Own Correspondent|THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is seeking for more storage space to store forfeited goods suspected to have been ill gotten through corruption.
ZACC recently seized 12 vehicles, three mansions and froze bank accounts in a bid to recover ill-gotten wealth.
However, with the high levels of corruption in the country, ordinarily, ZACC by now would be expected to be asking for more prison space to accommodate arrested corrupt people.
ZACC said it is targeting more assets that could have been bought from proceeds of corruption.
The commission also proposed the capacitation of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit and even roping in of the Attorney-General’s Civil Division to assist with filing seizure and forfeiture applications in the High Court.
In an interview, ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said there was need for more staff to prosecute the forfeiture applications.
“We have already seized several vehicles and houses. We have also frozen bank accounts with substantial amounts of money.
“Our yard at Strathaven offices cannot accommodate more cars. We have also asked Zimra to keep some of the seized vehicles due to shortage of space. We require more space and for now, we have stopped seizing the assets.
“We are targeting several assets countrywide and we cannot do it with a few people,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
Own Correspondent|Heavy rains that hit Hwange at the weekend knocked out Hwange Thermal Power Station when the coal got wet, but two 120 megawatt units were back up yesterday with a third expected to be on the grid by last night, giving 360MW.
Hwange emerged as the worst affected by the weekend storms, with blocked drains causing flash floods Gweru and Chegutu town as well as flooding in Silobela and Gokwe.
In Hwange, the heavy rains left 35 families homeless.
In Gokwe, villagers were forced out of their homes, while in Silobela, the rains mainly affected crops. No major incidents were reported in other parts of the country.
Electricity generation at Hwange Thermal Power Station had resumed at two units yesterday, while the third unit was expected to be up late yesterday.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development and Zesa Holdings’ generating subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), turned to Twitter to report the problems and give instant updates on progress.
“Following unusually heavy rainfall in Hwange on 18 January 2020, Hwange Thermal Power Station was adversely affected by floods which flooded the station’s ash pump house and cooling water pumps. Coal stocks were consequently dampened, leading to forced shutdown of the station,” said ZPC.
“Efforts currently are in place to resume generation at the plant. Units 1 and 4 returned to service this (yesterday) morning, while unit 2 is expected back in service by day end. Kindly bear with us as we work tirelessly to restore normal service,” said ZPC.
Hwange Colliery Company Limited, which has accommodated 35 families whose houses were flooded, said the situation was better yesterday, with the affected families still in a guest house.
Hwange Colliery’s corporate affairs manager Mrs Rugare Dhobbie said: “The situation is better today. But we remain on high alert. Displaced families are still accommodated at the guest house (and) as Hwange we are grateful for the assistance received. This act of love will make a huge difference in the lives of the affected families.”
She said companies and individuals were coming forward with various forms of assistance for the affected families.
Paul Nyathi|Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Monday led a Government delegation that received an Air Zimbabwe Jet from Malaysia at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
After receiving the aircraft, the Acting President handed it over to the Airzim management led by company administrator Mr Reggie Saruchera.
Second delivery as Air Zimbabwe
Amidst all the fun and flare at the ceremony, Chiwenga and his entourage deliberately ignored to mention that the plane which was being tagged as a new delivery for Air Zimbabwe was not being delivered into the country for the first time.
The 300-seater plane, which touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday, is the same plane that was received by former finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa on April 11, 2018 then on behalf of a newly established government wholly-owned special purpose vehicle, Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company, which, in turn, was said to be leasing the aircraft to another new government owned company, Zimbabwe Airways.
Government had decided to lease out the planes to its newly-created firm, Zimbabwe Airways, in order to allow Airzim — then saddled with a $300 million debt — time to recover.
“Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company, which is 100 percent owned by the Government, is leasing the new Boeing 777 to Zimbabwe Airways, which is also wholly owned by the Government,” said Chinamasa at the time.
In June of the same year, the new Boeing 777 bought using state funds was returned to Malaysia without making a single flight.
The purchase of the plane and three others from Malaysian Airways was negotiated by late former president Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law, Simba Chikore.
The national carrier Air Zimbabwe was at the time not chosen to take on the new planes, not least because it was bankrupt.
Government with advise from Chikore had set up Zimbabwe Airways to operate the new aircraft believing that the new company would not inherit the state airline’s massive debts.
Malaysia Airlines lost two of its B777s months apart in 2014 – one shot down by a missile over Ukraine and another which vanished off the radar and crashed into the sea through what investigators concluded were the deliberate actions of the captain.
While the accidents were not the plane’s fault, Malaysian Airlines could not believe their bad luck with the B777s and decided to retire them in March 2016.
Zimbabwe negotiated to buy four of the planes at a total cost of $70 million.
The Zimbabwe Airways’ formation was something of a scandal in Zimbabwe. For a long time, the government had claimed that it was a private company – before ministers finally admitted that the company was state-owned.
The government had planned to hide its interest in the airline to avoid creditors attaching the aircraft. Zimbabwe Airways would have taken over overseas routes long abandoned by the ailing Air Zimbabwe, including Harare-London and Harare-Beijing.
Transport Minister Joel Matiza announced that Zimbabwe Airways would be merged with Air Zimbabwe, but within days of that announcement, Air Zimbabwe went into administration. The administrator then announced that Air Zimbabwe, wholly owned by the government, was looking for private investors.
Talks about merging the two airlines had collapsed after a nominee shareholder in Zimbabwe Airways demanded to be paid US$2 million by the government.
Harare lawyer Phillipa Phillips, who was listed as a Zimbabwe Airways director, wrote to the Transport Ministry informing them that the merger would not proceed unless she is paid US$2 million.
A nominee shareholder is an ostensible or registered owner who holds shares on behalf of the actual owner (beneficial owner) under a custodial agreement. It was not immediately clear who in this case the actual owner was.
Seeing problems with Zimbabwe Airways, government tried to cancel the deal for the four planes with Malaysia but Malaysian Airlines turned down the request to reverse a deal for the purchase of two Boeing 777 planes and threatened to take legal action for breach of contract.
Government initially entered into a deal in 2017 for the purchase of four jetliners, but later wanted to negotiate for two after failing to raise US$70 million for all of them.
The planes, which were initially sourced for Zimbabwe Airways (ZimAirways), are now the same planes that are being set towards the revival of the troubled flag carrier Air Zimbabwe.
Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza travelled to Kuala Lumpur earlier last year to try and sell the new government position to the Malaysian Airlines executives without success.
He later told a media briefing in Harare that government would now proceed with the original deal for the four planes.
Harare had paid for one plane in full and made a 10% deposit for the other. It had not commenced payments for the remaining two.
Matiza’s proposal was shot down by Malaysian Airlines, which said government has no choice but to honour the subsisting contract or risk facing legal action for breach of contract.
“The issue is that the Malaysians did not want the original agreement altered and insisted on honouring the contract. Even before the trip to Malaysia was made, everyone knew that there was a high possibility for the authorities there to threaten legal action,” a government source said. “They were told that the 2017 sale agreement was legally binding and Zimbabwe risked blacklisting by foreign airlines if it does not revert to the original plan.”
The planes are now being delivered into the country in the name of Air Zimbabwe and not Zimbabwe Airways.
What, however, baffles the mind is how in all this, the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission remains silent and watches government play around with people’s minds claiming delivery of the same plane twice.
In November last year, ZACC briefly arrested former Transport Minister Joram Gumbo for criminal abuse of office over the Zimbabwe Airways deal which saw Government losing millions of dollars.
The arrest appears to have since fizzled into thin air.
THE Warriors will today know their opponents in the second round of qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup when the group stage draw is conducted at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, tonight.
Zimbabwe are returning to the qualifiers of the global showpiece after missing the 2018 campaign serving a suspension for failure to pay former Warriors’ coach José Claudinei Georgini, better known as Valinhos.
The debt has since been paid and Zimbabwe are back in the qualifiers and hoping for a positive return.
The national side was placed in Pot 3 for the draw after progressing through the preliminary round by beating Somalia 3-2 on aggregate. The seeding was based on the latest Fifa Rankings released December.
Zimbabwe could face Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon, Mali and DR Congo, who are in Pot 1.
Other possible opponents in Pot 2 are Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Guinea, Uganda, Cape Verde, Gabon, Benin, Zambia and Congo.
Malawi, Angola, Togo, Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Liberia and Djibouti make up Pot 4.
Action is expected to kick-off in October.State media
TWO men who were part of a 15 men gang armed with machetes, axes and logs have been arrested for allegedly raiding and stealing gold ore at a mine in Colleen Bawn.
Mqhelisi Moyo (26) and Edmore Zulu (32) both from Spitzkop Medium Suburb were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing a robbery charge. They were remanded in custody to January 26 for trial.
Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Moyo and Zulu, who were in the company of 13 others who are still at large, invaded Poly 4 Mine which belongs to Ms Grace Dube on December 4 at around 2AM.
They allegedly stole 60 by 50kg bags of gold ore, a car battery and two cellphones all valued at US$1 110.
“On 4 December at around 2AM the two accused persons in the company of 13 others who are still at large drove to Poly 4 Mine in Colleen Bawn in two vehicles armed with machetes, logs and axes.
“They found mine workers asleep in the open while others were asleep inside some make shift tents. The gang began to assault the mine workers using machetes and logs and the workers fled in different directions,’’ she said.
Miss Nare said the accused persons then loaded 60 by 50kg of gold ore into the two vehicles and also took a car battery and two cell phones before fleeing the scene.
She said the matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to Moyo’s arrest.
Miss Nare said Moyo was arrested after he was identified by one of the workers as the driver of one of the two vehicles that were used in the raid.
She said Moyo then implicated Zulu leading to his arrest. She said the stolen property is worth US$1 101 and nothing was recovered.-State media
The State wants Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, to surrender into court custody as part of her bail conditions all three valid Zimbabwean passports reportedly issued to her and to live at a different address from the matrimonial Borrowdale home she shared with her husband.
She is on remand for attempted murder, fraud and money laundering.
Mubaiwa surrendered one diplomatic passport as a bail condition set by the High Court.
The State has been informed there is a second diplomatic passport, expiring on December 11 this year, and an ordinary passport expiring on February 21, 2022.
The prosecution wants all three passports in the custody of the court until the trial is over.
The application has been set for hearing today before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.
Acting President Chiwenga, who is accusing his estranged wife of performing rituals at his Borrowdale home and bringing in “witch doctors”, opposes Mubaiwa’s request to reside at 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke.
Through his lawyers, Manase & Manase Legal Practitioners, the Acting President argued that the prosecution was not aware of the issue when bail was argued.
He contends that Mubaiwa, being an accused person, could not share the house with the Acting President, who is the complainant in two of the cases for fear of interference.
Meanwhile, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, is expected to preside over the civil case in which Mubaiwa wants custody of the couple’s three children.
The matter was last week deferred to give them a chance to hammer out a settlement.State media
Genius Kadungure must pay an additional US$58 000 excise duty for one of his recently imported top-of-the-range vehicles, a Bentley Continental GT, that he had undervalued on its arrival.
The vehicle is under an embargo, although being kept at Kadungure’s house.
He is expected to pay up by Friday under the order issued last Friday by High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora.
He had previously paid US$82 450 as duty.
Explaining matters, Kadungure’s lawyer Mr Brighton Pabwe said: “Zimra did its reconciliations and my client Kadungure was ordered to top up duty by US$58 469,09.
“Initially, he had paid US$82 450. The car remains on embargo at his house until duty is paid before or by 24 January.”
The development comes after Kadungure had approached the High Court last week seeking an order to prohibit the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) from confiscating the vehicle that is valued at R1,9 million.
Zimra officials and police officers from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) visited Kadungure’s Domboshava residence last week to impound the vehicle.
Kadungure told the court that he bought the vehicle from a South African company through his courier and clearing agents and took delivery of it on January 5.
Kadungure was also suing Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in his official capacity.
He was contesting the constitutionality of the Customs and Excise Act section that prohibits any civil proceedings to be taken against Zimra without giving six months’ notice in terms of the State Liabilities Act.State media
Farai Dziva|Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed striker Marcus Rashford will be out for at least six weeks after suffering a back injury.
The forward missed the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
He sustained the injury in midweek against Wolves.
When Solskjaer was asked whether United will sign another striker in January, he said to Sky Sports in a post match interview:
“We’re always looking at chances to improve the squad – with Marcus out for a while we have to look at it closely.
“He’s suffered a bad injury. It’s a [back] stress fracture, it happened against Wolves.
“It’s not happened before, it happened there and then. He’ll be out for a while. He won’t be back until after the mid- season break.
“Normally six weeks to heal, but I’m not a doctor, and then he needs rehab after that probably.”
Liverpool are firmly in control of the title race after yesterday’s emphatic victory over Manchester United.
Two men who were part of a 15 men gang armed with machetes, axes and logs have been arrested for allegedly raiding and stealing gold ore at a mine in Colleen Bawn.
Mqhelisi Moyo (26) and Edmore Zulu (32) both from Spitzkop Medium Suburb were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing a robbery charge. They were remanded in custody to January 26 for trial.
Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Moyo and Zulu, who were in the company of 13 others who are still at large, invaded Poly 4 Mine which belongs to Ms Grace Dube on December 4 at around 2AM.
They allegedly stole 60 by 50kg bags of gold ore, a car battery and two cellphones all valued at US$1 110.
“On 4 December at around 2AM the two accused persons in the company of 13 others who are still at large drove to Poly 4 Mine in Colleen Bawn in two vehicles armed with machetes, logs and axes.
“They found mine workers asleep in the open while others were asleep inside some make shift tents. The gang began to assault the mine workers using machetes and logs and the workers fled in different directions,’’ she said.
Miss Nare said the accused persons then loaded 60 by 50kg of gold ore into the two vehicles and also took a car battery and two cell phones before fleeing the scene.
She said the matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to Moyo’s arrest.
Miss Nare said Moyo was arrested after he was identified by one of the workers as the driver of one of the two vehicles that were used in the raid.
She said Moyo then implicated Zulu leading to his arrest. She said the stolen property is worth US$1 101 and nothing was recovered.
Machete gangs have been terrorising people in gold-rich mining towns like Gwanda, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Bindura and Chegutu, where they are killing and sexually abusing gold miners and civilians.
Special courts have since been set up countrywide to deal specifically with organised machete gang attackers.
Speaking during the opening of the 2020 Legal Year last week, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said the specialised courts are expected to clamp down speedily and decisively on the machete gang menace following grisly murders, including that of a Kadoma police officer, robberies and vicious assaults.
Chief Justice Malaba strongly warned rogue elements behind the wave of machete and knife violence.
“As we speak, the country is gripped by another spate of violence perpetrated by the so-called machete gangs. The Judiciary acknowledges the work being undertaken by law enforcement agencies in bringing perpetrators of that violence to book,” he said. Chronicle
The State wants Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, to surrender into court custody as part of her bail conditions all three valid Zimbabwean passports reportedly issued to her and to live at a different address from the matrimonial Borrowdale home she shared with her husband.
She is on remand for attempted murder, fraud and money laundering. Mubaiwa surrendered one diplomatic passport as a bail condition set by the High Court.
The State has been informed there is a second diplomatic passport, expiring on December 11 this year, and an ordinary passport expiring on February 21, 2022. The prosecution wants all three passports in the custody of the court until the trial is over.
The application has been set for hearing today before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.
Acting President Chiwenga, who is accusing his estranged wife of performing rituals at his Borrowdale home and bringing in “witch doctors”, opposes Mubaiwa’s request to reside at 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke.
Through his lawyers, Manase & Manase Legal Practitioners, the Acting President argued that the prosecution was not aware of the issue when bail was argued.
He contends that Mubaiwa, being an accused person, could not share the house with the Acting President, who is the complainant in two of the cases for fear of interference.
Meanwhile, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, is expected to preside over the civil case in which Mubaiwa wants custody of the couple’s three children.
The matter was last week deferred to give them a chance to hammer out a settlement. – state media
A Zimbabwean man is on the run after he allegedly killed a South African police captain during a robbery fire exchange on Saturday in Johannesburg.
A South African Police Service (SAPS) source confirmed to H-Metro that Preymore Dube, the alleged suspect from Bulawayo, shot Diepsloot police captain Oupa Matjie, 54, three times on the head and he died on the spot.
Preymore Dube
“The murder occurred on around 7pm at corner Jabulani and Stability Street Extension 3 Diepsloot.
“Members of Diepsloot SAPS detective services were on duty following up on information of house robbery suspects and the information became positive.
“They called for backup, Eco group from Diepsloot SAPS responded and they joined the detectives who proceeded with information.
“They were with the victim of the house robbery who pointed out to the suspect in the open field grounds and police chased the suspect.
“The suspect started shooting at the police and police fired back missing the suspect who then walked into the direction of Captain Matjie.
“Captain Matjie grabbed the suspect but was overpowered, and shot three times on the head and died on the spot.
“The suspect who shot and killed the Captain is Preymore Dube from Zimbabwe and he ran on foot,” said the source.
Angry South Africans have taken to social media circulating Dube’s image and labelled him as armed and dangerous amid xenophobia concerns.- H-Metro
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will on Tuesday speak on the party’s agenda for 2020 -as the nation grapples with the biting economic crisis.
See statement below :
All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare on Tuesday as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.
Tomorrow(today), President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.
Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction.
Tomorrow(today), the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.
Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.
Tomorrow(today), the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will on Tuesday speak on the party’s agenda for 2020 -as the nation grapples with the biting economic crisis.
See statement below :
All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare on Tuesday as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.
Tomorrow, President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.
Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction.
Tomorrow, the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.
Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.
Tomorrow, the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.
Farai Dziva|Terror gangs known as MaShurugwi brutally killed MDC vice president Lynnette Karenyi -Kore’s relative last week.
See statement below :
The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.
The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.
Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.
Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.
He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.
The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.
One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.
Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.
The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.
Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.
They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.
MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.
Farai Dziva|Terror gangs known as MaShurugwi brutally killed MDC vice president Lynnette Karenyi -Kore’s relative last week.
See statement below :
The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.
The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.
Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.
Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.
He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.
The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.
One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.
Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.
The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.
Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.
They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.
MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.
By A Correspondent| Hannington Mubaiwa has warned his in-law, VP Constantino Chiwenga to be vigilant against being set up adding that the former army general risked being set up by shrewd people within the system.
Mubaiwa said:
So how could he put together such a flimsy thing(criminal charges)?
Somebody very smart very shrewd, very astute, within the system has sacrificed Constantino Chiwenga.
Cde Mukwasha, I think you are being set up up. Not that I want you to continue to be married to our daughter to my niece.
I don’t think so, I think you need to think, what you are doing, you are tying a noose for yourself.
You are digging a political grave for yourself, you are digging a hole in which you are going to push yourself into it. Think!”
On 15/1/20 ZRP Plumtree arrested 3 Armed Robbery suspects and recovered various property. The accused persons were positively identified by some of their victims and they have since appeared in court. The accused persons waylaid unsuspecting members of the public along the
In this open letter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which I will copy to the international bodies who have been concerned about the Zimbabwean situation, I will want to argue that ZACC must now move in to arrest Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga, in the same way as the same body arrested Mary Chiwenga.
One of the charges Mary Mubaiwa has been arrested for involves externalizing foreign currency, a revelation made by Vice-President Chiwenga.
Now that Mary Mubaiwa, the estranged former Army General’s wife, has also disclosed that the couple acquired properties outside the country, which have been registered in the names of family members and friends, some of the money used having been corruptly acquired from bribes given by business persons among other sources, ZACC must now move in and arrest the former army general.
We are told by Mnangagwa and other Zanu PF heavyweights that no-one is above the law, so the Acting President must be arrested and prove his innocence in the courts of law.
The fact that the Acting President is now trying to persuade his estranged wife for an out of court settlement tells volumes. Marry should stand her grounds and refuse such advances from a cruel man who has tormented her so much.
Marry needs protection from all well meaning people as she has some crucial information that could deal a huge blow to corruption by the top brass in the country.
Harare City Council has suspended three senior water engineers as it moves to align its service delivery mandate with the residents.
The suspension is without benefits. The suspended engineers are Simon Muserere (wastewater , Richard Kunyadini (distribution) and Artwell Ruhukwa (water production).
Chief Chemist Mr Teddy Mafuko is part of the suspended group.
The four face allegations of misconduct in the perfomance of their duties.
According to letters written to the four their charges border on incompetency, inefficiency, habitual and substantial neglect of duties arising from inaction on issues relating to their duties.
They are expected to appear before a hearing within the next 14 days and in the meantime they have been asked to surrender all council equipment in their possession.
1/2 The ZRP is aware of a message circulating on social media concerning purported conduct by police officers at Mzilikazi police station. The message is false as nothing of that sort occurred.
“50 anti-riot junior officers refused to take orders from their superiors while on parade to go for an unnamed operation in Makokoba, Nguboyenja, Entumbane, Thorngroove and Mzilikazi Thursday morning. They expressed displeasure that they are forced to spend more than 12 hours in full anti-riot gear with baton sticks and helmets under hot temperatures with no time for rest.”
By A Correspondent- Police said yesterday they had gunned down a notorious smuggler of second hand clothes into the country at the weekend, while also arresting six other people in Mutare.
This comes as government has launched a nationwide crackdown on the smuggling of bales of second hand cothing and other basic consumer goods into Zimbabwe.
One person was shot dead, while six others were arrested after police intercepted truckloads of smuggled bales of second-hand clothes in Vumba on Saturday night.
The gang, which had a fleet of vehicles, resisted arrest and attempted to run over a police officer, prompting other alert officers to open fire.
Police intercepted a convoy comprising two (7-tonne) trucks, three kombis with bales of clothes and four small escort cars, recovering 170 bales of clothes.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intercepted a convoy of two-seven tonne trucks, three commuter omnibuses and four small vehicles laden with bales of smuggled goods along Vumba Road after a shooting which resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the death of one of the suspects,” he said.
“A crack team of detectives picked information as the convoy approached Vumba and laid an ambush. The vehicles were signalled to stop, but the drivers ignored the police directive as the four small vehicles were being used as smugglers’ escort.”
Police fired warning shots before shooting the wheels of one of the trucks which then stopped.
“In the process, a VW Polo, registration number ADA 5492, which was part of the smugglers escort fleet made a U-turn, sped off towards a police officer who ducked and fired some shots,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“The VW Polo driver and passenger were injured in the process as they tried to flee. The passenger died on admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital, while the driver is admitted under police guard.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said police recovered 170 bales of smuggled clothes from some of the intercepted vehicles.
Metro buses are predominant in cities such as London, (see pics) but you would never see such in areas like Seke, Zimbabwe.
But well, it is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road. This is a Metro bus owned by ZUPCO, carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare.
WATCH VIDEO- It is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road, this is a Metro bus carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare. pic.twitter.com/zbn5BKnqxo
By A Correspondent- In a very embarrassing development, a male boarding master at Washington High School was recently exposed of trying to prey on female students after he allegedly fondled a 15-year-old pupil’s breasts at their rendezvous.
Alouis Mhondiwa was recently convicted of indecent assault after the victim of his sexual pursuits spilled the beans.
Appearing before Harare magistrate Mrs Sharon Rakafa, Mhondiwa was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
She suspended eight months on condition that the accused does not commit a similar offence and the remaining 10 months on condition that Mhondiwa performs 350 hours of community service at Waterfalls Clinic.
During the trial the girl said:
The first day we had gone to the dining hall for studies and a female guard sent me with her phone to the accused person. That was when we arranged how we would meet later that night.
I managed to sneak out of the hostels with three of my friends that were also going to meet their boyfriends. I went to his house. He began touching me and I started feeling different and requested to leave. When I returned to the hostels I told my friend about the incident and planned to return back to the accused person’s residence.
The school authorities heard of the matter and the incident was reported to the police, leading to Mhondiwa’s arrest.
However,the information provided from the trial does not reveal how the alleged indecent assault sexual assault came to light and also whether the complainant and the accused were in a relationship since the complainant had hatched the plan together with her friends to sneak out of their hostels and see their ‘boyfriends’.
By A Correspondent- The City of Gweru has run out of mealie-meal with major supermarkets failing to restock, leaving hundreds of people stranded.
The dire situation has opened avenues for black market merchants in the down town areas where the commodity is selling it at exorbitant prices.
While a 10kg pack of roller meal is supposed to sell at $50, according to government gazetted prices following a subsidy arrangement, on the black market the commodity is being sold for $120. The unscrupulous businesspeople are not accepting all modes of payments like swipe and mobile money transfers, but demanding cash only.
Last week, Bulawayo residents also accused some retail shop owners of abusing the subsidised mealie-meal facility by forcing consumers to buy other goods in order to be able to purchase the scarce commodity.
Residents told Southern Eye that supermarket owners forced them to buy other goods worth over $20 in order to buy a 10kg mealie-meal bag. There has been haggling between the government and millers over registration of firms meant to receive the subsidy, which sources yesterday said was the reason for the acute shortage of the basic food commodity.
“There has not been a fair supply of subsidised grain to millers as the scheme seems to be benefitting a few who are close to the powers that be. That is the reason we have reached this stage whereby there is virtually no mealie-meal in Gweru. The Ministry of Finance and Grain Marketing Board are not doing the right thing. They are corruptly handling the grain subsidy scheme,” said a source.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe spokesperson, Garikai Chaunza referred questions to Andrew Bvumbe, a Finance ministry official in charge of the grain subsidy programme.
“He is the one who is running the roller meal subsidy programme,” Chaunza said.
However, Bvumbe refused to shed light on the shortages of mealie-meal in Gweru or reveal if millers have received disbursements from his ministry to sell the commodity at subsidised prices.
“A statement was issued that it is the Ministry of Industry and Commerce that is in charge of that programme,” Bvumbe curtly said.
By A Correspondent- Home Affairs deputy minister Mike Madiro’s son allegedly torched his parents’ eight-roomed farmhouse at Odzi Farm on Friday following an argument over the sale of two oxen.
On Saturday, Shingirai (23) appeared before Mutare magistrate Tamara Chibindi, who remanded him to January 30 on $1 000 bail.
It is the State’s case that on the day in question, Shingirai, who was reportedly stopped from selling the family’s two oxen, threatened his parents with death.
His parents then ran for dear life after which he torched the family’s house, destroying property worth $90 000.
By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has suspended four senior officials for alleged dereliction of duty and contributing to the water crisis in the city.
The axe fell on head of city chemistry, production manager and water distribution manager and their alleged transgressions include failure to act decisively on leakages, arrogance and taking long to attend to faults, among others.
Mayor Herbert Gomba confirmed the development, saying the move was meant to improve service delivery and get rid of non-performers.
“As we are working together as Zimbabweans and residents of Harare in particular, we have discovered that some among us are not playing ball in as far as the transformation of the city is concerned. We have managers who are reposed with the mandate to deliver services, but are not doing so according to expectation.
“Managers are supposed to visit the areas where work is supposed to be. A chemist or production manager and distribution manager should be on the ground to ensure work is done. Facts are that they are not and we will act to protect our residents under the mantra ‘residents first’,” he said.
Gomba read the riot act at a high-level meeting held at Town House last week where he also ordered the council’s water department to vacate a rented building they were using in the city and make use of either Cleveland or Rowan Martin, both council premises.
Council sources said all divisional failing to perform their duties will be taken before a disciplinary committee.
It was also revealed that most workers at the council’s biggest water treatment plant, Morton Jaffray Waterworks, were spending most of their time running personal errands, including selling fish at the ratepayers’ expense
Own Correspondent|Police in Bulawayo have dragged MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda into the demonstration by students from Prince Njube Memorial High School in Bulawayo on Monday morning.
In a memorandum to the Officer Commanding Bulawayo, the Officer In Charge Njube Police made a sensational claim that the MDC Presidential Spokesperson was seen milling around the demonstrating students.
The police made the revelation as they incriminated a biology teacher at the school Brian Mutsiba for inciting the 180 students to demonstrate discrediting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration. The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders. Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around,” wrote the police.
The Full Police outline is as below:
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT FROM: OIC NJUBE DATED 20/01/2020 SUBJECT: DEMOSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS This Memo serves to inform you that: INFORMANT Name: Ndlovu Archford Contacts: XXXXXXXX Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo Business address: Njube High Secondary School.
ACCUSED Name: Brian Mutsiba NR: XXXXXXXX Contacts: XXXXXXX Res: XXXXX, Bulawayo Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo CIRCUMSTANCES On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.
From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road. On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”. The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”. During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. XXXXXXXX, cell number XXXXXX arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.
On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march. ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation. They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00. The teachers are earning low salaries. Teachers not attending lessons. Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and The general high cost of living.
A follow-up of the accused was made at number XXX, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. XXXXX, Cellphone number XXXXXX, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that accused was a fellow tenant at the house. Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone. Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.
Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration. The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders. Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
By A Correspondent- Sate security operatives reportedly pounced on Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) leader, Takavafira Zhou’s office on Thursday last week following reports of his involvement in the planned national shutdown.
The majority of PTUZ members across the country are reportedly boycotting classes citing incapacitation, while the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and the main opposition MDC party have threatened a national shutdown protest over the deteriorating economy.
Unsettled by these developments, three Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives pounced at Zhou’s offices in Masvingo, while others called him from Kwekwe in a bid to thwart the impending shutdown.
“They were trying to the link teachers’ strike with threats of a shutdown and we informed them that our struggle is a dispute with the employer in which the employer unilaterally (devalued) teachers’ salaries from US$500 to US$35. That is tantamount to unfair labour practice,” Zhou told NewsDay on Saturday.
“I explained to the CIOs that the shutdown of shops is not part of our agenda, but staying away from work because of incapacitation. They also interrogated us on our 2014 banner, whose other writing thread demanded ‘accountability over diamonds and other minerals’ and I explained our expectation of responsible leadership that should judiciously use minerals for the benefit of all Zimbabweans as opposed to self-aggrandisement and economic banditry.”
Zhou also revealed that police from the Central Investigations Department (CID) contacted him over the stayaway by teachers in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown of Kwekwe.
“I also received a phone call from CID in Kwekwe, who wanted to know why PTUZ teachers have not reported for work and I also explained to them that teachers’ incapacitation was the modus operandi,” he said.
Last year, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure was abducted by suspected CIO operatives, who tortured him for leading a strike.
Zhou said he was still assessing the situation in order to measure his safety.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was not aware whether or not the police were investigating Zhou as he was out of office.
“I am currently out of office as it is a weekend. I am, therefore, unable to comment on that one because I can’t look for the facts at the moment,” he said.
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT FROM: OIC NJUBE DATED 20/01/2020 SUBJECT: DEMOSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS This Memo serves to inform you that: INFORMANT Name: Ndlovu Archford Contacts: XXXXXXXX Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo Business address: Njube High Secondary School.
ACCUSED Name: Brian Mutsiba NR: XXXXXXXX Contacts: XXXXXXX Res: XXXXX, Bulawayo Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo CIRCUMSTANCES On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.
From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road. On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”. The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”. During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. XXXXXXXX, cell number XXXXXX arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.
On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march. ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation. They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.
Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.
A follow-up of the accused was made at number XXX, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. XXXXX, Cellphone number XXXXXX, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that accused was a fellow tenant at the house. Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone. Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.
Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration. The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders. Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
Njube High School students speaking with a provincial education official in Bulawayo.
Own Correspondent|Students at Zimbabwe’s Prince Njube Memorial High School in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo, staged a public protest Monday over the deteriorating situation in schools where teachers are on strike and parents are crying foul on steep education costs.
The students, carrying President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s official portrait and banners declaring that they were doing it for all other Zimbabwean children, marched for almost five kilometers along one of the highways to the city’s central business district to present their grievances to provincial education officials.
The students told District Schools Inspector Zanele Muyambo that they need urgent government intervention on the deteriorating education situation in schools where there are no teachers even if their parents have paid huge sums of money for their learning.
Muyambo promised to deliver their grievances to the relevant authorities.
The march by the Njube Memorial High School students may have instigated students from other schools to follow suit as there hasn’t been any meaningful learning at schools throughout the country.
Teachers have tactically not been reporting for duty since schools opened only reporting on Mondays to clock for duty and return home.
According to the public service code of conduct a government employee is dismissed from work of they don’t report for duty for fourteen working days continuously. Teachers are evading the code by reporting for work once or twice a week.
Own Correspondent|THE State has withdrawn the case against suspended Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe in which he was facing criminal abuse of office charges after he allegedly recommended that former ministers Supa Mandiwanzira and Saviour Kasukuwere be admitted for attachment at Harare magistrates court where they had pending criminal cases.
Guvamombe was also facing charges of defeating the course of justice after he allegedly directed a subordinate, Elijah Makomo, to recuse himself in a trial involving his alleged business partner’s son.
Guvamombe’s charges were withdrawn before plea.
The State led by Constance Ngombengombe said it will summon Guvamombe back when it has put its house in order.
The case was withdrawn before magistrate Amos Mubobo
Correspondent|State security operatives reportedly pounced on Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) leader, Takavafira Zhou’s office on Thursday last week following reports of his involvement in the planned national shutdown.
The majority of PTUZ members across the country are reportedly boycotting classes citing incapacitation, while the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and the main opposition MDC party have threatened a national shutdown protest over the deteriorating economy.
Unsettled by these developments, three Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives pounced at Zhou’s offices in Masvingo, while others called him from Kwekwe in a bid to thwart the impending shutdown.
“They were trying to the link teachers’ strike with threats of a shutdown and we informed them that our struggle is a dispute with the employer in which the employer unilaterally (devalued) teachers’ salaries from US$500 to US$35. That is tantamount to unfair labour practice,” Zhou told NewsDay on Saturday.
“I explained to the CIOs that the shutdown of shops is not part of our agenda, but staying away from work because of incapacitation. They also interrogated us on our 2014 banner, whose other writing thread demanded ‘accountability over diamonds and other minerals’ and I explained our expectation of responsible leadership that should judiciously use minerals for the benefit of all Zimbabweans as opposed to self-aggrandisement and economic banditry.”
Zhou also revealed that police from the Central Investigations Department (CID) contacted him over the stayaway by teachers in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown of Kwekwe.
“I also received a phone call from CID in Kwekwe, who wanted to know why PTUZ teachers have not reported for work and I also explained to them that teachers’ incapacitation was the modus operandi,” he said.
Last year, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure was abducted by suspected CIO operatives, who tortured him for leading a strike.
Zhou said he was still assessing the situation in order to measure his safety.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was not aware whether or not the police were investigating Zhou as he was out of office.
“I am currently out of office as it is a weekend. I am, therefore, unable to comment on that one because I can’t look for the facts at the moment,” he said.
Armed forces outside the prison in Pedro Juan Caballero ( Getty )
Own Correspondent |At least seventy-five prisoners, including members of Brazil’s most powerful drug cartel, have broken free from a Paraguayan jail in an escape that was likely facilitated by prison officers, officials say.
Authorities discovered a narrow tunnel, which was carefully hidden to avoid detection, though it is believed inmates were provided with inside help.
Paraguay’s justice minister, Cecilia Perez, said: “It’s an operation that took days and it is impossible that the officials did not realise that they were leaving … obviously this was a paid plan.”
Authorities had received prior information that an escape was being planned, Ms Perez added.
It has also been alleged many of the prisoners were allowed to walk free through the main gate by jail guards, with the tunnel built as a cover-up for the operation.
“We found the tunnel and believe that it was a cover-up to legitimise or hide the release of the prisoners,” interior minister Euclides Acevedo said. “There was complicity with people” at the jail, he added.
The escaped prisoners included gang members from First Capital Command (PCC), Brazil’s most powerful and sophisticated organised crime group, the government said.
The PCC, which has almost 30,000 members, is involved in drug and arms trafficking across Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Colombia.
Inspections at the prison complex in the eastern city of Pedro Juan Caballero, near the Brazilian border, revealed hundreds of sandbags stored in a single cell.
Intelligence also suggests that inmates had been allowed to leave in smaller groups over a number of days, Mr Acevedo said.
The director of the prison, Christan Gonzalez, and six other prison officials have since been fired and arrested, according to reports.
Paraguay’s National Police have launched a hunt for the escapees, a number of whom participated in a massacre which left 10 inmates dead at the prison in June last year.
The Brazilian authorities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul have issued an alert, with state police and the armed forces working in the area to track down the fugitives.
Concerns have been raised that some of the escaped prisoners have already crossed into Brazil. Burnt-out vehicles have been found on the Brazilian side of the border.
The investigation into the prison break is ongoing.
Own Correspondent|The family of Marry Mubaiwa – Chiwenga wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has warned the country’s second citizen that he is digging his own political grave by continuously fighting their daughter.
Marry’s uncle Harrington Mubaiwa made the revelation in an exclusive to ZimEye.com on Monday afternoon.
Own Correspondent|Controversial Zambian Prophet who made headlines in December 2019 after he released a prophecy that claimed that Marry Chiwenga was going to spill secrets about General Chiwenga which were going to lead to a coup d’etat plot has hit headlines yet again claiming that he turned water into wine.
Prophet DD Isaac caused a stir at his Holy Ghost Embassy church on Sunday when he claimed to have turned water into wine.
According to eye witnesses DD Isaac poured water into a glass and after “ministration” the water turned into a wine like substance.
While it is acknowledged that Jesus turned water into wine it is not recorded anywhere else that a human being has been able to accomplish the same feat.
This incident left congregants baffled as to whether this was really a miracle or a scam.
South Africa based religious analyst Shephard Ben Abraham said the miracle of turning water into wine is being used by alcohol consumers to justify their acts.
“While there is nothing wrong with miracles, these kind of miracles of turning water into wine are fueling reckless drinking,” Shephard said. “I would advise pastors to desist from these kind of miracles for the sake of the society.”
DD Isaac prophecy on Chiwengas was sort of partly fulfilled as Marry Chiwenga submitted court papers which savaged General Chiwenga’s reputation and revealed a lot of explosive secrets about his personal, political and financial life.
Recently Advocate Thabani Mpofu submitted a legal opinion which stated that Mnangagwa had abdicated the Presidency and Chiwenga was now the President at law. This move gave weight to DD Isaac’s Prophecy in which he states that he saw two lions fighting in Zimbabwe, a red lion believed to be Mnangagwa and a green lion believed to be Chiwenga from his military fatigues and command of the army.
Family Sources close to retired General Chiwenga indicated that the DD Isaac prophecy shook General Chiwenga to a point where the Acting President went to church to pray and seek spiritual guidance, something the General rarely does. After seeking prayer and spiritual counsel Chiwenga waved a white flag as he sought for an out of court settlement with his estranged wife.
Message By VP Chiwenga|It was with a great sense of shock and sadness that I learnt of the death on Saturday evening 16 people in a tragic accident involving a bus and a haulage truck along the Harare-Mutare Highway.
Life is very precious and losing it in circumstances that are avoidable is not only extremely painful and heart-breaking but also needless and senseless.
This latest bus accident brings to the fore Government’s call to road-users including all those involved with public transportation to value life always and to be mindful of the heavy responsibilities they carry on their shoulders to ensure the safety of passengers.
On behalf of government, His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa and on my own behalf, I wish to extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families for losing their beloved ones in this traffic accident, may they take comfort from our prayers and rest assured that Government will support them during this period of deep grief. In the same spirit, our prayers go to those nursing their injuries, both in hospital and at home. We wish them speedy recovery.
Own Correspondent|Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero was lucky to escape unharmed after being involved in a car crash near the club’s training ground in Carrington on Monday.
The Argentine shot-stopper, who has been deputizing for the number one David de Gea, reportedly smashed up his Lamborghini worth £170,000 (over R3 million) on the Carrington Spur Road.
Below images show the car wreckage on the side of the road, courtesy of Daily Mail.
Reports are that the accident could’ve been caused by cold and icy conditions across Manchester with temperatures hovering above freezing, with drivers needing to have been particularly careful on the roads.
Romero becomes the second Argentine to be involved in a car accident after his national teammate Sergio Aguero also smashed Range Rover SUV back in October 2019.
Vice President Chiwenga and his wife seen during the Miss World Zimbabwe pageant in September
Own Correspondent|Marry Chiwenga, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is reportedly in a “no nonsense approach” as he tackles his husband in what is set to be the dirtiest divorce of Zimbabwean elites in recent history.
The former model is reported to have turned down a request for an out of court settlement on child custody and access to family house made by Chiwenga.
Source close to Marry Chiwenga‘s defence council told media houses on Monday that the estranged wife wants nothing to do with an discussions with Chiwenga except in court.
“Marry is in a no nonsense mood and would want the matter to be settled in court,” said the sources.
“The applicant is the one who brought the issue to the courts so there is no need for it to be settled out of courts
“What has now changed that the applicant feels the issue can be resolved without the courts? He (Chiwenga) was ill-advised and Marry is only playing her part as the respondent.
“Unless something major happens this morning (Monday), Marry has since last Friday indicated to her defence counsel that she will not accept an out of court settlement.”
On Monday afternoon, sources told ZimEye.com that clashed heavily with Vice President Chiwenga’s body guards when she went to see her children at a private school in Harare.
Own Correspondent|Brian Mutsiba, a biology teacher at Njube High, claimed the “children had initiated the march by themselves” to show their disapproval of the education system.
Farai Dziva|Kaitano Tembo’s Supersport United lost 1-2 to Mamelodi Sundowns in an explosive Tswane derby on Sunday.
In another match Knox Mutizwa returned to the scoresheet on Sunday afternoon after netting the opener in the 1-1 draw at Polokwane City.
The striker headed home in the 8th minute following a well-executed attacking play, but City equalised later in the second half through Mahammed Anas in the 70th minute.
Arrows midfielder Danny Phiri started in the first XI and received a booking while Divine Lunga was on the bench.
Polokwane City fielded George Chigova in goals with Walter Musona and Charlton Mashumba creating part of the attacking line.
Elsewhere, Norman Mapeza’s Chippa Unita managed a 1-1 draw at Bloemfontein Celtic.
Farai Dziva|Kaitano Tembo felt cheated when his SuperSport United side conceded the first goal in their 2-1 league defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday.
United went behind after Themba Zwane netted in the 32nd minute, only to recover ten minutes into the second half when Dean Furman converted from the spot. The parity didn’t stay for long as Thapelo Morena secured the winner for Pitso Mosimane’s charges just after the hour mark.
Speaking after the game, Tembo highlighted the reasons behind their loss and among them was the opening goal which he believes was scored from an offside position.
“Look I think there were two things, the first one we didn’t have a good start, we were negative especially in possession, we never really wanted to go forward, to give them a little bit of problems defensively,” Tembo told SuperSport TV.
“So they were very comfortable, especially their centre-backs, they could build-up from the back because there’s wasn’t really pressure.
“And whenever we went forward, I think the final decision was bad, we chose the wrong options and it’s either we rushed and the second thing was that our pressing wasn’t good,” he went on.
“Defending the cross because they scored from two crosses, the first one I thought it was offside I’m not so sure about that but I think it was offside. Nevertheless, we didn’t defend well.
“The second goal, we didn’t defend well as well, not stopping the cross and not defending the cross, that’s how they scored, that’s how the game was won. But I think we became a little bit brave especially when we brought in [Ghampani Lungu] and [Thamsanqa] Gabuza. We were a little bit adventurous, we gave them problems a little bit.
‘It’s disappointing to drop the three points, we wanted the points badly, especially at this time of the season but still, we have to credit the players, they kept on fighting, they went a little bit hard and we’ll keep on fighting until the end,” he added.
Farai Dziva|Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed striker Marcus Rashford will be out for at least six weeks after suffering a back injury.
The forward missed the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
He sustained the injury in midweek against Wolves.
When Solskjaer was asked whether United will sign another striker in January, he said to Sky Sports in a post match interview:
“We’re always looking at chances to improve the squad – with Marcus out for a while we have to look at it closely.
“He’s suffered a bad injury. It’s a [back] stress fracture, it happened against Wolves.
“It’s not happened before, it happened there and then. He’ll be out for a while. He won’t be back until after the mid- season break.
“Normally six weeks to heal, but I’m not a doctor, and then he needs rehab after that probably.”
Liverpool are firmly in control of the title race after yesterday’s emphatic victory over Manchester United.
By A Correspondent- State security operatives reportedly pounced on Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) leader, Takavafira Zhou’s office on Thursday last week following reports of his involvement in the planned national shutdown.
The majority of PTUZ members across the country are reportedly boycotting classes citing incapacitation, while the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and the main opposition MDC party have threatened a national shutdown protest over the deteriorating economy.
Unsettled by these developments, three Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives pounced at Zhou’s offices in Masvingo, while others called him from Kwekwe in a bid to thwart the impending shutdown.
“They were trying to the link teachers’ strike with threats of a shutdown and we informed them that our struggle is a dispute with the employer in which the employer unilaterally (devalued) teachers’ salaries from US$500 to US$35. That is tantamount to unfair labour practice,” Zhou told NewsDay on Saturday.
“I explained to the CIOs that the shutdown of shops is not part of our agenda, but staying away from work because of incapacitation. They also interrogated us on our 2014 banner, whose other writing thread demanded ‘accountability over diamonds and other minerals’ and I explained our expectation of responsible leadership that should judiciously use minerals for the benefit of all Zimbabweans as opposed to self-aggrandisement and economic banditry.”
Zhou also revealed that police from the Central Investigations Department (CID) contacted him over the stayaway by teachers in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown of Kwekwe.
“I also received a phone call from CID in Kwekwe, who wanted to know why PTUZ teachers have not reported for work and I also explained to them that teachers’ incapacitation was the modus operandi,” he said.
Last year, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure was abducted by suspected CIO operatives, who tortured him for leading a strike.
Zhou said he was still assessing the situation in order to measure his safety.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was not aware whether or not the police were investigating Zhou as he was out of office.
“I am currently out of office as it is a weekend. I am, therefore, unable to comment on that one because I can’t look for the facts at the moment,” he said.
By A Correspondent- Wife to the acting President Marry Chiwenga Mubaiwa this afternoon clashed with her husband’s security details at Hellenic Primary School in Harare.
Sources privy to the developments allege that Marry went to the school Monday afternoon and she had a nasty fallout with the security details, who according to unconfirmed reports are maintaining a 24 hours surveillance on her and the acting president’s minors. Chiwenga and his estranged wife are fighting for the custody of their children.
Reports reaching ZimEye allege that an unconfirmed number of journalists who witnessed the drama were also picked up by the security details.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest details.
A Zimbabwean man is on the run after he allegedly killed a South African police captain during a robbery fire exchange on Saturday in Johannesburg.
A South African Police Service (SAPS) source confirmed to H-Metro that Preymore Dube, the alleged suspect from Bulawayo, shot Diepsloot police captain Oupa Matjie, 54, three times on the head and he died on the spot.
Preymore Dube
“The murder occurred on around 7pm at corner Jabulani and Stability Street Extension 3 Diepsloot.
“Members of Diepsloot SAPS detective services were on duty following up on information of house robbery suspects and the information became positive.
“They called for backup, Eco group from Diepsloot SAPS responded and they joined the detectives who proceeded with information.
“They were with the victim of the house robbery who pointed out to the suspect in the open field grounds and police chased the suspect.
“The suspect started shooting at the police and police fired back missing the suspect who then walked into the direction of Captain Matjie.
“Captain Matjie grabbed the suspect but was overpowered, and shot three times on the head and died on the spot.
“The suspect who shot and killed the Captain is Preymore Dube from Zimbabwe and he ran on foot,” said the source.
Angry South Africans have taken to social media circulating Dube’s image and labelled him as armed and dangerous amid xenophobia concerns.- H-Metro
Metro buses are predominant in cities such as London, (see pics) but you would never see such in areas like Seke, Zimbabwe.
But well, it is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road. This is a Metro bus owned by ZUPCO, carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare.
It leaves to be seen however if the buses are insured. The passenger association of Zimbabwe has raised alarm saying many ZUPCO buses do not have liability cover.
WATCH VIDEO- It is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road, this is a Metro bus carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare. pic.twitter.com/zbn5BKnqxo
The floods that hit Hwange on Saturday flooded the country’s second-largest power station and affected power generation.
This was revealed in a tweet by the Energy minister when he said:
ENERGY UPDATE: the weather has conspired against us. Hwange power station coal plant flooded.Power station now down to zero megawatts. 400 mw lost. Zesa working to recover.
ZESA had warned the public that the forecasted floods might affect power generation.
Hwange was producing 370 MW while Kariba is producing 286 MW- Newzwire.
By A Correspondent| Controversial preacher Walter Magaya has taken a jump away from his criminal conviction for selling his fake HIV medication, Aguma, to begin selling hair food.
His latest activities are cited in the following announcement by his church organisation which reveals the below hair food products.
Unlike Aguma, it is called Charis Herbal Food.
The chemical contents thereof could not be established at time of writing.
Magaya from Aguma now hair food.
"Calvary Greetings. Calling on all WOV on the platform. You are all invited to the Charis Hair Food training being conducted by our Father Prophet W Magaya at Yadah Hotel today. …… Training starts at 12 sharp today. " pic.twitter.com/71kzXaLOKM
Calvary Greetings. Calling on all WOV on the platform.
You are all invited to the Charis Hair Food training being conducted by our Father Prophet W Magaya at Yadah Hotel today. Mese henyu ma WoV that are interested in this wonderful opportunity to be empowered and equipped by our Father.
MDC A may reason with their blind judgment and unsanctified minds until 2023 and not advance a step toward emancipation they may debate and dispute the elections before the elections are done and yet grow more and more self-deceived, and become far and far away from the electorate. What is their fault? They rejected the freedom which ZANU PF had already given them and were seeking for some new light by which they might so interpret democracy so as to sustain their actions.
ZANU PF COMMISSARIAT has adopted a more friendly and welcoming strategy to win the electorate and sustain the gains of freedom.
The ZANU PF National Political COMMISSAIR Comrade Matemadanda has unpacked a ZANU PF powered by the New Dispensation full of tolerance and understanding. Comrade Matemadanda said not every person is an enemy of the party.
“When people,Gallant people of Zimbabwe through a process of conscioutisation some individually and others like students, workers and other mainly marginalised groups realised the levels of colonial oppression upon them, decided individually to leave mother land to go and take up arms to fight colonial injustices.
However, we also initially made the same mistake that is being made by MDC A, which will cause them not to win elections perpetually. We initially were thinking that everyone who had not joined us was an enemy, anyone who opposed because of not understanding us was an enemy, anyone who was white was an enemy not knowing that some whites would eventually join the liberation struggle, anyone who had their money was a bourgeoisie classified and hence was an enemy, we did not realise that we would need material support from such people, anyone who had not decided to go and take up arms was vulnerable and was siding with the enemy but we soon realized that we needed mujibha chimbwido. There were a lot of misconceptions that we had. So basically when you looked around there were more enemies than allies or those who would one day come to support the liberation struggle until we went back to the drawing board.”
Comrade Matemadanda insisted that every a Zimbabwean is very important for the observance of democracy. He pointed out that the Morden ZANU PF views every Zimbabwean as a potential member and in his or her own way contributes to the development of the party. “We discovered that for every revolution to succeed, it simply needed a rallying point, it had to have a common rallying point for a common people with a common reason wanting a common end.
Hence the popular saying by the late National Hero RG Mugabe that ” our war is (was) a just war” that was not his personal coining of words but that of the revolutionary armed struggle which would be inspiring both forces and the people because there was a ” just cause ” for and of the revolution.”
Comrade Matemadanda urged the youth to embrace the party and to spread the message of love.
The current ZANU PF does not sow divisions it aims to unite Zimbabwe against poverty against corruption against selfishness.
He said “The revolutionary efforts did not now belong to the leadership in Zambia and Mozambique or Tanzania but to the people of Zimbabwe where ever they were. We realised then that our struggle had to do with classes of people hence we fought against class” The selfishness exhibited by the opposition must be scorned at.
Unlike MDC where Chamisa sells to steal the glory for himself. We in ZANU PF we say ZANU vanhu. The party is the people and the glory is for the people.
ZANU PF has moved away from the individualistic tendency which has polluted the political platform.
Comrade Matemadanda stated that There must then be a common ideology,line and policy. What we called the Party Line, Party policy and Party ideology. These will clearly tell people within and without how for example you relate, how you do things, who your intended beneficiaries are.
You never win a revolution with a group of uninformed drunkards, who may not even know who their leader is and what he stands for. Ours was a protracted armed liberation struggle which we did not know when it was going to end but we were prepared to be in it for as long as it would take. You can not start with the “FINAL PUSH ” When you have not done the first push. Said Cde Matemadanda.
Then commissariat is transforming ZANU PF to be the party of all times not for a season. How do you maintain the momentum on people of varying opinions? When we finally came from the liberation struggle, despite that we had virtually won the armed struggle, we did not waste our time telling people how we had won, we went straight into campaigning producing one of the best Manifestos for both black and white former protagonists.
Noone would resist our programs and we continue to build on that even up to now. Added cde Victor Matemadanda. “The new dispensation has programmes which are designed for the people of Zimbabwe, regardless of their war credentials. ZANU PF is a big pocket we all fit in without problems”.
Comrade Matemadanda warned MDC that “You don’t win people’s hearts by threatening violence or a violent take over because reasonable people know how dangerous that will be”You can not win people’s hearts by denying them the right to earn a honesty living encouraging them to be thugs.
You don’t win people’s hearts by publicly abusing the standing of others because people who listen to you may be knowing those people better than you do and they realise you are a pathological liar.
You don’t win people’s hearts by telling them that you can do what they know you cannot do because they know your capacity. You cannot win people’s hearts by teaching them to hate.
Above all you can not win people’s hearts by threatening to overthrow a government they voted in when you can not give them an assurance that you will not be overthrown yourself. You can not win people’s hearts by refusing to be bound by the law when you intend to become the custodian of the same law. And finally, people want prosperity, peace and development among many other things, you can not win their hearts when you deny them the same things because you are not yet in power when they know that you will never be in power.
Comrade Matemadanda invited all peace loving Zimbabweans to come together and unite. United we stand divided we fall.
We are now in a period of humanity and love. ZANU PF resembles love.
A Zimbabwean man is on the run after he allegedly killed a South African police captain during a robbery fire exchange on Saturday in Johannesburg.
A South African Police Service (SAPS) source confirmed to H-Metro that Preymore Dube, the alleged suspect from Bulawayo, shot Diepsloot police captain Oupa Matjie, 54, three times on the head and he died on the spot.
Preymore Dube
“The murder occurred on around 7pm at corner Jabulani and Stability Street Extension 3 Diepsloot.
“Members of Diepsloot SAPS detective services were on duty following up on information of house robbery suspects and the information became positive.
“They called for backup, Eco group from Diepsloot SAPS responded and they joined the detectives who proceeded with information.
“They were with the victim of the house robbery who pointed out to the suspect in the open field grounds and police chased the suspect.
“The suspect started shooting at the police and police fired back missing the suspect who then walked into the direction of Captain Matjie.
“Captain Matjie grabbed the suspect but was overpowered, and shot three times on the head and died on the spot.
“The suspect who shot and killed the Captain is Preymore Dube from Zimbabwe and he ran on foot,” said the source.
Angry South Africans have taken to social media circulating Dube’s image and labelled him as armed and dangerous amid xenophobia concerns.- H-Metro
A Zimbabwean man is on the run after he allegedly killed a South African police captain during a robbery fire exchange on Saturday in Johannesburg.
A South African Police Service (SAPS) source confirmed to H-Metro that Preymore Dube, the alleged suspect from Bulawayo, shot Diepsloot police captain Oupa Matjie, 54, three times on the head and he died on the spot.
Preymore Dube
“The murder occurred on around 7pm at corner Jabulani and Stability Street Extension 3 Diepsloot.
“Members of Diepsloot SAPS detective services were on duty following up on information of house robbery suspects and the information became positive.
“They called for backup, Eco group from Diepsloot SAPS responded and they joined the detectives who proceeded with information.
“They were with the victim of the house robbery who pointed out to the suspect in the open field grounds and police chased the suspect.
“The suspect started shooting at the police and police fired back missing the suspect who then walked into the direction of Captain Matjie.
“Captain Matjie grabbed the suspect but was overpowered, and shot three times on the head and died on the spot.
“The suspect who shot and killed the Captain is Preymore Dube from Zimbabwe and he ran on foot,” said the source.
Angry South Africans have taken to social media circulating Dube’s image and labelled him as armed and dangerous amid xenophobia concerns.- H-Metro
World Leprosy Day is the last Sunday in the month of January and commemorated globally. This year in 2020 it’s on the 26th January. Events of the day are mainly to raise awareness of the disease in our communities. The theme is “Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice.” For many years when the disease used to be common those affected were treated as outcasts and would usually be thrown out of the community from others.
Leprosy is an infectious disease that affects skin and nerves. It progresses slowly such that symptoms might take as long as 5years and in some individuals 20years before they manifest.
Symptoms include painful pale skin ulcers and long lasting lumps. Since it also affects nerves loss of feeling and muscle weakness might also be present. If eyes are affected it causes blindness.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important in management of leprosy to avoid complications. Diagnosis is by a skin biopsy.
Treatment depends on symptoms one presents with but however antibiotics are used to treat the disease. If there is nerve damage it is not treatable and will lead to disabilities.
In Zimbabwe there is a Leprosy center located in Mutoko called Mutemwa Leprosy Center. The centre cares for those affected by the disease helping them recover and receiving treatment.
For more information follow/ like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Farai Dziva|Former army officer Dr Daniel Shumba has alleged that Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to kill him.
Shumba is the leader of the
United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He is also a former member of the ruling party.
Ironically Shumba was dismissed from ZANU PF for fighting in Mnangagwa’s corner in 2004.
He was involved in the Tsholotsho meeting that sought to elevate Mnangagwa.
“Why do you want to kill me? For dumping Zanu PF? For speaking the truth? You expropriated my farm, businesses, and freedoms. You’re not God. I’ll live to see you gone,” declared Shumba.
All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare on Tuesday as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.
Tomorrow, President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.
Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction.
Tomorrow, the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.
Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.
Tomorrow, the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will on Tuesday speak on the party’s agenda for 2020 -as the nation grapples with the biting economic crisis.
See statement below :
All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare on Tuesday as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.
Tomorrow, President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.
Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction.
Tomorrow, the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.
Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.
Tomorrow, the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.
The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.
The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.
Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.
Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.
He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.
The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.
One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.
Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.
The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.
Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.
They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.
MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.
The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.
The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.
Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.
Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.
He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.
The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.
One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.
Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.
The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.
Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.
They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.
MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.
Farai Dziva|Terror gangs known as MaShurugwi brutally killed MDC vice president Lynnette Karenyi -Kore’s relative last week.
See statement below :
The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.
The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.
Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.
Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.
He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.
The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.
One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.
Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.
The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.
Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.
They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.
MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.
By A Correspondent- Acting president, Retired General Chiwenga sent a condolence message to families of Saturday’s bus accident victims.
The condolences message reads in part:
It is with great sadness that i learnt of the the death of 16 people in a tragic accident involving a bus and a haulage truck along the Harare Mutare highway.
On behalf of the government i wish to extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families for losing their loved ones in this tragic accident.
It was a great sense of shock and sadness that I learnt of the
death on Saturday evening 16 people in a tragic accident involving a bus and a haulage
truck along the Harare-Mutare Highway. Life is very precious and losing it in circumstances
that are avoidable is not only extremely painful and heart-breaking but also
needless and senseless. This latest bus accident brings to the fore Government’s
call to road-users including all those involved with public transportation to
value life always and to be mindful of the heavy responsibilities they carry on
their shoulders to ensure the safety of passengers.
On behalf of government, His Excellency President ED
Mnangagwa and on my own behalf, I wish to extend sincere condolences to the
bereaved families for losing their beloved ones in this traffic accident, may
they take comfort from our prayers and rest assured that Government will
support them during this period of deep grief. In the same spirit, our prayers
go to those nursing their injuries, both in hospital and at home. We wish them
speedy recovery.
Jane Mlambo| Tomorrow, the MDC President Nelson Chamisa will deliver his much taunted State of the Nation Address at Stodart Hall in Mbare with the party saying the event will spell a way forward for the country.
Last week, the police barred Chamisa from presenting his address citing schools opening commitments but after issuing threats to proceed with the event with or without police clearance, the opposition party has now been sanctioned to hold its event.
BELOW IS THE MDC STATEMENT ON THE EVENT TOMORROW…
Police sanction MDC’s Agenda 2020 event
All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare tomorrow as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.
Tomorrow, President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.
Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction. Tomorrow, the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.
Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.
Tomorrow, the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.
Own Correspondent| Zanu PF youth leader Lewis Matutu has taken a dig at Minister of Youth, Arts, Sports and Recreation Kirsty Coventry describing her as a ‘minister who is there but not there’.
Speaking during a sports tournament hosted by Zvimba North Member of Parliament Marrian Chombo in Rafingora on Saturday, Matutu said Kirsty was not a hands-on minister and did not understand the needs of the people.
“At youth, arts and culture ministry, we have a minister who is there but not there. We look up to you deputy minister (Tino Machakaire) to further the agendas of the youths because the honorable minister does not understand the needs of the people,” said Matutu.
Kirsty, one of the technocrats in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s cabinet is unpopular in Zanu PF circles as she is seen as a person who lacks political gravitas needed to navigate Zimbabwe’s treacherous rough political terrain.
For her party, Kirsty has failed to justify her appointment as she is seen more as a press statement minister who does not understand the needs of her ministry.
While her ministry has four portfolios, the Olympic gold medalist seems to be concentrating more on sport neglecting youths, arts and recreation.
Her deputy, Tino Machakaire is more visible than the minister. He took it upon himself to visit ailing dancehall chanter Bounty Lisa in Kuwadzana recently. He also organized an arts gala in Wedza during the festive season.
He has been in the news recently for paying school fees for 1000 university students and sourcing out mining equipment for small scale miners.
Zimbabweans in US at the weekend braced the cold weather to protest against Emmerson Mnangagwa. Below were the LIVE scenes at the United Nations headquarters:
Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday visited President Mnangagwa, who is enjoying his vacation at his Pricabe Farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe.
The two, who, besides being the first and second citizens of this country, are long-time friends. They spent the whole day chatting and touring the President’s farm.
President Mnangagwa is a passionate farmer, with over 350 hectares of soya and about 400 hectares of maize under irrigation.
He has a 405-hectare farm and is renting pieces of land on neighbouring farms.
Pricabe Farm manager, and young brother to the President, Mr Patrick Mnangagwa, yesterday confirmed the surprise visit by the Acting President.
He said the two were relaxed at the farm while talking farming.
“I took the Acting President Chiwenga together with the President on a tour of the farm starting with the soya,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
“We also toured the maize field and the pump station. It was not a planned programme, so the two had time together as they relaxed at the farm after the tour.”
Mr Mnangagwa said Acting President Chiwenga was impressed by the work being done at the farm.
On Unity Day last year, President Mnangagwa hosted over 18 political party leaders under the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) at his farm at their request. The politicians said they were inspired by the President’s farming prowess.
By A Correspondent- A former accountant in the Ministry of Defence, who is facing charges of stealing US$20 million from the ministry, was last week denied bail.
Simbarashe Zvineyi (36) lost his bail application after Harare magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo ruled him a flight risk. The court found that the evidence available might induce him to flee.
Zvineyi is alleged to have used the US$20 million to buy four houses in Harare, 25 taxis, four top-of-the-range vehicles and channelled part of the money onto the parallel market for foreign currency. He is being charged with fraud and money laundering.
The State, led by Netsai Mushayabasa, alleged that between January 2010 and December 31 last year, Zvineyi and Danison Muvandi – who was a top accounting officer in the same ministry – hatched a plan to defraud the Ministry of Defence.
On several occasions, Muvandi, who remains at large, allegedly used his position and influence within the ministry to misrepresent that there were classified operations to be carried out and would allegedly instruct the chief accountant, Lameck Jackson, to deposit funds into Zvineyi’s accounts at NMB Bank, CBZ, CABS and Steward Bank, using Zvineyi’s vendor number.
There were no such classified operations to be conducted. Acting on the misrepresentation, Jackson reportedly transferred money ranging from US$40 000 to US$66 000 during the same period into Zvineyi’s bank accounts.
The pair would then allegedly share the loot. Investigations carried out so far reveal that the Ministry of Defence suffered a prejudice of US$20 million.
Only four vehicles have been recovered. Zvineyi, acting in connivance with Muvandi and after they allegedly defrauded the Ministry of Defence, reportedly laundered the proceeds of the offence by acquiring properties that includes more than 25 taxis, a Jeep Wrangler, an Isuzu KB300, a Honda Fit and a Toyota Vitz.
He also allegedly bought houses in Tynwald, Aspindale, Avonlea and Borrowdale. Muvandi allegedly acquired various properties, some of which have been recovered
By A Correspondent- Two jealous Bindura siblings who attacked their fathers’ girlfriend before robbing her of her money were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment by a Bindura magistrate yesterday.
Stephen Mashongedza and Tendai Mashongedza were sentenced by magistrate Moreblessing Makati.
The six month sentence was commuted to 105 hours of community service.
Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on Christmas day last year the brothers stormed at Sinikiwe Motsi’s place of residence at Zinyama village, chief Musena in Bindura and vigorously knocked at her door demanding her to come out.
Motsi did not open the door, the furious brothers broke the windows and door to gain entry.
Upon gaining entry the suspects accused Motsi who is their fathers girlfriend of squandering his money.
The duo demanded the money and mobile phone which they claimed was bought by their father from their sister’s lobola.
They assaulted her with open hands and she surrendered the phone to Stephen while demanding $148 bond notes on which she complied
Motsi was force marched out of her house by the suspects during the night as punishment and subsequently released after a few kilometers.
Motsi filed a police report leading to the suspects’ arrest.
By A Correspondent- A police officer who was part of a five-member gang of armed robbers wailed in court after each of them was handed a 60-year jail term for armed robbery.
The cop, Thulani Nkala (38) appeared together with Taurai Matarirano (27), Isaac Kawundura (33), George Chikomberanwa (34) and Dunira Hungwe (33) before Gweru Regional Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing 10 counts of armed robbery.
They had pleaded not guilty to the charges but were convicted on six counts.
The court proved that the five robbers were each armed with assault rifles when they raided a mine in Gweru. At one time they fired shots at a mine, killing a security guard’s dog.
Mrs Msipa said due to overwhelming evidence submitted in court, Nkala, Matarirano, Kawundura, Chikomberanwa and Hungwe deserved a lengthy prison stay. She jailed them for 60 years each and suspended 15 years for good behaviour.
However, Nkala who said he had a two-year-old child and an unemployed wife as well as his accomplice Matarirano forced the court to adjourn briefly when they started wailing uncontrollably after Mrs Msipa handed down their sentence.
For the State, Mr Talent Tadenyika said sometime in 2018 Nkala who was wearing an anti- riot police uniform and armed with a 303 rifle went to a local mine run by Camlark Investments with Matarirano, Kawundura, Chikomberanwa and Hungwe.
At the mine, they saw a security guard and identified themselves as police officers who wanted to search the place for firearms.
“They searched security guards and took their cellphones and they stole property valued at US$1 700. They also stole Zhang Dawei`s Chinese passport and US$1 070 and $1 500 at his quarters and nothing was recovered,” he said.
The court heard that on the same day and at the same mine, the gang threatened another Chinese national Mr Chen Yang Yang with firearms and took his cellphone, US$930, $330, R400 and 17 000 Chinese Yuan. They went to another employee, Mr Jinkai Yu`s room and robbed him of US$900, $150 and 300 Chinese Yuan.
“They further went to the quarters of the manager threatened him with firearms robbed him of US$1 200, $120 and 840 Chinese Yuan.
“The proceeded to the managing director`s room, also ransacked the room looking for valuables and managed to get US$2 000, $5 000, 10 kilograms of silver which was stored in cone and bar shapes. They deflated tyres for two vehicles,” said Mr Tadenyika.
“They stole an Isuzu king cab and drove away from the scene to a point near Old Eastlea and the cab was recovered.”
Dad, it will be a whole year on the 23rd of January and yet my heart still skips a beat when I hear your music played. Hana yangu inorova when they refer to you as “the late”. I still can’t believe it. It is very difficult for me to go through our messages to each other, I can’t stand the thought that saka handichafa ndakaona imwe message futi ichiflasha yakanzi Dad. I miss you so much. Even though I never saw you everyday but just knowing that you are there meant worlds to me. Now you are gone. For good. It breaks my heart. People may have not understood the relatioship we had you and I, and I know how in the last days you wanted so much to let everybody know how much we cared for each other through a song (Coz that’s how we communicate) but I guess God didn’t care what people thought. He took you before we could do it. It’s a year now but still feels like yesterday. I love you so much dad. Rest in peace.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who helped my dad, my family and myself during our father’s career, illness and subsequent death. We as a family together with my band are very grateful to Mr Thomson Dondo and Impala Car Rental Staff for the enormous support they gave us. Also thank you to Nick Manyame and Family, Mel Pulij, Steve Dyer, Kevin Stuart, Damon Forbes, Rob Cowling, Sheer sound Staff Graeme Gillfillan, Simon and Debbie Metcalfe and family, Keith Farquharson, KennyTlale, Rodrick Chakaipa and the late Doug Chakaipa, the late Robson Ndlovu, Joseph Muusha, Collin Mushunje, Selby Dzengeree, Josh Hozheri, Dave Mwale and team, Team Pakare PAYE, the late Steve Chibune, Mr Mutyandasvika, Mr Vori, Tich Hwingwiri, Alick Macheso and family, Sulumani Chimbetu and family, Steve Makoni and family, Vusimuzi Moyo and family, Doug Mamvura and family, Management and staff at Premier Auto Harare, Chris Cyren and Making Music staff, Dyer tribe Studios and staff, Reginald Chapfunga, Samson Felo, Herbert Kinobe, Zivani Masango, Papa Lodza, Dr Thomas Mapfumo, Bob Nyabinde and family, Cafe Nush staff in Avondale, Mashonganyika Family, Chris Machina and Family, Mtndazo Dube and family, Trust Khosa, All print media houses, Montclair Hotel and staff, Lewis Chasakara and Cutty Sark Hotel, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Farai Matsika, Richard Mvududu and family, Ezra Sibanda (Uk) Watson Chidzomba and family. A very special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Avenues hospital for the great care you gave to Dr Mtukudzi. My apologies if i have left anybody out, it wasnt intentional. Finally, a massive thank you to the fans who supported Dr Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi till the end and the amazing support given to me thereafter. Above all we thank the Almighty for the 66 years he gave us with our remarkable father, our hero and musician. God bless you all.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has revealed that it is now monitoring public hospitals and clinics to curb thefts and ensure drugs are not diverted to the black market.
The development follows checks that were done at the country’s drug procurement and supply entity, the National Pharmaceutical Company (Natpharm) amid suspicions that some of the drugs were being diverted to the black market.
Through its Prevention and Corporate Governance Unit, ZACC is targeting Parirenyatwa, Chitungwiza and Sally Mugabe (formerly Harare Central) hospitals, among other public hospitals and clinics.
In a statement at the weekend, the commission said the operation was an extension of ongoing Natpharm compliance checks on drugs.
“The objective of the operation is to ensure that there are no leakages and abuse in the distribution of drugs to hospitals,” said ZACC.
“The operation is meant to bring sanity to hospitals and improve service delivery and stamp out corruption that has seen patients in some parts of the country being made to pay huge amounts of money for drugs which are sourced by Government funds or donated by the Global Fund, WHO and other international partners.
“The compliance unit is tracking the path of distribution of such drugs from the time they leave Natpharm until the drugs are administered to patients.”
ZACC said it was testing the effectiveness and reliability of the distribution system to ensure that it was not open to abuse.
Some health workers, it said, were being found selling essential drugs which were in short supply in formal channels.
“Some doctors are prescribing alternative drugs which are not in stock and refer patients to their pharmacies where sometimes patients are forced to pay exorbitant prices in US dollars,” said ZACC.
Other areas to be covered by the operation include disposal of expired drugs which are being sold on the streets.
ZACC is seeking to have the hospitals adopt electronic systems of drugs storage and administration to avoid the manipulation and abuse of the stock card system.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is paying medical bills for 26 recruits who were involved in an accident that killed two others near Imbizo Barracks, Chief of Staff Administration Staff, Major General Paul Chima has said.
Maj Gen Chima revealed this last Thursday while visiting the recruits who are receiving treatment at the barracks after they were injured in the Christmas Day crash.
Two of the recruits died when the driver of a military vehicle they were travelling in lost control of the vehicle and it veered off the road and hit a tree, a few minutes after leaving the barracks.
Maj Gen Chima expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. He said the provision of free medical assistance to the injured recruits is in line with the army’s goal of treasuring human life.
“I have come to console the surviving victims after having experienced this shocking incident in the history of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). “As commandants we continue to support our fellow comrades in war time, peace time and in occasions like this one. We must make sure that necessary treatment is given to our victims for their quick recovery,” he said.
“It is an honour for me to inform you that the ZNA will compensate the victims by paying for their medical treatment and admission fees in the ZNA hospital. “It is however sad that the army has already lost two recruit members under such unfortunate circumstances.”
Maj Gen Chima donated food hampers comprising among others fruits, drinks and cereals.
Recently in Harare, eleven ZNA officers were injured when the driver of a bus they were travelling in lost control of the vehicle as it descended a slope near Kuwadzana Six. It veered off the road before landing on its side. Five were critically injured.
President Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Acting President Constantino Chiwenga pose for a photograph with Zimbabwe’s Ambassador for the Women Riders World Relay Natasha Mutsvairo at the First Family’s farm in Kwekwe on Saturday
Own Correspondent|Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday rushed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe after a group of female bikers visited the First Lady at the farm.
The unexpected call on Mnangagwa’s farm by Chiwenga is described by state media and ZANU PF loyalists as just a visit by the acting President on Mnangagwa who is supposed to be enjoying his vacation at his Pricabe Farm in Sherwood, Kwekwe.
The sudden arrival of Chiwenga at the farm raises eyebrows as the former Army General stormed in shortly after a group of female bikers rode into the President’s farm.
On Saturday, a nine-member all-women’s biking team comprising five Zimbabweans — Pauline Dana, Chengetai Makawa, Cynthia Ncube, Natasha Mutsvairo, Nomathemba Magwaza — one Belgian, one Canadian and two South Africans paid a courtesy visit on First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa at the First Family’s farm in Kwekwe.
The innocent female bikers took the opportunity to get photos with the country’s leaders though they could not understand how the two leaders happened to be together at the the time they were on their predestined visit to the farm.
The First Lady was left spell-bound by the bikers who provided her with escort services from her farm to the main road, while they mesmerised onlookers with their amazing skills.
The female bikers, who are representing their countries, are on a six-day relay covering 2 000 kilometres.
“It’s all-women bikers and they escorted me along Sherwood Road,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady gave the women words of encouragement and wished them well on their journey.
The women bikers, who are on a six-day relay, started off in Botswana last Thursday, rode to Bulawayo, Gweru and Harare. The journey will take them to Nyamapanda then to Tete where they will pass the button to another all-female group of riders from Malawi.
Pricabe Farm manager, and young brother to the President, Mr Patrick Mnangagwa, yesterday confirmed the surprise visit by the Acting President.
He said the two were relaxed at the farm while talking farming.
“I took the Acting President Chiwenga together with the President on a tour of the farm starting with the soya,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
“We also toured the maize field and the pump station. It was not a planned programme, so the two had time together as they relaxed at the farm after the tour.”
Mr Mnangagwa said Acting President Chiwenga was impressed by the work being done at the farm.
Mirror|HEATHROW’S airport was closed for around 30 minutes on Friday after an RAF aircraft entered the airspace.
During this time a German military plane from RAF Northolt flew into the major transport hub’s vicinity. The ensuing disruption caused stacking of international flights at the airport, with at least four British Airways flights and one Virgin Atlantic aircraft to be diverted to other airports such as Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Flight data shows plane belonging to German Air Force took off from Northolt just before 9am.
The plane, GAF612, was thought to have been Bombardier Global 5000 jet on route to Hamburg.
None of the other planes shown as leaving the airport that morning were military aircraft, although this may not have been the only RAF flight through the airspace during the time frame as records do not list the departures of RAF planes.
The RAF gave an announcement on Friday explaining the situation, that it was not an emergency and said the delay was caused by “one of our assets” flying from Northolt.
A spokesman said: “RAF can confirm that a flight was completed this morning by one of our assets from RAF Northolt.
“This flight was coordinated with Heathrow ATC but had to extend by a few minutes.
“The minor delays caused to civilian air traffic are regretted.”
Stacked planes began to run low on fuel after being denied landing clearance because of the German jet’s sudden appearance.
Passengers of one Virgin Atlantic flight revealed how their pilot announced over the tannoy that they only had “five to ten minutes” of fuel left and had to land at Gatwick.
The RAF suddenly informed the civilian controllers they needed an “unplanned” use of airspace at around 9am on Friday.
Flight tracker website FlightAware has revealed the plane took off from Northolt at 8.55am Friday morning and flew to Hamburg, landing at 10.03am UK time.
The closure of Heathrow led to passengers being left stranded for several hours.
British TV producer Anne Henry told The Mirror how her Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles was diverted to Gatwick due to a lack of fuel.
She told Mirror Online: “It was quite alarming when the captain announced after circling Heathrow for a while, Ladies and gentlemen we have about five to ten minutes fuel left so we may need to divert to Gatwick.”
She added: “We had been on the ground for about an hour but were not allowed to get off.”
Aviation news source Airlive tweeted: “Many planes are holding on approach to London Heathrow.
“It looks like landings were suspended for a while.”
JOHANNESBURG – Mpumalanga police are investigating the circumstances that led to the deaths of two illegal miners at Lily mine near Barberton.
It’s understood the pair was found in a shaft at the non-operating mine on Thursday.
In 2016 the mine halted operations to retrieve the bodies of three mineworkers who have been trapped underground due to financial difficulties.
Illegal miners have become more frequent since operations stopped at the mine.
The police’s Leonard Hlathi said, “We were informed by the community and then we set off. Indeed the bodies were recovered yesterday; hence the operation which we arrested only one person from Mozambique who is undocumented. We are going to charge him with trespassing and we also found dagga on him.”
Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyarende have been trapped for four years.
Family members and co-workers started going underground in an attempt to recover the bodies of the three, last month.
By A Correspondent|YOUTHS in the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T have described as “good riddance”, the announcement made Saturday by Obert Gutu that he was resigning as the Vice President of the party with immediate effect.
MDC–T national youth spokesperson, Alfred Dzirutwe also claimed that Gutu was now a member of Zanu PF and had since ceased to be a leader in the MDC–T.
The politician announced that he was resigning for “personal and private reasons”.
“Obert Gutu was now just a Vice-President by title, otherwise he was now part of a Zanu PF faction which has no care about people’s suffering. I feel vindicated as just a month ago, I issued a statement about his behaviour which was reminiscent of Zanu PF’s behaviour,” said Dzirutwe.
The party’s youth spokesperson also accused the former Deputy Justice Minister of lacking leadership qualities.
“He always showed signs that he lacked leadership qualities. I think his departure is good riddance and we hope who ever ascends to that post will be young, mature and astute. Zimbabwe now needs focused persons who are keen on finding a solution to the current economic and political fiasco,” added Dzirutwe.
Gutu has on several occasions clashed with the party’s youths.
Last year, the youths blasted him for apparently celebrating, on Twitter, the brutalisation of MDC Alliance supporters by the police.
Also last year, the youths openly defied Gutu after he called on the party’s supporters to participate in the government’s organised countrywide anti-sanctions marches.
Party youths felt the the anti-sanctions crusade was useless and a gimmick by Zanu PF to divert attention from government’s mismanagement of the country.
Asked for comment on his Zanu PF status, Gutu described this as a mere rumour.
File Picture of a woman being hijacked in South Africa.
Own Correspondent|“Get out of the car, get out of the car,” suspected hijackers shouted, moments before shooting dead a woman in cold blood at a shopping centre in Johannesburg on Friday evening.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, a search was underway for the unknown suspects.
“A case of attempted hijacking and murder has been opened,” Peters said.
“The deceased and her husband had made a stop at one of the shops at the centre when they were accosted by three males travelling in a white BMW with unknown registration plates.
“The suspects allegedly fired shots and the woman was struck and subsequent to that, declared dead on the scene.”
The perpetrators fled the scene in the BMW.
According to TimesLive, the woman was reportedly the daughter of Reverend Tony Simpson of the Nederduitsche Hervormde Kerk van Afrika.
“May the grace and comfort of the Lord carry them in this crisis time,” the church said in a post on Facebook.
Honeydew Community Police Forum spokesperson Michael Steyn told TimesLIVE that they responded to the shooting at the Eagle’s Landing shopping centre in Randpark Ridge in Johannesburg at 9.45pm on Friday.
“She was killed outside of the car, so we are suspecting that it was an attempted hijacking gone wrong because they didn’t get away with the car. Further investigation into the matter will reveal the real cause,” Steyn said.
Steyn said the shooting happened in the parking lot of the centre and not at a pizza place as reported on social media.
Peters has appealed to the public for assistance in tracking down the suspects.
“The police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the police by calling the Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or by sending a tip-off on the MySAPS app.”
THE sport-starved town of Chivhu could finally be rewarded for having World Boxing Federation middleweight champion Charles Manyuchi in their midst after the pugilist hinted he will defend the title in this Mashonaland East district.
The fighter is scheduled to defend his WBF crown on March 28 against a yet-to-be named opponent. The opponent is already there but is yet to sign a contract.
Manyuchi beat highly-rated Argentine boxer Diego Diaz Gallardo to become the first-ever Zimbabwean to win a world title last September.
And the Chivhu-based pugilist feels it is high time he affords his home town the opportunity to host the world.
“I have always boxed out of Chivhu, in terms of high-profile matches. People of Chivhu feel they are missing a lot. They have been calling for my WBF title to be defended right before them,” said Manyuchi.
“It is something we are considering wholeheartedly. Efforts are already underway to make sure the fight is held at Garwe Stadium in Chivhu.
“We cannot afford to always disappoint them. I train in Chivhu, stay in Chivhu and the Charles Manyuchi Academy is in the same town. So we are obliged to make the Chivhu folk happy.”
Manyuchi said preparations for the fight have already started and he will eventually cross to Zambia for the final preparatory phase.
He will be hoping to tap from the expertise of one of Zambia’s most celebrated boxers Antony Mwamba whose Exodus Boxing Promotions is in a twinning relationship with the Charles Manyuchi Academy.
“I have already started preparing for the WBF title defence. The opponent is already there but hasn’t put pen to paper as yet. We will be announcing his name in due course. But my preparations are going on well. We will intensify as we go and I will also go to Zambia for further preparations.
“As you might be aware, we are in a twinning arrangement with Exodus Boxing Promotions in Zambia and we will have some sparring against boxers from that stable.”
Meanwhile, the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy paid for seven members from their Chivhu fan club to enroll in the challenging Boxing Referees and Judges’ Course which they completed last week.
The graduates, who were amongst the 15 who passed the course which had 40 students, include Abigail Masuka, Doreen Matsambe, Pamela Katsonga, John Mushayi, Allison Garirai, Nyarai Moyo and Fibion Mashava.
Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy promoter, Prosper Chibaya, pledged more support for people from Chivhu who are willing to break into boxing.
By A Correspondent- The President and the acting president spent the day together at the former’s farm in Kwekwe on Saturday, The Herald reports.
The 2 spend the day chatting and touring the farm as confirmed by President Mnangagwa‘s brother Tafara who is the president’s farm manager:
I took the Acting President Chiwenga together with the President on a tour of the farm starting with the soya.
We also toured the maize field and the pump station. It was not a planned programme, so the two had time together as they relaxed at the farm after the tour.
The president is taking his annual vacation which is supposed to end this week but from time to time comes back to Harare to carry out his executive duties despite being on leave.
Marjory Nyaumwe (L) of Zimbabwe and Janine Beckie #16 of Canada in action during the match between Canada and Zimbabwe womens football for the summer olympics at Arena Corinthians on August 6, 2016 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Standard|ZIMBABWE women’s football has fallen from grace to grass with the country’s national teams being hit — left, right and centre — in the process turning themselves into a punching bag of the international world.
Not only are they being beaten, but they are being thrashed if not massacred at will, raising questions as to what exactly has happened to what at one time was one of the elite teams in African women’s football.
One thing that is clear is that something is wrong somewhere when a team that was at the 2016 Olympic Games is hammered 5-0 by Zambia and its Under-17s humiliated 5-0 by — of all teams — little Botswana.
Few, that is if there are any, would argue that the Zimbabwe women’s game has suffered this rapid decline not because Zimbabwe does not have good players or the best of coaches, but because of administrative shortcomings.
Coaches without any link or knowledge of the players are being randomly picked by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) to handle national teams, while the Zimbabwe Women Soccer League has been sidelined and reduced to spectators in their own game.
Although they might not want to publicly admit it, the Women Soccer League does not have a say on who is appointed to coach which age group or the women national team as they are not even consulted.
More importantly, is the fact that Zifa dictates how funds allocated to women from Fifa must be used and also selects who should accompany women’s teams to foreign lands, some of whom have caused irreparable damage.
What is clearly evident is that Zifa do not seem to have respect on the ability of women and believe women cannot do anything successful on their own, although the success of the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZNA) seems to point otherwise.
It is shocking that after 40 years since Zimbabwe was admitted to international sport, women do not have a voice over their own affairs even though the whole world has changed.
Events on the ground even suggests that the president of the Zimbabwe Women Soccer League (ZWSL), Barbara Chikosi, is a toothless bulldog, who just sits on the all-powerful Zifa board just to make up the numbers and does not have a voice at all.
Chikosi is also associated with the entertainment industry as a music promoter.
What is disturbing is that Zimbabwe and Zifa in particular are resisting alignment with global changes and have not taken on board examples which Fifa and other successful football nations have set in recognising the role of women in football development.
What Zifa is forgetting is that a refreshing wind of change is blowing across the football world and at the top of the game at Fifa right now is Fatima Samoura, the Fifa secretary-general from Senegal.
Whatever the case, Zimbabwe women soccer teams have the potential of becoming strong once again on the international stage — only if the right things are done. The first of which is to give women soccer to women and get them more involved in their own affairs.
The ZWSL should be involved in all forms of women’s football activity and should be able to do that freely with nobody pulling the strings.
The Women Soccer League should be given the task of recommending coaches for national duty appointments since they are the ones who are on the ground and who know the real women soccer coaches.
National team selectors should also not lose sight of the fact that there is talent in abundance in other parts of the country that needs to be given a chance instead of focusing their attention on Bulawayo and Harare only.
Fifa funds for women’s football should not be spent at Zifa level, but should percolate down to those who run women’s football because they are the ones who know better what needs to be done.
It would be a lie to say those at 53 Livingstone Avenue know more of what is happening in women’s football, the northern and southern region, the Area Zone, or the Premier Soccer League, than those actually on the ground.
The president of the ZWSL — as a Zifa board member — should be the go-between in the relationship between the national football federation and all women football matters in Zimbabwe.
It would be good to one day see the Mighty Warriors once again back at the Olympics, but that will not be easy considering the current standing of Zimbabwe women’s football.
Zifa must give women’s soccer to women and see how far they can go when in control of their own affairs. As the national football federation, Zifa should only come in as an overseer or just to supervise what is being done.
MUTARE: A 30 year-old pastor with Apostolic Faith Church in the eastern border city appeared before a Mutare magistrate facing charges of raping and impregnating his wife`s minor sister, aged 12.
The pastor (name withheld) is reported to have promised to marry the minor after she completed her Grade Seven last year.
He appeared before Magistrate Prisca Manhimbi facing charges of rape and was remanded in custody to January 23 for trial.
Prosecutor Chris Munyuku told the court that the pastor proposed love to the minor and she accepted.
In June last year, the pastor visited the minor at her place of residence at around 2000 hrs taking advantage of the absence of her mother who had gone to South Africa for business.
The pastor reportedly slept with the minor without protection.
In the same month, the minor missed her period and she informed the pastor who then promised to marry her after completing her grade seven examinations.
The matter came to light when a police officer, Constable Kanhukamwe, received a tip-off that the minor was pregnant.
On October 4, the police visited the minor`s school and interviewed her.
During the interview, the girl spilled the beans and confirmed that the pastor was responsible.
The police officer escorted the girl to Mutare Provincial Hospital for a medical examination and a report was produced and presented in court as evidence.
The purple glow of overhead toll gantries is visible.
Speaking to News 24, Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar examined the video but the location was not clear.
“If the motorist was speeding in the Johannesburg area, there is a possibility that they will receive a notice through the post, because speed cameras are operated on different roads on a 24-hour basis,” said Minnaar.
“If they fail to appear in court, then a warrant of arrest will be authorised by such court.”
The Registrar General says his office is making considerations to allow local Zimbabweans with free funds to pay for their passports in foreign currency pegged at $318 usd with the document processed within 24hrs. pic.twitter.com/7xhXbG9xU6
The repatriation service of eleven Ukrainians killed in Iran.
KIEV – The bodies of the 11 Ukrainian citizens who died when a passenger plane was shot down by Iran this month were brought back to Ukraine yesterday in a solemn ceremony at Kiev airport.
All 176 on board the Ukraine International Airlines flight from Tehran to Kiev were killed when the Boeing 737-800 was shot down on January 8, at a time when Iran was on high alert for a U.S. attack.
Most of those on board were Iranians or dual nationals. Canada had 57 citizens on board. Nine of the Ukrainian citizens were crew members.
With President Volodymyr Zelenskiy looking on, coffins draped in the Ukrainian flag were carried one by one from a Ukrainian military plane to a waiting hearse at Kiev’s Boryspil airport.
Soldiers held up flags to represent the different nationalities of those who died.
Relatives came to the airport carrying bunches of flowers. Airline staff, some in tears, were waiting on the tarmac.
Iran announced on Saturday it would send the black boxes to Ukraine to be decoded, but did not say when this would happen. Iranian representatives are expected to travel to Ukraine this coming week.
The plane disaster sparked unrest in Iran and added to international pressure on the country as it grapples with a longrunning dispute with the United States over its nuclear programme and its influence in the region that briefly erupted into open conflict this month.
Meanwhile, Iran is trying to analyse the black boxes of a Ukrainian airliner that was shot down this month, the state IRNA news agency reported yesterday, denying a report that a decision had been taken to send the plane’s recorders to Ukraine.
Canada, which had 57 citizens on the plane in which 176 people were killed, and other nations who lost nationals have been calling on Iran for a thorough investigation and have said the flight data and voice recorders should be analysed abroad.
Ottawa has said the recorders, or black boxes, should be sent to France, after the military admitted shooting down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 in error in the tense aftermath of tit-for-tat strikes by the United States and Iran.
“We are trying to read the black boxes here in Iran. Otherwise, our options are Ukraine and France, but no decision has been taken so far to send them to another country,” Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, told IRNA.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency had said on Saturday the black boxes were being sent to Ukraine. It reported that Iran would not seek to read them at home.
Ukraine has previously said it expected Iran to hand over the black boxes to Ukraine.-Reuters.
Bill Clinton’s 1999 impeachment trial lasted five weeks; Andrew Johnson’s went on for three months in 1868.
If the White House and Republicans have their way, US President Donald Trump’s trial will be over in two weeks, just in time for him to celebrate his expected acquittal in the February 4 State of the Union Address.
But that depends on Republicans being able to block Democrat demands to subpoena documents and witnesses that could strengthen the case against the president.
So far, Republicans, led by Trump’s tough protector, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have the upper hand.
Trump’s trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress opened with a solemn, ceremonial reading of the charges in the Senate on Thursday, but the rules and schedule have not been set.
That will be decided on Tuesday, with the 100 senators debating voting on procedures: The time given to opening arguments from the prosecution and defence, and questioning by the senators – the jury in the case.
Democrats are demanding that the Senate agree to subpoena crucial documents and four current and former senior White House officials to testify.
They include former national security advisor John Bolton and Trump acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.
Both are believed to have first-hand knowledge of what Trump is accused of: Using his powers illicitly to pressure Ukraine to help his 2020 re-election campaign by investigating his potential Democratic opponent Joe Biden.
The White House blocked the impeachment investigation in the House of Representatives from accessing the witnesses and documents, and shows no sign of giving in now.
McConnell says the issue won’t be decided until after the trial’s initial arguments and questioning take place, and has made clear he doesn’t see the need anyway.
The White House signalled this week what it expects will happen: No witnesses.
“I think it’s extraordinarily unlikely it will be going beyond two weeks,” a White House official told reporters.
He said there is no need to go any longer.
“The president should be acquitted. We think it’s going to happen and going to happen readily.”
McConnell oversees a 53-47 Republican majority in the body, giving him all the power he needs to set the rules his way and deny the witnesses.
Unless four Republican senators break ranks, at the end of the arguments McConnell can defeat any motion to subpoena witnesses, and then can easily hold a vote to acquit Trump – meeting the White House timeframe.
Democrats are pressing Republicans to support a witness resolution.
“We have asked for four fact witnesses and three specific sets of relevant documents,” Chuck Schumer, the senior Democrat in the Senate, said on Thursday.
“So in the coming days, each of us, every one of us, Democrat and Republican, will face a choice about whether to begin this trial in the search of truth or in service of the president’s desire to cover it up.”
Democrats see several Republican senators as possibly willing to stand with them, but none have committed.
One, Maine Senator Susan Collins, came under heavy pressure after a video was widely circulated in the media and social networks showing her in 1999 saying about Clinton’s trial: “I need more evidence. I need witnesses and further evidence to guide me to the right destination, to get to the truth.”
In a statement Thursday, Collins said she hadn’t decided yet.
“I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful. It is likely that I would support a motion to call witnesses at that point in the trial just as I did in 1999.”
Another possible Republican crossover, Senator Mitt Romney, told journalists: “Barring some sort of surprise I’ll vote in favour of hearing witnesses.”
No other Republican has gone that far.
If four Republicans do cross over, that could add weeks to the trial – three in the Clinton case.
But McConnell has another card up his sleeve: Demanding witnesses that the White House wants, even if they have little bearing on Trump’s guilt or innocence.
Republicans have said they would call Biden’s son Hunter, whose association with a Ukraine energy firm was part of what Trump wanted Kiev to investigate.
They also want to call the whistleblower whose August complaint about Trump’s Ukraine dealings set off the investigation that led to impeachment.
That would provoke a showdown.
Republican Senator Rand Paul told Politico that if Democrats get their witnesses: “My insistence will be not just one witness, but that the president should be able to call any witnesses that he deems necessary to his defence.”
He meanwhile warned Republicans who don’t support the White House witness demands.
“If you vote against Hunter Biden, you’re voting to lose your election, basically. Seriously. That’s what it is,” he said.
