footballer Khama Billiat would not be playing football.

Bev made the remarks while responding to comments on her Facebook page.

The popular dance made headlines early this year when he wedded a United Kingdom based man who has since returned to his base while Bev is still in the country.

She has previously dated musician Andy Muridzo in a relationship that ended with a nasty break-up with Bev accusing the Derira hitmaker of impregnating her.

Police officers and metro cops began patrolling the streets of Johannesburg and had already made arrests after some people chose to ignore the lockdown rules.

Among the rules called for people to be confined in their homes, for pubs to be closed and for no person in public to be found in possession of alcohol.

SowetanLIVE’s sister publication TimesLIVE reporter Alex Patrick was out on the streets and joined law enforcers in their patrol of Alexandra township, Hillbrow and the Johannesburg CBD.

“Although the streets were quiet, there were still pockets of people walking home and a few vehicles were stopped and searched. Drivers were sent on their way. Loudspeakers warned pedestrians to stay inside,” said Patrick.

“The convoy to Hillbrow was comprised of metro police and private security and police. As the convoy entered each street whistles could be heard from the balconies above warning people of the coming forces,” she said.

Several arrests were made in Hillbrow.

Among those arrested were a club owner who continued to operate after midnight despite calls from police minister Bheki Cele for taverns, clubs, pubs and other liquor outlets to remain closed.

Patrons, many of whom were women, were arrested at the establishment. Besides breaking the lockdown rules to stay at home, they found themselves in trouble for being in possession of alcohol which Cele banned from being sold or consumed in public places during this time.

These arrests were captured by the SABC.

On the streets, police also came across a motorist whose boot contained cooler boxes filled with booze.

The motorist looked on as the metro police emptied his alcohol onto the road.

In Alexandra, some people also wandered along the streets.

Patrick said it seemed many of them were there to simply satisfy their curiosity of what would happen once the clock struck 12.

“The smell of alcohol in the air was palpable,” she said.

Those found outside were ordered to head home.

Earlier in the week, police minister Bheki Cele had announced a ban of alcohol sales during lockdown, vowing that the might of the law would come onto those who did not obey.

“Movement of alcohol will be restricted. There shall be no movement of liquor from point A to B,” said Cele. “If we find liquor in your car boot, that is illegal. If you break these laws, you are [getting] six months in jail or fined,” he said.

Members of the SA National Defence Force were also out on the streets ensuring that law and order was maintained.

By A Correspondent- A  man from New Lobengula is tired of his married ex-girlfriend who is in the habit of constantly going to his workplace and home to harass him and demand compensation money for the time she “wasted” in their relationship.

Busani Mathe, who is a father of three, was in a relationship with her married neighbour Zibusiso Nyathi who is a mother of five. Mathe said he ended the relationship soon after he found out that Nyathi was married.

“I separated with her when I discovered that she is married. She hadn’t disclosed to me that she was someone else’s wife. I only knew about her children just as she knew about mine,” said Mathe.

After their break-up, Mathe revealed that his ex-girlfriend started insulting and demanding money from him.

“She would go to my house and threaten my girlfriend that I live with. She would also demand money from me saying it’s for her time I wasted when I was dating her. She even goes to my boss demanding that he gives her my monthly salary,” said Mathe.

Mathe pleaded with the court to protect him as he said Nyathi was disturbing his peace and threatening his relationship with his girlfriend.

In her defence, Nyathi said Mathe knew about her marital status from the time they started dating.

“When we started dating, he knew that I had a husband I was staying with and I also knew that he had a partner,” said Nyathi.

She didn’t dispute going to his home and workplace.

“My husband’s family wants to have a customary meeting with Mathe to see a way forward after he disrespected them by having a relationship with me. So I went to his house to inform him about that but he would hear none of it. That is why I ended up going to his workplace hoping he was going to see how serious I was,” she said.

The matter was heard before Western Commonage magistrate Urgent Vundla. He granted Mathe an interim protection order and ordered Nyathi not to verbally abuse Mathe, not to issue threats of violence and not to go to his workplace and home.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- A man from Gokwe who could not control his sex appetite had sex with his best friend’s wife, whom he paid $10 to buy relish.

The man, Onismo Vongai, has since been dragged to Chief Nembudziya’s traditional court to answer to adultery charges after he had an illicit affair with Precious Muleya who is married to Peter Dube.

The matter came to light when Dube stumbled on love messages from Vongai in his wife’s phone.

After stumbling upon the messages, Dube interrogated his wife who then confessed about her relationship with Vongai, and she also revealed that each time they had sex, Vongai would give her $10 to buy relish.

Vongai initially denied the issue when he appeared before Chief Nembudziya’s traditional court but Dube produced messages that were sent to his wife.

Chief Nembudziya confirmed the incident saying he ordered Vongai to pay five cows to Dube for disrespecting his marriage.

“What Vongai did is gross disrespect. He was supposed respect his neighbour’s wife but he decided otherwise.

“He took advantage of the fact that Dube is a poor man who can’t afford much and he decided to exploit his wife,” said Chief Nembudziya.

He said he ordered Vongai to pay a fine because what he did was unacceptable and a disgrace.

“He must pay those five cows to Dube because what he did is not allowed in our village. There are many single ladies that he could have proposed to but he chose to have an affair with a married woman,” he said.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Nyaradzo Group Companies Chief Executive Officer Mr Philip Mataranyika has said that the organisation is ready for the novel coronavirus.

The group was formed in March 2001 as Nyaradzo Funeral Services specifically to supply quality coffins and caskets for Nyaradzo Life Assurance policyholders and also to the market as a whole.

The group also has a fully-fledged events management department which manages corporate events, weddings, parties, memorial services, tombstone unveiling, and high profile funerals.

It also provides funeral cover for Zimbabweans in the diaspora. It also provides repatriation and funeral services in Zimbabwe.

Some would find it ironic that the undertaker is saying that they are ready when there is an outbreak of a pandemic.

Zimbabwe has five confirmed coronavirus cases and one of them has since died and was buried.

By A Correspondent- A local Trust, Zimbabwe National Covid-19 Action Trust (ZINCAT), has donated a US$30 000 ventilator to Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The gesture follows the death of Zororo Makamba, a Zimbabwean 30-year-old journalist who succumbed to coronavirus on Monday amid reports that Wilkins Hospital failed to provide him with a ventilator.

Handing over the ventilator, Zincat chairperson Dr Nozipo Maraire described the association as a conduit through which donors could assist the Government. She thanked all who have contributed and are still contributing.

She said:

We care about Zimbabwe and we are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the fight against the global pandemic of Covid-19.

The death of Zororo Makamba exposed the country’s ill-preparedness to fight the coronavirus pandemic and it also triggered action as refurbishments of Wilkins Hospital were quickened on the aftermath of the death.

Zimbabwe also announced more stringent measures to stop the spread and transmission of the virus.

By A Correspondent- There is a panic and fear among staff at Kwekwe General Hospital and their immediate families after a nurse at the Midlands Province medical facility recently visited her COVID-19-positive husband in Portugal last month, returned home and assumed her duties at the health centre.

According to a local publication, the nurse traveled out with her son (both names withheld) and when they came back, she had contact with fellow workmates at the medical facility which handles patients from as far as Gokwe, Zhombe, Silobela and surrounding areas.

The publication says the nurse then went into self-quarantine at her home in Mbizo high-density suburb.

About 14 staff workers at the hospital got into close contact with the nurse, even though she has not tested positive for COVID-19, the daily paper reports, citing sources at the hospital.

“The problem is that now nurses are at their homes after downing tools, so there will not be any close monitoring of those who had contact with her.

“There is also no official communication about tests carried out on her to see if she could have contracted the disease when she visited Portugal,” the source said.

Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary-general Douglas Chikobvu yesterday said he would comment after getting full details about the issue.

“Kindly wait so that I personally get in touch with the nurse and discuss a few things and get back to you,” he said.

In nearby Gweru, 138 people who travelled to COVID-19 high-risk countries are under monitoring for the deadly pandemic.

Zimbabwe has so far recorded five confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death caused by the disease, but citizens are of the view that government was understating the infection figures.

Only Health ministry officials are now allowed to comment about COVID-19 cases or reveal information about the disease to the media.-Newsday

By A Correspondent | Below is the exact narration by businessman James Makamba on how his son, Zororo died, as told family friend Mutumwa Mawere on Monday.

The journalist was one of the victims admitted at Harare’s Wilkins Hospital and diagnosed with COVID-19.

ZimEye had a one to one interview soon after the sad news. ZimEye also verified from an audio recording that this is truly James Makamba’s account –

“He always wanted to see his friends and wind up a few things…

“So last Wednesday he was feeling fluish, then he drove to Wilkins for testing, and you know they just admit you.

“Then it just got worse and worse and worse, and about 20min ago he got out to try and walk about, and collapsed, and they failed to resuscitate him. He died in the last 30 minutes.”

https://www.facebook.com/pg/ZimEye/reviews/

video loading below:

Mr Zororo Makamba, the son of Mr James Makamba has passed on. MHSRIEP. I have just learned of this tragic loss of life due to the virus. A giant with so much potential has fallen. Corona is real. Let us pause and reflect. Life is too precious. – Mutumwa Mawere

By A Correspondent- Dynamos Football Club’s fans have initiated a crowdfunding initiative to help the club’s and Zimbabwe Warriors defender Patson Jaure.

Jaure was recently involved in a car accident that left him nursing minor head injuries. We present the fans’ statement in full below.

STATEMENT ON CROWDFUND INITIATIVE BY DYNAMOS SUPPORTERS

“The Dynamos Football Club Supporters family, led by National Executive Committee for the supporters’ chapters around Zimbabwe and beyond borders, would like to announce the establishment of a special fund to raise financial and material resources for our injured captain Partson Jaure.

The crowdfunding initiative came about following our captain’s involvement in a nasty car accident on Sunday morning.

Jaure is currently receiving emergency specialist medical care at Parirenyatwa Hospital’s VIP Wing.

His head injuries require delicate and complex procedures by specialists and the whole process will not come cheap and hence the need for the crowdfunding project.

The management of the special fund shall be overseen by our Supporters National Executive Committee together with the Jaure family to allow for transparency and accountability.

Our Committee shall also constantly liaise with the club’s executive committee so that us the fans, the Jaure family and the club leadership work together without mistrust or suspicion.

Lastly we would like to advise that this initiative is meant to complement or support our club’s valuable effort in meeting the medical bills of our beloved captain.

In this regard we would like to salute Dynamos’ Management for standing with our captain and his entire family during this very difficult time.

All contributions shall be channelled into the following platforms;

1. To Donate via Whatsapp Click https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=+263785043887 and text=+Donate and hit send (Under Crowdfunding)
2. To Donate via Website click https://crowdfunding.clicknpay.africa/#/public/crowdFunding

You can pay via channels like Ecocash, One Money etc using above Links.

For more information contact the following;

Benjamin Munzira (National Chairman) 0779823701

Clever Jaure (Brother) 0774012818

Anyone of the Dynamos FC Executive Members.”

By A Correspondent- Masvingo High Court judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze ‘s son Munyaradzi is currently under fire after he was implicated in the murder of phone dealer Sipho Ncube. 

Munyaradzi Junior Mawadze, who is a first year Law student at the University of Zimbabwe was jointly charged with his two accomplices, Elvin Dongo Saungweme, 22, and Dellon David Balani, 22.

Further revelations show that Mawadze was found with blood soiled clothes hidden at his Harare apartment.

According to the police, the accused trio 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 cellphones belonging to Ncube.

They all conspired to pose as cellphone buyers before taking the deceased to a secluded area where they robbed him and killed him.

He deceased was  also known to Mawadze.

Allegations are that, they stabbed him with a knife before slitting his throat and killing him instantly just a few meters from Chiremba Road.

After the murder they went on to share the loot.

Upon initial investigations, the accused denied having knowledge of Ncube’s whereabouts.

Mawadze allegedly sent a text using Ncube’s phone claiming that he had been kidnapped.

Mawadze is also alleged to have cleaned the blood-stained vehicle before fleeing to his father’s place in Masvingo.

Another investigation led to the recovery of the vehicle used to commit the crime.

A search at Mawadze’s Harare apartment in  the presence of his roommate Dylan Nira, led to the recovery of a pair of black jean trousers, white vest and a pair of white sneakers all soiled with blood.

Mawadze was arrested on 24 March and brought to CID Harare where he implicated his accomplices.

The second accused person was also found with  blood soiled clothes and Ncube’s cellphone.

Saungweme also implicated Mawadze and Balani as his accomplices.

Saungweme and Mawadze freely led the police to the crime scene near Timire New Stands in Ruwa where they had dumped Ncube’s body.

They made indications which were video recorded by the detectives at the scene where the body was found in an advanced state decomposition.

Balani was arrested separately later on Wednesday.

The three are being represented by their lawyer Paidamoyo Saurombe.

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man got the shock of his life when his wife of 11-years dumped him and moved in next door with his close friend.

To add insult to injury, the woman even took the couple’s two children with her. The children are aged four and eleven years.

Mehluli Ndlovu is heartbroken after his friend Samson Zwana had an illicit affair with his wife, Nkosiyapha Ngwenya, which resulted in the two deciding to move in together. The peculiar affair took place in Romney Park, Bulawayo.

Ndlovu revealed that before his wife dumped him, he had forgiven the two lovebirds after he discovered that they were having an adulterous affair behind his back. Unfortunately for him, the affair did not stop despite the pair’s apparent remorse.

Speaking to the state media, Ndlovu said:

“We had been married for 11 years and we have two children. What worries me the most is that my children are no longer going to school. It is painful to see my family next door every day,

“I am stressed. I have been living under difficult conditions. They always tease me wherever they see me,”

Ironically, Ndlovu’s wife, Nkosiyapha Ngwenya, is a trainee pastor at a local college.

Ngwenya on the other hand, had no kind words for her estranged husband, saying that she had dumped him because he was abusive and a deadbeat husband who could not adequately provide for his family.

Said Ngwenya:

“We are no longer together. I have known the man I live with now for a very long time.

“We were evicted for not paying rent and the man had to take us in; we had no option,

“He is a mental patient and was dismissed from work. He was given a lot of money by his former employer and squandered it all alone. Now my children are not going to school and he is busy trying to soil my name.”- statemedia

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean 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.

Ammara was a guest judge at the Old Mutual Amazing Voices show held in Johannesburg with the objective of unearthing singing talent across gospel, pop and rhythm and blues genres.

Speaking to NewsDay on Thursday, Ammara’s manager, Chido Musasiwa, said that the musician was in self-quarantine as a precautionary measure as South Africa has recorded an increased number of COVID-19 cases. Musasiwa said:

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.

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.

South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus cases after cases surpassed the 700 mark this week

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health on 26 March 2020 announced that two more people had tested positive for coronavirus.

This brings the total number of positive cases to 5. The Ministry said that it would give more detail on the two patients who tested positive at a latter stage.

• Tests conducted so far: 165
• COVID-19 Positive: 5
• COVID-19 Negative: 159
• Inconclusive Result: 1
• COVID-19 Deaths: 1

Read the full report below.

THERE was panic in Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb yesterday after funeral parlours allegedly refused to collect the body of a man suspected to have died of Covid-19 at his home.

False claims that the deceased was Covid-19 positive swept through Makokoba suburb and an agitated crowd that kept growing watched from a distance as the drama unfolded.

The bedridden man, identified as Danisa Tshili, allegedly arrived from South Africa on Wednesday where he had been mugged. He was coughing persistently and died the same night.

Residents said undertakers from a local funeral parlour allegedly refused to touch the body saying Tshili could have died from Covid-19.

South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus infections in Africa with more than 900 cases recorded.

“News spread through the suburb that funeral parlour workers wearing face masks and other protective clothing had refused to touch the boy. There was widespread panic and someone called the BCC (Bulawayo City Council) toll free number and the Rapid Response team said the man had not died from Corona,” said a neighbour who declined to be named.

Some neighbours alleged at least three funeral parlours had been called and refused to touch the body.

Some residents went about their business. They were not maintaining the one metre apart social distancing as recommended to prevent Covid-19 spreading.

Bulawayo has not recorded any Covid-19 cases, although three cases have been recorded in Victoria Falls and Harare, with one of the patients succumbing to the disease.

BCC Health Services Director Dr Edwin Sibanda said the council’s rapid response team had arrived quickly to verify claims made by members of the public.

“We received that information and deployed our rapid response team who visited the home to assess the situation. He was in South Africa but had been ill for seven months and was receiving treatment. He was however attacked while in South Africa before being brought home. Unfortunately, he died at his home yesterday. But his death had nothing to do with Covid-19,” said Dr Sibanda.

“This is like what those in the information technology industry call a virus. You will be having your programme, and the virus comes as a separate item disturbing the news that we are circulating. Members of the public tend to believe whatever they would have heard first. Right now, if someone receives fake news that there are five cases in Bulawayo even if we tell that person that those cases do not exist, it becomes difficult to convince that person differently,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said in case a Covid-19 patient dies at home, the deceased’s relatives should call the rapid response team which consists of health environment officers who will provide direction on the burial of the body.

Following the announcement by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) that individuals with free funds (foreign currency) can now use the same to buy goods and pay for services locally, several prominent Zimbabwe have expressed their thoughts about the development on Twitter.

Here are some of the comments in response to Central Bank Governor John Mangudya’s surprise announcement:

Nelson Chamisa: This is ridiculous!

Kudzai Mutisi (a prominent government supporter on social media): Foolish policies here… Stupid to the core… Where exactly did these people learn this nonsense? Fixing an exchange rate in 2020? Who will follow that?? Dumbness at it’s best!

Mduduzi Mathuthu: Coronavirus? Which other country in the whole world has abandoned its currency because of a virus by the way? Abalanhloni? @BitiTendai told them it won’t work.

Joseph Cotterill (non-Zimbabwean international journalist): Zimbabwe effectively brings back the use of the US dollar in transactions. It’s linked to measures against the pandemic. Dollarisation pressures had been building in the economy recently.

Energy Mutodi (ZANU-PF MP): Government through the RBZ has said US dollars can be used as legal tender until further notice. This measure is to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. Exchange rate fixed at 1:25 USD/ZWD. Bank rate @25% & Bank Statutory Reserve ratio reduced by 0.5%. Winter Wheat funded up to 2,5bln.

Jonathan Moyo: The #coronavirus has forced the return of the multicurrency system and @ReserveBankZIM has suspended the “managed” floating exchange rate and replaced it with a fixed exchange rate at ZW$25 to the US$. The fixed exchange rate is meant to benefit the private sector called Sakunda!

Hopewell Chin’ono: Dzokororo ine simba from the best Finance Minister. We told them that they would re-dollarise, they called us haters for sticking to real economic principles & common sense. Rest In Peace Zimbabwean Dollar! Let us see if your parents will bury you or keep the corpse in the house!

ZimLive: The bond experiment is over. Tomorrow TM, OK and the rest joined by Econet will be displaying US dollar prices. Why not just go the full monty and dollarise?

Tich Ray: This may mark the death of the local fake currencies currently in use. I mean, the possibility is huge that after #COVID19 no one from the RBZ will say anything about this temporary dollarization. Trading may just continue at the artificial 1:25 but with every1 opting to receive forex.

Kholwani Nyathi: Living in Zimbabwe is an extreme sport. So everyone is now free to charge in US dollars, including landlords and vendors. Using #coronavirus as an excuse to re-dollarise

Sakunda Holdings will inject US$2,7 million towards the refurbishment of two hospitals as part of private sector initiatives to support Government efforts in fighting Covid-19.

The two medical facilities — Rock Foundation Medical Centre and St Annes’ — both in Harare, will be equipped with modern equipment to render them useful after lying idle for years.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwe recorded its first Covid-19 death on Monday following the death of Zororo Makamba.

The first consignment of the equipment, part of which was sourced from China, is arriving in the country today.

It is understood that the last batch of the equipment will arrive on April 6, after which modalities for opening the facilities would be worked out.

Political critics have smelt a rat in the fastrek gesture by Sakunda which is owned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s right hand man Kuda Tagwirei. The critics claim that the moves to get the facility ready and fully equipped with top range equipment is suggestion that probably one or more of top ranking government officials have contacted the virus and will need the facility urgently.

President Mnangagwa exposed himself to the virus when senior staff close to him in his office had close contacts with the late Zororo Makamba who was the country’s first Coronavirus victim.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is also reported to have had a closed door meeting with him during the virus incubation period.

Sakunda Holdings however claims that it wants the two hospitals to be used for Covid-19 response by all Zimbabweans, and Government has since given the hospitals the green light to do preparatory work, while awaiting licensing from the relevant authorities.

Among the equipment Sakunda Holdings is bringing into the country are 100 ventilators, 10 000 rapid test kits, 10 000 disposal protective gowns, 20 000 medical masks, 10 000 disposable shoe covers, 100 infra-red thermometers, 5 000 respirator N95 masks and 2 000 hand sanitisers, among other paraphernalia required to fight Covid-19.

In a letter to St Anne’s Hospital manager dated March 24, 2020, Health and Child Care Secretary Dr Agnes Mahomva said: “Thank you for inviting us following our request to utilise the facility for management of Covid-19 cases. The team was satisfied with what they saw during the tour and would like to finalise our request.

“Please note that we have since identified Sakunda Holdings to be our partners to work with us and yourselves to do all the remaining renovations and refurbishments necessary for the hospital to function in the shortest possible period of time.

“Sakunda Holdings has confirmed that they have the resources and funding to do the work and hence refurbishments will not be at your costs.”

Correspondence by Sakunda Holdings on March 25, 2020, showed that they had already applied for the relevant licensing and pleaded with Dr Mahomva to assist in expediting the process.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has implemented a raft of measures to curb and control outbreak of the disease albeit under tough economic circumstances,” wrote Mr Everton Mlalazi of Sakunda to Dr Mahomva.

“It is against this background that Sakunda Holdings and its associates have come up with a private initiative to complement Government efforts to curb this pandemic specifically in provision of health facilities, equipment, training and vaccines.

“Sakunda has identified Rock Foundation Medical Centre as a facility in the fight against Covid-19. The hospital management will send applications to relevant bodies, but our request from you is to assist in engaging these bodies to expedite the process in view of the urgency required to deal with the pandemic.”

Every Zimbabwean has a role to play in protecting their families and communities against coronavirus, President Mnangagwa has said.

Writing on his Twitter handle, @edmnangagwa, the President reiterated calls for people to observe the highest standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our families and communities against coronavirus. Keep your distance, wash your hands, keep your distance, stay home,” President Mnangagwa tweeted.

People, the President said, should wash hands regularly, avoid physical contact including hugging, stay at home unless it is important to travel and maintain social distance of at least two metres.

President Mnangagwa last week declared the pandemic a state of national disaster.

In an earlier tweet, he thanked Chinese billionaire Mr Jack Ma for the donations made to fight the deadly virus.

Mr Jack donated 20 000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100 000 medical face masks and 10 000 protective suits.

“Thank you @Jack Ma for your generous donation of coronavirus testing kits and preventive materials, a true act of friendship that will be crucial to helping us fight the virus. With unity, discipline and cooperation, we can prevail.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has called on the Group of 20 most developed countries to set aside a US$100 billion fund for immediate health response, social safety nets and feeding of out-of-school children in African countries affected by coronavirus.

The money would be on top of the US$50 billion already pledged by the G-20.

In a statement, UNECA said: “As a proportion of GDP, this is consistent with measures taken in other regions. To ensure immediate fiscal space and liquidity, this package should include a waiver of all interest payments, estimated at US$44 billion for 2020.”

State Media|The Coronavirus scourge has all but killed the Zimbabwean dollar with government officially declaring the US Dollar as an official currency, allegedly during the Coronavirus era.

The official exchange rate has been fixed at $25 to US$1 for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to stabilise prices while holders of free funds now have an option to pay for goods and services in foreign currency.

Regulations banning compulsory forex payments, however, remain in force.

To provide further relief to the public, the RBZ agreed with banks to suspend increases in charges for all electronic payments during the emergency and was now engaging mobile network providers to reduce their charges to promote electronic banking.

At the same time, policy changes and additions have been approved to help the business sectors weather the global economic turbulence that the pandemic has brought, similar to those in other countries.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said in a statement yesterday that the measures were part of Government interventions, in line with President Mnangagwa’s call on Monday for measures to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on Zimbabwe.

Dr Mangudya said the bank had made available an option to use free funds to pay for goods and services chargeable in local currency, taking into account limited forex resources negatively affecting balance of payments.

“The dispensation to use free funds will not only make payment for goods and services easier, but will also promote social distancing as banks will be able to provide digital financial services to their customers that include producers of gold, tobacco and cotton and recipients of diaspora remittances.

“Digital financial transactions will go a long way in enhancing confidence in the economy and assisting banks to play a critical role as systemic stabilisers of the economy during these unprecedented times,” he said.

The measures appear to be part of RBZ efforts to tap the large pool of free funds held outside the banking system to bring this money into the formal system.

Dr Mangudya said Government had suspended the managed floating exchange rate system, which was introduced this month, for greater certainty in the pricing of goods and services.

“In its place, the bank has, with immediate effect, adopted a fixed exchange rate system at the current interbank level of $25 to the US dollar. This measure will be reviewed when markets stabilise from the effects of Covid-19,” Dr Mangudya said.

Going into the business support, and in line with similar swift responses to Covid-19 by global economies, the bank adopted measures to boost the domestic economy by more than doubling the $1 billion productive sector facility, reducing statutory reserves that banks must hold with the central bank and cutting the bank’s policy rate to promote lending to productive sectors of the economy by banks.

These measures around the world are designed to ensure that the global pandemic does not trigger a global depression

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Covid-19 pandemic will cause a global recession this year, which could be worse than the one triggered by the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, but world economic output should recover in 2021. Like the rest of the world, Zimbabwe needed some cushioning.

The bank also increased the Medium Term Bank Accommodation Facility for supporting the productive sectors by an additional $1 billion to $2,5 billion, with the funding aimed at financing the 2020 winter wheat farming.

RBZ also reduced the statutory reserve ratio from 5 to 4,5 percent to free up some funds to the banks to enhance their lending activities. To lower the cost of bank loans, the bank cut its bank policy rate from 30 to 25 percent.

Further, Dr Mangudya said the bank was responding to the needs of Zimbabwe’s economy through the issuance of Open Market Operations Corporate Bills to enhance the monetary targeting framework necessary to support the exchange rate and to stabilise prices in the economy.

“Whilst the legal instrument to bring the above measures into effect is being finalised, the bank urges the transacting public and producers of gold, tobacco and cotton to fully embrace electronic payment platforms as we fight the spread of COVID-19,” Dr Mangudya said.

A pregnant Masvingo woman who was on Tuesday placed in self-isolation on suspicion of having Covid-19, has tested negative and is on her way to recovery at home in Mucheke.

The development comes as two specimens were collected on Wednesday for testing after they arrived in Masvingo from outside the country recently. Results are expected today.

Meanwhile, one of the two suspected cases of Covid-19 in Mutare has tested negative, while results for the second patient are expected tomorrow.

Provincial medical director Dr Amadeous Shamu said results of the pregnant Masvingo woman who caused a stir at Masvingo General Hospital after showing signs of mild flu and repeated coughing, were negative of Covid-19.

Specimens from two other people who were recently outside the country were sent to Harare for tests while they were put on self-quarantine.

In terms of the Manicaland cases, the acting Manicaland provincial medical director Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said: “We have received results for the person who has been self-isolating at home.
“We expect to receive results for the malaria patient who is at Mutare Provincial hospital tomorrow.”

The patient had been placed in isolation since admission although he had recovered well from malaria.-State media

Farai Dziva|A prison officer identified as Ronald Chiwakaya threatened to shoot MDC activists who were detained at Harare Remand Prison.

Below is a statement written by Stephen Chuma, the MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson who was also arrested for allegedly inciting violence in Chitungwiza:

The rot and squalid conditions at Harare Remand Prison where we were unjustifiably incarcerated for the past 25 days is reflective of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s failed regime.

From every facet, the institution which is located along Enterprise Road has become a symbol of military dictatorship where dissent political voices are subjected to torture and nervous conditions which defiles and defies local and international statutes on rights of detainees.

At the centre of persecution of political detainees is one boastful Ronald Chiwakaya who is the Officer In Charge at the torture institution.

Chiwakaya, an ex-military man with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is an embodiment of frontal human rights attacks under Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.

His presence at the remand institution which ideally is for safe keeping of accused remanded in custody is a clear confirmation of state capture by the military.

In one instance, the Officer in Charge called me and 12 other co-accused MDC activists to his office whereupon he pulled his 9 millimetre short gun and pointed at us.

Chiwakaya who is a law unto himself uttered all sorts of polemic attacks on our party and its leadership which he branded as “agents of West”.

Chiwakaya who is a self proclaimed participant of Gukurahundi killings threatened us with death and disappearance citing suspicious murders of fallen MDC leader, Learnmore Jongwe and activist Hilton Tamangani at the hands of state.

As if the threats were not enough, we were made to watch ZANU PF propaganda documentaries for three hours on Friday 20 March and on Tuesday 25 March.

The nervous conditions at Harare Remand Prison where raw sewer flows in cell corridors makes the institution a death trap.

Critical water shortages at the institution compound the situation and as a result there is already fears of typhoid as evidenced by inmates faecal matter laced with blood which could be easily seen in toilets that go for days without water.

With Coronavirus on our doorsteps, there are fears that inmates will be wiped out due to over congestion in cells if the pandemic find its way in prisons.

In spite of all the challenges, threats and persecution, we remain unmoved and unshaken!

Our resolve and conviction for change is still the same.

It’s game on!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has said Mupedzanhamo and Mbare Musika markets will only be closed when the need arises.

Mnangagwa was responding to questions about Coronavirus from journalists.

“The process is likely to follow, but for now, we have decided to have health personnel around the area to monitor and make sure that people coming in or out of those places are screened.

If the need arises that we close Mbare (green market) and other markets, we will do so. But this is the first phase of our action to restrict free movement,” said Mnangagwa.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s driver has been spared jail after he was ordered to perform 315 hours of unpaid work for stealing a cellphone handed to the President as a gift when he recently hosted a field day at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

Chamunorwa Tapa (45) was initially sentenced to 14 months in jail after he admitted to stealing the President’s $2 400 gift when he appeared before magistrate Ms Joy Chikodzore charged with theft.

Ms Chikodzore set aside five months of the jail term on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

The remaining nine months were set aside on condition that Tapa performs 315 hours of unpaid work at Mabvuku Police Station starting today.

Prosecutor Mr Benjamin Chikerema had recommended that Tapa be jailed for 12 months with half of the term being set aside on condition of good behaviour.

He said Tapa’s actions were out of greed and proved that his moral blameworthiness was also high considering that he was working in the country’s highest office.

Tapa begged for leniency from the court, saying he was married with two wives and had children at university for whom he was paying fees.

In sentencing Tapa, Ms Chikodzore said his moral blameworthiness was high, which called for a heavy punishment.

It was the State’s case that on March 12 this year, President Mnangagwa hosted a field day at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

At the field day, President Mnangagwa was presented with gifts by various companies, including the cellphone worth $2 400.

It was then discovered the following day that the cellphone was missing during reconciliation of the gifts at Zimbabwe House, leading to an investigation.
Tapi was arrested at State House on March 23 at around 6pm.

He led detectives to Mabvuku where the cellphone was recovered from one Jonathan Magaya.-State media

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s driver has been spared jail after he was ordered to perform 315 hours of unpaid work for stealing a cellphone handed to the President as a gift when he recently hosted a field day at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

Chamunorwa Tapa (45) was initially sentenced to 14 months in jail after he admitted to stealing the President’s $2 400 gift when he appeared before magistrate Ms Joy Chikodzore charged with theft.

Ms Chikodzore set aside five months of the jail term on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

The remaining nine months were set aside on condition that Tapa performs 315 hours of unpaid work at Mabvuku Police Station starting today.

Prosecutor Mr Benjamin Chikerema had recommended that Tapa be jailed for 12 months with half of the term being set aside on condition of good behaviour.

He said Tapa’s actions were out of greed and proved that his moral blameworthiness was also high considering that he was working in the country’s highest office.

Tapa begged for leniency from the court, saying he was married with two wives and had children at university for whom he was paying fees.

In sentencing Tapa, Ms Chikodzore said his moral blameworthiness was high, which called for a heavy punishment.

It was the State’s case that on March 12 this year, President Mnangagwa hosted a field day at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.

At the field day, President Mnangagwa was presented with gifts by various companies, including the cellphone worth $2 400.

It was then discovered the following day that the cellphone was missing during reconciliation of the gifts at Zimbabwe House, leading to an investigation.
Tapi was arrested at State House on March 23 at around 6pm.

He led detectives to Mabvuku where the cellphone was recovered from one Jonathan Magaya.-State media

State Media|Wilkins Hospital says it did all it could to save the life of Zororo Makamba, given the resources at its disposal. The hospital said before admission into the isolation facility, it took oxygen tanks to his house twice, against standard procedure, which was administered per mask. Oxygen is normally delivered through a nasal cannula at low concentration levels, but a mask delivers high concentration levels.

While in admission, the hospital said its staff worked flat out together with Makamba’s two private doctors to try and manage his condition. In fact, the first nurse who attended to Makamba upon arrival at the hospital is said to be unwell and presently in isolation.

The local authority is awaiting her test results. This comes amid revelations that all referral and private hospitals in the city had refused to take in Makamba for intensive care, which could have seen him put on a ventilator.

Sadly, Makamba became the first victim to die of coronavirus in the country and the second to test positive of the same.

In Covid-19 response, ventilators are used to manage the breathing function of patients. The current set up in the healthcare delivery system is that ventilators are found at referral institutions where serious cases are referred to from a primary healthcare facility.

Wilkins together with Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospitals are under Harare City Council and act as primary healthcare facilities. Ordinarily, any complications requiring special services such as ventilators are referred to central hospitals for further management.

“All central hospitals refused to take him, even private hospitals refused, arguing that it was an infectious case hence should be attended to at the isolation centre.

“This was despite the fact that Wilkins is administered by Harare City Council and have not received any financial resources from central government to upgrade the facility to an ideal isolation centre. As part of our upgrading, we have reserved seven ICU beds with provision for ventilators and we are still resource mobilising to get equipment for those beds.

“Out of the US$6,7 million, which we requested for Covid -19 response, we were only given $100 000, which is yet to reflect in our account. We were given an unfunded mandate. By declaring the outbreak a national emergency, we expected financial assistance to upgrade the facility to an ideal isolation centre. Now its appearing as if Covid-19 is a Harare City Council responsibility.

“All central hospitals are now referring all cases here, including some which do not even meet the screening criteria, thereby overburdening our staff, which are already demotivated by the negative comments coming from clients. All facilities should be doing assessments before referring cases here.

“Already, staff has started coming up with excuses not to come to work,” said Harare City Council director for health services Dr Prosper Chonzi. Asked why Makamba was put in an ordinary ward with no adequate facilities to take care of his condition, Dr Chonzi said at the time he was admitted, the wing which was previously reserved for coronavirus cases was undergoing renovations, facilitated by the Chinese Government and the hospital had to improvise. Refurbishments are expected to be completed by weekend.

“Not all Covid-19 patients require ventilators, a majority will recover without them. It is unfortunate, we started with one of the worse cases which required a ventilator.

“However, in our preparedness plan, we had budgeted for seven ventilators for the ICU beds and as said before, we are yet to get funding to fully equip these rooms,” said Dr Chonzi.

Dr Chonzi said Covid-19 national response required “all hands on deck” instead of shifting all the burden to the local authority administered facility.

“There is need to invest more in this isolation facility. We need to make sure that serious cases go somewhere else. Our frontline workers are demotivated, they need risk allowances and they think someone in management has taken their money when in actual fact nothing has come down to us.”

A quick tour of the facility showed that indeed the wing, which many authorities assessed for preparedness previously, was under renovations. This makes management of any serious cases difficult under current circumstances. Floors, walls, handwashing basins, waste are all being spruced up. There are also rooms with sockets for ventilators, but are not yet ready for use.

Although no exact figures could be provided immediately, authorities at the hospital said nearly 200 people were screened between Tuesday and Wednesday. Responding to the funding gap, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo yesterday said Government was in the process of mobilising more resources for response. He said the response plan has since been revised upwards to US$100 million.

Dr Moyo said no funding has so far been disbursed but Government has also committed local resources towards Covid-19, which would be disbursed as soon as possible.

In terms of the country’s capacity to manage worst cases, Dr Moyo said Government has sourced ventilators, which will soon be handed over to Wilkins as it completes its refurbishments over the coming weekend. He said more centres will also be established countrywide. He said Government will also continue to train more health workers to build their capacity to deal with Covid-19.

-State Media

By Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC vice President Tendai Biti has scoffed at the move by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to re-introduce the option for citizens to buy commodities using United States dollars saying the Zanu PF administration owe citizens an apology for not heeding calls to dollarize earlier than now.

Posting on Twitter soon after the RBZ monetary policy announcement, Biti said government should now bring a bill to parliament to formally repeal sections of the Finance Act to do with mono currency.

“The regime has radically done a volte face& sneakily re-dollarised.We told them it wouldn’t work & won’t work. They owe Zimbabwe an apology and they should now bring a Bill to Parliament formally repealing those sections of theFinance Act that incorporated SI33 & 142of 2019 1/3,” said Biti.

COVID-19 update. (26/3/20)

Anxiety and fear are reigning supreme in the hearts and minds of all Zimbabweans due to the COVID-19 outbreak that is now deeply rooted in our country.

We believe that there is still hope for our nation to flatten this epidemic, and reach negligible peak levels if we take drastic measures, which we wish to re-iterate today.

But first of all our sincere condolences to the Makamba family, and indeed to all Zimbabweans, on the untimely loss of our second confirmed COVID-19 case, Zororo.

Our hearts go out to the family in solidarity, and we take very seriously all the observations they made about our unpreparedness for this disaster, and the hardships and mental torment they had to endure.

This is a wake-up call for Zimbabwe and we must respond promptly and appropriately to this challenge. I must point out that this brings our case fatality rate to 50%! This is not acceptable. Let’s watch this number as we go along. We must achieve case fatality rates of a fraction of 1%. Then we know our health delivery system is working as it should.

The big lesson we learn from this first fatality is that preparedness is not something we can only wish, but we’ve got to work hard at it and deploy resources big time towards preparedness.

Mere reassurance from those in authority will not work. Waiting for donations is not a viable option. We must take the lead in prioritizing healthcare in our expenditures.

At the end of 60 days or so we should look back with satisfaction and say “that money was well worth spending”. To that end, we ask the government to suspend all non-life saving program expenditures and channel resources to health care for the next 2-3 months.

We have another disaster looming. Healthcare workers cannot continue to work in this toxic environment without the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

We have noted how health care workers died in countries and economies much tougher than ours. We also note with much trepidation that 4 800 health care workers have been infected by COVID-19 in Italy and that this represents 9% of total cases.

We should not sacrifice any doctor or nurse on the altar of self-imposed poverty in a country that is so well endowed with resources.

It is imperative that government provides forthwith the necessary PPE for health workers so that they can come to work with the confidence that they will return home safely.

At this point in time, we wish to emphasise that we are firmly behind the health workers for demanding proper working conditions in the face of a highly infectious virus. Provision of water at all our hospitals is also non-negotiable.

We urge the government to go the extra mile and give a risk allowance as requested by some health workers. This has been done in the past and it went a long way towards incentivizing the health workers to continue to serve the nation in very dangerous environs.

Any non-availability of health workers from the hospitals and any ensuing disastrous consequences will squarely be on the government’s shoulders.

We further urge the government to institute a total lockdown of our cities and to close all borders except for the most essential travel. Communication with the public is key at all times.

The message on constant hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, social distancing, banning of public gatherings, self-isolation, and working from home whenever possible must be reinforced daily. Telephonic consultations are encouraged at this time to minimize human to human contact.

We wish to appreciate the international community for your valued assistance at this difficult time, our local authorities for the hard work and taking the challenge on head-on under very difficult circumstances, all our health workers in general, and all Zimbabweans for your great fortitude.

We will subdue the virus if we climb with care and confidence, looking after each other’s needs, watching each other’s backs, and prioritizing health care.

H. Madzorera
Secretary for Health & Child Welfare
Movement for Democratic Change

By A Correspondent- Prominent Zimbabwean traditional healer Sekuru Banda has expressed hope on the deadly Coronavirus saying people should not panic.

Speaking to a local publication in Harare today the traditional healer said people should take heed from health educators and follow the government’s decree banning of public gathering.

“It is very unfortunate that we have been hit  by the pandemic but my message is people should not panic instead we should all comply to the government’s orders and follow  health tips from the ministry of health,” said the traditional healer.

The soft spoken traditional healer said the pandemic does not require fake prophecies but just to follow hygiene.

“This pandemic does not require fake prophecies but instead people should follow hygiene ways of living and l am glad that borders have closed and all ports of entry have been closed people should just be patient it is a passing phase no need to panic,” he added.

So far over nearly 21 000 people have died of the disease  globally while 460 000 are infected.-Online

MASVINGO High Court judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze’s son, Munyaradzi Junior Mawadze, was on Thursday hauled before the Harare Magistrate’s Courts facing allegations of murdering an events planner and cellphone dealer, one Sipho Ncube.

Mawadze, 22, is jointly charged with Elvin Dongo Saungweme, 22, and Dellon David Balani, 22 all from Harare.

The trio appeared in court Thursday afternoon.

Ncube went missing two weeks ago and his body was discovered on Wednesday.

The State alleges Mawadze and Saungweme admitted to the allegations before they made indications to the police on how they committed the crime.

According to the State, the trio hatched a plan to rob Ncube of his mobile phones and cash. The alleged incident happened 12 March this year.

The three allegedly approached the now deceased and lured him into their car claiming they wanted to buy three cell phones.

Ncube agreed and told them each phone cost US$1 800.

“The now deceased agreed to accompany the trio to Waterfalls and the accused diverted the route and drove along Chiremba Road passing Epworth going towards Ruwa,” the court papers read.

Whilst along Chiremba Road, they reached a secluded place where they robbed Ncube of his cellphones and an unknown amount of cash.

They also allegedly stabbed him with a knife before slitting open his throat, killing him instantly.

The three are said to have driven away and dumped Ncube’s body in Ruwa.

The accused went on to share their loot.

Ncube’s relatives became suspicious when he failed to return home and filed a police report on the same date. The court heard that in order to cover up for their offence, Mawadze sent a text message using Ncube’s cellphone alleging that he had been kidnapped.

It is state’s case that Mawadze also cleaned the bloodstained vehicle before he fled to stay with his father in Masvingo.

Another police report was made at Harare Central police station before police launched investigations which led to the recovery of the vehicle used during the commission of the crime.

Further searches were conducted at Mawadze’s place in Harare in the presence of his roommate Dylan Nira leading to the recovery of a pair of black jean trousers, white vest and a pair of white sneakers all soiled with blood.

On March 24 2020, Mawadze was arrested in Masvingo and was brought to CID Homicide, in Harare where he was interviewed.

The State said he went on to implicate his accomplices.

One the following day, further follow ups were done by CID Homicide Harare leading to the arrest of the second accused at his place of residence.

Searches were carried out in his room leading to the recovery of blood soiled clothes and one of Ncube’s cell phones. Saungweme also implicated Mawadze and Balani as his accomplices.

Saungweme and Mawadze led the police to the crime scene near Timire New Stands in Ruwa where they had dumped Ncube’s body.

They made indications which were video recorded by the detectives at the scene where the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. ZRP Ruwa attended the scene and ferried the body to Parirenyatwa hospital for postmortem.

Balani was arrested later on Wednesday. He was found in possession of Ncube’s other cell phone.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe(RB) has declared that the United States Dollar can now be used to pay for goods and services in local transactions allegedly as measures to deal with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic lockdown period.

The RBZ has adopted a fictitious fixed exchange rate of ZWL$25 to USD1.

Below is the full statement from Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya.

 ‌

State Media|Wilkins Hospital says it did all it could to save the life of Zororo Makamba, given the resources at its disposal. The hospital said before admission into the isolation facility, it took oxygen tanks to his house twice, against standard procedure, which was administered per mask. Oxygen is normally delivered through a nasal cannula at low concentration levels, but a mask delivers high concentration levels.

While in admission, the hospital said its staff worked flat out together with Makamba’s two private doctors to try and manage his condition. In fact, the first nurse who attended to Makamba upon arrival at the hospital is said to be unwell and presently in isolation.

The local authority is awaiting her test results. This comes amid revelations that all referral and private hospitals in the city had refused to take in Makamba for intensive care, which could have seen him put on a ventilator.

Sadly, Makamba became the first victim to die of coronavirus in the country and the second to test positive of the same.

In Covid-19 response, ventilators are used to manage the breathing function of patients. The current set up in the healthcare delivery system is that ventilators are found at referral institutions where serious cases are referred to from a primary healthcare facility.

Wilkins together with Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospitals are under Harare City Council and act as primary healthcare facilities. Ordinarily, any complications requiring special services such as ventilators are referred to central hospitals for further management.

“All central hospitals refused to take him, even private hospitals refused, arguing that it was an infectious case hence should be attended to at the isolation centre.

“This was despite the fact that Wilkins is administered by Harare City Council and have not received any financial resources from central government to upgrade the facility to an ideal isolation centre. As part of our upgrading, we have reserved seven ICU beds with provision for ventilators and we are still resource mobilising to get equipment for those beds.

“Out of the US$6,7 million, which we requested for Covid -19 response, we were only given $100 000, which is yet to reflect in our account. We were given an unfunded mandate. By declaring the outbreak a national emergency, we expected financial assistance to upgrade the facility to an ideal isolation centre. Now its appearing as if Covid-19 is a Harare City Council responsibility.

“All central hospitals are now referring all cases here, including some which do not even meet the screening criteria, thereby overburdening our staff, which are already demotivated by the negative comments coming from clients. All facilities should be doing assessments before referring cases here.

“Already, staff has started coming up with excuses not to come to work,” said Harare City Council director for health services Dr Prosper Chonzi. Asked why Makamba was put in an ordinary ward with no adequate facilities to take care of his condition, Dr Chonzi said at the time he was admitted, the wing which was previously reserved for coronavirus cases was undergoing renovations, facilitated by the Chinese Government and the hospital had to improvise. Refurbishments are expected to be completed by weekend.

“Not all Covid-19 patients require ventilators, a majority will recover without them. It is unfortunate, we started with one of the worse cases which required a ventilator.

“However, in our preparedness plan, we had budgeted for seven ventilators for the ICU beds and as said before, we are yet to get funding to fully equip these rooms,” said Dr Chonzi.

Dr Chonzi said Covid-19 national response required “all hands on deck” instead of shifting all the burden to the local authority administered facility.

“There is need to invest more in this isolation facility. We need to make sure that serious cases go somewhere else. Our frontline workers are demotivated, they need risk allowances and they think someone in management has taken their money when in actual fact nothing has come down to us.”

A quick tour of the facility showed that indeed the wing, which many authorities assessed for preparedness previously, was under renovations. This makes management of any serious cases difficult under current circumstances. Floors, walls, handwashing basins, waste are all being spruced up. There are also rooms with sockets for ventilators, but are not yet ready for use.

Although no exact figures could be provided immediately, authorities at the hospital said nearly 200 people were screened between Tuesday and Wednesday. Responding to the funding gap, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo yesterday said Government was in the process of mobilising more resources for response. He said the response plan has since been revised upwards to US$100 million.

Dr Moyo said no funding has so far been disbursed but Government has also committed local resources towards Covid-19, which would be disbursed as soon as possible.

In terms of the country’s capacity to manage worst cases, Dr Moyo said Government has sourced ventilators, which will soon be handed over to Wilkins as it completes its refurbishments over the coming weekend. He said more centres will also be established countrywide. He said Government will also continue to train more health workers to build their capacity to deal with Covid-19.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial political commissar Jevas Masosote was recently in the eye of a storm after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a man he accused of impreg_nating his teenage daughter who is still in high school.

Masosota reportedly stormed into Liberty Dzingai’s homestead in Tshovani Location and maliciously damaged his property at gunpoint.

The incident is said to have happened in full view of Zanu PF provincial secretary for information Ronald Ndava, former Chiredzi Town Council Zanu PF chairperson Francis Moyo and former Chiredzi General Hospital medical superintendent Tungamirai Rukatya.

The three are said to have had a torrid time to restrain a raging Masosota as he assaulted Dzingai and broke some household property which included a television set, a bicycle and dinner plates.

Sources said it was Moyo who eventually managed to calm Masosota down after Ndava had failed.

When contacted for comment, Dzingai said Masosota came to his homestead at around 21:00hrs and began to assault him at first without saying a word.

“It’s true. He came to my house at around 9pm driving a party vehicle and began to assault me using a chair before saying anything. He went on to destroy my some dinner plates, squeezed my two-year-old child against the wall before I retaliated.

“He was accusing me of impreg_nating his daughter, claiming that they had since aborted the preg_nancy in Harare. He went to his car and brought a pistol which he threatened to gun me down with. He destroyed my plasma television, bicycle and other valuable property in my house as he stormed in,” said Dzingai.

When Masosote was contacted for comment, he said he was not aware of such an occasion.

“I never did such thing, it’s new to me,” Masosota said.

A source who witnessed the fracas said Masosota came in drunk and destroyed Dzingai’s property at gun point as he was accused Dzingai of impregnating his high school daughter.

— TellZim

By Own Correspondent| Sakunda Holdings begins taking delivery of its USD $3 million equipment and protective clothing to be used in fighting COVID 19 this Friday as it intensifies efforts to support Government in fighting the epidemic.

All equipment is expected to be in the country by April 5 and the two medical facilities identified by Sakunda Holdings-Rock Foundation Medical Centre and St Annes Hospital-are expected to become operational soon after.

This comes amid reports that Sakunda, working with a team of doctors led by Dr David Chimuka, has already identified more places in and outside Harare which can be used to fight the corona virus.

The utilisation of new sites will be determined by government.

Sakunda officials say some of the equipment start arriving this Friday from China after payments were already done to ensure that Rock Foundation Medical Centre and St Annes Hospital are operational as a matter of urgency.

The equipment expected in the country include 100 ventilators, 10 thousand rapid testing kits, five thousand protective suits, 10 thousand disposable protective gowns, 100 000 gloves, 100 000 disposable shoe covers, 50 000 goggles and 50 000 respiratory N95 masks.

Also to come is 1 million surgical masks, 1 million disposable caps, 40 000 litres of HTH disinfectant, 40 thousand litres of hand sanitiser, 100 infrared thermometers and 5 000 face shields among others.

Officials said there is a possibility that some of the equipment will be donated to Wilkins hospital.

The hospitals will be open to everyone contrary to reports that they were meant for the elite.

AS THE country reels from the effects of the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, including misinformation on social media — Health minister Obadiah Moyo, pictured, is mulling passing a raft of regulations that will see peddlers of falsehoods being caged.

This comes as government gazetted sweeping regulations to empower designated medical officials to compulsorily enforce the testing and screening of people suspected to be suffering from the novel disease. The country currently has three confirmed cases of coronavirus, which has so far killed over 18 000 people across the globe, including journalist Zororo Makamba, who died at Wilkins Hospital on Monday.

Apart from the Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations, Moyo said government will also pass regulations to bring sanity to the dissemination of information on coronavirus.

“We are gravely alarmed at the spread of fake news regarding Covid-19 and are deeply concerned that some persons are arrogating themselves authority to speak on behalf of the government on issues regarding this novel virus.

“We note with concern that some political leaders are seeking to use the cases that have been confirmed positive in Zimbabwe for cheap political mileage at the expense of public good.

“In light of this deluge of misinformation in this day of the social media, we would like to inform the public to rely on credible sources of information regarding health matters. While we welcome input from everyone in the fight against Covid-19, this should be done orderly and not styled in a manner meant to cause alarm and despondency.

“The ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that the country’s existing laws would be used to punish errant members of society who thrive on triggering despondency and disquiet, regardless of the social standing of such persons.

“The President declared Covid-19 a national disaster and we will not hesitate to use appropriate laws at our disposal to protect society from malcontents who seek to score cheap political goals using this novel disease.

“We are also in the process of putting in place regulations around information dissemination,” Moyo said in a statement to the Daily News.

Speaking at the Zanu PF politburo meeting in Harare yesterday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa asked people to disseminate the correct information on coronavirus, adding that all returning residents will be subjected to a strict testing process.

As Mnangagwa’s government steps up efforts to fight the novel pandemic that has killed thousands it gazetted Statutory Instrument 77 (SI 77), which gives the government powers to arrest people who are found breaking the law and also enforcing mandatory testing for suspected coronavirus cases.

“The declaration of Covid-19 as a formidable epidemic disease has effect till the 20th of May, 2020, unless the minister earlier, by general notice in the Gazette, extends these regulations by a further month, and may, upon expiry of that extension, in like manner further extend them for a month at a time,” read part of the gazetted regulations.

Further, the regulations gives the minister power to “direct the making of inquiries into the cause of death of any person, apart from any inquiry by a magistrate under any other enactment; (f) order, when deemed necessary, post-mortem examinations or exhumations; (g) prohibit in special circumstances the burial of any dead body in any local authority except on a certificate by a medical officer appointed to grant such certificates or after compliance with any other specified conditions; (h) regulate the mode of disposal, the times and places of burial of dead bodies and the manner of conducting removals and burials thereof in any local authority; (i) regulate and restrict and, if deemed necessary, prohibit the removal of merchandise or any article or thing into, out of or within any in any local authority or specified or defined area”.

According to the new regulations gazetted on Monday, government will have the right to visit any homes in search of persons who could be infected.

“Any person who — (a) disobeys an order … having been ordered to be detained, isolated or quarantined in any place, removes himself or herself from such detention, isolation or quarantine without the knowledge or consent of an enforcement officer, or contrary to any conditions specified for any temporary release from such detention, isolation or quarantine; shall be guilty of an offence and liable to fine not exceeding level 12 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year to both such fine and such imprisonment.

“Any person who escapes from any place of detention, isolation or quarantine may be arrested without warrant,” read the regulations in part.

According to Veritas, an organisation that gives information on the work of courts and Parliament, anyone found to be in violation of any of the regulations risked paying a fine of $36 000, which is the stipulated figure under Level 12.

Daily News

By Own Correspondent| Influential and celebrated traditional healer Sekuru Banda has urged Zimbabweans not to panic in the face of the deadly coronavirus that has already claimed one life from the five confirmed cases in the country.

Zimbabweans have panicked since the country recorded its first COVID-19 death with people flocking local supermarkets hoarding foodstuffs and other essentials amid fears of a possible lockdown.

But in an interview with ZimEye today, Sekuru Banda impressed upon citizens to remain calm, listen and follow advice from the government, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other medical experts on ways to stay safe from the global pandemic.

“I urge people not to panic, panicking will only worsen the situation, this disease will soon pass even in China where it started, it’s now under control, all that is needed is to take preventive measures and follow government and WHO guidelines on staying safe,” said Sekuru Banda.

He also urged citizens to look for knowledge on the disease from official sources and shun spreading fake news which he said was causing confusion as people end up making decisions based on wrong information.

“Fake news spreads very quickly and I would advice people to get information from trusted sources, many a times people end up acting on wrong information causing more confusion.

“Government should also make sure all the relevant information is easily available to citizens,” added Sekuru Banda.

On a global scale, the disease has claimed over 18 000 lives from the 410 000 confirmed cases.

Zimbabwe has recorded five positive cases and one death but the government has already put in place measures to contain further spread of the virus including banning of gatherings of over 50 people, closing of borders to foreigners while urging people to stay at home.

The disease has slowed economic progress globally with major currencies including the British Pound, the Euro, South African Rand and Chinese Yuan losing value but optimism remains that the disease will be contained in the shortest possible time.

Two people in Mutare have been tested for Covid-19 after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the disease.

Acting Manicaland provincial medical director Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said the samples had been sent to Harare and they were waiting for results.

He said one of the two suspected cases was admitted at Mutare Provincial Hospital where he had presented with Malaria symptoms.

“We have taken samples from two people and we are waiting for the results. One is self-isolating at home while we wait for the results and we have been following up on them. The one at Mutare Provincial Hospital tested positive for Malaria but the doctor who attended to him noticed that he was also exhibiting some symptoms consistent with Covid-19 and a test was ordered,” said Dr Mukuzunga.

He said the patient was still at the hospital but recovering well.

Chantelle Muteswa’s lawyer told ZimEye …. :

The incident happened at Spar Supermarket in Waterfalls.

Frank Buyanga came with 3 armed men with two cars. She said she does not know the type of guns.

They beat up a woman (relative) who was with the son while pointing guns at both Chantelle Muteswa and the woman.

Buyanga then took the child and swiftly drove off.

Chantelle then left the place and went to Waterfalls Police station where she has just finished making a report.

There are now various efforts to ensure Buyanga does not leave Zimbabwe with the child.

Anyone with information on Buyanga’s whereabouts should call Waterfalls Police or CID Harare.

By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf leader and president Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a probe team led by Zanu-PF secretary for security, Lovemore Matuke, to probe senior party officials believed to be funding party youths to issue ‘reckless’ statements that denigrate leaders of the ruling party.

Last month, the Politburo was forced to suspend deputy youth secretary Tongai Matutu and expel youth political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu after the two made sensational claims that business tycoons with strong links to senior government and ruling party officials, had captured the State.

The two youth leaders claimed that State capture was the reason behind high level corruption in government corridors and the deteriorating economic situation in the country.

Those implicated in the State capture by Matutu and Tsenengamu were; Kuda Tagwirei, the majority shareholder of Sakunda Holdings, Tafadzwa Musarara, the president of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) and Billy Rautenbach, the owner of Green Fuels.

Tagwirei has strong links to Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. He also sits in Mnangagwa’s presidential advisory committee.

However, the allegations did not go well with Mnangagwa and other Politburo members who summarily suspended the youth leaders.

Tsenengamu was later expelled from the party after he defied a party directive to attend the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology while continuing to raise corruption allegations within government circles.

At its Politburo meeting Wednesday, it was resolved that Matuke, who is also the deputy labour minister, should lead the investigations with the main task of finding out who among senior party officials were backing the party youths to make allegations that disrespected the party’s leadership.

The allegations made by the youth league have been viewed as part of the factional fights within Zanu-PF as some senior officials are reported to be unhappy with Mnangagwa’s style of leadership after backing him in a military coup that saw then President Robert Mugabe removed from office November 2017.-Online

By A Correspondent- Chegutu Rural District Council has with immediate fired its chief executive Mr Dan Zvobgo over allegations of abuse of office and gross mismanagement.

Mr Zvobgo, whose benefits have been terminated, was dismissed while on forced leave after allegedly failing to appear before an investigation committee.

Chegutu RDC chairman Mr Tatenda Gwinji confirmed the sacking of Mr Zvobgo this morning, but could not immediately give finer details.
However, according to documents in possession of this publication Mr Zvobgo was accused of a litany of issues including giving a Non-Governmental Organisation, Direct Aid, a lease for Jinkstown Primary School without following proper council procedures.

Mr Zvobgo also allegedly went into a barter trade land deal with Croco Motors without council mandate.

He is also accused of prejudicing council by drafting and issuing a developmental permit for Sunny Fi Yeng Norton Tile Company without council mandate and in the process the council was underpaid as only $17000 was paid instead of 0,5 percent of their project value which is at around US$30 million.-Statemedia

COVID-19 update. (26/3/20)

Anxiety and fear are reigning supreme in the hearts and minds of all Zimbabweans due to the COVID-19 outbreak that is now deeply rooted in our country.

We believe that there is still hope for our nation to flatten this epidemic, and reach negligible peak levels if we take drastic measures, which we wish to re-iterate today.

But first of all our sincere condolences to the Makamba family, and indeed to all Zimbabweans, on the untimely loss of our second confirmed COVID-19 case, Zororo.

Our hearts go out to the family in solidarity, and we take very seriously all the observations they made about our unpreparedness for this disaster, and the hardships and mental torment they had to endure.

This is a wake-up call for Zimbabwe and we must respond promptly and appropriately to this challenge. I must point out that this brings our case fatality rate to 50%! This is not acceptable. Let’s watch this number as we go along. We must achieve case fatality rates of a fraction of 1%. Then we know our health delivery system is working as it should.

The big lesson we learn from this first fatality is that preparedness is not something we can only wish, but we’ve got to work hard at it and deploy resources big time towards preparedness.

Mere reassurance from those in authority will not work. Waiting for donations is not a viable option. We must take the lead in prioritizing healthcare in our expenditures.

At the end of 60 days or so we should look back with satisfaction and say “that money was well worth spending”. To that end, we ask the government to suspend all non-life saving program expenditures and channel resources to health care for the next 2-3 months.

We have another disaster looming. Healthcare workers cannot continue to work in this toxic environment without the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

We have noted how health care workers died in countries and economies much tougher than ours. We also note with much trepidation that 4 800 health care workers have been infected by COVID-19 in Italy and that this represents 9% of total cases.

We should not sacrifice any doctor or nurse on the altar of self-imposed poverty in a country that is so well endowed with resources.

It is imperative that government provides forthwith the necessary PPE for health workers so that they can come to work with the confidence that they will return home safely.

At this point in time, we wish to emphasise that we are firmly behind the health workers for demanding proper working conditions in the face of a highly infectious virus. Provision of water at all our hospitals is also non-negotiable.

We urge the government to go the extra mile and give a risk allowance as requested by some health workers. This has been done in the past and it went a long way towards incentivizing the health workers to continue to serve the nation in very dangerous environs.

Any non-availability of health workers from the hospitals and any ensuing disastrous consequences will squarely be on the government’s shoulders.

We further urge the government to institute a total lockdown of our cities and to close all borders except for the most essential travel. Communication with the public is key at all times.

The message on constant hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, social distancing, banning of public gatherings, self-isolation, and working from home whenever possible must be reinforced daily. Telephonic consultations are encouraged at this time to minimize human to human contact.

We wish to appreciate the international community for your valued assistance at this difficult time, our local authorities for the hard work and taking the challenge on head-on under very difficult circumstances, all our health workers in general, and all Zimbabweans for your great fortitude.

We will subdue the virus if we climb with care and confidence, looking after each other’s needs, watching each other’s backs, and prioritizing health care.

H. Madzorera
Secretary for Health & Child Welfare
Movement for Democratic Change