Gracious First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mai Mnangagwa,

I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unprecedented act of kindness displayed during your visit to Norton yesterday. Norton is overwhelmed by the magnitude of love and compassion that you spread and is all the more united as a result.

All church fraternities, political parties, civic organisations and citizenry etc were present to witness the impartiality of your generous gesture and it is only when on the ground that you understand the true depth of our appreciation.

Your message of love and assistance to those in need regardless of political affiliation is indeed profound and must filter throughout the Nation. Your words are filled with healing properties so critical at a time like this. People are of God and not of any man or woman.

May you continue to share such good deeds with many others across Zimbabwe. May the works of the Angel of Hope Foundation be a Blessing to those in need.

Thank you, on behalf of the Norton community and myself, we’re eternally grateful

Regards,

Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (MP): Norton

Own Correspondent| Self exiled former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has been appointed president of yet another new political party in Zimbabwe, the People’s Party.

Mzembi’s deputy, former Higher Education Deputy Minister Godfrey Gandawa who is also in exile, announced the formation of the party.

Gandawa is on the run after skipping the country in 2018 facing fraud charges when he was deputy minister.

United Kingdom-based Lloyd Msipa is the new party’s secretary general.

Below is the letter by Gandawe announcing the new political party.

Correspondent|High Court judge, Evangelista Kabasa on Friday freed a 30-year-old Bulawayo man who has been languishing at Khami prison following his conviction for public violence during last year’s deadly protests over fuel price hike.

Bulawayo magistrate, Tinashe Tashaya September last year convicted and sentenced Promise Mandizha Dube of Luveve high-density suburb to four months in prison.

Through his lawyer, Jabulani Mhlanga from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Dube filed an appeal against both conviction and sentence at the High Court on 8 October 2019.

He also filed an application for release on bail pending the determination of his appeal.

In his appeal application, Mhlanga argued that the state did not canvass all the essential elements to the charge of committing public violence and therefore failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that his imprisonment was excessive.

The lawyer also submitted that his client was unlawfully and without just cause shot at the back by police officers at a supermarket in Luveve high-density suburb during the mass demonstrations.

After shooting Dube, the lawyer said the officers did not attend to him but instead, arrested him at Mpilo Hospital where he was taken for treatment by some Good Samaritans.

He was charged with public violence.

Justice Kabasa granted Dube $500 bail pending the determination of his appeal against both conviction and sentence.

He also ordered Dube to report once every week on Fridays at Luveve Police Station and to reside at his given residential address until the final determination of his appeal.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing incarcerated prominent Bulawayo political activist, Josphat “Mzaca” Ngulube and his colleagues have approached the High Court seeking bail and as well as appeal for the group’s sentence.

Ngulube, together with his colleagues were in December last year sentenced to seven years in prison for public violence related to the January 2019 civil unrest.

The magistrate suspended one year on condition that the four will not commit a similar crime within six years.

Own Correspondent |Eight unknown men, armed with axes, reportedly killed a 26-year-old artisanal miner at a Supermarket on New Year’s Day.

Police who are already seized with the matter revealed that the miner, Brilliant Dube was axed as he was getting out of a supermarket in Torwood township.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko told the Chronicle that Dube who was on police’s wanted list for assault was brutally murdered.

Reports of violence associated with artisanal miners have been increasing over the past twelve months.

Most culprits are the “notorious” machete gangs popularly known as Mashurugwior Al Shabab who have been terrorising members of the public and miners in gold mining towns.

Source: State Media

Two Zim Parks rangers that went missing after a fight with Zambian poachers they had apprehended at Lake Kariba have been found dead, a spokesperson has confirmed.

Zim Parks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the two were found after joint operations by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“It is with great sadness that our 2 missing rangers have been found dead in Lake Kariba. Zimparks wants to thank stakeholders, sister security depts who worked tirelessly to search our rangers. These are conservation heroes,” said Farawo.

The State run Herald newspaper reported on 2 January that the two poachers were involved in a tussle with poachers as they were taking them to detention.

Along the way however, the Zambian poachers were involved in a tussle with the rangers and over powered them.

Fears that the rangers could have been killed started when the boat that they were using was found on the Lake Kariba banks on the Zambian side stripped of its engine.

263chat|Movement for Democratic Change leader Nelson Chamisa says the opposition political outfit will launch a sustained mass action to bring the ZANU PF led government to its knees.

MDC leader Chamisa made cryptic remarks addressing his supporters in Manicaland that the party would call on the masses to express their displeasure with government if the option of political dialogue fails to bear fruits.

Party insiders said these remarks were indicative of an internal plan that is brewing in the opposition ranks to launch sustained mass protests to be rolled out this year, despite high handed government response to previous protests.

“We are ready to defend our victory with blood because we are mortgaging our future in the hands of people who are incapable of reforming, the idea of dialogue was on the table but come January going forward we are launching sustained mass protests.

“That is what Chamisa was referring to in his speech but he could not come out in the open and say it but be assured if dialogue fails to works the MDC will call on people to protests until the government is on its knees,” said a party insider.

On his part, Chamisa said they embraced the option of dialogue to resolve the political impasse only for a limited time as they had other options on the table.

He said the challenge that face President Mnangagwa’s government was legitimacy because of the disputed election that could be resolved through dialogue and political reforms.

Chamisa however cautioned that option of dialogue will not be open forever, insinuating that the opposition will engage in a plan of action involving masses to wrestle power.  

“We have given an option of dialogue to resolve the political impasse in the country but this is for a limited time we cannot focus on dialogue for five years, we have given dialogue because we want to give peace a chance.

“But if you refuse dialogue we have the power of the masses, if I say to the people lest rise against those causing our problems I know the people will rise up. We will not reveal our entire plan of action now because there spies among us today tapping our words.

“Everyone must know that we are given dialogue a chance to discuss reforms, national healing, peace building and to rebuild our economy, but if they refuse we are going to turn to other options, you know what I mean by this,” said Chamisa.

He added, “They offered me a position to be the leader of the opposition in parliament, but I turned it down because I was not voted for in that position. I have been elected by the people to lead them yet they went to offer me a casual position in parliament.”

MDC said despite the economic hardships punctuated by high rise inflation, weakening local currency, the opposition would address these issues as they did during the Government of National Unity in 2009.

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A MASS exodus of students from expensive learning institutions due to astronomical fees and economic challenges has started rocking most schools with many parents transferring their children to day-government schools.

The receiving schools, according to teachers’ unions, are reportedly hit by overcrowding in a development which will result in many students failing to get places and teachers at those schools being overworked.

Since end of last year, many parents have been seeking places for their children at government day schools following reports of astronomical fees increases which were announced by private and government boarding schools.

However, teachers’ unions who spoke to NewsDay last week said the move would have a negative impact on learners as well as on government schools.

“Transferring of pupils to new schools affects their performances. Children will lose their teachers as they have to start afresh the syllabus with the new teacher. This is also a sign that parents can no longer afford fees for the children,” Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said.

“Good quality of education will be only available and accessed by the privileged children due to the economic challenges which are affecting the parents who can no longer afford quality education for the children,” he said.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said a number of children who were being transferred to new schools were in Form Three and Four, and that will affect their performance and concentration levels.

“This will result in overcrowding in government schools which will also affect the learning of pupils as government schools do not have enough learning materials such as text books will not be enough to sustain them as one class can have 60 to 90 children,” he said.

Majongwe said most government schools had inadequate health facilities and with the current situation of water rationing, pupils will be affected by several types of diseases.

– News Day

POLICE in Matabeleland North shot dead a machete wielding gang member and arrested five others after the violent mob attacked cops who were deployed to remove them from a mine they had invaded in Bubi district.

The incident occurred on Sunday at about 4.30PM.

The illegal miners had raided Mambo area’s Acute Mine owned by a proprietor only identified as Tshabangu who sought police reinforcement to remove the illegal panners.

Sources said police fired six warning shots as the illegal miners menacingly advanced towards them swinging machetes, picks and knobkerries.

“They wanted to surround the police officers. They appeared very violent,” said a witness who asked not to be named.

The panners, said the witness, dispersed when a police officer shot one of them on the shoulder and he died on the spot.

The incident comes barely a month after illegal manners surrounded police officers and hacked one of them to death in Kadoma.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Tshabangu went to the police and made a report and he was given a reaction team. On arrival they were surrounded by a mob which started attacking them with machetes, axes and knobkerries. Police officers were attacked and as a result shots were fired resulting in the death of one of the gang members. Police officers before directing the shot at the deceased, had fired warning shots which did not deter the panners who kept on advancing. Police later arrested five suspects,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said the name of the deceased panner was being withheld as police were still conducting investigations.

Asst Comm Nyathi identified the arrested suspects as Prince Ngwenya (37) from Silobela in the Midlands, Cosmas Moyo (34) from Nkayi, Clever Ntakana (39), Nhlanhla Ncube (34) and Orderly Nzombani from Bubi district.

He said police recovered weapons that include axes, shovels, picks, hammers, iron bars, chisels and an okapi knife.

Asst Comm Nyathi said panners should seriously heed police’s warning that no one is above the law.

“Members of the public especially machete wielding gangs should take seriously the message by the Commissioner General of Police (Godwin Matanga) that police will not tolerate acts of violence, police will not tolerate people who attack police officers who are maintaining law and order and members of the public. Definitely action will be taken against those who decide to take the law into their hands,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Yesterday there was heavy police presence at the mine where the panner was shot dead.

Artisanal miners who operate at a nearby mine said police actions were justified.

The miners declined to be photographed for security reasons.

One of the miners said he watched the fracas as it unfolded and he could not blame the police for shooting one of the suspects.

“Their actions against the police caused this incident. They were the ones who were attacking the police. Prior to the fatal shooting, police fired several warning shots but this didn’t move them. Instead they were aggressive as they charged towards the police. I don’t know what could have stopped them except what happened. However, it’s unfortunate that a life was lost in the process,” said the miner.

Another gold miner blamed panners from other districts for the violence in the area.

“Those panners who come from other districts are the ones who cause violence. They bring machetes, axes, knives- weapons that have nothing to do with mining. We are also afraid of them and from their behaviour yesterday we concluded that they were seeking trouble. It’s not really shocking that it ended this way,” said the miner.

He said local small-scale miners should also employ locals as opposed to hiring workers from other districts who are mostly to blame for the violence.

State Media|Parents can make substantial savings by buying uniforms in the informal sector where most are made by dressmakers hunting down substitute materials rather than using standard quality materials in large factories.

Street stalls have benefited tremendously from the recent Government policy blocking schools from selling uniforms or forcing parents to buy these at selected stores, opening the way for home-made uniforms or for those available in the informal sector.

While prices in the formal sector are rigidly set in Zimbabwe dollars with no variation between cash and transfer payments, it is common in the informal sector for prices to vary depending on whether buyers are using cash, mobile money or foreign currency.

Almost all people selling clothes will use any of the three methods using the black-market exchange rates and the 30 percent premium for cash, although this premium continues to fall as more cash enters circulation.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema reiterated that it was illegal for anyone to demand payment in foreign currency, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police urged the public “to assist us with full information on these businesspersons who continue to break the law”.

However street traders rarely insist on any particular form of payment, simply offering the same item at different prices depending on method of payment but with generally strict adherence to the black-market and premium rates.

According to our survey, school trunks, a basic requirement for pupils starting boarding school, are selling new for $2 000, although it is possible to get a metal worker in the informal sector to produce something cheaper. Tracksuits are going for $1 200 and blazers $1 006 in major school supply shops. These shops use the same price regardless of payment system and refuse to accept US dollars, inviting customers to change their money first.

Uniforms for both boys and girls range between $400 and $600 in the same shops.

Custom-made school blazers however range between $440 and $484 for EcoCash, and a bit cheaper if the customer has banknotes, or US$20 and US$22 if the customer has foreign currency.

Tracksuits are priced between $300 and $400 (or between US$15 and US$20) in mobile money.

Uniforms for both boys and girls are priced between $300 and $400 in mobile money (US$15 to US$20) when custom-made. The parallel market rate for US dollar versus mobile money transfer is 1:22 or 1:16 for cash.

However, stationery is cheaper in some shops compared to street stalls.

For example, a two-quire counter book is going for $25,50 in some supermarkets yet on the streets it is pegged at US$2 or equivalent, which could be as high as $44.

In an interview, one parent, who only identified herself as Mai Junior, decried the cost of school requirements in established retail shops saying she was resorting to the informal market for her Form One child’s school trunk.

“How can a school trunk cost $2 000? Where am I supposed to get that kind of money?” she lamented.

“I am actually thinking of going to Mbare to get a customised school trunk because I honestly cannot afford the ones that are being sold in town. I am just an ordinary civil servant.”

Another parent, Mr Tapiwa Sithole, accused retailers of taking advantage of parents’ desperation since it was the beginning of the year to increase prices.

However it is generally manufacturers who raise prices. Competition is tight in the retail sector while often there are only two or three manufacturers and sometimes even just one for a particular item.

Another parent, who identified herself as Mai Kudakwashe from Chitungwiza, expressed shock at prices in most shops.

“I am very shocked by the prices that I am seeing in most shops. I failed to get a pair of socks because the price is absurd.

“A pair of socks is going for $74 in a shop, whilst on the streets it’s going for $30 or US$2 so you will find that it is cheaper to get on the streets than shops,” said Mai Kudakwashe.

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said CCZ was conducting investigations on the pricing of back-to-school requirements.

Minister Mathema said retailers should keep back-to-school requirements affordable.

“Everybody in this country should accept Government policies. No one is above the law and it is illegal for shops to demand US dollar payments.

“People should follow the law; we should stop this anarchy and as Government we will not allow such anarchy,” said Minister Mathema.

He said the Government would deal with headmasters who increase school fees without authorisation.

“School heads are busy increasing fees. As Government we are going to deal with all those heads who are going against policy because President Mnangagwa is the one who should approve these fees hike,” he said.

Asked what police were doing about businesspersons who are pricing goods and services in foreign currency, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police needed assistance from the public to act on those breaking the law.

“We continue to urge members of the public to assist us with full information on these businesspersons who continue to break the law so that we act accordingly.

“It has been difficult for us to arrest some of these people because most of them display local currency prices,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said, ZRP, in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit, were conducting operations to bring unscrupulous businesspersons to book.

State Media|Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has been granted $50 000 bail coupled with stringent conditions, pending trial on a number of criminal charges.

She is facing charges of attempted murder and externalisation of foreign currency, money laundering and fraud.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda granted Mubaiwa’s appeal for bail pending trial.

“The appeal against the decision of Harare regional court, denying the appellant bail pending trial, is upheld and the decision of the lower court is hereby set aside,” he said.

Mubaiwa also successfully applied for bail on charges of attempting to murder Vice President Chiwenga.

Justice Kwenda ordered Mubaiwa to surrender her diplomatic passport and title deeds to her Highlands home as surety.

She is required to report once a fortnight at Borrowdale Police Station, not to interfere with State witnesses and to reside at her Borrowdale Brooke mansion until the matter is finalised.

Granting Mubaiwa bail on both applications, Justice Kwenda castigated the lower court magistrate Mr Crispen Mberewere for making a decision influenced by policy considerations overriding the Constitution.

When he denied Mubaiwa bail, Mr Mberewere said the court should be alive to national policies that are relevant to the administration of justice and dealing with certain crimes.

He said a court dealing with anti-corruption matters must give voice to such national policies.

The State had opposed bail on the grounds that previously, suspects who were facing charges of corruption and granted bail and surrendered their passports still skipped the country.

Justice Kwenda rejected the trial magistrate’s view, saying the submission by the prosecution in the lower court, which was accepted and adopted by the court, constituted the kind of megaphone posturing not only misplaced and unfortunate, but which must be avoided by an officer of the court.

“It is not fair for a court official to mislead the public by blaming the bail system for the inertia in the fight against corruption,” he said.

The fight against corruption cannot be achieved through detention without trial or pre-trial incarceration.

“Accordingly, it is inappropriate for the State to argue for pre-trial incarceration as a matter of policy to deal with the problem of corruption,” said Justice Kwenda.

“Such a policy would be invalid due to inconsistency with the Constitution. The court a quo erred when it accepted the argument.”

Through her lawyer, Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, instructed by Mr Taona Nyamakura, Mubaiwa appealed for bail, arguing the State would have no problems in extraditing her from South Africa in the event that she crossed the border into that country, since her properties were already known and identified.

He also argued that Mubaiwa was not a flight risk, since she could be detected by anyone in the event that she decided to leave the court’s jurisdiction.

Mubaiwa, in her bail appeal, argued that the State had no reason to deny her liberty, as the offences it alleged were committed through her companies, where she is only a director.

She said the State was supposed to charge the companies and not her.

Mubaiwa denied ever fraudulently attempting to register her marriage with VP Chiwenga, saying she could not have prejudiced him as they were already married.

But the State argued that Mubaiwa was facing serious charges that could earn her at least 25 years in jail or be ordered to repay twice the amount she allegedly prejudiced the State.

In her bail application on attempted murder charges, Mubaiwa said the allegations raised against her lacked credibility and circumstances surrounding the charges were doubtful.

The State, she argued, only had circumstantial evidence since the offence was committed when there were no witnesses.

State Media|PROPERTY worth thousands of dollars was destroyed by fire at the Indian Embassy in Harare yesterday morning.

One employee was injured during the inferno which was extinguished by the Harare Fire Brigade.

Speaking to The Herald after the incident, the embassy’s Second Secretary and Head Chancery Mr Abhijiti Biswas said he suspects an electrical fault to be the cause of the fire.

“When the fire started, I was not around, those who were present called me and I had to rush back. When I got here, the rooms were on fire and there was smoke everywhere.

“We suspect that an electrical fault caused the fire and nothing else, the fire was so intense, the fire brigade team managed to put it out,” he said.

“One of our employees, an Indian national, was trapped in one of the rooms during the accident. However, he was rescued, but sustained some injuries, we had to rush him to a local hospital where he is receiving treatment. He is now in a stable condition,” he said.

He could not quantify the extent of the damage.

A tour of the Embassy revealed that most accessories including computers in the reception and other offices were destroyed.

Mr Biswas said it will take time to restore normalcy at the embassy.

“We suffered a great loss because of this fire. A lot of important documents were destroyed, property was burnt to ashes. Some of the computers were destroyed, but we also managed to rescue some.

“It will take us a considerable time to restore everything which was destroyed. We are just glad that no one was killed by the fire,” he said.

Recently, traders at a new shopping mall at corner Robert Mugabe Road and Chinhoyi Street in the capital were left counting their losses after goods worth thousands of dollars were burnt to ashes in a fire accident.

No one died in the incident.

The cause of the fire was uncertain although traders suspect an electrical fault could have caused the inferno.

POLICE in Matabeleland North shot dead a machete wielding gang member and arrested five others after the violent mob attacked cops who were deployed to remove them from a mine they had invaded in Bubi district.

The incident occurred on Sunday at about 4.30PM.

The illegal miners had raided Mambo area’s Acute Mine owned by a proprietor only identified as Tshabangu who sought police reinforcement to remove the illegal panners.

Sources said police fired six warning shots as the illegal miners menacingly advanced towards them swinging machetes, picks and knobkerries.

“They wanted to surround the police officers. They appeared very violent,” said a witness who asked not to be named.

The panners, said the witness, dispersed when a police officer shot one of them on the shoulder and he died on the spot.

The incident comes barely a month after illegal manners surrounded police officers and hacked one of them to death in Kadoma.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Tshabangu went to the police and made a report and he was given a reaction team.

On arrival they were surrounded by a mob which started attacking them with machetes, axes and knobkerries. Police officers were attacked and as a result
shots were fired resulting in the death of one of the gang members.

Police officers before directing the shot at the deceased, had fired warning shots which did not deter the panners who kept on advancing. Police later arrested five suspects,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.State media

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said teachers deserve respect.

Chamisa made the remarks after attending the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Congress.

“I’m so humbled to have been warmly received by teachers at the PTUZ congress.Teachers are special to us all. Zimbabwe must be known for its education.

Everywhere we go,we shine.Paying teachers fairly,robust infrastructure and accessible education to all is key.Our future depends on it,” wrote Chamisa on Facebook.

The High Court has granted Marry Mubaiwa ZWL$50 000 bail.

She is facing charges of attempted murder of VP Chiwenga and externalisation of foreign currency, money laundering and fraud.

She has to surrender her diplomatic passport and title deeds to her Highlands home as surety, report once a fortnight to the police and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses
-ZBC ONLINE

Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC deputy president Obert Gutu has claimed Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe(PTUZ) secretary general Raymond Majongwe has become a liability to teachers.

PTUZ has re-elected Raymond Majongwe uncontested as the union’s secretary-general. Takavafira Zhou also retained the teachers’ union presidency at the national congress held in Harare at the weekend.

“I have got absolutely nothing against this guy, trust me!
But 22 years as Secretary-General of PTUZ certainly doesn’t come across as progressive & democratic to me!!
Smacks of personalization of a trade union, if you ask me,” Gutu tweeted.

Farai Dziva|A member of the notorious machete wielding gang thought to be part of ” MaShurugwi” team was shot and later passed on in hospital, police have revealed.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi, quoted by The Herald condemned acts of public violence and attacks on cops.

“This follows an incident in Mphoengs on 3 January 2020 where a machete-wielding gang teamed up with some unruly elements to free, unlawful entry and theft suspect, Nkosana Moyo from police custody during indications,” he said.

“The gang went on to attack police officers and injured one in the process. During the scuffle, police fired some shots resulting in one suspect aged 35 being shot and passing on in hospital.

The released suspect, Nkosana Moyo only handed himself to the police on Saturday morning while still in police handcuffs.”

By A Correspondent- Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Secretary-General, Raymond Majongwe has said that it is essential to consider the history of the union before calling for his dismissal.

He makes the remarks when a number of people including MDC-T deputy president, advocate Obert Gutu has said that 22 years which Majongwe has spent in the office of Secretary-General was anti-democratic.

In response, Majongwe posted on Twitter and said:

As we join the Majongwe Must Go chorus let’s remember the PTUZ you want to grab from us has not found it easy to be standing today. Many got maimed others died.22 years of confronting dictatorship and brutality. Handeitione. 2030 ndinenge ndichipo

The post was accompanied by a couple of images which are purported to illustrate that he has been in the trenches for too long and he lost immeasurably as a result.

See pictures below:

By Patrick Guramatunhu- “Here we go!” I sighed! The minute I saw the name Eddie Cross as the author of the article in Zimeye. I expected nonsense from him and nonsense I got! 

“Mr. Mnangagwa could then claim, for the first time, to be the legitimate leader of Government, even though his victory was with a tiny majority. It was only at that moment that we saw a new dispensation of sorts emerge in the form of the first really Mnangagwa controlled Cabinet,” stated Eddie Cross.

How can Mnangagwa ever be “the legitimate leader of government” when the whole election process was flawed and illegal? The regime denied 3 million Zimbabweans in the diaspora a vote. ZEC failed to produce a verified voters’ roll, etc.

Mr Cross was a senior member of the MDC that had the golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU which would ended Zanu PF’s carte blanche powers to rig elections. MDC leaders were warned not to take part in 2013 and then 2018 elections without first implementing the reforms. They would not listen out of greed, as one MDC leader, David Coltart, confessed. 

“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” confessed Coltart in his book.

“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”

The EU, Americans, the Commonwealth and everyone else with any democratic credential worth talking about who observed the July 2018 Zimbabwe elections dismissed them as a farce. 

“The electoral commission lacked full independence and appeared to not always act in an impartial manner. The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability,” stated the EU Election Observer Mission final report. 

“As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”

Mnangagwa was able to count this by pointing out that all Zimbabwe’s opposition parties had participated in the July 2018 elections regardless of the 3 million in the diaspora denied the vote, no verified voters roll, etc., etc. And, crown it all, all those who did participate have all endorsed the process as having been free, fair and credible. 

Chamisa has challenged the presidential race result but that was on one very specific aspect, the vote counting by ZEC. The Constitutional Court has since ruled in favour of Mnangagwa. Having accepted ZEC’s authority and conduct in the elections process it is nonsensical for Chamisa to reject the authority and judgement of ZEC’s sister judiciary institution, the Constitutional Court. 

It is worth noting here that Mr Eddie Cross, is a senior MDC leader and colleague of Chamisa, and he has endorsed Mnangagwa’s elections as legitimate and legal. 

Chamisa and the other MDC leaders have agreed to endorse Mnangagwa as legitimate if he agreed to share out the spoils of power with MDC.

“Holocaust denial, the denial of the systematic genocidal killing of approximately six million Jews in Europe by Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, is illegal in 16 European countries and Israel. Many countries also have broader laws that criminalize genocide denial,” explained Wikipedia

“Of the countries that ban Holocaust denial, some, such as Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Romania, were among the perpetrators of the Holocaust, and many of these also ban other elements associated with Nazism, such as the expression of Nazi symbols.”

One can understand why these nation passed such laws; the genocides took place, these are historic facts and the individual nations were sick and tired of being dragged back over the same issues by the few who refused to accept the truth for whatever reasons! 

Zimbabwe is stuck in this political and economic mess because the country has failed to remove this corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF regime from office these last 40 years. The party has rigged elections denying the people a meaningful say in the governance of the country. 

So to get out of this mess, the country needs to hold free, fair and credible elections and for that to happen we need to implement the democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging elections. 

It is therefore very frustrating Zanu PF blatantly rigs elections and the country’s opposition politicians are the ones, for selfish reasons, are the once siding with Zanu PF in falsely claiming the elections were free, fair and credible. It was bad enough that Eddie Cross and company sold-out in failing to implement the reforms during the GNU it is intolerable that they are now propping up this illegitimate Zanu PF dictatorship by participating in flawed and illegal elections. 

The people of Zimbabwe must have stop supporting MDC and the rest of the Zimbabwe opposition party who participate in elections with no reforms implemented. These politicians are no longer fighting for free and fair elections with us, ordinary people; they are now content with rigged elections as long as they get some of the spoils of power. 

The international community must add Zimbabwe’s opposition candidate on the sanctions’ list because they are now as guilty of the rigged elections as the Zanu PF politicians themselves.

We can agree to differ on many things but not on truth, reality and facts. After 40 years of rigged elections and with the nation is serious economic and political trouble as a consequence, we cannot afford to be wasting another minute arguing on what constitutes free, fair and credible elections! 

So those who continue to deny Zanu PF rigged July 2018 elections must be chastised, period! They must be slapped with targeted sanctions regardless which side of the political divide the come from.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s first minister of Agriculture Dennis Norman died in Oxfordshire in December last year, reports from England have said.

Norman also famed for being part of the initiation of the Beira Corridor and subsequent established of the Féria oil pipeline passed on Friday December 20 after a long battle against cancer of the oesophagus.

Norman was appointed by Zimbabwe’s inaugural Prime Minister Robert Mugabe reportedly at the suggestion of the late Lord Soames.

Reports say Norman’s appointment after a long and bitter racial war that cost in the region of 35 000 lives came as a huge surprise.

At the time, it was seen as a strong and meaningful appointment that underscored Mugabe’s determination to cement racial and political reconciliation in a war-torn country.

Norman was later appointed as Minister of Transport, the post that saw him spearhead the establishment of the Beira Corridor and the oil pipeline still in use today.

After serving Zimbabwe in various portfolios, Denis Norman and his wife, June, returned to England.

His death will be mourned by all those who knew him, worked with him and admired his honesty, integrity and ability to heal old racial wounds by doing so much to bring about the prosperity of thousands of small-scale black farmers while underlining the importance of experienced white commercial farmers and growers, once the backbone of a thriving agricultural sector of the economy.

“One of the great men of the post-Independence era is no longer with us. It is hard to believe we will ever see the likes of him again in Zimbabwe, “Trevor Grundy who reported his death in England said.

By A Correspondent- The opposition Zapu has finally announced August 27 to 29 as the dates for its congress to elect a new leader following the death of its founder Dumiso Dabengwa in May last year.

The congress will be held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Donor fatigue and the country’s economic situation have largely hampered preparations for the congress, the party said.

Party spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa revealed that the preparations for the congress were 50% complete despite the numerous challenges they faced.

Zapu congress planning chairperson Stylish Magida revealed over the weekend that the congress dates have now been finalised.

“Arrival of delegates is August 26. Congress will run from August 27 to 29 midday. Then delegates will have lunch and leave at 2pm.Venue is Amphitheatre just opposite fountain at the park in Bulawayo,” she said.

Magida said they were expecting between 3 000 to 5 000 delegates, but the final number will be determined by the party’s constitution.

She said the party faces challenges emanating from the prevailing domestic economic conditions.

Zapu has always been funded by its members, but challenges linked to unemployed, successive years of drought, high transport costs and expensive accommodation have hamstrung preparations.

“Given that congress is only six months away, everybody must now be on their toes to achieve this considering the challenges mentioned,” she said.

Jostling for positions ahead of the congress has started with six candidates having been nominated by provinces to battle it out for the presidency.

Acting president Isaac Mabuka has indicated that he would be retiring from active politics after the congress.

Those eyeing the presidency are Mark Mbayiwa, Strike Mkandla, Future Msebele, former vice-president Emilia Mukaratirwa, Mateo Sibanda and Maphosa.

Other positions will also be filled during the congress.

Meanwhile, the party was thrown into mourning following the death of Hezel Chihota, the South Africa-based former youth leader and Zimbabwe African Women’s Union (Zapu women’s wing) provincial executive member.

Maphosa yesterday said Chihota (43) died after a long illness.

“She rose through the ranks and was at the time of her departure a member of the women executive in the province,” he said.

Chihota was laid to rest yesterday at the Athlone cemetery in Bulawayo and she was the only girl child in her family.

Chihota’s death came at a time the party also lost its secretary for security Canaan Ncube in November last year at the age of 80. The party also lost youth leader Thamani Ncube and secretary for health Nikela Ndebele.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Two elderly women from Bulawayo have been arrested for allegedly stealing US$17 160, R4 800 and RTGS$14 000 from their burial society.

Dorcas Machengo (72) and Evelyn Chapepa (78) from Magwegwe suburb allegedly betrayed the trust bestowed on them by Thandanani Burial Society.

Machengo was the secretary while Chapepa was the chairlady and treasurer.

They pleaded not guilty to theft of trust property before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube. The duo was remanded out of custody on free bail to today for continuation of trial.

Machengo, however, said: “Ukuthatha sibili ngiyavuma kodwa angithathanga yonke, ngathatha i$1 400 kuphela,” (I admit that I took some money but I didn’t take all of it, I just took $1 400).

The State represented by Mr Tapiwa Solani said the matter came to light in December 2018 when some bereaved members of the group approached the grannies seeking money for funeral expenses.

“Society members contributed money in foreign currency which was kept by the accused persons. The members’ contribution increased from US$3 to US$5. 

“During that same month members needed money for funeral expenses but Machengo and Chapepa failed to produce the money,” he said.

Mr Solani said an audit was carried out and it was discovered that part of the money was missing from the coffers.

He said Machengo and Chapepa had promised to return the money but failed and members reported the matter to the police leading to their arrest.

Ms Joyce Gumangei, a member of the burial society, said: “After discovering that our burial money was missing, I asked the accused persons and they confessed that they took it and said they will pay back.

“One of the accused persons said she wanted to help her son who was in South Africa and would double the money when they pay back. Up until now we haven’t got our money and we decided to report them to police.”

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Pregnant commercial sex workers have flooded the market at Machipisa shopping centre in Highfield, it has emerged.

The commercial sex workers who have since become a hit due to their warm body temperatures are reportedly  up in arms with their colleagues who allege the pregnant ones are collecting all the clients.

“We are now in serious trouble with these pregnant hookers are who are now taking all the clients to themselves due to their warm body temperatures during sex,” lamented a hooker identified as Hazvi.

“It I also disturbing to note that these pregnant women contribute a huge share than us hence we are contemplating to relocate because we are nolonger working here.”

One of the pregnant sex worker said she got pregnant in the trade and could not go for maternity leave because that is her only source of living.

“Our colleagues are complaining yes but we got pregnant here and that is our only source of living it is true that we are a hit but we are not forcing men to come after us they allege we are warm so there is nothing we can do we need their money for service,” said Chiedza Garwe.

Meanwhile, the number of sex workers at Machipisa has decreased due to poor market as many are failing to pay $20 for a quick hence sex workers are moving out of the country to South Africa , Mozambique and Botswana looking for greener pastures.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Republic Police revealed on Sunday that they shot and killed a member of a machete gang known as Mashurugwi or Al Shabab in Bulawayo after they freed their colleague from custody by force in Matebeleland.

The development was revealed yesterday by police national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said:

“There was an incident in Mphoengs (in Matabeleland South) on January 3, where a machete-wielding gang teamed up with some unruly elements to free a robbery, unlawful entry and theft suspect, Nkosana Moyo, from police custody.

“The gang attacked police officers and injured one in the process. During the scuffle, police fired some shots, resulting in one suspect aged 35 being shot and passing on at a local hospital.

“The released suspect, Nkosana Moyo, only handed himself over to the police on Saturday while still in police handcuffs.”

The development comes when calls to deal with the machete gangs in the country have intensified in the recent past.

The machete gangs have been terrorising miners and members of the public across the country, particularly in gold mining towns.

DailyNews

By A Correspondent- A widow from Bulawayo was barred from attending her late husband’s funeral after her in-laws accused her of killing him.

Barbra Nyoni from Mpopoma suburb’s in-laws chased her away from the funeral, accusing her of abusing their son Themba Ndlovu before his death.

They used a 2018 protection order that her late husband had against her, in which he was accusing Nyoni of constantly verbally and physically harassing him, to bar her from the funeral.

This came out at the Bulawayo Civil Courts where Nyoni was seeking a protection order against her father-in-law, Jethro Ndlovu, claiming he was chasing her away from her homestead.

“I was barred from attending my late husband Themba Ndlovu’s funeral by his father Jetro Ndlovu. My husband died on 8 November this year. Before he died there was a protection order that he sought against me on 19 October in 2018 and my father-in-law used that protection order to bar me from attending his funeral.

“He accused me of killing my husband. He is also barring me from visiting my homestead where my children are staying. My mother-in-law is now the one who is staying at that homestead without my consent,” complained Nyoni.

She said the four children she had together with her late husband were no longer going to school after her in-laws denied her access to them.

Ndlovu, who was not opposed to the application, said Nyoni was lying to justify her case.

“I have no problem with her application since I am not staying at her homestead. I have my own homestead and I don’t have any problem if she goes to her homestead. “Although I am the father of her late husband, I am staying separately with my wife who is at her homestead.

“It is also not true that I barred her from attending her late husband’s funeral. I never talked to her during the funeral wake and I am surprised by her accusations that I barred her from attending it,” said Ndlovu.

Nyoni’s request was dismissed by the presiding magistrate Lizwe Jamela following Ndlovu’s submissions that he was not the one staying at her homestead which she had claimed he (Ndlovu) was barring her from occupying.

— StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Fear of treason charges and a possible counter-coup that then Justice minister Happyton Bonyongwe tried to set up around now Agriculture minister Retired Chief Air Marshal Perrance Shiri spurred delicate negotiations following the military coup that toppled late former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017, minutes of the events shown to NewsDay have revealed.

Minutes that made up discussions in cliff-hanger meetings held between Mugabe, at the time under house arrest, and military generals led by then Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander General Constantino Chiwenga between November 15 and 16, 2017 expose the intricacies of the coup plot.

The coup came after then Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa had been summarily fired from both government and ruling Zanu PF party, prompting him to flee to South Africa for security reasons.

Mnangagwa had been sacked by Mugabe on November 6 as the situation in the country deteriorated, forcing Chiwenga out of the closet to declare that the military was ready to “step in” to restore sanity.

The then ZDF statement was made on November 13 before the coup moved into full swing late on the 14th.

The mediation team comprised of Roman Catholic cleric Father Fidelis Mukonori, Mugabe’s then spokesperson George Charamba, who acted as secretary during the negotiations as well as Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda.

The team also included then Public Service Commission chairperson Mariyawanda Nzuwa and former Foreign Affairs ministry secretary Joey Bimha as well as Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) deputy director-general Aaron Nhepera.

The minutes signed by Mukonori, Charamba and Nhepera, reveal that Mugabe could have been hoodwinked during the intricate negotiations. It is also revealed that Bonyongwe, who had just been appointed Justice minister by Mugabe tried to set up a counter-force to stop the coup.

“The President was informed about mounting tension and concern within the command element triggered by a mobile communication message attributed to the new Minister of Justice, and former director-general of the Central Intelligence Organisation, Rtd General Bonyongwe, to Air Marshall Perrance Shiri who is in Dubai on official business allegedly urging him to fly back to join in efforts towards a counter-operation whose backbone would be the police force commanded by Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri.

“It was drawn to the President’s attention that Commissioner Chihuri had not attended the inaugural Wednesday (November 15) meeting after which he did not turn up for the rest,” the minutes read in part. Chihuri has since then never made a public appearance, while Bonyongwe has since recoiled into private life.

It is revealed that in the subsequent meetings with late Mugabe the then Zanu PF leader was told of anxiety over the actions of the police force.

“Instances of friction between the military and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were also drawn to the President’s attention, culminating in what appeared to be a withdrawal of the police force from policing duties at least in Harare.

“The President was informed that the command element had made it clear that a counter-force against their operation would constitute an escalation, which was bound to lead to a bloody outcome,” documents show. Bonyongwe, according to the minutes, was trying to craft a law that would have had Chiwenga and his co-conspirators charged with treason.

Since then the police have never recaptured public trust and the authority it commanded during Mugabe’s reign with the army a constant feature during operations. The growing influence of the military has raised fears among critics given the bloody shooting on August 1 last year last month — the two incidences which have left over 20 people dead and dozens with gunshot wounds.

While Mnangagwa, on his return, admitted that he had been in constant touch with the country’s security leadership, Mugabe was apparently told that reports that Chiwenga had met the then former Vice-President were fabricated.

“The mediation team was able to provide facts that dispelled claims that Chiwenga had made a diversion and stop-over in South Africa en-route to Zimbabwe from China in order to meet with dismissed former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his team thought to include Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa and Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Isaac Moyo.

“More importantly, the mediating team told the President that the operation by the command element was not calculated at top leadership change in the party and country, a process which had to be left to the party running in a fair, clean and just way and which had to be superintended by the President himself without undue influence,” the report shows.

Mutsvangwa, the chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association, a key figure in Mugabe’s fall, was to be appointed special adviser to Mnangagwa, while Moyo now heads the CIO.

— NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Police in Gweru have arrested six more members of a machete-wielding gang following a bloody shootout, for allegedly killing an on-duty police officer at Good Hope Mine in Battlefields near Kadoma.

The mostly young suspects include a 14-year-old boy.

The latest arrests bring to nine the arrests made following that of three suspects, Munyaradzi Chari (43), Lyton Tshuma (18) and Obvious Mawire (21) on January 2.

Constable Wonder Hokoyo was killed on December 28 while his colleague Constable Kamhuka is fighting for life at Kadoma General Hospital after gold panners attacked them at Good Hope Mine.

In a statement on Saturday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the six as Tonderai Musasa (18), Richwell Tshuma (26), Bornlight Mukute (20), Paul Demo (27), Taurai Munetsi (31) and the minor whose identity has been withheld for ethical reasons.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the gang surrendered the weapons used in the fatal assault to the police.

He said Demo and Munetsi are, however, admitted to Kadoma General Hospital under police guard after they sustained injuries during a shootout with the police as they tried to resist arrest. “Demo and Munetsi were arrested while hiding at house number 2637 Ascot Extension and 3526 Ascot Extension in Gweru during a police raid.

The duo initially resisted arrest resulting in an exchange of fire, Demo sustained injuries on the left knee and right ankle while Munetsi got injuries on the left knee,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Meanwhile, Asst Comm Nyathi condemned attacks on police officers performing their constitutional duties following an incident which occurred in Mphoengs on Friday when a machete wielding gang attacked police officers and injured one in an effort to free a robbery, unlawful entry and theft suspect Nkosana Moyo from police custody during indications.

“During the scuffle police fired some shots resulting in one suspect aged 35 being shot and passing on at a local hospital. The released suspect, Nkosana Moyo later handed himself to the police still in police handcuffs. The ZRP reiterates that acts of violence and attacks on law enforcement agents will be dealt with in terms of the country’s laws,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Cops have arrested more than 100 illegal gold panners and vendors in separate raids at Good Hope Mine in Kadoma and Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, areas which have been synonymous with violence over gold.

Police also impounded three vehicles that were loaded with gold ore.

Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has issued a stern warning to the machete terror gangs that the law will catch up with them. He said police will soon issue orders to prohibit carrying of dangerous weapons in the gold mining sites.

-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Opposition Zapu has finally announced August 27 to 29 as the dates for its congress to elect a new leader following the death of its founder Dumiso Dabengwa in May last year.

The congress will be held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Donor fatigue and the country’s economic situation have largely hampered preparations for the congress, the party said.

Party spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa revealed that the preparations for the congress were 50% complete despite the numerous challenges they faced.

Zapu congress planning chairperson Stylish Magida revealed over the weekend that the congress dates have now been finalised.

“Arrival of delegates is August 26. Congress will run from August 27 to 29 midday. Then delegates will have lunch and leave at 2pm.Venue is Amphitheatre just opposite fountain at the park in Bulawayo,” she said.

Magida said they were expecting between 3 000 to 5 000 delegates, but the final number will be determined by the party’s constitution.

She said the party faces challenges emanating from the prevailing domestic economic conditions.

Zapu has always been funded by its members, but challenges linked to unemployed, successive years of drought, high transport costs and expensive accommodation have hamstrung preparations.

“Given that congress is only six months away, everybody must now be on their toes to achieve this considering the challenges mentioned,” she said.

Jostling for positions ahead of the congress has started with six candidates having been nominated by provinces to battle it out for the presidency.

Acting president Isaac Mabuka has indicated that he would be retiring from active politics after the congress.

Those eyeing the presidency are Mark Mbayiwa, Strike Mkandla, Future Msebele, former vice-president Emilia Mukaratirwa, Mateo Sibanda and Maphosa.

Other positions will also be filled during the congress.

Meanwhile, the party was thrown into mourning following the death of Hezel Chihota, the South Africa-based former youth leader and Zimbabwe African Women’s Union (Zapu women’s wing) provincial executive member.

Maphosa yesterday said Chihota (43) died after a long illness.

“She rose through the ranks and was at the time of her departure a member of the women executive in the province,” he said.

Chihota was laid to rest yesterday at the Athlone cemetery in Bulawayo and she was the only girl child in her family.

Chihota’s death came at a time the party also lost its secretary for security Canaan Ncube in November last year at the age of 80. The party also lost youth leader Thamani Ncube and secretary for health Nikela Ndebele.

-Newsday

By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo| Many political stalwarts and opposition outfits need to understand something for them to survive politically and creat strategies on how to contain military Governments. Yes ED could be facing challenges both external and internal forces, but one thing you need to comprehend is that any political move that ED makes is taken with extreme caution.

With Zanu PF, particularly the child of military politics, they will not simply give in and disband POLAD, and resume negotiations outside POLAD. My critical thinking would be, opposition should focus on talking points and references and guidelines and framework of the agenda.

Whether POLAD or GPA or any other frameworks, dialogue remains dialogue, I think the focus should be on the framework. POLAD is a creation of Zanu PF as an institution, and they are using it as a basis of any talks with regards to the court outcome of July 30 elections, and anything outside that is anon-starter. So whoever would be advising opposition must focus on the talking points.

Suppose there is a resurgence on the economy, what is going to happen to the opposition? Will there be any political scores? Let’s go back to the 2013 narrative when opposition lost to Mugabe, there was little gain from the economy and opposition was literary outshined for a long period of time after the 2013 elections. This is politics and there is need for political strategy for one to remain strategic. In Zimbabwe you are dealing with a military regime bracketed in a civilian terms or approach, and power is not given on a silver plate.

Yes ED is in need of dialogue but critical thinkers and researchers must never make wrong assumptions that dialogue will give birth to new narratives. Dialogue normally bring in political settlements that are favorable to ruling governments. In fact we have a 2009-2015 case study where opposition was reduced to a mere junior partner in Government after hastily making wrong decisions.

Political leadership must know what to say and what not to say in public particularly when political and economic pressures are mounting. This is where political advisory fits in. there is always an excitement particularly when leaders face huge crowds, it is important and critical to address national matters.

I was making my own comprehensive analysis on the comparative politics of the modern day world in relation to the Kuwadzana narrative, and I Can safely say ED needs strong political advisory to save his Presidency from vicious attacks and committing political suicide.

The Kuwadzana fiasco has alluded to my previous article which I made it clear that ED is failing to close the generational consensus gap to match the general standard or expectations. Why would a President of the whole nation mock citizens over the meat and vegetables issue? Honestly are you telling me that the whole nation has two problems, meat and vegetables? The bottom line is the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) is literary dead and it must be disbanded.

There could be some form of imitations from the former head of state Robert Mugabe, but the PR stunts were refined to make people laugh or to bring little diversion. Whoever is working on the PR for ED needs a bit of political consultancy on how to handle political matters. The Kuwadzana scenario was an embarrassment to the presidency.

My overall assessment is that there is need for political advisory which must back political and economic decisions. It is important to study the political environment for future decisions basing on political judgments on the ground. Kuwadzana scenario was a good basement for Zanu PF and ED to make assessments and make comparative study on the urbanites and rural folk.

What exactly do urbanites want and their perceptions on the presidency? ED who is coming from military background, and having occupied key strategies security ministries was supposed to have picked these sentiments before making such utterances on the podium. It is important to study some other case studies in our neighboring countries and some parts of Africa on how they are handling their politics.

We have Lungu in Zambia who has managed the Zambian politics very well despite facing internal and external rife. He has done well in politics and how to contain political pressures.

Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes in his personal capacity as a Policy Advisor and Researcher and he can be contacted at [email protected]

The first lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa was in Katanga in Norton where, in partnership with local leadership including Norton legislator (independent) Temba Mliswa, she was doing chores for the elderly.

She also distributed blankets and groceries to the elderly at Dudley Hall primary School in Norton.

See pictures below.

-StateMedia

WEDDING bells are ringing for gospel musician-cum-comedienne Mai Titi and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Gweru based artiste Zizoe Pamyk.

Mai Titi, real name Felistas Murata, 33,’s romantic photographs and videos with Zizoe Pamyk, real name Blessed Zingwe have been circulating on social media for the past week.

In a wide range interview, Mai Titi and Zizoe Pamyk confirmed that their relationship has developed that the two are bound to tie the knot before November this year.

Zizoe Pamyk told H-Metro that his family is behind his decision to marry Mai Titi regardless of their age difference.

“Mukuru, mudiwa ndewangu, Mai Titi ndevangu hapana chakamboipa pazvese uye ndinobvuma zvose zvirikutaurwa pamusoro perudo,” said Zizoe said.

“Gadzirirai muchato, tichakoka Zimbabwe yose kana zvichibvira uye chikafu chichange chiripo.

“Mhuri yangu nekwandinobva madzikoma nevose zviri official. Zvemakore zvinyanyana izvo tozokurukura pamberi,” he said as some of his relatives nodded in agreement.

Mai Titi, who started off as a gospel musician during the rising of her best friend in music Mercy Mutsvene, confirmed the development saying she failed to resist Zizoe’s love.

She narrated how she grew up in a Christian family, started her music career before she shelved the musical instruments when she tied the knot with Tapiwa Mutikani, a wedding filmed and captured by this writer 11 years ago.

“I am aware that you are the one who filmed my first wedding with Tapiwa and this time you are going to capture my second wedding with Blessed Zingwe,” said Mai Titi.

“Our society frowns upon a woman when she marries a man younger than her but I have learnt a lot and come to understand the secrets of love,” said Mai Titi.

“My relationship with Zizoe started when he called for help in his music and I later discovered that I had already charmed him and he had assured his family that he wanted to take me as his wife.

“I laughed at it but I failed to resist his love and we fell in love mmmmmm rudo rwasimba uye harusi rudo rwakapusa, rwakakotsira kana rwekufadzana saka before November tinenge tachata uye kunogona kuita kurekure.H-Metro

The High Court has granted Marry Mubaiwa ZWL$50 000 bail.

She is facing charges of attempted murder of VP Chiwenga and externalisation of foreign currency, money laundering and fraud.

She has to surrender her diplomatic passport and title deeds to her Highlands home as surety, report once a fortnight to the police and ordered not to interfere with state witnesses
-ZBC ONLINE

Farai Dziva|
The Estranged wife of vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry has finally been granted a ZWL$50 000 bail by the High Court.

Marry spent three weeks in detention.

She is facing charges of attempted murder, externalisation and money laundering among other charges.
More to follow…

Farai Dziva|Government has literally banned machetes in Zimbabwe.

This was revealed by Minister Kazembe Kazembe.

He made the remarks in Mazowe Central at a rally in Ward 10.

“If you have a machete, go and bury it underground because the police will leave no stone unturned to make sure that machetes have disappeared from the people.”

“People should be organised and carry out their mining activities with respect of the law. Where is this butchering coming from? So, I say if there are those here with machetes be warned that the long arm of the law will catch up with you soon,” said Kazembe.

VIEW PICTURES BELOW…

Farai Dziva|A member of the notorious machete wielding gang thought to be part of ” MaShurugwi” team was shot and later passed on in hospital, police have revealed.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi, quoted by The Herald condemned acts of public violence and attacks on cops.

“This follows an incident in Mphoengs on 3 January 2020 where a machete-wielding gang teamed up with some unruly elements to free, unlawful entry and theft suspect, Nkosana Moyo from police custody during indications,” he said.

“The gang went on to attack police officers and injured one in the process. During the scuffle, police fired some shots resulting in one suspect aged 35 being shot and passing on in hospital.

The released suspect, Nkosana Moyo only handed himself to the police on Saturday morning while still in police handcuffs.”

By A Correspondent- The government has embarked on a programme to remove all illegal dumpsites across the country in a bid to keep the environment clean and prevent the outbreak of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

This was revealed by Environment, Climate and Tourism Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu during a national clean-up campaign spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Kuwadzana, Harare on Friday.

He said:

Your Excellency, we want you to know that as a ministry we have embarked on a national programme to eradicate all illegal dumpsites in the country so that our nation becomes clean.

The programme will see all illegal dumpsites cleared and bins put at designated points so that we keep our towns and cities clean.

Ndlovu added that the clean-up campaigns will soon be devolved to all provinces.

On 5 December 2018, President Mnangagwa declared the first Friday of each calendar month, the National Environment Cleaning Day.

-Newsday

Zimbabwe is the only African country that voted against the protection of Rohingya Muslims from the Myanmar atrocities.

The other countries that voted with Zimbabwe includes its usually allies Belarus, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia and Vietnam.

By Herbert Gomba| When I took office I promised to rein in on costs ,unnecessarily causing council to loose money through doing personal business, I have caught so many employees who are doing this and this time will be hard on management ,which seem unable and unwilling to manage abuse in council according to me.

I know as schools open council fuel and cars will be used to ferry kids to various schools without permission,let me warn those intentionally planning this that your time in council will be up soon ,this abuse will be stopped by me and the councilors ,we must give value of money to our residents who toil each day to pay council through hard work.

I also want to be clear that in terms of section 274 (2) of the Zimbabwe constitution this council is managed by elected officials,whose mandate is delegates to management to do it according to policy ,all those doubting us will see through time that they are lost .

Lastly please be good workers one who respects residents under the banner of “Residents first mantra “ ..come to work on time ,no to abuse of council facilities,no to abuse of sick letters from fake doctors,no to corruption in council markets ,be available to help our masters who are our residents,if you cannot please leave ,resign or retire ,it’s time we do good to our “promissory note we call contracts of employment “ ,stop doing private work in municipal properties or using municipal properties,this is our commitment to doing good to our city .

We must deliver a better ,habitable city to which all are happy to live in and attracts investors,this is meant to support our country’s and city’s transformation agenda ,we are in offices to work and nothing more ,we are also residents and face the same challenges as them ,no one must abdicate responsibilities on the basis of greed ,and deliberate ignorance to policy

Wishing you all a prosperous,productive,committed to council year

Herbert Gomba

Lowveld sugar cane farmers have donated sugar and food hampers to Angel of Hope Foundation for onward distribution to vulnerable families across Masvingo by the organisation’s patron, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

The First Lady is scheduled to visit Chivi this week where she will meet vulnerable families.

Commercial Sugar Cane Farmers Association of Zimbabwe (CSFAZ) chair Mr Admore Hwarare last Friday handed over one tonne of sugar and food hampers to Minister of State for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira ahead of Amai Mnangagwa’s visit.

Mr Hwarare said sugar cane farmers were charmed by the First Lady’s charity work through her Angel of Hope Foundation.

The cane farmers pledged to support the  Zanu PF Government which gave Zimbabweans land under the land redistribution programme.

“As sugar cane farmers who were empowered by the Zanu PF Government, we have mobilised sugar for our First Lady’s charity work through her Angel of Hope Foundation and the sugar is enough to make sure 500 people get 2kg each,” said Mr Hwarare.

“We have also mobilised food hampers (containing soap, washing powder, kapenta fish, cooking oil and salt) that will be handed over to the First Lady for onward distribution to the most vulnerable families.

“We stand ready any day and any time to do anything for the Zanu PF Government because they gave us land.

“Today we stand tall because we are empowered and the national leadership should not hesitate to call on us for anything in future.”

In response, Minister Chadzamira was full of praise for the gesture by Mr Hwarare and his association, urging more companies to follow suit.

He said Masvingo had many people from different spheres who had been empowered by Government and should lend a hand for the cause of charity.

“We want to thank sugar cane farmers for this donation which complements the First Lady’s charity work through her Angel of Hope Foundation targeting mainly to uplift the lives of the vulnerable,” said Minister Chadzamira.

“It is our hope that many other organisations across the province will follow suit and also donate towards the cause of charity ahead of the First Lady’s visit to the province this    week.”

-State Media

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

• USD to ZWL$: 16.8590
• ZWL$ to RAND: 0.8515

Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates:

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Temba Sambani  says Ari kudya meaning he is eating

Top fan- Ish Manyere- If he is still fighting for teachers cause let him stay again if he was elected that is democracy

Dennis Tariro Zishiri- Well it’s a typical African thing. We all want to die in office. It’s sad though.

Below is the original article which drew the above reactions:

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe’s (PTUZ) Raymond Majongwe has been re-elected as the Union’s secretary general, after holding on to the same position for the last 22 years.

His “partner in crime” incumbent president Takavafira Zhou was also re-elected unopposed at the teachers’ union national congress held in Harare at the weekend.

The two were once fierce critics of the late Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe who they continually accused of over staying in his position as President of the country.

The burly Majongwe who is also a protest music chanter, was once Dynamos Football Club secretary general.

Interviewed in 2017, when Mugabe returned from his annual holiday with everyone expecting the long serving leader to resign, Majongwe criticised Mugabe for refusing to step down.

“I would simply say: President Mugabe, welcome,” said Raymond Majongwe. “You did a lot for this country. But I think for now, the time to go is now.”

The same words however do not appear to be part of his own position. Mugabe would always refuse to step down claiming that Zimbabweans still wanted him in power an assertion that Majongwe would say as he, like Mugabe would do in his party, was elected unopposed.

Other members of the new PTUZ executive are; Deputy President Nokuthula Hlabangana; national treasurer, Ladistous Zunde; Connie Mavugara, secretary for culture; secretary for international relations Eberth Mashakada; secretary for women empowerment, Nyaradzo Munjodzi; secretary for health, Numeri Gwazeni; Peter Machenjera secretary for information and publicity, as well as Lovejoy Sibanda who is secretary for young workers.

In resolutions passed at the congress, the PTUZ leadership was mandated to ally the organisation with “other teacher trade unions, which subscribe to the solution of the trials and tribulations of the suffering Zimbabwean teachers.”

“The PTUZ will take all appropriate steps to establish an Ideological College with a view of instilling the core values and principles of the union in its members. Congress resolved to invest in coming up with a union medical and bereavement scheme.

“Discipline in schools must be enhanced. There is need to create discourse. Union must venture into projects for the empowerment of the union as an organisation and members,” the resolutions read.

President Robert Mugabe granted value added tax (VAT) exemptions to his wife Grace which deprived the state of about US$200 000 ($4 million).

Nine applications for exemptions were sent to Mugabe between 2012 and 2014 by Stanley Nhari, general manager of Grace’s Gushungo Holdings, and managers of Mwenewazvo Farm, Grace Mugabe Orphanage and Amai Mugabe High School.

Gushungo administrator Farai Jemwa also wrote to Mugabe in 2015 asking that Grace be exempt from paying tolls at Eskbank on her daily commute along the A11 between Mazowe and Harare.

Letters addressed to Mugabe indicate that Grace did not pay VAT on goods that cost US$350 000 ($7 million) on 19 March 2012.

She then applied for another exemption for furniture valued at US$150 000 ($3 million).

The same request was made for office stationery worth US$50 000 ($1 million) on September 6 2012.

In the same year, the former first lady sought exemptions on cement valued at US$122 939 ($2.5 million) for the Gushungo dairy farm and other materials that cost US$119 560 ($2.4 million).

For Blue Roof, the Borrowdale mansion where the Mugabes lived, she asked her husband for a VAT exemption on exterior paint costing US$118 585 (R2.4 million).

She also avoided VAT on centre pivots for irrigation on Mwenewazvo Farm that cost US$18 000 ($360 000).

In June 2013, she sought VAT exemption for goods with an estimated cost of US$260 000 ($5.2 million), and in 2014 for building materials worth US$123 120 ($2.5 million).

In total, Grace avoided paying VAT of US$196 830 ($3.9 million) after buying goods worth US$1 312 204 ($26.2 million).

Jemwa’s letter to Mugabe about the Eskbank toll said: “May I therefore request for your assistance in the completion of the relevant procedures culminating in the issuance of the relevant exemption.”

Mugabe died in September and Blue Roof and the Gushungo dairy farm were listed as part of his estate.

According to the Tax Act, a president does not pay income tax but there is no exemption from VAT on his business interests.

Tax expert Sydwell Nsingo said there were protocols for all tax issues, none of which had anything to do with the office of the president.

“For any tax matters, one should apply to the commissioner-general of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Depending on the matter, he will then liaise with the finance ministry or in some cases he will communicate with the relevant line ministries,” he said.

However, in Grace’s case, the applications for exemptions were approved in directives from the President’s office to ZIMRA.

Colls Ndlovu, an economist formerly with the Reserve Bank of SA, said: “There’s a list of goods that are exempt from VAT and normally they are listed in the minister of finance’s budget statement. Others can be added through statutory instruments.

“That list makes it clear, and so there’s no need to apply for exemption otherwise it will amount to favouritism.”

None of the goods for which Grace applied for exemption were on the VAT free list, said Ndlovu.

Analysts said the VAT exemptions were just the latest example of abuse of power by the ruling elite.

“Zimbabwe has institutionalised corruption to an extent that it is becoming normal,” said political commentator Nigel Nyamutumbu.

“It is unfortunate that for all these years Mugabe was president, critical decisions such as tax exemptions were not subjected to due process but were a bedroom affair.”

Nyamutumbu said the same could be said of the case in which Marry Chiwenga, wife of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, is accused of illegally sending US$1m  ($20 million) to South Africa and China.

“Citizens fail to get their hard-earned foreign currency while those in the corridors of power not only have easy access but they abuse funds that do not even belong to them,” he said.

“This thuggish daylight robbery is actually the root of the problem bedevilling the country.”

Grace Mugabe’s office did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

– Sunday Times

Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC has expressed anger at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s statements that Zimbabweans must eat vegetables instead of the expensively priced meat.

MDC Deputy Spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, said Mnangagwa had no moral high ground to tell the people what to eat.

“When you have a leader who starts to impose vegetables, a leader and a president who gets into other people’s kitchens determining family diets, it shows you just how much we have sunk as a country,” he said.

Party Vice President Tendai Biti linked the President’s statement to France’s Marie Antoinette, who, during the French Revolution’s bread riots in the late 1700s, said citizens should instead eat cake.

“At the height of the French Revolution, France’s Marie Antoinette, in response to bread protests by citizens retorted ‘let them eat cake’. In Kuwadzana yesterday (Friday), Zimbabwe’s illegitimate leader in response to cries of high cost of meat retorted, ‘let them eat vegetables,” said Biti.

Kuwadzana MP and MDC secretary general, Chalton Hwende said Mnangagwa’s utterances were an insult to the suffering population.

“What an insult from the Junta installed President telling our people in Kuwadzana to eat vegetables when they complained of soaring meat prices. I am not surprised because he was not voted but grabbed the Presidency. In Kuwadzana, his rigging only gave him 2 000 votes,” said Hwende.

The opposition party’s Secretary for Education, Fadzayi Mahere said people should have freedom to choose their diet.

“People must have the freedom to choose their dietary regime for themselves. People must choose to eat vegetables not to be forced to eat them out of poverty. Command nutrition because the government has driven the masses to poverty is hardly anything to celebrate,” she said.

By A Correspondent- The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has called for the banning of disposable diapers (pampers) as they are considered a serious hazard to the environment.

EMA Bulawayo provincial manager, Decent Ndlovu, revealed that the authority has been assessing the impact of disposable diapers since they were introduced and believes it’s now high time they are banned. He said:

We are advocating they be banned because of the environmental hazards they post. If the people who produce and sell them are really concerned, they should recover and recycle them.

The disposable diapers create toxic trash that takes 500 years to decompose in landfills while their improper disposal allows excrement to be washed into rivers.

Nursing mothers are, however, against the banning of pampers since traditional nappies require a lot of water for washing, which is simply not available in most areas.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has warned machete gangs to throw away their machetes as the long arm of the law will catch up with them.

Kazembe made the remarks while addressing Zanu-PF supporters in Mazowe Central at the 2018 election victory celebrations for Ward 10 councillor Chakabvepi Chinhema.

He said:

If you have a machete, go and bury it underground because the police will leave no stone unturned to make sure that machetes have disappeared from the people.

People should be organised and carry out their mining activities with respect to the law. Where is this butchering coming from? So, I say if there are those here with machetes be warned that the long arm of the law will catch up with you soon.

Kazembe also condemned attacks on law enforcement agents by “MaShurugwi” following the hacking to death of a police constable in Kadoma recently.

Police have so far arrested nine suspects in connection with the police officer’s murder

-StateMedia

State Media|Zimbabwe’s Government is now funded for operations this year, with each Ministry allocated a budget for each item, and with changes to the tax structure in place so that there is revenue for these budgets.

This comes after President Mnangagwa approved this year’s $59,04 billion Budget passed by Parliament last month.

The twin Acts giving effect to the Budget comprise the Finance Act, which provides for changes in the rates of taxes, duties and exemptions, and the Appropriation Act that sets out allocations to all ministries and statutory bodies were published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette on the last day of 2019.

The Budget was passed under the theme: “Gearing for Higher Productivity, Growth and Job Creation.”

The budget comprises $57 052 700 000 charged to the Consolidated Revenue Fund until December 31 and $1 993 822 000 in Retention Funds.

According to the Appropriation Act, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement has the highest allocation of $11 334 459 000 followed by that of Primary and Secondary Education with $8 526 223 000 and Health and Child Care with $6 567 317 000.

The ministry of Finance and Economic Development was allocated $3 987 047 000, that of Defence and War Veterans $3 112 708 000, while the ministries of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Office of the President and Cabinet got $2 370 969 000 and $2 353 887 000, respectively.

The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development was allocated $ 2 890 889 000, while that of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage got $2 818 169 000.

The Finance Act also brings into force a number of issues concerning taxes and other revenue collection mechanisms announced by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube when he presented the Budget.

This includes the reduction of corporate tax, by 1 percent to 24 percent and Value Added Tax (VAT), from 15 to 14,5 percent.

On tourism, Treasury extended rebates for imports of capital equipment and safari vehicles, suspended tax on car hire, tour operators and extended tax on luxury coach imports.

The Act sets out the new excise duty on the importation of second hand vehicles ranging from $500 depending on date of manufacture and engine capacity.

The Act brings in permanent law temporary amendments to the Reserve Bank Act banning the use of any currency for pricing local goods and services, except the Zimbabwe dollar and allowing civil penalties for those who breach this.

It amends the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act by providing for the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee.

The MPC was appointed in September and is chaired by RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya.

The committee’s functions include among others, to determine the monetary policy of the country, ensure price stability as defined by Government, inflation targets and determine the interest rates in line with the country’s economic policies and targets for growth and employment.

Other measures that are contained in the Act include the fiscal incentive to support employers who create jobs for young people where an additional job created will attract a percentage tax rebate to the employer, linked to the employee’s salary.

Own Correspondent|Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe’s (PTUZ) Raymond Majongwe has been re-elected as the Union’s secretary general, after holding on to the same position for the last 22 years.

His “partner in crime” incumbent president Takavafira Zhou was also re-elected unopposed at the teachers’ union national congress held in Harare at the weekend.

The two were once fierce critics of the late Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe who they continually accused of over staying in his position as President of the country.

The burly Majongwe who is also a protest music chanter, was once Dynamos Football Club secretary general.

Interviewed in 2017, when Mugabe returned from his annual holiday with everyone expecting the long serving leader to resign, Majongwe criticised Mugabe for refusing to step down.

“I would simply say: President Mugabe, welcome,” said Raymond Majongwe. “You did a lot for this country. But I think for now, the time to go is now.”

The same words however do not appear to be part of his own position. Mugabe would always refuse to step down claiming that Zimbabweans still wanted him in power an assertion that Majongwe would say as he, like Mugabe would do in his party, was elected unopposed.

Other members of the new PTUZ executive are; Deputy President Nokuthula Hlabangana; national treasurer, Ladistous Zunde; Connie Mavugara, secretary for culture; secretary for international relations Eberth Mashakada; secretary for women empowerment, Nyaradzo Munjodzi; secretary for health, Numeri Gwazeni; Peter Machenjera secretary for information and publicity, as well as Lovejoy Sibanda who is secretary for young workers.

In resolutions passed at the congress, the PTUZ leadership was mandated to ally the organisation with “other teacher trade unions, which subscribe to the solution of the trials and tribulations of the suffering Zimbabwean teachers.”

“The PTUZ will take all appropriate steps to establish an Ideological College with a view of instilling the core values and principles of the union in its members. Congress resolved to invest in coming up with a union medical and bereavement scheme.

“Discipline in schools must be enhanced. There is need to create discourse. Union must venture into projects for the empowerment of the union as an organisation and members,” the resolutions read.

Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC standing committee Secretary for Education and Culture Fadzai Mahere has called on Zimbabweans to get into action on wild fires that are threatening to burn up much of Australia’s bushes and towns.

Mahere made the call in her Twitter post on Sunday afternoon.

Australia’s devastating fires reached unprecedented peak in the first few days of January, according to multiple reports.

The devastating bushfires in Australia that have drawn military deployments and millions of dollars of aid meant to address “unprecedented” amounts of damage, authorities said in a Saturday press conference.

Photos from Australia’s New South Wales state taken Sunday, just before Mahere’s call, show shocking red skies blanketing communities with thick fog.

Pictures showing skies in parts of the country’s New South Wales state show the shocking effects of months of fires that have devastated nearby areas. Blood-red skies hung over the state, which currently has 150 active fires, 64 of which are uncontrolled, according to The Associated Press.

The scenes from New South Wales appeared almost post-apocalyptic as a heavy, glowing blanket of smoke hung above areas like Canberra.

Reuters reports that officials in Canberra asked for 100,000 extra breathing masks as Sunday saw the world’s worst-ever recorded air quality. The masks are expected to arrive for residents on Monday.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land have been burnt so far in this fire season across Australia and nearly 1,500 homes have been destroyed in New South Wales alone.

Last week, Zimbabweans watch helplessly a building burn to a shell in the Harare Central Business. The local fire team battled helplessly with very little water supply to control the fire.