Bulawayo vendors have accused municipal police officers of demanding bribes so they do not confiscate their wares during raids at illegal selling points.
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association executive director Michael Ndiweni said municipal police officers are bribed so that they turn a blind eye on vendors who want to sell their goods at strategic points in the city.
“The municipal police is demanding bribes from vendors so that they can save their goods and be able to sell in strategic points,” Ndiweni told Southern Eye yesterday.
“We recently had a meeting with the Bulawayo City Council and this was one of the major issues which surfaced.”
He said the issue of selling at strategic points applied to licensed and unlicensed vendors.
“As informal traders we want to see how much is being lost through bribes. We have raised this with the BCC again after our meeting, we hope investigations will be carried out,” Ndiweni added.
“Licensed informal traders sometimes are threatened or lack knowledge on the laws governing the sector and they are harassed even if they have the papers.”
Ndiweni said unlicensed vendors sell wares from the boots of their cars.
“These people must be made to pay licenses or a certain fee because they are shortchanging those who are paying to council,” Ndiweni said.
Central business district ward one councillor Mlandu Ncube said the council does not tolerate corruption.
“As city council we do not support corruption and we are against it. Those that have been made to pay bribes should report even to the police,” Ncube said.More in Home
BCC director of security and enforcement, Sikhangele Zhou said they had not received any reports or complaints from vendors. She, however, condemned corrupt activities.
“I did not get any reports or complaints of bribery.
“However if any allegations are brought forward they will be investigated and anyone found to be taking bribes will be brought to book,” Zhou said.
Government is working to end cash shortages, eliminate cash discounts and the multi-tier pricing system which have negatively impacted on hard-pressed consumers.
Further, the Government intends to strengthen the regulatory environment to punish traders that continue employing the multi-tier pricing system and offering cash discounts.
This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in an interview yesterday.
Some retailers are openly displaying different prices for cash and electronic payments.
A loaf of bread costs $14,85 cash, but the price rises to $18,40 when using mobile or electronic money.
Bread prices are between $11 and $13 on the streets where traders demand cash, prompting many citizens to want to withdraw money and enjoy such discounts.
Traders at the Mbare fresh produce market are demanding cash, with watermelons going for between $3 and $30 compared to supermarkets where they are going for up to $100.
Prof Ncube said Government was aware of the cash challenges and the attendant problems and promised to continue feeding cash into the system.
“As we said, this is a progression. We are drip-feeding the economy with cash. We are doing everything to make sure that there is more cash, there is higher denominations and those who are being prejudiced through this refusal (to accept small coins) should exchange their small coins for higher denominations.More in Home
“Then going forward, we will be issuing higher denominations of Zimbabwe dollar $10, $20. We will let you know once we are ready.”
Turning to multi-tier pricing by retailers, Prof Ncube said laws were being perfected to clamp down on the practice.
“We are aware of all these challenges and also, we are going through a transition as an economy. I think it’s fair that we cannot clean-up the system and achieve 100 percent compliance all in one year or one day.
“We accept as Government that we are going through a transition, but we will enforce the law. Part of that (multiple pricing), we think is because of the shortage of cash so once we solve that as a key issue, a lot of the multiple pricing will go away,” he said.
Prof Ncube said there was need for enforcement and better regulation to eliminate multiple pricing.
He said he expected price distortions to dissipate slowly by next year on the back of falling inflation and the injection of more cash into circulation.
Last week, President Mnangagwa signed the Consumer Protection Bill into law, with traders engaging in multi-tier pricing and displaying unpriced goods now liable to hefty fines.
The new law was published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette dated December 10, 2019.
Unfair pricing will attract a Level 5 fine ($600) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months, or both.
A raging machete-wielding artisanal miners gang wreaked havoc at Zengeza 2 Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza gruesomely killing one while leaving another battling for life.
The infamous gang mainly known as Mashurugwi reportedly went on a violent rampage at a Zengeza 2 local bar, The Base, and stabbed to death Jonathan Rukweza, 26, who died instantly while one identified as T-one is battling for life at a local hospital.
H-Metro spoke to Mbuya Rukweza, the grandmother of the deceased Jonathan, who said she is yet to come to terms with the death of her grandson who had been taking care of her.
“Jonathan’s friends came around 4am and banged my door to tell me that he had been stabbed.
“I then rushed to the scene only to find him laying dead and I just fell on him crying because they had told me he was just injured.
“Kundidedzera munhu atove chando kare havo,” she sobbed.
One of Jonathan’s neighbours who preferred anonymity said the fight started after one of the revellers was accused of flirting with a Mashurugwi woman.
“Jonathan worked as a security guard at the night club and was just trying to break up a fight which involved one of his friends.
“They stabbed him thrice; on his back, chest and right shoulder whilst he tried to run for his life,” said the neighbour.
One Zengeza 2 resident said the Mashurugwi gang had invaded their community and are fearing for their lives.H-Metro
THE constitutional amendments approved by Cabinet that will see the President appointing and firing his vice-presidents is proof that Zimbabwe is morphing into a new autocracy under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a political scientist has said.
Cabinet on Tuesday approved Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019, which repeals section 92 of the Constitution dealing with running mates, giving the President power to hire and fire his deputies as well as appoint and promote judges.
But political analyst Eldred Masunungure said the approved changes were taking the country towards a “tenacious” autocracy and show that Mnangagwa was not only power hungry, but hopes to die in office.
“Amending those sections of the Constitution is an extremely tenacious move,” he said.
“The constitutional amendments touch at the heart of the Constitution. These are dangerous developments towards the progression of democracy.
“We are moving towards a tenacious autocracy, a chilling future. We should look at those changes with trepidation. I don’t see any constitutional way to stop the amendments because Zanu PF has the majority in Parliament unless sanity prevails in some MPs and they block it.”
Section 92 of the Constitution stipulates that the presidential candidate must nominate two persons who will have to be directly and jointly elected by registered voters.
The two nominees automatically become his deputies, with one of them nominated to be the first vice-president.
The running mate clause was supposed to take effect in 2023, but with the proposed amendments, the President will have the latitude to appoint and fire his two deputies.
The Constitution does not give the President the powers to fire the Vice-Presidents, according to Section 95.More in Home
Section 97 says a President or Vice-President can only be removed by Parliament, a joint resolution by both houses, the Senate and the National Assembly.
“The idea of running mates was made to insulate the Vice-President from a predatory President. Now, according to the new changes, the President can now hire and fire the Vice-President, the same manner Mnangagwa was treated by Mugabe in 2017,” Masunungure said.
Mnangagwa was fired by Mugabe in 2017 before the army staged a coup that ousted his former boss. The court later ruled that Mugabe had no powers to fire his deputy.
“If Mnangagwa made the amendments due to fear of being removed by his deputies or if this was a coup-proofing move, it only improves the chances of him being removed through a coup,” Masunungure said.
“It shows that Mnangagwa is very power-hungry. The constitutional changes speak for themselves. He is moving towards being an autocrat more than his predecessor. Ten constitutional amendments in one Bill, and the Constitution is already obliterated.
“It is no longer the Constitution that we voted for. This is a betrayal of the people and, in fact, God because he says the voice of the people is the voice of God. I don’t know what type of wind is blowing at Zanu PF headquarters, but truly it is a bad wind.”
The Constitution requires judges to be subjected to public interviews, and not outrightly appointed by the President.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba has been widely criticized for calling for MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s arrest.
Angry social media users used all sorts of unprintable words to attack Chinotimba.
Chinotimba ignited a storm in Parliament on Tuesday after calling for the arrest of ” a prominent opposition leader who went to the United States of America to call for sanctions.”
“Time has come for a law to be passed in Parliament to prosecute those who call for sanctions. Why do people vote for such a people?
Chinotimba also accused of the opposition of causing people’s suffering.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba has been widely criticized for calling for MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s arrest.
Angry social media users used all sorts of unprintable words to attack Chinotimba.
Chinotimba ignited a storm in Parliament on Tuesday after calling for the arrest of ” a prominent opposition leader who went to the United States of America to call for sanctions.”
“Time has come for a law to be passed in Parliament to prosecute those who call for sanctions. Why do people vote for such a people?,” he asked.
Chinotimba also accused of the opposition of causing people’s suffering.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba on Tuesday said a prominent opposition leader (Nelson Chamisa) must be arrested for calling for sanctions.
Chinotimba been widely criticized for calling the youthful MDC leader’s arrest.
Angry social media users used all sorts of unprintable words to attack Chinotimba.
Chinotimba ignited a storm in Parliament on Tuesday after calling for the arrest of ” a prominent opposition leader who went to the United States of America to call for sanctions.”
“Time has come for a law to be passed in Parliament to prosecute those who call for sanctions. Why do people vote for such a people?
Chinotimba also accused of the opposition leader of causing people’s suffering.
Farai Dziva| A Zanu PF official shocked all and sundry when he assaulted a pregnant woman.
According to Daily News, the ZANU PF chairperson for Makumbiri District, Walter Nyakudya, assaulted a school head’ s wife and she suffered a miscarriage.
Nyakudya is set to appear in court this Friday.
Nyakudya allegedly assaulted Hopetwin Tumbare, the wife of Vivien Nhamoyebonde, following an altercation between his wife and Tumbare, according to Daily News.
Nhamoyebonde told the publication that he invited Nyakudya for talks following the quarrel between their wives and Nyakudya went to Nhamoyebonde’s house where he assaulted the expecting wife.
Nhamoyebonde said that he was notified of the assault by school kids since the incident happened when he was still at work.
“After the assault, my pregnant wife started complaining about stomach pains.
She went to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.
She eventually started bleeding before she had a miscarriage. We lost our child in the process.”
Farai Dziva| A Zanu PF official shocked all and sundry when he assaulted a pregnant woman.
According to Daily News, the ZANU PF chairperson for Makumbiri District, Walter Nyakudya, assaulted a school head’ s wife and she suffered a miscarriage.
Nyakudya is set to appear in court this Friday.
Nyakudya allegedly assaulted Hopetwin Tumbare, the wife of Vivien Nhamoyebonde, following an altercation between his wife and Tumbare, according to Daily News.
Nhamoyebonde told the publication that he invited Nyakudya for talks following the quarrel between their wives and Nyakudya went to Nhamoyebonde’s house where he assaulted the expecting wife.
Nhamoyebonde said that he was notified of the assault by school kids since the incident happened when he was still at work.
“After the assault, my pregnant wife started complaining about stomach pains.
She went to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.
She eventually started bleeding before she had a miscarriage. We lost our child in the process.”
Farai Dziva| A Zanu PF official shocked all and sundry when he assaulted a pregnant woman.
According to Daily News, the ZANU PF chairperson for Makumbiri District, Walter Nyakudya, assaulted a school head’ s wife and she suffered a miscarriage.
Nyakudya is set to appear in court this Friday.
Nyakudya allegedly assaulted Hopetwin Tumbare, the wife of Vivien Nhamoyebonde, following an altercation between his wife and Tumbare, according to Daily News.
Nhamoyebonde told the publication that he invited Nyakudya for talks following the quarrel between their wives and Nyakudya went to Nhamoyebonde’s house where he assaulted the expecting wife.
Nhamoyebonde said that he was notified of the assault by school kids since the incident happened when he was still at work.
“After the assault, my pregnant wife started complaining about stomach pains.
She went to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.
She eventually started bleeding before she had a miscarriage. We lost our child in the process.”
Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC-T vice President Obert Gutu has dismissed parliament as ineffective and less influential when it comes to speaking on behalf of the people while praising the Political Actors Dialogue which he said had made so much progress in dealing with issues affecting the ordinary people.
In an interview with Newsday, Gutu said POLAD had scored more than parliament.
“Let me start by clarifying the fact that Polad is not an arm of the State in the same trajectory as the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.
“Polad is merely a forum for political actors to talk and discuss pertinent and relevant national issues. To date, Polad has scored spectacular successes in that we have managed to convene several meetings involving different political parties in the same room and under the same roof.
“We have held robust and no-holds-barred debate even with the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
He added that Polad was the voice of the suffering masses which has been neglected by self-serving politicians who are only after power and nothing else.
“I, for one, always speak truth to power. We have made it abundantly clear to the Head of State that the majority of the people of Zimbabwe are suffering and also that it’s high time austerity measures are set aside.
“We held a meeting attended by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube.
“The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sekai Nzenza, as well as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya and we also raised the concerns of the toiling and suffering masses of Zimbabwe.
“If anything can be said, Polad is the voice of the silent and toiling masses of Zimbabwe. We are not noisy and garrulous, we are strategic and focused,” said Gutu.
By A Correspondent- Three Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) accountants are facing fraud charges after they allegedly transferred $751 150 twice to a private cleaning company Ollymann Investments.
Tirivangani Matare (37), Linda Mangove (34) and Oscar Kwaramba (46) appeared before Harare magistrate Hosea Mujaya, who remanded them to January 3, 2020.
The complainant in the matter is the Defence ministry represented by Gary Marongwe.
Allegations are that on May 23, 2019, Matare, Mangove and Kwaramba unlawfully and intentionally processed a payment to the private company.
It is alleged that Matare instructed Mangove to prepare a template document that would be processed by Kwaramba for payment of $751 150 to Ollymann’s FBC bank account.
The State alleges that the money was purported to be for cleaning and car services rendered by Oilymann Investments to the ZDF. Ad by Valueimpression
It is alleged that Kwaramba asked Joseph Providence Chamboko to use his personal account to process the payment to Ollymann.
Chamboko told Otillia Mhundwa, the accountant who is responsible for payments, to call Ollymann Investments manager who confirmed receipt of payment. Despite the confirmation, it is alleged that the three insisted that another payment had to be done.
It is further alleged that Mangove prepared a document and Kwaramba used Fungisai Chiurira’s account to post it to the chief accountants Lameck Jekiseni and Maurice Maswa, who acted upon the misrepresentation and paid another $751 150.
The court heard that a whistleblower then revealed the fraud to the Zimbabwe Anti -Corruption Commission who launched investigations into the matter, leading to the arrest of the three.
By A Correspondent- A 27 year old former soldier was yesterday fined $200 by a Bindura magistrate for shouting obscenities at his mother in-law during a binge.
Robert Jack of Foothill farm, Bindura was convicted after full trial by magistrate Tinashe Ndokera and failure to pay the fine would earn him 20 days in prison.
Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on November 6, Jack was drinking beer at his mother-in-law Grace Murambadzenga’s shebeen where he harassed his sister-in-law by fondling her breasts. When confronted by his mother-in-law he shouted expletives at her while accusing both the daughter and her mother of prostitution.
Murambadzenga filed a police report leading to Jack’s arrest, who was charged with criminal insult.
In mitigation he told the court that he was drunk and does not recall anything that happened on the date in question.
“I was drunk, so I do not even know whether I committed the offence or not, but if I did may the honourable court forgive me,” he said.
Melody Jasi pleaded not guilty to theft and malicious damage of property before the same magistrate who remanded her out of custody to tomorrow.
The State said that Jasi hooked up with Takunda Timothy at a musical show in Bindura and went for a “quickie” after which the client forgot his cellphone on the bed. Jasi was seen by her colleagues taking the phone to the toilet.
When the complainant discovered that his phone was missing, he returned and confronted Jasi who flew into a rage and destroyed Timothy’s power bank.
Timothy was later told by other sex workers that his cellphone had been stashed in a toilet and he filed a police report.
By A Correspondent- A Mvurw police officer was last week arraigned before Guruve resident magistrate Shingirai Mutiro on allegations of assaulting a fellow tenant after his wife, also a police officer, allegedly stole groceries.
Tatenda Charlse Matiza (31) pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded out of custody to December 20.
The State alleges that sometime in July, the complainant, who is a student at a local school, left 20 eggs and a bottle of body lotion in his room while visiting his parents for the weekend.
Upon his return he discovered that his eggs and lotion were missing and he confronted another tenant Primrose Magutakuona, Matiza’s wife, and she confessed the theft and tried to buy his silence with $4.
Magutakuona subsequently told her husband that she had been confronted by the student and she gave him $4 bribe and that did not go down well with the police officer who stormed the student’s room demanding an explanation on why he had confronted his wife.
The furious cop slapped the complainant once on the face and threw him against the wall, which attracted the attention of neighbours who came to the rescue of the boy.
By A Correspondent- Members of Parliament have urged Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube to re-dollarise the economy saying that businesses, including government-owned, had informally re-dollarised already.
These remarks were said by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti who is also the Vice President of the opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa.
He said:
As I said before, three-quarters of it is the government seeking to enforce payment of taxes in US dollars. If that is the case, why should we pretend that the US dollar is not alive and kicking in our economy? Why should we not simply repeal Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 and allow the two currencies to operate together; the US dollar and the exchange rate?
His remarks come a few days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared at a ZANU PF 18th Annual People’s Conference that there was no turning back on currency reforms.
Biti also speaks when the government announced through the Government Gazette released on 6 December that it had put forward Finance Bill No. 3, 2019, an amendment to several monetary Acts which among other things penalises the re-dollarisation of the economy.
In June this year, Zimbabwe outlawed the use of all foreign currencies for domestic transactions bringing an end to multicurrency regime that was adopted a decade ago.
By A Correspondent- Harare City Council is investigating cases of fake business licences being issued in the city amid indications that some council officials were involved in the scam.
The local authority alleged that there were cartels responsible for the issuance of fake shop licences, prejudicing the local authority of thousands of dollars in potential revenue.
Council will soon rope in the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to deal with the fake licence chaos, warning that heads will roll, the audit committee chaired by councillor Ian Makone heard on Tuesday.
“We will seek prompt referral of fake licences to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for investigation. Heads of Department expedite providing Zacc with requisite information,” the council minutes read.
“The Committee noted with concern that 37% of the sample licences submitted for verification were fake which meant council could have been prejudiced of a lot of money. It accordingly felt the need to establish how many shop licences were fake and those which were authentic.
“It further expressed concern on the reported cartel which was purported to be operating with support of some in-house connections. The committee then expressed the need to detect such a cartel by suing the holder of the fake licence who would then assist to identify the originator of such a deal.” Ad by Valueimpression
The city is planning to transform shop licence revenue streams into its cash cow and is coming up with broad strategies to maximise revenue collection prospects.
Harare has been hard hit by rampant corruption particularly in areas of revenue collection where some council officials are reportedly pocketing huge amounts of money.
Jane Mlambo| Government is yet to secure foreign currency to purchase enough fuel ahead of the busy festive season, deputy minister of energy and power development has said.
Responding to questions from legislators in parliament yesterday, Deputy minister Honourable Murambiwa said the country had bonded fuel which requires foreign Currency to procure.
He said that are hoping RBZ will issue letters of credit to fuel suppliers so that the country can have enough for the holiday.
“We do have enough fuel at our depots in Mabvuku and Masasa but it is bonded. This means that we need to pay before we can withdraw that fuel. We are discussing with RBZ who issue letters of credit to fuel traders so that they access the fuel. I can assure the nation that we do have enough fuel at our depots save for the lines of credit. If the process is expedited then the fuel can be available. We are doing everything within our means to make sure that we have enough fuel for our motorists during the holiday,” said Murambiwa.
Speaking to ZimEye early this week, energy minister Fortune Chasi said they were working on improving supply during the festive season which is usually marked by high demand as people travel a lot.
By A Correspondent- Walter Nyakudya, who is ZANU PF chairperson for Makumbiri District is set to appear in court this Friday after he assaulted the wife of a Mvurwi headmaster.
Nyakudya allegedly assaulted Hopetwin Tumbare, the wife of Vivien Nhamoyebonde, following an altercation between his wife and Tumbare.
Nhamoyebonde told a local publication that he invited Nyakudya for talks following the quarrel between their wives and Nyakudya went to Nhamoyebonde’s house where he assaulted the expecting wife.
Nhamoyebonde said that he notified of the assault by school kids since the incident happened when he was still at work.
He added:
After the assault, my pregnant wife started complaining about stomach pains.
She went to the hospital before reporting the matter to the police.
She eventually started bleeding before she had a miscarriage. We lost our child in the process.
Doctor Wadzanai Govha who examined Tumbare after the assault said that the pregnancy was 11 weeks old adding that the injuries were severe although there were no possibilities of permanent disability.
THE worst is over and the future promises a prosperous economy for everyone, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare yesterday, the Head of State and Government admitted that austerity measures implemented by his administration had caused suffering.
“Our policies have created problems, but we are certain of where we are going. To achieve our goal we have to take measures which are painful, but it will pass and everyone will be happy. Nothing comes cheaply. We have to tighten our belts and I am happy that the worst is over! The bad is past us. Things are going to improve,” said President Mnangagwa.
He urged discipline among the business community warning those charging goods and services in American dollars face punishment.
“We were used to multi-currency and there are businesses that are still charging in US dollars. We now have a law dealing with such practice. We will punish those violating the law. Things will straighten up. We will not hesitate,” he warned.
President Mnangagwa said laws were promulgated to ensure sanity and not to please anyone.
“The laws were promulgated not to please anyone, but to ensure the nation progresses well. We want discipline, discipline. You might enjoy it now (violating the law) but the long arm of the law will catch up with you and when it happens don’t say Mnangagwa’s Government is bad,” he said.
He said austerity measures instituted by Government and the re-introduction of the local currency were aimed at bringing economic stability.
“Tirikugadzira nyika irurame vana vedu vagare zvakanaka. We must leave this country in a better position when we go away,” added President Mnangagwa.
He urged Zimbabweans to pride in their currency.
“Our currency collapsed in 2008 and we brought a basket of currencies, but we now know that no country succeeds without its own currency hence we introduced our own currency in June. Many were used to other currencies like Rand and US Dollar, but muchida musingadi nyika ino inofanigwa kuva nemari yayo. Every Zimbabwean must be proud to have own currency. The Mozambicans have their Metical. If its value falls, they stick to it. South Africa has its own Rand and they are proud of it. Botswana has Pula and they are proud of it. In Zambia they have the Kwacha and it is theirs. Ko isu ngative neyedu nyangwe kukatonhora, ngative neyedu. Kukaita nzara ngative neyedu. Tikaita maguta ngative neyedu.Tikarwara ngative neyedu. Tikachata tochata neyedu. Tovaka dzimba nemari yedu,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the use of your own currency reflected on a nation’s independence and sovereignty.
“That is what is called independence. That is what is called a proud nation. We are going to build our nation on the basis of our own resources in Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
By A Correspondent- Marry Mubaiwa-Chiwenga, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has alleged that the former army boss is “hilariously fabricating” stories against her to force former model out of marriage.
The ex-wife of former Warriors striker, Shingi Kawondera revealed this in her bail application in which she said that even after June, when she allegedly attempted to kill Chiwenga, the two remained together and the VP actually sent her US$30 000 for her upkeep in China when she visited him at his request.
Through her lawyers, Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners, Mubaiwa who is in remand prison for externalisation of funds, attempted murder on Chiwenga and money laundering said:
The applicant denies the offence, and specifically incorporates the statement made by her to the police. She will state that the allegations are conjured by the Vice-President in an endeavour to force her hand in the divorce proceedings that are pending in this court.
She added that it is unthinkable that she “dragged a whole army general from a hospital bed” because she was already unwell at the time the alleged offence was committed.
Her lawyers also argued that she is still unwell and therefore unable to stand trial.
Self-exiled G40 kingpins are scheming to exploit, for political expediency, the case of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa, by launching a sustained smear campaign against the Presidium.
Mubaiwa is in remand prison until December 30 on charges of attempted murder, fraud, and currency externalisation.
Sources close to the Mubaiwa family said one of the G40 leaders based in South Africa mobilised money for legal fees.
The G40 leader is alleged to have instructed Mubaiwa to defame and politically smear President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga.
Mubaiwa is facing charges of attempting to murder VP Chiwenga, illegally externalising US$1 033 000, laundering US$990 000 and fraudulently seeking to upgrade her customary union to a civil marriage without her husband’s consent.
She is facing six counts of exporting foreign currency in breach of the Exchange Control Act and five counts of concealing transactions involving proceeds of crime in violation of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Mubaiwa allegedly exported the money to South Africa and China after misrepresenting that her companies intended to buy tents, chairs and prepaid metres for use in Zimbabwe but she ended up buying houses and top-of-the-range vehicles.
“The G40 leader told Marry to falsely allege that the US$1 million she allegedly laundered was in VP Chiwenga’s house. She has also been coached to allege that the money she is alleged to have stolen was just small change,” said the source.
In a bid to elicit sympathy from women, the defence team would also allege that the VP bought houses for alleged girlfriends.
According to the source, the concoction was meant to justify Mubaiwa’s purchase of properties outside the country using stolen money.More in Home
The source also revealed that there had been regular telephone contact between the G40 leader and Mubaiwa, an interaction that raised suspicion that the latter could have been spying on her husband on behalf of the G40 over the years. Mubaiwa’s legal representative, Mr Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners denied the allegations.
‘‘I’m not aware of those allegations. As lawyers, we are doing our job professionally in a manner that protects the interest of our client and the administration of justice,’’ he said.
The G40 cabal has been relentlessly conniving to undermine and destabilise President Mnangagwa’s Government. They have reportedly recruited a brigade of journalists who have formed an online group called “Vasvibisi.”
The recruited journalists were reportedly tasked by G40 conspirators to generate fake news that would politically smear President Mnangagwa and his Vice Presidents.
By A Correspondent- The Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, who is also Zanu PF provincial chairperson for Manicaland, Mike Madiro, told President Emmerson Mnangagwa that residents of Sakubva high-density suburb “are living like rats”.
Madiro said this while thanking Mnangagwa for launching the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare on Wednesday. Said Madiro:
We would like to thank the president for giving us a worthy Christmas present as people were are living like rats with entire families sharing one room from grandparents to in-laws and grandchildren.
The Sakubva Urban Renewal Project will be funded by Banc ABC. It is a grand project that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art vending market, an upgraded stadium, bus terminus, shopping malls and a new suburb.
The launch of the project comes at a time when the demand for housing has been increasing exponentially with unplanned settlements mushrooming in most urban centres.
By A Correspondent- South Africa’s Ministry of Transport recently launched Operation Malaisha which targeted bus, freight and logistics transportation mainly headed towards Zimbabwe and Malawi.
On Wednesday evening, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula stopped several overloaded trailers at the Weighbridge heading to Limpopo. Speaking to reporters from the scene, Mbalula said:
Here we got a lot of unroadworthy vehicles and some of them weigh more than what is expected.
All those vehicles are being impounded.
This operation is taking place at night because people think that police are not working 24/7.
At this time of the year, there is an increase in the volume of human and vehicular traffic in South Africa moving towards the country’s northern gateway, Beitbridge, towards the SADC region.
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans, Malawians, among other nationalities, living and working in South Africa travel home for the festive season, leading to concerns about safety on South African roads.
UN Resident Coordinator Maria Jose Torres has stressed the need to accept the verdict of the five-judge panel of the Constitutional Court in a case where two petitioners want presidential poll results in the May 21 Tripartite Elections nullified over alleged irregularities.
UN Resident Coordinator Maria Jose Torre hailed PAC for bringing leaders together and also promoting peace
Jose Torres said as the country awaits the Court decision on the elections case, Malawians should learn to respect the rule of law and stressed on the need to have peaceful settlement of disputes.
She was speaking during the national peace prayers organised by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) in Lilongwe on Sartuday.
“People have to respect the Judiciary, to show tolerance whether political or religious for views different from their own, to show compassion for fellow citizens – and to put Malawi first,” the UN diplomat said.
She said Malawi is living in a critical time in its history, as a young nation and even a younger democracy the present times have opened important questions on how to achieve an inclusive society governed by peace and justice.
Jose Torres quoted the 1994 Constitution of Malawi (as amended in 2017) that states advocates clearly in 13(l) for “Peaceful Settlement of Dispute”,adding that Malawians are called upon “To strive to adopt mechanisms by which differences are settled through negotiation, good offices, mediation, conciliation and arbitration”.
She said the future calls upon the leaders to be united in prayer and to remain united to honour the principles of peaceful coexistence embraced in the Malawi Constitution.
The prayers were part of an ongoing peace-building initiative.
Speeches and sermons in a packed Bingu Convention Centre centred around appealing to the citizenry to uphold the rule of law and promote peace and co-existence as the country awaits the court ruling.
The five-judge panel comprising Healey Potani, Dingiswayo Madise, Ivy Kamanga, Redson Kapindu and Mike Tembo is expected to deliver its ruling early 2020.
HON. MURAMBIWA: Alright, let me come again Mr. Speaker Sir. I am saying that my question is directed to the Minister of Energy and Power Development. What measures do you have in place to ensure fuel adequacy during this impending festive season?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. MUDYIWA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for a pertinent question, particularly now that we are towards the Christmas holiday where most Zimbabweans would love to travel in and out of Harare to holiday resorts and all sort of places.
The fact is that we do have enough fuel at our depots but it is bonded – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you listen.
HON. MUDYIWA: We do have enough fuel at our depots in Mabvuku and Masasa but it is bonded. This means that we need to pay before we can withdraw that fuel. We are discussing with RBZ who issue letters of credit to fuel traders so that they access the fuel. I can assure the nation that we do have enough fuel at our depots save for the lines of credit. If the process is expedited then the fuel can be available. We are doing everything within our means to make sure that we have enough fuel for our motorists during the holiday – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*HON. TSUNGA: The issue that has been raised by the Hon. Minister is likened to a father who tells his children that there is mealie-meal in the storehouse when they are hungry yet the children are not eating sadza. According to her, diesel and petrol are in the reservoirs but no one is consuming them. The Minister’s responsibility is to ensure that the fuel reaches service stations. We would like to know the plans that the Minister has to make sure that there is fuel at service stations and not tell us about the reservoirs. We want fuel for consumption.
HON. MUDYIWA: Our mandate as Ministry is to ensure that we have got enough fuel in the country and we do have enough fuel like I said before. Go to our depots, there is enough fuel which is bonded but the details of payment is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. At the moment, we are working with the Ministry of Finance and the RBZ to ensure that they expedite the processes of payment so that the fuel is paid for and the traders can get the fuel from our depots. I think I have been very clear.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, the Hon. Minister is very clear. The Ministry of Energy has brought in fuel; the Finance Ministry must make available the monies to draw that fuel to the service station. It cannot be clearer than that.
*HON. TOGAREPI: Hon. Speaker, I have a request from Hon. Members that when the Ministers come for Question Time, there are some who are teasing the Ministers and confusing them, at the same time making noise instead of asking him questions. So, I plead with them to respect the Ministers so that their questions are answered – [HON. MLISWA: You want to take away the duties of the Hon. Speaker when he is present.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order. I do not feel threatened – [Laughter.] –
A 16-year old girl was allegedly gang raped by a pirate Honda Fit crew in Bulawayo.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
He said the girl boarded a silver-grey Honda Fit in the CBD going to Mahatshula at around 6PM on Sunday and the driver who was in the company of two other men diverted route and went to Suburbs where they took turns to rape her.
Ass Comm Nyathi said the three suspects dumped the girl at the scene and drove off at high speed.
“We are appealing to those that might have information leading to the arrest of the suspects to contact any nearest police station,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi urged parents to ensure children are accompanied especially at night.
He also urged members of the public to use registered public transport as pirate taxis are mostly driven by criminals.
On Saturday two domestic workers from Bulawayo’s Kumalo suburb were allegedly robbed of groceries and money worth US$140 and ZWL$3 422 by a pirate taxi crew.
The incident occurred at about 5AM as Ms Ruth Ruhwaya (49), a maid and Shepard Mathe (40), a gardener employed at the same house were commuting to town from their employer’s house.
“The two victims boarded the pirate Honda Fit taxi heading for the city centre and the taxi had two passengers seated at the back while another was in front with the driver. While the vehicle was in motion, the passenger in front produced a knife and told the pair that they had ‘boarded a wrong car’ and they were being robbed. He ordered the two to surrender their belongings.”
Scores of people have been raped or robbed after boarding private vehicles, especially Honda Fits that in most cases have no registration number plates.
THE Beitbridge Border Post has been turned into a hive of activity with thousands of Zimbabweans based in South Africa arriving home for festive season.
Statistics from the Department of Immigration show that an average of 21 000 travellers inclusive of arrival and departures is being cleared at the border post daily.
Long queues of both vehicles and people have become the order of the day at the arrivals’ sections especially in the evening since December 14.
Immigration and customs authorities from both countries have indicated that they are ready to process the travellers.
Chronicle understands that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has deployed 80 more officers from less busy stations to Beitbridge.
Further, border authorities from both countries have categorised traffic into commercial, motorists, buses and pedestrians while more clearing points have been opened to avoid crowding at the border.
It is also reported that the South Africans have also beefed up their manpower to enhance efficiency in the movement of both human and vehicular traffic.
The Assistant Regional Immigration officer in charge of Beitbridge, Mr Nqobile Ncube said harmonised operations with their South African counterparts will help in the speedy processing of travellers. “We have harmonised operations as border stakeholders together with South Africa to enhance a speedy flow of traffic between December 4 2019 and January 13 2020,” said Mr Ncube.
“We are building from the successes of the last festive season and this time will implement the following measures; all off and leave cancelled for border worker, collapsed four shifts into three to enhance manpower and will also utilise outside clearing points in conjunction with separating traffic into buses, light, heavy and pedestrians. In terms of human traffic, we have been clearing an average of 16 000 in the off-peak period and now we are handling close to 21 000 daily.”
The official said they have also adopted a zero tolerance on touts, conmen, wheeler dealers, vendors and other criminals who cause unnecessary congestion of human traffic within the border post.
In a statement, South Africa’s Home Affairs Department said they have extended working hours at some ports of entry and deployed 400 more workers to all busy borders including Beitbridge border post. “We implore travellers leaving and entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents area in order to avoid unnecessary delays at ports.
“These include valid passports, visas, health certificates, permits for specified goods, plants and animals and vehicle insurance and bank authorised cross-border documents for vehicles,” said the organisation. The South African Police Services (SAPS) has increased their staff with 80 more workers while customs have deployed 86 more revenue officers to its borders.”
State Media|A director in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs is reportedly on the run in South Africa over $5 million allegedly siphoned from the ministry through double payments to firms he owns, while three accountants in the ministry have since been arrested.
Chief accountant in the ministry Tirivangani Matare, his assistant Linda Mangoya and accountant Oscar Kwaramba appeared before the Harare Magistrates Courts yesterday on criminal abuse of office charges arising from allegations of paying $751 150 to Ollymann Investments, using another officer’s log-in profile to process the payments.
The three were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya, who remanded them out of custody on bail to January 3.
Matare was ordered to deposit $4 000, Mangove $2 000 and Kwaramba $3 000 as part of their bail conditions.
It emerged during the bail applications that a director in the Ministry of Defence evaded arrest and went into hiding in South Africa.
Investigating officer Patrick Madiye, while testifying in court, revealed that more charges are likely to be preferred against the three as investigations were still underway.
Own Correspondent|State run The Herald newspaper has sensationally claimed that exiled G40 kingpins are bankrolling Marry Chiwenga’s legal costs for political expediency.
The publication claims that the unnamed G40 members are funding Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry in order for her to reveal a sustained smear campaign against the Presidium.
Marry Chiwenga is in remand prison until December 30 on charges of attempted murder, fraud, and currency externalisation.
According to the publication, the G40 leader in question is in South Africa giving a hint that the person referred to is Saviour Kasukuwere.
Kasukuwere is alleged to have instructed Marry to defame and politically smear President Mnangagwa and VP Chiwenga when trial begins.
“The G40 leader told Marry to falsely allege that the US$1 million she allegedly laundered was in VP Chiwenga’s house. She has also been coached to allege that the money she is alleged to have stolen was just small change,” the paper claims an unknown source to have indicated.
The source also revealed that there had been regular telephone contact between the G40 leader and Mubaiwa, an interaction that raised suspicion that the latter could have been spying on her husband on behalf of the G40 over the years.
Marry’s legal representative, Mr Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners denied the allegations.
‘‘I’m not aware of those allegations. As lawyers, we are doing our job professionally in a manner that protects the interest of our client and the administration of justice,’’ he said.
Own Correspondent|State run The Herald reports opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will be joining the Emmerson Mnangagwa initiated Political Actors Dialogue, POLAD.
According to the publication, Chamisa opted for the move after his meeting with former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
“He has already created a negotiating team involving Messrs Tendai Biti, Douglas Mwonzora and one other, after the party’s standing committee meeting on Tuesday,” the paper quotes a source.
“The team will participate in the working teams that were created under POLAD.”
Meanwhile, sources within the MDC earlier this week indicated that Nelson Chamisa is expected to travel to Bulawayo and meet his party’s National Council Thursday and brief it on his meeting this week with former South Africa president in Harare.
“He will be in Bulawayo where he is expected to meet the National Council and touch on a number of key issues including his meeting with Mbeki on Monday,” one of the sources said.
Chamisa has always insisted that he will not join POLAD but works rather have an independent meditation between him and Mnangagwa.
Members of Parliament have urged Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube to re-dollarise the economy saying that businesses, including government-owned, had informally re-dollarised already.
These remarks were said by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti who is also the Vice President of the opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa. He said:
As I said before, three-quarters of it is the government seeking to enforce payment of taxes in US dollars. If that is the case, why should we pretend that the US dollar is not alive and kicking in our economy? Why should we not simply repeal Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 and allow the two currencies to operate together; the US dollar and the exchange rate?
His remarks come a few days after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared at a ZANU PF 18th Annual People’s Conference that there was no turning back on currency reforms.
Biti also speaks when the government announced through the Government Gazette released on 6 December that it had put forward Finance Bill No. 3, 2019, an amendment to several monetary Acts which among other things penalises the re-dollarisation of the economy.
In June this year, Zimbabwe outlawed the use of all foreign currencies for domestic transactions bringing an end to multicurrency regime that was adopted a decade ago.
Former Chelsea player, Neil Shipperley has admitted staring at both mother and daughter (names withheld) from his white van with his manhood out and performing a sex act.
The 45-year-old who has been faced with personal and financial problems handed himself to the local police just as his victims were reporting him.
Uxbridge Magistrates Court heard today that his crime was a “cry for help” as a list of personal and financial problems, plus coping with the end of his football career, came to a “crescendo.”
Shipperley sat in the dock wearing a dark grey suit, and was handed a community order, but was spared a possible jail sentence.
The incident occurred on September 17, 2019 when Shipperley stopped his vehicle in Station Road, Hayes, west London to allow both mother and daughter cross only for them to turn back and see him holding his genitals.
Shipperley then followed the women and was seen by them a further twice, staring and exposing himself.
Shaan Sethi, prosecuting, told the court: “The two complainants, a youth and her mother, were walking on Station Road, Hayes.
“The defendant drove his van alongside them, matching their speed. He wound down his window and stopped adjacent to them.
“The complainant, who believed the defendant was letting them cross the road, turned to thank him, but noticed he was holding his penis in his hand and staring at them.
“They walked further up the road to get away and he followed them, stopped by traffic lights.”
He was performing a solo sex act, the court was told.
Shipperley, also played for Southampton, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United in the top flight.
State Media|A director in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs is reportedly on the run in South Africa over $5 million allegedly siphoned from the ministry through double payments to firms he owns, while three accountants in the ministry have since been arrested.
Chief accountant in the ministry Tirivangani Matare, his assistant Linda Mangoya and accountant Oscar Kwaramba appeared before the Harare Magistrates Courts yesterday on criminal abuse of office charges arising from allegations of paying $751 150 to Ollymann Investments, using another officer’s log-in profile to process the payments.
The three were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya, who remanded them out of custody on bail to January 3.
Matare was ordered to deposit $4 000, Mangove $2 000 and Kwaramba $3 000 as part of their bail conditions.
It emerged during the bail applications that a director in the Ministry of Defence evaded arrest and went into hiding in South Africa.
Investigating officer Patrick Madiye, while testifying in court, revealed that more charges are likely to be preferred against the three as investigations were still underway.
Own Correspondent|The President of the United States of America, Donald John Trump has been impeached by the US Congress.
He has become the third US president in history to be impeached by the House of Representatives, setting up a trial in the Senate that will decide whether he remains in office.
The House voted on two charges – that the president abused his power and that he had obstructed Congress.
Both votes fell along party lines with nearly all Democrats voting for the charges and all Republicans against.
As voting took place, President Trump was addressing a campaign rally. Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, took the stage at a Michigan rally as the House began voting on impeachment.
“Tonight the House Democrats are trying to nullify the ballots of tens of millions of patriotic Americans,” Trump told the crowd.
The proceedings on Wednesday began with members of Mr Trump’s Republican Party calling for votes on procedural issues in an effort to frustrate the process.
That was followed by a vote on the rules to be set out for the impeachment, which kicked off six hours of partisan debate on the merits of the two impeachment charges against President Trump.
The vote on abuse of power was 216-197. Two Democrats voted against the first article, and one voted present.
The vote on obstruction of Congress was 229-198, with three Democrats voting against the second article and one voting present.
Marry Chiwenga, incarcerated wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has told the High Court that the money she is accused of externalizing belonged to her husband and not the state.
Marry made the revelations in her bail application at the High Court indicating that if there was any money laundering crime it should be placed on Vice President Chiwenga who owned the money.
“On the charge of externalization of money to China, the state has only evidence of one witness that the appellant will challenge at trial. She will state that the witness would not have any basis to assume or allege that the money was moved illegally nor is the witness telling the truth.
“The money does not belong to the appellant, and in fact, it was money belonging to her husband, who should be the person in the dock assuming an offense, was committed,” she said in papers filed by her lawyers.
Marry has also challenged allegations that she tried to kill her husband. “Laughable is the so-called last exhibit. The state says it has a photograph of a blooded shirt that the Vice President was wearing.
“Surely an exhibit of that nature, despite it being merely of circumstantial relevance would have been kept and safeguarded. A photograph of a blooded t-shirt remains a photograph. It proves nothing and cannot override primary evidence.
“One is reminded of the saying that surely when a hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.”
State Media|Government is working to end cash shortages, eliminate cash discounts and the multi-tier pricing system which have negatively impacted on hard-pressed consumers.
Further, the Government intends to strengthen the regulatory environment to punish traders that continue employing the multi-tier pricing system and offering cash discounts.
This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in an interview yesterday.
Some retailers are openly displaying different prices for cash and electronic payments.
A loaf of bread costs $14,85 cash, but the price rises to $18,40 when using mobile or electronic money.
Bread prices are between $11 and $13 on the streets where traders demand cash, prompting many citizens to want to withdraw money and enjoy such discounts.
Prof Ncube said Government was aware of the cash challenges and the attendant problems and promised to continue feeding cash into the system.
“As we said, this is a progression. We are drip-feeding the economy with cash. We are doing everything to make sure that there is more cash, there is higher denominations and those who are being prejudiced through this refusal (to accept small coins) should exchange their small coins for higher denominations.
“Then going forward, we will be issuing higher denominations of Zimbabwe dollar $10, $20. We will let you know once we are ready.”
Turning to multi-tier pricing by retailers, Prof Ncube said laws were being perfected to clamp down on the practice.
“We are aware of all these challenges and also, we are going through a transition as an economy. I think it’s fair that we cannot clean-up the system and achieve 100 percent compliance all in one year or one day.
“We accept as Government that we are going through a transition, but we will enforce the law. Part of that (multiple pricing), we think is because of the shortage of cash so once we solve that as a key issue, a lot of the multiple pricing will go away,” he said.
Prof Ncube said there was need for enforcement and better regulation to eliminate multiple pricing.
He said he expected price distortions to dissipate slowly by next year on the back of falling inflation and the injection of more cash into circulation.
Last week, President Mnangagwa signed the Consumer Protection Bill into law, with traders engaging in multi-tier pricing and displaying unpriced goods now liable to hefty fines.
The new law was published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette dated December 10, 2019.
Unfair pricing will attract a Level 5 fine ($600) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months, or both.
MARRY Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is in remand prison for attempted murder, fraud, money laundering and externalisation of foreign currency, now claims to be too sick to stand trial.
Her lawyers Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners said their client should be in a medical institution.
This came out in Mubaiwa’s bail appeal papers filed at the High Court against dismissal of bail in respect of fraud, externalisation of foreign currency and money laundering.
She also raised her health challenges in a separate bail application in respect of the attempted murder charge.
In her bail papers, Mubaiwa claims she had a serious medical condition arising from an assassination attempt.
To that end, the lawyers said she was not fit to stand trial and that she should be freed on bail and get medical attention.
“Applicant is of visibly poor health, being visibly traumatised and having lost a considerable amount of weight.
“A doctor attended to her and deposed an affidavit.
The applicant asserts she was injured in Bulawayo on June 23, 2018 by a hand-held grenade thrown with the intention of assassinating the President.
“The photographs of her hands will be exhibited to the court at the hearing of this matter. She thus needs constant medical care,” reads the bail statement.
An affidavit by Dr Admire Jira was attached to the application stating Mubaiwa was not fit for trial neither could she stand prison conditions.
Part of the affidavit reads:
“Marry Mubaiwa-Chiwenga has swelling on both her upper and lower limbs.
“She has a fever and has difficulties in breathing. She has a wound on her left forearm tender measuring 10cm in length and 5cm in width.
“She has a wound on the right forearm measuring 8cm by 5cm.
“Marry Mubaiwa complained of having flashbacks, lack of sleep and losing weight.”
As a result of the observations, Dr Jira concluded that she is not fit for incarceration or trial.
“Marry Mubaiwa is not capable to stand trial due to her current physical condition.
“She should be in hospital on treatment, preferably Avenues Clinic.
“Marry Mubaiwa should be under the care of a physician, surgeon and psychiatrist of her choice,” writes Dr Jira. State media
Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale misfired as Real Madrid held Barcelona to a 0-0 goalless draw in the La Liga encounter at Nou Camp on Wednesday night.
Both sides had shots cleared off the line and Gareth Bale did put the ball in the net after the interval but his strike was narrowly ruled out for offside and the fixture ended scoreless for the first time since November 2002.
The draw left Barca top on 36 points after 17 games with Real also on 36, five clear of third-placed Sevilla.
State Media|Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s capacity to resolve its challenges and reiterated his support for processes aimed at addressing issues of concern.
During his two-day stay, Mbeki met President Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, leaders of political parties involved in the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), the National Patriotic Front and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).
Speaking to journalists before his departure on Wednesday, Mr Mbeki, who said he had come at the invitation of President Mnangagwa, promised to return in the next two weeks to continue his engagements with stakeholders that have requested to meet him.
“I have a lot of confidence in the leadership of this country, the collective leadership and coming together as they have done in the past,” he said.
“There is a lot of capacity, lots of capacity in the country to resolve all of these problems, all of these reforms that are needed whether it is political or economic, but we are listening, so we will come back later this month because people have left now to prepare for the Christmas holidays. We will come back and talk a bit more.”
Earlier on, Mbeki had said he had come to meet President Mnangagwa and took the opportunity to interact with other political players in the country.
“I came here to see the President,” he said. “I hadn’t seen him since he became President. As I said (on Monday) but as you know, I know many people in Zimbabwe, I have got many friends here so a lot of other people wanted to see me.
“So, we have been talking to everybody and everybody, of course, is interested in discussing the situation . . . I am interested in the situation here; just to understand what is happening and to say basically that we support the efforts of Zimbabweans to address their fundamental challenges whatever the challenges are (and) that everybody gets together.
“So we have been listening to everybody and we haven’t finished that listening process, so we will come back again later this month to continue to finalise that. It’s really a listening thing because we want to give whatever support we can.”
Mbeki said ordinary people wanted to see the country’s challenges addressed, adding that South Africa, as a neighbour, was willing to support that process.
“As I said, many people in Zimbabwe are saying the country needs to address many challenges — whether they are political reforms, economic and so on,” he said.
“We are neighbours and as I said, I have many friends in this country, I know many people and I think we should give all the necessary support.”
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba yesterday said Mr Mbeki was here to encourage dialogue as a friend of Zimbabwe.
“He is just encouraging dialogue as a concerned friend of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Whatever interaction that will happen between political parties will have to be national and within the context of POLAD.”
The estranged wife of the Vice President, Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa who is facing charges of attempted murder, externalisation of funds, money laundering and fraud has approached the High Court in a bid to get her freedom.
She has filed before the High Court an application for bail in relation to the attempted murder case while appealing against the dismissal of her bail application by a Harare magistrate in respect of the other three charges emanating from her arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as the court feared she would abscond trial.
She was remanded to December 30 in custody by Deputy Chief Magistrate, Christen Mberewere.
The Deputy Chief Magistrate in his ruling said it would be easy for her to abscond court as she has properties outside of Zimbabwe like many other high profile people who have absconded, she is no exception.
Marry Chiwenga was denied bail on all four charges being raised against her which were dealt with in two stages by the courts. On the charge of attempted murder, she was remanded in custody to December 30, with instructions to approach the High Court as it is a third schedule offence and the Magistrate court has no jurisdiction over it.
The State which was represented by Michael Reza and Jonathan Murombedzi, Tinashe Makiya and Francesca Mukumbira successfully opposed her being granted bail on condition that she was a security threat to the Vice President after her first failed attempt at murdering him in South Africa.
The lead prosecutor, Reza submitted before court that the Second Lady is a flight risk due to the nature of offences against her and the amounts of money involved.
“The offences the accused person is facing are fairly serious as most of them attract a custodial sentence,” Reza submitted.
“The amount externalised is in excess of a million US Dollars and the money laundered put together will amount to close to US$2 million and this is a substantive amount in any language. The accused is married to the Vice President and clearly, she has a very high standard of living and to move from an opulent house to a prison cell will make any reasonable person want to flee.”
Reza also submitted before court that Marry had refused to hand over her diplomatic passport to the arresting officer which he said was indication enough that she intended to flea the country.
The court also heard that there are other matters which are still under investigation which will likely see more charges being preferred against the Second Lady.
“The investigating officer advises me that the accused is under investigation of the matter in which she handled funds from Musha Mukadzi, how she took foreign currency from her security detail which was given to them as allowances for foreign trips and that four previous winners on the Miss Zimbabwe pageant won motor vehicles and all of them were registered in her name and ownership was not changed technically making her the owner of those vehicles,” said Reza.
Reza also submitted that the courts had become a source of ridicule under the ‘catch and release’ narrative which has seen a lot of high profile people jumping the borders of Zimbabwe after being granted bail.
The investigating officer, Victor Masimba testified in court reiterating the same statements raised by Reza.
During cross examination, Marry’s lawyers, Taona Nyamakura and Mzokuthula Mbuyisa of Mtetwa and Nyambirai law firm told the court that her health should be considered in granting her bail and that her diplomatic passport would make it impossible for her to run away as she would be extradited without difficulty.
The defence counsel also told the court that denying her bail would mean denying her minor children of their right to have their mother’s tender care and nurturing.
“Allegations are that during the period extending from October 2018 to May 2019, the accused would instruct Memory Chakuinga, who is the Managing Director of two South African based companies namely Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd and Bonnette Electrical Pvt Ltd which are based in Pretoria, South Africa to raise proforma invoices for the purchases of either event tents and chairs or prepaid household electrical meters.
The invoices would then be referred to CBZ Bank on the pretext that the accused wanted to purchase the event tents, chairs and prepaid meters for consumption in Zimbabwe, when in actual fact the accused knew very well that after the funds were transferred to South Africa, she would then divert them for other personal purposes,” reads part of the document.
According to the document, the funds were diverted to the purchase of two range rover vehicles which are registered in the name of the accused in South Africa worth half a million dollars while US$36 thousand was used for the purchase of furniture which is alleged to have been delivered at house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa.
“One hundred and forty-two thousand dollars was used for the purchase of house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria South Africa and the house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours Pvt Ltd which the accused is the sole Shareholder.
It is alleged that on the 8th October 2018, the accused sent her driver Carrington Kazingizi and Terrence Mutandwa to the Republic of China with United States Dollars cash amounting to one hundred and fourteen thousand dollars (US$114 000-00). The money exited Zimbabwe through Robert Mugabe International Airport without any declaration being made to the authorities which is in contravention of the Exchange Control Act, Chapter 22:05,” reads the document.
According to ZACC, the fraud case has one count and the Vice President of Zimbabwe Comrade Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga is the complainant.
It is alleged that during the year 2019 on the date to the prosecutor unknown, the accused misrepresented to Judge President George Mutandwa Chiweshe that herself and the complainant had consented to wed under the Marriage Act, Chapter 5:11 under the marriage licence on the 2nd of July 2019 at their place of residence at number 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke, Harare.
“The accused then submitted copies of national identity documents of both parties to the Judge President George Mutandwa Chiweshe without the knowledge and consent of the complainant.
The Judge President then contacted the Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi to look for a magistrate to solemnize the marriage.
The Acting Chief Magistrate, Munamato Mutevedzi as the highest-ranking marriage officer in the Judiciary decided to preside over the wedding ceremony and the national identity documents were forwarded to him.
The Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi, upon noticing that the passport size photos and address of the parties were not included, he contacted the Secretary of the Judiciary Service Commission Walter Chikwana who in turn contacted the accused with the request,” notes the document.
Acting on misrepresented facts, the requested items were delivered to Walter Chikwana who forwarded them to Munamato Mutevedzi to facilitate the registration for special marriage licence for the complainant and accused.
“Acting on the misrepresentation, the marriage officer caused the completion of registration forms and the marriage certificates in preparation for the ceremony. When the accused was doing all this, the complainant was bed ridden and not in a condition to consent to the marriage.
After the applications for special marriage licences were made, a Duplicate original register MR No: 0222402 was prepared. On the Duplicate Original Register copy, the marriage was between Constantino G.D.N. Chiwenga and Marry Mubaiwa.
On the Register it was endorsed or indicated that the marriage was by own consent through the misrepresentation by the accused whilst in actual fact, the complainant had not consented.
On 22 June 2019, the accused together with complainant proceeded to South Africa where the complainant was to receive emergency medical attention as he was critically ill.
On 2 July 2019, the marriage Officer Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi proceeded to number 614 Nick Price Drive Borrowdale Brooke so as to solemnize the marriage with all the necessary documents for the marriage to take place. However, he could not get access to the house.
By such misrepresentation, the accused caused prejudice to the good administration and reputation of complainant” said the document.
Allegations against her of attempted murder are that on 22 June 2019, the complainant, Vice President Chiwenga, was airlifted to South Africa for emergency medical attention, however upon arrival, the accused forced the complainant to stay at a Hotel in Pretoria for 24 hours only for his security team to force their way to take him to the hospital.
It is alleged she ordered the security personnel to excuse her and the General in his private ward alleging she wanted privacy with her husband, only for her to unlawfully remove the medical intravenous giving set as well as the central venous catheter which was inserted into the Vice President who began bleeding profusely.
She allegedly disappeared from the hospital after the hospital staff was alerted by the security personnel.
SEVEN police officers from Bulawayo have been arrested for allegedly storming a Njube man’s bedroom before assaulting him as he lay naked on the floor while threatening to shoot him for failing to pay a $1 500 fine.
The police officers stationed at the Njube and Bulawayo Central police stations identified as Samuel Marava, Leonard Mlezane, Kudakwashe Saungweme, Abious Munatsi, Edgar Muduva, Vincent Dube and Colen Zumo allegedly assaulted Mr Edmond Makonese (56) for failing to pay the fine at the Tredgold Magistrates Court.
The cops pleaded not guilty to assault charges before West Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu yesterday.
The magistrate remanded them out of custody on free bail to December 31 for continuation of trial.
It is alleged that Mr Makonese defaulted paying a fine after he was found operating as an agent in the city centre without a licence.
The courts had fined him $1 500.
The police officers allegedly went to look for Mr Makonese at his home in connection with a warrant of arrest that was issued against him for failing to pay the fine.
The court heard that the officers saw the complainant’s son, Tatenda, who was outside the house and allegedly assaulted him demanding to know where his father was hiding.
They allegedly stormed into the complainant’s bedroom and assaulted him while threatening him with a firearm.
Prosecuting, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on March 6 this year at around 7:30AM, police officers stormed into Mr Makonese’s bedroom armed with a pistol and batons.
He said they found him changing clothes and ordered him to lie down naked.
“The police officers assaulted the complainant by hitting him with hands, booted feet and baton sticks several times intending to cause bodily harm,” he said.
Mr Kamudyariwa said one of the police officers threatened to shoot Mr Makonese who was now screaming in pain as he was being assaulted.
He said Mr Makonese sustained chest injuries, swollen eyes and a deep cut on his forehead and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
Makonese’s neighbour, Mr Samuel Phiri testified that he saw Makonese walking barefooted with blood gushing from his head.
“I was so worried when I saw my neighbour half naked, in the company of many police officers who were busy assaulting him on his way to the police station. His head was covered with of blood,” said Mr Phiri.State media
The world awaits voting decision on Donald Trump Impeachment.
Own Correspondent|President Trump is likely to enter the history books as the third president in U.S. history to have been impeached by the House.
The votes on impeachment bring to an end the House’s months-long inquiry into whether Trump improperly pressured Ukraine to conduct investigations that would benefit him politically.
First, what has been happening on Wednesday? The House spent the day and night debating the two impeachment articles on the House floor. The first article is for abuse of power, and the second is for obstructing the congressional inquiry.
Once debate is over, they will vote separately on the two articles of impeachment. If just one passes with a majority vote, Trump will be impeached.
HOWEVER, That won’t mean Trump is removed from office. The Senate determines whether that will happen.
A president who has been impeached by the House can still serve as president. It’s up to the Senate to hold a trial to decide whether to remove him from office. The two other presidents impeached by the House, Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, were both acquitted by the Senate.
The Constitution only says that the Senate has to hold a trial, with the senators sitting as jurors, House lawmakers serving as prosecutors known as managers and the chief justice of the United States presiding over it. They must take a public vote, and two-thirds of senators present must agree on whether to convict the president and thus remove him from office.
Why Is Trump Being Impeached?
Congress and the Defense Department approved nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine in early 2019. Out of public view, diplomats were urging Trump to meet with Ukraine’s newly elected president in the Oval Office — a meeting the Ukrainians viewed as an important signal to Russia.
But that meeting was pushed off, and the military aid was ordered stopped by the White House.
In late July, Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asking him to “do us a favor though” that included investigating his political opponents and the Biden family.
In August, a whistleblower filed a complaint about that call, alleging Trump had dangled a meeting with Zelensky in exchange for launching investigations into Joe Biden and his son Hunter and into a conspiracy theory about a Democratic National Committee server.
The Washington Post’s Editorial Board wrote that it had been “reliably told” that Trump was pressuring Zelensky to investigate the Bidens.
The existence of the whistleblower complaint is reported by The Post and other outlets.
The White House releases a transcript of the call with Zelensky, and the whistleblower complaint becomes public. And Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces the House will conduct an impeachment inquiry into Trump to see whether his actions on Ukraine render him unfit for office.
The investigation gets underway. It happens behind closed doors at first. Then to the dramatic public testimony by White House aides, many of whom said Trump held up an Oval Office meeting with Ukraine’s president to get those investigations, and many of them say they believed Trump withheld the military aid for the same reason.
Trump also blocked his top aides from complying with congressional subpoenas to testify in the investigation.
The vote to impeach The House Intelligence Committee released a report on the findings of the investigation, and based on that, the Judiciary Committee wrote up the two articles of impeachment the House will vote on.
The Blancos legend saw his side play out a goalless draw against Barcelona on Wednesday which keeps them level at the top of La Liga
A 0-0 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday night has seen Zinedine Zidane become the first Real Madrid manager to go five games unbeaten at the venue.
Across his past five matches in all competitions at the Catalans’ home ground, Zidane has drawn three and won two games to ensure his side have proven difficult visitors for Barcelona.
The two sides’ recent goalless draw was the first 0-0 result between the duo in all competitions since November 2002 – a run of 6235 days.
It was a record-breaking night all round for Real Madrid as Sergio Ramos also became the fixture’s most capped player as he started in his 43rd Clasico.
While a solid result for Los Blancos away from home, the draw leaves them trailling Barcelona at the top of La Liga on goal difference.
Gareth Bale did find the back of the net for Real Madrid late in the second-half, only for the offside flag to deny him what would have been the winning goal.
Zidane’s side ended the night with clear dominance in front of goal, taking 17 shots compared to Barcelona’s nine, but struggled to really threaten Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal-Goal
Knowledge Musona has for a long time now been linked with a move away from Anderlecht and a transfer could finally be done in January.
The 29-year old Zimbabwean striker failed to command a place in the first team since his arrival in 2018 and is now featuring in the club’s developmental side regularly.
According to reports in Belgium, Musona might join Sint-Truidense VV, a club which was reportedly interested in him in the pre-season.
The move, however, will not be a loan transfer as what the club wanted before as to recoup their investments in the player.
Instead, a swap deal is now on the table.
Anderlecht will offer Musona and Pieter Gerkens for Ivorian forward Yohan Boli.
Gerkens was also on STVV’s wish list during the pre-season transfer window.Soccer 24
Heaven has gained another angel. A well known Zimbabwean Businessman Mr Tendayi Zveushe who used to run the famous Pamuzinda Butchery in Leicester UK, sadly passed on after battling cancer. He died yesterday 18th December morning. What a gentle giant.
I told you that this (GNU) is a ZANU PF ploy to ensnare the REAL MDC Zimbabwe and Nelson Chamisa into another bogus arrangement to give ZANU PF breathing space hoping that the ECONOMY will get better without POLITICAL REFORMS implemented!
Sane citizens and Chamisa should REJECT this bogus dialogue!
Zimbabwe doesn’t need a GNU to give a life line to ZANUPF, it needs POLITICAL REFORMS!
Mnangagwa thinks that he can give POLAD credibility by roping in Mbeki, waste of time!
Farai Dziva|The prosecution of Marry Chiwenga mirrors the abuse of state institutions by Zanu PF bigwigs, political observer Antony Taruvinga has said.
See full statement below. ..
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:
Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
Selective application of their law targetting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders.
Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.
While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military regime in a little over 2 years has charged over 22 opposition officials, trade unionists and civil society activists with trumped up treason charges.
Topping the list of those charged with capricious treason charges are MDC senior officials, National Vice Chairman Job Sikhala and Secretary General Charlton Hwende who will face trial next year in January and February respectively.
National Organizer Amos Chibaya and his Deputy Budha Masara are also battling for freedom at Mnangagwa’s pulverized hyena courts.
Clearly, the junta regime borrows heavily from colonial antics whereby any dissenting voices were placed on frivolous treason charges as a way of silencing the alternative voice.
Generally treason is punishable by a lengthy jail sentence and at worst by hanging and Zimbabwe’s political history is littered by horrible cases in point where dissenting voices were savagely murdered.
Our heroic leaders of the First Chimurenga, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi were charged with treason and savagely murdered by white barbarians and their heads were taken to Europe as trophies.
Such is the horrendous, horrible and painful dark history of treason charges in this country that it brings sad memories each time that word is thrown around.
It is not only saddening but quite disheartening that those who claim to be guarantors and vanguards of the gains of the liberation struggle are taking us back to the sad episode in our history as a people.
The Collins Dictionary describes treason as an attempt or act of overthrowing a legitimately elected people’s government.
It further attaches treason meaning to an act of betrayal and treachery.
Going by the first meaning, it is overtly clear that during November 2017 coup, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga diced with treason and the results of such an act is a public secret.
More interesting and even more suiting is the second meaning which describes treason as an act of betrayal and treachery.
The worst form of betrayal and treachery is how this military dictatorship fronted by Mnangagwa lied and keeps lying to our people that it is a ‘New Dispensation’ that is willing to repent and reform yet they are not.
Going by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s electoral promises underlined in ZANU PF’s 2018 election manifesto, it is abundantly clear that the ConCourt proclaimed President is a clear candidate for treason trial!
Where does one start when explaining the unmistakable levels of betrayal of this current regime especially if one takes into account the taunting poverty stalking our people?
Where our people were promised safe drinking water, our people now queue at open wells for dirty water laced with sewer in urban areas.
Where our people were promised more electricity, our people are now emblazoned in darkness!
Where our people were promised decent accomodation, our people now live in squalid conditions!
The list of betrayals goes on and on…!
Is it not ironic that the very same cabal that wantonly shoulders treason charges on innocent citizens are the rightful candidates for treason?
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military regime in a little over 2 years has charged over 22 opposition officials, trade unionists and civil society activists with trumped up treason charges.
Topping the list of those charged with capricious treason charges are MDC senior officials, National Vice Chairman Job Sikhala and Secretary General Charlton Hwende who will face trial next year in January and February respectively.
National Organizer Amos Chibaya and his Deputy Budha Masara are also battling for freedom at Mnangagwa’s pulverized hyena courts.
Clearly, the junta regime borrows heavily from colonial antics whereby any dissenting voices were placed on frivolous treason charges as a way of silencing the alternative voice.
Generally treason is punishable by a lengthy jail sentence and at worst by hanging and Zimbabwe’s political history is littered by horrible cases in point where dissenting voices were savagely murdered.
Our heroic leaders of the First Chimurenga, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi were charged with treason and savagely murdered by white barbarians and their heads were taken to Europe as trophies.
Such is the horrendous, horrible and painful dark history of treason charges in this country that it brings sad memories each time that word is thrown around.
It is not only saddening but quite disheartening that those who claim to be guarantors and vanguards of the gains of the liberation struggle are taking us back to the sad episode in our history as a people.
The Collins Dictionary describes treason as an attempt or act of overthrowing a legitimately elected people’s government.
It further attaches treason meaning to an act of betrayal and treachery.
Going by the first meaning, it is overtly clear that during November 2017 coup, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga diced with treason and the results of such an act is a public secret.
More interesting and even more suiting is the second meaning which describes treason as an act of betrayal and treachery.
The worst form of betrayal and treachery is how this military dictatorship fronted by Mnangagwa lied and keeps lying to our people that it is a ‘New Dispensation’ that is willing to repent and reform yet they are not.
Going by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s electoral promises underlined in ZANU PF’s 2018 election manifesto, it is abundantly clear that the ConCourt proclaimed President is a clear candidate for treason trial!
Where does one start when explaining the unmistakable levels of betrayal of this current regime especially if one takes into account the taunting poverty stalking our people?
Where our people were promised safe drinking water, our people now queue at open wells for dirty water laced with sewer in urban areas.
Where our people were promised more electricity, our people are now emblazoned in darkness!
Where our people were promised decent accomodation, our people now live in squalid conditions!
The list of betrayals goes on and on…!
Is it not ironic that the very same cabal that wantonly shoulders treason charges on innocent citizens are the rightful candidates for treason?
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
A popular South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman died in a hail of bullets in the neighbouring country in a suspected planned murder.
Bheki Ndlovu (44), an umalayitsha was gunned down while fuelling his vehicle at a BP service station in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Sources said the incident happened at Hillbrow BP Garage, which is a stone’s throw away from the Hillbrow police station.
When The Chronicle visited the family at the late Ndlovu’s house in Bulawayo’s Northend Suburb, relatives confirmed that he had been killed in South Africa but said the family was yet to meet and discuss logistics and the circumstances surrounding his death.
His father, only identified as Mr Ndlovu, said he was yet to consult elders in the family before they were able to grant a full interview to the Press.
“We confirm that our son Bheki is late and was killed in Johannesburg. However, at this time we are yet to sit down and talk as a family so I am afraid giving more detail at this point may jeopardise family talks. All I can say is that we are just shocked by the news and are still trying to take it all in,” he said.
Ndlovu had business interests in his hometown, Tsholotsho, where he operated a number of shops and a grinding mill. He also had a fleet of buses and Mercedez Benz Sprinters that plied different routes, among other interests. He was, however, mostly known for his cross-border services.
Many people took to social media to express shock at his death and a number of conspiracy theories came up, as people attempt to unpack the circumstances of his death.
However, his family could neither confirm nor deny them saying they needed “more time to talk and get clarification on what happened and the way forward.”
Contacted for comment, Johannesburg Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar said he had no details on the matter and referred questions to the South African Police Service (SAPS) press office for Gauteng province.
SAPS Spokesperson for Gauteng province Brigadier Mathapelo Peters had not responded to questions from Chronicle. -State Media
Seven police officers from Bulawayo have been arrested for allegedly storming a Njube man’s bedroom before assaulting him as he lay naked on the floor while threatening to shoot him for failing to pay a $1 500 fine.
The police officers stationed at the Njube and Bulawayo Central police stations identified as Samuel Marava, Leonard Mlezane, Kudakwashe Saungweme, Abious Munatsi, Edgar Muduva, Vincent Dube and Colen Zumo allegedly assaulted Mr Edmond Makonese (56) for failing to pay the fine at the Tredgold Magistrates Court.
Zumo died last month reportedly due to stress from the case. The cops pleaded not guilty to assault charges before West Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu yesterday.
The magistrate remanded them out of custody on free bail to December 31 for continuation of trial.
It is alleged that Mr Makonese defaulted paying a fine after he was found operating as an agent in the city centre without a licence.
The courts had fined him $1 500. The police officers allegedly went to look for Mr Makonese at his home in connection with a warrant of arrest that was issued against him for failing to pay the fine.
The court heard that the officers saw the complainant’s son, Tatenda, who was outside the house and allegedly assaulted him demanding to know where his father was hiding.
They allegedly stormed into the complainant’s bedroom and assaulted him while threatening him with a firearm.
Prosecuting, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on March 6 this year at around 7:30AM, police officers stormed into Mr Makonese’s bedroom armed with a pistol and batons.
He said they found him changing clothes and ordered him to lie down naked.
“The police officers assaulted the complainant by hitting him with hands, booted feet and baton sticks several times intending to cause bodily harm,” he said.
Mr Kamudyariwa said one of the police officers threatened to shoot Mr Makonese who was now screaming in pain as he was being assaulted.
He said Mr Makonese sustained chest injuries, swollen eyes and a deep cut on his forehead and was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
Makonese’s neighbour, Mr Samuel Phiri testified that he saw Makonese walking barefooted with blood gushing from his head.
“I was so worried when I saw my neighbour half naked, in the company of many police officers who were busy assaulting him on his way to the police station. His head was covered with of blood,” said Mr Phiri.
The matter was reported to police leading to the officers’ arrest. -state media
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:
Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
Selective application of their law targeting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders. Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.
While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.
Farai Dziva|The prosecution of Marry Chiwenga mirrors the abuse of state institutions by Zanu PF bigwigs, political observer Antony Taruvinga has said.
See full statement below. ..
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:
Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
Selective application of their law targetting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders.
Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.
While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.
Own Correspondent| Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry, has turned tables on ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Marry, who was Monday denied bail and remanded in custody facing charges of attempting to kill her husband, described her arrest as baseless and hilarious in court papers filed at the High Court on Wednesday.
Marry told the court that after the alleged attempt to murder Chiwenga, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave her US$30 000 to travel to China and visit Chiwenga where the VP was seeking further treatment.
Marry said her arrest reminded of the saying that when hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.
She further claims that charges brought against her were baseless and fabricated by Chiwenga against his estranged wife in order for him to win the divorce process they are going through.
She also challenges the State to produce evidence linking her to the alleged offences.
“This is impossible because such reports do not exist for the simple reason that the incident did not occur as alleged or at all. No doctor who respects his professional standing will be made to perjure himself.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
“The witnesses are not even disclosed. The questions still remain that if the applicant ordered everyone to leave the room such that when the alleged incident occurred, alone with her husband, who then is the witness. A witness of fact cannot testify to what they did not see,” she said.
“Laughable is the so-called last exhibit. The State says it has a photograph of a bloodied T-shirt that the Vice President was wearing. Surely an exhibit of that nature despite it being merely of circumstantial relevance would have been kept and safeguarded. A photograph of a bloodied T-shirt remains a photograph, it proves nothing and cannot override primary evidence,” the court papers read.
It is revealed in her court papers that when Chiwenga was in China for further treatment after the attempted murder, Marry said Chiwenga made a request to Mnangagwa to arrange for her to be flown to China.
Mnangagwa agreed and gave her US$30 000 for her personal upkeep while in China.
Writing in her bail application, Marry said that Mnangagwa “even sent his personal security with (typed as Zim but can only be USD) $30,000 for her personal upkeep and use”.
By A Correspondent| The court case of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry Mubaiwa, has opened a can of worms amid indications that the former army commander was also demanding part of the properties his wife allegedly acquired in South Africa.
This was revealed during Mubaiwa’s first appearance in court on Monday following her arrest on Saturday for money laundering, externalisation and attempted murder of Chiwenga while he was in a South African hospital in June.
Chiwenga and Mubaiwa are undergoing a nasty divorce following allegations of attempted murder of the Vice-President by his estranged wife.
During the court appearance on Monday, Mubaiwa’s lawyer Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners asked the investigating officer, Victor Masimba of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, whether he was aware of the divorce processes or not, while hinting that the Vice-President was demanding part of the properties allegedly purchased illegally by Mubaiwa.
Mubaiwa was remanded in custody on both charges to December 30 by deputy Chief Magistrate Christen Mberewere. Prosecutor Michael Reza appeared for the State.
During cross-examination, Nyamakura hinted to the court that the Vice-President was fighting for part of the properties bought in South Africa by Mubaiwa which form part of the charges, a situation said to be contained in the court challenges in the Chiwenga-Mubaiwa divorce case.
“If the Vice-President is claiming (in the divorce case), would it be okay to say he is claiming proceeds of the crime?” Nyamakura asked.
According to the Zacc memo, Mubaiwa, named as chief executive of East Town Holdings and shareholder of a company called Tarnor Investments, externalised close to US$1 million by misrepresentations on proforma invoices before converting the money to personal use.
“During the period extending from October 2018 to May 2019, the accused would instruct Memory Chakuinga, who is the managing director of two South Africa-based companies namely Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd and Bonnette Electrical Pvt Ltd which are based in Pretoria, South Africa to raise proforma invoices for the purchases of either event tents, chairs and prepaid meters for consumption in Zimbabwe, when, in actual fact, the accused knew very well that after the funds were transferred to South Africa, she would then divert them for other personal purposes,” the memo read.
Allegations are that in February 2019, the accused instructed the same Chakuinga to come up with a proforma invoice for US$307 545,05 and diverted the funds to purchase a house in South Africa and was registered under LaChelle Travel and Tours.
She also allegedly diverted $142 858,93 meant for prepaid electric meters towards the purchase of a house.
“The former model also caused CBZ to transfer $142 858,93 to Bonnet Electrical Pty Ltd’s SA Standard bank account which was meant for the purchase of prepaid electric meters.
In order to launder the externalised funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature of the source of the property by diverting the funds and further transferred it to Martin Portgietter Attorney Standard Bank Trust Account number 81327021 towards the purchase of a house, being house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Gold Estate, Pretoria South Africa.
The house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours PTY Ltd where the accused is sole shareholder,” read the Zacc memo.
Mubaiwa also allegedly bought a Range Rover Autobiography, another Range Rover vehicle and a Ford Ranger using the externalised funds.
By A Correspondent| VP Chiwenga’s wife’s bail hearing will be heard on Friday at the High Court it has emerged.
Marry, who is currently languishing in remand prison after a Harare magistrate denied her bail Tuesday is facing a raft of allegations which range from money laundering to attempted murder of her husband the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
She was remanded in custody to 31 December.
Marry and her legal team started the bail application process today.
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name has quickly been dragged into the Chiwengas saga.
Marry Chiwenga, who was Monday denied bail and remanded in custody facing charges of attempting to kill her husband, described her arrest as baseless and hilarious in court papers filed at the High Court on Wednesday.
Marry told the court that after the alleged attempt to murder Chiwenga, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave her US$30 000 to travel to China and visit Chiwenga where the VP was seeking further treatment.
Marry said her arrest reminded of the saying that when hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.
She further claims that charges brought against her were baseless and fabricated by Chiwenga against his estranged wife in order for him to win the divorce process they are going through.
She also challenges the State to produce evidence linking her to the alleged offences.
“This is impossible because such reports do not exist for the simple reason that the incident did not occur as alleged or at all. No doctor who respects his professional standing will be made to perjure himself.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
“The witnesses are not even disclosed. The questions still remain that if the applicant ordered everyone to leave the room such that when the alleged incident occurred, alone with her husband, who then is the witness. A witness of fact cannot testify to what they did not see,” she said.
“Laughable is the so-called last exhibit. The State says it has a photograph of a bloodied T-shirt that the Vice President was wearing. Surely an exhibit of that nature despite it being merely of circumstantial relevance would have been kept and safeguarded. A photograph of a bloodied T-shirt remains a photograph, it proves nothing and cannot override primary evidence,” the court papers read.
It is revealed in her court papers that when Chiwenga was in China for further treatment after the attempted murder, Marry said Chiwenga made a request to Mnangagwa to arrange for her to be flown to China.
Mnangagwa agreed and gave her US$30 000 for her personal upkeep while in China.
Writing in her bail application, Marry said that Mnangagwa “even sent his personal security with (typed as Zim but can only be USD) $30,000 for her personal upkeep and use”.
Incarcerated Marry Chiwenga, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says she is critically ill and unable to stand trial.
“The applicant is of visible poor health, being visibly traumatised and having lost a considerable amount of weight,” her lawyers argue.
Marry, who is detained at the Chikurubi Female Maximum Security Prison, submitted that her hands are visibly swollen adding she was injured on June 23 2018 by “a hand held grenade thrown with the intention of assassinating the President (Mnangagwa),” she said in the papers.
Marry with her husband were part of the group of top ZANU PF officials who survived an assassination attack bombing on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bulawayo in 2018.
Scores of people were killed or injured on the day.
By Problem Masau|Finally, I got the copy of Flashback Identity after waiting for more than a year for the book to be translated from Swedish to English.
The book is an intriguing journey of life, its ups and down through the lenses of one Luckson Chikutu who the world have come to know as Manluckerz.
After reading the book I tossed with the idea, why the title Flashback Identity? It is indeed a “Flashback” of his life. The author adopts a not so easy writing style transcending from his personal life to the cultural norms of the Shona people.
Manluckerz is awed by the vastness of the cultural heritage conveyed during his life thus far. He believes that if you want to find your identity, the best way is by embracing and knowing your roots.
The book is like a combination of “Nkomo: The story of my life” a bibliography written by the late vice President Joshua Nkomo and African Heritage, a history set book used by secondary school pupils.
In Flashback Identity, Manluckerz traces his childhood that had shaped him to be the man he is today. To his credit, the author traces his roots from the time his ancestors moved from South Africa and settled in Zimbabwe’s area of Gutu district.
“My own experiences in life have shaped me and my music at a profound level,” he said on page 27 of the book.
Manluckerz alternates between life’s happy moments and sad ones. He captures the fatal accident that happened during one of his Zimfebi festivals in a captivating yet sad way.
In the book, the author shows that he does not promote African culture in a blinkered way. While he proudly glorifies the issue of totems as one thing that identifies a clan, he also looks at the problems surrounding the issue.
“The totem system is a serious problem for many orphans, especially for abandoned children. People are afraid of being punished by spirits if they violate the rules by bringing children into their families in ways that contrast with those required by totems,” he writes on page 16 of the book. At some point in the book, the author removes his musical jacket and adopts the roles of family a family advisor- aTete.
“Treat your parents as the most important people in your life. What you sow in life is usually what you harvest. It can give you something good to carry with your life throughout life,” Manluckerz urges children in the book.
The book also traces the history of Zimbabwe, the culture of Shona people, their tradition and dances and can be a useful tool in promoting and preserving the country’s heritage if it can be adopted in schools as a history setbook.
Angry members of a church in Ghana unleashed their wrath on their pastor after sighting him in a new Range Rover 2018 at the church compound.
The members demanded their tithes and offering from the young Pastor after he drove in style to their church.
One Joseph Ikunna from Ghana highlighted the plight and posted the video on facebook which sparked lots of reactions from netizens.
In the video, the church members are seen causing a lot of commotion with their pastor and they almost beat him up as he alights the vehicle.Minutes before stepping down from the vehicle one of the church members grabbed him and others joined in him beating up the pastor.This comes after many pastors have been exposed for extorting their worshippers. There is a likeliness of rage from Christians when they learn they have been enriching their pastors’ pockets by paying their tithe and the video below makes one relate with the church members.The wife of the pastor was also there trying her best to free her husband from the church members.Watch the video below:
This Marry-VP divorce saga is like a dejavu which drives one back to 2011 , when she pulled a middle finger on Kawondera.
Gentle reader, when I say Karma has visited Mary’s love life I do not mean Khama Billiat that Warriors hot shot, he is happily ‘Marryied’ (pun intended) and would never try to bulldoze his way into a full presidium’s bedroom.
IT is without a shred of doubt that latest developments in Second Lady Mary Chiwenga’s love life can safely make her a perfect host for Karma. Her not so secret love life which has been in the public glare since her days as a model has made a nasty turn in which she stands to be the biggest loser in the whole drama. She had her first child with Terry Mandizha, a businessman with interest in the medical field.
Terry then stayed in Southerton while Marry stayed in Chitungwiza and she was lured by the ‘cheeseboy’, because Southerton was at that time a ‘cool neighbourhood’ where people of colour stayed. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly instituted divorce proceedings in a nasty fashion reminiscent of the way she dumped ex-husband , former Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera.
Of course, the Second Lady has a penchant for nimble feet and guns hence in her thirty something her old life, she has married a top soldier and a top footballer. It appears she has a thing for men with top marksmanship- those who don’t miss their targets! Kawondera never missed the back of the net and the VP’s antics with the gun are an open secret, he would shoot to kill the enemy, in the quest for the freedom that we enjoy now, we ‘born frees’.
Mary has had three husbands and 5 children! This week, Marry was dragged before the courts where she is facing a cocktail of charges, including illegally solemnizing a secret marriage presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi as correctly reported by this publication in July. I digress.
According to Hinduism, Karma is the force produced by a person’s actions in one life which influences what happens to that person in future lives. Mary was a movement by herself but became a force when she married Kawondera whom she later dumped in a nasty manner. The same way which she is being dumped by the VP.
That is where Karma comes in, if Karma was a person Mary would be an embodiment of such. The VP wants Mary out of the Borrowdale Brooke house
which has sentimental value to him. Interestingly, it will require experts in the construction industry to remove the insignia on the front of the house written C and M- in apparent refence to Constantino and Mary.
This reporter had an exclusive interview with Shingi Kawondera on Friday and he bared his soul. According to Shingi, when he met Marry it was love at first sight and he assumed they would live happily ever after like Romeo and Juliet or Solo na Mutsai, if we bring it closer to home.
Alas, such was not the case, he got a rude awakening and lost the marriage and fruits of his loins- a 10-year-old daughter Destiny. “Wangu, when I met her (Marry) she was a struggling model.
“Of course she came from a well up family but I was on fire, ndaipisa wangu and I invested in business that I thought were ours. “I poured in money for her to start a business, we had a vision of Lachelle Company where we wanted to do boutiques and travel services and she took over because I was in Cyprus,’ relived Kawondera.
“She is a good woman but her rich background pushes her to maintain the status and she can do anything,’’ he added.
In the heart-rending interview on Friday, Kawondera revealed that his daughter Destiny that he sired with Marry was ‘abducted’ when he was in Cyprus and he last saw her when she was two years old. Mary went on to falsify the daughter’s identity by changing the surname on the birth certificate to Mubaiwa after conniving with officials at the Registra General’s office.
“Wangu (my brother), my daughter I last saw him her when she was two years old and Mary went on to amend my daughter’s birth certificate, she liaised with Registrar General Office and my daughter ’s last name was changed from Kawondera to Mubaiwa , her maiden surname and that is not fair, but well Mwari ndewemuhu wese haamwire kuDreams, I wish her well though,’ said Kawondera.
Kawondera claims that he pumped in US$80 000 to jump start Marry’s business, but throughout the interview, he absolved VP Chiwenga , adding that the VP ‘s hands are clean.
Zim Morning Post had a series of interviews with insiders in Chiwenga family and established that Mary was never a darling of the family from the onset, and the family fed poisonous information to Chiwenga. “Chiwenga’s sisters did not like Marry from the start and the situation was worse when Marry blocked them from accompanying Chiwenga to India for treatment.
“President Mnangagwa was even told about the fall out and he counselled her. “Imagine his sisters had to sleep at a hotel when they came for inauguration, “explained our source. “At a family meeting last week, Marry made things worse for herself after she hit back at the General defending herself,” added our source. Meanwhile, Mary was remanded in custody to December 30 after she appeared in court on Monday .
Own Correspondent|Some time later today — maybe MUCH later today — the House will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — both tied to his actions around a July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky.
Even as the House prepares for the historic vote, however, there’s growing evidence that the public impeachment proceedings in the House against Trump may actually be helping him politically.
Own Correspondent|The bail hearing for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife Mary Mubaiwa Chiwenga has been scheduled for Friday.
The hearing will be held at the High Court after the Magistrates’ Court refused to grant Mary bail on Monday.
Chiwenga made things difficult for her bail hearing when she refused to hand over her diplomatic passport to the court forcing the prosecutor to declare her a flight risk.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations were in progress.
He could not divulge any other information concerning the matter. Mr Chapfika’s son, Alex, told the police that his father was hypertensive. According to a leaked memorandum from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Mr John Kayira, a Tanzanian national aged 51 years, who was a friend to Mr Chapfika, informed police about the circumstances of his death.
Harare businessman Mr Macdonald Makamba Chapfika (56) died suddenly on Monday while on his way from a meeting with Government officials at Munhumutapa Building.
“This memorandum serves to place on record circumstances and initial investigations carried out on the above subject matter. “On 16 December 2019 at around 1500hrs, Mr Kayira, who is a friend to the now deceased, received a phone call from the now deceased, informing him of a business meeting with Government officials at Munhumutapa Building,” reads part of the memo.
Mr Kayira went to Chop Chop Restaurant along Fife Avenue Harare where he met Mr Chapfika. At around 1530hrs, they drove to Munhumutapa Building using Mr Kayira’s vehicle, a Mercedes Benz
Blue TEC C220 white in colour, registration number AES 6901.”
“Upon arrival at Munhumutapa Building, they were directed to the boardroom where there were other participants of the meeting,” reads the memo. “At around 1630hrs, the now-deceased made his presentation to the Government officials, who included some ministers and Ministry of Finance officials.
“His presentation lasted for about 15 minutes and was based on the procurement of maize from outside the country for the Government.” After making his presentation, Mr Chapfika left the boardroom with Mr Kayira and as they approached the main entrance, Mr Chapfika started feeling dizzy and had difficulties with his vision.
He asked Mr Kayira to collect the vehicle where it was parked and pick him at the main entrance. “Mr Kayira rushed to fetch the vehicle and when he came back, he saw the now deceased lying on the ground facing upwards. “There were some security details who were attending to him pouring water on his body in an effort to resuscitate him before a report was made at ZRP Harare Central.”
Own Correspondent|Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Marry Chiwenga nee Mubaiwa has hard done her bail application after she refused to hand over her diplomatic passport.
The move has coat her heavily as prosecutors argue its an indication she wants to skip the country.
In opposing bail the Prosecutor Michael Reza, pointed out the fact that Marry refused to hand over her passport to the investigation officer and used that as his basis to argue against bail when he said:
“The amount externalised is in excess of a million US Dollars and the money laundered put together will amount to close to US$2 million and this is a substantive amount in any language. The accused is married to the Vice President and clearly, she has a very high standard of living and to move from an opulent house to a prison cell will make any reasonable person want to flee.”
Correspondent|South African Former President Thabo Mbeki has finally left the country after holding marathon meetings with ZANU PF leaders and opposition leaders.
Mbeki said he will return to Zimbabwe to to continue the meetings with other political players.
Mbeki met President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nelson Chamisa on Monday and the rest of the Political leadership on Tuesday.
The church has also requested to be included in the talks with President Mbeki.
After meeting Mbeki, Former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe said, “Our discussions with former President Thabo Mbeki were around how to move this country forward and we realise that we can only move the country forward by uniting as Zimbabweans and speaking with one voice.
“We want everyone to have a better life in this country and this can only come when people come together and start talking to one another. These are the issues we discussed with President Mbeki and we agreed that as political players in this country, let us come together, let us speak with one voice, let us move our country forward because the people of Zimbabwe matter than any other person.”
Farai Dziva|Highlanders coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh has not started negotiations for a new contract with the club as his current deal is set to expire at the end of this month.
The Dutchman joined the Bulawayo giants on a short term contract just to save the campaign following a horrible start to the 2019 season.
He managed to steer the team to a top half finish and also won the Chibuku Super Cup.
“At the moment there is no news, I haven’t signed anything. Only after I have spoken to my family that is when I will consider the new offer from Highlanders, but at the moment there is nothing,” De Jongh told Chronicle.
Farai Dziva|
Paul Pogba will remain on the sidelines, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.
The midfielder was expected to make his return to action in Wednesday’s League Cup quarterfinal against quarter-final against fourth division side Colchester United at Old Trafford.
Pogba, 26, suffered an ankle injury in September.
Speaking at a presser ahead of the cup clash, Solskjaer said:
“Of all things he’s struck down ill now.
“He’s been off for two or three days, so that’s not beneficial. That’s probably set him back quite a bit.
“We just need to get him match fit. He might be half an hour, 45, 60, 90 minutes – who knows – in the first game. We’re working hard to get him back, but now he’s ill.”
Knowledge Musona has for a long time now been linked with a move away from Anderlecht and a transfer could finally be done in January.
The 29-year old Zimbabwean striker failed to command a place in the first team since his arrival in 2018 and is now featuring in the club’s developmental side regularly.
According to reports in Belgium, Musona might join Sint-Truidense VV, a club which was reportedly interested in him in the pre-season.
The move, however, will not be a loan transfer as what the club wanted before as to recoup their investments in the player.
Instead, a swap deal is now on the table.
Anderlecht will offer Musona and Pieter Gerkens for Ivorian forward Yohan Boli.
Gerkens was also on STVV’s wish list during the pre-season transfer window.Soccer 24
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has ruled out the formation of a unity government, saying the government of the day will see out its full term in office and no one should assume power through the backdoor.
Madhuku said this while speaking to Star FM after he and other POLAD leaders met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is in the country.
Social media was full of speculation that Mbeki had come to encourage a government of national unity between Zanu-PF and the opposition as happened in 2009, but Madhuku has dismissed the speculations.
“There’s no such a thing as a unity government as some are suggesting. We will never have someone coming into power through the back door.
“Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was just in the country to encourage dialogue with a view to solving the problems we are having.
“It is not even Constitutional anymore to have a GNU as happened in 2009 when we were using the old constitution.
In any case, we have an elected government in office, so why should anyone wriggle their way into power via the backdoor?” Madhuku thundered.
On Monday, Mbeki met with President Emmerson Mnagangwa at the State House, before meeting with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa later that day at a Harare hotel.
Tuesday saw Mbeki meeting with leaders of the ‘useless’ Political Actors Dialogue platform who include MDC-T President Thokozani Khupe, MDC-T Vice-President Obert Gutu, NCA leader Professor Madhuku, amongst others who included NPF spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire and Lucia Matibenga.
Since its launch, Polad has done absolutely nothing to solve Zimbabwe’s economic problems.
The former South African President also met with leaders from the church and civic society.
— Zimbabwe Voice
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has ruled out the formation of a unity government, saying the government of the day will see out its full term in office and no one should assume power through the backdoor.
Madhuku said this while speaking to Star FM after he and other POLAD leaders met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is in the country.
Social media was full of speculation that Mbeki had come to encourage a government of national unity between Zanu-PF and the opposition as happened in 2009, but Madhuku has dismissed the speculations.
“There’s no such a thing as a unity government as some are suggesting. We will never have someone coming into power through the back door.
“Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was just in the country to encourage dialogue with a view to solving the problems we are having.
“It is not even Constitutional anymore to have a GNU as happened in 2009 when we were using the old constitution.
In any case, we have an elected government in office, so why should anyone wriggle their way into power via the backdoor?” Madhuku thundered.
On Monday, Mbeki met with President Emmerson Mnagangwa at the State House, before meeting with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa later that day at a Harare hotel.
Tuesday saw Mbeki meeting with leaders of the ‘useless’ Political Actors Dialogue platform who include MDC-T President Thokozani Khupe, MDC-T Vice-President Obert Gutu, NCA leader Professor Madhuku, amongst others who included NPF spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire and Lucia Matibenga.
Since its launch, Polad has done absolutely nothing to solve Zimbabwe’s economic problems.
The former South African President also met with leaders from the church and civic society.
— Zimbabwe Voice
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military regime in a little over 2 years has charged over 22 opposition officials, trade unionists and civil society activists with trumped up treason charges.
Topping the list of those charged with capricious treason charges are MDC senior officials, National Vice Chairman Job Sikhala and Secretary General Charlton Hwende who will face trial next year in January and February respectively.
National Organizer Amos Chibaya and his Deputy Budha Masara are also battling for freedom at Mnangagwa’s pulverized hyena courts.
Clearly, the junta regime borrows heavily from colonial antics whereby any dissenting voices were placed on frivolous treason charges as a way of silencing the alternative voice.
Generally treason is punishable by a lengthy jail sentence and at worst by hanging and Zimbabwe’s political history is littered by horrible cases in point where dissenting voices were savagely murdered.
Our heroic leaders of the First Chimurenga, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi were charged with treason and savagely murdered by white barbarians and their heads were taken to Europe as trophies.
Such is the horrendous, horrible and painful dark history of treason charges in this country that it brings sad memories each time that word is thrown around.
It is not only saddening but quite disheartening that those who claim to be guarantors and vanguards of the gains of the liberation struggle are taking us back to the sad episode in our history as a people.
The Collins Dictionary describes treason as an attempt or act of overthrowing a legitimately elected people’s government.
It further attaches treason meaning to an act of betrayal and treachery.
Going by the first meaning, it is overtly clear that during November 2017 coup, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga diced with treason and the results of such an act is a public secret.
More interesting and even more suiting is the second meaning which describes treason as an act of betrayal and treachery.
The worst form of betrayal and treachery is how this military dictatorship fronted by Mnangagwa lied and keeps lying to our people that it is a ‘New Dispensation’ that is willing to repent and reform yet they are not.
Going by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s electoral promises underlined in ZANU PF’s 2018 election manifesto, it is abundantly clear that the ConCourt proclaimed President is a clear candidate for treason trial!
Where does one start when explaining the unmistakable levels of betrayal of this current regime especially if one takes into account the taunting poverty stalking our people?
Where our people were promised safe drinking water, our people now queue at open wells for dirty water laced with sewer in urban areas.
Where our people were promised more electricity, our people are now emblazoned in darkness!
Where our people were promised decent accomodation, our people now live in squalid conditions!
The list of betrayals goes on and on…!
Is it not ironic that the very same cabal that wantonly shoulders treason charges on innocent citizens are the rightful candidates for treason?
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
We are deeply concerned by the sad developments that took place this evening at the SAPES Trust at the launch of Excelgate, a book written by Prof Jonathan Moyo, which exposes how Zanu PF rigged its way to power in 2018 with the help of the dirty hands of a compromised Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Hired youths clad in MDC regalia disrupted the event in a desperate attempt to mislead the nation and the world into believing they are MDC activists.
The MDC will never associate with such acts of barbarism only home to Zanu PF in the form of the Kwekwe based Alshabab, Chipangano and the notorious Mashurugwi.
Mnangagwa’s blue eyed boys must stop taking advantage of the man-made poverty in our midst to use their ill-gotten wealth to send youths for unruly errands. These youths require sustainable jobs and better education rather than being trained to become agents of terror to our peace loving citizenry.
While we implore the law enforcement agents to act the way they do to any dissenting voices, we also warn these unruly youths and their handlers to desist from abusing our party regalia forthwith.
Today the President launched the Sakubva Urban Renewal Project in Mutare. To facilitate quick implementation, this project has been accorded a National Project status. This is a project to build high rise affordable housing units for low income earners pic.twitter.com/FeonFJPwxa
The Vice President, Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga has reportedly shown interest in the properties his wife Marry Chiwenga nee Mubaiwa bought in South Africa.
This was revealed in court today by her lawyer during cross-examination, according to a local publication.
Mubaiwa’s lawyer Taona Nyamakura of Mtetwa and Nyambirai Legal Practitioners hinted the VP was also fighting for part of the properties Marry reportedly bought in South Africa when Nyamakura asked:
If the Vice-President is claiming (in the divorce case), would it be okay to say he is claiming proceeds of the crime?”
Mubaiwa Chiwenga reportedly bought 2 Range Rovers and a house in Pretoria using the funds she allegedly externalised and these properties are said to be part of their divorce case.
I told you that this (GNU) is a ZANU PF ploy to ensnare the REAL MDC Zimbabwe and Nelson Chamisa into another bogus arrangement to give ZANU PF breathing space hoping that the ECONOMY will get better without POLITICAL REFORMS implemented!
Sane citizens and Chamisa should REJECT this bogus dialogue!
Zimbabwe doesn’t need a GNU to give a life line to ZANUPF, it needs POLITICAL REFORMS!
Mnangagwa thinks that he can give POLAD credibility by roping in Mbeki, waste of time!
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:
Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
Selective application of their law targetting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders.
Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.
While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.
Farai Dziva|The prosecution of Marry Chiwenga mirrors the abuse of state institutions by Zanu PF bigwigs, political observer Antony Taruvinga has said.
See full statement below. ..
Mary Chiwenga’s case actually reveals what we have always said about this coup government:
Abuse of power by the illegitimate VP to punish his wife for whatever reasons
State capture of institutions such as ZACC, ZEC, Police and Judiciary etc that are supposed to be independent of the Executive
Selective application of their law targetting people seen as dissenters or any whom they have crossed paths with…
Corruption is rampant in Zanu pf government and on a daily basis, Zimbabwe loses thousands to these thieves masquerading as leaders.
Unfortunately, by paying taxes, the people of Zimbabwe are funding the lavish lifestyles of thieves and murderers in Zanu PF.
While I, personally, am indifferent about her persecution or selective prosecution, it is important to note that the whole government is occupied with fighting a low ranked female criminal as a result of some bedroom issues while thousands of big thieves and murderers in Zanu PF continue to steal and roam the streets scot free.
Farai Dziva| FC Barcelona will host perennial arch-rivals, Real Madrid at Camp Nou in a LaLiga match today.
The Blaugranas have won more LaLiga games against Real Madrid than any other side (72), while Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona the most often in the competition (72).
Barcelona could record more league wins than Real Madrid for the first time in El Clasico history (currently both teams have 72 wins). With their 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga in March 2019, the Blaugranas (96) surpassed the Whites (95) in total wins in El Clasico in all competitions for the first time since 1931 (6/5).
The Blaugranas are one goal away from reaching 400 goals in El Clásico history in all competitions and are trailing behind Real Madrid’s total (403) with four goals.
Farai Dziva| FC Barcelona will host perennial arch-rivals, Real Madrid at Camp Nou in a LaLiga match today.
The Blaugranas have won more LaLiga games against Real Madrid than any other side (72), while Real Madrid have beaten Barcelona the most often in the competition (72).
Barcelona could record more league wins than Real Madrid for the first time in El Clasico history (currently both teams have 72 wins). With their 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga in March 2019, the Blaugranas (96) surpassed the Whites (95) in total wins in El Clasico in all competitions for the first time since 1931 (6/5).
The Blaugranas are one goal away from reaching 400 goals in El Clásico history in all competitions and are trailing behind Real Madrid’s total (403) with four goals.
A Zimbabwean army officer Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya died two days ago in South Africa when he was thrown from a flat.
Ngwenya was promoted to the position of Major on November 28 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The events that led to his death are still sketchy as the family and the government have not yet issued a statement regarding his death.
Posting an obituary, his friend Sindiso Mazibisa said, “Rest in power Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya. Soldiers don’t die. They Rest. Man like you were are a rare breed. A true Patriot, Husband, Father, Friend and Brother. From rural Gwanda to be a true General. May God unleash vengeance on your killers my brother. ..l.am pained after our last lengthy talk.
“But God Why????l can’t believe that my boyhood friend the Major Mpumelelo Ngwenya is gone. l can’t sleep …just crying ….What a year for me…Soldiers don’t die. .they sleep as they say…just last week what a great discussion we had as friends and former lnyanda High School students. I never knew it was good bye. A true soldier and patriot he was. l am truly hurting. This is so so painful.”
By A Correspondent| Intercape Bus Company has expressed regret over the incident in which their passengers were last week robbed of their belongings at gunpoint by a gang of 8 robbers near Kranskop tollgate on the N1 in Limpopo, South Africa.
In a statement, Intercape confirmed that the incident occurred around 11pm on Saturday, December 7.
The bus was travelling from Johannesburg to Harare.
Said the company in a statement:
“This completely random, uncontrollable act by criminals masquerading as passengers is regretted by Intercape.
We would like to confirm that as an organisation we strive to keep our passengers safe at all times. Intercape would like to apologise to our most valued passengers for any inconvenience.”
South Africa Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo on Tuesday said that two men who had pretended to be passengers pointed guns at the bus driver and ordered him to stop.
“It is still unclear where the two got in. After stopping, another vehicle coming from behind with more robbers got into the bus and started robbing everybody,” he said.
He said the gang had at least eight members, who robbed passengers of their cellphones, money and jewellery. The criminals were armed with an AK 47 rifle, pistols and knives.
By A Correspondent| The Election Resource Center questioned the sincerity of the new dispensation after the ruling party’s political commissar Victor Matemadanda claimed elections would not remove the ruling party from power.
ERC said:
ERC denounces such reckless utterances that question the sincerity of the new dispensation in addressing electoral reforms well ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.
Matemadanda said “If elections fail we will use any other means necessary”. He also went on to say that elections will not remove Zanu PF from power.
Elections provide one of the few opportunities at the disposal of citizens to express themselves democratically. They are one opportunity that is provided once every five years where citizens decide who should govern them.
According to the Constitution, Zimbabwe has a multi-party democratic political system whose electoral system is based on equality of votes, orderly transfer of power following elections, respect for the rights of political parties and respect for the people of Zimbabwe from whom authority to govern is derived.
The utterances attributed to Matemadanda are in clear violation of the constitution which he took an oath to uphold together with other laws of Zimbabwe as a deputy minister (of Defence).
Zimbabwe is a democratic republic in which democratic processes should be exalted and not subverted.
Suggesting that there are other ways to remain in power outside elections reinforces the growing perception that elections in Zimbabwe do not determine who governs.”
Matemadanda made these utterances last week at the Zanu PF Annual Congress.
Many pretend to hate corruption, but happy to collude with it. A friend let slip that he was going to Marondera to get a passport as some officers there charge a US$300 backhander for it. 3 days later he had a passport. He refused to cooperate with details for investigations pic.twitter.com/WnOgiddd21
Jane Mlambo| Local civil groups have demanded that former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is currently in the country to meet and discuss with political leaders, should also rope in civil society so that the process becomes inclusive.
Political commentator, Earnest Mudzengi said the inclusion of civil society was key to avoid the pitfalls of history.
Posting on Twitter, Mudzengi said civil society should be included in an any dialogue process.
Since his arrival on Monday, Mbeki has met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, leaders of smaller political parties under the banner of POLAD as well as National People First.
Yesterday, he had a second meeting with Chamisa whose details have not been revealed.
Both Zanu PF and POLAD members have dismissed prospects of a Government of National Unity saying Mbeki is in the country to appreciate the situation on the ground.
When I repeatedly state that POLAD is here to stay & also that POLAD is punching way above its weight, detractors argue I'm high on nyaope…lol. I'm always as sober as a judge! You just can't wish away POLAD. No! You cant!#ZimbabweWillRise ??@DrThoko_Khupe@Jamwanda2
ELEVEN people were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital on Sunday evening after a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed into a kombi in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb.
Acting Bulawayo chief fire officer, Mr Linos Phiri, confirmed the accident which occurred along Hyde Park Road near Sizane High School turn-off at about 7PM.
He said the passengers who sustained minor injuries, were rushed to hospital where they were treated and discharged.
“We attended an accident which occurred near the Sizane High School turn off. The accident involved a kombi with passengers travelling towards Pumula and a truck laden with sand which was travelling from Pelandaba suburb towards the main road. The truck driver lost control of the vehicle and it rammed into the kombi which then landed on its side,” he said. Mr Phiri said 11 passengers in the kombi sustained minor injuries and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where they treated and discharged.
He could, however, not say how many people were in the kombi.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said police were investigating circumstances leading to the accident.
By A Correspondent| The ruling party is claiming members of the G40 are sabotaging their operations in Harare.
The matter came to light in the party’s central committee report meant for the just-ended Goromonzi congress which read in part:
The restructuring exercise in Harare has unearthed very unethical conduct by some members who were linked to the G40 during the first republic.
In many instances, they have shown total disregard for authority. This infiltration by undesirable elements is a very serious security threat which the national security department is currently seized with.
They also lack discipline and are thugs who continue to cause problems for the ruling party to the extent that mobilising support for the party has become a mammoth task, This group is composed of land barons and very corrupt members who should not be tolerated by the revolutionary party.
The report is coming at a time when Vice President Chiwenga reportedly claimed that the G40 faction was still alive in the ruling party.
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has ruled out the formation of a unity government, saying the government of the day will see out its full term in office and no one should assume power through the backdoor.
Madhuku said this while speaking to Star FM after he and other POLAD leaders met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki who is in the country.
Social media was full of speculation that Mbeki had come to encourage a government of national unity between Zanu-PF and the opposition as happened in 2009, but Madhuku has dismissed the speculations.
“There’s no such a thing as a unity government as some are suggesting. We will never have someone coming into power through the back door.
“Former South African President Thabo Mbeki was just in the country to encourage dialogue with a view to solving the problems we are having.
“It is not even Constitutional anymore to have a GNU as happened in 2009 when we were using the old constitution.
In any case, we have an elected government in office, so why should anyone wriggle their way into power via the backdoor?” Madhuku thundered.
On Monday, Mbeki met with President Emmerson Mnagangwa at the State House, before meeting with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa later that day at a Harare hotel.
Tuesday saw Mbeki meeting with leaders of the ‘useless’ Political Actors Dialogue platform who include MDC-T President Thokozani Khupe, MDC-T Vice-President Obert Gutu, NCA leader Professor Madhuku, amongst others who included NPF spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire and Lucia Matibenga.
Since its launch, Polad has done absolutely nothing to solve Zimbabwe’s economic problems.
The former South African President also met with leaders from the church and civic society.
— Zimbabwe Voice
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly expressed concern over the unfolding socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe and pledged his government’s support to a churches’ initiative towards finding a lasting solution.
Ramaphosa met the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Olav FykseTveit, Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) general secretary Kenneth Mtata on Monday among other delegates where the Zimbabwe question was also discussed.
Mtata is also the chairperson of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA), a network of National Councils of Churches (NCC) in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region.
According to a statement by Mtata, the South African President expressed concern “about the challenges that Zimbabwe continue to face leading to many fleeing that country.”
“He said that he was aware of the famine, doctors’ industrial action, the fuel queues, and broader social challenges. He said he was committed to making sure that his government would support efforts towards a lasting solution,” Mtata said.
The clergy, under the ZCC banner, are pushing for a National Convergence Platform (NCP) which will be signed on December 13.
It seeks to bring together all political parties, civic society groups and Zimbabweans from all sectors toinput into a national vision that seeks to, among others, get the country out of its political and socio- economic crisis.
The country’s multi-faceted crisis is manifesting in hunger and deep-seated poverty among others bedevilling the generality of the populace with analysts warning this could plunge Zimbabwe into becoming a failed State.
Mtata added: “He (Ramaphosa) said that his government was committed in making sure that sanctions are lifted on Zimbabwe, even if they are targeted on certain individuals.
“The country will be perceived as an unattractive investment destination. He recognised with appreciation the efforts of the churches in finding a lasting solution through dialogue. He said his government would support such initiatives towards a lasting solution.”
On the political front, the opposition MDC is questioning the legitimacy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and insists on dialogue to deal with the legitimacy issue.
Mnangagwa has said he is open to dialogue with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa but under Political Parties Dialogue (Polad) meetings with some opposition parties that participated in the 2018 presidential elections.
Tveit said, after the closed meeting between Ramaphosa and the delegation: “The meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa was a unique occasion to raise global issues on the agenda of the World Council of Churches which are also significant challenges for the churches and the society of South Africa today.”
While Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Khusela Diko could not be reached for comment yesterday, a statement by the South African leader’s office confirmed the meeting with WCC leaders at the Lakes Hotel in Benoni, Gauteng.
“The engagement by the President with the highest echelon of the clergy is in the context of advancing the objective of realising a socially cohesive and safe South Africa and the world,” read a statement from Ramaphosa’s office.
