By A Correspondent| The below is a comment by the Passengers Association Of Zimbabwe over the development which has seen kombis rejecting 25c and 50c coins.

In their comment, PAZ said:

We note that some commuter operators especially Kombis are now refusing 25c and 50c coins for fares. The RBZ has not legally phased out these denominations. Zupco is accepting them.this is affecting some commuters and passengers who cannot easily access cash at the banks.

• KAPRA Information Desk
  

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

• USD to ZWL$: 16.5438
• ZWL$ to RAND: 0.8748

Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe

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Black Market Rates:

• USD to ZWL$ zimrates.com 22.80
• USD to ZWL$  zwl365.com 22.70 [12/12/19]
• USD to ZWL$ bluemari.info 22.20 [12/12/19]
• USD to BOND: zimrates.com 16.60

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EXILED former cabinet minister, Saviour Kasukuwere says the #TysonWabantu movement unveiled last week was far from being a political party the ex-Zanu PF top official was forming.

Speaking in an interview with South Africa’s television station, SABC on Wednesday evening, Kasukuwere, affectionately called Tyson by his followers, said he was also caught by surprise.

A group of followers of the ex-legislator last week launched their TysonWabantu movement in Bulawayo with signs the once influential politician was gearing himself for a surprise comeback to Zimbabwean politics.

“This is a development which caught me by surprise, these are citizens of our country, some in the diaspora who feel that there is need to come together to persuade each other and say we need Kasukuwere to come back into leadership,” Kasukuwere said.

“In fact, when I looked at myself, I am somebody who has been in exile.

“I thought am now in the dust bin, but the people had different views and I think it’s something one has to look at and say here is an opportunity to lead.”

The former ruling party national political commissar said the movement was far from being a Zanu PF breakaway group.

“The movement from what I understand from the founders, is cutting across the political divide, (people) who are saying ‘how do we come together in the best interest of our country’,” he said.

“MDC, Zanu PF and various groups of people have the view that the division in our country needs to healed at some point.

“As a nation, there should be leadership that bring us together in spite of what may have happened but there must be that commitment to say we are going to be moving in one direction like what happened in the past.”

He added, “In Zimbabwe and in South Africa, after independence with President (Nelson) Mandela, President (Robert) Mugabe calling for unity, for reconciliation that was much more difficult, a system that was designed to eliminate the black population and they (white former rulers) stopped them (blacks) from assuming leadership of their country but there was that ability to bring people together in the interest of progress and development.”

The so-called “Tyson Wabantu Movement” last week conducted a mobilisation road show in the second largest city.

Kasukuwere, kingpin in the once powerful Zanu PF G40 faction, was first forced to skip the country when fierce party rival and now President Emmerson Mnangagwa muscled his way to the top job via a military coup November 2017.

His was back in the country after six months away but was forced to return into exile when corruption allegations were brought against him. He was later cleared of the alleged offences.

He denied he was a fugitive from justice but was living outside for fear of political persecution.

“I can’t go back to a house which was sprayed by bullets and no investigation had been done to this day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF national political commissar, Victor Matemadanda has described Kasukuwere as a baby whose movement had no capacity to dislodge Zanu PF.

“All of a sudden you find babies like Kasukuwere being introduced and referred to as veterans of the struggle. How can they be veterans of the struggle while only 45 years old?” Matemadanda told a Zanu PF provincial meeting in Mashonaland West at the weekend.

Kasukuwere hit back saying: “It was a tragedy that Matemadanda, a senior official in the governing party was focusing on trivia while the country was burning.”

“At least I was not a taxi driver like him while others were fighting in the liberation struggle. He must not lie to us. Just because he has an ugly face it doesn’t mean he went to war,” Kasukuwere fumed.

“He wants to use his ugly face kuvhundutsira vanhu (to scare people). He must tell people who he went to war with, who he reported to and what he did during the war. In any case, there is no need for trivia when the people are suffering like this,” the former Local Government minister said.

“We have a serious challenge on our hands. The health sector is in a crisis, people are dying and the country is on its knees. We can’t bury our heads in the sand and start focusing on issues that do not help the people.

“We need to focus on real issues on the ground and how to save the people from the crisis.”

-Newsday

By Farai D Hove| The man who is set to be appointed the substantive MDC leader by the ZANU PF controlled Constitutional Court, Douglas Mwonzora has begun calling for an adulterous handshake between Nelson Chamisa and Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Senator Mwonzora was the MDC Secretary General in 2014 and a constitutional court verdict to be announced in a few weeks’ time could elevate him to the position of MDC leader. But before that is ever possible, he has broken all party protocol to demand some performance from his boss, Chamisa.

He wrote saying Chamisa must imitate the Kenyan model in which Uhuru Kenyata duped Raila Odinga into a handshake 2 years ago.

Wrote Mwonzora: “The current political impasse in the country is adversely affecting the economy and the common man/woman. At this rate no meaningful social, political and social reforms will be identified and implemented. May be its time to try the Kenyan Handshake!

“We need reforms but for them to happen people must talk first.

“A handshake represents a commitment to dialogue.”

AT least nine people died yesterday morning in two separate road accidents which left 41 others seriously injured.

In Harare, five people died, while 11 others were injured when a haulage truck collided with a Mazda pick-up truck at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive. Four others died, while 30 were seriously injured when a Zambia-bound Trip Trans bus veered off the road and overturned on the 274 kilometre peg along the Harare-Chirundu highway.

National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accidents.

“The ZRP confirms that five people died and 11 others were injured at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive at 0630hrs today (yesterday). A haulage truck which was travelling along Harare Drive due east collided with a Mazda pick-up truck which was travelling along Borrowdale Road towards Domboshava.

“The traffic lights were not functional at the time of the accident as parties failed to give way to each other.”

He said the deceased and injured were ferried to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

Asst Comm Nyathi also said a Trip Trans bus failed to negotiate a curve and veered off the road before overturning once killing four passengers on the spot.

“It happened around 9am, on approaching the 274 kilometre peg along the Harare-Chirundu Highway, the driver of the bus who was allegedly speeding failed to negotiate a curve and as a result, the bus veered off the road, overturned and killed four on spot while 30 others were seriously injured.

“The deceased were taken to Karoi Hospital while the injured were rushed to a hospital on the Zambian side, others were ferried to Karoi Hospital while some were taken to Nyamakate Clinic for treatment.”

He urged motorists to always be cautious and observant when driving to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

“Motorists should be cautious and give due regard to road safety on approaching traffic lights which are not functional.

“Drivers must be very careful, they must safeguard the lives of passengers at all times, speeding is very dangerous, we also urge motorists to be patient on the road and to obey all road rules and regulations to avoid accidents,” he said.

-State Media

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By A Correspondent- A 20-year old university student from Lupane who benefited from the Presidential scholarship was allegedly electrocuted after he stepped on an illegally connected electric wire at his parents’ house.

Matabeleland North acting police spokesperson, Sergeant Namatirai Mashona, confirmed the electrocution of Auren Bekezela Nyathi in his family’s fowl run where the illegal connection had been made.

The state media was told that Nyathi was second year student at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa where he enrolled under the Presidential scholarship for an Actuarial Science degree.

The source said a police report was made by Zesa electricians after Nyathi’s mother, Mrs Fungai Nyathi, had allegedly attempted to conceal the matter.

“We can confirm that police attended an incident where a 20-year-old was electrocuted on 8 December in Lupane.

“At about 7PM, Auren Bekezela Nyathi of Old Stands was at home in the company of his mother. He got into the fowl run to feed chickens,” said Sgt Mashona.

Sgt Mashona said when he was about to leave the fowl run after feeding the chickens, Nyathi got into contact with a naked wire and suffered an electric shock.

“He fell down unconscious and his mother informed some neighbours before rushing him to Lupane Medical Centre where he was later transferred to St Luke’s Hospital because of the seriousness of the injuries,” said Sgt Mashona.

Nyathi reportedly died on admission as his condition deteriorated. Mrs Nyathi did not report the matter to the police and took her son’s body to a funeral parlour in Bulawayo.

Zesa electricians who attended the scene allegedly reported the matter to the police.

No-one has been arrested for the connection, which is a criminal offence. Nyathi was buried yesterday in Lupane.

Sgt Mashona warned citizens against illegally connecting electricity saying besides being arrested, they risked losing their lives.

“We would want to urge and warn people against making illegal electric connections at home or any other place.

“We can’t be losing lives unnecessarily because of something we can avoid. People should also report such cases so that we avoid loss of life,” said Sgt Mashona.

-StateMedia

State Media|ZANU-PF UK/Europe District presented an anti-sanctions petition to Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Number 10 Downing Street which implored him to persuade the European Union (EU) and the Unites States (US) to lift their embargo on Zimbabwe which has caused untold suffering to ordinary Zimbabweans.

At the 39th Summit of Heads of States and Government of SADC, which was held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on August 17-18, October 25 was declared as Anti Sanctions Day. This decision was taken in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.

In an interview with The Herald yesterday, the ruling party’s UK/Europe District’s secretary for Administration Xavier Zavare said Mr Johnson acknowledged receipt of the petition, but referred it to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Zavare said he received an e-mail on Wednesday from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responding to the petition, saying the illegal embargo contained only restrictive measures.

“What we did is we passed a resolution as a district to say we needed to do something different, instead of just demonstrating on the streets among ourselves. The US and the UK are used to these kinds of things so we decided that we wanted to knock on the door of power in the United Kingdom and we presented a petition at 10 Downing Street.

“The Prime Minister responded and said we acknowledge receiving your petition but we cannot deal with this here, it is done by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Prime Minister’s office referred it there,” he said.

“I received an e-mail on Wednesday from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office SADC representative saying we acknowledge receiving your petition. They never admit that they have sanctions on us, they call them restrictive measures.”

Meanwhile, the party’s UK/Europe District leadership will be attending the 18th Annual National People’s Conference and has resolved to call for the inclusion of Diaspora structures in the party’s constitution.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) has moved to ensure passenger safety by withdrawing at least 42 franchised buses and commuter omnibuses that failed fitness tests.

The buses will stay off the road until repaired.

There has been a public outcry over some Zupco contracted buses with worn tyres and experiencing mechanical faults.

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

When Zupco contracts buses or kombis from private owners, the firm demands fitness certificates from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) which must be renewed every six months.

The buses must also have passenger and vehicle insurance.

Zupco acting chief executive Mr Evaristo Madangwa yesterday said Zupco would continuously check all vehicles under its ambit.

“All our buses should be compliant with VID requirements,” he said. “Some of the defective buses are being pulled out until they are attended to. The purpose of removing unroadworthy vehicles is that we want to ensure maximum safety of our passengers.”

The VID can inspect vehicles at road check point or at its depots.

“Inspections at the road check normally cover only those systems where a defect is likely to make sudden reduction or cease the possibilities to control the vehicle safely,” according to VID rules.

“The following are normally checked: steering system, suspension, braking system, wheels and tyres, trailer coupling (if applicable) and lighting system, vehicle and driver documents to ensure compliance with the law.

“Inspections at the depots will cover all the components of the vehicle, as well as the under-carriage so as to ensure that the vehicle is safe for use on the roads.

“A certificate of fitness is issued to a vehicle that meets all the requirements in terms of roadworthiness and the purpose for which the vehicle is designed to serve, particularly the Public Service Vehicle.

“In the case of private vehicles, a certificate of roadworthiness will be issued upon satisfactorily meeting all the requirements of construction, equipment and use.”

Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe acting board chairman Dr Gift Machengete said all vehicles on the road should have certificate of fitness.

“Most roads are not in good condition and motorists should respect each other,” he said. “Those responsible for infrastructure development should make sure that the roads are repaired.

“Drivers should be cautious at all times and drive within speed limits to avoid accidents. Public transport owners should avoid giving drivers targets as this also contributes to accidents because they end up speeding.”

Dr Machengete discouraged motorists from drinking and driving.

A vehicle that was yesterday involved in accident that claimed five on spot at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive did not have a valid road licence, displaying a licence that expired in March.

Police implored motorists to observe all traffic laws and regulations as they travel.

“Drivers should check the roadworthiness of their vehicles before embarking on journeys,” said national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.

“Police will not hesitate to impound all defective and unroadworthy vehicles besides arresting all those who flout the rules of the road.”

Speaking on SABC news channel yesterday, South Africa Minister of Transport Mr Fikile Mbalula said they had impounded an unroadworthy Zimbabwean vehicle that was driving into South Africa.

“We have impounded a vehicle which had no brakes, driving all the way from Harare crossing the border right into South Africa,” he said.

“We arrested the driver just before Pretoria and he was transporting children who did not have any legal travel documents.”

Minister Mbalula said they needed to work together with their Zimbabwean counterparts to intensify spot checks on vehicles

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A terrified couple in Gokwe is sleeping with one eye open after the muthi they allegedly bought from an n’anga started exhibiting side effects that include the woman waking up with semen in her private parts and nightmares of ghosts of naked women in their sleep.

Silvester Moyo’s marriage is now on the verge of collapse as his wife Rudo Mudawu threatens to pack her bags if the haunting is not solved.

Mudawu and her husband run a flourishing shop at Gokwe Business Centre and they are from Ndangara Village.  

According to a family insider the couple approached an n’anga after the sales of their business had taken a shocking nosedive.

The source said: “The n’anga gave them a concoction and instructed them to bath with it for a week and rub it on their private parts. He assured them that sales would dramatically improve,” said the privy source.

The source went on to say the desperate couple did as they were ordered to do.

“They bathed with water mixed with concoction and rubbed their private parts with it,” said the tell-it-all source.

But they never knew that the muthi was going to plunge their marriage into a chapter of hell.

Contacted for comment Moyo confirmed the frightening muthi provoked encounters.

“A week after we bathed and rubbed our genitals with that concoction our bedroom life became a nightmare. I would see visions of two naked women moving about in the house, within a few minutes my wife would scream in panic claiming she saw similar naked figures. After a while we would fall into a deep sleep, my wife would wake up feeling tired as if she had been involved in a sexual marathon. There would be semen on her private parts. Surprisingly we would not have engaged in any sexual intercourse,” said Moyo.

He said they approached their n’anga for an escape from horrible nights.

“We approached the n’anga who gave us the muthi, he assured us that it would end but now it has been a month and two weeks and nothing has changed. My wife is threatening to quit our marriage,” said Moyo.

Contacted for a comment Chief Chireya confirmed the incident.

“I can confirm that my traditional court is dealing with a strange matter that involves Rudo Mudawu and her husband. The couple got muthi from a n’anga, now they are seeing visions of naked women during their sleep. His wife told my traditional court that she wakes up feeling extremely tired and with semen on her private parts. She has vowed to quit marriage if the haunting is not solved.”

He said they would engage all parties involved to find a solution. 

“We have planned to engage the couple and their n’anga to see how he can possibly reverse it,” said Chief Chireya

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- They promised to stay together “till death do them part,” but some unusual deal-breaker got in the way. This however, sounds interesting if the wife is telling the truth.

An elderly woman from Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb got miffed and filed for divorce after her husband of 50 years violently harassed her for cooking vegetables instead of meat.

Agnes Sibanda filed for divorce after 50 years claiming she had been living daily in a terror-filled world of abuse at the hands of her husband Dail Sibanda.

Meat was cited as often a contested food in the marriage after she revealed that the final straw in their marriage was when her husband verbally harassed her for cooking vegetables instead of meat.

She apparently resented it so much, that she decided to seek a protection order against her husband while they are going through their divorce process.

“Upon returning home he began insulting me for making vegetables only and instructed me to prepare a fresh meal with meat. I made the said meal but he continued to insult me and threaten me.

“I was so afraid of what he might do to me that I ran away from our house in the night and had to ask a neighbour to sleep at her house. The following day I reported the incident at Mzilikazi Police Station and asked them to accompany me to collect my clothes as I no longer want to continue living with him for the sake of my sanity and happiness,” she narrated.

She added: “I advised him that I no longer intended on living with him or being his wife and asked him not to communicate with me. I have since filed for a divorce but he continues to call me and has even followed me to where I’m currently living”.

Agnes said she decided to approach the court seeking a protection order against her scorned husband fearing that he might harm her. The estranged couple got married on 6 December 1969 and have eight children together who are all majors and 25 grandchildren.

“Initially he was verbally, emotionally and physically abusive towards me but as we got older, the abuse is now mainly verbal, emotional, economic and physiological. He also refused me to work throughout our marriage.

“I have been forced to leave our matrimonial home on numerous occasions due to his abuse with the latest incident being on 12 November 2019”.

She said on the day in question, her husband harassed after she had gone to see the doctor and returned home to look for some documents which the doctor wanted.

“When I walked in, he started insulting me while accusing me of hiding something from him. He then left the house as I was preparing dinner,” she said.

Agnes said during the subsistence of their marriage her husband has also been intimidating her to such a point that she was even afraid to speak to their children without his permission or even to go to the doctor without his approval despite the fact that their children would be the ones paying her medical bills.

She further said her husband was also stopping her from visiting her relatives. In response her husband denied all the allegations levelled against him.

“I deny all the allegations that she has levelled against me. I don’t deny her access to her relatives. I have been to her relatives and participated in all our relatives’ social gatherings. I also take care of all her hospital bills,” he tersely responded.

For the purpose of maintaining peace between the estranged couple while they are going through their divorce, presiding magistrate Lesego Ngwenya referred them for counselling.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man has been arrested for allegedly raping his two minor daughters since 2013.

It is alleged that the man (48), from Manningdale suburb habitually sneaked into his daughters’ bedroom once a month and sxually abused them during his wife’s absence.

The court heard that the abuse got worse when the man’s wife died in 2016.

The man yesterday appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Ms Gladmore Mushove, facing rape charges and he pleaded not guilty. He was remanded in custody to December 24.

For the State, Mr Kenneth Shava said the man allegedly raped his two daughters between 2013 and 2019 when they were aged 10 and 17 years.

– StateMedia

ZANU PF gobbled nearly $14 million in salaries for the year 2019 as the party doled out ministerial packages for its full-time politburo workers and montly allowances for central committee members.

Details contained in the central committee report to the 18th people’s conference, indicate that salaries for the party’s workforce went up by 150,65%, which Zanu PF said was caused by a cost of living adjustment and allowances for its staff and central committee members.

“Salaries were $13 966 701, (from $5 573 329 in 2018) there was an increase of 150,6% on salaries due to the cost of living adjustments for staff and allowances introduced for central committee members,” reads the report in part.
Zanu PF has placed its central committee members on monthly allowances in addition to cars and other benefits.
The party also employed senior party members of its politburo on full-time jobs where they receive full ministerial perks.

These include former Health minister David Parirenyatwa, former Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, former Information minister Simon Khaya Moyo and retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje, among others.
For its constitutional meetings which include politburo, central committee, youth and women assemblies, Zanu PF spent $4 million.

The party also blew a total of $63 908 082 in 2019 in all its activities and operations up from just $18 541 890 last year, representing the biggest expenditure by a political party.

This expenditure was funded from a revenue base of $45 861 473, leaving the party in the red with a deficit of $18 million.

Major sources of funding for the party were cited as donations which accounted for 57,3% ($36 961 751,00), although the party did not name its donors.

To cover for its shortfall, Zanu PF borrowed a total of $19 million from the bank in overdraft facilities and also owes telephone companies $1,5 million and over $1 million to the Harare City Council..
The report indicates that Zanu PF owes suppliers a staggering $10 million.

NewsDay

State Media|Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), President Mnangagwa, yesterday promoted Colonel Themba Mlambo to the rank of Brigadier-General.

The promotion was made in terms of Section 15 1(b) of the Defence Act.

Conferring the new rank on Brig-Gen Mlambo at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo said promotion in the army comes with hard work and dedication to serving the nation.

“It is prudent, therefore, to remind you that being promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General is a gesture of goodwill, trust and confidence that His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, and the command element have accorded you.

“Relentlessly uphold your exemplary leadership principles and military expertise that you have acquired over your entire service for the betterment of the ZDF and our sovereign country.

“Your promotion came as a result of a wide range of considerations, amongst which are merit, distinguished service, consistent dutifulness, hard work, loyalty, selflessness and patriotism among others,” said Lt-Gen Chimonyo.

Brigadier-General Mlambo promised to instil the spirit of hard work to officers and troops under his command.

“I promise to work hard for the development of my current unit I am commanding, the whole ZNA and ZDF at large,” said Brig-Gen Mlambo.

Following HigherLife Foundation initiative to assist government towards payment of doctors salaries, 362 practitioners have reportedly returned to work, 263Chat can report.

In an interview with 263Chat during the launch of Support Our Hospitals Initiative, HigherLife Foundation chief executive officer, Dr Kennedy Mubaiwa confirmed that of the 362 doctors that are at work, two thirds are from Harare hospitals.

“Out of the 365 that applied, 362 are now in the fellowship and 90 percent of those are now reporting for work.

“Of the 362 that are now at work, a third of them are from Bulawayo and a few from Masvingo and Chinhoyi then the rest are from Harare, that is Parirenyatwa, Harare and Chitungwiza hospitals,” said Dr Mubaiwa.

Dr Mubaiwa said the Support Our Hospitals Initiative is aimed at everyone who has the capacity to assist and help in providing the much needed services to hospitals.

“Support our Hospitals initiative, we are calling Zimbabweans as individuals, we calling on businesses, cooperates, we calling on anyone who is in Zimbabwe to say come and join us to help our health institutions to have basic starter packs for doctors,” said Mubaiwa.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Group CEO, Douglas Mboweni outlined some of the basic services that they are providing to the doctors and hospitals.

“As apart of the initiative, we are providing free Vaya and free water delivery to the hospitals. We are also giving ZWL $10 Million to the fund and smartphones worth ZWL $1,5 Million. We are also offering solar power to selected hospitals plus free WiFi,” said Mboweni.

PARLIAMENT business ground to an abrupt halt yesterday afternoon as opposition legislators protested ejection from their hotel rooms in Harare to pave way for Zanu PF delegates booked in the same facilities for the duration of their party conference in Goromonzi, 32km south-east of the capital.

The ruling party conference, set to be officially opened today by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, closes on Saturday.

Tempers flared in the afternoon when the National Assembly resumed committee stage debate on the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Bill. The opposition MDC Alliance MPs refused to continue with the debate, shouting “no accommodation”, forcing the House to adjourn after sitting for only 30 minutes.

Senate also adjourned after sitting for only an hour.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi had brought in further amendments to the Bill and when MPs were asked to affirm if they agreed to the amendments by shouting “Aye” or “Noe”, the angry MDC legislators shouted “no accommodation”.

Dzivarasekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa then raised a point of order with the deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi over the accommodation issue.

“My point of order arises on the basis that most MPs in this House have been ordered to check out of their hotels and they have to travel to their constituencies now because of that,” Mushoriwa said.

“Due to that it will be unfair to continue with business of the House today because it is not MPs’ desire not to participate in Parliament business but is circumstances beyond their control, and some have been literally evicted.

For the sake of the people that sent us to Parliament it is proper that the House be adjourned.”

Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya later explained to NewsDay that all MPs were asked to check out at 11.00 am yesterday morning.

“The hotels in Harare were full and we were ordered to check out at 11.00am to give space to Zanu PF conference delegates. As we speak MPs have their luggage in their vehicles. The Zanu PF MPs were later re-booked under Zanu PF as conference delegates,” Chikwinya said.

After the point of order raised by Mushoriwa, Gezi then ruled that the House be adjourned for 10 minutes.

If the House had continued sitting, it was going to debate the Finance number 3 Bill and the Appropriation 2020 Bill to do with the budget. This would have resulted in MPs driving back to their constituencies very late at night.

After deliberations, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube then adjourned debate to his two money Bills to next Tuesday, and thereafter Ziyambi adjourned the House.

NewsDay

Own Correspondent|Radical leader of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, Obert Masaraure has put himself up to contest leadership of the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition against incumbent Chairman Rashid Mahiya, Executive Director of Heal Zimbabwe Trust.

The Coalition is holding its elective annual general meeting in Harare today where the four elective board members position are up for grabs.

The Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition founded by similarly radical Brian Kagoro in 2002, has for years been the country’s most critical organisation on government’s human rights abuses and governance failures. In recent years, the Coalition of over 100 local Non Governmental Organisations appears to have taken a back seat and allowed some social media movements like Tajamuka and #thisflag to take over the space.

At the AGM which ends in the capital today, the Coalition has resolved to go back and claim its position which will be emphasised by the Board that will be elected today.

Masaraure and Mahiya are the two contestants for the top position of chairman which Mahiya holds an upper hand because of his more sober and calm approach to issues.

The Vice Chairmanship is an all female race between Evernice Munando Project Director of the Female Students Network Trust and controversial Alice Kuvheya Director at Chitungwiza Residents Trust.

Belekezela Maduma Fuzwayo from Bulawayo has had it the easiest as all subcommittees of the coalition nominated him unopposed to be the Treasurer of the Coalition for the next two years.

Another intriguing battle will be fought out in the position of Spokesperson as vibrant former Youth Subcommittee Chairman, Proud Mukono faces up with seasoned activists Tawanda Chimhini and Marvellous Kumalo.

ZANU PF supporters yesterday started trickling to Goromonzi for their party’s annual conference.

About 7000 delegates from across are expected to attend the conference which will be officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa today.

Watch video downloading below:

THE Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) says its members are yet to get upfront payment of subsidy funds from Government, a move which will see players in the sector reverting to previous mealie-meal prices.

Following the intervention by President Mnangagwa, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube reversed an earlier decision of removing subsidy on grain, which had prompted millers to increase the price of mealie meal.

Retailers had also responded by passing on the cost to consumers, which saw the commodity price increase to more than $100 for a 10 kilogramme of roller meal from between $50 and $60.

“Reference is made to our agreed subsidy regime arrangement on roller-meal, which you correctly announced to the consuming public last week.

“Regrettably Ministry of Finance is yet to make good on its upfront payment of the subsidy funds to millers,” reads part of the correspondence by GMAZ president, Mr Tafadzwa Musarara, to Prof Ncube.

“However, as a gesture of goodwill, millers had already started to reduce prices. Unfortunately, our members are financially handicapped to continue selling at the subsidised prices in the absence of the subsidies paid upfront as agreed.”

As such, the millers said that unless the said funds were provided quickly, “our members will have no choice but to revert to previous prices”.

Prof Ncube could not be reached for comment.

As part of efforts to create social safety nets, Government last month removed import duty on several basic goods. Cabinet also removed controls on import permits for maize grain, maize meal and wheat flour with immediate effect and placement of wheat flour on the Open General Import Licence.

Other products that were exempted included wheat flour in packages of more than 50kg, whose duty was pegged at 20 percent, while those packages of less than 50kg used to attract 10 percent duty.

State Media|The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) has been restructured with a new management and has been returned to its legislated mandate of collecting road user fees for disbursement to local authorities after being stopped from implementing road building and repairs itself.

By going beyond its mandate, Zinara experienced poor corporate governance, the leakage of US$71 million when it did its own project implementation and corruption at tollgates.

The Government stepped in after a damning audit report, appointing a new board led by Engineer Michael Madanha.

That new board investigated several cases and instilled a new corporate culture that saw a number of executives, including the chief executive officer, either resigning or being fired.

To provide management needed to transform the authority, the board asked for the secondment of Mr Suston Muzenda from the parent Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to oversee the stabilisation of the organisation and recruitment of new senior executives.

In an interview yesterday, Mr Muzenda said he had managed to stabilise Zinara during his six months’ secondment, the maximum permitted.

Reports that he had resigned as acting CEO due to pressure from the board were unfounded as he had completed his mandate.

“Reports that there was a purge at Zinara and that I resigned from the organisation under unclear circumstances are a figment of imagination,” said Mr Muzenda.

“I was on secondment and my mandate was to stabilise the institution of which I managed to do that. Before the lapse of my six months of secondment, I oversaw the recruitment of senior executives which is key to the running the institution.”

Those recruited during Mr Muzenda’s tenure were Mr Gilfern Moyo, who replaced Mr Precious Murove as administration and human resources director and Engineer Moses Chigonyati who took over from Engineer Moses Juma as technical director.

The contracts of Mr Murove and Eng Juma were not renewed after they were implicated in corporate governance deficiencies in the Grant Thornton audit report.

Others who were hired during Mr Muzenda’s stay included Ms View Mutize, who replaced Ms Mathlene Mujokoro as corporate secretary and Mr Garikai Mbanda who took over from Mr Shadreck Matengabadza as audit manager.

Ms Mujokoro and Mr Matengabadza resigned this year.

Mr Naphtali Strauss Tembo, who is the new finance manager, was also recruited during Mr Muzenda’s tenure.

Mr Muzenda said he also managed to deal with several cases of misconduct that were pending.

Eng Madanha told The Herald that after the lapse of Mr Muzenda’s six months of acting, Eng Chigonyati had been appointed acting chief executive officer, while the process of selecting a substantive CEO was almost complete and the selected candidate would be appointed before the end of this month.

“Any one of the executive directors can be an acting chief executive and we have so far appointed Eng Chigonyati (director technical) as the acting CEO,” said Eng Madanha.

“We have advertised the post of CEO and we have done the short-listing of candidates. We are going to do interviews soon and the new CEO will be appointed before the end of this month.”

State Media|VICTORIA Falls is flowing throughout the year despite the devastating effects of climate change affecting the country and the tourism sector, a Cabinet minister has said.

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said this during a United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Madrid, Spain.

He said the international media had misinformed the world that due to climate change, the Victoria Falls was drying up.

“The tourism sector has not been spared from the climate change impacts as observed by increasing wildlife mortality due to reduced habitat, feed stock and water availability,” said Minister Ndlovu.

“However, the Victoria Falls has not been much affected due to its expansive catchment, hence water is still flowing across the falls all year-round contrary to misinformation by some sections of the media.”

The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has also dismissed the drying up fears of the Victoria Falls.

ATTA, just like the Minister, criticised what it described as “sensational” recent media reports for lacking an appreciation of historical seasonal patterns and changes in the water flow and its levels.

Minister Ndlovu said climate change was affecting socio-economic development of the country as persistent droughts and floods were disrupting livelihoods.

“This year alone, Southern Africa was ravaged by devastating Cyclone Idai which left thousands dead, injured or displaced with a trail of infrastructure destruction in parts of my country, Zimbabwe, parts of Mozambique and Malawi,” he said.

“This clearly demonstrates our high level of vulnerability.

“As I speak, we are still trying to recover from the disaster and the cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated to be about US$600 million according to the World Bank and my Government’s rapid impact and needs assessment.”

He said climate change affected the country’s agricultural sector, impacting negatively on the country’s industrial sector which gets 60 percent of its raw materials from agriculture.

Minister Ndlovu said climate change resulted in the country heavily depending on environmental unfriendly and unsustainable thermal power for electricity as opposed to hydro power stations due to depleting water levels at Kariba Dam.

The Government, he said, was committed towards protection of the environment by coming up with policies which will reduce emissions by 33 percent by 2030.

“This target is envisaged to be met through renewable energy utilisation, energy efficiency and climate smart agriculture interventions,” said Minister Ndlovu.

The Zimbabwean government has announced saying it ran out of US dollars to print passports after the 2018 elections. Their statement is below –

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE HONOURABLE KAZEMBE KAZEMBE ON THE CURRENT PASSPORT SITUATION

The Ministry, through the Department of Civil Registry, is responsible for; among others, production and issuance of travel documents including passports.

The Civil Registry Department is experiencing a backlog in the production of passports. The backlog is currently at 359 288 backdating to August 2018.

This is mainly due to the limited availability of foreign currency to procure the required consumables such as ink, films, ribbon and passport paper.

This situation has been exacerbated by the low passport fees being charged by the Department. The Department is charging all its clients in local currency yet consumables for the production of passports are imported and require foreign currency

The Ministry is aware of the high expectation from members of the public for timely provision of service delivery particularly in the areas of issuance of travel documents.

The Ministry is also aware of what citizens are going through especially those living abroad whose passports have expired.

Citizens in the diaspora need to have valid passports in order to regularize their stay in the host countries.

As a way of assisting the Department to attend to requirements for passports by citizens in the diaspora, Government has therefore authorized the Department to charge USD$318 for passports; in respect of those in the diaspora. The applications will be prioritized on an urgent basis.

Further details on the implementation of this decision are being worked out by the Civil Registry Department in consultation with other stakeholders.

I THANK YOU

By Farai D Hove| The man who is set to be appointed the substantive MDC leader by the ZANU PF controlled Constitutional Court, Douglas Mwonzora has begun calling for an adulterous handshake between Nelson Chamisa and Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Senator Mwonzora was the MDC Secretary General in 2014 and a constitutional court verdict to be announced in a few weeks’ time could elevate him to the position of MDC leader. But before that is ever possible, he has broken all party protocol to demand some performance from his boss, Chamisa.

He wrote saying Chamisa must imitate the Kenyan model in which Uhuru Kenyata duped Raila Odinga into a handshake 2 years ago.

Wrote Mwonzora:  “The current political impasse in the country is adversely affecting the economy and the common man/woman. At this rate no meaningful social, political and social reforms will be identified and implemented. May be its time to try the Kenyan Handshake!

“We need reforms but for them to happen people must talk first.

“A handshake represents a commitment to dialogue.”

Farai Dziva|A Kwekwe man, Andrew Moyo was allegedly brutally assaulted to death by Zanu PF activists at the ruling party offices in Kwekwe on Wednesday.

The activists accused Moyo of theft.

See police report below:
MEMORANDUM
TO : DCIO KWEKWE/GOKWE
FROM : CRIME KWEKWE
MEMO : /2019
DATED : 12/12/19

SUBJECT : MURDER AS DEFINED IN SECTION 47 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW(CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT CHAPTER 9;23.

This memorandum serves to put on record circumstances surrounding a case of Murder which occurred at ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters.

INFORMANT
Brighton Tomson aged 33 years NR 45-174876-A-45
Res add – Redcliff Police Camp, Kwekwe
Bus add – Redcliff Police Station (Police Officer)

DECEASED
ANDREW MOYO (NFPK)
Res add- Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe
Bus add – Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe

ACCUSED:
Tafadzwa Rodgers aged 30 years NR 58-272602-J-29
Res add – Lot 6, Camberwell, Redcliff, Kwekwe
Bus add – Mabhachi Bottle Store along Silobela Road, Redcliff, Kwekwe.

Cell – 0779 922 747
Raymond Chinouya (NFPK) of Mbizo 10 Extension, Kwekwe
Wiseman Ngwenya (NFPK) and
Other six unknown male adults.

CIRCUMSTANCES:
On 11 December 2019 and at around 1600 hours, accused 1, Tafadzwa Rodgers phoned accused 2, Raymond Chinouya who is his brother-in-law and advised him that the now deceased Andrew Moyo had broken into their storeroom at his bottle store and stole some beer and cash. He further told accused 2 that the accused was seen at Unit Mine, Redcliff whilst drinking part of the stolen beer.

Raymond Chinouya went to accused 1’s bottle store in the company of accused 3 Wiseman Ngwenya and three other unknown male adults who are still at large.

The four were being driven by Raymond Chinouya in his white Toyota Land cruiser registration numbers unknown.

Raymond Chinouya got to accused 1’s bottle store and picked him to Unit Mine where Andrew Moyo was seen.

Upon arrival at Unit Mine, the six accused persons found Andrew Moyo with his friend Carlson Phiri (No further particulars known) but residing in the same compound with Andrew Moyo.

The six accused persons forced Andrew Moyo and Carlson Phiri in their motor vehicle and drove towards Kwekwe town.

Raymond Chinouya drove his motor vehicle to ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters where Andrew Moyo and his friend Carlson Phiri were made to disembark from the motor vehicle. Three more accused persons who were at the party office joined in and the accused acting in common purpose assaulted Andrew Moyo with switches all over his body. They then released Carlson Phiri.

On the same day at around 2200 hours, the accused persons took Andrew Moyo to ZRP Kwekwe Central to make a report of unlawful entry into premises and theft by Andrew Moyo.

Upon arrival at ZRP Kwekwe Central, the accused persons were carrying Andrew Moyo on their hands and sat him on the floor at the reception.

Accused 1 Tafadzwa Rodgers reported that Andrew Moyo had broken into his storeroom and stole 12 X 1.5 litres super beer, 24 X 200 mililitres double punch cane spirit and cash ZW$3000-00 under ZRP Kwekwe Central Reports Received Book Number 4012590.

Andrew Moyo could not say any word due to pain and lied unconsciously on the floor.

Andrew Moyo was then eventually referred to Kwekwe General Hospital for treatment under the escort of police with some of the accused having vacated the police station and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Matter was then reported to police by the informant.

Investigations made
Only accused 1 was arrested, interviewed and implicated his accomplices and is detained at Kwekwe Central Police cells under Detention book number 1860/19 pending further management.

The body of Andrew Moyo was inspected and only bruises all over the body were noted.

The body of Andrew Moyo is at Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary pending transfer to Bulawayo for postmortem.

OUTSTANDING
To visit scene of crime and account for the outstanding accused persons.
To recover switches used in assaulting the now deceased.

To locate Carlson Phiri and other witnesses to record statements.
To take the body of Andrew Moyo to Bulawayo for postmortem.

Investigations are in progress under Kwekwe Central Report Received Book Number 4012591.

Watch the video loading below. ..

By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has said that it expects increased foreign currency this year from minerals, tobacco, cotton, improved diaspora remittances and the usage of free funds.

The revelation was made by RBZ deputy governor Kupukile Mlambo who told a local publication that the country has more foreign receipts than other better-performing economies in Africa despite having no Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

He said:

We are expecting forex receipts of US$7bn by year-end which is an improvement from US$5.5bn last year due to minerals, tobacco, cotton, improved diaspora remittances and the usage of free funds. That money is enough to cater for all our forex needs.

Mlambo also said that the banking sector which now does business on the interbank trading platform was contributing to increased forex.

This comes as there is a huge scarcity of foreign currency in the country against high demand as the government, businesses and individuals need forex to import commodities from beyond the country’s borders for consumption and business.

-BusinessTimes

By A Correspondent- A Chipinge village head was left homeless after his homestead was torched by an aggrieved subject who accused him of threatening to bewitch and evict him from the village.

This came to light during the appearance of Joseph Kuwayani (43), of Mutowe Village, under Chief Musikavanhu, before Chipinge magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware on charges of malicious damage to property. Property worth $5 000 was destroyed in the fire.

Kawayani was convicted on his own plea of guilty and sentenced to 20 months in jail.

During mitigation, Kuwayani showed contrition saying his actions were prompted by anger after the village head had threatened to bewitch and evict him from the village.

“I am sorry for my actions. I was angry after the village head threatened to bewitch and evict me from the village. I am pleading for a lenient sentence,” he pleaded.

After slapping him with 20 months in jail, Mr Nembaware then suspended five months on usual conditions for five years.

Another five months was suspended on condition that he compensates Garwi $5 000 on or before February 28, 2020.

Ms Shamiso Ncube prosecuted.

She told the court that on October 13, Kuwayani was drinking beer at a business centre in Chipinge when he overheard Edgar Garwi (72) bragging that he was going to chase him away from the village.

This did not please him.

He left the watering hole and passed through Gift Ngirandi’s homestead, where he asked for  a box of matches.

He did not divulge his ill intentions.

Kuwayani then proceeded to Garwi’s homestead and torched two thatched huts.

He tried to escape from the scene, but was positively identified by one of the villagers who had reacted to the inferno.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to work towards reviving the country’s economy.

Speaking at the ZANU PF Central Committee meeting held at the party’s headquarters this Wednesday, Mnangagwa said:

Let us put our country on the rail to recovery. Forward ever and backward never. I will give a detailed presentation in Goromonzi tomorrow.

He speaks ahead of the governing party’s Annual People’s Conference which is scheduled to run from this Thursday to Sunday.

His remarks come when the country’s economy is at its lowest since the 2008 record high hyperinflation which saw the Zimbabwe dollar ditched for the multi-currency system.

Mnangagwa and ZANU PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu have hinted that the Goromonzi conference will focus on bread and butter issues but analysts say the event is “another” waste of resources since no solution to the socio-economic and political crises in the country will ever come out of it.

-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Illegal miners armed with firearms are reportedly invading Athens Mine in Mvuma, a development which demonstrates the need for the country to deal with the property rights issue, Hopewell Chin’ono has said.

Posting on Twitter this Thursday, he said:

Athens Mine located in Mvuma is being invaded as you are reading this tweet. Ongoing violence. Illegals who are invading it have firearms. This is a BIG issue of PROPERTY RIGHTS that @steve_hanke has been talking about! NO investment will come to Zimbabwe without Property Rights.

The development resembles several other cases in which machete-wielding gangs just invade mines belonging to other people.

Analysts have been saying that lack of a clearly defined government position on property rights was scaring away investors who feared that their properties can be seized willy nilly.

The remarks by professor Steve Hanke and Chin’ono were also echoed by former MDC legislator, Eddie Cross who recently said that the government needed to urgently deal with the matter as it has a huge implication on the growth of the economy.

By A Correspondent- Government will stand with the people duped by land barons in urban areas and provide requisite sanitation facilities in needy areas, while the culprits who milked citizens of their hard-earned cash will be punished, President Mnangagwa has said.

He said the report of the Commission of Inquiry tasked to investigate the sale of State land in urban areas presented to him on Tuesday showed glaring anomalies that needed to be addressed.

Addressing the 335th session ordinary session of the Politburo that marked the beginning of the Zanu-PF 18th National People’s Conference in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the law would be applied without fear or favour.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), I received the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the sale of State land in urban areas,” he said. “The report contains glaring excesses which we must correct and bring the guilty parties to account without fear or favour. 

“The Government, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission must interest themselves in the findings of that report.

“The party stands with the victims who suffered and lost their hard-earned money at the hands of the unscrupulous, corrupt and greedy land barons. The law will take its course without fear or favour in this regard.”

President Mnangagwa said Zanu-PF, as the ruling party, could not allow a situation where 39 years after independence some citizens still lived in squalid conditions with no clean water, sanitation, roads and other social amenities.

On the National People’s Conference, President Mnangagwa said he was confident that adequate preparations had been put in place to ensure that the meeting was a huge success.

“This defining conference must be used to further mobilise our people towards economic productivity and guide our course as we accelerate our quest to grow our economy and improve the lives of our people,” he said. 

“Thematic chairpersons must, therefore, ensure that conference discussions are accordingly guided.”

President Mnangagwa said the Politburo had resolved to establish the War Veterans’ League and tasked the Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Paul Mangwana, to make the necessary recommendations for adoption by the Central Committee today as per procedure.

He briefed the Politburo of his meeting with members of Ziliwaco.“This past week I had an occasion to address a Ziliwaco meeting at the City Sports Centre here in Harare,” said President Mnangagwa. “Various issues were raised which affect that constituency of our party. 

“We will do our best to address the issues which they raised. However, I appeal to the association to shift their paradigm from a welfare-oriented mindset to that which has a membership primed towards working hard using our God-given resources.

“Government will facilitate production inclined projects which seek to empower our people. The days of welfare and handouts are gone. Our people should be encouraged to work hard.”

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| The Government of Zimbabwe has reportedly deployed four Cuban doctors to the Chitungwiza health department.

A government official revealed that the doctors in question are expected to start work early next year.

The state media reports that the offer shall see Chitungwiza Municipality catering for the quartet’s accommodation and transport costs only while their salaries will be paid for by the Cuban government.

The publication further reports that Chitungwiza acting town clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu tabled the offer before a full council meeting last Tuesday and the local authority accepted the offer during the meeting after a cost-benefit analysis was presented.

This happens at a time when the country’s health sector is grounded with health caregivers having reached the 100th day on industrial action over unsustainable salaries and poor working conditions.

Public health institutions also lack essential equipment and medicines, a scenario that has left some analysts accusing the government of neglecting public health as they get medical attention from beyond the country’s borders.

The 2020 Budget, like previous one, allocated more money to the security sector, attracting criticism from policy experts and other observers.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The Public Service Commission (PSC) has said former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko will only be paid his pension in local currency and should not expect any other benefits.

This follows an application lodged at the High Court by Mr Mphoko, through his lawyer, Mr Zibusiso Ncube of Ncube and Partners seeking an order directing the Government, through the PSC, to award him more than US$300 000 in benefits and monthly pension payouts.

In papers before the Bulawayo High Court, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, PSC secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe, Salary Services Bureau (SSB) paymaster and PSC pensions master, K. Makiwa, were cited as respondents.

Mr Mphoko wanted an order declaring the withholding of his pension by the Government illegal and unconstitutional.

He is seeking an order directing the respondents to pay him US$308 000 or the equivalent in local currency at the interbank rate.

In response to Mr Mphoko’s demands, the Government, through the Civil Division in the Attorney-General’s Office, said it will pay his pension in local currency.

The letter, addressed to Mr Ncube, stated that Mr Mphoko will not receive any other benefits that he is claiming.

“We take note of your application filed on 4 October, 2019 and served on the Public Service Commission on 8 October, 2019,” reads part of the letter signed by Ms Rejoice Hove on behalf of the director of the Civil Division.

“However, our client’s attitude on the matter is that they will pay your client pension only as provided for in the Constitution, and no other benefits.

“Furthermore, the payment will be effected in Zimbabwe dollars in accordance with the country’s laws.”

According to the letter, the amount for Mr Mphoko’s pension will be subjected to computation by the Pensions Office in consultation with the SSB.

The AG’s Office indicated that it will file opposing affidavits on behalf of the respondents despite being out of time in terms of High Court Rules.

In his founding affidavit contained in the application, Mr Mphoko said having joined the civil service in October 1981, he was entitled to his benefits and pension.

“This is an application for a declaratur to declare unconstitutional the withholding of my pension by the respondents and for ancillary relief,” he said.

“I joined the civil service in October 1981 and served as an Ambassador of Zimbabwe to various countries.

“On December 10, 2014, I was appointed to the position of Vice President of the country, a position I held until I was removed from office in November 2017.”

Mr Mphoko argued that in terms of section 102(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, he was entitled to a pension which is equivalent to the salary of a sitting Vice President.

“From the time I left office, I have not received a single dime in respect of my pension,” he said.

Mr Mphoko said despite approaching Dr Sibanda to assist him secure his benefits, there has been no joy, prompting him to approach the courts for a declaratur.

He said in the event that salaries are adjusted before the order being sought is granted, the respondents should pay him at the prevailing interbank rate.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- ZESA Holdings has now identified 24 000 defaulting clients owing it a combined $1,2 billion in unpaid bills which it wants to blacklist.

The defaulters will be barred from buying electricity or opening credit accounts with other organisations or companies.

The power utility company is struggling to generate enough electricity or import power to cover the deficit and this has seen electricity consumers enduring long hours of load shedding. Zesa which is said to be technically insolvent, has blamed some of its problems on the failure by power consumers to settle bills.

In an interview, Zesa Holding spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said the company has listed 24 000 clients that it wants to blacklist to push them to settle their arrears.

“We are using blacklisting as one of the credit control measures so it is important for our clients to honour their debts.The bad thing about blacklisting is that when you get blacklisted you can’t even open a bank account because we liaise with other credit control institutions,” said Mr Gwasira.

He said those who come up with payment plans or start reducing their arrears will not be blacklisted and as such it was important for those in arreas to start paying.

Mr Gwasira however said Zesa will only blacklist after all other credit control measures have failed to yield desired results.

By A Correspondent- A Beitbridge family has described as unbelievable a ruling by a local magistrate in which an unlicensed woman driver escaped with a wholly suspended prison sentence after running over and killing a four-year-old toddler.

Ottilia Murwiri who is a clearing agent at Beitbridge ran over Anenyasha Mutumbwa who was supposed to be going to ECD A in January next year.

Murwiri faced two counts namely culpable homicide and driving without a licence and Resident Magistrate Langton Mukwengi gave her one year six months on the first charge and suspended the term on condition that she paid RTGS$600 fine.

The Magistrate also gave her 30 months on the second charge and suspended it on condition she does 630 hours community service and that she does not commit an offence involving driving in five years.

Belton Mutumbwa and his wife Dzivaidzo Verengai complained bitterly that the accused should at least have been slapped with a custodial sentence. Mutumbwa said the sentence given makes his daughter’s life cheap.

“Here is a driver who had no licence and veers off the road to crash my innocent daughter to death. Young children are supposed to be protected by drivers on the road but in this case here is a driver who made all efforts to save her own life at the expense of a young girl’s precious life. I hear that the magistrate concluded that the accused veered off the road to avoid a head-on-collision,” said Mutumbwa in an interview with The Mirror.

The accused volunteered to pay compensation to the deceased’s family and she paid R5 700 for various protocols to do with the death, said Mutumbwa.
The accused is still to pay six head of cattle and up to R20 000 for funeral expenses.

Mutumbwa said the incident happened on November 6 2019, when Anenyasha followed another girl to Quick Spar Supermarket at Mashakada Shopping Centre. Murwiri who was driving a Toyota Honda fit veered off the road thereby running over and crashing Anenyasha. The toddler was dragged underneath the vehicle for a distance which resulted in profuse bleeding.

“We are shattered by the leniency of the sentence. Statements were taken from witnesses but they were never called to court to testify,” alleged Mutumbwa.

-Mirror

By A Correspondent- The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has warned the government that its members will revert to the old mealie meal prices if they are not paid the subsidy they were promised.

In a letter to Finance and Economic Developmet Minister Mthuli Ncube on Wednesday, GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara wrote:

“As a gesture of goodwill, millers had already started to reduce prices. Unfortunately, our members are financially handicapped to continue selling at the subsidised prices in the absence of the subsidies being paid upfront as agreed.

“Accordingly, unless the said funds are provided today (yesterday), our members will have no choice but to revert to previous prices on Thursday, 12 December 2019.”

Last week, Ncube directed retailers to sell mealie meal at reduced prices, with a 10kg bag priced at $50. The directive followed a sharp price hike by retailers who were selling 10kg of mealie meal at above $100.

-DailyNews

Watch video downloading below:

Zimbabweans are facing up to 24-hours of load shedding a day as Eskom of South Africa battles to keep the lights on back home. 

Thami Mkandla of capitalkfm in Harare has confirmed that that country’s power utility, ZESA reverted to stage 2 load shedding in November following a technical fault at one of its major power stations, Hwange, and in light of the low water levels at the Kariba Hydro Power Station. 

This saw South Africa’s neighbour experiencing 18-hour blackouts. 

However, that has now escalated in light of South Africa’s electricity woes. 

“During this time when Eskom implements its own stage 2 load shedding it reduces experts to Zimbabwe to zero,” says Mkandla. 

He notes that power supply to business is then reduced proportionally. 

Zimbabwe imports electricity from both South Africa and Mozambique. 

Its biggest power plant has outlived its lifespan and now suffers constant breakdowns, says Mkandla. 

“The Zimbabwean government has poured millions of dollars into the rehabilitation of Hwange units 7 and 8 as it strives to improve the country’s electricity generation,” he says. 

Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) pageant that was scheduled for the 14th December 2019 has been cancelled after 7 of the 19 models who were in boot camp were involved in an accident last night in Vumba on their way to Eden Lodge.

Details on the severity of the accident have not been ascertained at the time of publishing

More to follow…

Jane Mlambo| Self exiled former Cabinet Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has dropped a bombshell claiming that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) has been hit by absenteeism with the bulk of members no-longer attending routine meetings save for a few who are in it for patronage.

The 26-member PAC was set up in January this year by president Emmerson Mnangagwa to advise and assist him in formulating key economic policies and strategies that advance his highly popularised Vision 2030.

Posting on Twitter, Moyo literally declared the death of PAC saying only six out of the 24 members were still committed to the body.

“Has #Pac packed up? At its last meeting two months ago, only six out of 24 members showed up. The six got a tongue lashing from Mnangagwa who now sees #PAC as a disused tool. The big guns, like Kuda Tagwirei, no longer attend #PAC which now attracts six or so patronage seekers!”

Farai Dziva|A Kwekwe man, Andrew Moyo was allegedly brutally assaulted to death by Zanu PF activists at the ruling party offices in Kwekwe on Wednesday.

The activists accused Moyo of theft.

See police report below:
MEMORANDUM
TO : DCIO KWEKWE/GOKWE
FROM : CRIME KWEKWE
MEMO : /2019
DATED : 12/12/19

SUBJECT : MURDER AS DEFINED IN SECTION 47 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW(CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT CHAPTER 9;23.

This memorandum serves to put on record circumstances surrounding a case of Murder which occurred at ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters.

INFORMANT
Brighton Tomson aged 33 years NR 45-174876-A-45
Res add – Redcliff Police Camp, Kwekwe
Bus add – Redcliff Police Station (Police Officer)

DECEASED
ANDREW MOYO (NFPK)
Res add- Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe
Bus add – Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe

ACCUSED:
Tafadzwa Rodgers aged 30 years NR 58-272602-J-29
Res add – Lot 6, Camberwell, Redcliff, Kwekwe
Bus add – Mabhachi Bottle Store along Silobela Road, Redcliff, Kwekwe.

Cell – 0779 922 747
Raymond Chinouya (NFPK) of Mbizo 10 Extension, Kwekwe
Wiseman Ngwenya (NFPK) and
Other six unknown male adults.

CIRCUMSTANCES:
On 11 December 2019 and at around 1600 hours, accused 1, Tafadzwa Rodgers phoned accused 2, Raymond Chinouya who is his brother-in-law and advised him that the now deceased Andrew Moyo had broken into their storeroom at his bottle store and stole some beer and cash. He further told accused 2 that the accused was seen at Unit Mine, Redcliff whilst drinking part of the stolen beer.

Raymond Chinouya went to accused 1’s bottle store in the company of accused 3 Wiseman Ngwenya and three other unknown male adults who are still at large.

The four were being driven by Raymond Chinouya in his white Toyota Land cruiser registration numbers unknown.

Raymond Chinouya got to accused 1’s bottle store and picked him to Unit Mine where Andrew Moyo was seen.

Upon arrival at Unit Mine, the six accused persons found Andrew Moyo with his friend Carlson Phiri (No further particulars known) but residing in the same compound with Andrew Moyo.

The six accused persons forced Andrew Moyo and Carlson Phiri in their motor vehicle and drove towards Kwekwe town.

Raymond Chinouya drove his motor vehicle to ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters where Andrew Moyo and his friend Carlson Phiri were made to disembark from the motor vehicle. Three more accused persons who were at the party office joined in and the accused acting in common purpose assaulted Andrew Moyo with switches all over his body. They then released Carlson Phiri.

On the same day at around 2200 hours, the accused persons took Andrew Moyo to ZRP Kwekwe Central to make a report of unlawful entry into premises and theft by Andrew Moyo.

Upon arrival at ZRP Kwekwe Central, the accused persons were carrying Andrew Moyo on their hands and sat him on the floor at the reception.

Accused 1 Tafadzwa Rodgers reported that Andrew Moyo had broken into his storeroom and stole 12 X 1.5 litres super beer, 24 X 200 mililitres double punch cane spirit and cash ZW$3000-00 under ZRP Kwekwe Central Reports Received Book Number 4012590.

Andrew Moyo could not say any word due to pain and lied unconsciously on the floor.

Andrew Moyo was then eventually referred to Kwekwe General Hospital for treatment under the escort of police with some of the accused having vacated the police station and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Matter was then reported to police by the informant.

Investigations made
Only accused 1 was arrested, interviewed and implicated his accomplices and is detained at Kwekwe Central Police cells under Detention book number 1860/19 pending further management.

The body of Andrew Moyo was inspected and only bruises all over the body were noted.

The body of Andrew Moyo is at Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary pending transfer to Bulawayo for postmortem.

OUTSTANDING
To visit scene of crime and account for the outstanding accused persons.
To recover switches used in assaulting the now deceased.

To locate Carlson Phiri and other witnesses to record statements.
To take the body of Andrew Moyo to Bulawayo for postmortem.

Investigations are in progress under Kwekwe Central Report Received Book Number 4012591.

Own Correspondent|Miss Tourism Zimbabwe finals which were scheduled for this Saturday have been postponed to a date to be advised after a bus ferrying finalists was involved in an accident on its way to Eden Lodge in Vumba last night.

Nine Finalists sustained injuries and are currently under observation at Murambi Gardens Clinic in Mutare.

No death has been recorded.

In a statement released by Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, the accident could have been more fatal had it not been for the driver’s “heroic” efforts

“It was unfortunate that on the way to Vumba, the bus developed a mechanical fault before it veered off the road. We would like to extend our gratitude to the driver for the professionalism and heroic efforts he displayed as he controlled the bus throughout the horrific ordeal. He saved the day and we wish him a speedy recovery as he is also admitted at the Clinic,” said Miss Tourism Zimbabwe CEO, Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda

The girls who are admitted are Maria Makelve and Michelle Mupasi from the Midlands Province, Rutendo Tilda Mafuratidze from Manicaland Province, Rutendo Amanda Taruvinga and Grace Karimupfumbi of Masvingo Province, Monalisa Ellen Tafirenyika from Matebeleland North, Maureen Gondwe and Wendy Maturi of Mashonaland Central Province and

Pauline Marere from Mashonaland West.

Correspondent|Government has stepped in to solve the shortage of Zupco buses on the streets that had withdrawn their services over the shortage of diesel.

The Zupco buses offer subsidised services to commuters who are now heavily relying on them for cheaper transport.

In the past weeks, most buses especially under the franchise arrangement withdrew services with reports that government was no longer providing them with diesel.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba on Wednesday said steps had been taken to bring the Zupco buses back on the streets.

“To thank those alert Zimbos who noticed and dramatised reduced service level by ZUPCO because of fuel supply constraints. The matter has now been sorted, with Finance Secretary Guvamatanga reacting promptly to ensure CMED capacitates ZUPCO fuelwise for a speedy return to normal service,” said Charamba.

“Already reports reaching us pointed to abuse of commuters by small operators who had hiked fares, taking advantage of the wet conditions. For a monthly subsidy of about $34m, the transport service is a key component of overall safety nets in these times of recovery.

“Secretary George Guvamatanga who is always a joy to work with, tells me that consistent with MBWA – Management By WalkAbouts – his team will be on the ground to ensure commuter service level returns to normal. Thanks Zimbos, thanks George, thanks CMED, thanks ZUPCO!”

Own Correspondent|Exiled former Cabinet Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that a large number of members to the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) have ceased attending the meetings.

PAC is a group of people set up two years ago by president Emmerson Mnangagwa to counsel him on various matters.

Moyo posted on microblogging site, Twitter suggesting that PAC was collapsing. He said:

Has #Pac packed up? At its last meeting two months ago, only six out of 24 members showed up. The six got a tongue lashing from Mnangagwa who now sees #PAC as a disused tool. The big guns, like Kuda Tagwirei, no longer attend #PAC which now attracts six or so patronage seekers!

His remarks come when some of the advisors including Petina Gappah have since left the council with Gappah saying that she could not work with some of Mnangagwa’s aides.

State Media|Four Caps United players who went on a rampage and assaulted a referee and other officials before paying admission of guilty fines at Mzilikazi Police Station in Bulawayo have been found not guilty by the Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee.

The four players, Carlos Rusere, John Zhuwawo, Dominic Chungwa and Ronald Chitiyo were acquitted by the Raphael Tsivama-chaired disciplinary committee that also has a former senior police officer Brighton Mudzamiri on charges of breaching the Premier Soccer League.

Rules and Regulations following their 0-1 defeat to Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on October 23. The four players were charged in terms of Order 31.1.2.9 of the PSL rules and regulations.

Their acquittal however comes after the accused players each paid $100 in fines at Mzilikazi Police Station CR 136/10/19.

Farai Dziva|A Kwekwe man, Andrew Moyo was allegedly brutally assaulted to death by Zanu PF activists at the ruling party offices in Kwekwe on Wednesday.

The activists accused Moyo of theft.

See police report below:
MEMORANDUM
TO : DCIO KWEKWE/GOKWE
FROM : CRIME KWEKWE
MEMO : /2019
DATED : 12/12/19

SUBJECT : MURDER AS DEFINED IN SECTION 47 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW(CODIFICATION AND REFORM) ACT CHAPTER 9;23.

This memorandum serves to put on record circumstances surrounding a case of Murder which occurred at ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters.

INFORMANT
Brighton Tomson aged 33 years NR 45-174876-A-45
Res add – Redcliff Police Camp, Kwekwe
Bus add – Redcliff Police Station (Police Officer)

DECEASED
ANDREW MOYO (NFPK)
Res add- Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe
Bus add – Unit Mine Silobela Road Redcliff Kwekwe

ACCUSED:
Tafadzwa Rodgers aged 30 years NR 58-272602-J-29
Res add – Lot 6, Camberwell, Redcliff, Kwekwe
Bus add – Mabhachi Bottle Store along Silobela Road, Redcliff, Kwekwe.

Cell – 0779 922 747
Raymond Chinouya (NFPK) of Mbizo 10 Extension, Kwekwe
Wiseman Ngwenya (NFPK) and
Other six unknown male adults.

CIRCUMSTANCES:
On 11 December 2019 and at around 1600 hours, accused 1, Tafadzwa Rodgers phoned accused 2, Raymond Chinouya who is his brother-in-law and advised him that the now deceased Andrew Moyo had broken into their storeroom at his bottle store and stole some beer and cash. He further told accused 2 that the accused was seen at Unit Mine, Redcliff whilst drinking part of the stolen beer.

Raymond Chinouya went to accused 1’s bottle store in the company of accused 3 Wiseman Ngwenya and three other unknown male adults who are still at large.

The four were being driven by Raymond Chinouya in his white Toyota Land cruiser registration numbers unknown.

Raymond Chinouya got to accused 1’s bottle store and picked him to Unit Mine where Andrew Moyo was seen.

Upon arrival at Unit Mine, the six accused persons found Andrew Moyo with his friend Carlson Phiri (No further particulars known) but residing in the same compound with Andrew Moyo.

The six accused persons forced Andrew Moyo and Carlson Phiri in their motor vehicle and drove towards Kwekwe town.

Raymond Chinouya drove his motor vehicle to ZANU PF Kwekwe District Headquarters where Andrew Moyo and his friend Carlson Phiri were made to disembark from the motor vehicle. Three more accused persons who were at the party office joined in and the accused acting in common purpose assaulted Andrew Moyo with switches all over his body. They then released Carlson Phiri.

On the same day at around 2200 hours, the accused persons took Andrew Moyo to ZRP Kwekwe Central to make a report of unlawful entry into premises and theft by Andrew Moyo.

Upon arrival at ZRP Kwekwe Central, the accused persons were carrying Andrew Moyo on their hands and sat him on the floor at the reception.

Accused 1 Tafadzwa Rodgers reported that Andrew Moyo had broken into his storeroom and stole 12 X 1.5 litres super beer, 24 X 200 mililitres double punch cane spirit and cash ZW$3000-00 under ZRP Kwekwe Central Reports Received Book Number 4012590.

Andrew Moyo could not say any word due to pain and lied unconsciously on the floor.

Andrew Moyo was then eventually referred to Kwekwe General Hospital for treatment under the escort of police with some of the accused having vacated the police station and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Matter was then reported to police by the informant.

Investigations made
Only accused 1 was arrested, interviewed and implicated his accomplices and is detained at Kwekwe Central Police cells under Detention book number 1860/19 pending further management.

The body of Andrew Moyo was inspected and only bruises all over the body were noted.

The body of Andrew Moyo is at Kwekwe General Hospital mortuary pending transfer to Bulawayo for postmortem.

OUTSTANDING
To visit scene of crime and account for the outstanding accused persons.
To recover switches used in assaulting the now deceased.

To locate Carlson Phiri and other witnesses to record statements.
To take the body of Andrew Moyo to Bulawayo for postmortem.

Investigations are in progress under Kwekwe Central Report Received Book Number 4012591.

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