Health Alert: People At High Risk Of Contracting Anthrax

Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

People at risk of getting anthrax disease
Human cases usually occur in industrial or agricultural environments.

The most vulnerable groups to anthrax include
 Farmers
 Butchers and skinners
 Tanners
 Abattoir workers: e.g. meat inspectors, packers and graders
 Veterinary workers
 Leather/skin handlers
 Consumers of uninspected meat

 Food handlers
In Zimbabwe, most cases are not related to occupation. People are unwilling to forego the chance of eating meat or selling the hide even if it is from an infected animal.

In places where religious prohibitions (such as the apostolic sect in Zimbabwe) may prevent people handling and eating meat of animals that are sick or animals that die on their own, anthrax is uncommon.

Anthrax in animals
Most warm blooded species are susceptible to anthrax. The anthrax disease commonly occurs in wild and domesticated herbivorous animals that ingest or inhale the spores while grazing or foraging.

Clinical manifestations of anthrax in animals

The signs and symptoms of the diseases include
 Cease feeding and drinking
 Staggering and falling
 Tremor, convulsions
 Massive oedema
 Swollen neck region lymph nodes in dogs and pigs
 Difficulty in breathing
 Bleeding from all orifices due to failure of blood clotting
 Sudden death in cattle, sheep and goats

Note: Most infected animals die within a few days after infection
The characteristic findings on dead animals include

 A rapidly decomposing carcass with a
blotted abdomen
 Dark tarry blood stained exudates from all natural openings
 Absence of rigor mortis
 Un-clotted intravenous blood
 Septicemia indicated by small petechial hemorrhages throughout
 the body
 Enlargement and softening of the spleen, and liver
 Subcutaneous swelling (mainly neck and throat)

Note:
Since intense bacteraemia precedes death all the organs in the animal are infected. Even sun- dried bones from a rotten carcass remain an important source of infection. Meat and milk from infected animals should not be consumed.

Carcasses suspected of anthrax should NEVER be opened as this precipitates spore formation and contamination of the environment

High risk transmission areas in Zimbabwe
 Areas where previous outbreaks have occurred
 Drought prone areas (Region IV and V)
 Areas with Calcium rich soils
 Overstocked areas, mainly over-populated communal farming areas

Prevention and control in animals
Vaccination
 Vaccinate animals within 12 kilometers radius from the nucleus of the outbreak area

 Annual cattle vaccinations are recommended for high risk areas
Treatment of sick animals
 Isolation and treatment of all symptomatic animals will be done using Penicillin or Tetracycline
followed by immunization of the animals on completion of treatment
 The animals should not be used for food until a few months have passed

Prevention and control in human
 Avoid eating meat and milk from affected areas

 If anthrax is suspected avoid contact, skinning the animals and avoid contaminating the areas with animal products

 Avoid skinning and opening up the carcasses as this releases the bacteria and promotes spore
formation which contaminates the environment
 Protect carcasses of suspect cases from scavenging animals

 Report all cases of animal sudden death to the police, Veterinary Department or Health Workers
 In the event that the Veterinary Officer cannot be found, bury the carcass 2 metres deep with
quick lime or burn with paraffin/fire wood
 Seek early treatment if one develops unexplained wound during the time when animals are
dying mysteriously
 Allow mass vaccination of animals by the Veterinary Officers
 Do not buy uninspected meat from vendors
 Avoid handling of carcasses and products of suspected infected animals: hides, milk, dried
meat, etc…

Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

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School Heads Demand US Dollars To Facilitate Form One Places

PARENTS caught looking for Form One places at various schools yesterday blamed middle persons who were promising them vacancies claiming that they were connected to school heads.

Most of the parents at the schools visited by H-Metro expressed displeasure over people and other school staff demanding money from them.

One of the parents who got a place at Vainona High School at the last hour said she was asked to pay US$40 by one of the staff members at one of the boarding schools.

“I was promised a Form One vacancy at Howard Mission and I paid the middle person some United States dollars only to block my contact on the last minute,” said the parent.

“Kuma boarding schools uko ndiko kunemazinyaya nekuti ukatadza kuburitsa ma US inoenda kuma headmaster wotoziva kuti hapana hapana.

“Headmasters are kings when it comes to school vacancies. Vana vakafoira vanopfumisa ma headmaster nechiwoko muhomwe vamwe vachifa nezvirwere vapfimba madzimai asina kukwana.

“I was forced to look for alternative place after the person who pocketed my money failed me.

“Most of the boarding schools we were told to return next term when they expect some to have transferred their children to other schools due to exorbitant fees.-H-Metro

School Classroom

BREAKING: LIVE- Mashurugwi Attack In Harare, Gang With Machete And Guns In Broadlands Road | IS ED BEHIND THIS?

LIVE VIDEO COMMENTARY BELOW…

By A Correspondent| ZimEye is receiving reports of an attack in the capital city, Harare involving a group of men armed with guns and machetes.

The report says a group of men have attacked a property at the corner of Broadlands Road and Donegal Road.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

The report is contained in an audio that states in precise detail –

“Morning; there is an attack happening on Broadlands close to Donegal.

“I don’t know the number of the house, and the people are anybody walking by the people in the house of being stopped from leaving by some a whole gang of people in a white car, and people walking past two of my staff, have just been attacked they have been threatened with guns and machetes to come into the yard.

“They have been strip searched; they have been, everything that they had was stolen; they were looking for cellphones whatever they were told that if I didn’t come in and lie on the grass that they were going to be shot or whatever and it’s happening right now, somewhere on the corner of Donegal and and Broadlands. Please send help to that house immediately.”

ZimEye is investigating.

Machete wielding men

The below unverified sms alleges that a gang of mashurugwi have hit some surbubs in the capital city, Harare.

The full which we release in the public interest reads:

[1/15, 18:21] +263 77 257 ***7: [01/15, 16:55] +: [15/01, 16:15] : Guys be safe hanzi mashurugwi at Avondale izvozvi attacking people
[15/01, 16:16] ??Those living in Emerald Hill near Broadlands beware. A gan of machete and gun wielding thieves just attacked a home this afternoon
[01/15, 17:01] +263 77 : Tru kuno kutynwald north they attacked maskat machena vari 4 vakasiya vasungirira maid nemwana and tuk zvinhu vwne pfuti nemabhemba
[01/15, 17:04] Daddy: Vane mota here vanhu ava
[01/15, 17:05] +: Ehe vanofamba nemota vamwe mapick up
[1/15, 18:22] +263 77 257 ***7: ❌COMMUNITY ALERT !!

FORWARD TO OTHERS

Please. take note : 3 or 4 guys may visit your home claiming they are from water company, to install shower caps, to save water. Or donation for sick kids. Or they will claim they are from Electricity company to change energy-saving electric bulbs for free as part of government lay down program. They have been spotted in so many areas. Please. do NOT let them in. They are Robbers, robbing people at gun-point. Please alert all your contacts, as you may save lives. Make sure doors are locked at all times and Please do not open door to strangers. Please forward immediately to save lives n property!!!

Wet Spell To Persist Until Next Week

Farai Dziva|The wet spell is expected to persist until next week.

This was revealed by the
Meteorological Services Department.

In a statement to a state run paper, MSD’s Mrs Gopo said:
Rainfall was being experienced in most parts of the country since Wednesday 8 January 2020.

Thunderstorms (are) expected till Monday 20 January and heavy downpours in places. Thus there is a potential of flash flooding in flood prone areas.

There is a high pressure system which is expected to be ridging in from Friday night into Saturday causing the convergence in the country and that’s on Saturday and Sunday, we should expect an increase in the rainfall activity.

Even though we have been receiving the rains, we are also expecting an increase in terms of the total amounts of rainfall in most parts of the country especially in the eastern, southern and northern parts of the country.”

900 MaShurugwi Nabbed

Farai Dziva|907 MaShurugwi gang members have been arrested in Mashonaland.

According to National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the the operation to apprehend MaShurugwi is in full swing.

The operation covered Jumbo Mine, Shamva and Mazowe Bridge. We managed to recover various property used by these miners which includes water pumps, hammer mills, generators, electric cables, solar panels and explosive fuses.

We managed to recover also three kilograms of mbanje. 18 motor vehicles were also impounded at Jumbo mine during the blitz.”

“No To Mutilation Of People’s Constitution”

Farai Dziva|The amendment of the Constitution is a calculated gambit by Emmerson Mnangagwa -meant to consolidate power, MDC’ s Douglas Mwonzora has said.

“The proposed constitutional amendments are designed to further constrict democratic space and concentrate power in the President.

They are also designed to deal with Zanu PF’s succession conundrum. The concept of one centre of power at all levels is archaic.

We should never allow the planned mutilation of the People’s Constitution. Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly for this constitution. It represents an incremental gain in its democratisation agenda. Never again should we allow concentration of power in one man,” argued Mwonzora.

Mnangagwa Wants To Use Constitutional Amendments To Gag Political Foes – Mwonzora

Douglas Mwonzora

Farai Dziva|The amendment of the Constitution is a calculated gambit by Emmerson Mnangagwa -meant to consolidate power, MDC’ s Douglas Mwonzora has said.

“The proposed constitutional amendments are designed to further constrict democratic space and concentrate power in the President.

They are also designed to deal with Zanu PF’s succession conundrum. The concept of one centre of power at all levels is archaic.

We should never allow the planned mutilation of the People’s Constitution. Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly for this constitution. It represents an incremental gain in its democratisation agenda. Never again should we allow concentration of power in one man,” argued Mwonzora.

Douglas Mwonzora
Douglas Mwonzora

Heal Zimbabwe Trust Director Trial Has Taken Too Long To Commence- Legal Experts

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) Board Chairperson Rashid Mahiya on Tuesday 14 January 2020 asked Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa to set him free after arguing that the State had taken long to put him on trial on charges of plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

Mahiya, who is also the Executive Director of Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) was arrested on Monday 25 February 2019 and charged with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors claim that the CiZC leader connived with some unidentified accomplices and convened a meeting at Wild Geese Conference Centre in Pomona suburb in Harare for members of CiZC and HZT between 3 December 2018 to 6 December 2018.

During the meeting, prosecutors alleged that Mahiya incited participants including some from Interpeace, a peacebuilding organisation headquartered in Europe, and the general populace of Zimbabwe, to subvert a constitutional government by urging all Zimbabweans to engage in acts of civil disobedience, passive resistance to law, public violence, hooliganism and rampant looting across the country.

Prosecutors claimed that as a result of Mahiya’s undisclosed utterances during the meeting held at Wild Geese Conference Centre and also those of his unidentified accomplices, members of the public engaged in acts of violence, wanton destruction of both government and private property and carried out rampant looting from shops across the country from Monday 14 January 2019 up to Wednesday 16 January 2019 during anti-government protests held in Zimbabwe.

On Tuesday 14 January 2020, Mahiya’s lawyer, Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights protested before Magistrate Mugwagwa that his client’s trial had taken long to commence.

Bhatasara argued that Mahiya has been religiously attending court sessions without being put on trial and hence he should be removed from remand and be set free.

ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

Latest On Human Rights Activist Accused Of Plotting To Overthrow Mnangagwa Government

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) Board Chairperson Rashid Mahiya on Tuesday 14 January 2020 asked Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa to set him free after arguing that the State had taken long to put him on trial on charges of plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

Mahiya, who is also the Executive Director of Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) was arrested on Monday 25 February 2019 and charged with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors claim that the CiZC leader connived with some unidentified accomplices and convened a meeting at Wild Geese Conference Centre in Pomona suburb in Harare for members of CiZC and HZT between 3 December 2018 to 6 December 2018.

During the meeting, prosecutors alleged that Mahiya incited participants including some from Interpeace, a peacebuilding organisation headquartered in Europe, and the general populace of Zimbabwe, to subvert a constitutional government by urging all Zimbabweans to engage in acts of civil disobedience, passive resistance to law, public violence, hooliganism and rampant looting across the country.

Prosecutors claimed that as a result of Mahiya’s undisclosed utterances during the meeting held at Wild Geese Conference Centre and also those of his unidentified accomplices, members of the public engaged in acts of violence, wanton destruction of both government and private property and carried out rampant looting from shops across the country from Monday 14 January 2019 up to Wednesday 16 January 2019 during anti-government protests held in Zimbabwe.

On Tuesday 14 January 2020, Mahiya’s lawyer, Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights protested before Magistrate Mugwagwa that his client’s trial had taken long to commence.

Bhatasara argued that Mahiya has been religiously attending court sessions without being put on trial and hence he should be removed from remand and be set free.

ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights

Chaos As Canada’s Largest Newspaper Says Harry And Meghan Are Not Welcome In Country

Prince Harry and Mergan

Canada’s largest newspaper says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren’t welcome to live in the famously friendly country because it’s unconstitutional.

In a scathing editorial, The Globe and Mail says the royal couple’s plan to move to the land of maple syrup and hockey violates laws that keep the once-British-ruled country at arm’s length from their mother monarchy across the pond, reports the New York Post.

“In response to the sudden announcement of a vague and evolving plan for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – Prince Harry and Meghan – to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, the Trudeau government’s response should be simple and succinct: No,” the editorial blasts.

“You are welcome to visit, but so long as you are senior royals, Canada cannot allow you to come to stay … It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo,” it says.

Harry and Meghan’s Canada planned migration mucks up the country’s long history of breaking away from the British political system, according to the article.

“[Canada’s] unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in our constitutional system, means that a royal resident — the Prince is sixth in the line of succession — is not something that Canada can allow,” it says.

“A royal living in this country does not accord with the long-standing nature of the relationship between Canada and Britain, and Canada and the Crown.”

The royals’ plan — which includes stepping down from their titles and dividing their time between L.A. and Canada — also stomps on Canada’s identity, it notes.

The country broke away from British reign centuries ago, considers Queen Elizabeth II a figurehead leader only, and allows few of her reps to have duties.

“Though Canada borrowed from Britain, it isn’t Britain and never was. And this country long ago took steps to make that unmistakably clear,” the editorial states.

“If you’re a senior member of our Royal Family, this country cannot become your home.”

The Globe and Mail newspaper is printed in five major cities and is widely regarded as Canada’s “newspaper of record.”

Honchos at the paper aren’t the only ones who aren’t thrilled about Megxit. On Monday, Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement saying that the royal family “would have preferred” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to stay put and keep their senior palace duties. – Agencies

Unverified SMS Says Mashurugwi Have Hit Harare Surbubs

Machete wielding men

The below unverified sms alleges that a gang of mashurugwi have hit some surbubs in the capital city, Harare.

The full which we release in the public interest reads:

[1/15, 18:21] +263 77 257 ***7: [01/15, 16:55] +: [15/01, 16:15] : Guys be safe hanzi mashurugwi at Avondale izvozvi attacking people
[15/01, 16:16] ??Those living in Emerald Hill near Broadlands beware. A gan of machete and gun wielding thieves just attacked a home this afternoon
[01/15, 17:01] +263 77 : Tru kuno kutynwald north they attacked maskat machena vari 4 vakasiya vasungirira maid nemwana and tuk zvinhu vwne pfuti nemabhemba
[01/15, 17:04] Daddy: Vane mota here vanhu ava
[01/15, 17:05] +: Ehe vanofamba nemota vamwe mapick up
[1/15, 18:22] +263 77 257 ***7: ❌COMMUNITY ALERT !!

FORWARD TO OTHERS

Please. take note : 3 or 4 guys may visit your home claiming they are from water company, to install shower caps, to save water. Or donation for sick kids. Or they will claim they are from Electricity company to change energy-saving electric bulbs for free as part of government lay down program. They have been spotted in so many areas. Please. do NOT let them in. They are Robbers, robbing people at gun-point. Please alert all your contacts, as you may save lives. Make sure doors are locked at all times and Please do not open door to strangers. Please forward immediately to save lives n property!!!

Just In- On Leave Mnangagwa Tours TelOne’s Factory Site

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa jetted back into the country Tuesday from Mozambique where he was attending the inaguration of President Filipe Nyusi.

His trip however, was done while he is currently on his annual leave  until the end of January.

Today, Mnangagwa embarked on a familiarisation tour of the Zimbabwe Technology Company (ZITCO) at a TelOne factory site in Harare.

He toured of the ICT devices factory and met the team of the engineers and technicians working on the plant where laptops and desktops are being assembled.

Watch the video below for this and more….. 

Anthrax Wrecks Havoc In Mnangagwa’s Backyard

By A Correspondent- Masvingo, in Midlands province which is home to President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been hit by an anthrax outbreak.

Official figures indicate that more than 40 cattle have succumbed to the disease while at least 60 people have been affected.

Masvingo department of veterinary services provincial officer Dr Ernest Dzimwasha confirmed the anthrax outbreak saying 46 cattle have been lost while 37 people in Bikita and 27 from Gutu have been diagnosed with the disease after consuming infected beef.

“I can confirm that Gutu and Bikita districts have been affected by anthrax. We have already started the vaccination program and so far we have vaccinated 14 000 cattle in Gutu and we expect to vaccinate seven in Bikita,” he said.

Dr Dzimwasha encouraged villagers and farmers in Masvingo province to notify the Department of Veterinary Services as soon as they suspect anthrax in both human beings and livestock.

Last week three people fell sick after consuming meat from animals that died of anthrax in Mahusekwa, Marondera district. The three cases were picked at Chimbwanda Clinic and were confirmed at Mahusekwa Hospital on Monday.

Marondera district veterinary officero, Dr Kramer Manyetu said on investigation, it was established that the affected people consumed meat from two cattle that died on December 30, 2019. Earlier in the month, an outbreak of anthrax affected eight people in Zvimba district after they ate meat from a cow that had died of the disease. The affected areas were Chirau and Madzorera villages.

Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by bacteria that normally affects animals, especially ruminants. Mashonaland West acting provincial medical director, Dr Gift Masocha confirmed the anthrax outbreak last week. He said all the eight people, who were diagnosed of subsuternous anthrax that affects the skin and manifests in the form of ulcers, were treated and discharged at Zvimba Rural Clinic.

Police Appeal For Information On Whereabouts Of Missing Teen Girl

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo are appealing for information that may lead to the location of a juvenile who went missing in Bradfield in December.  

Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said Locadia Vimbainashe Mundevere (15) of house number 7 Irvine Avenue, Bradfield was last seen on December 5 during lunch time by her mother Tarisai Usai (33) after she had gone to buy food at Bradfield shopping centre.  

She said Mundevere was a Form Three pupil at Townsend High School.

“The missing person is approximately 1,6 metres tall, medium built with brown eyes and black hair.

“She was last seen wearing a black dress with white stripes and silver sandals,” said Asst Insp Msebele.  

She said anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts can contact Sergeant Mpofu on 0712 599833, ZRP Khumalo on 0292-274491 or any nearest police station.

Senior Officer Threatened With Eviction

By A Correspondent- A senior serving officer in Mutare is allegedly being threatened with eviction from his place of residence by a colleague, ZimEye has learnt.

The accused and another senior police officer, whose name has been availed to this publication has reportedly hired another team of armed officers to carry out his instruction.

However, all this is happening under the watchful eyes of other armed Support Unit members, in a development which has been described by sources as a “ticking time bomb”.

Revealed the whistleblower:

“Please ask local journalists to visit flat number (withheld) at Umsasa Street, Murambi, Mutare near Chancellor Primary School where a serving Senior Officer’s family is threatened with eviction under watchful eyes of armed Support Unit members. Another Superintendent (name withheld) is leading a team of armed officers.

FULL TEXT- ERC Shoots Down Ammendments To The Constitution

ERC Director Tawanda Chimhini


The Election Resource Centre (ERC), notes with great concern the government’s insatiable appetite to amend the 2013 constitution even before completing aligning of all laws to the constitution.

The government through the admission of President Emmerson Mnangagwa admitted that more needs to be done to align all laws with the 2013 Constitution.

It is disturbing that the same government that is calling for dialogue and national cohesion on one hand is shutting the door on all other stakeholders in an important exercise such as amending a constitution that was overwhelmingly supported by Zimbabweans in 2013 on the other.

While recognising that government can initiate changes to the legislation, the political context of extreme polarisation and encouragement for Zimbabweans to work together by regional partners, ZANU PF and government would have more to gain from an inclusive approach to changing policies than stubbornly doing it alone banking on their Parliamentary majority.

The ERC acknowledges that there is nothing illegal about a broad based, inclusive approach to considering and implementing policy reforms including changes to the Constitution.

It is unfortunate that the proposed changes have a direct bearing on future elections particularly on issues of inclusion and election dispute resolution given the disputed nature of previous ones.

The ERC would have hoped that any constitutional changes, once deemed to be necessary and a priority, seek to strengthen the credibility of future election processes rather than weaken them.

Furthermore, judicial officers whose appointment is at the discretion of the Executive undemines perceptions of fairness in the event of disputed elections given that the executive is an interested party in elections as the incumbent.

ZANU PF may enjoy a Parliamentary majority, but the abuse of such control of the legislature in passing legislation that erode principles of democracy such as separati on of powers is ill advised.

It is of great concern that the developments are coming at a time when reforms should define the country’s attempt to extricate itself from current challenges including international isolation, clawing back the gains of the 2013 Constitution will only serve to widen the rift between those in
authority and those outside of it.

Watch the video loading below for the full text of the above statement and more…

Latest On Glaudina Primary School Chaos

PRESS RELEASE

15 JANUARY 2020

RE: GLAUDINA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Following the failure of the above mentioned school to open its doors yesterday the undersigned together with Ward 40 councillor (Stephen Dhliwayo) convened a Crisis meeting with all stakeholders.

The stakeholders were City of Harare represented by the Director of Housing and other officials,Ministry of Education represented by the District Schools Inspector for Mabelreign- Warren park District,the Developer (Naldline Pvt ltd) represented by its Director and officials and the community represented by their school development committee.

After our fruitful engagement we resolved that:

1: Glaudina primary school shall open its doors to learners on Monday 20 January 2020 catering for pupils up to Grade 5.

2: The Developer and it’s contractor with the assistance from City of Harare and the community shall from today 15 January to 19 January 2020 do everything possible to ensure that the minimum health and educational standards are put in place at the School to enable proper learning.

3: The right to Education for more than 860 pupils so far registered at the school should be defended and accordingly all stakeholders to do everything necessary to make the Glaudina primary School a leading educational institution.

Hon Edwin Mushoriwa MP – Dzivaresekwa

“It’s Illegal For Former VP Mphoko To Claim Pension In Forex”: Gvnt

By A Correspondent- Government is disputing former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s claim of more than US$300 000 in benefits and pension, all to be calculated in US dollars and paid in forex or at the interbank rate.

This emerged when Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, through the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Office, yesterday filed an application for condonation for late filing of his notice of opposition to the claim at the Bulawayo High Court.

Dr Sibanda, who is responsible for the administration of pensions and benefits of former Presidents and Vice Presidents, is seeking an order allowing the Government to file opposing affidavits in Mr Mphoko’s case.

In his application citing Cabinet, Dr Sibanda, Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, Salary Services Bureau (SSB) Paymaster and PSC Pensions Master as respondents, Mr Mphoko is seeking an order directing Government, through the PSC, to award him more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension.

The PSC, however, has said the former Vice President will only be paid his calculated pension in local currency and should not expect any other benefits.

Dr Sibanda queried Mr Mphoko’s claim, saying it was not justified.

“The respondent is claiming an amount of US$320 000 and no explanation is given as to how he arrives at such a figure. He cannot simply convert what he used to earn then and convert it at the going rate without taking into consideration the changes brought in by the departure from multi-currency regime.

“In this regard, there is a dispute as to what respondent maybe entitled to,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said it was illegal under amendments to the Reserve Bank Act for Mr Mphoko to claim his money in United States dollars.

Dr Sibanda, continuing to argue for permission to file late, said the matter of Mr Mphoko’s claim is of national importance as it involves payment of pension to any former Vice President.

Government said the amount Mr Mphoko will get will be subjected to computation by the Pensions Office in consultation with the SSB.

Mr Mphoko said having joined the civil service in October 1981, he was entitled to his benefits and pension as a civil servant.

In addition he claims a second pension as a former Vice President equivalent, under the Constitution, to the salary of a sitting Vice President.

He was appointed Vice President in December 2014, a position he held until he was removed from office together with late Mugabe during November 2017 military coup

-statemedia

UPDATE: Forex Trading Rates As At 16 January 2020

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

  • USD to ZWL$: 17.0662
  • ZWL$ to RAND:  0.8436

Black Market Rates:

  • OMIR                                         26.46
  • USD to ZWL$ zimrates.com      23.9
  • USD to ZWL$ zwl365.com        23.5
  • USD to ZWL$ bluemari.info      23.3
  • USD to ZWL$ rbz.co.zw            17.06
  • USD to BOND zimrates.com     17.4

Source: marketwatch.co.zw

Rural Teachers’ President Appears in Court On Treason Charge

By Own Correspondent| Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President Obert Masaraure appeared in Harare Magistrates Court 6 today at 0830hrs on treason charges.

State applied for postponement to 31 March 2020, claiming they will be ready to indict the case to the High Court.

Defense council led by Jeremiah Bhamu argued against the long remand.Magistrate to make a ruling at 1415hrs today.

The case has dragged since January last year in a shocking delay by the state to bring our Masaraure to trial.

On the last ruling in December 2019 State said it needed more time to investigate.

Masaraure said, “A year on since I was abducted, tortured and charged with treason, the state has not submitted any evidence.”

I Am Saddened By Current State Of Affairs In My Country: Linda Masarira

From the bottom of my heart…

I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the current state of affairs in my country. Some of my erstwhile Comrades are plotting to use violence saying it has been a long time coming and long overdue. Let me hasten to give reproach and quip; Violence begets violence. One’s freedom of speech should never infringe on other people’s rights. One might wonder what has brought on this melancholy, so let me give you dear reader, a brief overview.

Zimbabwe attained its independence after a second guerrilla warfare dubbed the Second Chimurenga war. At independence in 1980, government was occupied by war veterans who were still dealing with war trauma, of which some to date never got counselling. 19 years down the line, Zimbabwe is still suffering from the effects of post war trauma – the only way Zanu PF government ever knew of dealing with conflict was through violence and silencing dissenting voices.

Since independence dissenting voices have been silenced using state militia, police and security agents. Zimbabweans went through horrendous encounters of the Gukurahundi massacres, land invasion violence, pre & post-election violence since 2000. Call to mind the gruesome terms ‘short sleeve or long sleeve’ in 2008; police brutality towards activists between 1998-2018 and the now the machete-wielding criminals named ‘mashurugwi’ and other political renegades taking advantage of the chaos are being used to settle political scores which is a recipe for disaster.

Whilst some churches, level headed civic society organizations and progressive activists like myself have been preaching peace, unity and tolerance over the past three years, some malcontents within activists and political parties have been abusing their popularity by inciting violence.

Dear Zimbabwe, violence will further divide us and destroy us as a people. There is no resolution that will ever be achieved through violent conduct. Its rather unfortunate that when the elephants fight the grass suffers. Right now most of the casualties of the terrorist attacks happening in the country are innocent people who do not even take part in politics. Some are already calling for protests which are not even attended by their own children yet they expect other people’s children to participate. Those who call for protests will be sitting comfortably in safe places, whilst the protesters will be dicing with death.

I am against any form of violence. Zimbabwe is a broken nation because of multiple cycles of violence perpetrated on its people for decades. We can’t mend what is broken using violence. Violence will further tear us apart &further divide us. Now is the time my fellow brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers to all work towards being Peace Makers.

We are all going through a tough phase as Zimbabweans and need to exercise restraint and to be tolerant of divergent views. It took 38 years to run down Zimbabwe and it is only foolhardy to expect our economy to bounce back overnight. No one deserves to die for other people’s political egos.

We are now in 2020 and soon Zimbabwe will be 40, life begins at 40. Let us begin this new life for Zimbabwe by uniting as a people in our diversity focusing on developing our once great nation.

I urge the church to continue praying for Zimbabwe and mediating between the political parties that are fighting for power. People shouldn’t be made to suffer for one to continue questioning legitimacy. The government of the day should desist from descending violently on unarmed civilians, protestors should respect the law of this land and protest peacefully. Those in the diaspora should stop inciting violence in the comfort of their homes.

Now is the time for conflict resolution through dialogue, truth telling, repentance and reconciliation. Zimbabwe will not progress so long we are not united as a people in our diversity. Depolarization of our political economy is critical at this juncture. It is easy to destroy in our anger and frustrations but it’s so difficult to reconstruct and rebuild.

I implore the government to deal with the MaShurugwi terrorists methodically and with a winning strategy in mind. A responsible government protects and cares for its citizens. Focus should be on development, production and reviving the economy of Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans.

God save Zimbabwe, Let’s stop the violence and nurture love. We will get there, together we can.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
LEAD President

Mphoko Pension: Misheck Sibanda Begs For Pardon

By Own Correspondent|CHIEF Secretary in the Office of the President, Misheck Sibanda has applied for the courts to pardon him after he failed to defend an application filed by former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko seeking an order declaring as illegal and unconstitutional the withholding of his pension by government.

The application by Sibanda with three other senior government officials, Zibusiso Ncube, the Civil Service Commission Secretary; Jonathan Wutaunashe, Salary Service Bureau Paymaster and Brighton Chizingo, Civil Service Commission Director of Pensions was filed this week at the High Court in Bulawayo through the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office.

“This is an application in which I am seeking condonation for the late filing of my notice of opposition in case No H.C 2341/19. When the 2nd, 3rd and 4th applicants herein were served with the court application in the said case, they indicated to me that I had been cited as a party to the proceedings and that they needed instructions from me so that we could file a joint opposition,” said Sibanda in his court papers.

“I indicated to them that I could only furnish them with instructions after I had been served with the court application and after having perused it. To this day, I have not been served with the court application,” he said.

Last year, the Public Service Commission (PSC) agreed to pay Mphoko his pension only and no other benefits.

In a letter dated 18 November 2019, the PSC through the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office also indicated that they intended to oppose Mphoko’s application but the opposing time frame had since elapsed.

Mphoko was Vice President during late President Robert Mugabe’s last term of office which ended abruptly with a military coup. Mugabe was replaced by incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

At one time, as part of his ‘exit package’, Mphoko demanded first class air travel on four foreign trips per year; private houses and an army of aides and domestic staff. These were some of the benefits that he enjoyed during his days as Mugabe’s VP.

In terms of Vice Presidents, Statutory Instrument 86 of 2015, says a VP is entitled to enjoy exit packages such as a security officer, two drivers and domestic workers after serving at least one term.

However, the government stated Mphoko does not qualify for the benefits since he did not serve a full term as VP. He assumed office in 2014 and two years short of a full five-year term.

FULL TEXT: Human Rights Watch 2019 Report On Zimbabwe

Relatively peaceful national elections marred by disputed results and post-election violence signified that little had changed in Zimbabwe in 2018. The declaration of Emmerson Mnangagwa as winner of the July 30 presidential race, which for the first time in 30 years did not have former President Robert Mugabe on the ballot, was followed by a military crackdown on political opponents. Mugabe’s ouster by the military in November 2017 paved the way for his erstwhile deputy, Mnangagwa, to take over the reins of power as interim president, and then as ruling ZANU-PF flagbearer in the national elections.

On August 1, soldiers shot and killed at least six people during opposition protests in the capital, Harare. Mnangagwa later established a commission of inquiry into the post-election violence, chaired by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe.

At time of writing, the commission had not published its findings. Throughout the year, Mnangagwa and other high-level government officials made numerous promises to deliver governance reforms to mark the post-Mugabe era, but took few steps to demonstrate commitment to accountability, justice for human rights abuses, and respect for the rule of law.

Mnangagwa, who has his own long record of human rights abuses, called on Zimbabweans in December 2017 “to let bygones be bygones,” paving the way for continued widespread impunity for abuses by the military and state security agents.

The administration has also struggled to revive the economy, and to effectively respond to the outbreak of cholera in August, which killed at least 50 people and infected thousands in Harare. Freedom of Expression and Media On October 29, state security agents briefly detained and harassed journalist Violet Gonda at State House where she was officially accreditated to report on President Mnangagwa’s meeting with business leaders.

On September 21, police briefly detained Pauline Chateuka, a Community Radio Harare journalist, for filming police officers as they arrested street vendors in Harare. On September 19, police also briefly detained Gilbert Nyambavhu, editor of the online publication, New Zimbabwe, and his colleague Idah Mhetu.

On September 24, a group of publishers, editors, and journalists met with senior officials of the ruling ZANU-PF party in the Midlands city of Kwekwe to register complaints over cases of intimidation and threats issued against local journalists by some party members. ZANU-PF officials urged journalists to report any cases of intimidation involving party supporters to them.

The Mnangagwa administration failed to amend or repeal repressive laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. These laws were used under Mugabe to severely curtail basic rights through vague defamation clauses and draconian penalties.

Partisan policing and prosecution worsened the impact of the repressive provisions in the AIPPA and POSA laws. Women’s and Girls’ Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity Three years after Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court declared child marriage unconstitutional and set 18 as the minimum marriage age, the government has not put structures in place to implement the court decision and ensure that girls under 18 are not forced into marriage.

Although Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitution stipulates that “no person may be compelled to enter marriage against their will” and required authorities to ensure that children are not pledged into marriage, the government has yet to amend or repeal all other existing marriage laws that still allow child marriage.

During his State of the Nation address on September 18, Mnangangwa said that the current parliament is expected to consider the Child Justice Bill and the Marriages Bill, which seek to provide a child justice system and outlaw child marriages.

The parliament has yet to consider these bills at time of writing. Critical steps have not been taken to address the routine eviction of widows from their marital homes and confiscation of their property by in-laws with little recourse to the formal justice system, which Human Rights Watch documented in 2017. Many of the victims continue to struggle to claim rights for reasons unique to their status as widows. Few women formally own the property held during their marriage.

As a result, they were unable to keep jointly held property upon the death of their husband. Section 73 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, 2004 punishes consensual same-sex conduct between men with up to one year in prison or a fine or both. This restrictive legislation contributes to stigma and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

In September, a teacher at a Harare school who came out as gay resigned after he received death threats from members of the public over his sexual orientation. Ahead of the July 2018 national elections, representatives of the LGBT community in Zimbabwe met with top ruling ZANU-PF party officials.

The Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) advocacy group thanked Mnangagwa for this unprecedented meeting and for “understanding” them better than his predecessor Mugabe and the opposition parties. Right to Health The Ministry of Health on September 6 declared a cholera outbreak in Harare after confirmation of 11 cases. The government subsequently declared a national emergency after scores had died and thousands became infected. Between August 2008 and July 2009 Zimbabwe experienced Africa’s worst cholera epidemic in 15 years when more than 4,000 people died and over 100,000 were infected.

The conditions that allowed the devastating epidemic to flourish in 2008 persisted in 2018: little access to potable water, inadequate sanitation services, and limited information on water quality. Rule of Law Authorities continued to ignore human rights provisions in the country’s 2013 constitution.

The government did not enact new laws or amend existing legislation to bring them in line with the constitution and Zimbabwe’s international and regional human rights obligations. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission on August 7 strongly condemned the use of live ammunition and excessive force against unarmed protesters in Harare in August when the military fatally shot at least six people.

Security forces have intensified a crackdown on supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDCA) in the aftermath of post-election protests in Harare. They also beat up and harassed scores of people in Harare as they searched for opposition party officials. The whereabouts of pro-democracy activist and human rights defender Itai Dzamara remains unknown. He was abducted on March 9, 2015. In October, prominent activist and director of Zimbabwe Peace Project, Jestina Mukoko, a victim of enforced disappearance and torture for three weeks by state agents in December 2008, finally received compensation after a Zimbabwe High Court ordered the state to pay her US$150,000. Key International Actors Following the November 2017 military coup, the leadership of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) called on Zimbabweans to peacefully resolve the nation’s political challenges. SADC leaders welcomed Mugabe’s decision to resign under military pressure, pledging to support future national elections. The African Union initially condemned the military takeover, but later welcomed Mugabe’s resignation. The AU and SADC adjudged the July 2018 elections as peaceful and in accordance with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which were established to promote regular free and fair, transparent, credible and peaceful democratic elections in the region. International observer missions, including those of the European Union, the AU, SADC and the Commonwealth, issued a joint statement on August 2 appreciating the generally peaceful and orderly pre-electoral and voting day environment, but expressing grave concern about the post-election violence. They condemned vandalism and destruction of property and called on political party supporters to abide by the law. They also denounced the excessive use of force to quell protests and urged the police and army to exercise restraint. On August 8, United States President Donald Trump signed into law the amended Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which renewed sanctions against the Mnangagwa administration.

Removal Of Running Mate Clause Wrong: ZESN

16 January 2020- The Zimbabwe Election Support Network notes with concern the proposed changes in the Constitutional Amendment Bill to remove the Presidential Running Mate Clause. The move is retrogressive and an affront to the will of the people as expressed in the referendum on the new Constitution in 2013.

ZESN is of the view that the suggested changes to the Constitution with regard to the removal of the concept of presidential running mates is a reversal of some of the gains that were going to be realized upon the activation of the Clauses in 2023 providing for the running mates. This position is informed by the fact that:

1. Internal Political Instability of both the ruling ZANU-PF party and the main opposition MDC-Alliance have been largely informed by the apparent lack of succession planning in both parties. This gap has had a significant knock-on effect on the political stability of the government and the nation at large as internal party fights have often spilled into government. The running mate clause provision was going to support as well as formalise the selection of Vice Presidents of the respective political parties, hence provide a measure of predictability and stability in the leadership transition processes whenever they occurred at both party or government level.

2. Strengthened Mandate to Govern: currently, the country’s Vice Presidents do not have an express mandate from the citizens to govern as they are not elected, but rather appointed by the President. Every time they stand in as acting President, it means for that period the country would be governed by persons without a direct mandate to govern. The running mate clause was intended to enhance our democracy by ensuring that at any given time the country is governed by those who derived a direct mandate from the people. 

We take cognisant of the desire, through the Unity Accord signed in 1987, to unite Zimbabwe, promote peace, law, and order and to guarantee social and economic development and political stability and are mindful that the Unity Accord led to the adoption of the system of two vice presidents for the Republic.  However, the people spoke during the constitutional making process and voted decisively at the referendum against having two vice presidents in favour of the adoption of the running mate clause. The will of the people must be respected. Zimbabweans who voted for the clause are looking forward to its coming into force in 2023. For a few elected individuals to obliterate the clause before it even sees the light of day is a blatant disregard of the views of the people who deployed parliamentarians and the executive in the first place. The test of the pudding is in the eating. Allow the people of Zimbabwe to test what they believe is the solution to transparent leadership transition processes.

Conclusion

ZESN does not, therefore, support the removal of the Presidential Mate running clause. ZESN, however, remains committed to the promotion of democratic elections in Zimbabwe and the provision of running mates, an integral part of the grundnorm, will contribute to the safeguarding of democratic electoral processes in Zimbabwe. ENDS//

Odd World: This Man Has The Biggest Family In The World, 13 Wives, 10 Girlfriends, 176 Children.

A 65 year old Ugandan man, Mustafa Magambo Mutone has asked government to support some of his children who are 176 in total.

Mutone who has at least 13 wives complained that he has tried to support his family but it is not easy hence coming in the open seeking for government’s intervention.

“I have tried to feed my 13 wives and over 170 children and it is not easy. I request the Government to at least sponsor 30 of my children in secondary schools and tertiary institutions,” complained Mutone.Despite having such big family, Mutone has managed sending some of his children to school citing that 10 of his children are in the university who are on private sponsorship and over 40 are in primary school.

According to Mutone, his oldest wife is 50 and the youngest is 25 years old with a 49 years child as his first born and 4 years old twins as his last.

However, the number of his children is likely to hit 180 by the end of the year since 6 of his wives are pregnant.

Mutone explained that he is still strong enough to marry more wives and bear more children, since he does not drink alcohol, smoke or take sugar.

Mutone deals in produce (beans, maize and coffee), also owns a wholesale shop at Kyaterekera trading centre.

Climate Africa Reporters

ED Has Lost His Position As President: Advocate Thabani Mpofu

By Advocate Thabani Mpofu| Last VP to have acted must take over On or around the 8th January 2020 the nation was advised that ED had proceeded on his annual leave and had for that reason nominated General Chiwenga and Colonel Mohadi, on a rotational basis, to act in his stead during the period of his absence. It was inauspiciously advised that ED would be in the country for the entire duration of his annual vacation. He has in the event subsequently performed certain executive functions during the advised vacation. I have been consulted to give advice on the constitutional implications of these developments.

Paragraph 14(3) of the sixth schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, provides as follows: “Where-(a)

(b) two Vice Presidents are appointed in terms of subparagraph (2), the President may from time to time nominate one of them to act as President whenever he or she is absent from Zimbabwe or is unable to exercise his or her official functions through illness or any other cause.”

In terms of this provision, an Acting President can only be appointed in two instances viz:

i. If the president is absent from Zimbabwe (this connotes physical absence) or,

ii If through INABILITY, he cannot exercise his/her official functions (this connotes physical or mental inability which must exist as a matter of objective fact).

In this regard, it does not matter how the inability arises. What is clear is that whatever cause is relied upon by the president must speak to an absolute INABILITY on his part to perform the functions of his office.

Further, the president cannot nominate both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. He can only nominate one at a time or to use the words of the constitution, “from time to time”.

In this case, the president is in Zimbabwe and could not have nominated one or both of his deputies to assume the position of Acting President. He also could not have nominated an Acting President on the basis of INABILITY to perform his functions given that such inability does not as a matter of objective fact exist. The grave and concerning surrender by the president of executive power has neither constitutional warrant nor precedent.

At any rate, it is not open to the president, during the period in which an Acting President is in office, to exercise, on a random basis, the already delegated functions of his office. Executive authority cannot at that level be shared and once delegated, constitutional authority cannot thereafter be exercised by the delegate. The president cannot have it both ways. Either he retains his authority in which event he exercises it or he delegates it in which event he losses it for the period of the delegation.

It is also clear that the president could not have validly nominated both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. In terms of the constitution, he could only nominate one deputy at a time or “from time to time”. The unconstitutional act of appointing two deputies to act on a rotational basis is in my view deliberate and was meant to aid the president in his renunciation of the constitution.

As a result, the country is currently operating under an illegal regime in which the president has not only abdicated his constitutional obligation to observe the law but has altogether repudiated his position as president. The repudiation comes in that absent an absence from the country or an inability to perform functions, executive authority cannot be delegated as has been done. The president not only having delegated the authority but also having been prepared to share it with his deputies has by his objective actions repudiated his position as head of state and government.

In terms of section 96 of the constitution, the president can only resign his office by notifying the Speaker of Parliament in writing that he has done so. There is however, no process required and none to be followed when the president repudiates his position. A sitting president is at large to repudiate his position either by word or conduct. Repudiation is itself a unilateral act and cannot be recalled. In the immortal words of the Shona, “yadeuka yadeuka”.

Zimbabwe has accordingly ceased to have a substantive president.

In terms of paragraph 14(4)(a) of the sixth schedule, the last Vice President to have acted in the position of the president, must now exercise complete executive authority until his party nominates a substantive president in terms of paragraph 14(5) of the same schedule. That is a constitutional imperative.

Thabani Of Counsel Chambers, Harare

AFCON Defies Euro Calendar Returns To Jan – Feb Slot

The Africa Cup of Nations will revert to its former time slot of January and February for the next edition in 2021, hosts Cameroon said on Wednesday.

The African Cup of Nations will return to its traditional slot for 2021. AFP
The African Cup of Nations will return to its traditional slot for 2021. AFP

The tournament’s organising committee, as well as the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), revealed that the tournament will be played from January 9 to February 6, 2021 after a meeting with Confederation of African Football (CAF) chief Ahmad Ahmad in Yaounde.

A statement published on the CAF’s website said organisers had asked for the dates to be changed because of “the unfavourable weather conditions during the period initially scheduled”.

The tournament was moved to a June-July slot for last year’s first 24-team edition in Egypt, in large part to avoid clashing with the European club season. However, the competition, won by Algeria, was played in the searing heat of the north African summer. Meanwhile, the same period coincides with the rainy season in Cameroon. Organisers said they had agreed to the change after discussions with meteorological experts, as well as player and coach representatives.

The Central African country was initially scheduled to be the venue for the 2019 Cup of Nations but CAF stripped it of its hosting rights in late 2018 because of delays in its preparations.

Cameroon, which has been plagued by violence in its troubled anglophone region and is also fighting the Islamist insurgency of the Boko Haram group in the north of the country, had initially been awarded the tournament before its expansion from 16 to 24 teams. The date change is also convenient for FIFA, given that world football’s governing body will stage the first 24-team Club World Cup in China in June and July of 2021.

It comes with FIFA’s Senegalese secretary general Fatma Samoura having been named as general delegate for Africa last year to oversee reforms within African football’s governing body.

However, the change may not be viewed so positively by leading European clubs, who now risk losing key players to the competition for up to five weeks midway through next season.

Crisis Coalition Boss Fights For Freedom As State Dithers On Treason Trial

CRISIS in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) Board Chairperson Rashid Mahiya on Tuesday 14 January 2020 asked Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa to set him free after arguing that the State had taken long to put him on trial on charges of plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

Mahiya, who is also the Executive Director of Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) was arrested on Monday 25 February 2019 and charged with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors claim that the CiZC leader connived with some unidentified accomplices and convened a meeting at Wild Geese Conference Centre in Pomona suburb in Harare for members of CiZC and HZT between 3 December 2018 to 6 December 2018.

During the meeting, prosecutors alleged that Mahiya incited participants including some from Interpeace, a peacebuilding organisation headquartered in Europe, and the general populace of Zimbabwe, to subvert a constitutional government by urging all Zimbabweans to engage in acts of civil disobedience, passive resistance to law, public violence, hooliganism and rampant looting across the country.

Prosecutors claimed that as a result of Mahiya’s undisclosed utterances during the meeting held at Wild Geese Conference Centre and also those of his unidentified accomplices, members of the public engaged in acts of violence, wanton destruction of both government and private property and carried out rampant looting from shops across the country from Monday 14 January 2019 up to Wednesday 16 January 2019 during anti-government protests held in Zimbabwe.

On Tuesday 14 January 2020, Mahiya’s lawyer, Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights protested before Magistrate Mugwagwa that his client’s trial had taken long to commence.

Bhatasara argued that Mahiya has been religiously attending court sessions without being put on trial and hence he should be removed from remand and be set free.

Saudi Arabia Executed 184 Last Year Alone, Including One Who Sent A WhatsApp Message At 16.

184 people were killed by the state in 2019

Mirror|Saudi Arabia executed 184 people last year, including three prisoners who were teenagers when they were arrested.

The grim figure is the highest number of state killings which have taken place in the Middle Eastern country in the last six years.

Among the dead was Abdulkarim al-Hawaj beheaded at 21. He had been arrested age 16 for sending WhatsApp messages about an anti-government demonstration.

He was tortured with electricity while his hands were chained above his head until he confessed.

Abdulkarim and 36 others were executed on a single day in April during a beheading bloodbath for prisoners convicted of ‘terrorism’ offences.

One was crucified and put up in display as a warning to others.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

A second youngster, Mujtaba al-Sweikat, was put to death after being arrested as a 17-year-old boarding a flight to the US where he was due to begin his studies at Western Michigan University.

Campaigners say he was convicted solely on the basis of a confession extracted under torture after he was severely beaten all over his body, including the soles of his feet.

Court documents showed that Mujtaba al-Sweikat confessed to throwing Molotov cocktails at security forces and running a chat group on his Blackberry phone that helped to organise the demonstrations.

His father insisted that his son only twice joined demonstrations and for five minutes on each occasion.

“He was subjected to psychological and physical abuse which drained his strength,’ said Nader al-Sweikat.

“The interrogator dictated the confession and forced him to sign it so that the torture would stop. He signed it.”

Another of those killed was teenager Salman Qureish, who was arrested shortly after his 18th birthday accused of crimes he committed as a juvenile.

Sentencing a person to death who is under 18 is banned under international law.

Mutjaba al-Sweikat arrested at the airport on his way to begin his studies at Western Michigan University

The executions of the youngsters went ahead despite Saudi Arabia vowing not to put to death anyone who was a juvenile at the time of their offence.

One of the 184 was gay and put to death after confessing to sex with four other men on trial.

Maya Foa, director of campaign group, Reprieve, called on the US and UK to call out the executions in the ‘strongest possible terms’ saying that international pressure ‘can make a difference’.

She said: “According to official Saudi figures, 37 people were executed for ‘terrorism’ offences in 2019, but a closer look at the charges – ‘disobedience against the King,’ ‘preparing banners with anti-state slogans,’ ‘incitement via social media’ – reveals who these so-called terrorists really are.

“Mujtaba al-Sweikat and Abdulkarim al-Hawaj were arrested after taking part in pro-democracy demonstrations.

“For all the talk of reform, Saudi Arabia is still a country where attending a protest or criticising the regime can get you killed.”

The human rights charity insisted that Saudi Arabia puts an end to all human rights abuses ahead of the G20 summit which the country’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, is due to host in Riyadh later this year.

Ms Foa added: “These latest execution figures expose the gap between the reformist rhetoric and bloody reality of Mohammed Bin Salman’s Saudi Arabia.

“As the Crown Prince travels the world meeting heads of state, his regime has been executing young men arrested as children for the ‘crime’ of standing up for democracy.

“With the G20 summit in Riyadh fast approaching, 2020 must be the year that the Kingdom’s partners stop falling for the Saudi charm offensive and insist on an end to these egregious human rights abuses and violations of international law.”

Reprieve’s figures show that 82 were put to death for drug smuggling and 57 for murder.

The number killed in 2019 is more than double the 88 prisoners put to death in 2014.

Of the 184 who died, 88 were Saudis, 90 were foreigners and six of unknown nationality.

FULL LIST: Zimbabwe Music Awards 2020 Nominees

Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) Nominees 2020

BEST FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

1. 1.Tammy Moyo
2. Shasha
3. Ammara Brown
4. Gemma Griffiths
5. Janet Manyowa

BEST MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

1. Takura
2. Asaph
3. T Gonzi
4. Ishan
5. Freeman

BEST GROUP/ DUO OF THE YEAR

1 Firm Faith
2 Vabati Vajehova
3 Sinazo
4 Fusion

BEST NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

1 Joyfull Praise Choir (JPC)
2 Mambo Dhuterere
3 Ishan
4 Garry Mapanzure

BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR

1 Franceesca by King98
2 Mutare by Shasha
3 Ramba Wakadzvanya by
4 Gango by Freeman
Baba Harare

A. GENRE AWARDS

Zimdancehall

1 Ndunge Yut
2 Enzo lshall
3 Freeman
4 Nutty O
5 Bazooka

SUNGURA

1 Mukoma Panga
2 Peter Moyo
3 Nicholas Zakaria &Khiama Boys
4 Greatman

HIP HOP

1 T Gonzi
2 King 98
3 Takura
4 Asaph
5 Cal_vin

Afro Pop

1 Ammara Brown
2 Rocki
3 Ishan
4 Tammy Moyo

Contemporary Gospel

1 Minister Michael Mahendere
2 Janet Manyowa
3 Joyfull Praise Choir(JPC)
4 Sharon Manyika

Traditional Gospel

1 Mathias Mhere
2 Rev TT Chivaviro
3 Joyfull Praise Choir(JPC)
4 Mambo Dhuterere

RNB & SOUL

Gemma Griffiths
Brian Nhira
Nyasha David
Berita

JAZZ

1 Diana Samkange
2 Willis waTaffy
3 Vuyo Brown
4 Sylent Nqo

Dance (House/Gqom/Kwaito/EDM)

1 Novuyo Seagirl
2 Reverb 7
3 Huby Blakes
4 DJ Stavo

TSHIBILIKA

1 Ndux Jnr
2 Madlela Skhobokhobo
3 Bolomba
4 Clement Magwaza

Traditional Folk (Chinyakare/Chimurenga)

1 Braveman Chizvino
2 Greatman
3 Andy Muridzo
4 Agga Nyabinde

Traditional Folk (Ezomdabu/Imbube)

1 Indosakusa
2 Sotja Moyo
3 Charles Mahlaba
4 Ukukhanya Kwezwe

BEST ALTERNATIVE

1 Sylent Nqo
2 Vimbai Zimuto
3 Dj Chrxn
4 Huby Blakes

SPECIAL AWARDS

ZIM ICON – RETRO FEMALE

1. Chiwoniso Maraire
2. Busi Ncube
3. Stella Chiweshe
4. Susan Mapfumo

ZIM ICON – RETRO MALE

1. Simon Chimbetu
2. Lovemore Majaivana
3. Leonard Dembo
4. Tongai Moyo

BEST INTERNATIONAL ZIM ARTIST

1 Brian Nhira
2 Queen Vee
3 Shasha
4 Buffalo Soldier

BEST COLLABORATION

1 Ngaibake by Freeman x Alick Macheso
2 Mugarden by Winky D x Gemma
3 Kure by Ishan x Ti Gonzi
4 You are more by Janet Manyowa x Nqubeko Mbata

BEST DJ

1 Judgement Yard
2 DJ Stavo
3 Gospel DJ Unlocked
4 Reverb 7

BEST PROMOTER

1 Brai Out Zw
2 2Kings Entertainment
3 Pablos
4 Impala Car Rental

BEST CORPORATE SPONSORS

1. Econet Wireless
2. Delta Corporation
3. Impala Car Rental
4. United Refineries (Roil)

TECHNICAL AWARDS

BEST MUSIC VIDEO

1 Ndimi by Janet Manyowa
2 Ngaibake by Freeman x Alick Macheso
3 Zvemoyo by Takura
4 Vavengi by Queen Vee

VIDEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

1 Umsebenzi Ka Blaqs
2 Andy Cutter
3 Simdoc Films
4 Naxo Films

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

1 Reverb 7
2 Jamal
3 Oskid
4 Rodney Beats

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

1 Rodney Beats
2 Tammy Bhima
3 GT Beats
4 Msizkay

PUBLIC VOTE CATERGORY

SONG OF THE YEAR

1. Kure by Ishan x Ti Gonzi
2. Murgaden by Winky D x Gemma Griffiths
3. Ngaibake by Freeman x Alick Macheso
4. Reurura by Seh Calaz x Mambo Duterere
5. Sadza neMuriwo by Jah Prayzah

Uproar As Glen View Residents- Council Officials Square Off

Own Correspondent| There was chaos today morning at the Glen View Council District Offices after Council officials refuse to accept swipe payments preferring cash payments.

However the move to demand cash was resisted by ratepayers until the officials threw in the towel.

“We want to be rates compliant and the money we are paying is your salary, there is electricity and we will not take any excuses.”Said an angry old man.

The residents refuse to be addressed by the revenue officer but demanded to make payments.
The refusal to accept rates payment comes at a time when the Mayor of Harare and City Officials have been blaming ratepayers for non payment of rates.

More to follow……

According To The Constitution, Mnangagwa Is No Longer The President Of Zimbabwe, Chiwenga Is New President.

Thabani Mpofu

Advocate Mpofu|ON or around January 8, 2020, the nation was advised that President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had proceeded on his annual leave and had for that reason nominated Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Vice President Kembo Mohadi, on a rotational basis, to act in his stead during the period of his absence.

It was inauspiciously advised that Mnangagwa would be in the country for the entire duration of his annual vacation. He has in the event subsequently performed certain executive functions during the advised vacation. I have been consulted to give advice on the constitutional implications of these developments.

Paragraph 14(3) of the sixth schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, provides as follows:

“Where-

(b) two Vice Presidents are appointed in terms of subparagraph (2), the President may from time to time nominate one of them to act as President whenever he or she is absent from Zimbabwe or is unable to exercise his or her official functions through illness or any other cause.”

In terms of this provision, an Acting President can only be appointed in two instances viz:

i. If the president is absent from Zimbabwe (this connotes physical absence) or,

ii. If through INABILITY, he cannot exercise his/her official functions (this connotes physical or mental inability which must exist as a matter of objective fact).

In this regard, it does not matter how the inability arises. What is clear is that whatever cause is relied upon by the president must speak to an absolute INABILITY on his part to perform the functions of his office.

Further, the president cannot nominate both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. He can only nominate one at a time or to use the words of the constitution, “from time to time”.

In this case, the president is in Zimbabwe and could not have nominated one or both of his deputies to assume the position of Acting President. He also could not have nominated an Acting President on the basis of INABILITY to perform his functions given that such inability does not as a matter of objective fact exist.

This grave and concerning surrender by the president of executive power has neither constitutional warrant nor precedent.

At any rate, it is not open to the president, during the period in which an Acting President is in office, to exercise, on a random basis, the already delegated functions of his office. Executive authority cannot at that level be shared and once delegated, constitutional authority cannot thereafter be exercised by the delegator. The president cannot have it both ways. Either he retains his authority in which event he exercises it, or he delegates it in which event he loses it for the period of the delegation.

It is also clear that the president could not have validly nominated both his deputies to act as president on a rotational basis. In terms of the constitution, he could only nominate one deputy at a time or “from time to time”. The unconstitutional act of appointing two deputies to act on a rotational basis is in my view deliberate and was meant to aid the president in his renunciation of the constitution.

As a result, the country is currently operating under an illegal regime in which the president has not only abdicated his constitutional obligation to observe the law, but has altogether repudiated his position as president. The repudiation comes in that without physical absence from the country or an inability to perform functions, executive authority cannot be delegated as has been done. The president not only having delegated the authority but also having been prepared to share it with his deputies has, by his objective actions, repudiated his position as head of state and government.

In terms of section 96 of the constitution, the president can only resign his office by notifying the Speaker of Parliament in writing that he has done so. There is, however, no process required and none to be followed when the president repudiates his position. A sitting president is at large to repudiate his position either by word or conduct. Repudiation is itself a unilateral act and cannot be recalled. In the immortal words of the Shona, “yadeuka yadeuka”.

Zimbabwe has accordingly ceased to have a substantive president.

In terms of paragraph 14(4)(a) of the sixth schedule, the last Vice President to have acted in the position of the president, in this case Chiwenga, must now exercise complete executive authority until his party nominates a substantive president in terms of paragraph 14(5) of the same schedule. That is a constitutional imperative.

Misheck Sibanda Begs Court For Forgiveness After Failing To Pay Mphoko His Pension.

Misheck Sibanda In Court For Delaying To Pay Mphoko’s Benefits
Former VP Mphoko

Correspondent|CHIEF Secretary in the Office of the President, Misheck Sibanda has applied for the courts to pardon him after he failed to defend an application filed by former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko seeking an order declaring as illegal and unconstitutional the withholding of his pension by government.

The application by Sibanda with three other senior government officials, Zibusiso Ncube, the Civil Service Commission Secretary; Jonathan Wutaunashe, Salary Service Bureau Paymaster and Brighton Chizingo, Civil Service Commission Director of Pensions was filed this week at the High Court in Bulawayo through the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office.

“This is an application in which I am seeking condonation for the late filing of my notice of opposition in case No H.C 2341/19. When the 2nd, 3rd and 4th applicants herein were served with the court application in the said case, they indicated to me that I had been cited as a party to the proceedings and that they needed instructions from me so that we could file a joint opposition,” said Sibanda in his court papers.

“I indicated to them that I could only furnish them with instructions after I had been served with the court application and after having perused it. To this day, I have not been served with the court application,” he said.

Last year, the Public Service Commission (PSC) agreed to pay Mphoko his pension only and no other benefits.

In a letter dated 18 November 2019, the PSC through the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office also indicated that they intended to oppose Mphoko’s application but the opposing time frame had since elapsed.

Mphoko was Vice President during late President Robert Mugabe’s last term of office which ended abruptly with a military coup. Mugabe was replaced by incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

At one time, as part of his ‘exit package’, Mphoko demanded first class air travel on four foreign trips per year; private houses and an army of aides and domestic staff. These were some of the benefits that he enjoyed during his days as Mugabe’s VP.

In terms of Vice Presidents, Statutory Instrument 86 of 2015, says a VP is entitled to enjoy exit packages such as a security officer, two drivers and domestic workers after serving at least one term.

However, the government stated Mphoko does not qualify for the benefits since he did not serve a full term as VP. He assumed office in 2014 and two years short of a full five-year term.

Woman Who Defrauded Sandra Ndebele In An Illegal Deal Appears In Court

A BULAWAYO woman has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a local musician, Mrs Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi, of $100 000 in a foreign currency deal.

Dancer-cum-singer Sandra Ndebele
Dancer-cum-singer Sandra Ndebele

Simangani Gwemende (45) of Emganwini suburb allegedly connived with Amanda Onwuchukwu and Lindiwe Ndlovu whose ages and residential addresses were not revealed in court to defraud the musician.

Onwuchukwu and Ndlovu are still at large.

Last year, Ndlovu appeared in court on fraud charges on the same matter but absconded after being granted bail.

Gwemende, Onwuchukwu and Ndlovu allegedly planned to dupe Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi of Khumalo suburb after she gave them the money to source United States dollars for her.

Gwemende was not asked to plead to fraud when she appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lizwe Jamela. She was remanded in custody to today for bail hearing.

Prosecuting, Mr Denmark Chihombe said on October 12, 2018, Gwemende and her accomplices connived to defraud Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi.

“The accused person approached the complainant and misrepresented to her that she was in a position to source foreign currency for her.

“The complainant believed that the accused person and her accomplices were genuine and gave them $100 000 in exchange for United States dollars,” he said.

Lindiwe Moyo (48) connived with Amanda Onwuchukwu and Simanga Gwemende and allegedly swindled Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi of $100 000 before alleging that she lost the money to three suspects — two men and a woman — who had offered her a lift from Beitbridge to Bulawayo only to speed off without her after they had taken a recess in Colleen Bawn.
Lindiwe Moyo (48) connived with Amanda Onwuchukwu and Simanga Gwemende and allegedly swindled Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi of $100 000 before alleging that she lost the money to three suspects — two men and a woman — who had offered her a lift from Beitbridge to Bulawayo only to speed off without her after they had taken a recess in Colleen Bawn.

After receiving the money, Gwemende and Onwuchukwu allegedly roped in Ndlovu who proceeded to Colleen Bawn police station where she falsely reported that $80 100 and US$8 230 had been stolen from her.

Investigations into the alleged theft revealed that Ndlovu had made a false report to cover up that they had defrauded Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi.

The musician reported the matter to the police leading to Gwemende’s arrest.

Gwemende’s lawyer, Mr Costar Dube of Dube and Associates argued that Mrs Ndebele-Sibindi’s conduct was unlawful and the matter should be treated as a civil case and not a criminal one.

“Your worship, the complainant made the accused persons her runners in an illegal transaction and this was not the first time she did it. If an individual decides to wander outside the law, he or she cannot then expect the law to protect him or her. These charges are incompetent,” Mr Dube said.

“The complainant sued the accused person in a civil process and has been paid in excess of $8 000 in re-imbursement and now she expects the law to protect her again.

“I am of the opinion that the law will be over indulging especially in an offence that emanates from unlawful conduct. Therefore, I urge the court to close the charges against the accused person.”  

The Chronicle

Mnangagwa Appoints Jestina Mukoko’s Abductor As CIO Boss

Zimbabwean human rights activist Jestina Mukoko arrives at a magistrate’s court in Harare on December 24, 2008.

Own Correspondent|President Mnangagwa has, with immediate effect, appointed Brigadier General Walter Tapfumaneyi (Rtd) and Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, as deputy directors-general of the President’s Department.

The two replaced Mr Aaron Nhepera, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage as permanent secretary last year.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda confirmed the appointments in a statement yesterday.

“His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa has with immediate effect, appointed Brigadier General (Rtd) Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi and Dr Gatsha Mazithulela as deputy directors-general of the President’s Department,” said Dr Sibanda.

“Prior to this appointment, Brigadier General (Rtd) Tapfumaneyi held several senior positions in Government that included permanent secretary, Ministry of Welfare Services for the War Veterans, War Collaborators, former Political Detainees and Restrictees; principal director, Ministry of Presidential Affairs and several positions in the Zimbabwe National Army.”

Brig Gen (Rtd) Tapfumaneyi also served in the President’s Department between 2005 and 2009 as director.

He is a holder of several academic qualifications including a Master of Science in International Relations and Master of Business Administration.

Tapfumaneyi was at one time identified as one of the kidnappers of Human Rights Defender Jestina Mukoko.

She was abducted at gun-point at her Norton home in 2008 and severely tortured at the height of political tensions in the country.

However, in 2017, High Court judge, Justice Nyaradzo Munangati-Manongwa ruled that former Intelligence Minister, Dydmus Mutasa, Tapfumaneyi and Chief Superintendent Peter Magwenzi of ZRP could be sued in their personal capacities for abducting and torturing Mukoko.

This was after Mukoko had been awarded $150 000 as compensation for the damages that she suffered while held incommunicado for three weeks by state security agents in December 2008.

With regards to Dr Mazithulela, prior to the latest appointment, he was the pro-Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology.

He is a renowned scientist who holds a PhD in Genetic Engineering and Master of Business Administration, among several qualifications. He is a member of the National Defence University Council and chairman of the National Authority of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Zimbabwe Chapter among many other several appointments.

Marry Spills The Beans, Chiwenga Wants To Take Over From Mnangagwa.

VICE-PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry, has revealed that the retired army general harbours an ambition to take over the presidency.

Marry said the collapse of the couple’s nine-year customary marriage was brought about by Chiwenga’s alleged paranoia, poor health and the influence of “heavy doses of drugs”.

Marry made the remarks in her claim in reconvention in response to Chiwenga’s application for divorce last month.

The matter is still pending in the High Court.

“Defendant (Marry) avers in reconvention that the demise of the customary law union was brought about by plaintiff’s (Chiwenga) acute paranoia brought about by
poor health, his being under heavy doses of drugs including un-prescribed opiates, his surrounding himself with persons who want to take advantage of him and his belief that his ascendency to the position of presidency might be in jeopardy,” Marry said in her claim.

Ironically, in his response to Marry’s urgent application for custody of the pair’s three children, Chiwenga also accused his wife of being a “drug addict”.

But in her response, Marry dismissed the claims, saying she was a better, healthy parent as opposed to the Vice-President.

“Defendant denies that she is a drug addict and pleads that the children were under her exclusive care for long periods of time without any adverse consequences on them and it is denied that the children’s best interests would be served by custody being awarded to a sickly absentee parent who is more in hospital than out,” Marry said.

Turning to the issue of the couple’s assets, Marry claimed that Chiwenga had all his assets registered in his relatives’ names in an effort to avoid sanctions that were imposed on him by the United States government.

“Defendant pleads that all assets acquired during the subsistence of the marriage were acquired with the full knowledge and participation of the plaintiff, whose name could not be used and who, on advice from the bank, procured his relatives to assist in the acquisition of the assets on the basis that plaintiff’s name could not be used as he was on the sanctions list,” Marry said.

“Defendant further pleads that all the monies used to acquire assets were availed by the plaintiff from some of his business partners and that the amnesia he has developed is part of the contrived criminal proceedings against her.”

Marry further dismissed claims that her marriage with Chiwenga was terminated through the production of a divorce token, saying she did not accept the token as it had been paid in foreign currency.

“The defendant further claims in reconvention that the plaintiff has failed to follow proper customary law procedures to end the customary marriage and that, instead, plaintiff sent (Anselem) Sanyatwe to give her a United States dollar bill which she declined to accept on the basis that it is unlawful in Zimbabwe to transact in United States dollars and that it was (up to) the plaintiff to give her gupuro (divorce token) after following all proper customary protocol. Consequently, the customary marriage continues to subsist,” she said.

Marry said she was claiming the equivalent of US$40 000 per month as maintenance from the retired army general for her upkeep and a total of
US$7 500 per month for her three children, which money she said should be paid at the interbank rate.

“Defendant claims in reconvention maintenance for the three minor children, the equivalent of US$2 500 calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until each child attains the age of majority or becomes self-supporting … defendant claims in reconvention personal maintenance in an amount equivalent to US$40 000 per month payable in Zimbabwe dollars calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until her death or remarriage,” she said.

Besides the claim of monthly maintenance, Marry also said her VP husband should be ordered to pay for the family’s holidays, school and medical expenses and casual clothes all running into thousands of United States dollars.

“The plaintiff must pay the entire school account in respect of each child at a Catholic school, including school fees, levies, top-ups, costs of extra lessons, costs of all extra-curricular activities, costs of school and sports uniforms, sports equipment and all other school-related costs,” she said.

“That plaintiff pays for the defendant and her children annual holidays; one fully expensed international holiday per annum at a five-star facility inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$25 000, one fully expensed regional holiday per annum at a five-star facility inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$15 000, one fully expensed local holiday per annum and spending money of not less than US$25 000 per person.”

Besides all the monthly claims, Marry also demanded that her husband compensates her for the injuries she sustained during a bomb explosion at a Zanu PF rally in Bulawayo before the 2018 general elections.

“That the plaintiff pays the defendant’s cost for reconstructive surgery and all other medically associated costs arising from the injuries she suffered from a bomb blast in Bulawayo while she accompanied plaintiff on his party activities and that the plaintiff provides the defendant with an internationally recognised medical aid cover until her death,” she said, urging the court not to entertain Chiwenga’s application on the basis that he approached the court with dirty hands.

“Plaintiff has already purportedly awarded himself custody of the children and is in contempt of the law. The pending action that he has come to court with, with dirty hands, ought not to be heard until he has purged his various contempts,” she said.

Zim Daily

Snubbed At The UK – Africa Summit, Zimbabwe Hosts African Summit.

Elephant Hills Hotel

ZIMBABWE is set to host a high-level Africa Regional Ministerial Sustainable Development Forum to be attended by at least 54 ministers from the continent.

The 6th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (AFRFSD) will be held from 24 to 27 next month at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.

The regional forum is an intergovernmental platform convened by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations system to review progress, share experiences and lessons learned towards attaining the continent’s Agenda 2063.

It will run under the theme: “2020-2030: A Decade to Deliver a Transformed and Prosperous Africa through the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”

The Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare will host the high-level meeting on behalf of the continent, according to a communiqué released by the organisers.

Africa is implementing the Agenda 2063 concurrently with the 2030 Agenda and calls for engagement of African citizens, civil society organizations and all groups with regards to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the continental Agenda.

From University Vice Chancellor To CIO Boss?

Dr Gatsha Mazithulela,

President Mnangagwa has, with immediate effect, appointed Brigadier General Walter Tapfumaneyi (Rtd) and Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, as deputy directors-general of the President’s Department.

The two replaced Mr Aaron Nhepera, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage as permanent secretary last year.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda confirmed the appointments in a statement yesterday.

“His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa has with immediate effect, appointed Brigadier General (Rtd) Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi and Dr Gatsha Mazithulela as deputy directors-general of the President’s Department,” said Dr Sibanda.

“Prior to this appointment, Brigadier General (Rtd) Tapfumaneyi held several senior positions in Government that included permanent secretary, Ministry of Welfare Services for the War Veterans, War Collaborators, former Political Detainees and Restrictees; principal director, Ministry of Presidential Affairs and several positions in the Zimbabwe National Army.”

Brig Gen (Rtd) Tapfumaneyi also served in the President’s Department between 2005 and 2009 as director.

He is a holder of several academic qualifications including a Master of Science in International Relations and Master of Business Administration.

With regards to Dr Mazithulela, prior to the latest appointment, he was the pro-Vice Chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology.

He is a renowned scientist who holds a PhD in Genetic Engineering and Master of Business Administration, among several qualifications. He is a member of the National Defence University Council and chairman of the National Authority of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Zimbabwe Chapter among many other several appointments.

Fraud Accused Anglican Church Bishop Appears In Court

Manicaland Diocese Anglican Bishop, Eric Ruwona

Manicaland Diocese Anglican Bishop, Eric Ruwona, yesterday appeared in court on fraud charges involving $700 000 which he, together with three other accomplices, allegedly siphoned from church coffers.

Ruwona, who is denying the charges, was granted $15 000 bail and ordered to report once every Friday at Mutare Central Police Station.

Presiding magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe, also ordered him not to interfere with State witnesses and to continue residing at Number 1 Oak Road, Murambi.

Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira prosecuted while Ruwona was initially represented by Messrs Ashel Mutungura and Passmore Nyakureba.

However, Mr Mutungura later recused himself from the case after the State, through the investigating officer Mr Eric Chacha of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), complained that he was conflicted on the grounds that he signed some important documents that resulted in the fraudulent transactions at the church.

Allegations were that the bishop and his three accomplices, who are still at large, hatched a plan to defraud the diocese.

“To achieve their plans and on 26 February 2016, the accused person and his accomplices, fraudulently applied for a loan of US$100 000 from Agribank Mutare branch in the name of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Agribank account misrepresenting that they would construct St Catherine’s Girls High School in Rusape and purchase a vehicle for the bishop.

“The accused person and his accomplices committed to Agribank Mutare to taking the loan under a mortgage bond of a certain piece of land situated in Mutare District being Stand Number 78, Mutare Township as collateral security without the knowledge of the standing committee and the church congregants,” said Mr Mutyasira.

He said as a result of the misrepresentation, the loan was approved and the accused persons took the money.

The court heard that the suspect and his accomplices also took a bank overdraft of $250 000 from the church’s Agribank account without the knowledge of the standing committee.

“The accused had no lawful right whatsoever to defraud the church of its money in the manner he did. His conduct caused an actual prejudice of $700 000 and nothing was recovered,” said Mr Mutyasira.

The case goes for trial on January 29.

“We Are Going To Get Our Airline Up In The Air,” Mthuli Ncube

State Media|ZIMBABWE’S flag carrier, Air Zimbabwe (Airzim), will be in the skies before end of year in a measure targeted at boosting the country’s tourism, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has said.

The struggling airline – which completed adjudication of bids submitted by three investors that have expressed interest in acquiring its shares last month – was placed under administration in October last year in an effort to revive its fortunes.

Minister Ncube pointed out that Government was eager to ensure the carrier took to the skies before year end.

“I was in Gonarezhou over the holiday . . . but there are two problems. One is that there is no domestic airline to move domestic and foreign tourists into the area.

“Number two, we don’t have enough lodges in the area to accommodate tourists.

“I am just highlighting one issue around tourism where we know that as Government we need to assist, we are going to get our airline up in the air. This year we need to be determined to do this not only to support citizens but also move tourists,” the Treasury Chief said in an interview.

Airzim immediately requires US$45 million to be operational, according to Airzim’s Strategic Turnaround Plan (2018-2020).

It requires US$26 million to settle its foreign debt; US$6 million to buy three Embraer ERJ145 and US$4,6 million for International Air Transport Association clearing house joining fees, among other financial obligations.

“I remain optimistic that the Airline is not beyond redemption and as Government, we are determined to see it back to a robust state,” said Minister Ncube.

According to Airzim assistant administrator Tonderai Mukubvu of Grant Thornton, a comprehensive report on the suitors was due to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for consideration.

Initially, 10 international investors had expressed willingness to acquire a shareholding in the troubled national flag carrier, but only three eventually submitted bids.

The troubled airline – which owes foreign and domestic creditors millions of dollars – is among State-owned entities, which also include telecoms operators NetOne and TelOne; Chemplex and POSB, that the Government listed for privatisation.

Airzim is operating with a single plane (Boeing 737-200), mainly servicing Harare-Bulawayo and Victoria Falls routes, as well as Harare-Johannesburg and Harare-Dar es Salaam regional routes.

It has two Airbus A320-200, two Boeing 767-200, two Boeing 737-200, British Aerospace 146-200 and an Embraer ERJ-145, which are grounded due to functional deficiencies.

The insolvent airline has a staff complement of over 232 employees at its Harare base, local out stations and regional offices.

It has maintained a large staff headcount despite a depleted fleet.

Earlier this month, Airzim suspended payment of school fees for pilots’ children as part of sweeping restructuring reforms.

The national flag carrier had been advised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to focus its efforts on optimising routes to reduce operating costs and replace aging high cost planes used on domestic routes with smaller planes that will operate with higher load factors.

According to its 2019 infrastructure report, AfDB said Airzim’s future was uncertain having gone through multiple restructuring exercises dating back to pre-independence.

The airline carries about 180 000 passengers a year, according to 2017 figures, and has been operating at a loss for many years and is saddled with a legacy debt of about US$380 million.

Of this figure, US$30 million is owed to foreign creditors, while US$292 million is government-to-government debt.

Machetes Menace Moves Into Harare, Gang Robs Family Of US$11k Cash

Mashurugwi machete

A Harare family lost US$11 500 to a machete-wielding gang, which attacked their home in Emerald Hill on Tuesday.

Reports say the gang was using two white unregistered vehicles when it committed the crime.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“We confirm that the complainant and his security guards were attacked by a machete-wielding gang at their house and the robbers went away with US$11 500.

“The gang was using a Toyota Wish and a VW Golf during the attack,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi urged the public not to share their business activities.

“We want to urge the public to always put security measures which ensure that their property is secure. They should not share with everyone their business dealings as this will expose them to criminals.

“We also want to appeal to them to always report to the police any suspicious vehicles or people following them. The public is encouraged not to keep large sums of cash with them,” he said.

Recently, a kombi full of machete-wielding robbers stormed a house in Glen View 1, Harare and critically injured an alleged foreign currency dealer, his brother and father.

Machete robbers, who started targeting mining areas, have now spread their criminal activities across the country.

Police are clamping down the menace.

Govt Caps University Fees At $5000 Per Semester

Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira

State Media|State universities must set their full fees, including tuition and accommodation at $5 000 and below per semester, for both full-time conventional students and those on bloc release, the Government has said.

The universities were also banned from diverting any fees to pay lecturers extra money because salaries are paid by the Government.

Polytechnics and teachers’ colleges have been directed to charge fees below $1 300 a semester for certificate and diploma programmes, while higher national diplomas and degrees will attract slightly higher fees.

Tuition fees will be a maximum of $1 200 a semester.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said Government is still to approve any increases in fees, although he acknowledged yesterday that higher fees were required but the hikes would be set and approved through proper processes.

The directive will hit those State universities that have jumped the gun and have been raising tuition fees more than 10-fold without Government approval.

It also reverses the practice whereby

students in parallel and block release programmes, who are generally in employment and seeking to upgrade qualifications, have been charged far higher fees.

Universities that had been trying to set new fees without approval had been telling full-time students to pay as much as $9 600 a semester while parallel and block release students were being charged between $15 000 and $24 000 to pay lecturers extra to teach these classes.

“Every State university is governed by Government and there are no fee increments that were approved for any State universities as we speak,” Minister Murwira said yesterday.

“Yes, the fees will be adjusted. Our adjustments will be based on processes we follow and people will be informed. We have reports that some tertiary institutions such as Mutare Polytechnic, Great Zimbabwe University and Midlands State University have increased their fees without Government approval.

“This year we have agreed on a fee structure budget which has been approved by the Ministry of Finance. Our tuition was $150 a semester and we have increased it to between $1 090 and $1 200, especially at teacher’s colleges. It is cheaper than high school. There are amenities which are then charged. Our fees are not what people were imagining,” he said

Tertiary institutions, the minister said, should be charging fees within the new limits as they will remain viable.

“The fees increases should be to ensure institutions remain operational and according to our calculations this should not exceed $5 000 at state universities, while privately-owned institutions will be regulated by the market,” Prof Murwira said.

On block release students, Minister Murwira said their fees structure should be equivalent to that of other students.

“Universities should not be a cash cow for lecturers. We have heard reports of lecturers being paid allowances from students’ fees. We will not tolerate such a scenario in the education system. Lecturers are never funded from student fees. Student fees are for the operational costs of colleges and universities. Lecturers are paid by central Government.”

Yesterday, lecturers threatened to dump block release classes if they are not paid $300 an hour.

Association of University Teachers president Dr Gwatirera Javangwe said lecturers deserved to be “handsomely” rewarded for teaching non-conventional classes.

“Government has to rethink on the exact model for block classes. It creates great flexibility to adult learners, who will be unfortunately disadvantaged. They spend most of their time at work places, while at the same time they want to enhance their education,” said Dr Javangwe.

“Lecturers are doing a national service by teaching adult learners, hence it’s extra work. They are not keen to teach for free and will dump block classes.”

GZU director of information Mr Anderson Chipatiso said his university had increased tuition fees for block release students from $1 300 to between $9 600 and $15 000, depending on the degree level.

He argued that fees for block release and cohort programmes were not governed by the Government, hence the university had power to review them at any time without seeking approval.

The fees increase, he added, was meant to facilitate the payment of allowances to lecturers and provide for essential services so learners can study.

MSU has told some of its returning students of a proposed new fees structure for the semester beginning next month.

Fees for undergraduate degrees are ranging from $9 000 to $12 500 a semester, while those entering masters degree programmes have been advised that they might pay between $12 750 and $16 500 a semester. Doctoral students at the institution might have to fork out $51 000 a year.

Harare Polytechnic principal Engineer Tafadzwa Mudondo said he was waiting for his parent ministry to set his fees and could not tell students what they would be paying until the ministry finished its calculations.

“Our fees structure is regulated by the Government. We have students who are at certificate, diploma and higher national diploma levels, they have different fees structures. We are waiting for the ministry to give us direction,’’ said Eng Mudondo.

Marry Chiwenga Wants To Clean Out Acting President Constantino Chiwenga.

Marry Chiwenga

State Media|Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga , wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, has demanded US$40 000 for her upkeep, as well as annual international and regional holidays with spending money.

The couple is embroiled in an acrimonious divorce following Mubaiwa’s alleged attempt on the life of the Acting President, while he was hospitalised in South Africa.

Mubaiwa was recently granted bail after spending weeks in remand prison on charges of fraud, externalisation of foreign currency and money laundering.

In her claim in reconvention to Acting President Chiwenga’s application for divorce filed last month, Mubaiwa is demanding US$40 000 for her upkeep and US$7 500 per month for her three children pegged at the interbank rate.

“Defendant claims in reconvention maintenance for the three minor children, the equivalent of US$7 500 calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until each child attains the age of majority or becomes self-supporting,” read the papers filed at the High Court on Tuesday.

“The defendant claims in reconvention personal maintenance in an amount equivalent to US$40 000 per month, payable in Zimbabwe dollars calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until her death or remarriage.”

In addition, Mubaiwa is asking the court to order Acting President Chiwenga to pay for the children’s holidays, school and medical expenses and clothes.

“That plaintiff pays for the defendant and her children annual holidays; one fully expensed international holiday per annum at a five-star facility, inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$25 000, one fully expensed regional holiday per annum at a five-star facility inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$15 000, one fully expensed local holiday per annum and spending money of not less than US$25 000 per person.”

Acting President Chiwenga, responding to Mubaiwa’s recent urgent application for custody of the children, asked the court to dismiss the application, accusing the ex-model of being a drug addict.

Mubaiwa is further demanding compensation for the injuries she sustained in Bulawayo before the 2018 harmonised elections. She also wants the Acting President to meet the costs for reconstructive surgery and all other medically-associated costs arising from the injuries she suffered.

In this regard, she wants to be provided with an internationally recognised medical aid cover until her death.

Meanwhile, Acting President Chiwenga has opposed Mubaiwa’s application to return to Number 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke.

His lawyers, Manase and Manase, are arguing that the prosecution was not aware that she had two other valid passports when bail was argued.

Government Dismisses Mphoko Benefits Claim

GOVERNMENT is disputing former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s claim of more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension pay-outs, saying there is no explanation as to how he arrived at that figure.

This emerged when Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, through the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Office, yesterday filed an application for condonation for late filing of his notice of opposition at the Bulawayo High Court, citing Mr Mphoko as a respondent.

Dr Sibanda, who is responsible for the administration of pensions and benefits of former Presidents and Vice-Presidents, is seeking an order allowing the Government to file opposing affidavits in Mr Mphoko’s case under HC2341/19.

In his application citing Cabinet, Dr Sibanda, Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, Salary Services Bureau (SSB) paymaster and PSC pensions master as respondents, Mr Mphoko is seeking an order directing Government, through the PSC, to award him more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension pay-outs.

The PSC however has said the former Vice President will only be paid his pension in local currency and should not expect any other benefits.

Mr Mphoko wants an order declaring the withholding of his pension by Government illegal and unconstitutional.

He is seeking an order directing the respondents to pay him US$308 000 or the equivalent in local currency at the interbank rate.

In his founding affidavit, Dr Misheck Sibanda said Government has good prospects of success in the matter in which it is challenging Mr Mphoko’s claim.
Dr Sibanda queried Mr Mphoko’s claim, saying it was not justified.

“The respondent is claiming an amount of US$320 000 and no explanation is given as to how he arrives at such a figure.

He cannot simply convert what he used to earn then and convert it at the going rate without taking into consideration the changes brought in by the departure from multi-currency regime. In this regard, there is a dispute as to what respondent may be entitled to,” he said.

“Secondly, if even if the respondent (Mr Mphoko) were to be taken to be entitled to the pension and benefits he claims, he is only entitled to receive such in a manner which complies with section 44C 4(d) of the Reserve Bank Act, which repealed Statutory Instrument 142/19.”

Dr Sibanda said it was illegal for Mr Mphoko to claim his money in United States dollars.

“In the instant case, the respondent is claiming pension in United States dollars, which is payable at the going rate. The claiming of local payments in United States dollars is not permissible at law.

“Such an amount arrived at in such a manner would be inconsistent with the requirements of the law and for that reason the application should be dismissed,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said the matter is of national importance as it involves payment of pension to a former Vice-President.

The Government said the amount Mr Mphoko’s will get will be subjected to computation by the Pensions Office in consultation with the SSB.-State media

Storms To Interrupt Power Supply -ZESA

ZESA Holdings says violent storms that have been predicted by the Meteorological Services Department will worsen the power supply situation in the country as electricity infrastructure would be destroyed.

The Meteorological Services Department has warned that violent storms may hit the country this week and urged people to brace for more rains accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.

At present, Zimbabwe is grappling with power supply constraints as the country is not generating enough power to support economic activity largely because of a number of challenges facing the power utility.

In an interview yesterday, Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said during the violent storms, electricity infrastructure particularly cables and poles are likely to be damaged by falling trees among other incidences.

He said flooding and falling of trees on electricity distribution network damages the infrastructure while the piling up of technical faults would lead to delays in attending to the faults by Zesa.

“Violent storms will affect service delivery. The number of rain-induced faults and the time taken to restore service will be longer due to the high number of faults involved,” said Mr Gwasira.

In 2017, electricity consumers grappled with power outages that took longer to be resolved as heavy rains pounded most parts of the country.

Meanwhile, vandalism is also another reason which is affecting service delivery through man-made faults.

Vandals are largely going after overhead copper conductors, transformer windings and transformer oil, and thus compromising service delivery particularly at a time when the country is battling foreign currency shortages.State media

THE PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL LEAVE RAISES EYE BROWS

Masimba Mavaza VAZET

BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA

Presidential vacations have often been contentious and a source of criticism for presidents throughout history.Many people have lurched at any President who takes a vacation.


It is a very patriotic move for presidents to take leave and stay in their country.
Zimbabwe’s President Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa took his annual leave. He decided to stay on the country in order to observe the beauty of his country.

One thing people must understand is the fact that Mnangagwa has experience of street life. He drove in the streets of Zimbabwe. He was in the pubs and all other corners you can not imagine. The difference between ED and RG is that Mugabe had been always guarded and driven from 1980 to his death. So when it comes to holidays Mnangagwa is comfortable in his country.
World wide President’s are urged to promote their countries.
There has been a hullabaloos on why ED is not flying out of the country for his annual leave.


Nothing truly comes to a halt when the president of the goes on vacation. He carries his staff with him and any work to be done which can not be done by deputy presidents he jumps in and work. In America Heavy security, White House aides, military advisers, and various experts (totaling 200 people) travel with them in case something happens, and the work doesn’t stop. It’s hardly a break.
President Donald Trump spent Christmas last year at the same place he did before he entered the White House: at his Palm Beach golf resort, Mar-a-Lago.
President George W. Bush visited his 1,600-acre ranch in Crawford, Texas, 77 times during his eight years in office. Before going on his first official vacation there during his presidency, Bush announced: “I’m headed home to the heartland to listen to the American people and to talk about the values that unite and sustain our country.”


President Ronald Reagan’s ranch located in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara, California — was his beloved getaway. Trump spent Christmas at his luxurious Florida golf resort.
There is no outcry on where President’s go on their annual leave.
By nature human beings can not be pleased. They complain that Mnangagwa spends his time in the air eating Mazondo. Some have complained that his foreign trips are too many. Now he decides to ditch the foreign resorts it becomes an issue again. How much must he do to please the people.


The president has done what is expected to stay at home and not spend money on very expensive holidays and Again abroad.
In the United Kingdom the prime minister can not buy a car or use a car which is not made in United Kingdom. The convoys of the prime minister. The Queen and other high profile the cars will be home made.
The actions of the president are therefore commendable. It is the new dispensation sure.


While the English politicians prefer to go out of the country this can not be imposed on Mnangagwa. In actual fact by staying at home he has boosted Zimbabwe as a good destination. A Country where the President remains there for holiday is a beautiful country.

Masimba Mavaza VAZET

We should applaud ED for showing others that you can enjoy your holidays in your own country.

[email protected]

Marry Is A “Drug Addict”-Chiwenga

Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, has demanded US$40 000 for her upkeep, as well as annual international and regional holidays with spending money.

The couple is embroiled in an acrimonious divorce following Mubaiwa’s alleged attempt on the life of the Acting President, while he was hospitalised in South Africa.

Mubaiwa was recently granted bail after spending weeks in remand prison on charges of fraud, externalisation of foreign currency and money laundering.

In her claim in reconvention to Acting President Chiwenga’s application for divorce filed last month, Mubaiwa is demanding US$40 000 for her upkeep and US$7 500 per month for her three children pegged at the interbank rate.

“Defendant claims in reconvention maintenance for the three minor children, the equivalent of US$7 500 calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until each child attains the age of majority or becomes self-supporting,” read the papers filed at the High Court on Tuesday.

“The defendant claims in reconvention personal maintenance in an amount equivalent to US$40 000 per month, payable in Zimbabwe dollars calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until her death or remarriage.”

In addition, Mubaiwa is asking the court to order Acting President Chiwenga to pay for the children’s holidays, school and medical expenses and clothes.

“That plaintiff pays for the defendant and her children annual holidays; one fully expensed international holiday per annum at a five-star facility, inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$25 000, one fully expensed regional holiday per annum at a five-star facility inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$15 000, one fully expensed local holiday per annum and spending money of not less than US$25 000 per person.”

Acting President Chiwenga, responding to Mubaiwa’s recent urgent application for custody of the children, asked the court to dismiss the application, accusing the ex-model of being a drug addict.State media

Mrs Mary Chiwenga

Marry Demands US $ 40 000 From Chiwenga

Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, has demanded US$40 000 for her upkeep, as well as annual international and regional holidays with spending money.

The couple is embroiled in an acrimonious divorce following Mubaiwa’s alleged attempt on the life of the Acting President, while he was hospitalised in South Africa.

Mubaiwa was recently granted bail after spending weeks in remand prison on charges of fraud, externalisation of foreign currency and money laundering.

In her claim in reconvention to Acting President Chiwenga’s application for divorce filed last month, Mubaiwa is demanding US$40 000 for her upkeep and US$7 500 per month for her three children pegged at the interbank rate.

“Defendant claims in reconvention maintenance for the three minor children, the equivalent of US$7 500 calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until each child attains the age of majority or becomes self-supporting,” read the papers filed at the High Court on Tuesday.

“The defendant claims in reconvention personal maintenance in an amount equivalent to US$40 000 per month, payable in Zimbabwe dollars calculated at the interbank rate prevailing on the date of payment until her death or remarriage.”

In addition, Mubaiwa is asking the court to order Acting President Chiwenga to pay for the children’s holidays, school and medical expenses and clothes.

“That plaintiff pays for the defendant and her children annual holidays; one fully expensed international holiday per annum at a five-star facility, inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$25 000, one fully expensed regional holiday per annum at a five-star facility inclusive of spending money of not less than the equivalent of US$15 000, one fully expensed local holiday per annum and spending money of not less than US$25 000 per person.”

Acting President Chiwenga, responding to Mubaiwa’s recent urgent application for custody of the children, asked the court to dismiss the application, accusing the ex-model of being a drug addict.State media

Nigerian Billionaire Targets Arsenal Shares

Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has renewed his interest in buying EPL side Arsenal.

The 62-year old who is Africa’s richest man is the founder of the multinational conglomerate, Dangote Group which deals with products like cement, sugar, salt, flour and steel, among others.

He has a net worth of $11 Billion and wants to buy out underfire Stan Kroenke’s stake in the north London club.

The Nigerian wanted to buy shares in the London-based club a few years but failed to secure a deal.

“It is a team that, yes, I would like to buy someday, but what I keep saying is we have $20billion worth of projects and that’s what I really want to concentrate on,” Dangote told the David Rubenstein Show.

“I’m trying to finish building the company and then after we finish, maybe sometime in 2021 we can.

“I’m not buying Arsenal right now, I’m buying Arsenal when I finish all these projects because I’m trying to take the company to the next level.”-Soccer 24

Daniel Shumba Reveals “Vision” For Zimbabwe

Farai Dziva|United Democratic Alliance (UDA) president Daniel has said Zimbabweans must abandon the “Godfather Syndrome” to enable meaningful development to take place.

See statement below :
As your future President, I would not approve of a Wild West monetary system.

Economies are complex and not single-dimensional, thus require broad and inclusive multifaceted Prescriptions.

Zimbabwe must urgently stop the Godfather syndrome. We’re not a private enterprise.

The citizens must have confidence in the value systems and securities presented.

Mutuality is critical for the practical functioning of any economy.

Command money and policies a more egocentric and unsustainable because citizens will opt for the best alternative.

Private wealth, trade or investments can’t be stolen from citizens while the ‘Have’ are insulated. What about the ‘Have not’? Parliament established that Gono was doing was illegal and unconstitutional but Zanu PF MP’s were wiped to legitimize the biggest robbery of all time.

No one is above the law, yet Gono presided and actively participated in the operation of the Recon Act (Expropriation) and more. The country fed from Gono’s hands (Army, Police, including many quasi-fiscal activities). This opened the floodgates of the mess we are in today.

To fix the economy we must reset all national drivers.
Constitutionalism, rule of law, uncapture the Judiciary, repeal of all unconstitutional laws and statutes, human rights, and corruption. No to indiscretions. No to the printing of money.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA)

I Will Be The Next President -Daniel Shumba

By Daniel Shumba

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) president

As your future President, I would not approve of a Wild West monetary system.

Economies are complex and not single-dimensional, thus require broad and inclusive multifaceted Prescriptions.

Zimbabwe must urgently stop the Godfather syndrome. We’re not a private enterprise.
The citizens must have confidence in the value systems and securities presented.

Mutuality is critical for the practical functioning of any economy. Command money and policies a more egocentric and unsustainable because citizens will opt for the best alternative.

Private wealth, trade or investments can’t be stolen from citizens while the ‘Have’ are insulated. What about the ‘Have not’? Parliament established that Gono was doing was illegal and unconstitutional but Zanu PF MP’s were wiped to legitimize the biggest robbery of all time.

No one is above the law, yet Gono presided and actively participated in the operation of the Recon Act (Expropriation) and more. The country fed from Gono’s hands (Army, Police, including many quasi-fiscal activities). This opened the floodgates of the mess we are in today.

To fix the economy we must reset all national drivers.
Constitutionalism, rule of law, uncapture the Judiciary, repeal of all unconstitutional laws and statutes, human rights, and corruption. No to indiscretions. No to the printing of money.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA)

CID Boss Found Guilty Of Bigamy

Former Police Officer Commanding the Criminal Investigations Department’s Drugs Section, Luckson Mukwazhi, will perform 315 hours of community service at Mabelreign Police Station after he was convicted of bigamy.

Mukwazhi, who was being charged with bigamy, was convicted on his own plea of guilty. He was initially jailed for a year when he appeared before Harare magistrate, Victoria Mashamba, who suspended three months of his jail term for three years.

Prosecutor, Ms Flossy Jambanja, told the court that on April 10, 1987, Mukwazhi legalised his union with Winnie Njanji under Chapter 37 of the Marriages Act.

On December 13, 2001, Mukwazhi went on to wed Joice Marufu without cancelling his first marriage to Njanji.

The two unions were noted by the Registrar of Marriages who then notified the police, leading to Mukwazhi’s arrest. – Herald/State Media

Did Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Bring Mega Deals?

Farai Dziva|Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi says government will prioritize investments from China ahead of offers from the West.

Writing on Twitter Mutodi literally indicated government would not accept investments from Western countries.

“The historic visit to Zimbabwe by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Wang Yi is a slap in the face of Britain, US and the EU who have remained hostile. We will in return, prioritize Chinese business interests ahead of any Western country,” wrote Mutodi on Twitter.

Government Not Interested In Investment Deals With Western Countries

Farai Dziva|Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi says government will prioritize investments from China ahead of offers from the West.

Writing on Twitter Mutodi literally indicated government would not accept investments from Western countries.

“The historic visit to Zimbabwe by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Wang Yi is a slap in the face of Britain, US and the EU who have remained hostile. We will in return, prioritize Chinese business interests ahead of any Western country,” wrote Mutodi on Twitter.

Govt Rejects Mphoko’s Pension USD300K Payment Demand

Phelekezela Mphoko

Government is disputing former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s claim of more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension pay-outs, saying there is no explanation as to how he arrived at that figure.

This emerged when Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, through the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Office, yesterday filed an application for condonation for late filing of his notice of opposition at the Bulawayo High Court, citing Mr Mphoko as a respondent.

Dr Sibanda, who is responsible for the administration of pensions and benefits of former Presidents and Vice-Presidents, is seeking an order allowing the Government to file opposing affidavits in Mr Mphoko’s case under HC2341/19.

In his application citing Cabinet, Dr Sibanda, Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, Salary Services Bureau (SSB) paymaster and PSC pensions master as respondents, Mr Mphoko is seeking an order directing Government, through the PSC, to award him more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension pay-outs.

The PSC however has said the former Vice President will only be paid his pension in local currency and should not expect any other benefits.

Mr Mphoko wants an order declaring the withholding of his pension by Government illegal and unconstitutional.

He is seeking an order directing the respondents to pay him US$308 000 or the equivalent in local currency at the interbank rate.

In his founding affidavit, Dr Misheck Sibanda said Government has good prospects of success in the matter in which it is challenging Mr Mphoko’s claim.

Dr Sibanda queried Mr Mphoko’s claim, saying it was not justified.

“The respondent is claiming an amount of US$320 000 and no explanation is given as to how he arrives at such a figure. He cannot simply convert what he used to earn then and convert it at the going rate without taking into consideration the changes brought in by the departure from multi-currency regime. In this regard, there is a dispute as to what respondent may be entitled to,” he said.

“Secondly, if even if the respondent (Mr Mphoko) were to be taken to be entitled to the pension and benefits he claims, he is only entitled to receive such in a manner which complies with section 44C 4(d) of the Reserve Bank Act, which repealed Statutory Instrument 142/19.”.

Dr Sibanda said it was illegal for Mr Mphoko to claim his money in United States dollars.

“In the instant case, the respondent is claiming pension in United States dollars, which is payable at the going rate. The claiming of local payments in United States dollars is not permissible at law.

“Such an amount arrived at in such a manner would be inconsistent with the requirements of the law and for that reason the application should be dismissed,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said the matter is of national importance as it involves payment of pension to a former Vice-President.

The Government said the amount Mr Mphoko’s will get will be subjected to computation by the Pensions Office in consultation with the SSB.

Mr Mphoko said having joined the civil service in October 1981, he was entitled to his benefits and pension.

He was appointed Vice-President in December 2014, a position he held until he was removed from office in November 2017.

Mr Mphoko argued that in terms of section 102(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, he was entitled to a pension which is equivalent to the salary of a sitting Vice President. Chronicle

We Have Exhausted All Channels-Chamisa Tells Mnangagwa

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is expected to announce the much awaited way forward following the lengthy political stalemate in the country.

Chamisa has indicated that the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long such that there is need for decisive action.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.We’ve exhausted all channels.

We can’t continue to be victims of unjust application of the law.Rights are for all.

On Tuesday 21st Jan we will deliver the people’s Agenda 2020 to the nation come what may.#peoplesgovernment,” Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

LIVE: Mnangagwa No Longer President According To The Constitution, Says Thabani Mpofu

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ED has repudiated position as President; Last VP to have acted must take over On or around the 8th January 2020 the nation was advised that ED had proceeded on his annual leave and had for that reason nominated General Chiwenga and Colonel Mohadi, on a rotational basis, to act in his stead during the period of his absence. It was inauspiciously advised that ED would be in the country for the entire duration of his annual vacation. He has in the event subsequently performed certain executive functions during the advised vacation. I have been consulted to give advice on the constitutional implications of these developments.
Paragraph 14(3) of the sixth schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, provides as follows: “Where-(a)
(b) two Vice Presidents are appointed in terms of subparagraph (2), the President may from time to time nominate one of them to act as President whenever he or she is absent from Zimbabwe or is unable to exercise his or her official functions through illness or any other cause.”
In terms of this provision, an Acting President can only be appointed in two instances viz:
i. If the president is absent from Zimbabwe (this connotes physical absence) or,
ii If through INABILITY, he cannot exercise his/her official functions (this connotes physical or mental inability which must exist as a matter of objective fact).
In this regard, it does not matter how the inability arises. What is clear is that whatever cause is relied upon by the president must speak to an absolute INABILITY on his part to perform the functions of his office.
Further, the president cannot nominate both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. He can only nominate one at a time or to use the words of the constitution, “from time to time”.
In this case, the president is in Zimbabwe and could not have nominated one or both of his deputies to assume the position of Acting President. He also could not have nominated an Acting President on the basis of INABILITY to perform his functions given that such inability does not as a matter of objective fact exist. The grave and concerning surrender by the president of executive power has neither constitutional warrant nor precedent.
At any rate, it is not open to the president, during the period in which an Acting President is in office, to exercise, on a random basis, the already delegated functions of his office. Executive authority cannot at that level be shared and once delegated, constitutional authority cannot thereafter be exercised by the delegate. The president cannot have it both ways. Either he retains his authority in which event he exercises it or he delegates it in which event he losses it for the period of the delegation.
It is also clear that the president could not have validly nominated both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. In terms of the constitution, he could only nominate one deputy at a time or “from time to time”. The unconstitutional act of appointing two deputies to act on a rotational basis is in my view deliberate and was meant to aid the president in his renunciation of the constitution.
As a result, the country is currently operating under an illegal regime in which the president has not only abdicated his constitutional obligation to observe the law but has altogether repudiated his position as president. The repudiation comes in that absent an absence from the country or an inability to perform functions, executive authority cannot be delegated as has been done. The president not only having delegated the authority but also having been prepared to share it with his deputies has by his objective actions repudiated his position as head of state and government.
In terms of section 96 of the constitution, the president can only resign his office by notifying the Speaker of Parliament in writing that he has done so. There is however, no process required and none to be followed when the president repudiates his position. A sitting president is at large to repudiate his position either by word or conduct. Repudiation is itself a unilateral act and cannot be recalled. In the immortal words of the Shona, “yadeuka yadeuka”.
Zimbabwe has accordingly ceased to have a substantive president.
In terms of paragraph 14(4)(a) of the sixth schedule, the last Vice President to have acted in the position of the president, must now exercise complete executive authority until his party nominates a substantive president in terms of paragraph 14(5) of the same schedule. That is a constitutional imperative.
Thabani Of Counsel Chambers, Harare

Enough Is Enough -Chamisa

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is expected to announce the much awaited way forward following the lengthy political stalemate in the country.

Chamisa has indicated that the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long such that there is need for decisive action.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.We’ve exhausted all channels.

We can’t continue to be victims of unjust application of the law.Rights are for all.

On Tuesday 21st Jan we will deliver the people’s Agenda 2020 to the nation come what may.#peoplesgovernment,” Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Heartless Mom Dumps Newborn Baby In Bindura

By A Correspondent- A 33 year old Harare woman was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment yesterday by a Bindura magistrate for ill-treating her baby girl by leaving her with an unknown vendor at Bindura market.

Charity Nyabadza pleaded guilty to the charge before magistrate Moreblessing Makati who commuted the sentence to 105 hours of community service.

Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on December 29 the convict left Rusape with her new born baby for Bindura.

Upon arriving in Bindura Nyabadza saw an unknown vendor whom she gave her baby and escaped to her brother’s place in Chitungwiza.

Her brother quizzed her about her missing baby and she came back to Bindura to search for the vendor.

The vendor had filed a police report and the baby had been taken to Bindura hospital.

The police conducted investigations leading to Nyabadza’s arrest.

Mnangagwa Has Stepped Down According to The Constitution, Chiwenga Empowered to Take Over, Adv Thabani Mpofu Says…

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ED has repudiated position as President; Last VP to have acted must take over On or around the 8th January 2020 the nation was advised that ED had proceeded on his annual leave and had for that reason nominated General Chiwenga and Colonel Mohadi, on a rotational basis, to act in his stead during the period of his absence. It was inauspiciously advised that ED would be in the country for the entire duration of his annual vacation. He has in the event subsequently performed certain executive functions during the advised vacation. I have been consulted to give advice on the constitutional implications of these developments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1SSxgZu_nM


Paragraph 14(3) of the sixth schedule of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013, provides as follows: “Where-(a)
(b) two Vice Presidents are appointed in terms of subparagraph (2), the President may from time to time nominate one of them to act as President whenever he or she is absent from Zimbabwe or is unable to exercise his or her official functions through illness or any other cause.”
In terms of this provision, an Acting President can only be appointed in two instances viz:
i. If the president is absent from Zimbabwe (this connotes physical absence) or,
ii If through INABILITY, he cannot exercise his/her official functions (this connotes physical or mental inability which must exist as a matter of objective fact).
In this regard, it does not matter how the inability arises. What is clear is that whatever cause is relied upon by the president must speak to an absolute INABILITY on his part to perform the functions of his office.
Further, the president cannot nominate both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. He can only nominate one at a time or to use the words of the constitution, “from time to time”.
In this case, the president is in Zimbabwe and could not have nominated one or both of his deputies to assume the position of Acting President. He also could not have nominated an Acting President on the basis of INABILITY to perform his functions given that such inability does not as a matter of objective fact exist. The grave and concerning surrender by the president of executive power has neither constitutional warrant nor precedent.
At any rate, it is not open to the president, during the period in which an Acting President is in office, to exercise, on a random basis, the already delegated functions of his office. Executive authority cannot at that level be shared and once delegated, constitutional authority cannot thereafter be exercised by the delegate. The president cannot have it both ways. Either he retains his authority in which event he exercises it or he delegates it in which event he losses it for the period of the delegation.
It is also clear that the president could not have validly nominated both his deputies to act as presidents on a rotational basis. In terms of the constitution, he could only nominate one deputy at a time or “from time to time”. The unconstitutional act of appointing two deputies to act on a rotational basis is in my view deliberate and was meant to aid the president in his renunciation of the constitution.
As a result, the country is currently operating under an illegal regime in which the president has not only abdicated his constitutional obligation to observe the law but has altogether repudiated his position as president. The repudiation comes in that absent an absence from the country or an inability to perform functions, executive authority cannot be delegated as has been done. The president not only having delegated the authority but also having been prepared to share it with his deputies has by his objective actions repudiated his position as head of state and government.
In terms of section 96 of the constitution, the president can only resign his office by notifying the Speaker of Parliament in writing that he has done so. There is however, no process required and none to be followed when the president repudiates his position. A sitting president is at large to repudiate his position either by word or conduct. Repudiation is itself a unilateral act and cannot be recalled. In the immortal words of the Shona, “yadeuka yadeuka”.
Zimbabwe has accordingly ceased to have a substantive president.
In terms of paragraph 14(4)(a) of the sixth schedule, the last Vice President to have acted in the position of the president, must now exercise complete executive authority until his party nominates a substantive president in terms of paragraph 14(5) of the same schedule. That is a constitutional imperative.
Thabani Of Counsel Chambers, Harare

Zhuwao Booted Out

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet minister, Patrick Zhuwao has been kicked out of his 232 hectares farm in Zvimba district, Mashonaland West province by Lands Minister Perrance Shiri.

Zhuwao is currently in exile in South Africa after fleeing the country in November 2017 when a military coup removed President Robert Mugabe from power.

The now late Mugabe was an uncle to Zhuwao. The ex-minister was part of the G40 faction that was blocking the then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ambitions to replace Mugabe as president.

Shiri, together with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, was one of the key architects of the coup.

The factional fights between the former G40 members and Mnangagwa’s Lacoste gang have now spilled into the courts where Zhuwao is challenging his forced eviction from his farm by Shiri in October last year.

In his court papers filed at the High Court in Harare, Zhuwao claims he was offered the farm under government’s controversial land reform programme in 2004 and it was, therefore, unlawful for Shiri to chase him out since he has been fully utilising it.

“On the 9th of December 2004, I was offered subdivision 1 of Cockington in Zvimba District, in the province of Mashonaland West which is approximately 232.81 hectares in extend,” Zhuwao says in his court application.

“The offer was made in terms of the Agricultural Land Resettlement Act Chapter 20:01. I accepted the offer and a clear contractual agreement between the Ministry of Lands Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Settlement and myself.”

Zhuwao said on April 26 last year he was issued with a notice of intention to withdraw the offer letter signed by Shiri on allegations that he had abandoned the farm since 2011.

He told the High Court that he responded to the notice but there was no response from Shiri.

Zhuwao said he was shocked to receive another letter on October 16 notifying him of the immediate termination of his contract and argues that reasons for cancellation of the offer letter were fabricated.

“Despite all the challenges of vandalism of electrical infrastructural and theft, I have been farming to the best of my farm’s potential in the circumstances. Withdrawing my letter on the basis of unsubstantiated and spurious allegations without investigating the veracity of such allegations is a gross substantive.

“I am therefore not in breach of any of the terms and conditions attached to the offer. Since I was allocated the plot I have been farming tobacco, cereal crops, sunflower and poultry.”

Zhuwao also submitted that only President Mnangagwa had the powers to revoke offer letters hence the need for the court to deal with the matter.

“The letter does not bear official stamp of the ministry to verify its authenticity. Further the letter does not contain any reasons for the decision. It is simply a cancellation ‘out of a proverbial blue’. It is my considered opinion that this letter is bogus and in any event, unenforceable as it is ultra vires to the enabling legislation and it offends the principles of natural justice.

“The respondent has no jurisdiction to withdraw my offer letter because the Enabling Act (Agricultural Land Resettlement Act Chapter 20:01) does not grant him the powers to do so. It is only the President who can cancel or withdraw offer letters, not the minister,” reads his application.

The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

Train Accident Kills Woman

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo woman died after she was dragged by a moving train as she tried to disembark while the train was still moving.

Loveness Issa who works at the United Bulawayo Hospitals  died on admission at Mpilo Hospital on January 6.

This was confirmed by the Bulawayo Acting Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.

She said the woman disembarked from the moving train at Mpopoma Railway Station and she was badly injured.

The train was Victoria Falls bound.

After the accident she was taken to hospital where she died on admission.

Prophet Nabbed For Killing Client During Cleansing Ceremony

By A Correspondent- A self-styled prophet has appeared in court on allegations of causing the death of one of his clients’ during a cleansing ceremony.

The client allegedly died after the prophet dipped his head three times in the Mukuvisi River.

Edmond Nyahwo, of Glen View 8 allegedly caused the death of Protasias Marimo after dipping his head into the river and forcing him to sniff traditional snuff while conducting the cleansing ceremony.

Nyahwo is facing culpable homicide charges. He was not asked to plead to the charges when he appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, who remanded him to February 17 on $200 bail.

Circumstances leading to his arrest were that on July 1 last year, Marimo approached Nyahwo, who took him to Mukuvisi River in Glen Norah.

Upon their arrival, Nyahwo stepped into a shallow pool and invited Marimo to get in.

The court heard that Nyahwo started dipping Marimo’s head in the water on three different times while causing him to sniff some snuff, which was in a wooden plate.

Reports are that Marimo later fell unconscious forcing other people who had accompanied the two to the cleansing ceremony to intervene in a bid to resuscitate him but failed.

Nyahwo went to Glen Norah police station where he informed them what had happened.

Marimo’s body was then taken to Harare Central Hospital where one Dr Sachikonye confirmed him dead.

A post mortem was conducted on the following day by Dr Aisa Gerrano and Yechilyn Igusias, who confirmed that Marimo had died from brain damage, left frontal intraparenchimatose and brain vessels damage rapture.

Nyahwo was later arrested and he is expected to be back in court on February 17 for his routine remand.

-StateMedia

Gold Panner Attacks Colleague With Machete Over Cigarette

By A Correspondent- A gold panner in Shangani has been taken to court for attacking a colleague with a machete in a dispute over cigarette.

Mkondisi Nyathi (35) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu.

He was granted $300 bail and  remanded to December 31.

On December 16 Nyathi confronted Mandlenkosi Thwala (33) armed with a machete and asked for a cigarette.

Thwala said he had none and Nyathi suddenly attacked him with the machete three times on the head.

 Nyathi was arrested following a report made to the police.

US Pledges Continued Support To Zim

By A Correspondent- The United States of America (US) has pledged to continue supporting Zimbabwe in its reform agenda as this is a prerequisite for closer relations between the two countries.

This was said by US ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols through a post on Twitter. He wrote:

I met with Acting President Chiwenga today and reiterated U.S. support for Zimbabwe’s reform agenda that is necessary for deeper engagement between our countries.

We remain Zimbabwe’s largest bilateral donor and will continue to support the people of Zimbabwe during challenging times.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is the Acting President as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on his annual vacation.

Chiwenga will hold the position on a rotational basis with Co-Vice President Kembo Mohadi until Mnangagwa’s return at the end of the month.

Mother Jailed For Dumping Baby

By A Correspondent- A 33 year old Harare woman was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment yesterday by a Bindura magistrate for ill-treating her baby girl by leaving her with an unknown vendor at Bindura market.

Charity Nyabadza pleaded guilty to the charge before magistrate Moreblessing Makati who commuted the sentence to 105 hours of community service.

Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on December 29 the convict left Rusape with her new born baby for Bindura.

Upon arriving in Bindura Nyabadza saw an unknown vendor whom she gave her baby and escaped to her brother’s place in Chitungwiza.

Her brother quizzed her about her missing baby and she came back to Bindura to search for the vendor.

The vendor had filed a police report and the baby had been taken to Bindura hospital.

The police conducted investigations leading to Nyabadza’s arrest.

Police Flood Jumbo Mine In Operation To Clear Gold Panners

By A Correspondent- Over 124 artisanal miners were arrested at Mazowe mine, (Jumbo) yesterday following an operation to clear machete wielding illegal gold panners at the mine.

The operation which started yesterday forced over 1000 armed police officers from Support unit, Guruve, Mt Darwin and Bindura districts to flood the area.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case.

“We started the operation yesterday and about 124 illegal miners were arrested the operation is still on-going,” he said.

However, some police officers on duty are disgruntled over the exercise as they were forced to go to work without much preparation and food.

“This operation is not good enough for us as we were just forced to go to work without preparing we do not have food here and life has proved tough for us lamented,” police officers.

Unconfirmed reports claim the operation is meant to pave way for president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Tongai who wants to take over the mine as he is the major buyer of gold there.

There is a gold rush at the mine with Zanu-PF big wigs using their party cars to loot the precious mineral from the private owned mine.

MDC To Organise Solidarity Rally For Chief Ndiweni In Ntabazinduna

Chamisa-and-Chief-Ndiweni

MDC organising a solidarity rally for Chief Ndiweni. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) structures in Matabeleland North have announced that their members will hold a solidarity rally for Chief Ndiweni on the 1st of February. Stung by criticism from the outspoken Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government responded by removing him from office.

The government was hoping to take advantage of a long-running family dispute over the Ndiweni chieftainship. However, the family spokesperson, Bancinyane Ndiweni has already maintained that the family settled for the ‘ousted chief’ as their substantive traditional leader.

“As far as the family is concerned, Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni is our chief. Nothing has changed,” Bancinyane was quoted saying. Ndiweni’s lawyers are challenging the matter in court. Speaking to Nehanda Radio, Mhlonipheki Ncube, the Matabeleland North provincial spokesman for the MDC, said the latest rally; “came as a special request from the community of Ntabazinduna.

” “We as MDC Matabeleland North take the persécution of the chief and the purported removal from the Khayisa Chieftainship as a direct attack on the culture, traditions, customs and norms of the people of Matabeleland hence a call for stiff resistance among our people across all political divide.

“We, therefore, call upon all thé people of Matebeleland to throng Ntabazinduna on the first of February to show the unity of purpose against this ZANU PF failed regime that has plunged the country into the economic abyss and put our Nation among failed states.

“MDC Matabeleland North will not rest when the identity of the people of Mthwakazi is under threat. The torture of the People’s Chief is viewed by our people as an attack on their identity traced back to the times of King Mzilikazi. Any attempt to erase such historic ties will be stiffly resisted and ZANU PF stands warned.

“We encourage our people to wear TRADITIONAL ATTIRE in tandem with Mthwakazi culture during the day and show the World that MDC solidly stand with the people’s Chief,” Ncube said.

Source – Nehanda Radio

High Court Frees Man Previously Sentenced To 12 Years In Jail.

BULAWAYO High Court judge, Justice Thompson Mabhikwa has freed a 34-year-old city man who was in 2016 slapped with a 12-year jail term on 49 counts of fraud.

In his judgment obtained by NewsDay yesterday, Justice Mabhikwa said that it was “sheer coincidence” that all institutions that claimed to have received payment from Audriane Ndebele had all issued receipts which had been presented in the lower court and said to be fake.

“In a long judgment, the trial magistrate reasoned, in the main, that the complainants are many and varied. They also operate independently. She resolved that apart from the utility/service providers such as Zesa and the Bulawayo City Council, institutions such as CBZ and Zimra also operate independently of each other,” he said.

“She (the magistrate) thus reasoned that when they all contend that they did not receive the monies supposedly paid to them despite receipts and deposit slips produced by the accused which they all claim do not originate from their institutions, it is more than sheer coincidence.”

Justice Mabhikwa said the High Court was convinced that the evidence produced by the State witnesses was of no evidential value, thus could not build a strong case against Ndebele.

The judge also said that it was surprising that in 14 of the 49 counts, there were no cash slips but the lower court, in its wisdom, saw it fit to jail Ndebele despite the absence of evidence to nail him down.

It was the State case at the time that Ndebele was employed by various complainants as a messenger.

His duties among others included going to the bank to make deposits, making payments at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) as well as utility bill payments at the Bulawayo City Council on behalf of the complainants.

The State further alleged that in his capacity as a messenger, Ndebele received varying sums of money from a host of complainants for banking and payment of utility bills.

However, the State alleged then that Ndebele, on 49 occasions, converted the money to personal use.

The State averred that Ndebele would, after commission of the said crimes, allegedly present fake receipts which he claimed were proof of payment.

Bulawayo-based lawyer, Maqhawe Mpofu of Samp, Mlaudzi Legal Attorneys represented Ndebele.

ZIMTA Claims Teachers Heeded Very Well To Their Strike Call

THE Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) yesterday claimed that the majority of its members had heeded the call to boycott classes over unresolved salary issues, and vowed to protect its striking members against victimisation by government.

Zimta chief executive officer, Sifiso Ndlovu said the union would not let its members be victimised for exercising their rights.

“No member of Zimta will be fired for exercising their rights. They have done nothing illegal instead they have informed the government that they are not reporting for duty because they are incapacitated,” Ndlovu said.

“Our members will not report for duty up until our employer capacitates us. Imagine a teacher who works at a school in Ntulula in Tsholotsho, the money she spends to get to her station compared to her monthly earnings is just pathetic.”

While some teachers yesterday reported for duty, others were in a no-show after Zimta, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe called for a nationwide industrial action.

Civil servants last week rejected a 97% salary increment offered by the government as they insisting on getting paid salaries equivalent to what they used to get during the multi-currency regime.

Teachers in most schools in the Midlands capital of Gweru stayed home.

A snap survey carried by NewsDay revealed that there was high absenteeism of the majority of teachers, while those that reported for duty were not taking up lessons.

At Mkoba 1 Secondary School, students were still roaming around the school with no order by mid-day, a sign that teachers were not in classes. The same scenario was witnessed at Chaplin High School, Senga Secondary and Thornhill High School.

Teachers, who spoke to NewsDay at the various institutions visited, said their colleagues who stayed home indicated in social media groups that they were incapacitated to report for work.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said most schools had recorded a low teacher turnout.

“Teachers are severely incapacitated and learners are ill-equipped for the learning season. Riot police has been deployed in the majority of urban schools scaring the already traumatised learners,” he said.

NewsDay

“I Am Just Angry, Angry, Very Angry,” Yvonne Chaka Chaka Accuses Ugandan Security For Stealing Her Laptop And Valuables.

South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka
South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka performs in Kampala in March 2016. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO 

South African artiste Yvonne Chaka Chaka yesterday asked the Ugandan police to open an inquiry into the theft of her laptop and other items as she was being deported on December 31, 2019.

Her promoters, Abtex Promotions, filed a case of theft at Kampala Central Police Station yesterday, according to Aloysious Matovu Kizza Junior, the company’s spokesperson.

“There is still confusion on who exactly stole the laptop. While we understand that Yvonne’s belongings were bundled into a white van owned by security agents, police have told us if anything was lost, it should be the private driver Najib Sula, hired by the hotel to chauffeur the singer to the airport, to answer,” Mr Matovu said.

He said police had opened a case of theft against Mr Sula.

Police had offered to take Chaka Chaka in their car but she refused saying that would make her look like she had committed a crime. It is at this point that management of Pearl of Africa Hotel called in Najib.

The laptop is said to have contained her personal information and music-related data.

Mr Matovu said there were also other high-tech valuable items in the laptop bag.
Chaka Chaka was deported on December 31 and police said she did not have the right visa that required her to make any music performances in the country.

By the time of filing the story, both police spokesperson Fred Enanga and Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire had not responded to claims that the police are the key suspects in the theft. Our messages were sent via WhatsApp.

Matovu told Daily Monitor that police said since there was no particular person to implicate, it was prudent to direct inquiries at Mr Sula.

Yesterday the first images of security agents who arrested her were shared. Matovu said the photos were taken by a well-wisher at the scene.

Meanwhile Chakachaka’s promoters are expected to travel to South Africa for a meeting with her to discuss the way-forward. The singer is also expected to address the local and international media about her deportation.

She wrote an email to the South African embassy in Uganda on January 3, 2020.

“Iam inviting Matovu Aloysius Kizza and Abbey Musinguzi. We will be engaging in a series of meetings. I will be responsible for their accommodation and welfare for the four days they be here for this first meeting,” Chaka Chaka wrote in the email.

Mr Matovu said that during their visit to South Africa they will address the international press on all events surrounding the deportation of Chaka Chaka. When she left Uganda via Kigali she aired a video message via twitter and told the world all was well.

But in a private conversation with one of her promoters, Andrew Mukasa of Bajjo Promotions that was published in Daily Monitor, Chakachaka swore never to return to Uganda.

She said she was embarrassed, heartbroken, and angry and vowed: “I never wish to see your country in my life again.”

This is however a contradiction to her twitter post yesterday where she stated: “I will be back in Uganda”.

She told Mr Mukasa that when she insisted on making an appearance at Buganda Kingdom’s annual Enkuuka festival at Mengo palace on that fateful day, security ordered her to board a police van, but she refused.

“I refused to board their van and told them I was not a criminal. They offered an air ticket and I insisted on paying it myself because I didn’t want to look as if I had committed a crime.

“I am just angry, angry,very angry,” Chaka Chaka said.

Zimbabweans Have Suffered Too Long, It’s Now Time For Action – Chamisa

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is expected to announce the much awaited way forward following the lengthy political stalemate in the country.

Chamisa has indicated that the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long such that there is need for decisive action.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.We’ve exhausted all channels.

We can’t continue to be victims of unjust application of the law.Rights are for all.

On Tuesday 21st Jan we will deliver the people’s Agenda 2020 to the nation come what may.#peoplesgovernment,” Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Russian Govt Set To Resign After Putin Set Up Constitutional Amendments That Would Affect Presidential Powers, Mnangagwa Did The Same But No-one Took Hid.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev with Putin.

CNN|The entire Russian government is resigning, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced Wednesday, after Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping reforms that could extend his decades-long grip on power beyond the end of his presidency.

Putin thanked members of the government for their work but added that “not everything worked out.” Putin added that in the near future he would meet with each member of the cabinet. The mass resignation includes Medvedev.

The surprise announcement came after Putin proposed constitutional amendments that would strengthen the powers of the prime minister and parliament at the expense of the presidency.

Taking power from the presidency and handing it to parliament could signal a power shift that has been long speculated about in Russia.

Putin’s critics have suggested that he is considering various scenarios to retain control of the country after his presidential term ends in 2024, including the option of becoming prime minister with extended powers. Similarly, in 2008 Putin swapped places with the prime minister to circumvent the constitutional provision banning the same person from serving two consecutive terms.

In his statement, Medvedev indicated that the government was resigning to clear the way for Putin’s proposed reforms.

Putin “outlined a number of fundamental changes to the constitution, significant changes not only to a number of articles of the constitution, but also to the balance of power as a whole,” Medvedev said in his statement, which was aired on Russian state television.

“In this context, it’s obvious that we, as the government … should provide the president of our country with the opportunity to make all the decisions necessary for this. And in these conditions, I believe that it would be right, in accordance with Section 117 of the constitution,” for the government to resign, Medvedev added.

In his annual address to the Federal Assembly earlier Wednesday, Putin said he agreed that no one should serve as president for more than two consecutive terms, and proposed several constitutional amendments.

His key proposal is to transfer the power to select the prime minister and cabinet from the president to the parliament.

“I know that a constitutional provision is being discussed in our society that the same person should not be president for more than two consecutive terms,” Putin said. “I don’t think this is a fundamental issue, but I agree with that,” he said.

“I propose … entrusting the State Duma with the power to approve the candidacy of the prime minister, and then, per the prime minister’s proposal, [appoint] all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers,” Putin said. “In this case, the president will be obliged to appoint them, that is, he will not have the right to reject parliament-approved candidacies.”

It’s been a banner year for authoritarian leaders. Especially Vladimir Putin
It’s been a banner year for authoritarian leaders. Especially Vladimir Putin
According to the current constitution, the president needs to secure approval from the lower house of parliament to appoint the head of the government, and it is within presidential rights to then appoint all deputies and ministers.

In a televised statement, Putin asked current members of government to fulfill their duties until a new one is formed.

“I want to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved,” Putin said. “Of course not everything worked out, but nothing ever works out in full.”

Medvedev is expected to become deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Putin is the chairman.

Entire Russian Govt Steps Down: BBC Says Putin Has Clearly Sacked Medevedev, As RT Says Nothing Unusual

By A Correspondent| Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that the government is resigning. The statement came shortly after President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address.

Mr Medvedev made his announcement on state television with President Putin sitting next to him. Mr Putin thanked Mr Medvedev for his work but said “not everything” had been accomplished.

While the Russian Television, RT said there was nothing amiss, a BBC correspondent said Putin has clearly removed Medvedev. The BBC’s Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford, said the reason why Mr Putin had removed Mr Medvedev was unclear.

She said, “Crazy day in Moscow politics. Basically, Putin has removed Medvedev as PM & will take all the decisions DM would normally have taken; he’s asked ministers to stay in place until there’s a new cabinet.

Medvedev will be deputy of the Security Council – out of the way?

But why?”

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US Army Recruits Non Citizen Soldiers – Apply Now.

US Military jobs are opened to nationals of others countries who are qualified and have the right documentations. Applications for such army jobs allow for the US Military to work on defending the United States of America against enemies both within and without. Admittedly, foreign nationals who apply for the US Army are unable to take certain key roles/ranks/positions in the US Army. Clearly a number of specialist army jobs are available for new recruits.

How to Apply for U.S Army as a Non-Citizen

The US Military allows for applications to be started online and done carefully whiles going through training etc. Follow this link to begin your application if you have the right documentation.

Based on security clearance, Africans and nationals of other countries close to 8,000, holding valid resident permit (green cards) are enlisted in the US Army every year. Admittedly, there are some federal laws that may not be in the favor of a non citizen who enlists; to becoming a commissioner or warrant officer. The United States of America provides an option to file for citizenship ones applicants are enlisted in the army.

3 Options Available:

Green Card:

Generally, have the resident permit in the US gives you a certain level of recognition in areas of Military Jobs application. You are almost treated as a citizen and if your application is successful, you get a US passport after Basic Combat training. Of course this is usually after accepting to naturalize for the US.

DACA PROGRAM:

One can enlist via the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). What DACA does is to provide person who came into th United States as kids/children from deportation. Under DACA, these non-citizens are eligible to seek relief via application/enlisting in the US Army. Originally, people under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) were protected because the program sought to address the failure of the DREAM Act legislation to pass both houses of Congress. As such, what President Obama did was to initiate the immigration policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in 2012 to help these immigrants. It is, however, unclear the state of the program now. If one finds himself qualified under DACA, he can enlist into the army without problems.

MAVANI:

The United States values intelligence and will not forsake quality skills in the army because one is not a citizen. The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest makes sure that individuals who have skill set that is of interest to national security of the US are enlisted even if they are not citizens and do not have the right documentations. Person who are enlisted through MAVANI usually get US Citizenship after Basic Combat training. For example, if you have a language skills like Pashto and Farsi, you are highly qualified under MAVANI if you exhibit skills in engineering and medical health. This is because the US Army needs forces with such skills in Afghanistan.

A person who enlists in the army comes as a Private and upon completion of basic training, is recruited to Private First Class. From this point, a Non commissioned Officer is the next notable advancement. The US Army has the five-star General as the highest rank. The rank is reserved for wartime use and at the moment, it is not active. Most people call it the “five-star general”.

The US MILITARY HISTORY:

The US ARMY has been in existence since 1789 and over this period, it has become one of the greatest armies the world has ever seen. At the moment, it is made up of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.

Air Force:

It is the youngest branch and handles the aerial battles of the US Force. The members of the Air Force are called airmen and they are part of the U.S Department of Defence. Like other branches, it has a reserve; the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The Army:

More often than not, when we refer to the US military, most people think of only the army. At the moment, it is the largest branch and handle ground combat. Service members are called soldiers. The branch is part of the Department of Defence .

The Coast Guard:

This is not part of the Department of Defence, it is part of Department of Homeland Security. Coast Guard Reserve is the reserve of this branch. This branch deals with maritime issues; battles and trafficking on the coast.

Marine Corps:

Although this branch deals with Maritime issues, it is not a branch of Department of Homeland Security, but a component of Department of Defence. It goes beyond Maritime to give support to other branches. This branch handles classified documents and U.S Embassies around the world. Servicemen are called Marines.

The Navy:

Navy’s primary mission to guard waterways outside the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. Servicemen are called Sailors.

Salaries of US ARMY:

Military Rank                           Average Salary

E-1 No Insignia Private PVT Enlisted Soldier $1,600 per month

E-2 Private Second Class PV2 Enlisted Soldier $1,793 per month

E-3 Private First Class PFC Enlisted Soldier $22,630 – $25,510 per year

E-4 Specialist SPC Enlisted Soldier $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-4 Corporal CPL Noncommissioned Officer $25,067 – $30,427 per year

E-5 Sergeant SGT Noncommissioned Officer $27,338 – $38,794 per year

E-6 Staff Sergeant SSG Noncommissioned Officer $29,840 – $46,220 per year

E-7 Sergeant First Class SFC Noncommissioned Officer $34,502 – $62,010 per year

E-8 Master Sergeant MSG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year

E-8 First Sergeant 1SG Noncommissioned Officer $49,633 – $70,787 per year

E-9 Sergeant Major SGM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year

E-9 Command Sergeant Major CSM Noncommissioned Officer $60,631 – $94,136 per year

E-9 Sergeant Major of the Army SMA Noncommissioned Officer (Special) $60,631 – $94,136 per year

W-1 Warrant Officer 1 WO1 Warrant Officer $35,597 – $61,510 per year

W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 2 CW2 Warrant Officer $40,554 – $67,687 per year

W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 3 CW3 Warrant Officer $45,828 – $80,392 per year

W-4 Chief Warrant Officer 4 CW4 Warrant Officer $50,184 – $93,478 per year

W-5 Chief Warrant Officer 5 CW5 Warrant Officer $89,233 – $116,770 per year

O-1 Second Lieutenant 2LT Commissioned Officer $36,418 – $45,824 per year

O-2 First Lieutenant 1LT Commissioned Officer $41,958 – $58,068 per year

O-3 Captain CPT Commissioned Officer $48,560 – $79,002 per year

O-4 Major MAJ Field Officer $55,231 – $92,218 per year

O-5 Lieutenant Colonel LTC Field Officer $64,012 – $108,752 per year

O-6 Colonel COL Field Officer $76,784 – $135,936 per year

O-7 Brigadier General BG General Officer $101,257 – $151,283 per year

O-8 Major General MG General Officer $121,860 – $175,676 per year

O-9 Lieutenant General LTG General Officer $172,224 – $186,998 per year

O-10 General GEN General Officer $15,583 per month

O-10 General of the Army GA General Officer $15,583 per month- APPLY NOW.

BREAKING: Entire Russian Govt Resigns, LIVE Update by RT

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that the government is resigning. The statement came shortly after President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address.

Mr Medvedev made his announcement on state television with President Putin sitting next to him. Mr Putin thanked Mr Medvedev for his work but said “not everything” had been accomplished.

While the Russian Television, RT said there was nothing amiss, a BBC correspondent said Putin has clearly removed Medvedev. The BBC’s Moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford, said the reason why Mr Putin had removed Mr Medvedev was unclear.

She said, “Crazy day in Moscow politics. Basically, Putin has removed Medvedev as PM & will take all the decisions DM would normally have taken; he’s asked ministers to stay in place until there’s a new cabinet.

Medvedev will be deputy of the Security Council – out of the way?

But why?”

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Soldier Forcibly Repossess Car He Sold To A Taxi Driver

Soldier On The Run After Selling Car, Stealing It

Correspondent|A MASVINGO based military officer is on the run after hijacking and vanishing with a vehicle he had sold to a taxi some few months before.

Police sources in Masvingo have confirmed that a man-hunt has since been launched for Lieutenant Pride Hlongwane after he stole a blue Honda Fit from Andrew Munhende, a taxi driver.

The matter which was reported at Chikato Police Station has since been moved to Masvingo’s Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS). 

Munhende got into an agreement with Hlongwane to buy the vehicle on a rent to buy basis.

According to police sources, payment for the car was completed in June 2019.

Hlongwane was immediately transferred to Gweru’s Military Academy for further training and was not easily available to surrender the car registration book to Munhende.

On his return in December last year, Hlongwane is said to have approached Munhende in the company of two other soldiers, only identified as Madyara and Njovo at Yeukai Shopping Centre where they manhandled him and took possession of the vehicle.

The four are alleged to have sped off into town where Munhende followed them only to see Hlongwane speeding along the Bulawayo road after having dropped his alleged accomplices.

During the hijack, Munhende also lost his driver’s licence, bank cards US$54, R960 and $920.

Byo City Council Refuses MDC Free Use Of Council Facility As They Did To ED.

THE MDC-led Bulawayo City Council recently turned down the opposition party’s provincial structures’ request for free use of Stanley Square in Makokoba.

The councillors argued that allowing the MDC to use the facility for free was tantamount to abuse of office and would set a bad precedence.

According to a recent council report, MDC Bulawayo provincial administrator Sithabile Moyo wrote to council on December 4, 2019 requesting the free use of Stanley Square for an event scheduled for December 21 where party leader Nelson Chamisa was expected to be the guest of honour.

Council normally grants free use of its stadia and other facilities for charity and national events such as Independence, Heroes and Defence Forces Day, among others. Special needs groups are also eligible to use council facilities for free upon application.

The councillors said acceding to the MDC request would open floodgates for abuse of council facilities by political parties.

“Normally there were costs involved and council did not want to set a precedence. Zanu PF recently paid for the use of Stanley Square. Alderman Clayton Zana wanted to know if other parties were paying. Alderman Monicah Lubimbi suggested that if other parties were paying, MDC should also pay,” read the minutes.

Councillors Donaldson Mabuto, Frank Javangwe and Joyce Ndlovu concurred.

“Councillor Silas Chigora said the party should pay even though Zanu PF usually abused council facilities. Councillor Arnold Batirai and Tawanda Ruzive proposed to pay for the party,” the minutes read.

Thereafter, it was resolved that the request for free use by MDC Bulawayo province of Stanley Square by Chamisa should not be acceded to.

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association director Emmanuel Ndlovu yesterday hailed the councillors’ decision.

“We would like to commend the councillors for that move coming at a time when resources and office abuse is the dominant form of corruption. What is needed is consistency, policy consistency right through and right across so that Bulawayo can regain its status as the best-run local authority,” he said.

Hungry Police Round Up 124 Artisanal Miners In illplanned Operation

Correspondent|report that they have arrested at least 124 artisanal miners at Mazowe mine in an intensive operation to rid small scale mining of machete wielding gangs.

The operation which started this week forced over 1000 armed police officers from the Support unit, Guruve, Mt Darwin and Bindura districts to flood the area.

Over 124 artisanal miners were arrested at Mazowe mine, (Jumbo) yesterday following an operation to clear machete-wielding illegal gold panners at the mine.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case. “We started the operation yesterday and about 124 illegal miners were arrested the operation is still on-going,” he said.

However, some police officers on duty are disgruntled over the exercise as they were forced to go to work without much preparation and food.

“This operation is not good enough for us as we were just forced to go to work without preparing we do not have food here and life has proved tough for us lamented,” police officers.

Unconfirmed reports claim the operation is meant to pave way for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son Tongai who wants to take over the mine as he is the major buyer of gold there.

There is a gold rush at the mine with Zanu-PF big wigs using their party cars to loot the precious mineral from the private-owned mine.

Source – Bulawayo24 News

Devil Is A Liar, Ti Gonzi Releases New Album

Ti Gonzi who had several near death encounters last year dropped his first project Devil is liar.

The rapper was speaking of all his near death experiences and how God saved him.

The Kufamba Murima singer is undoubtedly one of the Zim Hip Hop artistes who did well last year as he managed to bag a number of awards.

Ti Gonzi said his first project Devil is a Liar is more of a prayer to him.

“Devil is a liar is a song I came up with after I had a near death encounter not once but more than twice.

“I had a lot of misfortunes last year, I lost a lot but God stood by me I did not pass away.H-Metro

Ti Gonzi

Bosso Reject Old War Horses

Farai Dziva|
Bulawayo giants Highlanders have dismissed reports suggesting that they want to sign seasoned players Kuda Musharu and Martin Vengesayi.

The claims were made this week, saying the attacking pair was on Bosso’s new coach Mark Harrison’s wish list.

Vengesayi and Musharu once worked with Harrison at Harare City until mid-2019 when the British gaffer left the club.

“There are things we can’t control as a club and transfer rumours are some of those things,” Highlanders’ communications officer Ronald Moyo told Chronicle.

“The world over, during pre-season you will always hear similar rumours where certain players are linked with certain clubs, at times without the knowledge of both parties.

“We have seen even at a global level where player agents associate their players with big clubs to supposedly raise stakes for their clients, and Zimbabwe is no exception. As a club we have a clear picture of what we want and the said players are out of that picture.”

Meanwhile, Harrison is expected in Bulawayo in time for Bosso’s pre-season preparations that get underway tomorrow.

WHISTEBLOW: Marry Chiwenga To Be Assassinated In An Accident

FEATURE: REPORT ON THE PLANNED ASSASSINATION OF MARRY CHIWENGA ALLEGATION.

– history

–  definition.

–  justification.

–  Classification.

–  The Assassin.

–  Planning.

–  Techniques.

–  Manual.

– Marry Chiwenga.

HISTORY

When retired Gen Solomon Mujuru was killed in 2011, Gen Constantino Chiwenga pleaded with soldiers during the parade of the late’s body as filmed on the state broadcaster, ZBC saying, “We need to have peace, we need to have peace among ourselves.” Many people believe that the late general was assassinated like other suspicious deaths since 1975: Herbert Chitepo(bomb), Josiah Tongogara(truck accident, William Ndangana (accident with a puma), Border Gezi(car accident), Elliot Manyika( car accident), Morvern Mahachi( car accident), Susan Tsvangirai (car accident), Edward Chindori Chininga(car accident), Inviolleta Dumbutshena (car accident).

DEFINITION.

Assassination is a term thought to be derived from “Hashish”, a drug similar to marijuana, said to have been used by Hasan-Dan-Sabah to induce motivation in his followers, who were assigned to carry out political and other murders, usually at the cost of their lives, a study by the George Washington University reads.

It continues: It is here used to describe the planned killing of a person who is not under the legal jurisdiction of the killer, who is not physically in the hands of the killer, who has been selected by a resistance organization for death, and who has been selected by a resistance organization for death, and whose death provides positive advantages to that organization.

JUSTIFICATION

Murder is not morally justifiable. Self-defense may be argued if the victim has knowledge which may destroy the resistance organization if divulged. Assassination of persons responsible for atrocities or reprisals may be regarded as just puni shment. Killing a political leader whose burgeoning career is a clear and present danger to the cause of freedom may be held necessary.

But assassination can seldom be employed with a clear conscience. Persons who are morally squeamish should not attempt it.

CLASSIFICATIONS

The techniques employed will vary according to whether the subject is unaware of his danger, aware but unguarded, or guarded. They will also be affected by whether or not the assassin is to be killed with the subject hereafter, assassinations in which the subject is unaware will be termed “simple”; those where the subject is aware but unguarded will be termed “chase”; those where the victim is guarded will be termed “guarded.”

If the assassin is to die with the subject, the act will be called “lost.” If the assassin is to escape, the adjective will be “safe.” It should be noted that no compromises should exist here. The assassin must not fall alive into enemy hands.

A further type division is caused by the need to conceal the fact that the subject was actually the victim of assassination, rather than an accident or natural causes. If such concealment is desirable the operation will be called “secret” ;; if concealment is immaterial, the act will be called “open”; while if the assassination requires publicity to be effective it will be termed “terroristic.”

Following these definitions, the assassination of Julius Caesar was safe, simple, and terroristic, while that of Huey Long was lost, guarded and open. Obviously, successful secret assassinations are not recorded as assassination at all. [Illeg] o f Thailand and Augustus Caesar may have been the victims of safe, guarded and secret assassination. Chase assassinations usually involve clandestine agents or members of criminal organizations.

THE ASSASSIN

In safe assassinations, the assassin needs the usual qualities of a clandestine agent. He should be determined, courageous, intelligent, resourceful, and physically active. If special equipment is to be used, such as firearms or drugs, it is clear that he must have outstanding skill with such equipment.

Except in terroristic assassinations, it is desirable that the assassin be transient in the area. He should have an absolute minimum of contact with the rest of the organization and his instructions should be given orally by one person only. His safe evacuation after the act is absolutely essential, but here again contact should be as limited as possible. It is preferable that the person issuing instructions also conduct any withdrawal or covering action which may be necessary.

In lost assassination, the assassin must be a fanatic of some sort. Politics, religion, and revenge are about the only feasible motives. Since a fanatic is unstable psychologically, he must be handled with extreme care. He must not know the iden tities of the other members of the organization, for although it is intended that he die in the act, something may go wrong. While the Assassin of Trotsky has never revealed any significant information, it was unsound to depend on this when the act was p lanned.

PLANNING

When the decision to assassinate has been reached, the tactics of the operation must be planned, based upon an estimate of the situation similar to that used in military operations. The preliminary estimate will reveal gaps in information and possibly indicate a need for special equipment which must be procured or constructed. When all necessary data has been collected, an effective tactical plan can be prepared. All planning must be mental; no papers should ever contain evidence of the oper ation.

In resistance situations, assassination may be used as a counter-reprisal. Since this requires advertising to be effective, the resistance organization must be in a position to warn high officials publicly that their lives will be the price of rep risal action against innocent people. Such a threat is of no value unless it can be carried out, so it may be necessary to plan the assassination of various responsible officers of the oppressive regime and hold such plans in readiness to be used only i f provoked by excessive brutality. Such plans must be modified frequently to meet changes in the tactical situation.

TECHNIQUES

The essential point of assassination is the death of the subject. A human being may be killed in many ways but sureness is often overlooked by those who may be emotionally unstrung by the seriousness of this act they intend to commit. The spe cific technique employed will depend upon a large number of variables, but should be constant in one point: Death must be absolutely certain. The attempt on Hitler’s life failed because the conspiracy did not give this matter proper attention.

Techniques may be considered as follows:

1. Manual.

It is possible to kill a person with the bare hands, but very few are skillful enough to do it well. Even a highly trained Judo expert will hesitate to risk killing by hand unless he has absolutely no alternative. However, the simplest local tools a re often much the most efficient means of assassination. A hammer, axe, wrench, screw driver, fire poker, kitchen knife, lamp stand, or anything hard, heavy and handy will suffice. A length of rope or wire or a belt will do if the assassin is strong and agile. All such improvised weapons have the important advantage of availability and apparent innocence. The obviously lethal machine gun failed to kill Trotsky where an item of sporting goods succeeded.

In all safe cases where the assassin may be subject to search, either before or after the act, specialized weapons should not be used. Even in the lost case, the assassin may accidentally be searched before the act and should not carry an incrimin ating device if any sort of lethal weapon can be improvised at or near the site. If the assassin normally carries weapons because of the nature of his job, it may still be desirable to improvise and implement at the scene to avoid disclosure of his ident ity.

2. Accidents.

For secret assassination, either simple or chase, the contrived accident is the most effective technique. When successfully executed, it causes little excitement and is only casually investigated.

The most efficient accident, in simple assassination, is a fall of 75 feet or more onto a hard surface. Elevator shafts, stair wells, unscreened windows and bridges will serve. Bridge falls into water are not reliable. In simple cases a private meeting with the subject may be arranged at a properly-cased location. The act may be executed by sudden, vigorous [excised] of the ankles, tipping the subject over the edge. If the assassin immediately sets up an outcry, playing the “horrified wit ness”, no alibi or surreptitious withdrawal is necessary. In chase cases it will usually be necessary to stun or drug the subject before dropping him. Care is required to insure that no wound or condition not attributable to the fall is discernible after death.

Falls into the sea or swiftly flowing rivers may suffice if the subject cannot swim. It will be more reliable if the assassin can arrange to attempt rescue, as he can thus be sure of the subject’s death and at the same time establish a workable al ibi.

If the subject’s personal habits make it feasible, alcohol may be used [2 words excised] to prepare him for a contrived accident of any kind.

Falls before trains or subway cars are usually effective, but require exact timing and can seldom be free from unexpected observation.

Automobile accidents are a less satisfactory means of assassination. If the subject is deliberately run down, very exact timing is necessary and investigation is likely to be thorough. If the subject’s car is tampered with, reliability is very lo w. The subject may be stunned or drugged and then placed in the car, but this is only reliable when the car can be run off a high cliff or into deep water without observation.

Arson can cause accidental death if the subject is drugged and left in a burning building. Reliability is not satisfactory unless the building is isolated and highly combustible.

3. Drugs.

In all types of assassination except terroristic, drugs can be very effective. If the assassin is trained as a doctor or nurse and the subject is under medical care, this is an easy and rare method. An overdose of morphine administered as a sedat ive will cause death without disturbance and is difficult to detect. The size of the dose will depend upon whether the subject has been using narcotics regularly. If not, two grains will suffice.

If the subject drinks heavily, morphine or a similar narcotic can be injected at the passing out stage, and the cause of death will often be held to be acute alcoholism.

Specific poisons, such as arsenic or strychine, are effective but their possession or procurement is incriminating, and accurate dosage is problematical. Poison was used unsuccessfully in the assassination of Rasputin and Kolohan, though the latte r case is more accurately described as a murder.

4. Edge Weapons

Any locally obtained edge device may be successfully employed. A certain minimum of anatomical knowledge is needed for reliability.

Puncture wounds of the body cavity may not be reliable unless the heart is reached. The heart is protected by the rib cage and is not always easy to locate.

Abdominal wounds were once nearly always mortal, but modern medical treatment has made this no longer true.

Absolute reliability is obtained by severing the spinal cord in the cervical region. This can be done with the point of a knife or a light blow of an axe or hatchet.

Another reliable method is the severing of both jugular and carotid blood vessels on both sides of the windpipe.

If the subject has been rendered unconscious by other wounds or drugs, either of the above methods can be used to insure death.

5. Blunt Weapons

As with edge weapons, blunt weapons require some anatomical knowledge for effective use. Their main advantage is their universal availability. A hammer may be picked up almost anywhere in the world. Baseball and [illeg] bats are very widely distributed. Even a rock or a heavy stick will do, and nothing resembling a weapon need be procured, carried or subsequently disposed of.

Blows should be directed to the temple, the area just below and behind the ear, and the lower, rear portion of the skull. Of course, if the blow is very heavy, any portion of the upper skull will do. The lower frontal portion of the head, from th e eyes to the throat, can withstand enormous blows without fatal consequences.

MARRY CHIWENGA (MUBAIWA) CASE.

A whistlblower has narrated an allegation to ZimEye that there is a plan underway to kill the wife of vice president Constantino Chiwenga, Marry using an accident.

“I opened a ghost account, ” they began.

They went on to say, “if you have access Mary she must not travel a long distance because mmmm an accident bug have been planned wangu.”

They passed this report on at 8:17 in the morning on Wednesday (today). Identity details of the people behind this alleged plot were not revealed at the time of writing. It could neither be established when this operation will be carried out and which routes and methods have been planned.

This is a developing story refresh this page for the updates. – Do you know something about this plot? – Contact ZimEye.com right now