Own Correspondent|Exiled former ZANU PF spin doctor Professor Jonathan Moyo turns 63 years today and his close associate and former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwao has shared a video of him dancing on his birthday.

Watch video downloading below:

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa is overhauling the Constitution barely seven years after it was adopted amid protests that he is reducing democratic space in the country.

President Mnangagwa is accused of trying to use changes to the Constitution to entrench his rule.

According to the amendments approved by Cabinet, the president will directly appoint his deputies, the prosecutor general, a public protector and control the promotion of judges.

The Constitution, adopted in 2013 as part of a power sharing deal between former president Robert Mugabe and late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, provided for the direct election of vice presidents.

Judges were selected through a process that involved public interviews and this was seen as a progressive move in a country where the justice system is viewed as biased towards the ruling elite.

Although the amendments are yet to be approved by Parliament, the opposition is unlikely to block them as President Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF party enjoys a two-third majority.

Civil society groups and opposition parties have accused the ruling party of trying to tighten its grip on power and reduce the democratic space.

“Any amendments to the Constitution must seek to further entrench democracy and protect rights of citizens,” said Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), a group representing dozens of civil society groups.

“In our view, the proposed amendments seek to entrench the interests of individuals and dent the independence of an already captured judiciary,” CiZC added.

In 2013, Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly for the new Constitution to replace a charter that was adopted when the country got its independence from Britain in 1980.

Referendum

A decade earlier the late Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe since independence, suffered his first electoral defeat in a referendum after his party tried to impose a Constitution it had crafted on its own.

However, seven years after the historic vote the government is yet to align the majority of the country’s laws to the new Constitution amid criticism that President Mnangagwa is not keen on reforms.

The 77-year-old ruler is also accused of trying to use the changes to the Constitution to ward off a potential challenge from one of his deputies, Constantino Chiwenga.

Retired General Chiwenga led the military coup that toppled the late Mugabe and is viewed as President Mnangagwa’s most likely successor.

In terms of the current Constitution, Gen Chiwenga and another vice president would be the president’s running mates in the 2023 presidential elections.

“The rationale for this provision was to introduce a nondisruptive succession plan while ensuring that in the event of a vice president taking over the office of president, they would have the people’s mandate,” the Law Society of Zimbabwe said.

“The effect of the proposed ammendment to section 94 means that vice presidents will no longer be elected but appointed by the president. This removes the transparence and democratic process sought to be achieved by the Constitution in relation to the assumption of these important offices,” the Law Society of Zimbabwe added.

In the run-up to the 2018 elections, President Mnangagwa said he was aware of a plot by some aspring Zanu PF MPs to impeach him before he completes his term.

If the president were impeached, his deputy would take over.

President Mnangagwa narrowly won the polls amid claims of vote rigging by his main rival Nelson Chamisa, of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

There have been reports of a major falling out between the president and Gen Chiwenga over alleged attempts to sideline the former army commander and a perceived lack of ethnic balance in the new government.

Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu said the proposed constitutional amendments were poorly thought out and showed that the government was not interested in reforms.

“The proposed amendments are a sovereign disgrace and show the lengths to which the government is prepared to go in undercutting the spirit of the Constitution,” Mr Mpofu said.

When he came into power on the back of the coup, President Mnangagwa promised that a “new kind of democracy” was unfolding in Zimbabwe.

However, two years on he is being accused of resorting to former president Mugabe’s tactics, which include regularly sending the army to crush protests against his policies.

The East African

Farai Dziva|Zimbabwean teachers are now earning the equivalent of US $35 per month.

See below Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union statement :
The over 5 000 members of Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ have unanimously resolved to desist from reporting for duty until the salary dispute is fixed.

The teachers are severely incapacitated since they are earning an equivalent of US$35 per month.

The proposed increment by the government falls way below the legitimate expectations of the hard-working teachers.

Teachers are demanding a United States dollar interbank rate indexed salaries.

The 97% offer by the government comes at a time when government services have been hiked by over 500%.

Government is even charging some of its services in United States dollars, for example, an emergency passport fee of US$318 from RTGS$ 318. We are simply asking to be accommodated into the national economy.

Government last paid teachers a full salary in September 2018, we have been earning 7% of the last negotiated income. Attempts to engage the government have been futile since then.

The employer has been calling for endless pity parties which have not yielded any positive result. Countless petitions have been submitted but no favourable response has been received as yet.

An ordinary teacher salary cannot fend for food, shelter, transport, education and health care. Teachers cannot afford transport to go back to work.

Our members stationed at far-flung schools like
Gokwe but domiciled in
Manicaland , for example, cannot make it back to work under these circumstances. Such a member would fork out RTGS$ 700 for transport alone.

School fees are now beyond the reach of teachers and teachers cannot afford the service they provide. It is rumoured that parents are now incentivizing teachers to report for duty, it should be noted that rural communities cannot afford to pay these incentives.

The responsibility for providing education solely lies on the shoulders of the government, other actors can only play a supporting role.
Our recently convened congress resolved to deploy our leadership to engage the Joint Operations Command, (JOC) to avert the victimization of teachers by state agents.

We warn the government and school administrators to refrain from the sick culture of targeting teachers who are tabling genuine labour grievances. We will pursue all remedies to put an end to this debauchery.
We encourage the government to urgently pay teachers a living wage to save our education from collapse. The pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals is derailed by the underfunding of critical sectors like education.

Teachers will not pretend to be teaching under these untenable conditions lest we hazard destroying the future of our learners and our nation. The drop in 2019 grade 7 pass rates is a clear testimony of erosion of the quality of our education.

We call upon like-minded sister unions and the broader working class to join this noble fight aimed at rescuing our education.

Parents are encouraged to keep their children at home, there will be no teachers to attend to the learners at school.-ARTUZ

Dear Colleagues RE: TEACHER INCAPACITAITON AND OPENING OF SCHOOLS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. This circular letter updates our several nuggets in 2019 and the 2020 National Secretary General’s New Year message. It further conveys the National Executive’s decision of 21 December 2019 on the above captioned subject.

2. TEACHER INCAPACITATION DEEPENS AND WILL NOW AFFECT THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS

2.1. ZIMTA National Executive now rallies its members to desist from worsening their situation by over borrowing so as to facilitate their transport and subsistence back to work. This is the employer’s responsibility. To that end, National Executive stands by all its members who have indicated that they will wait for the employer to capacitate them before going back to schools.

2.2. Sustaining one’s living on a salary deficit of ninety three percent (93%) is impossible and can only be done miraculously, by any breadwinner.

2.3. The employer should take full responsibility for this development and for carelessly handling our members’ requests for meaningful salary adjustments in 2019 through 2020.

3. WAY FORWARD

3.1. Members are advised to take the following measures when incapacitated, so that this state of affairs is not interpreted as collective job action, but be understood to be what it is, incapacitation.

3.2. Advise your colleagues, superiors and those with a legal obligation to supervise or superintend over your work, about your whereabouts.

3.3. Remember you are not on strike but you have been made redundant by your employer.

3.4. Avoid being “cushioned” by enslaving increases that do not transform your situation or seeking refuge in institutional accommodation and getting pacified by such ineffective ways.

3.5. ZIMTA has cautioned the employer of this eventuality and continues to request the employer to intercede in a meaningful and impacting way.

4. CONCLUSION

4.1. Members are advised that the National Executive’s decision to support members on this was reached after a wide consultation and analysis over a period of time.

4.2. You are advised to keep in touch with your Association, should you find yourselves in an invidious position on matters related to this or work.

Sibanda Tapson N. (Mr)

NATIONAL SECRETARY GENRAL

FULL TEXT DEVELOPING

Farai Dziva|People’s Progressive Party leader Timothy Chiguvare has declared that 2020 is the year of liberating Zimbabweans from Zanu PF oppression.

See statement below :

Zanu PF we now want our Zimbabwe back , TIME is running out , final warning to Zanu PF.

2020 is our YEAR of taking our Zimbabwe back , its not negotiable. Those who live in glass houses must not throw stones because when our YOUTH pick up those stones and throw them back the glass houses will all be broken.

Those in power today , want Zimbabwe for themselves . Is that what FREEDOM and JUSTICE mean to us ? …no

Farai Dziva|A rogue Zanu PF councillor, Sengerayi Manyanga invaded the offices of Masvingo based radio station Hevoi FM on Saturday night and threatened to beat up head of current affairs Regis Chingawo.

See below a statement released by Masvingo Media Centre:

Press Freedom Crackdown In Masvingo

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, is deeply concerned by increasing threats to journalists working in Masvingo Province.

This follows threats made to Hevoi FM News Editor Regis Chingawo by a ruling Zanu PF councillor, Sengerayi Manyanga.

The councillor reportedly wants to control the radio station’s social media policy but his attempts have been thwarted.

Chingawo, a member of the ZUJ National Executive, told the national office last night that he did not feel safe and believed his life was now in danger.

The threats were made at the radio station’s offices towards midnight on Saturday 28 December in Masvingo town.

The small community of journalists in Masvingo has been left traumatised by the developments as they have recorded a huge increase in threats to freedom of expression in the province in the last quarter of the year.

According to information received from Masvingo, the councillor for ward 10 in Masvingo town is reported to have laid an ambush at the Hevoi FM News offices on the night.

Upon realising that Chingawo would not reveal himself , the councillor angrily confronted the security officer at the radio station and demanded to know Chingawo’s whereabouts and threatened to mobilize against the senior journalist.

The councillor was accompanied by a mob which remained in the background as he laid siege on the radio station.

A police report was made at Masvingo Central Police Station today.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi said the issue of the safety and security of journalists continued to be a major concern for the Union with political parties and some security forces continuing to be the major culprits.

“We have also noticed a worrying trend in Masvingo Province in which the safety of journalists is threatened by rogue politicians and security details.

“The same rogue councillor has threatened to close another media organisation in the province while Masvingo Mirror senior journalist Nkulumani Mlambo was hounded out of a public event attended by donors by security aides in Chiredzi recently.”

The Secretary General called on the Zanu PF leadership in Masvingo to condemn acts of violence and impunity against journalists and freedom of expression.

“If journalists are harmed in Masvingo we will know who the culprits are. But beyond that, we can also see that there are some rogue and renegade elements who want to frustrate Zimbabwe’s global re engagement policy by continuing to soil its image so that it remains a pariah state.

“The government has assured us at the highest level that it does not have a policy of impunity against journalists and we would want it to take stern measures against those violating the rights and safety of journalists.”

Jane Mlambo| Chief Justice Luke Malaba has issued a strong warning against Machete thugs who of late have struck a chord of terror in the country.

Malaba issued the warning during his speech to mark the official opening of the 2020 legal year in Harare this morning.

He also expressed concern over poor salaries being given to Judges mainly as a result of hyperinflation and called for more funding to the Judiciary Services Commission in order to improve service.

Malaba also implored the National Prosecuting Authority to be diligent in its work and guard against bringing before the courts weak cases which end up frustrating the course of justice.

Press Statement: The ZANU PF Youth League in its entirety condemns the heinous acts by the machete wielding gangs who have descended on the Mining sector and society at large. Many innocents have fallen victim to the callous act, lives have been lost and a number have been injured by the marauding criminals. It’s is also a matter of concern that some police officers on duty have also fallen victim to these criminals. As a public service gesture, the ZANU (PF) Youth League implores all our structures and the peace loving people of our beloved motherland Zimbabwe to be on alert and share with law enforcement agents any information which may lead to the arrest of the gangs who have caused havoc in our peaceful society.

In light of this unfortunate wave of criminality, the ZANU PF Youth League applauds the current efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police of hunting down these criminals. As a wing of the Party we do not condone such criminal acts by the heartless, deviant and callous gangs.

In addition, the League encourages the National Prosecution to valiantly oppose bail for those accused until their matters are finalized.

Furthermore, machete wielding gangs are a worse societal evil compared to even cattle rustling and as such should carry severe deterrent sentences like life imprisonment and lengthy sentences. We pray in this regard that Judicial Officers may give the maximum possible sentence for all individuals convicted of crimes involving machetes.

We also further hope the judicial system shall expedite these cases in sentencing, such that any one outside who feel obliged to follow in these terrible ways are quickly discouraged.

As a youth League we embrace the ethos of productivity, peace and unity and we are in solidarity with progressive institutions which are committed to end the wave of criminality by the machete wielding gangs.

Inserted by: Cde Yeukai Simbanegavi
Secretary for Information and Publicity ZANU ( PF) National Youth League

A Zanu PF councillor in Shurugwi’s Tongogara area has been arrested on allegations of stealing 10 bags of food aid meant for starving villagers in his area.

Tapiwa Ndawana of ward 10 was arrested on Tuesday following a report filed by Shurugwi assistant district co-ordinator Desmond Anele Gumbochuma, who is also chairperson of the district’s drought relief programme.

According to a leaked police memorandum, Ndawana (42) of Ndawana village under Chief Banga, received 919x50kgs bags of maize from Tongogara Grain Marketing Board on January 6.

He allegedly transported the first batch of 330 bags of maize to Donga Council, while the remaining 589 bags were delivered to Banga and Matsika business centres for distribution to needy villagers.

Ndawana then allegedly connived with his co-accused Taurai Dongo (36) of Mhangami Mahachi village, Chief Banga, to steal 37 bags of the maize, claiming there was a shortfall at Matsika Business Centre.

Ndawana allegedly instructed a security guard at the council workshop to hand over the 37 bags of maize to Dongo, who then hired a commuter omnibus, registration number AEG 4293, and took the 37 bags of maize to Gweru, where he sold the grain to Tondereai Muzanenhamo for $4 800.

Police received a tip-off about the scam, leading to the accused’s arrest and recovery of only five bags of maize.

The total value of the stolen grain is $6 722 and $1 055 was recovered. The case was investigated under ZRP Donga Post RRB number 4152573.

Ndawana and Dongo yesterday appeared before Shurugwi magistrate Sthabile Zungula and were remanded in custody to January 15.

There was drama before the court hearing when a traditional healer believed to have been hired by the councillor performed some rituals inside the court premises before he was whisked away by security officials.

By Jane Mlambo| Up to 100 Chipinge villagers had a day to remember when they looted fish from an accident scene involving three foreign tourists travelling from Chiredzi to Mutare.

According to an eye witness Claris Madhuku, the Toyota Landcruiser which was pulling a trailer full of fish overturned along the Ngundu-Tanganda highway, though no one was injured.

“The reason for the accident was a combination of speed and mechanical fault. The trailer carrying a dam of fish lopsided first in response to sudden breaking causing the car to overturn twice .We helped to disconnect the battery from the car since fuel was now spilling with a possibility of the car catching fire.

“With the villagers who had gathered we assisted the trio to get their most treasured items inclusive of their cell phones and monies. In appreciation the trio allowed the community to get bream fish in appreciation of their benevolence. There was enough for up to 100 community members,” said Madhuku.

By Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwe warriors player Tino Kadewere who plies his trade with French Ligue 2 side Le Havre has attracted interest from top clubs in Europe including Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham among others.

Kadewere has been in terrific form banging 18 goals in 20 appearances since he moved to France from Swedish side Djugardens.

Other clubs looking to grab the sensational Zimbabwean international includes, Scottish side Celtic, South American outfit Flamengo as well as French top side Lyon.

Should Kadewere move to England, it will be the first time, Zimbabwe will have two players in the Barclays Premier League with Marvellous Nakamba who already turns out for struggling Aston Villa.

Correspondent|Zimbabwe Republic Police has banned machetes, knives and axes in the machete gang-infested Midlands as a way to restore order.

The ban comes after reports have suggested that the machete-wielding gangs known as Mashurugwi have been beating, killing and sexually abusing gold miners and civilians, particularly in gold mining towns.

The ban was announced by Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko who told the Daily News this Saturday that the ban which is expected to last for three-months will be with effect from January 14. He said:

The prohibition order which we seek to renew after every three months makes it illegal to carry dangerous weapons like machetes that can be used in the commission of crimes.

Those who fail to heed the call will be punished through being sent to jail for six months or instructed to pay a fine that doesn’t exceed level five.

Goko also told Daily News that gold-rich areas such as Chirumanzu, Gokwe North, Gokwe South, Gweru, Kwekwe, Mberengwa, Shurugwi and Zvishavane are the ones targeted by the ban.

Analysts have been saying that the machete gangs were enjoying impunity because they are highly connected.

Correspondent|There’s nothing quite like a 6-1 loss to the reigning Premier League champions to highlight your club’s need for a new striker.

Aston Villa were at their comedic worst in defence against Manchester City on Sunday – home fans were already walking out before half an hour had even been played – but Dean Smith’s side didn’t show anywhere near enough on the ball either.

Villa will likely be without summer signing Wesley for the remainder of the season, and it was Anwar El Ghazi who deputised for the injured Brazilian on Sunday.

The Dutchman is sound technically. He can pass well and is very confident with the ball at his feet. But El Ghazi isn’t a target man who can occupy defenders and bring his teammates into play – he isn’t a Wesley.

It’s bad enough for El Ghazi trying to play as the lone striker against most teams, but  City’s  more than 65 per cent possession made his impact on the game even more important – and even more important when nothing came off.

Villa will get points off teams in and around them simply due to the individual quality they have on display and that might be enough to keep their heads above water, but the club will put themselves under  unnecessary  pressure if they don’t bring in a new striker this month.

Wesley wasn’t perfect. No one is trying to suggest that he was. But the 23-year-old has been a useful player against the big teams specifically, while his hold-up play has allowed Jack Grealish to be the star man against the rest.

Without the Brazil international against City, both El Ghazi and Grealish were isolated in attack and couldn’t get themselves on the ball. Playing with a back three didn’t help that either, as the visitors won (or, more accurately, were given) free reign in midfield.

Aston Villa’s defence will grab the headlines on the back pages and rightly so. It was among the most self-destructive performances from a back-five that you’ll be able to think of off the top of your head.

But for the club to move forward and most importantly to stay in the Premier League beyond this season, signing a new striker is absolutely the most important thing for Aston Villa to do during the January transfer window.

Villa shouldn’t limit their January spending to just a new striker because their defence desperately needs a facelift, but things won’t improve in the West Midlands until a replacement forward is brought into the club.

90mins

Naira News|A pastor in a bus in Anambra, Nigeria, was beaten to stupor because condom fell off from his Bible after preaching.

This happened yesterday in Anambra state.

Some of the passengers maintained that he’s being hypocritical and that he is among the reasons people have lost hopes and faiths in men of God in this country.

The Onitsha man of God might not be aware of the condom in between the best Bible but the notion accrued from This is that he might be a fornicator yet carrying the Bible. Which is somewhat seen as hypocrisy.

‘ According to an eye witness, Mr. Chukwujekwu, a passenger at a popular commercial bus service provider going to Lagos and other parts of the country was on board the bus when the preacher came to minister and pray for the travelers and as well wish them safety on their way to their destinations.

‘Though they were moved by self-acclaimed pastors preaching, anointing of God was everywhere; some passenger gave their lives to Christ and accepted Him as their Lord and personal saviour.

It was amazing wpastor? opened his bible to collect offering from the passengers who may wish to assist him in his ministry, behold 3 Kiss condoms fell off his bible’.

‘The angry men in the bus who had been having bad feelings about pastors, who preach in buses along venous parks in Onitsha as an undercover for begging got really angry and pounced on him, who all of a sudden started shouting and pleading for forgiveness because he does that as business not really for true word of God ‘ However, Policemen had to be called to the scene to save the pastors life. So far 2 arrests have been made for further investigations

Acting President Chiwenga receiving Holy Communion at Roman Catholics Church.

Acting President Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga over the weekend attended the ordination of deacons at the Roman Catholic in Harare where he received holy communion.

In a photograph that has since been making rounds on social media, the former army general is preparing to be given holy communion by the catholic priest.

Speaking to journalists, the Acting President called on all Zimbabweans to unite in prayer for the country. He said that the nation should turn to the church for solutions to the social and economic problems currently bedevilling the country.

The acting President who recently jetted back from China where he was had gone for a routine medical check-up is currently embroiled in a scandalous divorce with his estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga.

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

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

“And to teach people to know that the most important thing is to remain united because we are here on earth for a very short time. After they finish their studies, during these nine to 10 years, we expect them to do the work of God and unite the people so that we can see the incidences of crime we are witnessing in the country being reduced.”

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

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

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

Pindula|A picture of a ZNA soldier caught stealing NRZ Signal Cables has been circulating on social media of late. The picture was also posted on Twitter by Hopewell Chin’ono who said:

This is a Zimbabwe National Army soldier, Lance Corporal Witness Mpofu, Force Number 80127F!
He was caught stealing NRZ signal cables!
These security people are also being subjected to the pain created by the corrupt Mnangagwa regime they defend.
Under ZANUPF we shall ALL suffer

Its is still not clear when and where the incident happened.

 Own Correspondent|DR Peter Magombeyi who grabbed headlines last year after he was allegedly abducted by alleged state agents has resigned as the leader of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) citing personal reasons.

 ‌

Read Full Statement:

Dear Secretary General

RE: RESIGNATION AS THE PRESIDENT FOR ZHDA

I cannot thank all the doctors enough for the opportunities the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) has provided me. Working with you has been incredibly instrumental in my personal growth and I will never forget the struggle we go through everyday, trying to come up with a functional health delivery system that benefits all Zimbabweans and our welfare as doctors. ALUTA CONTINUA!

I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position here, immediately as the President for ZHDA for personal reasons. I do not intend to inconvenience you with this news, and I hope you will accept my most sincere apologies in making Friday, the 24th of January 2020 my last day as the President of the aforementioned association, I know this is unexpected, but am happy to assist the association in the replacement process to help alleviate the transition.

I loved my job and I will look back on my time here with wonderful memories. May you all stay blessed!

Kindest Regards

Dr Peter G Magombeyi

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Own Correspondent|MDC Activist Josphat Mzaca Ngulube and his three accomplices who were recently sentenced to seven years in prison will today be transferred under unclear circumstances from Bulawayo’s Khami Prison to Harare’s Chikurubi Prison.

Mzaca’ Ngulube and three other assailants were late last year convicted of burning three cars and property of a house belonging to Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial women’s league chairperson Eva Bitu.

Ngulube (34), Fortune Masuku (29), Melusi Moyo (32) and Otilia Sibanda (34) were found guilty of malicious damage to property during the violent January protests.

Lavenda Moyo (66), their co-accused, was found not guilty and acquitted.

Mzaca Ngulube’s lawyer Nqobani Sithole said that the Prisons and Correctional Services indicated that they were transferring Ngulube and his colleagues to Harare on unclassified security reasons.

He said that they will try to resist the transfer as the activists do not have relatives in Harare who will be able to visit them and provide them with food as they have been doing at Khami Prison.

Ngulube has since challenged the incarceration.

Ngulube contested last year’s parliamentary elections as an independent candidate in Bulawayo South constituency before joining the MDC early this year.

Sithole said Ngulube was in “high spirits” though having some health challenges.

“He is in high spirits. We knew that regardless of his defence the probability of his conviction was high…he was prepared and not taken by surprise by the unfair conviction…otherwise, we are filing an appeal at the High Court against his unfair conviction,”

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today yet again break his official leave to meet with the visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Under normal circumstances, Yi should have held the closed door meeting with Acting President Constantino Chiwenga but highly placed sources within the presidency have indicated to ZimEye.com that Mnangagwa has bulldozed himself back into the office to meet with Yi.

The sources indicated that Mnangagwa appears to be jittery on Chiwenga’s relations with China and would not have his deputy meet with the Chinese alone.

Mnangagwa is officially on leave until the end of January but last week took a surprise appearance when he decided to meet the Presidential Advisory Committee which was meant to have met with Chiwenga as the Acting President.

Historically, former President Robert Mugabe would take his leave and go out of the country throughout the period but uncertain Mnangagwa opted to have his leave in the country where he has been making sporadic appearances at his official duties.

Chiwenga was treated in China for over four months and on his return to Zimbabwe after a long spell was met by the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe with Mnangagwa not aware of the unexpected return of his deputy.

Speculations are high that Chiwenga is working with the Chinese on a plan to remove Mnangagwa from power in another coup.

Mnangagwa was propelled to presidency by Chiwenga who was then commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in a military coup over former President Robert Mugabe.

Own Correspondent|Aston Villa slipped back into the Premier League relegation places with a big loss on Sunday.

After two wins from three in the top flight, villa were brushed aside by Manchester City losing 6-1 at Villa Park.

Coupled with Watford’s 3-0 victory over fellow relegation candidates Bournemouth earlier in the day, it means they are still firmly entrenched in relegation trouble.

Smith handed a debut to on-loan Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater, one of three changes from the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg draw with Leicester City.

Conor Hourihane and Ahmed Elmohamady were the other two to come in, while Frederic Guilbert, Marvelous Nakamba and Trezeguet dropped out.

City, as expected, bossed the ball early on and penned Villa back into their own half. They opened the scoring after 18 minutes.

Sergio Aguero played square, Kevin De Bruyne’s lovely dummy allowed the ball to reach Riyad Mahrez. Mahrez took the ball on, waltzed into the box past weak challenges from Drinkwater and Kortney Hause, and fired in at the near post.

The second arrived six minutes later and it was more poor defending from the hosts. Drinkwater was robbed of the ball in his own box by David Silva, following good work from Aguero, and the ball fell to Mahrez, who slammed home from ten yards

A devastating 10-minute period was completed by Aguero. De Bruyne was the architect as he fed his team mate, about 20 yards out, to rifle one past Orjan Nyland for 3-0. The shot did have power, but Nyland got hands to it and couldn’t quite keep it out.

fourth could have arrived before the 45th-minute, but it was 4-0 on the stroke of half-time when De Bruyne charged into the vacant space down Villa’s left, sent in an excellent low cross and Gabriel Jesus was on hand to fire home.

The fifth arrived 12 minutes after the restart, David Silva the provider this time to Aguero, who skipped past Elmohamady, Tyrone Mings backed off, and Aguero curled into the bottom corner from about 12 yards.

The visitors could have had more – notably when Mings cleared one off the line and Jesus twice came close – and a sixth did arrive nine minutes from time.

It was the matchball for Aguero as Hause gave the ball inexplicably to Mahrez, who played in Aguero and he finished with aplomb to seal an emphatic win that moved them back to second in the table.

El Ghazi did score a penalty with the last kick of the game but it meant little in the grand scheme of things.

Own Correspondent|In a shocking revelation, Vice President Kembo Mohadi has declared that he failed to save almost 300 cattle at his farm from dying due to the persistent drought in the Beitbridge.

According to the state run Chronicle newspaper, Mohadi and other farmers in Beitbridge, said that the numbers of animals succumbing to drought continued to increase, forcing some to sell their livestock for a song.

VP Mohadi has so far lost 271 cattle at his farm with figures continuing to increase according to the media.

His lawyer, Mr Norman Mugiya said the Vice-President was losing an average of about 10 beasts a day.

Mohadi’s close associate, Beitbridge East legislator Albert Nguluvhe is also said to have lost more than 100 cattle at his farm in Bubi area. He said the increase in the number of deaths in most parts of the district was due to water shortages.

“Most cattle are forced to walk long distances in search of water and clearly an already starving cow or beast going through such a challenging situation is not likely to survive. We are saying Government should support farmers by providing them with tractors and slashers so that they can be able to cut grass growing on roadsides and feed their cattle,” he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture through its livestock department spent a lot of money and effort going around Matabeleland South province trying to educate farmers on how to save their cattle from the effects of drought.

Questions have been raised how Vice President Mohadi can work out plans to save citizens from the continuing drought if he could not apply so many of the possible methods to rescue his cattle from drought.

RESIDENTS in parts of Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb are paying up to $15 per trip to the city centre after the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) withdrew buses citing bad roads.

Buses used to charge $1 per trip and the low fare forced commuter omnibuses to charge $5.

Kombis have taken advantage of the absence of buses on the Esigodweni and Empompini routes to treble their fares.

Zupco Southern Region manager Mr Tinei Rwasoka yesterday said operators withdrew buses because the roads were in a very bad state.

He said the company does not have power over transport operators because they have their terms and conditions of service.

“Operators have withdrawn their buses because of the state of the roads. The areas are not accessible because of bad roads hence the withdrawal of buses,” said Mr Rwasoka.

Cowdray Park Councillor Kidwell Mujuru raised the issue during a full council meeting on Wednesday last week. “People in Cowdray Park are struggling. The roads are very bad and Zupco is no longer plying our route. Kombis and private cars are charging exorbitant fares of up to $15 a trip,” said Cllr Mujuru.

He said some residents were walking up to eight kilometres to board buses in Gwabalanda suburb.

“Schools are opening next week and children from Cowdray Park need buses which are cheaper,” said Clr Mujuru.

Kombi driver Mr Hloniphani Ncube said the roads were in a terrible state hence the decision to charge $15 per trip.

“The kombi operators still servicing the area are taking a risk because they are damaging their vehicles. Our charges are fair because Esigodweni is almost in Nyamandlovu. The fare cannot be the same as for those coming from Mzilikazi or Mpopoma suburbs,” said Mr Ncube.

What is however surprising is that small cars like Honda Fit pirate taxis are plying the route.

A Cowdray Park resident Mr Pumula Moyo said Honda Fit were charging as high as $20 especially at night.

“We now know that after 9PM the fare increases to $20 and most of the vehicles available that time are Honda Fit,” said Mr Moyo.

An Empompini resident Ms Monica Mlambo said it did not make sense for Zupco buses operators to claim that the roads were terrible when smaller cars like Honda Fit were using the same roads.

State Media|The 2020 Legal Year opens today, with Chief Justice Luke Malaba expected to deliver a keynote address at the Constitutional Court (Concourt) in Harare. The fight against corruption is expected to be a major part of the court system’s agenda this year.

All stakeholders in the justice delivery system, including judges and lawyers, the diplomatic corps and high-ranking Government officials are expected to attend the traditional opening ceremony.

The annual event will be held at four centres concurrently across the country, starting at 10am.

Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza presides over the opening ceremony in Bulawayo, Justice Paddington Garwe in Masvingo and Judge President George Chiweshe in Mutare.

Speaking to The Herald yesterday, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) spokesman Mr Brian Nkiwane said everything was ready for the legal year opening under the theme; “Transparency and Accountability”.

“As JSC we are ready for the leading and most important day on our judicial calender,” said Mr Nkiwane.

“The main event address by the Chief Justice will set the tone for this year’s legal year. Thus all court sittings will start soon after the official opening of the legal year.”

The year is promising to be a hive of activity at the superior court with reports that the anti-corruption drive has moved a gear up towards prosecution of individuals fingered in graft. The Attorney-General’s Office is now working with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) in fast-tracking cases to court.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is currently working on over 600 dockets for people implicated in corruption including judges, ministers, Members of Parliament and company executives.

Of the 600 dockets at least 100 have been fully investigated, with 74 involving high-profile figures, according to ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo.

ZACC investigates and forwards dockets to the NPA, but the Attorney-General is being brought on board to add impetus to fight corruption.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said as part of the corruption fight, several top-of-the-range vehicles, luxury homes and bank accounts had been forfeited to the State as owners were failing to account for their wealth.

State Media|Zimbabwe has submitted six new projects for consideration by China to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

The projects were submitted through a ministerial team chaired by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, which was mandated by President Mnangagwa to find ways of mainstreaming the country’s economic cooperation with China.

The committee also worked with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the Chinese Embassy.

Finer details of the projects were not readily available by last night.

Speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Wang Yi, Acting President Chiwenga said it was his hope that these projects, would receive China’s support to push the two countries’ economic cooperation for mutual benefit.

“As you are aware, Your Excellency, we have set ourselves a target to attain the status of an upper middle income economy by 2030. It is our hope that these projects, if started early, will provide the impetus that we need towards that objective,” said Acting President Chiwenga.

He said while there were some issues on either side that could have been slowing down cooperation, Zimbabwe was committed to seeing the fruits of the partnership and will therefore work “extra-hard” to remove any impediment to its growth.

Acting President Chiwenga said it will be the function of this ministerial committee to ensure the economic partnership between Zimbabwe and China remained on track.

“Our expectation is that our two sides will continue to have a meeting of minds on what needs to be done to grow this relationship on the basis of win-win cooperation,” he said.

Zimbabwe desired to scale up economic cooperation with China to match with excellent existing political and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

He said while Zimbabwe celebrates some of the bilateral economic cooperation, which has spawned projects such as the Kariba South Extension Power Plant, the Victoria Falls Airport and many others, it was Zimbabwe’s view that more could be done to bring the level of economic cooperation to that of political and diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China.

“We have the political will. The opportunities are there,” said the Acting President.

Turning to the two countries’ cooperation on other fronts, Acting President Chiwenga said Zimbabwe welcomed China’s stance against Western sanctions on Zimbabwe.

He said in that regard, Zimbabwe condemns the foreign and familiar hand causing unending disturbances and lawlessness in Hong Kong.

He said Zimbabwe will also support China on issues of common interest such as human rights, climate change and the One China Policy.

On the United Nations Security Council reform, Acting President Chiwenga said Zimbabwe will continue to be guided by the Common African Position.

He also acknowledged the humanitarian support extended to Zimbabwe by China, especially during the aftermath of Cyclone Idai.

Speaking at the same occasion, Minister Wang Yi said bilateral relations between China and Zimbabwe for the past 40 years had become “stronger and trustworthy”.

“We have become stronger friends and we have deeper trust in each other. We have become even more steadfast in our commitment to bilateral cooperation.”

Mr Wang said he was looking forward to meeting President Mnangagwa today to hear from him how the two countries can make their economic cooperation a success.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FULL VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

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

See Shumba’s statement below :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•  Sunday Times

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

See Shumba’s statement below :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chihota is yet to respond.

The Standard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-The Standard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moyo was buried yesterday at Athlone Cemetery.

-State Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is the full text from Job Sikhala….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-The Standard