The government has refused to give in to former vice president Phelekezela Mphoko’s request to have his pension paid in United States dollars.

Mphoko approached the court declaring government’s decision to withhold his US$320 000 pension illegal and unconstitutional.

However, the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda, said Mphoko did not explain how he arrived at US$320 000. Instead, the former Vice President will be paid ZWL$765 706,58 as pension and benefits. Said Sibanda:

The applicant cannot simply convert what he used to earn at the going bank rate without taking into consideration the changes brought in by the departure of the multicurrency regime.

In this regard, therefore, there is a dispute as to what the respondent may be entitled to.

I have in the circumstances asked for computation to be done by the pensions office as regards the amount due and payable to Mphoko and I am reliably informed that the amount is $765 706.58.

Mphoko was appointed vice president in December 2014, until he was removed from office in November 2017 following a military coup that toppled the late former president Robert Mugabe.

He joined the civil service in 1981 and according to the law, he is entitled to a pension and benefits.

-Daily News

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has warned government against reversing the land reform saying previous attempts to appease the west through repealing the Indigenization Act did not yield results.

In a four thread Twitter message, Mliswa said;

1/ SI62/2020 must be repealed. Indigenisation – yes, compensation – yes. Compensation however isn’t returning the land. It’s a move prone to creating unnecessary problems. Everybody has accepted land reform so for Govt to inconsistently overturn the policy is amiss.

2/ What did we get when we repealed the Indigenisation Act @MthuliNcube ? …Nothing, now we want to make the same mistake with the land. To appease who? Funds may be set up for compensation or the JV route makes a lot of sense & should continue to be implemented

3/ Where Govt owns State land the method of 99 year lease offers should apply & encompass all. Govt must remain consistent. As Hon. Ziyambi rightly said the SI should go before the legal committee where it should be dealt with once & for all.

4/ What has the introduction of such an unprecedented number of SIs done for the country anyway? It signifies a problem.

LEADING international airline, Emirates, has suspended flights from Harare to Lusaka and then Dubai and back from 20 March to 20 May as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement, Emirates said the move was in response to the prevailing global conditions following the outbreak of Covid-19, which has spread across the globe and has so far killed more than 8 000 people.

The pandemic has disrupted trade and international exhibitions and business engagements. Most countries have effected travel restrictions as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“Flights from Harare to Lusaka and then Dubai (EK714) and flights from Dubai to Lusaka and then Harare (EK713) will be cancelled effective 20th March up to 20 May 2020. Our last flights to and from Harare are on 19 March,” it said.

Meanwhile, Emirates said it has implemented enhanced cleaning and complete disinfection of all cabins as a precaution on all aircraft departing from its hub in Dubai.

“In line with the latest expert medical finding that the Covid-19 virus is primarily transmitted by touch, Emirates placed its focus on surface cleaning. On any aircraft that was found to have transported a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 case, Emirates would go even further and implement deep cleaning and disinfection in a process that takes between six to eight hours to complete. This includes the defogging of cabin interiors and misting with disinfectant across all soft furnishings and replacement of seat covers and cushions in the affected area,” said Emirates.

Meanwhile, South African Airways (SAA) said yesterday that it had cancelled 162 international and regional flights until the end of this month due to low demand and restrictions linked to the Coronavirus.

SAA is under a form of bankruptcy protection and battling for its survival. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced travel bans affecting several countries where SAA flies, including the United States, Britain and Germany.

“The effects of the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) have led to travel disruptions and restrictions across the world, leading to the grounding of aircraft, releasing employees and cancelling flights for many airlines. SAA is not immune to these realities,” it said in a statement.

The airline said it reviewed its flight schedule and decided to operate flights under circumstances and business considerations that will require scheduling of flights. “Notwithstanding the decline in demand, SAA continues to aggressively review its schedule to match capacity with demand to the extent possible. Where feasible, we will consider options that include cancelling and merging flights,” said SAA chief commercial officer, Philip Saunders.

For the period 17 until 31 March 2020, SAA has cancelled a total of 162 flights. Of these, 38 are international and 124 are regional (destinations on the African continent) flights.

“Our priority is to assist those travellers wishing to repatriate to their home countries to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. Naturally, this includes South African citizens abroad wishing to return home,” Saunders said.

Subject to the conditions set out in the travel ban announced by the government in South Africa, SAA will also facilitate the transfer of qualifying passengers to or from the destinations it flies to, which have been classified as high-risk areas.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo on Saturday had to fight to subdue  MaShurugwi  gangsters who were resisting arrest for possessing machetes.

The gang was arrested in the city centre following a tip-off. Those arrested were identified as Mthulisi Mpofu (21) of Nketa 8 suburb, Previous Mpofu (23) of New Magwegwe suburb, Ntongenhle Ncube (34) from Old Lobengula and Siphile Nkomo (25).

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube on Wednesday said the four were disarmed after initially resisting arrest.

He said:

On arrival, the vehicle was found to be guarded by the two suspects who were later arrested, armed with machetes. Two female accomplices were also seated inside the vehicle. The two male persons who were guarding the vehicle tried to fight the cycle patrol team but were disarmed.

A search of the kombi by detectives yielded two more machetes, three knobkerries, four heavy iron rods, one hoe, two shovels, two by 20-litre containers of petrol, and two containers of diesel.-Statemedia

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

• USD to ZWL$: 24.5749
• ZWL$ to RAND: 0.7122

Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates:

• USD to ZWL$ zimrates.com $44.20
• USD to ZWL$  zwl365.com $43.30
• USD to ZWL$ bluemari.info $41.50
• USD to BOND: zimrates.com $32.20

More: marketwatch.co.zw

By A Correspondent- A suspected coronavirus sufferer in Kenya was beaten by a group of youths armed with stones as they suspected that he had the coronavirus.

The Daily Mail, a UK paper, reports that the man later died in hospital.

The deceased, named locally as George Kotini Hezron, was going home after visiting a bar in the village of Msambweni in Kwale County when he was attacked yesterday.

Residents suspected him of having the virus and decided to set upon him as he walked home at around 9pm, according to local media.

The vigilante mob argued with Hezron and accused him of having the deadly disease and threw stones at him before fleeing.

Hezron was rushed to Msambweni Subcounty Hospital where he died of his injuries.

County police commander Joseph Nthenge said it was not known if the victim had the virus and warned against falsely accusing people of being infected. 

He told Kenyan newspaper The Star:

‘Someone reported that the attackers saw the man staggering. They approached him, started an argument and beat him up.

“Kotini met a group of youths and an argument ensued as the youths took advantage of his drunkenness and started accusing him of suffering from coronavirus.”

No arrests had been made so far and investigations were still under way, police said.

Msambweni in a fishing village popular with tourists because of its long white sandy beaches.

Kenya’s health ministry has so far confirmed seven cases of coronavirus.

The East African nation has imposed strict travel restrictions on foreigners, closed school and colleges as well as banning public gatherings.

By A Correspondent- Two South African women were massively humiliated after they failed to pay for their own bill after a drinking spree at one of the posh night clubs in the city.

According to reports which have surfaced online, the unidentified women are reported to have gone out for an evening of pleasure before having a fall-out with their blesser who later refused to cater for their bill.

The details only saw the light of day after one of the women took to social media to vent out her frustration and call out the blesser, who has only been identified by his social media name, Zanele Shabs, for deserting them when it was time to cover the bill.

Although the woman has since deleted the social media posts after attracting massive backlash following her rants, social media was already started buzzing about the incident.

However, this publication was able to retrieve a response from the accused, who rushed to social media to absolve himself of guilt. In a series of posts on Facebook, the blesser, Zanele, claimed that he had not agreed with the women at any time that he would cater for their bill.

First of all, I didn’t offer to take you out, you came to me.second of all your boyfriend or toyboy was there and people who know me knows I don’t do that shit.I can afford whether you post or what nothing will change you just embarrassing yourself and your low life.

Since you all love attention and want to be famous with my name, let’s hear it out. Why didn’t you post last week that we were with you guys, drinking bottles the only tab booked you guys one of the finest hotels and you stole my friend’s phone why didn’t you post that last week..I left you there and I’m proud, that place they know me I pay and I don’t play, so pay for what you were drinking and stop being a bitch about. Girls drink and go people don’t have a problem but when a guy leaves people to complain. I mean you were like 10 people on your table I left, so you mean 9 people can’t settle a bill of R2000? Guess what, you are all fucked up.

By A Correspondent- The sharpshooting reverend has become quite a favourite with her congregation for her no holds barred speeches.

The preacher recently gave an impassioned sermon against homewreckers.

Clergywoman, Evangelist Gwenyaya is not one lady to mince her words when delivering her sermon.

Pasi nehupombwe, pasi nevanotora varume vevanhu, pasi nevanoputsa dzimba dzevanhu. Pasi nemah*re. Kana usina kudavira ndati pasi nemah*re echirume, echikadzi! (Down with adultery, men snatchers,home wreckers, down with prost_itutes, if you you didn’t get me right I said down with prost_itutes, male or female!)

Meanwhile, some churches have indefinitely postponed services and religious rites which involve mass gatherings while others are limiting the number of people who can attend a service after the country declared the Coronavirus a national disaster.

A number of churches are resorting to live-streaming services so that congregants can watch from home.

The Roman Catholic Church in Zimbabwe has indefinitely suspended obligatory Mass for the vulnerable age groups and banned some traditional church rituals such as shaking hands and receiving communion with one’s tongue to contain spread of coronavirus.

Apostolic Faith Mission, Harvest House International, Celebration Church and Word of Life have resolved to split services to ensure there are no more than 100 congregants at any given event.

The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Zimbabwe has already postponed services following instructions from their church leaders in Utah, United States of America.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe African People’s Union has joined the families of Masuku, Ndiweni and indeed Nhlambabaloyi in Ntabazinduna on the untimely passing on of Mama Masuku, widow of late Chief Khayisa Ndiweni and mother to the current Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni.

Party President Isaac Mabuka said the void she leaves behind can not be filled as she played a uniquely significant role both in the Ndiweni chieftaincy and community of Nhlambabaloyi.

“She was a pillar of strength and support, a well of wisdom and guardian and preserver of traditions and customs that have suffered unprecedented attack from many sectors within our modern westernized societies and ironically, the Zimbabwean establishment,” he said.

“ZAPU commiserates with both families and wishes to convey our deepest condolences to them, especially Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni and the community of Ntabazinduna who have to deal with such a huge loss right in the middle of an unwarranted war being waged against the chieftaincy by the establishment.”

He said they should be comforted by the assurance that the mother party is with them during this difficult time.

“May the dear soul of our departed matriarch rest in eternal peace,” Mabuka said.

By A Correspondent- Zambia’s health ministry on Wednesday confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19.

“The patients are a Zambian couple that travelled to France on a 10-day holiday,” Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said.

The announcement came as Sub-Saharan Africa recorded its first COVID-19 death, a high-ranking politician in Burkina Faso.

The head of the World Health Organisation urged the continent to “prepare for the worst”.

“Africa should wake up,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva on Wednesday, pointing out that “in other countries, we have seen how the virus actually accelerates after a certain tipping point”.

Africa has lagged behind the global curve for coronavirus infections and deaths, but in the past few days has seen a significant rise in cases.

Experts have repeatedly warned about the perils for the continent, given its weak health infrastructure, poverty, conflicts, poor sanitation and urban crowding.

Medical authorities in the poor Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced Wednesday that the number of infections there had risen by seven to 27 — and that one of them, a 62-year-old diabetic woman, had died overnight.

The country’s main opposition party, the Union for Progress and Change (UPC), said in a statement that the victim was its lawmaker Rose-Marie Compaore, the first vice president of the parliament.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised economy, reported a more than one-third jump in cases, with 31 new infections bringing its tally to 116.

As of Wednesday, a tally of reported cases compiled by AFP stood at more than 600 for all of Africa.

Of these, 16 cases have been fatal: six in Egypt, six in Algeria, two in Morocco, one in Sudan and one in Burkina Faso.

Those figures are relatively small compared to the rest of world — the global death toll has passed 8,800 with almost 210,000 total infections.

WHO chief Tedros said sub-Saharan Africa had recorded 233 infections, but warned the official numbers likely did not reflect the full picture.

“Probably we have undetected cases or unreported cases,” he said.

Watching from afar as disaster unfolds in Asia and Europe, some African countries have wasted little time in ordering drastic measures.

Air traffic has been particularly hard hit, as many of Africa’s initial cases were detected in people who had returned from affected countries in Europe and the Middle East.

Some countries, such as Somalia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and, most recently, the island of Madagascar have moved to stop all flights into their countries.

On Wednesday, Cape Verde — a tropical archipelago off Africa’s west coast that is heavily dependent on tourism — and the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria, joined others in banning flights from the countries most affected by coronavirus.

Burkina Faso has ordered the closure of all schools and barred all public and private gatherings until the end of April.

There was concern on the unusually quiet streets of the capital Ouagadougou on Wednesday.

“It’s worrying what is happening with this virus, but we cannot barricade ourselves like developed countries. We lack everything here — we live day-to-day,” said bicycle seller Boureima Baguian.

“We cannot, for example, close the big market. If that happens, it’s not the coronavirus that will kill us but misery and hunger.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced similar measures as it reported its first local case, banning flights from affected countries and closing schools and universities for four weeks.

South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s worst-hit country, has banned cruise ships from its ports. More than 1,700 people are stranded on a liner off Cape Town over fears that some have the virus.

It is just the latest blow to tourism across the continent, with coronavirus fears also cancelling sporting, cultural and religious events.

Christian and Muslim leaders in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal said they would suspend services to protect their faithful.

A 2016 analysis by the Rand Corporation, a US think-tank, found that of the 25 countries in the world that were most vulnerable to infectious outbreaks, 22 were in Africa — the others were Afghanistan, Yemen and Haiti.

“Were a communicable disease to emerge within this chain of countries, it could easily spread across borders in all directions, abetted by high overall vulnerability and a string of weak national health systems along the way,” the report warned.

Tedros recommended that mass gatherings be avoided, urging Africa to “cut it from the bud, expecting that the worst can happen”.

“The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today,” he said. – AFP

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean man is on the run after he savagely killed a South African police officer with a machete to prevent the law enforcement officer from arresting him for rape.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) have since launched a manhunt for Simon Matakura who is accused of hacking a police officer to death with a machete while he was being arrested for allegedly raping his teen relative.

Simon Matakura is said to have hacked Warrant Officer Thinandavha Stanley Mudau,53, to death on Sunday morning in Sibasa CBD, Limpopo.

Afterwards, Matakura allegedly turned his attention towards his niece who was with the officer, attacking her with the machete too before fleeing the scene. He is yet to be apprehended.

Mudau had arrived at his office on Sunday morning to find the teenager, 17, who said she had been raped by her uncle, Matakura.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said the officer then put the teenager into his vehicle to take her to the nearest police station where a statement would be taken and a case opened.

On the way there, the teenager spotted Matakura who was in his workshop.

When Mudau tried to arrest him, Matakura allegedly attacked him with a machete, killing him on the spot.

“His attempt to arrest the suspect turned fatal when the suspect produced a panga and hacked him. He died instantly on the scene.” reports IOL

Naidoo said the man then turned his attention towards his niece, hacking her with the same machete and seriously injuring her.

Captain Matimba Maluleke, Limpopo Hawks spokesperson, said the information they currently have on the suspect is that his name is Simon Matakura and he’s a foreign national.

“The Hawks in Limpopo are appealing to anyone who may know the whereabouts of Matakura to please contact Captain Phineas Ramaite on 082 576 0932 of the SAPS on 08600 10111 or via the SAPS MySAPSApp. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous,” Maluleke said.-Wires

Health ministry officials in Beitbridge say the person suspected to be having coronavirus who is isolated at Beitbridge hospital is stable and tests are underway. The Malawi national who crossed the border from South Africa this Wednesday was found to be having symptoms of coronavirus and was isolated at Beitbridge hospital pending investigations and outcome of tests.
This Thursday morning, District Medical Officer for Beitbridge, Dr Linos Samhere confirmed that blood samples will today be sent to Harare for tests to verify whether the suspect is infected with the virus. He said that results are expected in the next 24 hours.
“Yes the patient is stable and this morning we are sending blood samples to Harare for tests and once that is done we will be able to tell the nation the outcome,” he said.

The border town remains alert on the pandemic and people are encouraged to follow World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations of hygienic conditions at all times and to avoid crowding while suspected cases must be isolated and tested.
Government has outlawed gatherings and gone a step further to cancel this year’s Uhuru commemorations as well as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair ZITF 2020 to suppress possible outbreaks in the country. Zimbabwe has not recorded a confirmed coronavirus case.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- Workers at Chinese-run Livetouch Investments in Redcliff today refused to enter the company premises citing fears that four executives at the company sneaked back into the country without being quarantined for the novel Covid-19 (coronavirus).

One of the workers told a local publication:

“We are actually unsettled as we are not sure whether the four managers who arrived back into the country have been quarantined for coronavirus.

We can only return to work after we would have known whether the guys did not sneak into the country. For now, we are not able to execute our duties as the matter is a serious one”.

Efforts to get a comment from both the Livetouch CEO Dongning Wang and Kwekwe District Development Coordinator (DDC) Fortune Mupungu were not fruitful as their mobile phones were not reachable.

However, an official from the Kwekwe DDC office who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the latest development:

“We are going there to have an assessment of the situation.”

By A Correspondent- Athanas Manyoka (49) was slapped with a 5-year jail term after he was convicted on 21 counts of stealing from 14 s.e.x workers.

According to reports by a local publication, there are still two more cases involving two s.e.x workers that are yet to come to court.

A shrewd Masvingo man set up a con targeting thing vendors by stealing thousands of dollars worth of property using one modus operandi in which he would hire the services of a thigh vendor, study her home environment before coming back to steal her property.

The court room where the matter was being heard was packed with s.e.x workers; both victims and sympathizers who were baying for Manyoka’s blood and justice. A hoard of s.e.x workers made a beeline to Chikato Police Station to identify their belongings among the recovered property.

Stolen property includes mobile phones, clothes, washing baskets, blankets, comforters and buckets. Manyoka kept the stolen loot with his ex-wife Dambudzo Mayati (29) who is also a s.e.x worker.

The cunning Manyoka would hire a s.e.x worker from a night club, take her to her lodgings for a short time session. After the short time, the two would go back to the bar but Manyoka would sneak off and return to the same place to steal.

Manyoka ran out of luck when one of his victims Grace Masundira (21) met Manyoka’s sisters-in-law, Svodai Mayati and Alice Mahona wearing her stolen clothes and she made a Police report.

Mucheke has become a hotbed for women in the thigh vending business. Unemployment, poverty, destitution has made many women turn to the oldest profession in the world in order to sustain their livelihoods.-MasvingoMirror

By A Correspondent- Co- operative governance minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma gazetted this new law yesterday. 

The regulations, effective immediately, detailed when people would be committing an offence or be liable for a penalty under the national state of disaster.

The South African government has stated that intentionally infecting someone with Coronavirus is a now a crime and the perpetrator could be charged with assault, attempted murder or even murder.

If anyone contravenes the government’s instructions to avoid gatherings of more than 100 people or more than 50 people where alcohol is served, they may face a fine, jail time or both.

As of yesterday South Africa had shot from 85 cases of people who tested positive for Coronavirus to 116. Anyone who refuses to quarantine or self-isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 is liable for prosecution and may face a ten-year jail sentence.

“Any person who intentionally exposes another person to Covid-19 may be prosecuted for an offence, including assault, attempted murder or murder,” the regulation reads. Liquor sale establishments have also been hit with the new legislation.

“Any person who (a) convenes a gathering; (b) permits more than 50 persons at premises where liquor is sold and consumed, or (c) hinders, interferes with, or obstructs an enforcement officer in the exercise of his or her powers or the performance of his or her duties in terms of these regulations is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment,” states the regulation.

The government is further cracking the whip against anyone who lies about being infected with the coronavirus.-Wires

By Dorrothy Moyo| ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnagagwa is fighting his deputy, analysts have hinted.

Speaking during the Heal Zimbabwe forum on the Constitution Amendment, 2 weeks ago, the MDC’s Secretary For Legal Affairs, Kucaca Phulu, said Mnangagwa wants to twists the constitution saying ‘Chiwenga is challenging me.’

He said in full:

“I am not proposing that this constitution is perfect, that is not the issue. We should not find ourselves debating whether the constitution is perfect, the question is do we respect the Constitution? Once we start tearing it up now, where are we going to stop?

“There are other issues to do with elections, and I am going to explain to you why the philosophy, delimitation, there was a mechanism put to say let’s say fine, do delimitation once every 10 years but only after a census, there was a reason why that was done;

“but because we are [now] making amendments looking at 2023, this constitutional amendment is being made looking at 2023, this kind of clause becomes inconvenient, so we must tear it up.

“Chiwenga is challenging me, or there are rumours of Chiwenga challenging me, so I must tear up the Constitution.

“If you look through the tenor of the amendments, they tend to strengthen the president, and they weaken they weaken the Judiciary, Prosecutor General, they weaken everyone else. And so I would submit that this amendment is a symptom of an illegitimate president, who is attacking the Constitution. A legitimate president would not attack the constitution.

“So we are seeing – The evidence of the illegitimacy, is in how you treat the constitution, the matter is coming to a head, we are consolidating the coup. So there was the coup, then there was the stolen election, now there is the consolidation of the stolen power.

“So the coup really sets off the illegitimacy, the manner the election was conducted compounds the illegitimacy.

“The amendment consolidates the illegitimacy…”

By A Correspondent- In light of recent developments around the world and in light of the recent suspension of public gatherings of 100 or more people, Jah Prayzah announced the postponement of the Hokoyo Album launch Event which was scheduled for the 3rd of April 2020 to a later date.

Said the musician:

We acknowledge and fully appreciate the need to preserve public health. However, we believe at such a time as this music can still be a medium of hope. We, therefore, will be launching the album via Facebook live stream on Tuesday the 31st of March 2020, courtesy of our sponsors, Sahwira Events.

Our music has always been and still remains our gift to our numerous fans across the globe, we hope it will once again lift up your spirits during this time until we can once again meet and dance together.

Till then remember Tuesday 31 March 2020, 2100hrs, Hokoyo is coming. With love, Jah Prayzah and The entire JP Entertainment team.

By A Correspondent- Three Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison wardens were yesterday sentenced to 13 months in jail each for assaulting an inmate and breaking his leg after he picked and pocketed a $1 note while on office cleaning duty.

Taona Nyoni (32), Norman Chari (38) and Marshal Nyandowe (30) will each serve seven months effective jail time after Harare magistrate Sharon Rakafa conditionally suspended six months.

The complainant is Masiiwa Vhitorini, who is serving a jail term for rape.

Rakafa acquitted Godweu Njeku (47), who was being charged together with the three, for lack of evidence.

The State managed to prove a prima facie case against the three officers after witnesses corroborated events that led to the complainant breaking his leg, the magistrate said.

The court heard that on March 13 last year at around 8am, Vhitorini was cleaning offices under the supervision of Njeku and during that process, he picked a bond coin and put it in his pocket.

Njeku noticed that Vhitorini had picked something and ordered him to surrender it.

Vhitorini then gave Njeku the dollar and the officer allegedly started slapping him demanding that he hands over all the money he had picked.

Nyoni, Chari and Nyandowe then joined in the assault. Nyoni then struck the prisoner on the left leg several times with his service rifle.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean boy was swept away at sea in South Africa after he was reportedly overwhelmed by the tides while swimming.

The fourteen-year-old Tawana Musimurimwa reportedly was overpowered by sea waves last week at Bloubergstrand beach in Cape Town.

Search for the teenager’s remains is still underway. The search began on Saturday, March 7. Cape Town’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Lifeguards Station commander Peter O’Hanlon said City of Cape Town lifesavers, the Health Department and Fire and Rescue Services embarked on the search to find the body without success.

“On arrival at the scene, an extensive sea, air and shoreline search commenced, including rescue swimmers deployed into the surf conducting free dive sweeping line search efforts.

“Despite the extensive search, there has been no sign of the 14-year-old male, who reportedly got into difficulty in the surf while swimming and was swept out to sea by rip currents before disappearing in the surf line,” said O’Hanlon.

Tawana’s uncle Lloyd Madhinha, 38, explained to H-Metro that along with his 17-year-old brother, Tawana had spent the day at the beach with another uncle, who had recently returned from Johannesburg.

“For now, we believe our boy will come. “It happened on the evening of Saturday 7th March when they went to the beach as they were very happy that their uncle had visited from Johannesburg. “As they were playing in the water, there was a big wave, which swept them away, but Tino and his uncle escaped.

“There was a certain lady, a professional swimmer who tried her best to rescue him, but another wave pushed her out, while Tawana was pushed in more.

“Until now we haven’t found him and on Sunday all the church congregants were at the beach,” explained Madhinha. “His uncle had just returned and they were so excited.

“When we got there, witnesses told us he was swept away by a big wave and people had tried to help him, but couldn’t get to him. “We are still in shock and waiting for them to retrieve his body,” he added. Tawana’s father Munyararadzi Musimurimwa and mother Florence Musimurimwa are said to be receiving support from church members as well as the Cape Town community and rescuers.

“The family is not so well, but we put our hope to God and our AFM Tabernacle of Prayer is standing in the gap,” said Madhinha.

By A Correspondent- The government has declared a national emergency in the face of the deadly coronavirus. Public gatherings have been banned but schools are to remain open.

This move has sparked outrage among teachers and Union leaders who have revealed that they prefer that schools are closed earlier.

Said the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ):

Zimbabwean schools close on 2 April for the first term holiday, which is two weeks from now.

The unfortunate part is that our schools are not ready to prevent the wholesale spreading of the coronavirus and our healthcare has totally collapsed. Most schools do not set any end of term examinations for the first term and schools are already winding down.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ appreciates the national mood at the moment and we will not make pronouncements that will cause panic and despondency among our people.

We have always been at loggerheads with government on many issues and we remain fiercely opposed to many of their policies.

We will, however, avoid confrontation on this issue in the best interest of public health. We will humbly submit our request of having schools closed on 20 March 2020.

Upon closure of schools, we are calling for an Education Sector Health indaba to dialogue on how we can upscale our preparedness in the face of the coronavirus.

The second term comes in our winter and if the virus is not contained by then things will be worse and lives are certainly going to be lost. The education sector should be ready by then to mitigate the spreading of the virus.

Our Union proposes setting up of a task force comprising of Union leaders, education officials, health experts and other relevant players to lead the fight against Covid-19 in the education sector.

Meanwhile here are some quick tips on how to protect ourselves from the virus.

-Wash hands often (soap+water or alcohol-based rub)

-Avoid touching face

-Cover mouth when coughing w/ elbow or tissue

-Maintain 1 metre between yourself, anyone who is coughing/sneezing

-Avoid crowds

-Limit travel

-Stay home if ill

By A Correspondent- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has stepped up to the fight against the deadly COVID- 19 by banning wedding guests during court solemnization of marriages at their courthouses across the country to avoid public gatherings.

The statement by JSC comes a day after President Mnangagwa declared COVID-19 a national disaster following indications that the virus is spreading fast in the region.

Acting chief magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, in a statement, said JSC was significantly worried about the thousands of people who visit Harare Magistrates’ Court on a daily basis and on that background, the entity had taken drastic measures to reduce the number of marriages to a maximum of 10 per day.

On a usual day, 30 to 40 marriages are solemnized each day and weddings, by their nature, attract crowds. In addition to that, the JSC now only allows the couple and their witnesses into the venue.

Relatives and wedding guests will not be permitted entry. JSC said the directive was with immediate effect. Mutevedzi further said that with the guidance of the JSC secretary, Walter Chikwanha, and consultation with other stakeholders, the JSC is exploring the feasibility of other available courses of action to decongest court-houses and the public will be made aware of such measures.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A philandering married man reportedly contracted the deadly coronavirus after a romantic secret trip with his mistress to Italy, which is one of the countries in Europe worst affected by the virus.

The British man whose identity has not been revealed is reported have sneaked out of the country together with his lover for a romantic getaway without the knowledge of his wife who reportedly assumed he was out of town on a business trip.

Unfortunately for the skirt chaser, he got more than he bargained for and contracted the coronavirus during his romantic getaway. The man tested positive upon his return to the country and is now afraid that his wife will discover his infidelity. According to the Sun, the man confessed to health officials that he picked up the killer virus following his secret trip to Italy.  A close source who spoke to the publication said that the adultery scandal has been the talk amongst most medical officials in the country.

This patient is the talk of public health officials. His case would be funny if it wasn’t quite so serious. The man confessed what he’d been up to in Italy, and that his wife has no idea. She thinks he just picked up the disease on his business trip away.

Although the patient admitted to medics what had happened, he said nothing would persuade him to name his mistress.
Despite his infection, he is expected to survive the outbreak, unlike his extra-marital relationship.

He thought he had the perfect alibi to carry out his affair, but hadn’t reckoned on the coronavirus meltdown. The patient is just relieved he got home before flights were cancelled – that would have taken some explaining. He’s in a blind panic, but more about his adultery being exposed rather than his health.

By A Correspondent- Following President Mnangagwa’s directive for the public to take appropriate measures to prevent COVID-19 infections in Zimbabwe, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) secretary has directed everyone entering courthouses countrywide to have their hands cleaned using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Acting chief magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi and JSC deputy secretary Tendai Msipa began the sanitizing process at the Harare Magistrate’s Court, saying it was a nationwide program. Upon entry, everyone was receiving potions of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer while high contact surfaces like staircase rails and dorr handles were disinfected regularly.

While this development is welcome, The Rotten Row Courts operate mostly without running water and this has resulted in unhygienic ablution facilities.

The ablutions are usually very dirty and there’s no running water to wash hands after using them. These toilets pose as a health hazard as the thousands of people who visit the courts are left vulnerable to diseases that thrive in such environments.

MDC-Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende has approached the High Court seeking his removal from remand until the State concludes its investigations pending trial on allegations of subverting a constitutionally elected Government.

Hwende has approached the High Court seeking his removal from remand until the State concludes its investigations pending trial on allegations of subverting a constitutionally elected Government.

He was arrested on the charge in March last year.

Hwende allegedly posted on his Twitter handle messages that had the effect of inciting people to revolt against the Government both in his personal capacity and as a Movement for Democratic Change-Alliance Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana East constituency.

Since then, he has been on routine remand at least 11 times before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, and is expected to appear again today.

In his application, he cited magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa as the first respondent and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as the second respondent.

He wants the dismissal of his application on further remand to be set aside.

Hwende argues that his application for removal from remand was dismissed on August 19 last year on the basis that the State would avail trial date with expedition.

“The basis of the application was that one year has lapsed since my initial remand and the State had not made any progress on the trial date,” said Hwende in his founding affidavit.- State media

EXPELLED Victoria Falls Mayor, Somvelo Dlamini, who last week sued the MDC and its leader Nelson Chamisa for throwing him out of the party and recalling him as party councillor, has withdrawn his court action.

Dlamini was expelled on the 24 February 2020 after he defied the party’s directive to step down as mayor and pave way for the MDC’s preferred candidate, Margaret Valley.

The party had directed that Dlamini should instead stand as Deputy Mayor.

In papers he had filed at the Bulawayo High Court Friday, Dlamini had also cited the party’s Secretary General, Charlton Hwende, party Matabeleland North provincial chair, Prince Dube Sibanda and the Local Government Minister.

On Monday, Dlamini filed a notice of withdrawal at the High Court.

He withdrew the matter with the consent from all the six respondents.

“Be pleased to take notice that applicant hereby withdraws this application with the consent of first, second, third, fourth and fifth respondent each party to his or her own cost.

“The Applicant tenders sixth respondent’s cost,” Dlamini stated in his withdrawal papers.

Dlamini was accusing Hwende and others of breaching his right to a fair hearing as contained in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“It is be and is hereby specifically declared that the 3rd respondent does not have the right to recall the applicant as councillor,” Dlamini had submitted in his court application papers.

He wanted Hwende’s letter recalling him as Victoria Falls councillor declared null and void by the court.

“It be and is hereby declared that the 1st (Hwende), 2nd (MDC), 4th (Chamisa) and 5th (Dube ) respondents have breached the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No,20) Act 2013 relating to right to fair and justice as contained in Section 68 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“The 1st, 3rd and 5th respondents have breached the applicant’s right to fair hearing as contained in the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No 20 ) Act 2013,” said Dlamini.

The former Mayor further argued that precedence in the party was set before when Masvingo Mayor, Collen Makoke and Chegutu Mayor, Henry Muchandibaya defied a similar party directive but were not expelled from the party.

“On the day aforesaid the 4th (Chamisa) respondent ordered the Mayor of Masvingo councillor, Collen Makoke and Henry Muchandibaya of Chegutu Municipality to step down in favour of councilors who had lost the Mayoral races in the respective cities.

“As stated above, both myself and my colleagues, mayor of Masvingo and Mayor of Chegutu were asked to step down as mayors as we were elected under the same circumstances.

“However, my colleagues have not been recalled while I am being recalled. I am therefore being subjected to unfair discriminatory conduct which is against the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” Dlamini submitted in his papers.

The ousted mayor had also accused Chamisa of practicing “racial discrimination”.

“The 4th respondent’s actions of showing racial discrimination in saying I must resign from being mayor of Victoria Falls Municipality to pave way for his preferred losing candidate Margaret Valley is against the ethos of equality among the people of different races. This is totally regrettable and uncalled for.

“I have demonstrated that the conduct of 1st to 5th respondents herein are not only irregular but utra vires their constitution, code of conduct and that of the MDC constitution of Zimbabwe. This cannot be allowed to stand. I therefore seek the intervention of this Honorable Court,” further state Dlamini in his papers.”

All Africa

By A Correspondent| Afro-jazz musician Tongai “Greatman” Gwaze (27) recently paid lobola for his sweetheart, Silibazo Masara.

Gwaze, who was born with myopathy — a condition that affects muscles — announced the development through his Facebook page, describing his love for Masara as unconditional.

“I know a lot has been said about her character by some people who believe that she has other intentions but honestly as unbelievable as it seems or as hilarious as some of you

think it is, the indisputable fact is — what brought us together is unconditional love,” hesaid.

The wheelchair-bound Chitungwiza-based musician said his condition did not make him “useless”.

The musician told a local publication that wedding plans were underway and they were likely to wed in September.

 “I can’t say much about it and the date except it is in six months to come. For now I am not at liberty to disclose the bride price for security reasons,” he said.

Greatman started his music career in 2010 in Mhangura but has been in the background for years till the time he met Sulumani Chimbetu in 2017.

He has released three albums and has also worked with Mathias Mhere

SPEAKER of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has slammed Zanu PF MPs for disrupting Parliament’s portfolio committee meetings chaired by MDC legislators saying the development contradicted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision.

There was drama in Parliament last week after Zanu PF MPs disrupted proceedings of the portfolio committee on Public Accounts demanding that MDC MP for Harare East, Tendai Biti, recuse himself from chairing it until his party recognises Mnangagwa as the country’s legitimate leader.

On Monday, the ruling party MPs also disrupted the portfolio committee on Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services chaired by MDC MP for Kuwadzana East Chalton Hwende as well as the Daniel Molokele-chaired Higher Education committee.

Mudenda came out guns blazing yesterday, telling the Daily News in an interview that the Zanu PF legislators led by Dexter Nduna (Chegutu West) and Marko Raidza (Mberengwa East) were misdirected.

“The disruptions are in contradiction to the presidential legislative agenda as pronounced during last year’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) which speaks to the economic and political reform processes which are part and parcel of his re-engagement drive.

“We therefore cannot afford, as Parliament, not to propagate the enactment of these laws through the Parliament process championed by our committee system in compliance with the Constitution and our Standing Rules and Orders,” Mudenda said.

The Speaker said the ruling party’s MPs were also acting in disregard of the Privileges Committee he set up to investigate if there is any possible breach of the Standing Rules by MDC MPs when they refused to stand in honour of Mnangagwa when he came to the House last year for a State of the Nation Address.

The MDC has approached the High Court challenging Mudenda’s decision to bar them from receiving their sitting allowances for refusing to stand for Mnangagwa.

The 112 MPs are arguing there is nothing in the Constitution of Zimbabwe or in the Standing Rules and Orders which requires legislators to stand up when the president enters or leaves the Parliament chamber.

When a Malawian citizen was yesterday put into quarantine at the Beitbridge District coronavirus management centre, after his temperature was unreasonably high, the other 19 people were also isolated pending test results.

The man was travelling from South Africa in a Munenzva bus in transit to Malawi via Zimbabwe, but the routine screening of all arrivals from South Africa found he had a temperature above normal.

So the standard precautions came into effect as the health team swung into action.

He was taken in for tests after 5pm and then quarantined.

The other 19 people, who had been sitting with him for some hours, were also isolated pending the test results.

District medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere last night said health authorities will have a clear picture after concluding medical tests.

The Health and Child Care Ministry yesterday reassured the nation that to date, there are no confirmed cases in Zimbabwe.

A Chinese lady who disembarked from a bus from Victoria Falls on Monday, and was denied accommodation on suspicion she had coronavirus symptoms, has also tested negative.

State Media|Former Zinara chief executive Mr Frank Chitukutuku approved 51 questionable contracts that prejudiced the road administrator of more than US$39 million in connivance with rural district officials and road engineers.

The well-knit scam sucked in Mr Chitukutuku’s successor Engineer Moses Juma who reportedly approved eight of the dubious projects. It is understood that Zinara had resolved to report all cases of a criminal nature to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the police.

For Zinara to make payment for any project, there should be an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) generated by the contractor, approved by the supervisor (Rural District Council chief executive or district road engineer) and Zinara chief executive as the accounting officer.

Documents seen by The Herald showed that Mr Chitukutuku and Eng Juma were conniving with RDC chief executives and road engineers to approve payments based on either fake or questionable IPCs.

The documents showed that no evidence was presented as to why six companies were paid over US$20 million.

The companies included Atlanta, which was paid US$9 million for concrete stones that were not delivered for the Norton-Harare Road and Madz which was paid US$3 650 000 for a non-Zinara funded project in Wedza.

For this project, auditors concluded that the “contractor was paid for unknown reasons.”

Other projects where payments running into millions were made included companies such as Badon, Haingate and Fremus.

A company called Bermipools which is not even registered by the Registrar of Companies was contracted to do re-gravelling of Juru-Mwanza Road in Goromonzi, prejudicing Zinara of US$1 356, 909 23 after it emerged that only eight percent of the expected work was done.

It also emerged from the summary audit documents that the board had not authorised the payment. Out of the 57 projects that Mr Chitukutuku and Eng Juma oversaw, only 32 were completed, but still queries were raised.

For instance, a company called Drawcard completed its project for CBD roads, but was overpaid and there was no proof for contract variation approval.

Drawcard’s project was valued at US$1 167, 050,09, but the company was paid US$1 816 814, prejudicing Zinara of US$649 763, 91.

In another case, Madz completed a project along the Wesleydale-Chirirangwe road where Zinara paid US$1 345 349,52, yet the tender was supposed to be given to a company called Joystone which was the lowest bidder. In several cases, payments were done without the board’s approval prejudicing Zinara.

A company called Notify was overpaid for the construction of Ilitshe bridge which was left incomplete at five percent.

The company’s project was valued at US$1 599 991,08, but was paid US$1 895 650.

In technical terms, at five percent a contractor would have been paid what is known as mobilisation fees for moving equipment to the project site.

Zinara acting chief executive Engineer Moses Chigonyati could not be reached for a comment.

However, a senior Zinara official who refused to be named said: “A decision has been taken that all the criminal cases should be reported to the relevant prosecuting authorities this week. After the trials, Zinara will do a follow up to recover all the looted funds.”

By Farai D Hove| As many countries including neighbouring South Africa shut their borders, Emmerson Mnangagwa has kept Zimbabwe’s ports open not so much for business, but for COVID-19.

Experts say the chances of Zimbabwe being hit by Coronavirus are at their extreme and the Health Minister Obadiah Moyo yesterday said the pandemic was so near that it could spread within seconds right inside the parliament building in Harare.

3 days ago, South Africa announced it is closing over 32 of its borders. The following day instead of doing the same the Defence Minister in this country was busy celebrating as she said that the pandemic is God’s punishment against nations that put sanctions on her party.

Yesterday the Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was asked about shutting the borders and he skirted over the matter only talking about shutting down schools and parliament.

So far:

The total number of global cases has surpassed 200,000, including more than 8,000 fatalities. Over 80,000 patients are reported to have recovered.

– US-Canada have agreed to close down border.
– Australia raises travel ban to the highest level in history
– Iran’s death toll nears 1,000
– Nigeria imposes a travel ban from high-risk countries
– The Eurovision Song Contest and Glastonbury Festival called off

UK: As of 9am on 18 March 2020, 56,221 people have been tested in the UK, of which 53,595 were confirmed negative and 2,626 were confirmed positive. 103 patients in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

Zimbabwe: Zero deaths. Zero detections.

Farai Dziva|The leader of Calvary Prayer Group, Prophet Isaac Makomichi says he is intending to invite President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to a three-day prayer and fasting programme at “a holy mountain.”

This, he says is a biblical revelation as the nation needs divine intervention.

Makomichi said while he was impressed by the efforts made by the two politicians to combat the deadly Coronavirus scourge, there was need to seek divine intervention.

“I am humbly inviting His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC president Nelson Chamisa to a sacred mountain for prayers.

The main objective of the three day programme is to pray for the nation.

As you know the nation is grappling with economic challenges and above all we have to pray against Coronavirus.

If the two leaders take the initiative to pray for the nation, then we will be delivered.

Remember Elijah would go to the mountain to pray, that is what our leaders are supposed to do,” said .

“I can leave them at prayer mountain or I can spend three days with them . Zimbabwe requires divine intervention.”

However, political observers have indicated that it is practically impossible for the two to meet at the said prayer mountain.

“That is impossible, the two cannot spend three days and three nights together.They have to meet and resolve outstanding issues before going to the prayer mountain.

I don’t think they will even agree to go there,” said one political analyst.

Zanu PF members who spoke to ZimEye.com said it can be possible if proper channels are followed.

Watch video below. ..

A 60-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly raping his 19-year-old maid.

The man from North End suburb whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim, allegedly raped the girl in the morning when she was doing her house chores.

The accused person was not asked to plead to rape when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure.

He was remanded on $500 bail to March 30.

The prosecutor, Mr Denmark Chihombe, said on Friday last week at around 7AM, the complainant was approached by the accused person from behind.

“The complainant was doing her household chores when she was grabbed on the waist by the accused person.

He threw her onto a sofa in the sitting room facing upwards before undressing her.

The accused person then raped the complainant once while using a condom,” he said.

It is alleged that the girl narrated her ordeal to an unidentified neighbour.

The matter was reported to the police leading to the accused person’s arrest.-State media

A Japanese anti-viral drug appears to be effective in treating coronavirus patients, Chinese medical officials have found.

Favipiravir, also known as Avigan, was approved for use in Japan in 2014 and is active against a range of illnesses, including influenza strains, yellow fever, Ebola and foot-and-mouth disease.

Now it has shown encouraging results in treating patients with Covid-19 in clinical trials involving 320 people in Shenzhen and Wuhan.

“It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment,” Zhang Xinmin, an official at China’s science and technology ministry, told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

The 35 patients who received the drug in Shenzhen appeared to test negative for coronavirus in a median of four days, compared to 11 days for the 45 who did not receive it.in

X-rays also showed improved lung conditions in some 91 per cent of Shenzhen patients given the drug, compared to 62 per cent of those who did not receive it, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

In Wuhan, trials reported to involve 240 people found patients’ temperatures returned to normal and their coughs subsided more quickly than those in the control group, Mr Zhang said.

The drug has been recommended to Chinese medical teams and should be included in their treatment plans for Covid-19 as soon as possible, state media reported Mr Zhang as saying.

A Chinese pharmaceutical company is also expected to mass-produce the drug and ensure stable supply, he said.

Japan, meanwhile, has a stockpile of some two million Avigan pills, The Mainichi reported.

The country has been clinically testing the drug on coronavirus patients with mild to moderate symptoms since March.

“We’ve given Avigan to 70 to 80 people, but it doesn’t seem to work that well when the virus has already multiplied,” the paper reported an official at Japan’s Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare as saying.

The president of the Progressive Teachers Unions of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Dr Takavafira Zhou has criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for opting to keep schools open even at the backdrop of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

We present Dr Zhou’s statement in full below.

The Decision to Keep Schools Open in the Wake of Corona Virus Pandemic, Insensitive, Illogical and Oxymoronic

18 March 2020

In his address to the Nation yesterday, President Mnangagwa announced a raft of measures in response to the corona virus pandemic. Such measures include, among other things, restriction of movements and gatherings; banning of gatherings of more than 100 people; postponement of public events such as ZITF and Independence Celebrations.

It was, however, the enunciation that since schools are only two weeks away from the end of term they will remain open, that baffled logic and common sense. By implication does the President posits that corona virus cannot spread in two weeks? Worse still does he imply enrolments in schools are less than 100? It is Oxymoronic and illogical to ban gatherings everywhere except in schools as if teachers and pupils do not gather and are immune to the Coronavirus. Schools are the most dangerous places for the spread of any pandemic more so given the fact that some schools have an enrolment of more than 2000 pupils and in the event of a single person getting infected with the virus, the vector spread effect could be so swift given the number of students and various families from which they come from. Not surprisingly various countries abroad, continentally and regionally have closed schools in their comprehensive response strategies. For Zimbabwe, therefore, to respond otherwise is not only vogue, vapid and vacuous, but also callous and monumental injustice against teachers and pupils. Many schools dotted across the country, located in tourists areas and bordering other countries that have confirmed cases of Corona virus infection are far detached from quarantine centres or health facilities so that they pose a great danger if they remain open. Is it because Zimbabwean leaders have no children learning in Zimbabwe and no relative in the teaching fraternity so much that they have adopted an intransigent and irresponsible approach to corona virus pandemic in the education sector?

As Ptuz, we want to convey our greatest anger and disillusionment at the health and professional insult by President Mnangagwa, let alone gambling with teachers and pupils’ lives. His enunciation is unacceptable, provocative and insensitive to the threat posed by corona virus to humanity. The measures enunciated in his address are in all earnest and honest with respect to schools, a high sounding nothing, if not a tissue of misrepresentation and insult to the education sector. Such a health threat to pupils and teachers can never be tolerated. Worse still the pronunciation is not a product of engagement with educators, but unilateral decision of the President and dangerous. As the pronunciation to keep schools open is a question of life and death, teachers will not accept it. We hope govt will urgently review this as a matter of urgency. If nothing is forthcoming from the government by the end of this week, teachers would not be held responsible for closing schools. We urge teachers across the union divide, to urgently pass district and provincial resolutions that should shape teachers’ urgent nation response in case there is no urgent response from govt. There is certainly no life after death for teachers and pupils. We cannot be treated in a discriminatory, degrading and servitude manner in comparison to other citizens. We are managers of the nation and world’s greatest resource, viz, children, and therefore our health and security of the resource must be guaranteed, and not exposed to the vagaries of virus and decimation.

Venceremos

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube, on Sunday banned Zimbabweans from selling Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed Old Mutual Limited, PPC Limited and Seed Co International Limited shares ostensibly to stop capital outflows.

Commenting on Ncube’s latest measure using microblogging site Twitter, constitutional law expert and political commentator, Alex Magaisa wrote:

Another day, another forex-related decree. Gen Notice 583/2020 means shares of 3 companies listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and foreign stock exchanges can no longer be bought and sold on both exchanges as was the case before. You could buy an Old Mutual share on the ZSE and sell it on the LSE.

The government thinks this fungibility of shares is fuelling the parallel market rate. It is certainly an exit route for investors whose money is otherwise trapped in Zimbabwe’s financial system. They could buy shares in a dual-listed company and sell them on the foreign market.

Think of fungibility as a fire escape door in a smouldering building. The decree gives a couple of days to get out. Effect? A stampede for the fire escape. Some will be trapped inside. Fewer people will venture into a building without a fire escape. Most will stay well away.

Mthuli has closed 3 fire escape doors. But they aren’t the only doors. Investors will switch doors. So he might shut them too. Last year a government decree restricted the fungibility of shares by placing a 90-day limit. But it was of general application. This is selective.

This selective application opens the decree to a legal challenge. As is now the norm, Mthuli is merely copying from history. In 2008, authorities closed these fire escape doors. But that did nothing to stop the runaway hyperinflation rate and it certainly didn’t save the dollar.

FORMER Cabinet Minister, Nicholas Goche’s has been sucked in the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) saga that saw the parastatal losing millions of dollars through corporate governance malpractices between 2010 and 2014.

The names of former ZINARA CEO, Frank Chitukutuku and former Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Nicholas Goche featured prominently during the parastatal’s public hearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development in Harare this Monday.

Zinara is said to have lost over US$40 million in dubious payments approved by Chitukutuku. The payments were for substandard work, overpayment for projects without board approval, flouting tender procedures, hand-picking firms, payment for incomplete work and awarding projects to companies linked to a specific individual. The former Chief Executive Officer is alleged to have unilaterally paid contractors without board approval.

Chairperson of the committee, Honourable Oscar Gorerino interrogated a lot of issues surrounding the working relationship between Chitukutuku and Goche, amid suspicion that the former Minister could have been aware of the alleged corporate governance malpractices at the parastatal.
ZINARA Board Chairperson, Engineer Michael Madanha said there is a possibility that Chitukutuku might have had the blessings of the former cabinet minister.

“Zinara is interested to know the power behind these shenanigans committed by the already fired Zinara executive headed by the then CEO, Mr Frank Chitukutuku, who was the accounting officer,” said Eng Madanha.

It emerged during the hearing that some contractors were paid for work which was never done, while some companies were paid more than the quoted figures.
The committee also questioned why the parastatal continues to deal with companies which were fingered in the Grant Thornton audit report.

“We no longer deal directly with these contractors because we have now reverted to our core mandate of collecting and disbursement of funds,” said Eng Madanha.

The Grant Thornton audit report revealed that more than half of the contracts valued at 71 million United States dollars were not honoured.

Of particular note is the fact that one of the contractors, Twalumba, was operating under different names which were not properly registered.

Churches have complied with the Government’s directive to suspend mass gatherings as part of measures to control and prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

At least 418 cases of the highly infectious disease have been recorded in 30 countries across Africa including neighbouring South Africa.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) general secretary Reverend Dr Kenneth Mtata said all mass gatherings have been suspended and all meetings will be held virtually.

“Although there have been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe, the old adage “prevention is better than cure” is important in curbing an outbreak of this pandemic.

“ZCC planned mass gatherings have all been suspended in the interest of public health until further notice. Where possible, virtual meetings will replace physical meetings,” he said.

General Council of the Assemblies of God has cancelled Easter conferences and big Sundays.

“We as the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Zimbabwe will comply with the Government’s directives. Easter conferences are cancelled and all big Sundays are postponed till the 60 days of the ban are over. The Kwekwe crusade with Greg Hubbard is cancelled.

“Our Sunday services will go on as usual. However, those with members or gatherings that exceed 100 people are to either have two or three or even more services with a maximum of 100 people in attendance or have cell services,” reads the statement.

In the same light, Apostolic Faith Mission(AFM) Reverend Cossum Chiangwa said pastors and their leadership at assembly level, depending on their assembly dynamics, will devise ways and means of ensuring that their services meet the stipulated standards. He encouraged all members to take necessary precautions and steps as advised from time to time by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Meanwhile, AFM South Africa National Leadership Forum president George Mahlobo said liturgical practices such as serving of the Lord’s Communion, water baptism, dedication of children and praying for the sick had been affected.

“Liturgical services are to be done without physical contact. Parents are to hold their own babies whilst the pastor stretches his or her hand and when conducting prayers for the sick, the person praying must just pray with their hands stretched out,” he said.

NewsDay|The main opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has begun preparations to hold a “final push” which the party says will force President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down from power.

The opposition say Mnangagwa’s departure would usher in a national transitional authority that will be seized with electoral reforms that will eventually usher in a legitimate government.

The party’s youth assembly is leading the preparations for the protests by conducting provincial conferences across the country to activate its structures ahead of what it says will be a mega demonstration.

The first MDC provincial youth conference was held in Mashonaland East a fortnight ago and the second took place at Maboleni Business Centre in the Midlands province on Sunday where national leaders of the youth assembly, led by chairperson Obey Sithole, addressed bumper crowds.

The other youth leaders who were present include secretary-general Gift Ostalos Siziba, who is battling treason charges at the courts and vice-chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri.

MDC national organising secretary Amos Chibya told NewsDay on the sidelines of the gathering that the final push protests will be led by the “young people who are the future of this country”.

“We are organising for the final push (demonstrations) because it is now clear that Mnangagwa has failed this country and he must step down,” Chibaya said.

“We have our constitutional rights to demonstrate and the final push will be very peaceful and non-violent. It will be the mother of all demonstrations to send a clear message to the illegal government and show the anger of people against the regime that has (condemned) the generality of citizens into abject poverty never seen in a functional country.”

Two decades ago, the MDC under the leadership of its late founder Morgan Tsvangirai, staged a final push demonstration to force long-time ruler Robert Mugabe to step down, but without success.

Chibaya said his party was telling the young people that they were their own liberators.

Sithole echoed Chibaya’s sentiments and reiterated that their nationwide tour to send a message on the protests will be wrapped up in a few weeks.

“Our thrust is that of budgeting for a revolution. We are currently a gear up in organising and mobilising our members for the demonstration. We are saying let’s come together and break the barriers,” he said.

“We now know our source of trouble that has caused this harsh economic climate. It is ED (President Mnangagwa) and his Zanu-PF party. We are ready to join hands and confront the source of our suffering,” Sithole said.

But Zanu-PF national commissar Victor Matemadanda said Mnangagwa will not bow to any pressure.

“The MDC has been holding these demonstrations (in the past). Their agenda is to cause an economic meltdown. President Mnangagwa is going nowhere. He has been saying this is time for production and the country is on the mend,” Matemadanda said.

“What I know is that the planned demonstration will be illegal. They must come clear on why they are planning such things.”

While MDC demonstrations have been crashed violently by the police and the army in the past, Chibaya said the final push will be a success.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions last week also said it was mobilising to stage mass protests over the deteriorating economic situation that has caused workers to suffer.

Emirates Airlines has suspended flights to and from Harare and Lusaka for 60 days.

An advisory release said:

Trade Update – Flight

Cancellation EK713 & EK714

Dear Travel Trade

We wish to advise the travel trade that due to the current challenging global conditions ,Emirates Airline is compelled to suspend flights EK 713/714 (LUN/HRE) for the period 20 March to 20 May 2020.

As such flightsEKZ14) and Dubai -Lusaka- Harare ( EK713) will be cancelled effective 20th March 2020 up to 20 May 2020. Our last flights to and from Harare will be EK713/4 19th March 2020.

Zambia announced its first two cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday while Zimbabwe is still yet to confirm any.

Armed men, believed to be from the self-styled “Renamo Military Junta” killed a Mozambican woman and injured a Zimbabwean driver in an ambush yesterday morning on the main road from Beira to the Zimbabwe border.

The ambush took place in the Nharichonga area, Nhamatanda district, in the central province of Sofala, when a bus and three long-distance trucks came under fire.

The woman who lost her life was a passenger in the bus. The injured Zimbabwean was driving one of the trucks and is now receiving medical care at Nhamatanda Rural Hospital.

The vehicles were extensively damaged and one of the trucks was completely destroyed after the attackers looted it before setting it on fire.

Speaking from his hospital bed, the truck driver Moses Chingizi said: “I left Nhamatanda at 5am, and when I reached here I heard the first shot, which was against one of my front tyres. The truck began to swerve, and I heard two other shots which hit the cabin.

“I was hit by three bullets in my arm and legs. I heard shots and I tried to accelerate my truck. I felt that I had been hit. I lost control, but I managed to bring the truck to a halt. I then ran into the bush and from where I was I saw them attack two other trucks and a bus. By that time, the front of my truck was on fire. They took all my goods and left.” From the bush, Chingizi saw the attackers, wearing uniform and brandishing guns. Shortly afterwards the police arrived and began to fire.

“It was then that I came out of the bush and I showed myself to the police and they took me to the hospital,” he said.

Clinical director of Nhamatanda Hospital, Miquitaio Torres, said despite multiple gunshot wounds, Chingizi was out of danger. He also confirmed that a woman aged about 50 had died in the attack. This was the fourth ambush against civilian vehicles in Sofala in the space of a week. — AIM.

Agnes Masuku Ndiweni mother to Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni has died.

She was 96.

The Ndiweni family announced her death through a statement on Wednesday morning.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Indlovukazi yethu, uMadlenya, uZikode, uMasuku. Gogo uMasuku passed on in her sleep in the early hours of today after a short illness. She was 96 years old. A prayerful woman whose faith and labour had nourished society in Ntabazinduna and further afield,” read the statement.

The family said burial arrangements will be made public in due course as her children are abroad.

“May we pass our thanks and appreciation to those who assisted during her illness and all those mourning this sad loss with us. Siyabonga bakwethu (we thank you),” reads the statement.

More to follow…