Religious leaders should work towards uniting Zimbabweans in order to foster development this year and beyond, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Speaking to journalists after witnessing the ordination of eight Roman Catholic deacons at the Roman Catholic Church Cathedral in Harare yesterday, the Acting President called on all Zimbabweans to unite in prayer for the country.

He said the nation should turn to the church in seeking solutions to the social problems facing the country.

“It brings us joy when we see these young men making such a sacrifice, especially during these difficult times,” said Dr Chiwenga.

“We want the priests to help bring people together, to be united so that they can work towards the same goals.

“And to teach people to know that the most important thing is to remain united because we are here on earth for a very short time.

After they finish their studies, during these nine to 10 years, we expect them to do the work of God and unite the people so that we can see the incidences of crime we are witnessing in the country being reduced.”

Acting President Chiwenga said prayer allowed individuals to distinguish between right and wrong.

“When you pray, your heart and mind evolve so that you can tell the difference between the good and the bad and you let go of the bad things.

“So we want everybody’s heart and mind to evolve so they can discard what is bad and take what is right.”State media

Religious leaders should work towards uniting Zimbabweans in order to foster development this year and beyond, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Speaking to journalists after witnessing the ordination of eight Roman Catholic deacons at the Roman Catholic Church Cathedral in Harare yesterday, the Acting President called on all Zimbabweans to unite in prayer for the country.

He said the nation should turn to the church in seeking solutions to the social problems facing the country.

“It brings us joy when we see these young men making such a sacrifice, especially during these difficult times,” said Dr Chiwenga.

“We want the priests to help bring people together, to be united so that they can work towards the same goals.

“And to teach people to know that the most important thing is to remain united because we are here on earth for a very short time.

After they finish their studies, during these nine to 10 years, we expect them to do the work of God and unite the people so that we can see the incidences of crime we are witnessing in the country being reduced.”

Acting President Chiwenga said prayer allowed individuals to distinguish between right and wrong.

“When you pray, your heart and mind evolve so that you can tell the difference between the good and the bad and you let go of the bad things.

“So we want everybody’s heart and mind to evolve so they can discard what is bad and take what is right.”State media

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association president, Dr. Peter Magombeyi has announced he is quitting his post at the organisation.

The man who was last year in September abducted by state agents in Harare speaks to ZimEye on Sunday night.

He said,  “I won’t forget the struggle we go through ev’day trying to come up with a functional health delivery system that benefits all Zimbabweans and our welfare as Drs.

I loved my job as the President of ZHDA and I will look back on my time with wonderful memories. I RESIGN! ”

FULL VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Farai Dziva|Opposition leader Daniel Shumba has accused the government of plotting to eliminate him.

See Shumba’s statement below :

My commitment is signposted by realities. Born of a founder member of the liberation struggle leading to my esteemed experiences in the defence forces, unlocked value as a businessman. I, therefore, have knowledge of the system, benevolence, and the entitlement culture.

Indeed, sacrifices, selfishness epitomised the individual and common beliefs of the struggle. With it came to power, corruption and opulence. 40 years the fee note has yet to be paid in full. The feeling of entitlement abounds.

This marks the travesty of our political system.
To ensure power and the right to rule, threats of the return to war have been repeatedly peddled especially in rural communities.

Distorted structures of War Vets and War Collaborators have been continually manipulated and recreated for purposes of mobilising the masses.

These echelons are managed and coordinated at the highest levels of Zanu PF/Intelligence Agencies, using nationwide JOC structures.

The reservoirs are drawn mainly from serving and retired security members whose clients are mainly unemployed youths, thugs, and criminals.
Serious intelligence and propaganda machinery are at work continuously.

Family, workers, spouses, girl/boyfriends (including the church, club, political party members and vendors) are some of the tools.

There isn’t any exception to the rule. These are sustained off balance sheet.
Internally, the system is willing to fight to the end to protect and preserve its corrupt grip on power so as to guarantee its future. Many are in this train for protection or for fear of persecution, others drive the agenda and are co-conspirators in the State capture.

Zanu PF regime will not reform itself out of power, even its factions consolidate and attempt to own the Executive, Political, Military, Judiciary, and Economic power. Ambition is considered treacherous thus done in clandestine (mostly along tribal lines). This disgusted me.

I put it to you my fellow citizens, that we are far worse than we ever were as a nation. Our property is expropriated, we are killed, abducted, beaten, brutalized and lately poisoned for exercising our democratic and constitutional rights.

Enough is Enough!
Fear is very dangerous. I will fulfil my mandate for Zimbabwe, I know that together we will prevail. Current attempts to abduct or assassinate me in a known SADC country will not work. I’ve divine protection and of course, I’ve taken other measures. Zimbabwe will be Free!

I have had exposure and knowledge of the workings of the system. Even though I haven’t been in the Zanu PF government, I was MP,
Politburo member for three years, Provincial chairman for two years, and Military officer in the Special Forces. I’m a renowned businessman.

I’m thus knowledgeable and experienced for the task at hand. I thank God for this valuable knowledge. This isn’t a game. It’s about lives, the future, and our country. Together we must stand. Even the perpetrators are also yearning to be truly redeemed.

God is with us.
Let’s not be partisan or fool by cheap rhetoric or immature and opportunistic tendencies. Facts are stubborn, so let’s turn the page.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA ).
‘For such a time as this!!!’
More: @shumba327

Protesters piled pressure on Iran’s leadership on Sunday with demands for top authorities to quit after the Iranian military admitted it had mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian airliner at a time when it had feared U.S. strikes.

“They are lying that our enemy is America, our enemy is right here,” dozens of protesters outside a university in Tehran chanted, according to video clips posted on Twitter. Scores of demonstrators were also shown gathered in other cities.

The social media posts could not be verified by Reuters. But state-affiliated media had reported protests on Saturday shortly after the Iranian military apologized for mistakenly bringing down the Ukrainian plane on Wednesday, killing all 176 aboard.

Tehran residents told Reuters police were out in force in the capital on Sunday, as public anger boiled up following days of denials by the military that it was to blame, even as Canada and the United States said a missile had brought the plane down.

Riot police fired teargas at thousands of protesters in the capital on Saturday, where many had chanted “Death to the dictator,” directing their anger at the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Civilians and soldiers at the Ministry of Defence are going to war over which group will take the fall for corruption.

Tensions at Defence House have been fuelled by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigation of army commanders and senior ministry employees allegedly involved in charging inflated prices for goods and services supplied to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

Army and civilian sources said that there was a conflict over who should handle financial matters at the ministry.

“It’s about the control of the purse. Soldiers are not paid well and commanders survive on privileges and their proximity to power. Ministry workers are only close to money, but not power,” said one source.

“The ZACC easily gets information from both sides snitching on each other.”

The source said the investigation had been complicated by the fact that deals implicating ministry directors were done in their personal capacities as a sanctions busting measure.

Evidence in a dossier submitted to the commission shows that in efforts to get around Western sanctions, critical equipment such as spares for armoured vehicles and aircraft was procured at inflated prices. Some orders were paid for but not delivered.

In December, army chief of staff Maj Gen Hlanganani Dube one of the ZDF’s top five commanders was implicated in the theft of 30t of beef from a training depot.

Dube’s driver was arrested by counterintelligence operatives and he pointed the finger at his boss, who was put on forced leave pending completion of an investigation.

The commander of 1 Commando Regiment in Harare, Lt Col Enock Chivhima, was arrested last May and charged with stealing beef rations meant for his troops.

He and eight other soldiers were also arrested on suspicion of stealing donations for victims of Cyclone Idai. Their court martial is under way.

Sources said because the military had been the power behind the throne since the November 2017 coup which removed Robert Mugabe, it was using the ZACC to get civilians at Defence House arrested.

Defence ministry procurement director Peter Muchakadzi, 55, and accountant Kunofiwa Madondo, 58, were arrested by the ZACC on Monday. They appeared before Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo on Thursday accused of producing fake invoices totalling $306 135.

Another source said the ZACC was finding it hard to pin corruption cases on military officers because the army had its own way of dealing with wrongdoing.

“How will they [the ZACC] manoeuvre around the military internal processes [courts martial]? The court system manned by civilians will not be allowed by the army,” said the source.

In addition, the government would not want civilians from the defence ministry to testify in open court, in light of damaging admissions they might make.

“The political regime is not ready for this because some of the deals were done when President Emmerson Mnangagwa was Minister of Defence and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga was the army commander,” said the source.

Civilians at the ministry feared they could be arrested while the accused in the army would be protected because their arrests could destabilise peace and security.

ZACC spokesperson John Makamure said the charges against Muchakadzi and Madondo were the first to reach court in a defence ministry case.

“We will let justice take its course. If we make any headway in other issues within the ministry, people will certainly be taken to court,” he said.

The office of the Minister of Defence and War Veterans, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, said no one would be spared in the drive against corruption.

•  Sunday Times

Farai Dziva|Opposition leader Daniel Shumba has accused the government of plotting to eliminate him.

See Shumba’s statement below :

My commitment is signposted by realities. Born of a founder member of the liberation struggle leading to my esteemed experiences in the defence forces, unlocked value as a businessman. I, therefore, have knowledge of the system, benevolence, and the entitlement culture.

Indeed, sacrifices, selfishness epitomised the individual and common beliefs of the struggle. With it came to power, corruption and opulence. 40 years the fee note has yet to be paid in full. The feeling of entitlement abounds.

This marks the travesty of our political system.
To ensure power and the right to rule, threats of the return to war have been repeatedly peddled especially in rural communities.

Distorted structures of War Vets and War Collaborators have been continually manipulated and recreated for purposes of mobilising the masses.

These echelons are managed and coordinated at the highest levels of Zanu PF/Intelligence Agencies, using nationwide JOC structures.

The reservoirs are drawn mainly from serving and retired security members whose clients are mainly unemployed youths, thugs, and criminals.
Serious intelligence and propaganda machinery are at work continuously.

Family, workers, spouses, girl/boyfriends (including the church, club, political party members and vendors) are some of the tools.

There isn’t any exception to the rule. These are sustained off balance sheet.
Internally, the system is willing to fight to the end to protect and preserve its corrupt grip on power so as to guarantee its future. Many are in this train for protection or for fear of persecution, others drive the agenda and are co-conspirators in the State capture.

Zanu PF regime will not reform itself out of power, even its factions consolidate and attempt to own the Executive, Political, Military, Judiciary, and Economic power. Ambition is considered treacherous thus done in clandestine (mostly along tribal lines). This disgusted me.

I put it to you my fellow citizens, that we are far worse than we ever were as a nation. Our property is expropriated, we are killed, abducted, beaten, brutalized and lately poisoned for exercising our democratic and constitutional rights.

Enough is Enough!
Fear is very dangerous. I will fulfil my mandate for Zimbabwe, I know that together we will prevail. Current attempts to abduct or assassinate me in a known SADC country will not work. I’ve divine protection and of course, I’ve taken other measures. Zimbabwe will be Free!

I have had exposure and knowledge of the workings of the system. Even though I haven’t been in the Zanu PF government, I was MP,
Politburo member for three years, Provincial chairman for two years, and Military officer in the Special Forces. I’m a renowned businessman.

I’m thus knowledgeable and experienced for the task at hand. I thank God for this valuable knowledge. This isn’t a game. It’s about lives, the future, and our country. Together we must stand. Even the perpetrators are also yearning to be truly redeemed.

God is with us.
Let’s not be partisan or fool by cheap rhetoric or immature and opportunistic tendencies. Facts are stubborn, so let’s turn the page.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA ).
‘For such a time as this!!!’
More: @shumba327

Former Industry and International Trade deputy minister Phineas Chihota has been dragged to the High Court by a woman, Sarudzayi Nhundu, who is seeking an order to cancel the parties’ agreement of sale of a property after Chihota allegedly took occupation of the property without paying the purchase price.

Nearly 14 years after signing an agreement of sale for Stand 139 Rietfontein Township 9 of Lot 11 of Rietfontein measuring 3661 square metres, also known as Number 78 Ridgeway North, Borrowdale, Harare, the former deputy minister is alleged to have reneged on the agreement, pushing the woman into destitution.

Nhundu recently approached the court with summons seeking an order for the cancellation of the agreement of sale and the reversal of title deeds to the property which Chihota has now been claiming ownership.

“The plaintiff’s (Nhundu) claim against the defendant (Chihota) is for cancellation of the agreement of sale entered into between plaintiff and first defendant on January 25, 2006 and reversal of title deed number 3005/07 registered in the name of Phineas Chivazhe Chihota to title deed number 6998/01 of a certain piece of land situate in the District of Salisbury, being Stand 139 Rietfontein Township 9 of Lot 11 of Rietfontein measuring 3661 square metres, also known as Number 78 Ridgeway North, Borrowdale, Harare,” Nhundu said in her declaration.

In her affidavit, Nhundu said sometime in January 2006, she considered selling the property in question and began advertising it whereupon on January 25 of the same year, Chihota showed interest and asked her to accompany him to CABS Head Office in Highlands.

The woman said the two agreed that the purchase price of the property would be ZWL$28 billion, which amount was supposed to be immediately payable, and further agreed that if he failed to observe or perform his obligations and failed to remedy the breach, she would be entitled to cancel the agreement.

“When the first defendant failed to meet his obligation, plaintiff wrote a notice to his financiers and to him notifying him so, but he approached the courts and that was set aside by a court judgment obtained under HC6241/06,” she said.

“The first defendant went on and registered the property in his name through the agreement of sale that we had entered. Thus, Deed of Transfer No. 3005/2007 dated 05 June 2007. The first defendant went on and obtained an order to evict me under case number HC624/06.

Nhundu said she did not at any point in time receive any payment of the purchase price from Chihota although he obtained other judgements under HC3368/07 and HC624/06 on the fundamental misrepresentation to the court that he had paid the purchase price.

“The first defendant then attempted to pay part of the purchase price that came on June 22, 2007, seventeen months after he had misrepresented to the court that he had paid plaintiff and plaintiff accordingly reversed it on July 3, 2007. The purchase price had been agreed to be ZW$28 billion and first defendant only paid ZW$22 402 691 which was subsequently reversed by plaintiff, therefore up to date, first defendant has not paid for the property although he holds title to the property,” she said.

Chihota is yet to respond.

The Standard

The Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) wants to hold an economic summit next month where it intends to invite various stakeholders, including those perceived to be critics of government among them the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

Polad members met in Bulawayo on Friday where they formed different thematic committees to deal with issues affecting the country to prepare groundwork for the summit slated for February 28.

Coalition of Democrats (CODE) leader Trust Chikohora, who chairs the economic thematic committee, said Polad wanted to address issues such as corruption, hyperinflation and the cash crisis and come up with a work plan for the first quarter of the year.

“We will identify the four pillars of the Zimbabwean economy and tour companies and organisations,’’ said Chikohora.

“We will lobby other countries to assist Zimbabwe in the economic resuscitation. Our economic summit to be held on February 28 will bring together all major players of the economy such as the Consumer Council, the investor community and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. We want to come up with recommendations that we will present to the government.’’

He added that Polad would come up with a position paper through its constitutional and legislative committee and present it to Parliament.

NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku chairs the constitutional and legislative thematic committee while MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe is in charge of the international engagement one.

However, contacted for comment, ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said the labour movement was aware of many talk show platforms being created as a diversionary strategy.

“We are aware of many diversionary strategies, but we are too busy with our core mandate to attend to these talk shows. We already have the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) that is legislated and mandated to deal with socio-economic issues. Therefore it might be a misnomer for government to create another platform to deal with the same issues before the TNF,’’ Moyo said.

-The Standard

A former teacher suspected to have been running a bogus scholarship scam died in a suspected suicide case at his home in Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo, police have confirmed.

Zenzo Moyo (38), who taught for a number of years at Usher Girls High in Matabeleland South Province allegedly hanged himself from the roof trusses using a leather belt last week.

When Sunday News crew visited Moyo’s residence last week, his father Mr Oliver Moyo said the family was not sure of what really transpired as he found his son’s body hanging facing the wall with one foot on the ground and the other leaning on a sofa.

Mr Moyo added that on the previous day at about 11am, his son was allegedly attacked by two people who claimed that he owed them R400 which he took on 31 December last year.

The fight was only stopped by the deceased’s elder brother, Mr Killion Moyo who offered a small generator to compensate for the money owed.

Bulawayo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that we received a case of sudden death where a man from Emganwini was found hanging from roof trusses at his house last week Monday,” she said.

Asst Insp Msebele said they received news from an informant who claimed to have found a suicidal note which was left by Moyo.

The police still have the note but could not disclose its contents.

Moyo’s body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem.

Asst Insp Msebele urged people not to commit suicide but seek advice from church elders, relatives and community leaders.

Sources from Emganwini said Moyo’s death might have been caused by depression as he was involved in scholarship scams which left him owing many people huge sums of money.

According to a parent whose child applied for a scholarship that was purportedly run by Moyo, the man would claim he could send students to China for tertiary studies.

“My daughter was one of the students whose application failed to be processed after several months of working with Zenzo Moyo as one of the agents for the China scholarship.

“It took us close to a year to process the papers as he would postpone dates of sending the applications, around November 2018 he divorced himself from the procedure and handed us over to another agent in China to finish the process by sending approval letters and up to now we have not received any letter,” said one of the parents.

The parent said she ended up withdrawing from the scholarship deal and made a written agreement with Moyo that he would refund the money in instalments but he did not pay a cent.

She said there were a number of other parents who have complained about losing money in the scholarship scam to Moyo.

Moyo was buried yesterday at Athlone Cemetery.

-State Media

Jane Mlambo| A FORMER accountant at the Ministry of Defence and War Veteran’s Affairs, Simbarashe Zvineyi, who appeared in court this Friday facing charges of fraud and money laundering acquired properties including 5 houses in Harare’s Tynwald, Aspindale, Borrowdale and Avonlea suburbs as well as motor vehicles among them 25 taxis.

He is alleged to have bought his wife top of the range cars using government funds.

Below is a picture collection of the cars bought for his wife…

Opposition legislator and MDC Alliance vice Chairperson, Job Sikhala has opened up on his impending trial on charges of attempting to overthrow a constitutional government.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, Sikhala said he is touched by the level of solidarity he is receiving ahead of the trial which kicks off in 15 days.

“Since time immemorial, I have never received the level of solidarity, prayers and encouragement like what I am currently receiving,” said Sikhala.

He threatened that the war that the state has started against him is titanic and will not lose it easily.

“This is a demonstration that the people of Zimbabwe are not fools as envisaged by someone who encourages everyone to feed on vegetables daily until Kingdom comes. Be reassured that gloves are off. The titanic battle has begun. In my life I lost battles but not a war. So be warned my detractors. This is a war, not a war for myself but for everyone who believes in a free and democratic Zimbabwe,” added Sikhala.

Below is the full text from Job Sikhala….

Message of Truth : by Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala MDC National Vice Chairman. I have noticed that it’s only 15 days to my trial on allegations of subverting or attempting to overthrow a constitutional government. This is a charge according to the State papers which emanates from a purported video downloaded from the Twitter account of one Jones Musara, a ZANU PF activist based in Toronto, Canada. I can’t go into the merits of the case as it is subjudice. In the video aforesaid Jones Musara purports that I addressed people urging them to overthrow Mnangagwa.

Those who studied the law on the overthrow of constitutional governments know what I am saying. A constitutional government is that which drives its authority from the governed through a free and fair election devoid of manipulation and fraud. I have witnessed a number of ZANU PF morons and their surrogates celebrating that the hour of my fix has come. So stupid are they that they think questions of law is being a machete wielding thug where criminals can get away with murder. They think in their ignorance the Judge will just pronounce my imprisonment. That’s the drunken madness of these perverted individuals among ourselves. I have been arrested 63 times from 2000 to present.

My records I have kept for historical reference shows that I was never convicted on an one single case from rape to murder. All turned out to be persecutions disguised as prosecutions. One good soul in this party of the deranged told me that Mugabe was different from this clown we currently have among ourselves masquerading as a President. Mugabe would not interfere with the judiciary. He would only interfere on matters that directly threatened his power, like the Presidential election petition challenging his legitimacy. That he would not mind how the judiciary deals with other matters outside threat to his power.

So he goes on to say that, thats why the late Morgan Tsvangirai was acquitted on two crucial cases. One when he threatened to remove Mugabe violently if he didn’t want to go peacefully. The second one being the Ari Ben Manashe drama which was packaged as a Treason trial. He further says that our present clown phones directly Public Prosecutors and judiciary officers to give instructions. The charge I am facing is a specie of Treason. It has a mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison without an option of a fine.

The demented ones in the club of fools, which ZANU PF people are, waffles that you deserve what you are getting because you were not supposed to say what you said. In the State papers the overzealous “unknown reward” seeking ignorant police officers say that by threatening to remove Mnangagwa from power I was seeking to change the hands of power before his term expires in 2023. In the study of constitutionalism, an individual does not constitute a government. A government is constituted by its three branches, that is the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.

Mnangagwa is an individual who is not all that. He can go today, the Executive may remain as constituted minus him, the Judiciary will remain the same, so is the Legislature. When individuals turn themselves into governments, you must know that, that country is cursed. And let it be known that Mnangagwa is not government. Government is instituted in terms of the constitution with its distinct branches.

Mnangagwa is not all that. He is just a Sherwood Farm fish farmer who occupies an office which is not defined to belong to him. It can be occupied by anyone if he perishes today. So anyone in his or her perverted disposition who thinks that this trial is going to be sadza eating jamboree should take a strange dog for a wife.

Those extractors of the purported documentary from a ZANU PF malcontent living far away in Canada must be prepared for the nightmare of their lives. We saw the overzealous ones during the Treason trial of Morgan Tsvangirai behaving as if everybody was borrowing the air we breath from them including Augustine Chihuri.

When you meet them in streets today they look pathetic and deranged, with nothing to show for the bombastic self they were demonstrating during the material time. Since time immemorial, I have never received the level of solidarity, prayers and encouragement like what I am currently receiving.

This is a demonstration that the people of Zimbabwe are not fools as envisaged by someone who encourages everyone to feed on vegetables daily until Kingdom comes. Be reassured that gloves are off. The titanic battle has begun. In my life I lost battles but not a war. So be warned my detractors. This is a war, not a war for myself but for everyone who believes in a free and democratic Zimbabwe.

By Farai Maguwu| The situation in Zimbabwe is imploding owing to a sharp rise in gang violence in the artisanal gold mining sector, widely referred to as Machete Wars. The gangsters, known as Mashurugwi, do not necessarily come from Shurugwi. Law enforcement agents have not been spared the violence as one Police officer was hacked to death recently whilst several others have been injured. So daring are the machete gangs that in Gokwe they stormed a Police station to release their fellow gangsters who had been arrested. The truth if the matter is the country is fast sliding into anarchy and lawlessness. This is a national security threat as the gangs are now attacking law enforcement agents, meaning its not only the citizens who are under attack, but the State itself.

In some jurisdictions leaders cut short foreign trips when an emergency arises at home. Only two days ago the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had to cut short his trip to Oman to return home following the deadly crash of a Ukrainian passenger jetliner near Tehran airport. When the Marikana massacre took place in South Africa former President Jacob Zuma ended his participation at the SADC Heads of State Summit in Maputo to return home and deal with the crisis. In March 2019 French President EMMANUEL MACRON was forced to cut short his skiing trip for an emergency meeting with ministers after yellow vest protesters ransacked shops and hurled smoke bombs and bricks at police officers across Paris. Citizens were at risk and the President didn’t see any reason enjoying skiing whilst the people he swore on oath to defend and protect were in jeopardy.

But in Zimbabwe as the machete gang violence is escalating the President announces that he is going on holiday? Surely? At such a time like this! How is it even possible for him to take some rest when the country is in flames like this?

Section 90 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe says the duties of the President are as follows:

1. The President must uphold, defend, obey and respect this Constitution as the supreme law of the nation and must ensure that this Constitution and all the other laws are faithfully observed.
• Duty to obey the constitution
2. The President must–
a. promote unity and peace in the nation for the benefit and well-being of all the people of Zimbabwe;
b. recognise and respect the ideals and values of the liberation struggle;
c. ensure protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms and the rule of law; and
d. respect the diversity of the people and communities of Zimbabwe.

Thus by being silent when citizens are under attack, the President is failing to execute his constitutional duties of protecting the citizens and ensuring there is rule of law. The President need to take this matter seriously as the wheels are coming off faster than he might be thinking. If he doesn’t act now this issue might yield unintended results.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zanu PF were the major perpetrators of human rights abuses during the month of December 2019, a report by the Zimbabwe Peace Project reveals.

In its Monthly Monitoring Report of December 2019, the pro-peace monitoring and documentation organisation states that police occupied 38% of perpetrators, up from 34.6% recorded in November
2019.

According to the statistics, Zanu PF ranks second at 33.17 percent while 10.58 percent are unknown.
The Zimbabwe National Army constitutes 8.65 percent of the perpetrators while the MDC is at 4.33 percent.

Illegal gold panners, known as Mashurugwi, contributed 3.37 percent of the perpetrators while war veterans were at 0.96 percent.

Commenting on the rise in violation of human rights, ZPP states, “this upward trend, if not addressed could result in the police becoming a law unto themselves. ZPP calls for the operationalization of Section 210 of the Constitution that enables citizens to make complaints that involve the security sector,”.

“Police brutality and harassment is disturbing as it presents a scenario where the supposed citizens’ protectors become a threat to the same citizens.”

Throughout December, police carried out operations to clamp down on vendors in Harare city centre, and there were numerous reports of the police being heavy handed in its operations.

“On 12 December 2019, anti- riot police officers assaulted and apprehended vendors and members of the public in Harare CBD at Market Square. In the midst of street battles with vendors, police assaulted labour rights activist, Nation Mudzitirwa whom they spotted disembarking from renowned human rights lawyer, Douglas Coltart’s vehicle.”

“Mudzitirwa sustained serious injuries on the face, back and knees. Among the victims who were apprehended were six males and seven females. The police also forced Mudzitirwa into their vehicle and later released him without any charge, before getting to Harare Central Police Station.”

Other cases recorded by ZPP include the harassment of journalists Blessing Chidakwa and Abel Karowangoro , MDC ward 43 Councillor, Norman Makondo, among others.

According to ZPP, “on 13 December 2019, a number of MDC youths were attacked by suspected Zanu PF youths in Shurugwi Rural, ward 6 where a by-election was due to take place on December 14.
Unidentified MDC youths were allegedly assaulted several times and their fliers burnt by the Zanu PF youths.”

-The Standard

The Chinese Foreign Affairs minister, Wang Yi has arrived in the country for a three day visit. He was received by the Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister, Retired Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo at the RGM International airport Saturday evening.

The visit to Zimbabwe by the Chinese foreign affairs minister is part of a five-nation tour that will also take him to Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Burundi.

In Zimbabwe he is expected to hold discussions with his counterpart, minister Sibusiso Moyo as well as Retired General Constantino Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Speaking in China as a precursor to the Chinese minister’s visit, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said the tour is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between China and Africa.

“Since 1991,Africa has been the destination for the Chinese Foreign Minister’s first overseas visit each year for 30 years in a row,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.

“The continuation of this fine tradition once again speaks volumes about the high priority China consistently attaches to developing its ties with Africa as well as ever stronger China-Africa friendship.”
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the inception of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

According to Shuang, the Chinese foreign minister will seek to, “… implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and African leaders and jointly follow through on the outcomes of the (last) FOCAC Beijing Summit with a view to advancing China-Africa BRI cooperation, building on China-Africa traditional friendship and moving forward the bilateral ties between China and relevant African countries and China-Africa relations as a whole.”

BOTSWANA has reportedly put a moratorium on the shooting of Zimbabwean cattle which stray into the neighbouring country despite fears of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

Zimbabwe’s neighbour, which is a major supplier of beef to the European Union and is ever wary of an outbreak that could jeopardise those exports, had a shoot-to-kill policy on cattle that stray into their country, a classified FMD red zone.

However, an outcry by villagers living along the border areas such as Gwanda and Plumtree, who are the most affected, reportedly forced officials to engage Botswana authorities on how to effectively deal with the problem.

Reports emanating from these areas say there has been a decrease in the shooting of cattle which cross into Botswana, as the neighbouring country’s veterinary officials were reportedly quarantining them before being released to their owners.

Botswana has reportedly shot and incinerated about 700 cattle which strayed from Gwanda and Bulilima West district.

Over 100 cattle were shot in ward 19 in Gwanda South near Mhlambapheli Border Post in October last year, while over 600 were killed in Bulilima West constituency over the past three years.

However, the situation appears to have improved as it was reported to be quiet with no reports of the shooting.

Matabeleland South provincial veterinary officer Enat Mdlongwa confirmed that no reports of shootings had been received so far.

“It’s quiet these days,” said Mdlongwa.

His sentiments were echoed by Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services deputy minister and Bulilima West legislator, Dingimuzi Phuti.

“It’s better these days. It appears there’s a moratorium on the shooting of our cattle in the neighbouring country,” said Phuti.

“I haven’t received any complaints from my constituency which is one of the most affected and has lost a number of cattle due to the shootings.”

Last year villagers from Nswazwi, Mangubo and Hinkwe in Plumtree said they were losing their source of livelihood and appealed to Phuti to lobby for a fence along the border to save their herds.

The same year, Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri also despatched a team from Matabeleland South to visit affected areas and find a solution to the problem.

Bulilima, in Matabeleland South, together with Masvingo and some parts of the Midlands are currently under quarantine to contain FMD outbreaks.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) plans to inject half a billion new notes and coins into circulation by the first half of this year, according to Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube.

To date, the RBZ has injected close to $130 million into the economy since November when disbursement of new notes and coins started, amid indications Treasury is looking to rein in inflation through currency stability.

The funds are expected to ease the demand for physical cash and kill the selling of hard cash.

Minister Ncube said while half a billion was going to find its way into the economy in the first half of 2020, it would injected sparingly to keep Zimbabwe’s broad money supply — widely believed to be a major driver of inflation — in check.

Broad money is notes, coins in circulation and all deposits within banks, what is called total stock of money.

“We have put in close to $130 million into the economy. Over the next six months we will do half a billion. We are being responsible, prudent and careful. We want to make sure that our Zimbabwe dollar remains stable, that it is not a source of price increases,” Minister Ncube said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony between his ministry and the African Development Bank for the tax and accountability enhancement project (TAEP).

The Treasury chief pointed out that he was working to ensure that Government expenditure remained under control.

In the third quarter of 2019, Treasury declared a budget surplus of $59,3 million, according to a third quarter bulletin by the Finance Ministry.

“We did very well in 2019 and the budget deficit stayed within targets of four percent. We are determined this year to keep it at 1,5 percent of GDP and that will contribute to currency stability.

“Likewise, the central bank will work very hard to make sure that the growth in money supply is within targets so that it does not contribute to currency volatility. This is because once we can de-couple currency volatility from price increases then we are sure that our currency will be a source of value,” he said.

The RBZ introduced new $2 coins and $2 and $5 notes following a surge in demand for cash in the informal sector which operates largely on a cash basis or offers discounts for cash. Lately, informal traders have taken to rejecting smaller denominated coins.

Minister Ncube said the RBZ was tightening controls to maintain the leash on broad money supply, which also drives demand for foreign currency thereby pushing exchange rates up, making it a tool for inflation transmission.

This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa told Zimbabweans to “defend and protect” the country’s currency from collapse in 2020 in his New Year message to the nation.

“There is no going back on mono-currency. Let us individually and collectively defend and protect it, a symbol of national pride and sovereignty,” the President said.

Despite the injection of the $130 million, depositors interviewed by The Sunday Mail over the past week said they still faced challenges obtaining cash from banks.

Economists say while the RBZ was right to increase cash in circulation given the high demand, it would take time before cash queues disappear.

The recommended cash levels in circulation are 10 percent to 15 percent of money supply, which is presently estimated at $19 billion. This means Zimbabwe requires about $2 billion in physical cash, yet there is about $720 million in circulation.

Last year, the Zimbabwe dollar plunged from 1:2,50, when it first started formal trading in February, to 1:16 on the interbank market.

The currency was weaker on the black market where it closed the year trading at 1:22 with the US dollar.

However, Minister Ncube maintains that currency volatility is a thing of the past.

“With progression of the year, you will realise and come to accept that the measures introduced will start bearing fruit,” he said.

Turning to introduction of higher denomination notes, Minister Ncube said it was work in progress.

“I can’t give you a date as of now, but we are working on it. Sooner rather than later we will have higher denomination notes. Over time, we will put more and more higher denominated notes as the President has mentioned,” he said.

Former Industry and International Trade deputy minister Phineas Chihota has been dragged to the High Court by a woman, Sarudzayi Nhundu, who is seeking an order to cancel the parties’ agreement of sale of a property after Chihota allegedly took occupation of the property without paying the purchase price.

Nearly 14 years after signing an agreement of sale for Stand 139 Rietfontein Township 9 of Lot 11 of Rietfontein measuring 3661 square metres, also known as Number 78 Ridgeway North, Borrowdale, Harare, the former deputy minister is alleged to have reneged on the agreement, pushing the woman into destitution.

Nhundu recently approached the court with summons seeking an order for the cancellation of the agreement of sale and the reversal of title deeds to the property which Chihota has now been claiming ownership.

“The plaintiff’s (Nhundu) claim against the defendant (Chihota) is for cancellation of the agreement of sale entered into between plaintiff and first defendant on January 25, 2006 and reversal of title deed number 3005/07 registered in the name of Phineas Chivazhe Chihota to title deed number 6998/01 of a certain piece of land situate in the District of Salisbury, being Stand 139 Rietfontein Township 9 of Lot 11 of Rietfontein measuring 3661 square metres, also known as Number 78 Ridgeway North, Borrowdale, Harare,” Nhundu said in her declaration.

In her affidavit, Nhundu said sometime in January 2006, she considered selling the property in question and began advertising it whereupon on January 25 of the same year, Chihota showed interest and asked her to accompany him to CABS Head Office in Highlands.

The woman said the two agreed that the purchase price of the property would be ZWL$28 billion, which amount was supposed to be immediately payable, and further agreed that if he failed to observe or perform his obligations and failed to remedy the breach, she would be entitled to cancel the agreement.

“When the first defendant failed to meet his obligation, plaintiff wrote a notice to his financiers and to him notifying him so, but he approached the courts and that was set aside by a court judgment obtained under HC6241/06,” she said.

“The first defendant went on and registered the property in his name through the agreement of sale that we had entered. Thus, Deed of Transfer No. 3005/2007 dated 05 June 2007. The first defendant went on and obtained an order to evict me under case number HC624/06.

Nhundu said she did not at any point in time receive any payment of the purchase price from Chihota although he obtained other judgements under HC3368/07 and HC624/06 on the fundamental misrepresentation to the court that he had paid the purchase price.

“The first defendant then attempted to pay part of the purchase price that came on June 22, 2007, seventeen months after he had misrepresented to the court that he had paid plaintiff and plaintiff accordingly reversed it on July 3, 2007. The purchase price had been agreed to be ZW$28 billion and first defendant only paid ZW$22 402 691 which was subsequently reversed by plaintiff, therefore up to date, first defendant has not paid for the property although he holds title to the property,” she said.

Chihota is yet to respond.

Standard

Own Correspondent|An Iranian man allegedly armed with a machete, knives and an axe was stopped and held by cops on a bridge, just miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, local authorities say according to a report by THE SUN.

Police who arrested the man found $22,000, a machete and a pick axe in his possession, as well as knives, reports Palm Beach Daily News.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Masoud Yareioeill Zoleh was identified as an Iranian national by his passport while his car was parked at Palm Beach International Airport.

He was taken into custody on Flagler Memorial Bridge on Friday, which is a mere four miles from Trump’s exclusive beach front club.

The man appeared to be homeless, according to the Daily News, who reported he also had camping gear with him.

Zoleh was reportedly arrested by three Palm Beach Police officers and two plainclothes officers, states the Palm Beach Post.

There were also reports of police activity at Palm Beach International Airport, where sources say a bomb unit was called in to check the Iranian man’s car at the airport’s short term parking lot. 

An ‘all clear’ was given at the airport on Friday afternoon and operations have returned to normal. 

You will recall that just last week, an Iranian TV announced that $80 million bounty has been placedon Donald Trump’s head. Either this is a ripple effect from such announcement time and investigation will tell.

The Sun.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe (RM) says teachers are dying and committing suicide due to stress-related illnesses brought about by overworking and poor remuneration. In a wide-ranging interview with NewsDay senior reporter Blessed Mhlanga (BM), Majongwe said teachers would not be reporting for duty when schools open on Tuesday, saying the 97% salary increment offered by government to civil servants was a mockery to their dignity.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

BM: Teachers have threatened to down tools when schools open on Tuesday, has anything happened to change this position?

RM: As far as my reading goes, I have seen two unions Zimta and PTUZ taking a very clear position and communicating to the Public Service Commission and to their members that they will not be turning up for duty not because they are going for a strike, but purely because they are too incapacitated to do so. As for the PTUZ, we are coming from a congress that took place from the 3rd to the 5th of January and it’s from that congress that the members said we have been trying to engage government but government has not been forthcoming. Government has not been engaging us in good faith and as far as we observe the obtaining situation, going back to work is like saying to government all is well. We need to be saying to government address the plight and suffering of the teachers and listen to the concerns of the teachers.

BM: Government has said its coffers are dry and it has no money, yet you continue to press for more?

RM: The real problem now is we have a country where the leadership live in so much opulence and extravagance and people see it. You open any newspaper and it says one Ministry of Defence official disappears with $20 million and the $20 million is coming from somewhere nobody knows. A teacher is saying give me $5 000 or $6 000 for me to look after my family and save the country but you can’t give them, then we have a problem. The other person who is the wife of the vice-president has access to US$1 million that they can take from a drawer, what then is there for all of us who are not in proximity to power and proximity to people who make decisions and proximity to the availability of these resources? So we are simply saying we need to use our labour. We need to use our collective force to make our demands and that’s why teachers are saying come opening day, parents and pupils alike must really show solidarity with the teachers. The real question is: Why would a teacher go and teach the children of the rich when theirs can’t go to school?

BM: Can you paint the picture of how a teacher is managing at the present moment?

RM: Before the government came up to say schools are not allowed to increase fees, which ultimately they will, the basic charge for a boarding school is not less than $10 000. Here is a government employee who is being paid $700 — money that they got in December. They went through Christmas, they went through New Year, they had to look after their children, extended family from the same $700. They are expected to use that money to go to work, as well as pay school fees, pay rentals and I think that is just asking for too much.

BM: Government has offered you 97% salary hike, what does that mean to you in terms of how government values teachers?

RM: It just shows that we have people who have no idea what teachers are going through, because if you are going to offer us 97% of whatever you are going to give us, it means you have almost doubled what we are saying is insufficient. What we are saying is we live in a country where goods and services have gone up by 5 000% and you give us a 97 % increase. In other words, you are actually making sure that you are worsening our plight because the moment people hear 97% increases, prices and services are going to go up and the truth of the matter is it’s just not workable. I am just going to give you two lines for the survival of teachers; for instance a family of four, they need $600 a month for bread alone. That is one line only and you give that person $2 000 it means ultimately will be $1400 richer and what does $1400 do? You need transport. Transport for one person who is the breadwinner is close to $600 a month. What of the kids? Because we are here to work for our kids, to make sure that our children survive. As far as we are concerned, the 97% actually worsens our situation.

BM: Government is known for wholesale dismissals of striking workers like they have done with striking doctors. There are a lot of teachers who are unemployed out there; don’t you fear that your members will lose their jobs?

RM: The most important position that we are stating is that we are not going on strike. Teachers are simply saying we are incapacitated and as far as the law says, we want to see whoever, because you don’t need a gun or a military man to tell us that you are going to fire us. The most important point here is teachers are simply saying give us what is due to us and we will report for duty. We are not on strike, we are incapacitated. The argument that government wants to use the reserve army, the reserve soldiers, the teachers who are unemployed out there, the most important point is that these teachers they will bring on board if ever they are going to, they will behave exactly like we are doing because it will only take them two months for them to realise that they are being taken for a ride. We implore those teachers to refuse to be used as substitutes for a failed system. Teachers must realise they are worth something. They can’t honestly be told that they are going to replace people because they have been dismissed for crying out loud for better salaries. Government must be made aware that they will be courting trouble if they proceed to dismiss teachers because they are asking for better salaries. They have an election to consider and economic volatility in this country is increasing every day. Economic and political frustration is increasing every day, better they engage people and they give us what we are worth because we are offering our labour to the country for the benefit of the nation. We need solidarity from everybody, the kids, the parents and everybody out there. Why do people want to justify that they will sit and smile as government behaves like a bull in a china shop? You can’t tell me that somebody who is asking to be paid
$6 000 for them to report for duty is asking for too much.

BM: You have met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and if I quote you well, you said he listened to you, has that meeting brought any joy to teachers?

RM: The most important point that you put across is that “he listened to”, but now we want him to go beyond listening. We want to see the action. We brought to him the plight of the civil servants, we brought to him the plight of teachers. We brought to him issues that shocked him, but nothing has been done. As far as we are concerned, salaries have remained unreasonably low. There is no evidence that if you work hard you will be rewarded for it. There is also need to recognise that we have teachers who have gone to school who hold high qualifications, who are now holders of masters degrees, but that is not being recognised. Teachers are just bunched together. It’s like government simply wants to frustrate its employees. We want the president to do more than listening.

BM: You have been linked to the opposition, especially the teaching profession and some believe this is why teachers are not well looked after. What’s your response?

RM: That is nonsensical. PTUZ and Raymond Majongwe are very apolitical and non-partisan entities. For instance, let me start with myself, the last time that I went to meet Mnangagwa, the social media and many entities of the media were awash with claims that Majongwe had become Zanu PF. This is the tragedy that we have always been suffering; that if I go to engage Zanu PF, I become Zanu PF. Only recently we had a congress and Nelson Chamisa came and there was a huge backlash from people saying we are now MDC. Now how can I be in two parties at the same time? If there are people in Zanu PF, let them be rewarded. Let’s see the soldiers being given money so that we say yes, they are partisan and they are pro-Zanu PF and they are being rewarded for it and possibly we will consider to go and join Zanu PF. There is just no political will to improve the plight and welfare of civil servants in this country. It’s neither here nor there, even if all teachers were going to be Zanu PF today I don’t want to believe that government would go and address their plight. There is just no political will. Teachers have been labelled enemies of the state for no reason yet teachers are non-partisan — they are patriotic and I want to believe government must listen to them.

BM: What are the main challenges that your members are facing owing to poor remuneration?

RM: The levels of attrition, deaths and suicides among teachers have increased as far as we have noted as a union. Only last week we lost about two or three teachers. Some commit suicide, some just died out of depression and these are simple things that we are saying to President Mnangagwa make sure that you address the plight of teachers so that they serve their country well and everybody benefits. A country that does not respect its own teachers is a country that does not progress because a teacher is to the mind what a doctor is to the body.

NewsDay

THE level of crime in the country especially around mining areas is threatening to get out of control after a gang of nine robbers armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol besieged five homesteads in Fort Rixon area in Insiza District where they got away with money and cellphones from suspected gold dealers.

In movie style, the gang on Thursday night first kidnapped a woman who was relieving herself in the bush before force-marching her to the homesteads where they stole money amounting to $2 000, US$300, P10 and four cellphones.

Deputy National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka confirmed the incident which occurred at around 1am in Mount Royal area.

He said the gang further force-marched their victims to another homestead where they held them hostage and threatened to shoot them.

“I can confirm that we recorded an armed robbery case which occurred at Mount Royal area in Fort Rixon. A gang of nine male adults who were armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol came across a lady who was relieving herself in the bush and they kidnapped her. They force-marched her to a homestead in the area which is owned by a gold dealer.

“They forcibly gained entry into his house and demanded cash from him at gunpoint.

He gave them $1 000, US$30, P10 and three cellphones. They went to a second homestead where they also demanded cash and left with $250 and US$30. They proceeded to another homestead where they robbed the complainant of $220 and US$32. The gang further went to another homestead where they demanded cash and they left with $500 and a cellphone. In each homestead they robbed, the gang force- marched their victims out of their homesteads and took them with them. The gang went to a fifth homestead where they ordered their victims to lie on the ground facing down. They threatened to shoot anyone who would raise their head before fleeing the scene. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene,’’ said Chief Sup Chishaka.

Chief Supt Chishaka said police had launched a manhunt for the gang and appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to their arrest to contact any nearest police station. He said the police have heavily deployed officers in the area and surrounding areas following the spate of armed robbery cases.

“I would like to give a strong and stern warning to such culprits that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. We are investigating similar cases and we have so far made some arrests which is an indication that we will close in on these culprits.

“As police we urge people to quickly report any suspicious activities in their areas so that as police we can act swiftly and bring these culprits to book. We appeal to members of the public with information that can lead to the arrest or identification of these suspects to contact the police,” he said.

Sunday News yesterday visited the area where some of the villagers and those who were affected said they are still trying to come to terms with what happened when the gun-totting robbers pounced.

Businesswoman Ms Raviro Mabhugu who was one of the victims said since the incident she has failed to sleep properly and the episodes keep flashing in her mind.

“These men came to our home and called my name Tete as I am known here.

“They demanded us to open and said they wanted cash. We rejected that and they started to forcibly hit the roof and the door before gaining entry. When they forcibly opened, they held us at gun point and demanded cash. I tried to call out that mbava mbava but they beat us until we realised that they would not leave until we give them cash,” said Ms Mabhugu.

“There were four of them inside and some were outside. They got away with $500 cash and after that they attacked a passerby.”

Another villager Ms Maria Mhlanga said all along the area was peaceful and they never thought that the “MaShurugwi” will pounce on them.

“We are hearing stories of these gangs and now that they are here, we are fearing for our lives. The police are trying their best but Government should stand up and address the issue. Schools are opening and now we fear for our children, they can be attacked,” said Ms Mhlanga.

The villagers said although the attack last week was the most violent, it was not the first.

Ms Mhlanga said on 23 December another gang which was armed with machetes robbed fours shops at Riverside Business Centre.

“They have not been caught as far as we know, the whole village is now living in fear, we are not sure when they will come back, please, please, let those in authority help us,” she pleaded.

The incident comes at a time when the country is experiencing a spate of gang attacks especially around mining towns.

The violence is perpetrated by rival gangs who have earned a moniker “MaShurugwi” who often attack their victims using machetes.

The attacks which started in Midlands have spread to other areas especially in gold hotspots like some part of Matabeleland South.

THE rains being experienced in most parts of the country are expected to continue pounding this week with warnings of flash floods in some parts, the Meteorological Services Department, has said.

More rains are expected in Matabeleland North, Midlands, Mashonaland, Harare and northern areas of Manicaland until Tuesday with downpours of 50 millimetres or more within 24 hours.

“The Meteorological Services Department is advising the nation of Zimbabwe on the likelihood of a continued wet spell in most northern areas of the country,” reads part of the statement.

“Due to the prolonged period of the wet spell, some areas are anticipated to experience flash flooding if they continue to receive heavy falls. On the other hand, flash flooding may occur due to heavy downpours in a short space of time in other areas.

“Avoid parking cars under trees, stay indoors during thunderstorms and not to take shelter in isolated sheds or under trees.”

Last week, most parts of Zimbabwe received significant rainfall after a prolonged dry spell which was threatening the 2019/2020 summer crop.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/4Wxg6HceEjY

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has dismissed a fake fuel price increase notice circulating on social media.

In a statement today, Zera urged members of the public to disregard the notice, adding that fuel increases are communicated via the organisation’s official communication channels through notices that bear the official stamp.

“The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) would like to advise its stakeholders and members of the public to disregard a fake fuel price increase notice being circulated on some sections of the social media,” reads the statement.

“Stakeholders are further advised that the fuel review notice from the regulator bear the official Zera stamp and are also published through the organisation’s media communication platforms which are twitter @zeraenergy, Facebook ZERAenergy or on our website www.zera.co.zw .”

Zera last increased fuel prices on November 24, 2019.

Diesel is currently pegged at $17,90 per litre while petrol is pegged at $17,44 per litre.

The fuel supply situation in the past three weeks has significantly improved as most service stations are accessing the precious liquids, resulting in shorter queues being experienced.

Read below the ZERA statement

Government has extended to December, free duty on all public service buses imported by licensed operators.

The move is aimed at overhauling the country’s mass transport system through replenishing the existing fleet. The free duty period had initially been set from January to December 2019.

Transporters are also now allowed to import up to five buses duty-free up from two last year.

The new regulations could also witness the number of private buses contracted to Zupco quickly rise from the current 388. According to Statutory Instrument 276, gazetted recently to amend a previous Statutory Instrument, tour operators will be allowed to import, duty-free, a maximum 56 new buses with a sitting capacity of between eight and 55 passengers during the year.

Reads the SI in part: “In Section 9HH (Suspension of duty on importation of public service buses imported by approved importers)… Section 3 (1) thereof by the deletion of the words “… with effect from 1st January, 2019…” and the substitution with the words “… for a period of twelve months with effect from 1st January, 2020…”; and

“ii) In Section 3 (3) thereof by the deletion of the words “…a maximum of two buses per annum…” and the substitution with “… a maximum of five buses per approved importer,”

“f) in section 9JJ (“Suspension of duty on specified buses imported by tour operators”) of the principal regulations by the deletion of section3(3) thereof and the substitution with the following —

“3. (1) Approved tour operators shall, for a period of twelve months beginning on 1st January, 2020, be allowed to import a maximum of fifty-six new buses of a sitting capacity of at least eight to fifty-five passengers including the driver under the suspension of duty as provided for in this section.”

Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said this augurs well for the development of the public transport sector.

“Zupco as a company is obviously happy about the increase in the amount of buses that are allowed to be imported for free as it is good for business and for the country in terms of affordable transport,” said Minister Moyo.

Zupco acting chief executive officer Mr Evaristo Madangwa said the public transporter was set to take delivery of new buses soon.

“This new development will increase the capacity of buses imported into the system, which means that more people will be able to be ferried by the buses,” said Mr Madangwa.

“Basically, this is a capacity building exercise and it is meant to help all Zimbabweans with regards to access to more affordable transport.

“So far we had roughly 338 buses that belong to private players and soon we will have new buses coming in so that we can have more of the Zupco owned buses being used to ferry people to various areas,” he said.

Presenting the 2020 National Budget last year, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, hinted on the suspension of customs duty on specified buses for tour operators.

“In order to assist tour operators capitalise their fleets, I propose to extend suspension of duty on 75 new buses of a carrying capacity of eight to 55 passengers including the driver,” said Minister Ncube.

-State media

Eight machete-wielding gangsters, including a Harare City Council employee, have appeared in court facing charges of armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The gang was arrested after allegedly robbing Progress Manyeme in Marimba Park a fortnight ago.

They got away with property worth close to US$4 000 and 13 000 rand.

Taurai Dzingai (46), Godfrey Rufurwekuda (44), Nabal Moyo (26), Wilbert Makwembere (28), Tapiwa Chiwetu (34), Bvunzai Manyika (24), Witness Nyaropa (39) and Kenneth Madondo (35) all appeared before Harare Magistrate Ms Yeukai Chigodora yesterday.

They were not asked to plead and were remanded to January 24 with the option of applying for bail at the High Court.

Prosecutor Ms Patience Chimusoro told the court that on January 5, the eight — armed with machetes, knives and three pistols — went to a house in Marimba Park.

“Once there, they knocked the door of a house belonging to Progress Manyeme, who is the complainant,” the court papers show.

“Manyeme opened the door and one of the accused asked him the whereabouts of his relatives. Once Manyeme confirmed that he was alone, the rest of the gang attacked him with the various weapons while demanding to be shown where his relative kept their money.”

The court further heard that the gang then dragged Manyeme inside the house.

The suspects ransacked the house and found a metal case containing 13 000 rand, which they stole, the court papers state.

It is alleged that the gang also went away with several pairs of shoes, a massaging machine, sunglasses, three leather jackets, four cellphones and keys to a Mercedes- Benz.

The value of the stolen goods is estimated at US$3 820.

Last week, detectives from CID Homicide received a tip-off that Dzingai was involved in the matter, leading to his arrest in Aspindale.

Upon arrest, he divulged the identities of his accomplices.

Property worth US$120 has since been recovered.

-State media

Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi has arrived in the country on an assignment by the Asian country’s leader, seen as a special show of strong commitment of Beijing to grow relations with Harare in 2020. 

Mr Wang Yi arrived at Robert Mugabe International Airport last night in what was his final stop-over on a five-nation mission that has seen him hold high level meetings in Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Burundi.

In the past 30 years, China has made it a tradition for its Foreign Minister to visit African countries as the first overseas destination of the year, to show how Beijing values its relations with the continent.

That President Xi chose Zimbabwe as one of the five African countries for the annual visit underscores how he places a premium to his engagements with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe and China in 2018 elevated relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships from All-Weather Friends and Minister Wang’s visit is expected to see practical implementation of this enhancement of ties on the diplomatic as well as economic front.

China is the biggest investor of infrastructure projects currently underway in Zimbabwe and it is expected that the visit will also give fresh stimulus to mega projects such as the US$1,1 billion Hwange 7 and 8 power expansion project, the US$100 million New Parliament building in Mt Hampden and the US$153 million Robert Mugabe International Airport , among other projects.

Speaking ahead of the visit last week, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said Zimbabwe was honoured by Minister Wang’s high level deputation.

“Yes indeed, the People’s Republic of China Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister and State Counsellor is visiting Zimbabwe from the 11th to the 13th,” he said.

“Zimbabwe is the last lap of his five-nation journey in Africa. This is in tradition with Chinese visits at the beginning of each year. 

“This is a very important visit because it is from a very friendly nation to Zimbabwe.

Dr Moyo said the visit by Minister Wang underlines how President Xi is keen to follow up on engagement that he had with President Mnangagwa when the two Heads of States met twice in China in 2018. 

“We believe we are honoured to have the State Counsellor coming to Zimbabwe as a follow up to issues that were discussed between President Mnangagwa and President Xi twice, during his State Visit to China and during FOCAC.”

The visit, Dr Moyo said, will see the two countries conducting comprehensive deliberations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships theme.

Minister Wang’s visit will also present Zimbabwe with an opportunity to formulate strategies to expand trade with China, which is the world’s second largest economy.

“We believe that we are going to have in-depth discussions on our Strategic Comprehensive Partnership and also ensure that we cement the political relations that exist between the two countries.

“Furthermore, we will explore more ways of how China can enhance and support economic development of Zimbabwe.

“In this regard, we are also going to have a discourse in the trade area framework so that we can improve the trade figures between China and Zimbabwe.

“Already, trade has reached the US$1 billion mark and we hope that within the context of the 7 to 14 export strategy, we should be able to enhance our exports to China in a very competitive manner

“We are going to be appreciating that industry, mining, agriculture, tourism and all the other key sectors will come up to speed so that we can be able to utilise the huge and big market being offered by China.”

In a statement, China’s Foreign Affairs ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said the visit to Africa was also in line with the 20th anniversary of the inception of the Forum on China Africa Co-operation (FOCAC).

According to Mr Geng, the Chinese Foreign Minister will seek to, “… implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and African leaders and jointly follow through on the outcomes of the (last) FOCAC Beijing Summit with a view to advancing China-Africa BRI cooperation, building on China-Africa traditional friendship and moving forward the bilateral ties between China and relevant African countries as well as China-Africa relations as a whole.”

At the last Focac Summit held in Beijing in 2018, President Xi extended an unconditional US$60 billion in loans and aid to Africa until 2021.

The money includes US$15 billion in grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans, US$20 billion in credit lines and a US$10 billion special fund for development financing.

Chinese companies were also encouraged to invest at least US$10 billion in Africa over the next three years.

Deliberations will also touch on China’s signature foreign policy initiative, the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) in which the Asian Giant plans to invest US$750 billion in countries’ under the old Silk Road route and import US$24 trillion of imports into China.

This year, Zimbabwe and China will also be celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations and a series of events are going to be held throughout the year in line with the anniversary.

-State media

Opposition leader Timothy Chiguvare says God has called him to lead Zimbabwe to prosperity.

See statement below:
PPPZ President now gearing himself to lead Zimbabweans to VICTORY and into the promised land of milk and honey , he is a born mass leader of terrific credentials , to him it’s a calling and he is following the direction of his calling of changing lives and of changing nations.

The PPPZ President Pastor Timothy Chiguvare strongly believes that leadership starts with the efficient management of yourself knowing where you belong and where you are going and then it comes to the accomplishment of an outstanding “TASK” a (FEAT= to a brave or a clever deed) going the extra mile ( the quality of your labour) Psalms 78 vs.72 )

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM! LONG LIVE!

Religious leaders should work towards uniting Zimbabweans in order to foster development this year and beyond, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Speaking to journalists after witnessing the ordination of eight Roman Catholic deacons at the Roman Catholic Church Cathedral in Harare yesterday, the Acting President called on all Zimbabweans to unite in prayer for the country.

He said the nation should turn to the church in seeking solutions to the social problems facing the country.

“It brings us joy when we see these young men making such a sacrifice, especially during these difficult times,” said Dr Chiwenga.

“We want the priests to help bring people together, to be united so that they can work towards the same goals.

“And to teach people to know that the most important thing is to remain united because we are here on earth for a very short time.

After they finish their studies, during these nine to 10 years, we expect them to do the work of God and unite the people so that we can see the incidences of crime we are witnessing in the country being reduced.”

Acting President Chiwenga said prayer allowed individuals to distinguish between right and wrong.

“When you pray, your heart and mind evolve so that you can tell the difference between the good and the bad and you let go of the bad things.

“So we want everybody’s heart and mind to evolve so they can discard what is bad and take what is right.”State media

Religious leaders should work towards uniting Zimbabweans in order to foster development this year and beyond, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

Speaking to journalists after witnessing the ordination of eight Roman Catholic deacons at the Roman Catholic Church Cathedral in Harare yesterday, the Acting President called on all Zimbabweans to unite in prayer for the country.

He said the nation should turn to the church in seeking solutions to the social problems facing the country.

“It brings us joy when we see these young men making such a sacrifice, especially during these difficult times,” said Dr Chiwenga.

“We want the priests to help bring people together, to be united so that they can work towards the same goals.

“And to teach people to know that the most important thing is to remain united because we are here on earth for a very short time.

After they finish their studies, during these nine to 10 years, we expect them to do the work of God and unite the people so that we can see the incidences of crime we are witnessing in the country being reduced.”

Acting President Chiwenga said prayer allowed individuals to distinguish between right and wrong.

“When you pray, your heart and mind evolve so that you can tell the difference between the good and the bad and you let go of the bad things.

“So we want everybody’s heart and mind to evolve so they can discard what is bad and take what is right.”State media

The Kariba Dam’s water level ended last year at its lowest in 23 years, but recent data from three major river flow stations along the Zambezi River, show the encouraging trend that water flow towards the giant lake rose exponentially in December last year.

Kariba Dam is Zimbabwe’s largest power station, with capacity to produce 1 050MW, but is currently generating electricity at curtailed level due to critically low water levels following the drought experienced in the catchment area of the dam’s main feeder river.

While Kariba Dam is designed to operate at about 485 metres (water level) when full, its water level had dropped substantially to about 476 metres as at December 27, 2019 compared to 482 metres at the same time in December the previous year.

The world’s largest man-made inland dam is thus currently generating an average of 200 megawatts in tandem with the reduced lake water levels at Kariba, which ended last year at about 8,36 percent of live or usable water.

Live water is water above 475 metres below which the dam cannot be used for power generation, as this poses risk of exposing inlet valves to dangerous weather elements.

It is also critically important to avoid depleting Kariba Dam since the reservoir would require at least three good rainy seasons to fill it up again without using it to generate electricity in the event that it drains out.

Even when not used for power generation, the dam must still have water for fishing and recreational activities.

Farai Dziva| Opposition leader Timothy Chiguvare says God has called him to lead Zimbabwe.

See statement below:
PPPZ President now gearing himself to lead Zimbabweans to VICTORY and into the promised land of milk and honey , he is a born mass leader of terrific credentials , to him it’s a calling and he is following the direction of his calling of changing lives and of changing nations.

The PPPZ President Pastor Timothy Chiguvare strongly believes that leadership starts with the efficient management of yourself knowing where you belong and where you are going and then it comes to the accomplishment of an outstanding “TASK” a (FEAT= to a brave or a clever deed) going the extra mile ( the quality of your labour) Psalms 78 vs.72 )

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM! LONG LIVE!

The Zimparks rangers who were killed by suspected Zambian nationals were buried yesterday, The Herald reports. Timothy Tembo was buried in Kariba while Chidumo Mabarani was buried in Gokwe.

At Tembo’s burial In Kariba,
Zimparks deputy director-general Geoffreys Matipano expressed Zimparks sadness over the unfortunate incident and said:

This is a very unfortunate incident and as Parks we are very much concerned with our people’s safety. These are our workers, these are rangers who were on duty. This is national duty, protecting the natural resource, including wildlife and fish.
We are aware that the incident was perpetrated by people from across the border.

This issue is being handled by appropriate structures
Tembo and Mabarani were killed by the poachers they had apprehended .

Their bodies were retrieved from Lake Kariba on Tuesday. -The Herald

Lets unite in our numbers & confront massacre of our people by government sponsored Amashurugwi_

Our movement has mandate to be a weapon in the hands of the oppressed people of Zimbabwe. We are a beacon of hope & inspiration for a generation that seeks to fight for its emancipation.

The battle is butressed fought and won by mass mobilization and unity of the masses.

To this date at least 300 people have been killed by machete welding, Owen Mudha Ncube led and Mnangagwa owned ama Shurugwi gangs.

Law enforcement officers cannot touch them because they are owned by the president himself.

If we as the masses of Zimbabwe don’t put a stop to it, we will all perish. You might read about it today and tomorrow they will be at your door step and butcher you and your entire family.

We can upon all iMovement Yabantu members in your millions let’s get up and act.

Those of us who work for international media outlets let’s bring attention of the world to this genocide.

To our members who are human rights lawyers let’s bring the attention of the International Criminal Court on the genocide happening.

To our members from various political parties let’s unite for mass protests. We call on all political leaders who have the people of Zimbabwe at heart to call on their structures and lead from the front with us.
Let us put our selfish interests aside.

To all our people, all of us, every one this is a call to you. Let’s all unite in one voice & say zvakwana| sokwanele. Do not wait until the machetes are at your door step.

They will deploy soldiers on us on the streets but they will not kill us all.  
We have more than 1 million people who have joined imovement yabantu, consider this an instruction *” Mobilize Mobilize for Mass Action”.*

All of us have a duty to be the vanguard of our communities. *Mobilize Mobilize Mobilize*

To our soldiers, especially Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces PV Sibanda, Mdawini is this the legacy you want to leave behind that the military you led could not defend the citizens from machete butchers. Saphela Sibanda shuwa wena ukhona, when they finally kill us all sifike sithini Ku Lookout Masuku?

The radical mass movement yabantu calls for mass action. If the military is not deployed to act against amashurugwi we will act.

Leading from the from the front we will announce on this platform dates and plans.

We are a weapon in the hands of the masses. We are very confident of our mass mobilization capacity.

*iMovement Yabantu*
#tysonwabantu movement

Inserted by Ntokozo Msipha @sokusileboy

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Divine Destiny leader Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe was an enlightened despot compared to his predecessor President Emmerson Mnangagwa. whose rule reflects that he is not in charge.

In an exclusive interview with ZimEye, Bishop Magaya said Mugabe was subtle in his conduct unlike the current leader who is “openly vernomous, cruel and yet not in charge “.

He said:

“Things have not been well in Zimbabwe… We are in one of those cycles today where Zimbabwe continues to suffer under the regime in this case headed by the current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is a different face but certainly no different.

The system, we still have toxic bloodstream infact, we are in a worse off situation. Well you will note that both Mugabe and Mnangagwa, they are principally born of the same mother, ideologically they belong together in terms of the foundations of wickedness, they belong together in terms of their being driven by their hunger and insatiable thirst, they are born of the same mother, they belong together.

Mugabe was, he was somewhat an enlightened despot. He would be able to put up a false picture. People would be abducted during his times, people would be maimed.

The late Robert Mugabe was subtle, yes but they were done in a more discreet way… What is different is he (President Mnangagwa) is more vernomous. President Mugabe has never unleashed, to the best of my knowledge, unleashed soldiers into the streets, he never dispatched soldiers from the barracks to shoot at unarmed civilians. But President Mnangagwa has done that.

On 1 August 2018 and from the 14th to the 16th of January 2019, people were also killed and women reportedly raped when people demonstrated nationwide. So president Mnangagwa he is more brutal, he is more cruel. But also, there is a way in which Mugabe would be able to demonstrate a sense of being in charge, which is totally different from the current leader.”

Farai Dziva|MDC deputy president Obert Chaurura Gutu has said critics should not underestimate his party’s prowess.

Gutu made the remarks after the MDC-T strategic meeting in Bulawayo on Friday.

“MDC-T leadership in a strategic retreat meeting in Bulawayo on Friday, January 10, 2020.

In a fight, it’s not the size of the dog that matters but rather, the size of the fight in the dog,” said Gutu.

Gutu is on record denying that his party is a decoy created by the ruling ZANU PF.

Talent Gondo|Thokozani Khupe’s MDC deputy president Obert Gutu has warned critics not to underestimate his party.

Gutu made the remarks after the MDC-T strategic meeting in Bulawayo on Friday.

Said Gutu:

“MDC-T leadership in a strategic retreat meeting in Bulawayo on Friday, January 10, 2020.

In a fight, it’s not the size of the dog that matters but rather, the size of the fight in the dog.”

Gutu is on record denying that his party is a decoy created by the ruling ZANU PF.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed as gibberish reports that his boss was under house arrest.

He was responding to a report by an online publication claiming that Mnangagwa had been put under house arrest by the military at the orders of his Deputy Constantino Chiwenga.

“Ratings gibberish,” said Charamba reacting to the report.

Instead Charamba said Mnangagwa came back briefly to office from his three week leave to meet members of the Presidential Advisory Council.

“His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa briefly came back from his annual leave to meet with representatives of the Presidential Advisory Council, PAC. PAC which is set to hold its inaugural meeting for 2020 year in early February, sought to get direction on Government policy and programmes for the year that has just begun,” said Charamba.

“In his brief to PAC representatives, the President intimated that 2020 is the year of productivity and growth on the back of reforms and liberalization measures implemented in 2019. Govt would seek to pay close attention on sector-specific policies both for inner consistency and cross-sectoral harmony and linkage to the overall quest for productivity and growth.

“Special emphasis will be placed on enabling energy sector in the double sense of power and fuel to ensure this critical enabler does….not hamper productivity and growth.

Additional focus will be placed on infrastructural projects, with Govt urging PAC to use its influence and stature to enthuse private sector participation in infrastructural programmes.”

By A Correspondent- The 40 machete-wielding illegal gold panners who besieged a police base in Gokwe North in an attempt to rescue their counterparts who had been arrested for armed robbery, have been remanded in custody.

It emerged in court that nine panners had been arrested for robbery and the 40 stormed Zenda Police Base to free them. 

They were remanded in custody to today for bail hearing by Gokwe regional Magistrate Musaiona Shortgame who was sitting at Nembudziya Circuit Court.

The accused are facing charges of obstructing or defeating the course of justice.

The nine others they were trying to rescue who are facing armed robbery charges were remanded in custody to January 15 for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Liberty Chimwaradze told the court that on January 6 this year, around 5PM, police details manning Zenda Police base arrested nine panners who were moving around in a Toyota Wish armed with machetes, in connection with a robbery case at Mums Gold Mine in Gokwe North.

The following day, 10 police officers were deployed to escort the accused persons from Zenda Police Base to ZRP Nembudziya.

The police later received information that there were two commuter omnibuses full of armed artisanal miners from Kadoma on their way to rescue the arrested accused persons who are part of their gang known as Branco.

Within minutes, the two commuter omnibuses approached the police base.

“The accused persons who were numbering 40 and armed with machetes, axes, shovels, picks and knobkerries besieged the police base demanding the release of their colleagues,” Mr Chimwaradze told the court.

The accused persons, the court further heard, charged towards the vehicle which was still parked outside with the nine accused and attempted to open the doors so that their colleagues could escape.

They threatened to attack the cops if they did not obey their instructions.

As they moved closer, the police fired warning shots in the air ordering the accused persons to surrender but they did not comply.

Police eventually fired shots at the gang resulting in two members of the gang being seriously injured.

The rest of the gang members were arrested as they tried to flee from the scene.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Marry Chiwenga has approached the courts seeking an order compelling her estranged husband and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to allow her access to their three children and matrimonial home in Harare’s Borrowdale suburb.

According to papers filed at the High Court on Thursday by her lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, Marry said after she was granted bail on Monday, she was barred from accessing her matrimonial home at number 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke and children by soldiers from the Presidential Guard.

Marry was granted bail, after spending almost a month in remand prison, on Monday on a litany of charges including externalising cash, attempting to kill Chiwenga, corruption and other charges

Marry said the soldiers, led by a Lieutenant Colonel Mangezi told her that they had strict instructions from Chiwenga not to let anyone in and out of the premises without his express permission.

Mtetwa said Chiwenga’s conduct was in violation of a court order granting Marry bail part of whose conditions was that she stays at her matrimonial home until her case is concluded by the courts.

She accused Chiwenga of abusing his position as Vice President to persecute Marry despite the fact that the courts were yet to conclude their divorce and the attempted murder charges.

In the papers Marry also alleged that soldiers acting on the instructions of Chiwenga on Wednesday blocked Marry from accessing her business premises Orchid Gardens in Domboshava.

In her sworn affidavit, Marry said her children aged 8, 7 and 5 were all minors and needed the love and care of their mother.

Chiwenga’s lawyers are yet to respond to the suit.

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF legislator, Dexter Nduna has attracted the wrath of the family of an 80-year-old granny and her 16-year-old grandchild who were sexually violated before being killed in Chegutu by suspected machete gangs known as Mashurugwi or Al Shabab after he took selfies with the body of a teenage girl.

Nduna’s actions come after police warned members of the public against posting pictures or videos of accident scenes saying they would result in unintended problems such as trauma to families of those involved in accidents.

Responding to Nduna’s tweet, ZiFM Stereo presenter Patience Musa, a niece of the murdered granny, said:

Member of Parliament Dexter Nduna @DexterNduna … you owe my family an apology.

Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa also responded to the insensitive pictures saying that Nduna had crossed the line and was going to “expose” him.

Other bloggers questioned Nduna’s sanity and asked for his removal from office. Meanwhile, Nduna has apologised for taking the pictures and urged authorities to take action to apprehend the murderers

U . S. President Donald Trump on Friday said the decision by Britain’ s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan to step back from royal duties was “ sad . ”

Trump sent the “ strong message ” to Britain’ s Queen Elizabeth II in an interview with Fox .
Britain’ s Queen Elizabeth II , who is Harry ’ s grandmother , was reportedly not consulted before the pair announced their decision to seek a lower profile , build financial independence and divide their time between Britain and North America .

“ I don ’ t want to get into the whole thing . I just have such respect for the Queen I don ’ t think this should be happening to her , ” Trump added in an interview with Fox News that was partially aired on Friday.

The couple said they plan to restrict media access and withdraw from a rota system for press coverage of the royal family.

Buckingham Palace said discussions were ongoing with the couple, who are officially known as the duke and duchess of Sussex .

The surprise announcement came after they had denounced intrusive and inaccurate media reporting , as well as the vitriol directed toward them on social media , including racist attacks against U . S. -born Meghan, whose mother is black .

In an interview last year with the British newspaper The Sun , Trump called Meghan “ nasty” after finding out that she did not support his election .

( dpa /NAN )

Two senior officials in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans, Peter Muchakazi the Director of Procurement and Kunofiwa Mervyn Madondo an accountant on Thursday appeared before Harare Magistrates’Courts facing fraud charges.

The duo reportedly made false claims that Defence House had received cleaning services from Maids on Wheels (Pvt) Ltd between March and June last year.

Muchakazi is said to have produced fake invoices which saw the ministry losing more than RTGS300 000.

Magistrate Francis Mapfumo granted Muchakazi ZWL5 000 bail while Madondo paid ZWL3 000.

Meanwhile, Danison Muvandi with whom the pair connived with to dupe the government is still at large.

The development comes at a time when president Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced that his administration will take stern action against corruption which is rampant in the country.

Farai Dziva| Opposition leader Timothy Chiguvare says God has called him to lead Zimbabwe.

See statement below:
PPPZ President now gearing himself to lead Zimbabweans to VICTORY and into the promised land of milk and honey , he is a born mass leader of terrific credentials , to him it’s a calling and he is following the direction of his calling of changing lives and of changing nations.

The PPPZ President Pastor Timothy Chiguvare strongly believes that leadership starts with the efficient management of yourself knowing where you belong and where you are going and then it comes to the accomplishment of an outstanding “TASK” a (FEAT= to a brave or a clever deed) going the extra mile ( the quality of your labour) Psalms 78 vs.72 )

LONG LIVE THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM! LONG LIVE!