Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki said on Monday the Southern African Development Community must now take up the matter of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe with the Donald Trump administration as part of the plan to resolve the impasse.

Mbeki, who paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, said it was imperative the bloc continues to stand by Zimbabwe in its times of need.

“I am very glad with what the President is doing to respond to the challenges and I think it’s very important that the region should come behind the President and the country because the challenges of Zimbabwe are our challenges,” Mbeki told reporters after closed door talks that last over an hour.

With Sadc having pronounced its position on sanctions that Washington imposed on Harare, Mbeki said it was time to escalate the matter.

Zimbabwe has been under US sanctions for nearly two decades, an embargo that is blamed for fueling the country’s economic meltdown through blocking potential investment and access to international financial support.

The embargo paints Zimbabwe as a rogue state that other nations and investors must not deal with.

SADC has repeatedly called for the lifting of the embargo and declared October 25 this year an anti-Zimbabwe sanctions day in which individual member countries held different activities to show their displeasure at the embargo.

“(After pronouncing its position on the matter) It is important that the region should then follow up on an important matter like that with countries like the United States so that we act on this issue,” Mbeki said.

The Zimbabwe government estimates the sanctions to have cost the economy close to US$100 billion in potential revenue flows over the years.

Through its engagement and re-engagement agenda, President Mnangagwa’s government is trying to build bridges that could lead to the lifting of the sanctions imposed over political differences to do with the land reform programme.

The agrarian reforms saw the government compulsorily acquiring vast tracts of prime agricultural land owned by a small number of white farmers and redistributing it to over 300 000 black families in a bid to address a colonial legacy.

The US government remains adamant that the sanctions on the country are justified.

President Mnangagwa lauded Mbeki’s visit as a show of deep ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“Zimbabwe and South Africa are very close friends,” he said, jokingly adding that Mbeki was the only living former South African President who was yet to visit him since taking over from the late former President Robert Mugabe over two years ago.

Officials said Mbeki was expected to meets with local opposition leaders and former First Lady, Grace Mugabe to pay his condolences following the passing on of former President Mugabe.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) is to transport 7,000 tonnes of maize from Tanzania to Zimbabwe.

In an emailed response to questions sent by Bloomberg, Tazara Managing Director Bruno Ching’andu also revealed that in September, Tanzania sold 17,000 tonnes of maize to Zimbabwe, with the shipment done ahead of schedule. He said:

The next batch of 83,000 tons is still in discussion, however, we have in the meantime received an order to move 7,000 tonnes.

… the exercise, which was meant to take three months, took just over two months to complete.

Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of a severe famine due to drought and misuse of billions of dollars meant for a government-funded programme, Command Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the country has an 800 000 tonnes deficit of maize, with the United Nations World Food Programme estimating that half of Zimbabwe’s population requires food aid.

-Bloomberg

By A Correspondent- Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has hinted to Parliament that he will be introducing higher denominations of $10 and $20 notes in the near future.

Ncube revealed this on Thursday in the Senate while responding to a question by Masvingo Senator Tichinani Mavetera (MDC Alliance) on the practical steps that he was taking to deal with unscrupulous practices, whereby some businesses are demanding payment in United States dollars.

Ncube said to deal with re-dollarisation, he would first ensure that more cash, in terms of Zimbabwean dollars, was pumped into the system.
“In the last month, we put in cash to the tune of $110 million and we said that in the next six months, we will continue to put in more cash,” Ncube said.

“What we will do going forward is to also increase the size of the denomination. You can imagine that if it is $2 or $5 notes, you have to pack quite a lot of them into the automated teller machines to make withdrawals and so high denominations like $10 or $20 notes are needed going forward and we will be doing that,” he said.

Ncube said they were releasing the new $2 and $5 notes in dribs and drabs to avoid inflation.

“If we put in all the cash that is needed in one moment, it will increase inflation sharply, but also, it may impact the exchange rate and even cause more inflation and so we are using a strategy called a swap, where we are swapping RTGS [real time gross settlement] balances for cash with the bank,” he said.

“What that does is it helps you pump cash into the economy, but without increasing the aggregate amount of cash in circulation.”

The Finance minister said at the moment, the cash in circulation in Zimbabwe, as a percentage of the stock of cash, is just above 4%.

“This is well below that of similar countries in the region. We should double that and that means we have to put in about $1 billion into the economy. That is the first strategy,” Ncube said.

He said the second strategy was legal enforcement to ensure that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is given enough teeth, powers and legal instruments to enforce the use of domestic currency and also impose adequate penalties to dissuade those who demand payments in US dollars from doing so.

“So, I will be bringing before this august House, as part of the Finance Bill, some provisions and amendments of the RBZ Act to give more teeth to the Reserve Bank,” the Treasury boss said.

He said to ensure that the country does not re-dollarise, he would put more cash into the system, which would also strengthen the use of the local currency and build confidence around it, thereby discouraging the use of the greenback.

-Newsday

SIX people died on the spot while three others were seriously injured after two vehicles collided near Stanmore along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident which occurred on Saturday at around 3PM at the 81 kilometre peg.

He said a Honda CRV was headed for Bulawayo with four passengers on board when the driver encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic and collided with an Opel Corsa that was headed for Beitbridge.

Ass Comm Nyathi identified the deceased persons as Thulani Zvonoyo (55) from Kwekwe, Patson Ndlovu (25) from Binga, Thulani Ziga (35) from Waterford in Bulawayo, Sithethiwe Ndlovu (38) and Cosmas Muphasu (45) both from Rushinga while the sixth victim was yet to be identified.

“A Honda CRV was travelling along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road headed for Bulawayo with four passengers. Upon reaching the 81 kilometre peg near Nswazi turn off the driver encroached into the lane of incoming traffic and collided with an Opel Corsa that was coming from the opposite direction.

“The Honda CRV veered off the road before coming to a halt at the edge of the road while the Opel Corsa skidded on the road and came to a stop in the middle of the road. Six people died on the spot as a result of the accident among them four men and two women. Three people including the two drivers sustained serious injuries and they were ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said the accident was suspected to have been caused by speeding. He urged motorists to adhere to road regulations and be safety conscious when travelling on roads in order to avoid loss of life.

“We appeal to drivers to observe road rules and regulations at all times. They shouldn’t speed as a number of accidents are being recorded as a result of excessive speeding. Drivers should also ensure they stick to their lanes and not straddle the centre line,” he said.

In another crash, a driver died on the spot while five passengers sustained injuries when a vehicle they were travelling in burst a tyre before rolling several times. Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred just outside Gwanda Town at the 117 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road on Thursday at around 3AM.

-State Media

Takunda Chitaka is a Zimbabwean scientist studying for a PhD in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Harare City Council’s Finance and Development Committee has recommended that the city disposes 87 old council vehicles through a public auction.

The vehicles are either old and disused or too expensive to repair and have been lying idle at the Council’s Stores.

Speaking during a tour of the workshops and vehicle yards, Finance Committee Chairperson Councillor Luckson Mukunguma said the committee has resolved to dispose these vehicles since the cost of maintenance of some of the vehicles now exceeds their actual value.

“Council’s workshop has the custodianship of all these properties hence they have to take account of all the parts for these cars,” he said.

“The main challenge is that some of these vehicles have been lying idle for the past two years because their cost of maintenance far exceeds their value,”he said.

Cllr Mukunguma said council will come up with policies that help in regulate and monitor council vehicles to ensure that vehicles that are old and disused are out under the hammer.

By A Correspondent- Armed anti-riot police Saturday on evening raided the homestead of the dethroned outspoken traditional leader, Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni in Ntabazinduna.

The Chief’s lawyer, Dumisani Dube from Mathonsi, Ncube Law Chambers confirmed the development.

He said:

I can confirm that anti-riot police accompanied by Umguza district coordinator visited Ndiweni’s home in Ntabazinduna on Saturday night.

They wanted to confiscate his vehicle and regalia but unfortunately, the Chief is outside the country.

Again, as far as Ndiweni is concerned, he is still the chief because he has not received any official communication regarding his purported dismissal.

Chief Ndiweni was ousted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week. Mnangagwa directed that Ndiweni’s government allocated car and all the all State assets are seized immediately.

The chief has refused to be cowed by the government and has been vocal against the 1980s Gukurahundi genocide. He also attended the opposition MDC congress in May this year and called for additional targeted sanctions against the country’s political elite.

-NewZimbabwe.com

Dethroned Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni’s lawyer Dumisani Dube yesterday blocked Umguza district development co-ordinator (DDC) Tapiwa Zivovoyi from collecting the former chief’s government-issued vehicle and the traditional regalia in his absence.

Ndiweni was dethroned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government with effect from November 30 on the grounds that he was not the rightful heir to the throne.

Yesterday, Dube confirmed to Southern Eye that on Saturday the DDC went with the police to Ndiweni’s homestead intending to collect the official vehicle and traditional regalia, but failed to do so because Ndiweni was not present.

Yesterday, the DDC was supposed to go with his team to Ndiweni’s homestead again.

“The chief is in South Africa. At 10am, I was at the DDC’s office. I met with DDC today (yesterday) to get official communication from the government regarding the dismissal of Chief Ndiweni and he (DDC) made me a copy,” Dube said.

“I also advised them not to repeat what happened on Saturday when he (DDC) went with riot police to collect the chiefs’ regalia and vehicle when he is still outside the country. He (DDC) advised that he would wait and communicate the position from government on what to do.”

Zivovoyi confirmed meeting Dube yesterday. He indicated that they will wait for Ndiweni’s return.

“Yes, we met him. In fact, how can we collect the property if he (Ndiweni) is not around. He is the only person who must give us, we will wait for him,” Zivovoyi said.

Matabeleland Chief’s Council recently referred the dispute concerning the Ndiweni chieftainship to the Ndiweni clan which endorsed Nhlanhlayemangwe as the authentic heir to the throne.

However, Mnangagwa’s office sent a letter dethroning Ndiweni as chief.

-Newsday

Farai Dziva|Media mogul Trevor Ncube has waded into the Marry Chiwenga saga – inferring that the former super model is a victim of ” selective application of the law.”

Ncube believes the charges against Marry are somehow exaggerated.

“I have never met Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga. I don’t know her from a bar of blue soap.

She has become the latest victim of selective application of the law and weak compromised/national institutions. What she is going through can happen to any of us,” tweeted Ncube.

Marry is facing several charges including attempted murder, according to court documents.

Have your say;

FORMER South African President Thabo Mbeki held talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in Harare yesterday 

Should Chamisa have met Mbeki?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 17, 2019

Own Correspondent|Former South African President Thabo Mbeki met President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa separately in Harare yesterday.

Emerging from the meeting with President Mnangagwa, Mbeki said that opposition parties that lose elections must accept defeat after the elections.

In clear reference to Chamisa, Mbeki said losing candidates must appeal to the courts when they feel cheated and also accept the ruling of the courts.

“Well, normally, I would say we must all of us respect the view of the people. If people have queries, they must go to the courts because all the countries in the region have that provision that people can go and lodge their complaints about elections to the Judiciary. And once the courts have made a ruling, then we have got to accept that. So that’s generally the approach,” he said.

Own Correspondent|FORMER South African President Thabo Mbeki held talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in Harare yesterday amid speculation that he had come to initiate talks between Zanu PF and MDC to resolve the deepening socio-economic crisis in the country.

After the meeting, Mbeki said he was happy with what Mnangagwa was doing to resolve the country’s crisis.

“I am very glad with what the President of the country is doing to respond to the challenges and I think it is very important that the (Sadc) region comes behind the President and the country because the challenges of the country are our challenges,” he said.

“As you know, we all of us have a responsibility to help one another, to the extent that if there is anything we can do to the President and the government and the country, we would want to do that.”

Online publication Zimlive has reported that Pokello Nare, step-daughter of Ignatius Chombo, has been bought a 2020 Range Rover by boyfriend Emmerson Mnangagwa Junior in South Africa.

Pokello was born in Gwanda, Zimbabwe on the 24th August 1985 to retired Colonel George Nare and Bessy Muzvidzwa. She turned 34 in 2019. She is also the stepdaughter of the former Zimbabwean Cabinet Minister Ignatius Chombo.

Watch the video below:

https://twitter.com/zimlive/status/1206634523229863936?s=19

FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube has hinted to Parliament that he will be introducing higher denominations of $10 and $20 notes in the near future.

Ncube revealed this on Thursday in the Senate while responding to a question by Masvingo Senator Tichinani Mavetera (MDC Alliance) on the practical steps that he was taking to deal with unscrupulous practices, whereby some businesses are demanding payment in United States dollars.

Ncube said to deal with re-dollarisation, he would first ensure that more cash, in terms of Zimbabwean dollars, was pumped into the system.

“In the last month, we put in cash to the tune of $110 million and we said that in the next six months, we will continue to put in more cash,” Ncube said.

“What we will do going forward is to also increase the size of the denomination. You can imagine that if it is $2 or $5 notes, you have to pack quite a lot of them into the automated teller machines to make withdrawals and so high denominations like $10 or $20 notes are needed going forward and we will be doing that,” he said.

Ncube said they were releasing the new $2 and $5 notes in dribs and drabs to avoid inflation.

“If we put in all the cash that is needed in one moment, it will increase inflation sharply, but also, it may impact the exchange rate and even cause more inflation and so we are using a strategy called a swap, where we are swapping RTGS [real time gross settlement] balances for cash with the bank,” he said.

“What that does is it helps you pump cash into the economy, but without increasing the aggregate amount of cash in circulation.”

The Finance minister said at the moment, the cash in circulation in Zimbabwe, as a percentage of the stock of cash, is just above 4%.

“This is well below that of similar countries in the region. We should double that and that means we have to put in about $1 billion into the economy. That is the first strategy,” Ncube said.

He said the second strategy was legal enforcement to ensure that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is given enough teeth, powers and legal instruments to enforce the use of domestic currency and also impose adequate penalties to dissuade those who demand payments in US dollars from doing so.

“So, I will be bringing before this august House, as part of the Finance Bill, some provisions and amendments of the RBZ Act to give more teeth to the Reserve Bank,” the Treasury boss said.

He said to ensure that the country does not re-dollarise, he would put more cash into the system, which would also strengthen the use of the local currency and build confidence around it, thereby discouraging the use of the greenback.

NewsDay

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week dismissed Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni from his position as Chief Ndiweni.

Mnangagwa ordered Ndiweni to surrender all State property in his possession, including a Government vehicle.

Secretary for Local Government and Public Works Mr Zvinechimwe Churu announced the dismissal of Felix through a letter dated December 12 and addressed to the Matebeleland North Provincial Assembly of Chiefs.

“Please be advised that His Excellency, the President has, as per your recommendation and in line with the provisions of Section 283 (ii) of the Constitution and subsection 2 (a) (i) of Section 3 of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) removed Felix Ndiweni from the office of Chief Ndiweni in Umguza District of Matabeleland North province, with effect from November 30 2019,” he said.

Mr Churu directed the Provincial Council to officially notify the former chief as well as cease the payment of his allowances.

He also ordered the recovery of the Government-allocated vehicle, all chiefs’ regalia and any other State assets in his custody with the assistance of police if need be.

As instructed, heavily armed anti-riot police on Saturday evening descended on ousted Ndiweni’s homestead in Ntabazinduna where they unsuccessfully tried to impound the State-issued vehicle and traditional regalia in his possession.

However, the seizure of the property was unsuccessful as the former chief is reported to be out of the country. The anti-riot police were accompanied by Umguza district coordinator, Tapiwa Zivovoyi.

They are said to have stormed the controversial traditional leader’s homestead and demanded the vehicle’s car keys and regalia.

They wanted to confiscate his vehicle and regalia but unfortunately the Chief is outside the country.

Ndiweni has already instructed his lawyers to challenge the dismissal at the High Court on grounds that the dismissal was unconstitutional.

Own Correspondent|Former South Africa President, Thabo Mbeki, is back in Zimbabwe and has declared that he is willing to assist in resolving the challenges that the country is facing.

Zimbabweans have not quickly forgotten about Mbeki the man who took charge of the negotiations that brought about the unpopular Government of National Unity in 2008.

He met with President Mnangagwa for over two-hours at State House in Harare yesterday.

Zimbabweans have always accused Mbeki of failing to negotiate fairly between Zanu-PF and MDC when he advocated for a coalition government after the 2008 elections.

His coalition government brought back to the power a defeated Robert Mugabe and relegated election winner Morgan Tsvangirai to second fiddle.

President Mbeki’s rationale was that given the kind of aggressive attitudes of certain western governments in other parts of the world, he didn’t want to see them taking over in any kind of process. Core on his strategy was the question of stabilisation more than democratisation in Zimbabwe an idea that Zimbabweans would not want to hear this time around.

Within the mediation process, using his quiet diplomacy, Mbeki allowed a huge silence around the manner in which Zanu-PF blocked the reform agenda even under the global political agreement and the violence of the 2000s.

In the case of Zimbabwe, the policy of quiet diplomacy was a disaster. If you want proof that it was a disaster you just have to look at Zimbabwe now.

Quiet diplomacy meant a preference for stability over democracy…

“The energy should have been focused on setting conditions to allow for free and fair elections,” Tendai Biti said then.

Zimbabweans are today pushing the same message that instead of wasting time and money on talks that will give Mnangagwa legitimacy, energy would rather be on setting up for free and fair elections.

Can Mbeki guarantee that?

Own Correspondent|VICE PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga’s double standards on his fight against his wife Marry were quickly exposed in court on Monday at the initial hearing of arrested Marry Chiwenga’s case.

Chiwenga was immediately exposed to be in the process of attempting to seize the upmarket house in South Africa that his jailed wife is being accused of having fraudulently acquired.

Marry is accused of sourcing for foreign currency from CBZ allegedly to buy event tents and chairs but instead use the money to buy assets in South Africa.

However, her lawyer Taona Nyamukara, during cross examination of Victor Masimba, an investigating officer from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Monday hinted that VP Chiwenga was claiming ownership of the South African properties.

“What if I tell you that Vice President Chiwenga is claiming ownership of those South African properties you allege were bought illegally in the ongoing divorce proceedings?

“What if I tell you he is also claiming the marquees in question?,” Nyamukara asked Masimba.

However, Masimba failed to answer the questions.

She faces six counts of externalisation, five for money laundering and one case of attempted murder.

SIX people died on the spot while three others were seriously injured after two vehicles collided near Stanmore along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Highway.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident which occurred on Saturday at around 3PM at the 81 kilometre peg.

He said a Honda CRV was headed for Bulawayo with four passengers on board when the driver encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic and collided with an Opel Corsa that was headed for Beitbridge.

Ass Comm Nyathi identified the deceased persons as Thulani Zvonoyo (55) from Kwekwe, Patson Ndlovu (25) from Binga, Thulani Ziga (35) from Waterford in Bulawayo, Sithethiwe Ndlovu (38) and Cosmas Muphasu (45) both from Rushinga while the sixth victim was yet to be identified.

“A Honda CRV was travelling along the Bulawayo- Beitbridge Road headed for Bulawayo with four passengers. Upon reaching the 81 kilometre peg near Nswazi turn off the driver encroached into the lane of incoming traffic and collided with an Opel Corsa that was coming from the opposite direction.

“The Honda CRV veered off the road before coming to a halt at the edge of the road while the Opel Corsa skidded on the road and came to a stop in the middle of the road. Six people died on the spot as a result of the accident among them four men and two women. Three people including the two drivers sustained serious injuries and they were ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said the accident was suspected to have been caused by speeding. He urged motorists to adhere to road regulations and be safety conscious when travelling on roads in order to avoid loss of life.

“We appeal to drivers to observe road rules and regulations at all times. They shouldn’t speed as a number of accidents are being recorded as a result of excessive speeding. Drivers should also ensure they stick to their lanes and not straddle the centre line,” he said.

In another crash, a driver died on the spot while five passengers sustained injuries when a vehicle they were travelling in burst a tyre before rolling several times. Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred just outside Gwanda Town at the 117 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road on Thursday at around 3AM.-

MAJOR supermarkets in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces yesterday began selling mealie meal at subsidised prices.

Residents jostled in long queues to buy a 10kg bag of roller meal at $50kg and 20kg bag at $100. Before the Government injected a subsidy to cushion consumers recently the prices of the packages ranged between $100 and $250.

Some customers at OK Supermarket said they had been waiting for hours to get the mealie meal which they had been looking for, for nearly two weeks.

“We have been looking for this subsidised mealie-meal for more than two weeks and now that it is here we will wait for the supermarket to sell it. They told us that 60 tonnes had been brought here by two lorries which are offloading at the back of the shop,” said Ms Nonhlanhla Moyo.

Another woman who preferred anonymity and had two 20 and two 50 kilogramme bags of roller meal said she was lucky to buy the mealie- meal in the morning at the affordable price.

“Mealie-meal is very scarce and people in the rural areas are really suffering. Now that I managed to secure this much, it means I will be able to feed my family back at home,” she said.

Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) spokesperson, Mr Garikai Chaunza, declined to comment on the quantities availed to the market, saying only the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development could do so.

“The national total consumption per month is 32 000 tonnes. As of now the Ministry of Finance and Grain Marketing Board (GMB) are the ones who are working hand in hand with millers and I cannot comment on the quantity but the Ministry of Finance can,” said Mr Chaunza.

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, declined to comment.

On Saturday, Government started rolling out the subsidy programme to all licensed grain millers and has made advance payment for this month as it moves to stabilise mealie-meal prices.

Former South Africa President, Thabo Mbeki, is willing to assist Zimbabwe in resolving the challenges that the country is facing and has commended the policies adopted by Government so far.

He met with President Mnangagwa for over two-hours at State House in Harare yesterday.

Speaking to journalists after meeting President Mnangagwa, Mr Mbeki said Sadc countries had an obligation to assist each other.

“We all have a responsibility to help one another to the extent that we can do anything we can do to assist brethren, the Government and the country,” he said.

“So the reason we spent this amount of time (in the meeting) as I have said, is because I haven’t seen the President in Harare as President of the Republic, so there was a lot of ground to cover.

“But I am very glad indeed with what the President and the country are doing to respond to the challenges, and I think it’s very important that the region comes behind the President and the country because the challenges of Zimbabwe are our challenges.”

Mr Mbeki added that Sadc should follow up on its resolution calling for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

“Here for instance, the President was telling me about the decision taken by Sadc on the sanctions matter. It’s an important decision and of course the region should make a follow up with countries like the United States so that we act on this issue. So this is part of what we were reflecting about,” he said.

The former South African President also said it was important for political parties to respect the will of the people in electoral processes adding any grievances should be dealt with through the legal route.

“Well, normally, I would say we must all of us respect the view of the people and if people have got queries they must go to the courts because all the countries in the region have that provision that people can go and lodge their complaints about elections to the judiciary and once the courts have made a ruling then we have got to accept that. So that’s generally the approach,” he said.

In his brief remarks, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and South Africa shared cordial relations.

“Yes, of course, you know Zimbabwe and South Africa are very close friends. Former President (Kgalema) Motlanthe came to see us, visit us. President (Jacob) Zuma did come, President Cyril Ramaphosa came. So it was only President Mbeki who had not come, so the four have been here what else would you want?” President Mnangagwa said.

Own Correspondent|Questions have been raised on whether the Zimbabwean Courts can try Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife Marry Chiwenga on attempted murder charges on a crime she committed in South Africa.

The attempted murder charge arises from when she accompanied her husband who had been airlifted to South Africa in July for urgent medical attention.

Marry Chiwenga allegedly refused to let him be admitted to hospital for 24 hours until security personnel insisted.

She then visited her husband in hospital, dismissed his security staff, and when alone with him allegedly removed the intravenous giving set and the central venous catheter.

A legal expert who spoke to state media under anonymity said the attempted murder case can legally be tried in Zimbabwe, although the offence was allegedly committed in South Africa.

“If the idea to kill started here in Zimbabwe before the complainant was removed from Zimbabwe to South Africa, our courts will have jurisdiction to hear the case,” said the lawyer.

“Again, the law says if the offence has an effect on Zimbabwe, it can be tried by the local courts.”

The Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act reads:

“A person may be tried, convicted and punished for a crime, whether in terms of this Code or any other enactment, where the crime or an essential element of the crime was:

(a) committed wholly inside Zimbabwe; or

(b) committed partly outside Zimbabwe, if the conduct that completed the crime took place inside Zimbabwe; or

(c) committed wholly or partly outside Zimbabwe, if the crime:

(i) is a crime against public security in Zimbabwe or against the safety of the State of Zimbabwe;

or

(ii) is a crime which:

has produced a harmful effect in Zimbabwe; or
was intended to produce a harmful effect in Zimbabwe; or

was committed with the realisation that there was a real risk or possibility that it might produce a harmful effect in Zimbabwe.”

If Marry Chiwenga is convicted of attempted murder, the maximum penalty provided for in the Act is life imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Source: State Media

State Media|Daily hire rates for contracted Zupco buses have risen from $2 000 to $3 000 following a plea by private transport operators, a Government official has said.

The new tariff comes into effect this month, but bus owners, while continuing to support Zupco, have asked Government to consider paying the equivalent of the initially agreed US$270 a day.

The increase was announced in a letter on December 4 by Finance and Economic Development Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga to Local Government and Public Works Secretary Mr Zvinechimwe Churu.

Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation spokesperson, Mr Regis Munhenzva, said the move to increase the rates was welcome, although it fell short of the agreed US$270.

“However, our Government is also struggling, so we are doing our best in terms of national interests to help our fellow Zimbabweans,” he said.

Mr Munhenzva slammed shops selling spare parts in forex.

“We are buying our spares using US dollar as shops are refusing our local currency despite Government having issued a clear directive to ban forex sales,” he said.

Zupco is operating with 501 conventional buses, which include its own brand new fleet and those using its franchise, plus at least 470 kombis contracted countrywide.

Watch the video loading below. ..

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ZimEye begins an investigation into the welfare of a male body-builder recognised as Constantino Chiwenga’s wife’s personal trainer, Vince Lambourn, who vanished in Zimbabwe soon after being accused of bedding Marry Chiwenga.

ZimEye has received the below missing person alert. (This is a developing story and updates will be posted here).

FULL TEXT:

A white guy by the name of Vince Lambourn accused of sleeping with Marry Chiwenga.

He is an ex Mr Zimbabwe bodybuilding champion and personal trainer. She was going to him for personal training. He has fled Zimbabwe after receiving death threats and is currently in hiding in South Africa.

He has changed all his numbers fearing for his life. Even his family posted a missing person request on Facebook. 

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

MARRY MUBAIWA, the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is already facing attempted murder, fraud and currency externalisation charges, may face more charges.

She is being investigated for swindling State aides of their daily allowances while in foreign lands and grabbing vehicles awarded to Miss Zimbabwe pageant winners, the court heard yesterday.

This emerged while she was remanded in custody on 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.

The attempted murder charge arises from when she accompanied her husband who had been airlifted to South Africa in July for urgent medical attention.

Mubaiwa allegedly refused to let him be admitted to hospital for 24 hours until security personnel insisted.
She then visited her husband in hospital, dismissed his security staff, and when alone with him allegedly removed the intravenous giving set and the central venous catheter.

The remand court was told that she was also being investigated on charges of taking away the daily allowances of her aides on foreign trips, of how vehicles won by models in the Miss Zimbabwe pageant were registered in her name, and how she handled funds in Musha Mukadzi Zimbabwe Armed Forces Foundation (MZAFF).State media

Watch video below. ..

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ZimEye begins an investigation into the welfare of a male body-builder recognised as Constantino Chiwenga’s wife’s personal trainer, Vince Lambourn, who vanished out of Zimbabwe soon after being accused of allegedly bedding Marry Chiwenga.

ZimEye has received the below missing person alert. (This is a developing story and updates will be posted here).

FULL TEXT:

A white guy by the name of Vince Lambourn accused of sleeping with Marry Chiwenga

He is an ex Mr Zimbabwe bodybuilding champion and personal trainer she was going to him for personal training, he has fled Zimbabwe after receiving death threats and is currently in hiding in South Africa.

He has changed all his numbers fearing for his life. Even his family posted a missing person request on Facebook. 

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Farai Dziva|The MDC candidate for the Tongongara Rural District Council ward 6, Marry Choga got only 16 votes.

Her rival, Addmore Chitera polled 396 votes.

See Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network Report below:

The by-election was held in accordance with section 121A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the previous councillor, Edward Chitera, who was elected on a ZANU-PF ticket in the July 31, 2018, harmonised elections.

ZESN observed that the by-election which was won by ZANU-PF’s Addmore Chitera with 396 votes compared to 16 votes received by the MDC Alliance’s Marry Choga was held according to the law.

Farai Dziva|The MDC candidate for the Tongongara Rural District Council ward 6, Marry Choga got only 16 votes.

Her rival, Addmore Chitera polled 396 votes.

See Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network Report below:

The by-election was held in accordance with section 121A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the previous councillor, Edward Chitera, who was elected on a ZANU-PF ticket in the July 31, 2018, harmonised elections.

ZESN observed that the by-election which was won by ZANU-PF’s Addmore Chitera with 396 votes compared to 16 votes received by the MDC Alliance’s Marry Choga was held according to the law.

Nelson Chamisa in closed door meeting with Thabo Mbeki. Do you think Zimbabwe is heading towards another GNU?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 16, 2019

By A Correspondent- The lawyer representing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry Chiwenga nee Mubaiwa, said a group of men who claimed to be detectives from the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC), took away the couple’s three children and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Mtetwa was speaking to the media about what transpired on Saturday at the Chiwengas’ home when Marry was arrested.

Said Mtetwa:

They also took away the couple’s three children and no one knows where they are right now.

But the laws of Zimbabwe are very clear that when a couple separates, the minors stay with their mother, but as it is, they have taken away Marry’s children from her.

Marry appeared at the Harare regional court on Monday morning where she was formally placed on remand on the charge of attempting to kill her husband.

The former model was initially charged with the externalization of US$1 million, fraudulently seeking to solemnise her marriage with neither Chiwenga’s knowledge nor consent and money laundering.

However fresh murder charges have been laid against the second lady where she allegedly tried to kill the vice president.

By A Correspondent- MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has revealed that his party was going to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power in the next five months of the new year if dialogue fails to yield positive results.

The youthful leader made the remarks yesterday at Chisamba grounds in Mutare while addressing thousands of party supporters, where he said the country should not always be in election mode.

He also spoke in an earlier interview with the NewsDay saying the just-ended Zanu PF conference held in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province, was testimony the Mnangagwa administration was clueless on how to end the country’s socio-economic crisis.

Chamisa, however, ruled out violence and anarchy in his plans to end Mnangagwa’s political career, but claimed his party would always remain radically correct.

“We are getting near freedom, we are near Canaan. We have only five months to finish the issue of politics in the country. We need 2020 (next year) to clear political challenges we are facing as a country. We can’t be a country that is in a perennial election mode,” he said.

“We can’t continue to say dialogue, dialogue for five years. We have a window period for this. We are giving dialogue a chance because we want to give peace a chance. If Emmerson Mnangagwa refuses dialogue, then we have the power of the people.”

“We want everyone to know that we are giving dialogue a chance so that we do some reforms. If we finish politics, we are not worried about economics. To lead a country is easy, you just need to respect what people are saying.

“Some churches came to me over dialogue issue and I asked them if they had prayed and I told them to go and pray. Churches play a critical role in the peace-building of this country.”

Added Chamisa: “Even though things are difficult, let us remain focused. Freedom is never free and cheap. Democracy needs everyone to work. We have to make sure that we organise ourselves as the people of Zimbabwe and say enough is enough.

“We don’t believe in violence, we don’t believe in anarchy. Our late former President Morgan Tsvangirai told me if things are difficult, never use violence, but non-violence; and be radically correct,” he said

Chamisa also said Zimbabwe needs an independent electoral body to run polls, saying the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) was compromised.

Earlier, Chamisa had said the first five months of the new year would be decisive because Zanu PF has failed.

“Goromonzi has not brought us anything. A problem cannot be a solution. A question cannot be an answer and you can’t expect juice out of stones. The only way forward for this country is for us to address the crisis. We must not turn every Zimbabwean into a politician. The first five months of 2020 will be decisive,” he warned.

“In the past, if there was a crisis, people would put their heads together to find a solution. It needs everyone to put hands on the deck. Everyone should come forward to resolve the crisis.”

He said Zanu PF had “officialised” lying and believed their propaganda.

“Zimbabwe is not poor, but it has poor leadership. We need to resolve this crisis. Things are done in an opaque manner. There is opaqueness in government, lots of lies in this country. Lying has been elevated to officialdom. Spewing propaganda (such that) you end up lying to yourself,” Chamisa said.

“No one is happy. Our military used to be the best in the region, but politics has changed that. Our police used to be the best, but politics has turned them into something else. Our doctors are the best the world over, but politics came in and look at what is happening now, they are victims of politics.”

Addressing the Mutare gathering, MDC deputy president Lynette Karenyi-Kore said: “I am worried by the economic situation we are facing as a country. Mnangagwa should just pack and go because he has failed.”

The party’s co-vice president Tendai Biti labelled Mnangagwa a thief.

“These people can steal. I once told my president, Nelson Chamisa, that there are pastors of stealing and Mnangagwa is the archbishop of stealing. They steal through Command Agriculture, they steal US dollars, he hires expensive planes,” he said.

Zanu PF Simon Khaya Moyo said he was busy finalising the conference report and was not in a position to comment on the matter.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Mary Chiwenga (nee Mubaiwa) the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been denied bail.

Mary who is facing a myriad of charges which include fraud and the attempted murder of the Vice President has been remanded in custody to December 30, 2019.

The state was represented by Michael Reza and Jonathan Murombedzi while the Second Lady, was represented by Taona Nyamakura and Mzokuthula Mbuyisa from Mtetwa and Nyambirai law firm.

Michael Reza argued that the attempted murder charge is a third schedule offense and that as such, the Magistrates’ court should not grant bail.

He said that only the High Court could grant bail in such circumstances. He said that Marry should approach the high court for bail. The Magistrate agreed with Reza and advised Mary to apply for bail at the High Court. She was ordered to return to court on the 30th of December for routine remand.

On the charges of fraud, the export of foreign currency and money laundering also opposed bail for Mary arguing that there is a likelihood that Mubaiwa will continue working to ensure that she kills Chiwenga.

Reza also added that Mary may interfere with key state witnesses and investigations if granted bail. He argued that the witnesses in the externalization case are Mary’s friends who may reconsider their testimonies if approached the right way by the accused.

Mary was arrested on Saturday night by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) allegedly at the orders of her husband. The arrest came after an explosive family meeting to discuss the collapse of the couple’s marriage was held on Friday.

A feisty Mary is alleged to have become indiscrete during the meeting and made barbed remarks about her husband’s alleged sexual inadequacies.

Mary is facing a number of charges of externalizing US$1 million and seeking to fraudulently formalize her marriage without the consent of the Vice President. Mary is also battling another lawsuit from her ex-husband and former Warriors star Shingi Kaondera.

Kaondera has dragged Mary to the High Court demanding a massive US$700 000 alleging that she forged the divorce papers which allowed her to leave him and to get married to Chiwenga back in 2011.

Mary’s camp is suspicious that the lawsuit is being bankrolled by Chiwenga. The reason being that if Mary’s divorce is ruled fraudulent, it would deem her marriage to the former army General legally void.

By A Correspondent- A psychiatrist who is treating former Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira has pleaded with the Harare Magistrates Court not to commence with her corruption trial and give her at least three months to recover from a mental illness.

Walter Mangezi who has been a psychiatrist for over 15 years, testified in court on Friday and argued that a trial now would worsen Mupfumira’s mental condition.

“I had three sessions with her before I diagnosed depression and put her on medication. Hers is severe depression because she exhibited five of the core symptoms as she was facing difficulties sleeping, was always sad, lost appetite, pleasure, energy and interest in daily activities.

“Any court proceedings will bring back memories of what she has been through. All I ask for is some time to allow her to recover.”

Prosecutor Clement Chimbare however hit back saying; “If the accused person is suffering from a mental illness why has she not been admitted into a mental facility in compliance with the law?

“There is no reason to postpone trial because as we speak she is following proceedings,” Chimbare said.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which arrested Mupfumira in July this year, alleges she misused about USD$94 million from the state’s National Social Security Authority (NSSA) while serving as minister of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare.

The charge sheet also accuses Mupfumira of “criminal abuse of duty as a public officer” for allegedly taking unauthorized loans from the NSSA to buy a vehicle and fund her political campaign.

She also allegedly instructed NSSA to provide funds to Metbank “under unclear circumstances.”

-StateMedia

–

By A Correspondent| Marry Chiwenga’s father Kenny Mubaiwa has said justice will prevail after his daughter was denied bail and locked behind bars for a slew of charges including attempted murder of VP Constantino Chiwenga.

In a dramatic twist of events, Marry was considered a flight risk by the state thus she was denied bail.

She was remanded in custody to the 30th of December.

Marry’s father was asked on what he thought of his daughter’s incarceration and the crestfallen Kenny said justice will prevail.

By A Correspondent- MDC leader Nelson Chamisa told party supporters that he is keen on dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Addressing thousands of his supporters at Chisamba Grounds in Mutare’s Sakubva high-density suburb over the weekend, Chamisa said:

I need everyone to know that we are giving dialogue a chance because we want to give peace a chance.

But we will not be pursuing a dialogue in perpetuity. It has to be pursued within a limited period after which we pursue other means. We will give dialogue a chance … There is some talk going on slowly.

… If dialogue is done it will spell out the specific reforms that need to be done.

The opposition leader said the envisaged dialogue with Mnangagwa is not about forming a government of national unity (GNU), as happened in 2009, but that it will be about political reforms.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have hitherto insisted that Chamisa should join other losing presidential candidates under the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

-DailyNews

By A Correspondent- The Apex council has dismissed messages circulating on social media that civil servants will get a cushion allowance by December 18.

The council is the umbrella body for civil servants’ organisations.

Part of the message circulating on social media reads: “civil servants to get $500 cushion by December 18. The special payment involved an allocation of $1 billion set aside to address the plight of civil servants.”

“The special assistance of $500 for civil servants on grade E5 and the $250 payment for government pensioners, will also be paid on 18 December said Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube.”

In telephone interview yesterday, Apex Council President Mrs Cecilia Alexander said what is circulating on social media is incorrect and emphasised that the council uses main stream media to disseminate information.

“We met Government and we presented the plight of civil servants in terms of the festive season and also their monthly salaries and we suggested that we really need a cushioning before Christmas, Government has not yet responded and what is circulating on social media is not true,” said Mrs Alexander.

She said the Apex Council is expecting Government response today.

Mrs Alexander said the journalist who wrote the story for an online publication is tarnishing the image of the Apex Council.

“The messages speak to a very important issue that impacts on and pertains to the livelihood of so many people. It is wrong to play politics with people’s suffering. Everyone is now anticipating a cushion that was never promised. It’s so wrong,” said Mrs Alexander.

— StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Following months of passport backlogs, the Registrar General’s office has announced new passport prices that take effect immediately.

Many citizens were left stranded as the Passport office was failing to meet demand owing to forex currency shortages for consumables used in passport production.

The situation was further worsened by the unrealistic price that saw a Zimbabwean passport costing the equivalent of 3USD for the ordinary one that came out after 6 months.

Zimbabweans in the diaspora will be expected to fork out more at USD318 whilst locals paying in local currency will pay ZWL 3180 for one that comes out after 3 days.

Below are the revised prices:

Passport Type	Price
External passport	$USD 318
Internal Urgent	$ZWL 3180
Internal 3 weeks	$ZWL 2000
InternalOrdinary	$ZWL 530

Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) has in a statement said that doctors remained incapacitated even after revealing their grievances to the government three months ago.

The association which represents junior and middle-level doctors speaks after a splinter group of doctors has launched the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ) a development which ZHDA says was an expected one.

We present below the association’s statement in full.

State Media|Harare motorists continued with double parking and illegal parking despite new clamping and towing charges of between $500 and $900 taking effect last Friday.

City Parking marshals were not taking action on errant drivers, amid fears they could be taking pay-offs.

When The Herald did rounds in the city to check on the effect of the new fines, several vehicles were still double parked at various places.

Motorists interviewed said a lot more needed to be done to bring order to the city centre.

Tinashe Kambonde said: “I thought that the high fines would whip some people into line, but they did not or maybe we are being too expectant and there might be need to wait a few days for results.

“If the results do not come, there might be need for a holistic approach to address the issue. Fines might not do the trick.”

Another motorist, Mrs Evelyn Magaso, blamed the lukewarm response to the fines by defaulting drivers to the reluctance of council officials to enforce them.

“I expected to see a lot of vehicles being clamped today, so that errant drivers get the message that council means business, but as you can see some cars have been double parked for hours now and no-one is taking action,” she said.

“I suspect that parking marshals are now cashing in on the new fees, otherwise why are they not taking action when they are empowered to do so.”

There has been numerous allegations of corruption involving officials in the City’s Parking division.

A report with this publication recently alleged a motorist made an EcoCash payment of $10 to a parking attendant under reference number 207581, Txn ID MP190828.1404.D43291, but the marshal issued a $5 receipt.

When the reporter contacted City Parking public relations manager Mr Francis Mandaza, he said the issue should be raised with the customer services department for investigations.

When contacted later on the outcome of the investigations, Mr Mandaza was reluctant to shed light over the matter.

According to the new charges, clamping of light motor vehicles will now cost $500 up from $57, a 15-seater commuter omnibus will be charged $600, while the owner of an 18-seater bus will pay $700.

Conventional buses and lorries will now be penalised $800 and articulated heavy lorries $900.

Owners or drivers of towed vehicles, charges will now pay $500 to $800, depending on the type of vehicle.

Light motor vehicles will now be charged $500, while tow away fines for a 15-seater commuter omnibus and that of an 18-seater are now pegged at $700 and $800, respectively.

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Nelson Chamisa says he will only call for the removal of sanctions after he meets President Emmerson Mnangagwa and agree on, and implement political reforms.

Chamisa said this while addressing thousands of MDC supporters at Chisamba Grounds in Mutare’s Sakubva high-density suburb over the weekend. He said:

I told Mnangagwa that let us unite… because we have a problem in the home … Let’s resolve our differences and after we agree on the needed reforms we then go out with one position and demand that all sanctions be lifted.

They will be lifted because of who will be asking for their removal … They will not listen to crooks.

The ruling ZANU PF party has been calling for the immediate and unconditional removal of the targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe at the turn of the Millenium by the United States and the European Union.

The Western powers have, however, insisted that Harare undertakes comprehensive political reforms for the restrictive measures to be removed.

Standard|Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown constitutes the biggest threat to Zanu PF’s continued hold on power, the ruling party has admitted.

The country is going through one of the worst economic crises since 2013 characterised by severe currency shortages, scarce fuel supplies and galloping inflation.

A United Nations expert last month said Zimbabwe was on the brink of a man made starvation.

Hilal Elver, the UN’s special rapporteur on the right to food, made the observation after an 11-day assessment.

She attributed the crisis to hyperinflation, poverty, natural disasters and economic sanctions, among other things.

The government, however, described Elver’s findings as exaggerations but the admission by Zanu PF in a central committee report tabled at the ruling party’s just-ended annual conference in Goromonzi showed that the authorities are having sleepless nights over the crisis.

In the report, Zanu PF commissar Victor Matemadanda said the crisis threatened the party’s own existence. Zanu PF does not take responsibility for the chaos in the economy.

“The most latent security threat that has great consequences is the unstable economy, which is largely propelled by the parallel market (black market),” reads part of the report.

“Formal trading prices are determined by the parallel market exchange rate, which has been sharply rising on a daily basis.

“Prices of all commodities and services have followed suit to unsustainable levels.

“Most people are failing to make ends meet, so are poverty levels that are rising very much throughout the country.

“As a result, anger is brewing among the citizens while there is loss of confidence on the direction the economy is taking.”

In January a steep increase in the price of fuel led to violent protests across the country, which were ruthlessly put down by the army and police.

Human rights groups said as many as 17 people were killed when security forces fired live ammunition during the three days of demonstrations.

At least several women were allegedly raped by soldiers. Since then the government has been refusing to give the main opposition MDC clearance to hold protests, saying the situation in the country remained volatile.

The central committee report recommended that Zanu PF should prioritise programmes aimed at resuscitating the economy for its survival.

“As the party continues to prioritise the resuscitation of the economy, the national security (organs) need to maintain a peaceful environment around the country to enable unperturbed economic growth,” the report added.

Zanu PF also describes the MDC and civil society groups as a security threat as they are allegedly working together in efforts to topple Mnangagwa.

“The opposition, together with their international allies, have attempted to put pressure on President Mnangagwa to start a separate dialogue with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa,” the report added.

“It is interesting to note that some NGOs, civil society organisations and some western countries continue to fight in the opposition’s corner by morally supporting their acts of destabilisation.

“The same organisations have been urging America and its European allies to maintain the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe citing alleged human rights violations by security services.”

The party accused the organisations of “staging” abductions of their members “to ensure that the country is viewed in political bad light”.

MDC, the report claims, is working with some community based organisations that organise cultural, sporting and arts festivals as well as sexual reproductive education programmes to recruit supporters ahead of the 2023 general election.

“These programmes are being done as campaign strategies by MDC ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections,” Zanu PF claimed.

Chamisa and the MDC refused to recognise Mnangagwa’s election victory in last year’s elections citing alleged vote rigging.

The opposition party has been pushing for dialogue between the two leaders to resolve the crisis, but Zanu PF insists that there is no need for the talks.

Instead Mnangagwa set up a dialogue forum of fringe political parties that took part in the July 2018 presidential elections, which the MDC has dismissed as a farce.

Churches have also been pushing for dialogue between Mnangagwa and Chamisa to resolve Zimbabwe’s political and economic crisis, which has left millions on the brink of starvation.

According to the UN, 60% of Zimbabwe’s population is food insecure due to a severe drought during the 2018/19 farming season.

Mnangagwa, who took over from Mugabe in 2017 following a military coup, has been struggling to deliver on his promise of a quick economic turnaround.

Foreign investors continue to stay away from Zimbabwe due to the unstable political situation in the country and unpredictable economic policies.

In June Zimbabwe dumped the multi-currency regime that had helped stabilise the economy for over a decade and reverted back to its own currency.

The Zimbabwe dollar, however, has been losing value rapidly due to low economic activity in the country.

Former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki is likely to meet MDC leader Nelson Chamisa and former First lady Grace Mugabe after meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Monday morning.

Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba said, “Mbeki is in the country at invitation of President E.D. Mnangagwa. The two have just finished their meeting at State House, with former President likely to accede to requests for meetings from different personages including politicians.

“He might meet Madame Khupe, Misihairabwi, Mr Chamisa, Mr Isaac Maphosa and possibly former First Lady.”

Charamba added that Mbeki offered himself to assist Zimbabwe in negotiating with the international community so that it is accepted back into the family of nations.

“Former President of South Africa, Cde Thabo Mbeki, is in the country at invitation of President E.D. Mnangagwa. The two have just finished their meeting at State House, with former President likely to accede to requests for meetings from different personages including politicians.”

“The former President of South Africa offered his stature and access globally to help push Zimbabwe’s agenda to have sanctions removed and to ensure reconnection with the rest of the willing world.” He added.

There has been speculation that Mbeki is in the country to assist Chamisa and Mnangagwa dialogue.

MDC has maintained that it will only meet Mnangagwa under a credible mediator.

TO    : COMMISSIONER INVESTIGATIONS

This memorandum serves to place on record the arrest of the above mentioned accused.

Accused: Marry MUBAIWA
Age: 38 years

Complainant: STATE

1. The complainant is the State.

2.    Accused person is Marry Mubaiwa, the Chief Executive Officer of East Town Holdings situated at number 14 Boundary Road, Highlands, Harare and also a Shareholder of Tarnor Investments Pvt Ltd.

3.    During 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.

COUNT ONE

4.    On 8 October 2018, 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.

5.    The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$114 000-00. COUNT TWO

6.    Sometime in November 2018, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to come up with a proforma invoice for the supply of event tents and chairs which were then sent to CBZ Bank and also to the accused. On 17 December 2018, the accused on the strength of the proforma invoice,
caused CBZ Bank to transfer two hundred and one thousand eight hundred and forty six dollars and eighty one cents (US$201 846-81) through Outgoing Telegraphic Transfer into Falcon Projects Suppliers Private Limited South African FNB Bank account number 62576755105.

Menyln towards the purchase of the accused’s personal vehicle a Range Rover Autobiography. The vehicle was later registered in South Africa into the accused’s personal names bearing registration number HW40JNGP.

8. The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$201 846-81. COUNT THREE

9.    Sometime in February 2019, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to raise another proforma invoice for the supply of prepaid household electric meters. On 4 February 2019, the invoice was sent to CBZ Bank and to the accused. On 13 February 2019 the accused caused CBZ Bank to transfer three hundred and seven thousand five hundred forty five and five cents (US$307 545-05) through Outgoing Telegraphic Transfer into Falcon Projects Suppliers Private Limited South African FNB Bank account number 62576755105.

10.    Thereafter, the accused instead of purchasing the prepaid meters instructed Memory Chakuinga to divert the funds for the purchase of a house, being number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. The house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours Pty Ltd South Africa where the accused is the sole Shareholder.

11.    The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$307 545-05. COUNT FOUR

12.    Sometime between February and March 2019, the accused asked her friend Judith Gamuchirai Goredema to source for three million rands (ZAR3 000 000-00) in South Africa for the purchase of the accused’s second Range Rover vehicle. Judith Gamuchirai Goredema sourced the funds from South African Financers. In return the accused gave Judith Gamuchirai Goredema two hundred and thirty thousand seven hundred and sixty nine dollars twenty three cents (US$230 769- 23).

13.    The funds amounting to ZAR3 000 000-00 were then transferred into Kempster Sedgwick (Pty) Ltd FNB account number 62024618053 for the purchase of the accused’s personal vehicle a Range Rover. The vehicle was later registered in South Africa into the accused’s personal names bearing registration number HX61PSGP.

14.    The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$230 769-23. COUNT FIVE

15.    Sometime between February and March 2019, the accused again asked her friend Judith Gamuchirai Goredema to source for ZAR480 000-00 in South Africa for the purchase of furnitures and in return the accused gave Judith Gamuchirai Goredema thirty six thousand nine hundred twenty three and eight cents (US$36 923-08) . Judith Gamuchirai Goredema sourced the funds from her South African contacts and it was transferred into her company Luvial Contact CC FNB Bank VISA card account number 4854 4221 2173 4375.

16.    Accused received the money and purchased the furniture using Judith Gamuchirai Goredema FNB Bank VISA card. The purchased furniture was delivered at house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa.

17.    The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$36 923-08. COUNT SIX

18.    Sometime in May 2019, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to raise another proforma invoice for the supply of prepaid meters. The invoice was forwarded to CBZ Bank and to the accused. On 29 May 2019, the accused caused CBZ Bank to transfer one hundred and forty two thousand eight hundred fifty eight dollars and ninety three cents (US$142 858-93) through Outgoing Telegraphic Transfer into Bonnette Electrical Pty Ltd South African Standard Bank account number 371164540.

19.    Instead of the funds to be channeled towards the intended purpose, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to divert the funds into Martin Portgietter Attorney Trust Account number 081327021 domiciled at Standard Bank South Africa towards the purchase of house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Eastate, Pretoria South Africa.

20. The accused unlawfully externalized a total of US$142 858-93.

C/S 8(2) OF MONEY LAUNDERING AND PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT CHAPTER 9:24 CONCEALS, DISGUISES THE TRUE NATURE, SOURCE, LOCATION, DISPOSITION, MOVEMENT OR OWNERSHIP OF OR RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY, KNOWING OR SUSPECTING THAT SUCH PROPERTY IS THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME.
COUNT ONE

1.    Sometime in November 2018, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to come up with a proforma invoice for the supply of event tents and chairs which were then send to CBZ Bank and also to the accused.

2.    On 17 December 2018, the accused on the strength of the proforma invoice, transferred US$201 846-81 through CBZ Bank account number 24929820019 into Falcon Projects Suppliers Private Limited South African FNB Bank account number 62576755105 solely for the purpose of purchasing of event tents and chairs.

3.    In order for the accused to launder the externalized funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature or source of the property by diverting the funds and further transferred it into Kempster Sedgwick (Pty) Ltd FNB account number 62024618053 for the purchase of the accused’s personal vehicle a Range Rover Autobiography. The vehicle was later registered in South Africa into the accused’s personal names bearing registration number HW40JNGP.

4.    The accused unlawfully laundered a total of US$201 846-81. COUNT TWO

5.    Sometime in February 2019, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to raise another proforma invoice for the supply of prepaid household electric meters. On 4 February 2019, the invoice was send to CBZ Bank and to the accused.

6.    On 13 February 2019 the accused caused transferred US$307 545-05 through CBZ Bank account number 24929820019 to Falcon Projects Suppliers Private Limited South African FNB Bank account number 62576755105 solely for the purchase of prepaid electric meters.

7.    In order for the accused to launder the externalized funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature or source of the property by diverting the funds and further transferred it into Martin Potgieter Standard Bank account number

81327021 for the purchase of house, being number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa. The house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours Pty Ltd where the accused is the sole Shareholder.

8.    The accused unlawfully laundered a total of US$307 545-05. COUNT THREE

9.    Sometime between February and March 2019, the accused asked her friend Judith Gamuchirai Goredema to source for three million rands (ZAR3 000 000-00) in South Africa for the purchase of the accused’s second Range Rover vehicle. Judith Gamuchirai Goredema sourced the funds from South African Financers. In return the gave Judith Gamuchirai Goredema two hundred and thirty thousand seven hundred and sixty nine dollars twenty three cents (US$230 769-23).

10.    In order for the accused to launder the externalized funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature or source of the property and transferred it into Kempster Sedgwick (Pty) Ltd FNB account number 62024618053 for the purchase of the accused’s personal vehicle a Range Rover. The vehicle was later registered in South Africa into the accused’s personal names bearing registration number HX61PSGP.

11.    The accused unlawfully laundered US$230 769-23. COUNT FOUR

12.    Sometime between February and March 2019, the accused again asked her friend Judith Gamuchirai Goredema to source for ZAR480 000-00 in South Africa for the purchase of furnitures and in return the accused gave Judith Gamuchirai Goredema thirty six thousand nine hundred twenty three and eight cents (US$36 923-08). Judith Gamuchirai Goredema sourced the funds from her South African contacts and it was transferred into her company Luvial Contact CC FNB Bank VISA card account number 4854 4221 2173 4375.

13.    In order for the accused to launder the externalized funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature or source of the property by purchased furniture which was delivered at house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria, South Africa.

14.    The accused unlawfully laundered US$36 923-08. COUNT FIVE

15.    Sometime in May 2019, the accused instructed Memory Chakuinga to raise another proforma invoice for the supply of prepaid meters. The invoice was forwarded to CBZ Bank and to the accused.

16.    On 29 May 2019, the accused caused CBZ Bank to transferred US$142 858-93 through CBZ Bank account number 24929820029 to Bonnette Electrical Pty Ltd South African Standard Bank account number 371164540 which was solely meant for the purchase of prepaid electric meters.

17.    In order for the accused to launder the externalized funds, she concealed or disguised the true nature or source of the property by diverting the funds and further transferred it into Martin Portgietter Attorney Standard Bank Trust Account number 81327021 towards the purchase of a house, being house number 1309 Kingstone Heath Close, Waterkloof Golf Estate, Pretoria South Africa. The house was registered in the name of LaChelle Travel and Tours Pty Ltd where the accused is the sole Shareholder.

18.    The accused laundered a total of US$142 858-93.

FRAUD AS DEFINED IN SECTION 136 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW (CODIFICATION & REFORM) ACT, CHAPTER 9:23.

1. The complainant is the Vice President of Zimbabwe Comrade Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga.

2.    Accused Marry Mubaiwa is estranged wife of the complainant.

3.    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.

4.    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.

5.    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.

6.    Later on 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, complainant was bed ridden and not in a condition to consent to the marriage.

7.    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.

8.    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.

9.    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.

10.    Investigations revealed that in preparation of the wedding, the accused had already made an order for the manufacture of two diamond rings at a Jewellery

Shop at Newlands Shopping Centre, Harare which were later delivered to her. The accused also advised her personal assistant Nyarai Bwanya to prepare and plan for the marriage ceremony.

11. By such misrepresentation, the accused caused prejudice to the good administration and reputation of complainant.

INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT

•    A statement was recorded from Memory Chakuinga, the Managing Director of Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd and Bonnette Electrical Pvt Ltd South African based companies.

•    A statement was recorded from the Vice President of Zimbabwe Comrade Chiwenga,

•    A statement was recorded from Carrington Kazingizi, one of the accused’s security driver,

•    A statement was recorded from Judith Gamuchirai Goredema one of the accused’s friend who sourced the funds on behalf of the accused,

•    A statement was recorded from Andrew Mugari one of the Security Personnel for Vice President Comrade Chiwenga,

•    A statement was recorded from Godfrey Nyoni one of the Security Personnel for Vice President Comrade Chiwenga.

•    A statement was recorded from the Acting Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi.

•    Warrant of Search and Seizure was applied for and Bank Statements in respect of East Town Holdings were obtained.

•    Bank statement showing transfers to Falcon Projects Pvt Ltd was obtained from CBZ.

• On 14 December 2019, accused was arrested for the offences and is expected to appear in Court on 16 December 2019. Accused is detained at ZRP Rhodesville under DB number 811/19.
OUTSTANDING

•    To obtain a statement from the Judge President George Mutandwa Chiweshe.

•    To record a statement from the Secretary of JSC Walter Chikwana.

•    To obtain other bank statements from CBZ Bank.

•    To recover the property acquired in South Africa through externalized funds.

•    To obtain documentary exhibits from FNB and Standard Bank South Africa where the externalized funds were further transferred towards the purchase of Range Rover vehicles and a house.

•    To take the accused to Court on 16 December 2019 for initial remand. ZACC RR.98/11/19 refers

ZIMBABWE ANTI CORRUPTION COMMISSION

Marry Chiwenga the beleaguered wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was today denied bail at the Harare Magistrates Court.

Mary who is facing a myriad of charges which include fraud and the attempted murder of the Vice President has been remanded in custody to December 30, 2019. 

She was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

The state was represented by Michael Reza and Jonathan Murombedzi while the Second Lady, was represented by Taona Nyamakura and Mzokuthula Mbuyisa from Mtetwa and Nyambirai law firm.

Michael Reza argued that the attempted murder charge is a third schedule offence and that as such, the Magistrates’ court should not grant bail. He went on to say that only the High Court could grant bail in such circumstances.

He said that  Marr should approach the high court for bail. The Magistrate agreed with Reza and advised Mary to apply for bail at the High Court.  She was ordered to return to court on the 30th of December for routine remand.

A very weak and visibly tired Marry Chiwenga entered the courts with signs of ill health with her skin looking pale and hands swollen.

With conditions at the country’s prisons, one wonders if the ex model will manage the life in prison.

The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) has warned its membership against joining “fly by night” unions bent on causing division within the medical profession.

The warning came as a reaction to the formation of a new splinter doctors association, representing junior doctors with its mandate being to end the current impasse which has seen a number of doctors doing on strike for more than 100 days while patients continue to lose lives.

The new splinter group, the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ) was launched in Harare this Saturday with its president, Dr Benson Dandira describing the situation in the health services sector as an undesirable turn of events.

In its statement, ZHDA said the formation of PDAZ was expected considering machinations of the state against the doctors cause for better working conditions.

“It is not unexpected in such setting to witness the formation of splinter groups each with the aim to cause division drive personal agendas and worst of all capitalize on the destitution of the populace.

“It is against this background that we strongly caution our members to remain vigilant and by all means to distance themselves from such an association that surface at the 11th hour, jeopardizing all progress that has been through the negotiation process,” noted ZHDA.

During the launch of the new splinter group, Dr Dandira said their hearts were bleeding owing to the ongoing impasse between doctors and their employer over salary issues.

“As medical professionals, the world we have created over the past few months leaves a lot to be desired. We have seen the unfolding of undesirable events in the nation’s health sector. Today mark’s day 103 of ongoing doctor’s incapacitation that began on 3 September 2019.

“Our conscience are heavy and our hearts are bleeding. Our people keep suffering unnecessarily and are dying from preventable diseases. Someone has to do something,” he said.

263chat

Own Correspondent|The Harare Magistrates Court has today received papers indicating that Marry Chiwenga wanted to end the life of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga in an fit of rage.

According to the papers, Marry at one time stormed a Johannesburg Hospital where her husband was admitted and disengaged life serving equipment that was being used on Chiwenga.

The big question that may be answered as the case goes for trial would be what it is that Chiwenga did to the young former model that drew so much anger from her.

Below is the court outline of how Marry Chiwenga wanted to end the former Army Commander’s life.

Full court outline:

1. The complainant is the Vice President of Zimbabwe Comrade Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga.

2. Accused Marry Mubaiwa is the estranged wife of the complainant.

3. On 22 June 2019, the complainant was airlifted to South Africa for emergency medical attention however upon arrival, the accused forced the complainant to stay at Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria for 24 hours.

4. On 23 June 2019, accused kept on denying complainant access to medical treatment and the security team had to force their way to take the complainant to Netcare hospital.

5. Upon his admission at the hospital, the complainant was inserted with Intra Venous Giving Set as well as Central Venous Catheter in order to sustain his life. Some weeks later, the complainant was transferred to a private Ward where he was under 24-hour monitoring by doctors and his security personnel.

6. During this time when the complainant was admitted at the hospital, he was helpless and would rely on medical staff and the security personnel whenever he was moving from one point to the other.

7. On 8 July 2019, at about 2000 hours, the accused came to the hospital with the intent to cause serious harm to the complainant. She ordered the security personnel to excuse her alleging that she wanted privacy with the complainant. The security personnel went outside leaving the accused together with the complainant inside the ward.

8. Whilst alone with the complainant accused unlawfully removed the medical Intra Venous Giving Set, as well as Central Venous Catheter which was inserted to the complainant and the complainant, started bleeding profusely.

9. The accused forced the complainant off the bed, held him by hand and moved out from the ward before being intercepted by the security personnel at the exit door. The hospital staff was called by the security personnel and they reconnected the Intra Venous Giving Set and the Central Venous Catheter and resuscitated the condition of the complainant.

10. The accused disappeared from the hospital after the hospital staff was alerted by the security personnel.

11. The accused had no right whatsoever to act in the manner she did.

Own Correspondent|Marry Chiwenga is spending her first night in remand prison after the Harare Magistrates Court denied her bail until the 30th of December for another bail hearing.

Marry Chiwenga is facing charges numerous charges including a grave attempted murder charge where she is accused of attempting to murder her husband Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Watch analysis of Marry Chiwenga’s dramatic day in the video downloading below:

Watch the video loading below. ..

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

USD = ZWL$16.5714
ZWL$ = RAND0.8664
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

Black Market Rates:

USD = ZWL$22.80 zimrates
USD = ZWL$22.60 zwl365
USD = ZWL$22.40 bluemari
USD = BOND16.60 zimrates

– Marketwatch

Watch the video loading below. ..

Jane Mlambo| Hwedza South MP Tinoda Machakaire has urged the youth to be peaceful and work towards the development of the constituency through several projects.

Addressing hundreds of youth supporters at St Baranas Mukamba township, Machakaire who is the deputy Minister of Youth Sports and Recreation said gone are the days when youths were used by politicians to do dirty works.

“We have to take charge now and help our President building our economy to a middle class in 2020. I told the President at a Youth Interface in Kadoma that we are behind him as the youth and that he should dismiss every corrupt officials in government including Ministers,” he said.

He said it was high time people government departments are taken over by the youth who are in full support of the President’s 2030 vision of attaining a middle class economy.

Machakaire then impromptu invited MDC losing candidate Fanuel Gukwe to greet the youths.

Gukwe was passing through the rally going somewhere and was asked to stop by Machakaire who then asked him to greet the crowd.

Gukwe then greeted the youth congratulating the Deputy minister for his appointment.

He said they will be supporting him in doing the all the projects in the province.

“We will work together in developing the constituency. I also want to recognize all the good work you are doing to the people keep the good work,” he said before disembarking in a movie style.

In 2018 harmonised elections Gukwe garnered 2111 votes while Machakaire got more than 9200 votes.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki is in Zimbabwe to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Though details of the meeting have not been availed, the visit comes as South Africa has recently come out open on the need for dialogue in Zimbabwe to rescue the economy.

Could this be the beginning of dialogue between the two powerful politicians

Media Statement
Immediate release

16 December 2019

As has become the expected albeit negative norm in Zimbabwe, road accidents record a peak during holiday season and especially during the festive period.

It is unfortunate that LEAD President, Linda Masarira has become a statistic in this regard, with a minor road accident that occurred late evening yesterday along Lomagundi road, where her car had a fault with the suspension and veered off the road.

We are thankful that no one was injured in this mishap, and we are grateful for the police and community members who came to the scene and rendered their assistance.

As LEAD, we urge all motorists to be safe on the roads and to ensure that their vehicles are also roadworthy, so as to avoid road carnage.

We wish every Zimbabwean a pleasant festive season and encourage the act of giving to the less privileged than ourselves, as we celebrate the gift of life through the spirit of Ubuntu/Hunhu.

Precious Musarurwa
LEAD Presidential Spokesperson

Jane Mlambo| Opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume has criticized government for abusing state resources at a time the country is battling against countless problems including dilapidated health delivery system.

Commenting on the ongoing drama around the vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s marriage problems and revelations that his wife Marry siphoned huge sums of money out of the country, Ngarivhume said abuse of state systems was rampant in high offices.

“Mary Chiwenga’s charge sheet reveals the depth of abuse of the system by those in high offices. Our health system has collapsed while an individual had access to USD1m to buy property abroad. Everyone else is told about SANCTIONS. We are led by thieves…SIMBURU!!,” fumed Ngarivhume.

Among her charges, Marry Chiwenga is accused of fraudulent transactions which she did using a South African business she is linked to.

She abused her proximity to Chiwenga to get foreign currency from the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe which she siphoned out of the country under the guise of invoices for the purchase of ZESA prepaid metres.

Farai Dziva|Scores are feared dead following a horrific bus accident in South Africa.

According to the Legendary Family Facebook page, a Cream Tours Bus travelling from Durban to Harare was involved in a terrible accident, leaving several people dead.

See the Legendary Family report :
Vane Hama Dzakwira Bus Rinonzi Cream Tour Raibva Durban richienda Harare Raita Tsaona number yevanhu vafa so far haisati yazikanwa Vachairi ndovarikunzi vatisiya.

Please sheyai this post chero mugroup ripi rauri rwaro kuitira vane hama dzapindawo munjodzi iyi vazive in time hama dzavo dzibatsirike

Vachairi murikumhanyirepi vakomana hupenyu wevanhu wakakosha. Chengetedzwai hamadzadiwa tisangane futi 2020 Mwari wekumusoro vakuitirei Nyasha!!!

By A Correspondent | Mary Chiwenga (nee Mubaiwa) the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is reported to have been dragged naked from her bathroom during her arrest as her lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa of Mtetwa and Nyambirai have revealed.

Mary was arrested on Saturday night by officials from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on a myriad of charges.

Mary’s estranged husband is alleged to have ordered the arrest after a spectacular fallout at a no holds barred family meeting on Friday.

The General allegedly took serious offence after Mary indiscreetly revealed rather embarrassing details about the couple’s sex life.

Narrating Mary’s ordeal, Mtetwa told the state media:

“She was in the bathroom in her bedroom when the men suddenly opened the door while she was naked and told her that she was under arrest. They searched her bedroom without saying what they were looking for. She was taken to the police.

“After that they came back to the house and Mary’s mother who had accompanied her to the police was not allowed back into the house. She had her car parked at her daughter’s house. The men went back into the bedroom and packed Mary’s clothes in a suitcase before throwing it to her mother.

“They had locksmiths with them who changed the keys to the house while Chiwenga’s lawyer, (Wellington) Pasipanodya – a partner at Manase and Manase Law Firm, was supervising the process. It was a well-coordinated plot to lock her out if one considers that they came with locksmiths and that his lawyer was present, supervising everything.”

Mtetwa also decried that Vice President Constantino  Chiwenga forcibly took custody of the couple’s children despite the country’s laws saying that the mother gets custody of minor children.

Mtetwa added:

“They also took away the couple’s three children and no one knows where they are right now.

“But the laws of Zimbabwe are very clear that when a couple separates, the minors stay with their mother, but as it is, they have taken away Mary’s children from her.”

Mtetwa also revealed that her client was in a bad state as she did not have full access to all her medication. Mary’s hands have appeared swollen when she makes public appearances. Mtetwa added:

“She is in a very bad state. She needs medication and we are trying to arrange something for her so that she is allowed to access medical care.

Mary has since arrived at the Harare Magistrates’ Court where she is expected to make her first court appearance. Her hands appear to be swollen.”